Goals for Pollinate Blog

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to share what my goals for 2013 with the Pollinate Media community. I love being a part of the Pollinate team and was excited to read what each team member was going to share. My post went up last Friday. If you didn't get a chance to check it out, I thought that it would be appropriate to share today, on the last day of 2012!

I hope that you all have an incredible Holiday, that your NYE plans are fun and live up to your expectations and that you are excited to ring in a new year!

Be Safe! 
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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When I was asked what my goals for 2013 were, I was kind of stumped. You see 2012 has been an EPIC year for me. I have been pushed, stretched and have grown in ways that I never thought possible. Knowing that I made so many changes, it is hard to plan for the future. Looking ahead to 2013 the only thing I truly know is that I am excited.

{EXACTLY who I became in 2012}

Being the Type A, somewhat control freak that I am, I LIKE having goals. While I have learned that my plans are not always the best {clearly the Lord's plan always prevails} I still enjoy setting a goal, then CRUSHING it.

I am going to break this down in three parts:
Professional, Personal and the Blog 

PROFESSIONAL
This past year I made the decision to put myself first and not look back on the successful career that I built for myself, then gave up. 
In 2013...

• I want to find myself in a position that I am truly passionate about
• I want to find the perfect balance of living life and working for a living
• I would LOVE to find a job that allows a lot of freedom, creativity and possibly working out of my home

 

PERSONAL

I truly found the most growth in this area in 2012. I have been changed and challenged mentally, physically and emotionally. I am a completely different person than I used to be. It was a TON of hard work. I became a work out fanatic and realized that journey is ALL mental. It was heart wrenching to face some demons that I needed to get rid of. I found myself changing, growing and even ending important relationships in my life.

In 2013...

• I want to lose the last 20 pounds that I wasn't able to lose in 2012
• Continue with my healthy eating, Gluten Free, 4 days a week fitness regimen lifestyle
•  Not be so afraid to really, truly fall in love and know who/what I have while it is right in front of me
• Attend as many Country concerts as I possibly can
• Finish decorating my home; meaning BUY furniture and pieces for my "grown up" condo
• Continue to surround myself with only the best people. People that love, support and lift me up on a daily basis
• Save a good chunk of money
• Never saying NO to anything that will make me happy

 

BLOG
I have been blogging for almost five years. I have seen the growth and all of the changes that the blogging world has undergone. Some of these changes are incredible while others make me cringe. I blog as an outlet, I use it as a journal, I do it for me. I have never taken the step into making my blog a business. I have gone back and forth for years on whether to do so. I have never had advertisers or sponsors. I hate HAVING to blog about something. I am not much of a rule follower. I am afraid of losing my creativity. I don't want every post to be sponsored or care of. This past year I branched out slightly starting my Fashionista Fitness series and I dabbled with the Flirty Thirty series. Both series allowed me to write, share and reach a larger audience. It was SO fulfilling! I LOVE feeling like my little space of the Internet is helping at least one person.
In 2013...

• I want to work on reaching more women through my writing
• I plan to buy a better/nicer/professional camera
• Sharing better quality photos 
• Work on my poses and NOT being scared to branch out on where I take outfit pics of myself
• Getting over feeling like a "narcissist" by always taking pics of myself and promoting the blog
• Actually promote my blog in a more "business-like" way
• Use the URL I bought in early 2012, along with the email/Twitter/Instagram I set up that will streamline my branding
• Be better at interacting with my readers on a more consistent basis

Clearly, once I sat down to write my goals, they came in abundance. I think that this is a great start. I know that 2013 will be just as great, if not greater, than 2012. I fully believe that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to!
Thanks for your encouragement and support as I set out on making 2013 my best year yet!

V-O-T-E

 

Today marks the 4th time that I will be voting in a Presidential Election. That makes me feel so proud. I know how blessed we are to live in a country that has so much freedom. We are surrounded by brave men and women who fight for us, our country and our freedom on a daily basis. I will ALWAYS be so Thankful for their sacrifices. I don't talk Politics much, unless I am close with someone. I hate the negativity and anger that Elections bring. I don't feel that the issues are debated fairly and half the time we are arguing different issues that we will never agree on. BUT with that said I LOVE that we are able to all have our own opinions, feelings and needs that can be spoken freely. I TRULY believe that every person MUST participate and VOTE! It is so important to be in the know and to have a say.

