I haven't gotten very random lately and I thought now was a good time to do so. My mind has been a little bit in shambles with never ending events, travels, birthdays, holidays, winding down the school year, summer plans and prior obligations. Today is all about chatting girlfriend-to-girlfriend.
Forever 21 Stripe Maxi Dress (option here and here) // JcPenney Denim Jacket // Forever 21 Sandals (option here and here) // Target Bag (option here and here) // Forever 21 Necklace // Wrenn Jewelry Rings c/o (here and here) // Michael Kors Watch c/o The Jeweler's Wife // Alex and Ani Bracelets c/o The Jeweler's Wife // Gorjana Griffin Ring c/o
Shop More Jersey Knit Maxi Dresses
Shop More Jersey Knit Maxi Dresses
There are a few things I wanted to admit to you guys, nothing too serious...just coffee talk., except for #5...this was something that hit me and thousands of others like a ton of bricks.
1. I have worn this stripe maxi dress twice in four days...with the same sandals, jacket and necklace. Sometimes outfits deserve to be on repeat.
2. I haven't cooked a meal in almost a week. We have been eating out as if every restaurant in town is shutting down. And because tonight (actually yesterday) starts the second round of NBA basketball playoffs, we are ordering pizza. Go Spurs Go!
2. I haven't cooked a meal in almost a week. We have been eating out as if every restaurant in town is shutting down. And because tonight (actually yesterday) starts the second round of NBA basketball playoffs, we are ordering pizza. Go Spurs Go!
3. My nails are in big, ginormous trouble. I got back-to-back shellac/gel manicures. I was bad, really bad and picked off the color myself (both times) instead of going to the salon. Now that my nails have been stripped a few layers, they are super brittle, thin, bumpy and crying for some TLC. I plan to go bare for awhile and hope that some of you ladies can recommend a nail repair polish that can whip them back into shape.
4. I turn another year older at the end of the month. To say I am not looking forward to it is an understatement. I will not be partaking in "birthday month" this year. I know age is just a number, but it is STILL a number. How did I get here? I swear I just graduated college two years ago...
5. A fellow blogger lost her son last Friday in a tragic accident. After hearing about the story and scrolling through recent pictures of their family on Instagram, my heart fell to the floor and stayed there the rest of the day. Being a mom myself, I cannot even begin to fathom losing a child or comprehend what this couple and their family are going through right now.
I do not know Jacqui, her husband or had the opportunity of personally meeting her gift from God, Ryan, but for some reason I feel strangely connected. Is it because I am a mom too? Or because she blogs? Or because her son had red hair like my youngest? With tears streaming down, I think it's all of the above, plus so much more.
The blogging/social media world can be cruel at times, but I truly believe that 90% is it to do good and spread good. It's a platform where we can share cheer, positively engage, remorse together during tragedies, triumph in victories and most importantly, lift one another up in times of destitute.
I shared this excruciatingly painful story on my social media channels yesterday. I called my mom crying. I couldn't contain myself when chatting with my husband. I squeezed and kissed my kids tighter and harder than I have in a long time.
Seeing the posts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook gave me relief. Relief that this one family's tragedy made thousands of people stop what they were doing to say a prayer, remind themselves of how lucky they are, let out a good cry and rallied to support a family in this big, gigantic world to let them know that we are all grieving, yet rejoicing for their little boy's life...people we haven't ever met. Ryan has already left a legacy.
Stop and think about it. It's truly remarkable. Thank you to everyone who clicked on my posts that shared the donation page for Ryan. I believe those clicks equated to hundreds of prayers for a family that needed it now more than ever.
Never underestimate the power of blogging, social media and prayers. #RedBalloonsForRyan
*There a many shops and companies creating items in Ryan's name. If you decide to donate or purchase something, keep in mind the percentage of proceeds that will benefit the family.
**If you are linking up today, the only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link
back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends!
