style. || oh hey, Friday

I'm all about supporting local/small businesses, today I wanted to join Amy @ The Farmer's Wife for a Five on Friday. I hope you all will fall in love with these brands just as much as me.

*editors note- these are in no particular order as I love them all equally*

1. Baddie Co.

Baddie Co. is one of my favorites for its quality apparel and the message behind the brand...

" #|BADDIE| ("Baddieco") is specifically designed for the everyday beautiful, hardworking, and independent woman of all stages in life. Whether you are a college student, single mother, married or working woman. You should feel BAD effortlessly. #|BADDIE| ("Baddieco") is designed to give women the ability to make a bold statement in the simplest form. #|BADDIE| ("Baddieco") Is meant to be worn anywhere from night clubs, grocery stores, the gym, the pool, etc. #|BADDIE| ("Baddieco") creates the versatility in fashion to allow women to be free, free to express themselves uninhibited and fashionably. #|BADDIE| ("Baddieco") frees women of the “typical” labels of society through uniquely designed Urban Hippie Chic Street wear. " -Raquel Massielle

2. BITI Brand- Be Inspired To Inspired

I've been anxiously awaiting the launch of the new brand from Rebecca Broxterman, BITI brand. BITI is Be Inspired To Inspired, I can't wait to continue to support Rebecca as she gets this going and help promote positive energy in the world.

This is what Rebecca has to say about it:

" I see people each and every day that just seem to be looking for some sort of inspiration. Half the time, the inspiration is right in front of them, yet they are still trying to seek it out. One of the things that inspires me the most is the beauty of this world and the beauty found within the people that surround me. I not only want to continue to be inspired but i want to forever inspire and pass creativity on to each individual that I am so lucky to meet in my lifetime. " 

3. the light blonde

I've been highlighting The Light Blonde on the blog for sometime now. Ali just released the new Spring/Summer looks and I can't wait to get some new looks for some fun in the sun!

Here's my #1 reason for loving The Light Blonde so much

 Message

The Light Blonde is all about sharing the light. I was inspired to start this venture by Matthew 5:14 :

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden...In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

I personally design all of my tees based on messages that I would like to put out into the world. They may be funny, encouraging, biblical or thought-provoking, but they will always come from a place of faith and positivity, aiming to inspire and spread love. -Ali

4. The Giving Keys

I stumbled across The Giving Keys in one of my favorite boutiques a few years back and have been a obsessed ever since. If you've never heard of them please watch this.

         

5. Passion Planner

I discovered Passion Planner from a Kickstarter campaign that was being shared on Facebook. I'm on my second one and I wish I could have had this in college. It keeps me so organized with having a job, running a business, working on a blog and trying to have social life. 

All five of these were created by women with a vision and I love supporting a girl boss! What's your favorite place to support or your favorite girl boss? 

explore. || Seattle + A Wedding

I've been wanting to explore the Northwest since my friend Amanda moved out to Seattle after Grad school. Unfortunately, in my profession, I don't have a lot of extra days off to go exploring without a reason *cue ~wedding bells~* Amanda got engaged last Fall giving me the perfect excuse to check off another Journey to 30 item.

So here's a little story about my trip up North and a little West...

I am a planner, that is what I do, I plan, I print off itineraries, do research and then implement my plan at my destination. Well that is how it is suppose to work. This particular trip, I even coordinated plans with two other friends flying across the country (Boston & NYC) to join in this joyous occasion. However, American and Southwest airlines had other plans...delays and missed flights meant I now had now modified plans and a day to fill with exploring downtown Seattle... alone.

After accepting that my 'plans' were now Party of 1, I took a nice stroll from my hotel down to Seattle's iconic Pikes Market.

Had to make sure to visit the Original Starbucks #basic

After my stroll down by the water, I headed back up the hill for my lunch reservations. Which happened to be atop the Space Needle (Editor's Note: I AM TERRIFIED OF HEIGHTS!!!) In my 'plans' my friend from NYC was supposed to be joining me for lunch and be my moral support as I attempted to conquer my fear, but like I said earlier... Party of 1. 

Proof that I made it to the top and that I'm not the only party of 1.. .

The view was worth being a little uncomfortable.

If you're even considering going to visit the Space Needle, grabbing a bite is the best way to go in my opinion. The minimum food order is only $3 more than a ticket to the observation deck and if you've got dinner reservations you get a complimentary ride up and access to the observation deck. 

On to the wedding. It was perfect 55 degrees and my friend could not have picked a better location. Here's a few pictures of the festivities. 

Table 14 (above) Selfie of the cool kids at Table 14 (below)

Incredible views during cocktail hour... I sipped outside. 

The morning after...

Sorry it's taken so long to get posted. I've traveled every weekend since this trip in February and had a job change and moved 400 miles across Kansas. If you've got any cool places to visit next time I'm in Seattle, please share!

XOXO

celebrate. || Dirty Thirty

Greetings! I've been working on my blog from behind the scenes, thanks to Helene I've been putting in some work to make this blog fantastic.

For those of you who've been following me since last year, you know I wanted to take a trip for my 30th birthday. Well back in January, my 30th birthday came and went and no trip. I did however work on getting more of my Journey to 30 checked off. I also found a friend willing to make me this..

..gluten-free birthday cake!!! It's the first birthday cake I've had in 3 years. On my actual birthday some of my co-workers took me out for dinner and drinks.

I planned on having a lot more 'blog-worthy' photos and a much more extravagant post about this monumental birthday, but this time, making memories instead of documenting memories is what the universe had in store. I'll be checking off more of my Journey to 30 during my first year in the 30 Club. I've also booked a trip to officially celebrate my Dirty Thirty with my BFF. Here's some hints ... May 2016 ... Chicago ... Formation, any guesses?

Any suggestions on what else to add to my Journey to 30?

style. || Fresh start

Hello there long lost friends of the virtual world. I have been on a very long unplanned hiatus from my blog. I am back and more excited than ever to be consistent with my blog. Thanks to Helene at Helene in Between I'm setting goals for my blog in 2016!


I had a great idea for a blog post back in July 2015 and I'm just not finding time to get it posted, but like I've said before better late than never! So here's a look at some of my favorite looks I rocked last summer :)

I've always been told jewel tones look good on my and this blue kimono was love at first sight! It goes with everything and has lace and fringe!!! I love trying new looks and while most of my friends hate my gladiator sandals I love them.

Hat // Target (similar)

Sunglasses // TOMS

Kimono // Bling- Garden City, KS

Stone necklace // Stone Angel- Garden City, KS

Gladiator Sandals // old 

These looks are out my normal comfort zone and I forced myself to wear bright colors this summer. I could wear black head to toe on the daily, it's easy, can be dressed up or down, and goes with EVERYTHING!

Kimono & Blue skinny jeans // Bling- Garden City, KS

Jesus Drank Wine Tee // The Light Blonde

Green stone ring necklace, ring & bracelet // Stone Angel- Garden City, KS

Watch // Fossil

My last look was my Fourth of July look; I jump at any chance I can to be festive and to celebrate, I'd say I #nailedit!

Sunglasses // TOMS

God is Greater baseball tee (limited edition) // The Light Blonde (similar)

Skinny Jeans // Bling- Garden City, KS

Shoes // TOMS

So glad to finally be back and sharing with y'all again. My goal is to master a post biweekly and go from there! What have you found to work for your when getting your blog going? See y'all in two weeks!