 

I spent a half an hour on the phone with my Dad last night going through the Props and discussing each one. I love that we can talk through and discuss issues. He gives me so much insight and it is such a bonding moment. We have done a version of this "political date" every Election. I have my book filled out, my notes have been made and I am excited to VOTE and get my sticker! Look for an Instagram pic late this afternoon. Obviously ;)

Regardless of what your stance is, what your beliefs are or how you vote...

Just know that I am praying that you exercise your RIGHT!

 I leave you with some Election Humor!

I cannot wait for this! LOL

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Thoughts. Happiness. Life.

{please excuse the profanity...but MAN this is so true!}

I often have {what feels like} millions of things going through my brain.

If I could have a super power it would be an on/off switch for my thoughts. I would love to be able to crawl into bed and just flip the switch. I wish I could say that my over thinking is more prevalent when I am going through a lot but it is just a characteristic I possess at all times. It has been no secret that I have been through a lot this past year. I left two jobs, ended a 6 year relationship, started my fitness regimen, found a job in a new field AND just turned Thirty. 

HOLY HELL! 

I have really spent the last few weeks reflecting, thinking, crying (in a good way), growing and learning from it all. I am the type of person that fills every minute, keeping busy and making little time to reflect on what went wrong in favor of just living. I have never felt so free and my life is a reflection of that. My heart {ME} is so happy. 

I have cultivated some old relationships, strengthened new friendships and I am letting new people into my life. It has been pretty awesome. It is crazy how the healing process works and how different it is for each individual. I wouldn't be at the place that I am today without my work outs, blogging, an insane amount of country music, hours of watching 'Brothers and Sisters' (this show deserves it's own post on how much I learned from it) and true support through open arms and listening ears from people in my life.

Everyone keeps asking me what my "plan" is. I understand why...I am never without one. It is usually detailed, precise, well thought out and actually happens. So I thought I would share what my plan is with you all. 

To be happy, to live in the moment, to love without fear.

I want to be madly in love with someone who never stops pursuing me, to get in a car and just go without worrying about the details and figuring it out a long the way, to take risks, not be so calculated, say yes more than no and without too much thought, and radiate happiness to everyone I meet.

I don't want to live by so many rules, to do what is always expected, to be so contrived. I don't want to be so serious or predictable. 

You may be wondering where this is coming from, why I am sharing this on the Fashion blog. I had a conversation yesterday with someone who reads my blog and is in a position to give me incredible feedback. She asked me where I see my blog going, where my voice is coming from. I was able to answer immediately. After that she said that I always come across as authentic. That was the best compliment EVER. It got me thinking and it made me want to share more. I hope to always have a voice that just one person can relate to (if only one person reads what I write, that is enough to satisfy me). After sharing yesterday that I was feeling uninspired to blog, that conversation changed all that! Thank you, Meg!

When I pull away from blogging it is generally because I have gone into "think mode" which I think is a good thing! I appreciate those that still read and comment even when I am being sporadic. I still haven't been reading your blogs very often, nor have I been commenting. I apologize for the lack of support but I am not apologizing for the break. It is needed. 

Here are a few pics of what I have been up to. I plan to get back to fashion related posts ASAP :)

 Stagecoach. Country Music just soothes my soul.

 Being Silly and Free.

 Bowling on a lunch break with the team. I never even thought that I would have a job that allows me the ability to just have FUN!

 Spending time with my baby sis {and family}. This was at the Angels/Yankees game. Baseball is just a part of us!

 Girls Night Out in the town I grew up in.

Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival.

Spending hours in the sun, at Starbucks with my girlfriends!

Great conversations, giving advice and just accepting.

 

Getaway!

Happy Friday!

I am actually blown away by how quick this week flew by!

I guess the saying, "Time Flies when you are having FUN", is actually true.

I have been making an effort to live a happier, healthier life and I am not turning down any opportunities.

I was kind of bummed yesterday when I realized that I would NOT be packing to head to Arizona to visit my baby sissy, drive to the Grand Canyon and maybe hitting up some of the Indian Casino's. She had to work which means our girls weekend has to be postponed for the third time. Boo! Then it got me thinking that not only do I need a getaway but I need one that involves bright lights, shopping, lots of action and the chance of getting lucky (you can take that however you want. Hehe. JK). Honestly, I have not been to Vegas as a SINGLE woman since 2005. I am craving a girls weekend full of sun and debauchery. I won't be planning a trip until I hit my goal weight (so I can rock it by the pool of course) but that doesn't keep me planning fun looks for my faux getaway.

