Live the Life You Love...

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Today's post might seem like it's coming out of nowhere, but it's not. It's been a long time coming. After a few weeks of prayer and reflection, I came to the conclusion that I need to take a break from blogging. I have had numerous conversations with myself leveraging the pros and cons of my decision.

My heart hasn't been in it for awhile and the summer months haven't made things easier. I want to run my blog, not have it run me. I also want to be proud of my posts and create content that you guys love and want to read/see.

I also want to focus on living the life I love...being with my family, friends and myself. I am spent worrying about taking pictures, editing, writing, posting quality content or beating myself up about certain things. I hope to find the fun in it again, rediscover my original passion and enjoy this space. At this moment, I want to embrace my personal life and not waste a single second stressing about a small piece of my life's pie...this blog.

I am positive that I will be back. It's a ginormous part of who I am and know I would miss it tremendously, but ready for a little time away. I can only hope that you guys will still be here when I do come back.

Your encouragement, support, love and friendships mean more than I could ever express. My blog has changed my life...for the better. For that, I am grateful, humbled and appreciative.

I will still be around on Instagram and Facebook, so in the meantime, I hope you will want to follow along there.

I love you guys and will be chatting with everyone again soon...I am sure of it.

This is not goodbye, just see ya soon! xoxo

Because I'm Happy...

  Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Hallmark through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Hallmark Signature, all opinions are my own.

Summer months are always crazy, hectic. We are constantly on the go, planning fun activities with our friends and family and enjoying every ounce of summer break. This time of year just makes me happy.

I have a few fun plans with my best girls from college marked on the calendar. We always try and get together for birthday celebrations, but this time we will be killing two birds with one stone and celebrating birthdays and the arrival of a sweet baby girl.

I have always gone to Hallmark not only for unique gift ideas, but for their special occasion cards as well. I literally could stand in the card aisle for hours, read dozens of cards for a good laugh and even buy a few to put in frames for decoration. 

I was so excited when I came across the Hallmark Signature cards. They are seriously the most creative and original pieces I have ever seen. I picked up the "Happy" card to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday. It has the cutest, three-dimensional sprinkles on top. My oldest daughter actually thought she could pick them off the card and eat them. Ha! 

I had to share it with you guys and also plan a summer outfit around its vibrant colors. The card I picked up inspired me to wear this colorful tassel scarf & bright cobalt blue pants for a friend's annual summer party a few weeks ago. Who knew you could find style inspiration from a greeting card?

I actually picked up a few more cards, but I can't show you because they are a surprise (my anniversary is this month and there's another surprise occasion coming soon).

You guys definitely need to stop by Hallmark and take a peek at the collection. Many of the cards are frames, come with a piece of jewelry attached, utilize items to decorate your home/office space with and are all full of adorable charm. Each one is truly a piece of art with dozens of styles, shapes and materials to choose from.

Old Navy Top (sold out: optional color & optional sleeve & another cute idea) // Express Pants // Jessica Simpson Wedges // Tassel Scarf (option here and here) // Bag (option here and here) // Daniel Wellington Watch // Kendra Scott Earrings // Sunglasses (option here and here) // Kendra Scott Ring

 Take a look at the short video below for more information and ideas from the Hallmark Signature cards. Be sure to follow @HallmarkSignature on Instagram.

 
 

Simplified

Happy July!!The past several weeks have been filled with fun days and evenings. Before I know it, it's dinner time and I wonder how the day zoomed by so quickly. Spending time with friends and shuffling kids around from place to place, I haven't had time to do much "shopping". I am not complaining because I would rather enjoy our time outdoors than walking around inside a store. Plus, it isn't always the most pleasant experience shopping with a ten and seven year old. Spending as little time as possible in front of a computer, my online shopping excursions have been almost non-existent.

Most of the summer pieces I have picked up have been from either Old Navy or Target. I have taken my small amount of purchases, like this lightweight kimono, and paired them items I already own...many of which have been seen on my blog numerous times. 

I am not going to say I don't miss sneaking away for a little retail therapy, but savoring every morsel of summer is more inviting to me. Simplified outfits and remixing my closet has been nice. I don't feel like thinking about clothes right now...just about our next summer adventure. 

 

Xhilaration Kimono // Yellow Tank (old" option here and here) // Old Navy White Denim Shorts // Target Espadrilles // Forever 21 Tote (old: similar here) // Costa Sunglasses // Daniel Wellington Watch // Cross Ring (option) // Gorjana Teagan Ring // Arrow Necklace (old: option) // Kendra Scott Necklace