Blog : grateful

An oldie. I mean me, not the photo. Kidding, but only a little. I’m ready for some Ca sunshine after all of this rain!! But I’ll be the first to admit that rain on thanksgiving and while Christmas tree shopping was both magic & misery. Moody and cozy for the holiday but a wet tree, 3 kids & no umbrella sounds like the beginning of a bad joke! But bless these babes there were smiles all around and now warm baths while we wait for the tree to try a bit. I’m thankful it’s the weekend and for a warm home filled with the people I love so deeply! And a Christmas tree!!! .
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#christmastree #sandiego #rainyday #personalstylist #sd #cozy #thankful #grateful #happy #iloverain #wardrobestylist

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Photo taken at: San Elijo Hills, San Marcos, California

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We just spent the week with some of our closets, most dear friends from our previous home city, San Diego. I am so filled up and grateful! Our week was spent making new memories, vulnerably sharing challenges and reminding each other that being together and living in each moment with people you love is like splashing cool water on a rosy-cheeked face. It was so nice to slow down and be aware of the places, spaces & people who enrich our lives so much; especially to share it with someone who I adore so greatly!
I’m feel replenished. ? @kaleighdsimmonsphoto

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I was swooning over this sweet little corner at last nights dinner party! @cvbecker hosted & spoiled us with some of the tastiest fall foods & sincere conversation. I was reminded how necessary it is to be present & aware, to slow down & invest in the special moments but also the mundane. The warm & delicious food, the soft lighting, the laughing between two friends in a separate conversation, the earthy smell of the hand soap, the sacred & vulnerable emotions – there was so much to embrace. My family recently endured the tragic loss of my spirited aunt & one of the girls at last nights dinner is coming up on 6 months since losing her twin brother. It was a whirlwind of things appreciated & treasured; each one of us contributing significance & offering a safe place to let our hair down. Find rest in the place you’re in, wander through your wilderness of uncertainty with grace & hope, treasure the people close to you & remind yourself that the very breath you breath is a gift.

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My people. Ugh!! They’re the coolest!! Our oldest will be double digits in 1 month and the following month my littlest will be 4 – the baby in him is dwindling & with that comes my ugly cry & an hour of watching baby videos every night. Time is the weirdest thing! Only 3 years ago we were living in California & taking care of a newborn, I had no idea I’d start my own business or be a homeowner! I remember throwing my hands up & telling Jesus if He had plans to change things up that I was up for whatever – the very next day (literally) the ball started rolling & a plan was being made for our move to Michigan! Sometimes He’s just waiting for us to realize we don’t run the show, if we’ll let Him open our eyes and hearts then He can show us the surprising and awesome things He has planned for us! ? @kaleighdsimmonsphoto ✨

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Photo taken at: Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Scott + Olivia sitting in (on) a tree… ❤️
#love

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Photo taken at: Sparta, Michigan

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I was thinking about this sweet shoot I styled & I’m falling in love with it all over again! Look at the moment of that dress though!! ? ••
I hope you guys had the best long weekend! I found the tastiest rainbow veggie + lime crema salad recipe that I’ll make for the rest of my life, suh gud! But the best part was having a sleepover with 2 of our besties @kelseyhettinga & her husband Tim. We made margs & watched a movie then they crashed in the guest room. Kelsey and I made coffee together in the morning, got ready & went shopping and then prepped food for a bbq with the rest of our besties! @kaleighdsimmons @amberannie @ @djorn0.
My heart is so filled up & so grateful for our little community of buddies! ?: @helloimemmaquinn
Hair&makeup: @launchsalon
Model: @alyssamcelheny
Dress from: @springsweet

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Photo taken at: Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Moody backyard views with the fog yesterday! I loved it. But I’m thankful that the fog lifts & the sun shines through!

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Photo taken at: Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Delaney. Oh how I love you, my girl. Lipstick and oranges, she does things right!
Here’s a little homage to raising daughters. They watch & learn from our every move as a mother & woman, they mimicking our body language and notice how we respond in moments of upset. They hear our quiet comments about our bodies or the fact that we can’t leave the house without make up on; although some days I intentionally choose to go without a painted face simply because I know she notices – there’s so much power in what they observe. I am so grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given to raise this beautiful girl, to show her how to get her hands dirty & work hard but also how to slow down and value ourselves with the brightest pink nail polish & some dancing in the kitchen. I’ve done my best to show her how to respond in love but also that humility in acknowledging our shortcomings & offering apologizes when necessary is another form of beauty. She challenges me to be aware of my heart, she doesn’t even know that she pushes me to be reach farther and sprint after my dreams so that she know she can do the same. I commit myself to raising her to love Jesus & understand His grace, to be kind & accepting, silly and free spirited, strong & confident of who God made her to be & always know that I’m a safe place for her. Delaney has the most beautiful heart and I am so grateful she’s mine forever! .
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#daughter #daughters #mygirl #raisingstronggirls #grateful #mama #likemotherlikedaughter #family #lipstick #grandrapids #michigan #mompreneur #entrepreneur #strongwomen #bettertogether #fashion #kidsfashion #fashioninspo #darling #ruffles #oranges

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Photo taken at: Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Self reflection has become a regular activity around here as of late. I want to live in a constant position of gratitude & awareness – for my life journey so far and the things I have yet to discover in my story.
I feel full of eager anticipation for the things ahead! But today I also feel aware of the process, the steps I’ve walked that have lead me here. They’ve written a lovely little story and today is a valuable part just like the rest, a page that holds a new paragraph in my story. Like with the unfolding of spring, everyday is significant; the rainy days that soften the earth, the sunny days that feed the soil, all with the anticipation for new life to emerge.
But the process couldn’t begin without a seed – like a vision for the flower from the hand of the planter, my God anticipates the moment my life emerges into something new and beautiful and I come alive! The way I did when I got married or became a mom, the way I did when I overcame anxiety and grew in confidence! The way I will so many more times in this life! So, I’m aware of the process and grateful for the days and moments that push me closer to another season of refreshing and newness! .
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#grandrapids #michigan
#encouragement
#style #stylist #fashionstylist
#grateful #spring #fashionblogger #hope
#ootd #darlingweekend #thatsdarling #outfitoftheday #wardrobe #vision #seasons #spring #fashion

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Photo taken at: Grand Rapids, Michigan

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