Whether you are someone who hits the pool, relies on lucky numbers to WIN big or spends their time shopping...there is no reason why you cannot look your best!!

By the Pool

Inspired by Miss Kourtney K in this pic

                                                                         Source: starstyleinc.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Cover Up: Mikoh 'Sardinia'

Sandals: Dolce Vita 'Bagley'

Bathing Suit: L Space Halter Top and Bandeau Top

Out to Shake it on the Dance Floor

Inspired by this picture of the ever stylish Kate Moss

                                                                         Source: guidetostyle.blogspot.com via Mandy on Pinterest

All Images via Pinterest

I only like to show off one major asset. Since I am turning 30 I think wearing a loose, backless mini dress with sky high heels is appropriate. I am loving a more neutral palette with a little lot of sparkle and shine! Let's be honest...when you look good, you leave guys wondering, why gamble?? Haha!

So who wants to join me in Vegas this Summer?

We can have a blogger meet up ;)

Have a great weekend! 

And if you get a chance....

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Two YEAR Blogaversary!!

Two years.

I have been blogging about my style for two years!

Blows. My. MIND!

Read Last Year's Blogaversary post

This past year has been indescribable. 

On this day, one year ago, I had 12 Google Friend Connect followers. As of this post I have 99.

This doesn't include my RSS subscribers or my Twitter followers.

I am incredibly honored that you like me, my style and content.

Putting yourself out there, on a public forum for anyone to read, is insane.

I feel so grateful for the friends that I have made. Connecting with you all through email, comments and Twitter seriously makes my day and made my year. I have never felt so loved and connecting with people that share my passion is amazing.

This past year the following has happened:

• I found ME and a true belief in myself
• I am honing my personal style and taking risks I NEVER thought I would
• I have shopped, not shopped, remixed my wardrobe and tried trends that I did not think would ever work on me
• I linked up, found so many inspiring bloggers and made time to connect with other bloggers
• I quit my job, took a break and started with a new company
• I moved, tried new ventures and grew as a person
• Put my 100% into Jesus, letting him take the wheel.

Big time growth year!

NOW onto the FUN stuff!

I obviously have a new look. This year calls for something a little more simplified. I wanted to streamline, incorporate my favorite color and use a loopy font. My fabulous friend, KIMMIE over at Sugar and Dots, is to THANK for yet another INCREDIBLE look! She is so dang good to me, my blog would be lost (and ugly) without her! Go over and give her some love! It isn't 100% complete as I still need to do my photo shoot so that I have updated pics on the masthead so that will change the look again slightly! Let me know what you think!

You may have noticed that I dropped "life" from my title. I felt like it pigeon holed my blog more than I liked. 'In the Fashion Lane' gives me a little more freedom to talk about life, love, loss, change or whatever I want. I view this blog as "my lane". In life we all take different paths that cross with others at different points. My hope with you visiting "my lane" you leave with something, anything! 


I also will have my own URL very soon!
I am excited to have my own place and piece of the internet world!

It wouldn't be a BLOGAVERSARY without some gifts!

OF course I am having a giveaway.

AND, if I do say so myself, it is pretty good!

Here is the deal...and I am going to be real ;)

I hate when people solicit followers. I am not going to ask you to follow me for the sake of having my "number" go up. I want you to follow if you like me, my style or what I have to say. That is it!  I want the winner to be someone who has been interactive with the blog and me. I have a lot of people that comment but don't follow and peeps that follow but don't comment. The only fair way to do this where I don't feel like I am being obnoxious is....

To be a follower and to leave a comment.

That's all.

In honor of all the changes this year, my new job and my blogaversary being in Fall...

I am giving away a pair of Kendra Scott 'Danielle' earrings and a $10 Starbucks gift card.

{image via www.kendrascott.com}

The winner will be able to choose their color :)

I will pick a winner on Sunday and post it one week from today on 10/17.

Good luck my followers and commenter's!!

THANK YOU!

Thank you for your support.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for the comments and feedback.

Thank you for accepting me!

This is an incredible journey!

I am SO blessed!

Happy FRIDAY!

