Simpler

I’m always running. Whether it’s running to catch the bus or running out of time to complete a project, it’s seems we’re always in this constant state of GO.

Society always tells us that faster is better…and the quicker you get to your destination, the better. That more is always more. So we spend our lives rushing around, trying to be everything to everyone…never truly finding rest.

I read an article this week, In Search of a Simpler Life (through a quote spotted on Be Bangles Instagram!) I was so inspired by what the author talked about. The more she focused on the things that really mattered to her, the more she realized she had little room for everything else. She started saying no to things that didn’t align with her life goals or even things that took her away from what mattered. I’m terrible at saying no.

In this area, the capital of our country, it’s so easy to loose sight of what matters. It’s so easy to never want to miss an opportunity that we wear ourselves into the ground trying to do it all. It’s so easy to want it all…

I want to take this moment to challenge you today - what really matters to you? Are there things that are draining your energy? What are things that give you energy?

One thing that’s helped me slow down lately? Making time to meet with familiar faces and new friends. Last week, I met Lauren (who shot these incredible photos!) over coffee and I left feeling more inspired than ever. Hearing her talk about her goals and ambitions got me so pumped up for my own dreams. Still, we both found this common theme of finding balance. How do we make time for all the things we love within the limited time we’re given? 

I’ll explore these thoughts more and more over the coming months. I want to be intentional (my theme for this year) about talking about these things…what really matters to me…what really matters to you. 

Are you finding this constant struggle to live with less like I am? I’d love to hear if you are in the comments below.

Wearing Intermix top (similar), Free People flared denim (similar), Sophie Blake bracelet, Cuyana bag, Lack of Colour hat (in pink and grey), Haven Ave loafers from iStyleup c/o, Kylie Lip Kit in Candy K, Ray-bans via Potomac Mills c/o

Featured: Northern Virginia Magazine

I am so so thrilled to share - I was featured in the April issue of Northern Virginia Magazine! When they asked me if I wanted to participate, I couldn’t type YES I LOVE YOU fast enough. 

For the article, I had my dear friend Claire Ashley do my makeup (lord knows I can’t do false lashes on myself!) I wore the cutest Tara Jarmon dresses from Take 5 Boutique…I never wanted to take it off. I wore my favorite silver oxfords, also from Take 5, much to my father’s dismay (his first words when he saw the article was ’so did you forget to change your shoes????’) LOL DAD.

Be sure to pick up a copy to find out my favorite spots in Northern Virginia for a romantic date night, where to find the best jewelry (spoiler: it’s Sophie Blake), and so so so much more. Here’s a little peek into the piece!

Sporty

When I was in high school, I was quite sporty. I played varsity basketball my freshman year, helped get our cross country team going, and was nominated for Best Female Athlete my senior year. But I wasn’t always so athletic.

It all started my 5th grade year. I’d spent the majority of my elementary years unconcerned with PE class. In fact, I’d dread it. I was more of the studious type. I didn’t realize I even needed hobbies until I broke down in class after getting a B on my math test, and my teacher highly recommended I find something else to consume my time. 

Enter the sportsmanship basketball game. This is where all the best “sports” got to play in a game that the whole school would watch. I was sort of thrown in unwillingly but there was a moment - when I threw the ball towards the basket with reckless abandon - that it clicked. The ball went into the net and the crowd went wild. From that moment on, I played basketball.

Even though I ‘retired’ the game after tearing my ACL/MCL my senior year, I still like to dig back to my roots and get a little sporty every now and then. You’ve seen this Fifth Label dress before, but I had to whip it out again when I found these cute pumas on sale a few weeks ago. Plus, it was loose enough to play a little bocce ball when my friend, Wes, was in town…who, by the way, is an incredible photographer. Huge props to him for shooting this, this and this outfit with me while he was visiting DC. If you’re ever in Australia and need a killer photographer, Wes is your guy.

On Julien: Dress, The Fifth Label via Anthom (last seen here.) Jacket, Townsen. Shoes, Puma (on sale for under $30!). Bracelets, Starletta Designs c/o. Necklace, She’s Unique.