Lularoe Vortex... My dreams realized.

Yep, I got I sucked into the Lularoe clothing vortex. I mean, their leggings are magical and I love their dresses. Basically my dream clothing company. Wild, colorful prints in skirts, dresses, leggings and shirts? YES PLEASE!! You guys, they have Sassy leggings, as in BIGFOOT leggings, and I have them. That's right, I have leggings with Sassy peaking around from behind tress all over them and I love them. Don't you dare judge me.

Yes, I have had a few sizing issues with different fabrics fitting differently, but you've got to learn to ask questions and after you have (far too many) new clothes, you start to know what fits you better than others. Also, this company is awesome for the fact that is really has a super wide range of sizes to fit pretty much every woman's body. So many women feeling confident in their clothes and inspired by other woman and not caring what other people think. Although, my motto is always cover the booty when wearing leggings, no matter how cute they are. That's my own thing for me, but you're going to do what you want.

Comfortable, adorable, limited prints, pretty reasonable prices for what you are getting. I've only had to return ONE item in the probably near 60 pieces of LLR I own and that is because the color was horrendous. My closet is turning into a LLR showroom. It's kind of ridiculous, but I also love it.

All this to say... I need to stop shopping. Maybe I need to get out of the million LLR groups I'm in on Facebook... that's a start. But really, does someone want to do an intervention??

Send a note.

What has happened to handwritten letters, cards or love notes. They do still exist, right? I am a real pen to paper kind of lady. I love having a planner, as opposed to using my phone to keep track of everything. Why? Because it seems more real and I find I remember things better if I write them down. Once I type something into my phone, I usually forget it. If I enter an appointment, I, 80% of the time, forget to set an alert for it, so I forget it anyway. I went to the dentist last week and they said, "How do you like to receive your appointment reminders: text, email or phone?" Well, my answer didn't seem to matter since the week prior I received a text, an email AND a phone call. That is all fine, but it was a WEEK prior to my appointment, so I had to still write myself a sticky note and leave it on my computer so I would remember. Nonsense.

Who writes letters anymore? I love sending people cards. I mean, who doesn't love receiving a handwritten card?! Make someones day and send them a card, or a letter, just because. I guarantee you will make their day. And everyone needs their day made now and then. 

Also, instead of just sending a kissy face emoji to your other half, leave them a little note. Nothing crazy. But seriously, that goes a long way. Doing something that seems out of the norm and out of your way in this technological world just seems to mean more to me. Don't get me wrong, I love a good emoji-filled text (so please don't stop sending me those! :) But fill your heart and others with simple pen to paper once in awhile. 

I'm all about making people know they are loved and cared about and you never know what small act could do to make someones life so much better, even if only for a minute. 

Smiling Through the Tears.

Well, in the spirit of being transparent, here goes nothing! The last year has been extremely difficult for me. Probably the most difficult time in my life thus far. I have really been struggling with so much and trying to navigate through my grief after the death of my sweet friend, Grace. Everything that could happen, happened. I have never felt so lost in all my life. BUT, through so much time and thought, patience, therapy and help, I am slowly getting my life back. My control. You never really understand how fully you were gone until you come back to reality. I have learned so much about myself, how strong I am and to never let anyone or anything take that away from me. I am in control of my happiness and my strength and I will never forget that. One huge thing that has helped me along the way? I celebrate everything. I get so excited to drop clothes off at the dry cleaners, do my laundry, clean my apartment. These are small tasks I no longer have to have on my mind and I can cross it off my to-do list in my planner. Making my bed? Nailed it! All of these things, that may seem so small, were consuming my brain and my life and I was so overwhelmed I could not make a simple decision... AT ALL. It was ridiculous and consumed every part of my being.

Therapy has been life changing for me. LIFE CHANGING! To talk to someone who knows nothing about me other than what I tell them allows me to be completely open and ME. No judgment. I was always interested in therapy, but didn't realize how much it could truly help me see the best in myself and learn how to navigate through the tough times better, to love myself more completely, get my control back, be strong and confident in my decisions and just better all around.

I have started to go to the gym again and am loving it! This is just one piece of becoming a better me, but it is a game changer. I've always known this, but I needed to get back to it on my terms, in my way, and here I am, loving working out again and loving myself again. No one can make me a better person or feel better about myself or make me happy. That starts with ME. Realizing that you might not be as in control and happy as you can be or want to be is tough to admit. But, it is important. Through all the tears, there is now a smile.

Just take it 5 minutes at a time, one task at a time. It helps, it truly does.