T.G.I.F!!!

I wanted to wish you all a very Happy, Fun and Relaxed weekend. After a very long and emotionally draining week I am headed to Palm Springs for a couple of days of R&R. My girlfriends are whisking me away to lay by the pool and to consume some cocktails! I. CANNOT. WAIT!!!

I plan on wearing a version of this...

Bathing Suit, Cover up, Hat and Sunnies

While staring at surroundings similar to this.

Insert Desert where you see Beach :)

(pics from Cabo in April)

I will also include a Maxi dress and Turban, a going out ensemble and flip flops. That should do it!

I cannot forget...

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most INCREDIBLE woman I know...my mother!!!!! I would not be the woman I am without her unconditional love, amazing support and constant cheering. I LOVE you so so so much and look forward to celebrating with you and the Fam next weekend!

See you all Monday!

XOXO

Leaving on a Jet Plane

At this time I am sitting First Class (I got upgraded. The old job is still paying off) on my way to Cabo. I am so excited that I can't even tell you. I was cleared by my doctor on Monday but I didn't want to make a decision in going until Tuesday. I had to see how I felt. I have traveled with kidney pain before and I know my body. I could not put myself into that situation if I knew I couldn't handle the pain. So waking up Tuesday morning without much pain was amazing. I knew that if I could just survive the two hour plane ride that I would be able to REST for five days. On the beach. With my family. There is no better recovery than that.

I'm on my way. My doctor is on call, we have the situation handled there AND I have a lounge chair with my name in it.

With weather like this...



...I will be a bronze beauty in no time.
...With some fantastic outfit pics.
...Very relaxed, rested and HEALTHY!!!

Happy Easter everybody!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The Blog Post I have been terrified to write

I am terrified to admit what I am about to write.

 I have never wanted to look at myself in this way.

Or admit what I actually am.

Full Figured.

Big Boned.

Plus Sized.

Fat?

It is so easy to lose your identity in the blogging world.

I find myself getting jealous over other blogger's bodies, wardrobe, the amount of money the spend, how many followers they have, the free things they get etc. etc. etc.

You forget what makes YOU special.

The other day I got a tweet complimenting my "full figure".

And I automatically assumed that was a put down.

Insecurity at it's finest.

When in fact the comment was supposed to be positive and encouraging. My follower even asked if I was a model. What?!?!

It got me thinking.

About so much.

I questioned how much self esteem I TRULY have.

 WHY I initially took that comment as a put down. Annnnddddd...

WHY AM I NOT USING THIS TO MY ADVANTAGE?

You see I have been looking for my niche.

What makes "Life in the Fashion Lane" special.

How I can get my blog to stand out.

I have known that the more "personal" I get, the more "ME" I show that I get more comments and followers. It is pretty well known that I struggle with my weight, that I always have and that I LOVE fashion, HIGH fashion and celebrities. I want to inspire others that you CAN look good, dress stylishly and feel good about yourself no matter WHAT size you are. And while I truly am not comfortable with my body, I am finding ways to change it and embrace it.

I am asking you to come along on this ride with me.

I am committed to changing my own outlook through the things that I love, through clothes and blogging.

I want each one of us to know how amazing we are. Always.

I am going to stop running, I am going to LOVE myself and hopefully that shows. There won't be a huge flip in what I am posting, there will just be a slight change in the way I word things.

I am excited for this venture, I love this "light bulb" that has been switched on and I hope that you all grow from it too!

Happy Monday!

2011

I am not one for resolutions. There are so many things that I can better that it tends to get overwhelming and I never follow through. Instead I want to focus on the things that I CAN do in 2011. Or things that I want to accomplish.

1. Learn how to use Photo Shop so that I can collage and edit my own pictures
2. Continue to work on my confidence and include more of my style on the blog
3. Lose ten more pounds by March 15th (once I reach that I will set an additional goal)
4. Buy my first Designer apparel piece
5. Buy a "nice" camera (Canon Rebel or Nikon) and learn how to use it
6. SAVE money and stop spending so much ;)

This is a short list. One that I can make happen. 2011... I am ready for you!

One YEAR Blogaversary!

One year.

I cannot believe that I have been plugging away at this for a whole year.

One year ago I decided to start this blog separate from my personal blog because my passion for Fashion and blogging in general was bigger than where I wanted my personal blog to go.

I asked my friends and family to follow me down my own "Fashion Lane".

And though it has been a year, I still feel like I have barely scratched the surface. My dreams are so much larger than what I have been able to compile on this page.

There have been ups and downs, joy and pain, overcoming insecurities (will people really like what I have to say...actually it was more, will they like ME!), a couple of breaks and trying many new things. I have many new friends and relationships that have grown due to the love of the same things/people/style that I will be forever grateful to have in my life. I will never forget the feeling I had when my first follower (who was from the blogosphere and I had never met) commented for the first time.

With that said...

WELCOME to the PARTY

And It is a party or something of the sorts. Get settled in, look around and enjoy the new look of Life in the Fashion Lane. I have to THANK Kimmie who used her creative and crafty brain to design the new header, layout, button and pictures. I could NEVER have done this without her.

THANK YOU Kimmie...from the bottom of my heart!

 In all of the excitement I will be doing a GIVEAWAY! Free stuff??? Yes, please!

This blog wouldn't be what it is today without you!

I appreciate my readers, followers and commenter's. Your words of encouragement make doing this worth it!

So here on Fashion Lane we are celebrating all the fellow Fashionista's.

Since I am not crafty I had to offer something that is relevant to me personally and my readers.

I don't sew, I am not a collector of all things vintage but I DO know how to shop!

Soooooooo I am giving away...

$35 worth of gift cards.

Here is the breakdown:

$10 to NORDSTROM (the reason is pretty obvious)

$10 to KOHL'S (to help get your own LC Lauren Conrad piece)

$10 to the GAP (try in a pair of the 1969 jeans. They are all I wear. I love them)

$5 to STARBUCKS (since my blog's birthday is in Fall and I am obsessed with Pumpkin Spice Lattes, so I am encouraging you to try it. On ME!)

Here are the rules to qualify:

1. Leave a comment on this post

2. Be a follower or begin following "Life in the Fashion Lane"

3. Link up, Tweet or Facebook about the giveaway

4. You have one week (10/20/10) until a winner is determined.

That's it. Easy Peasy.

Happy Blogaversary!

Happy Labor DAY!!

I am off frolicking on the Central Cali Coast!

Cambria, San Luis Obispo, Beaches, Hearst Castle and family!

Hope you all have an AMAZING day!

And enjoyed the long weekend!

And while I AM on a diet....

I won't quite look like this on the beach.

{images via officialkourtneyk.celebuzz.com}

We all can't look this good AFTER having a baby!

But we can try!

Just thought I would give us all a reason to not overeat this weekend. AND I love the orange bathing suit.

It seemed relevant to post today ;)

Eighty four: Killer Kloset

Most people dream of owning a home and decorating it to express their style. I am one of those people. But I have to take it to the next level. I want to have an entire room that I can dedicate to my clothes, shoes and accessories.

I love seeing a sneak peek into celeb homes and Instyle magazine always has great pictures. I fell in love with Christina Aguilera's closet (or the entire room) and especially her shoe wall.

I think that this closet incorporates so many different colors, prints and pieces that speak to who Christina is. I would LOVE to do this one day. And have that many shoes!

Styl'd

I am SO excited to watch the newest MTV reality show, Styl'd. It is a show about people trying to break into the styling business and working with top celebs and styling company! I would DIE to be on a show like this. You can bet that I will set my DVR and crawl into bed to watch this show! I will let you know what I think as the show progresses.

Starts TONIGHT, November 1st at 10pm on MTV.

"shoe in"

I DIE!!

I would literally go "bananas" if I had this shoe closet!

Isn't it incredible? This is a picture of the shoes in Rachel Zoe's studio.

One word.

AMAZING!

I am saving all of my pennies

To buy this iconic bag

This Marc Jacobs Stam is from Spring 2009 and I cannot stop drooling over it. There are very few out there and this is a style that screams Marc Jacobs. It is a very timeless shape.

When I first managed Designer Handbags back in Spring of 2007 there was a pewter patchwork Marc Jacobs Stam with gold hardware that I contemplated buying and passed on to buy my YSL downtown. I kick myself every other day about NOT buying that Stam. I feel like this bag came back to make up for my loss. The ironic thing is that I have been going back and forth on getting this bag or the YSL Roady in faux stingray. I went with the YSL last time so I think I have to go with the MJ this time!

It would make me SO happy.