Focusing in on 2014

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You know those moments when you know that you have so much to say but you cannot quite find the words that will do it justice? That is totally the spot that I am in. I have been quite reflective the last couple of months. I have spent a lot of time evaluating this past year, my relationships, where my heart is at, how much I have to really give of myself. I am a planner. I like to have goals, things that I am working on, working towards. So when asked what I am striving for in 2014, I have a lot on my mind and not sure how to say it.

I live my life without regrets. I share a majority of the good (not always the bad but I haven’t really had much bad in the past couple of years) with all of you whether it is through the blog or Instagram. I share my heart, my thoughts, my life and I am open and answer questions honestly when asked. My life is far from perfect but I am really HAPPY! It truly fills my heart knowing that people resonate with me, that they connect with what I am going through. Being able to connect with people over every day life, our fitness journeys, dating ups and downs and any other random thing is truly rewarding for me.  I definitely struggle at times with what I share publically. I try to keep it real but I have learned that there are certain things that I need to keep guarded and fiercely close to me (my love life being one of them).

I have met some incredible people this year. I continue to be very purposeful in who I let in, whom I become close with. I have found that surrounding myself with people that challenge me to be better while loving me unconditionally is the best. I am beyond blessed that I am able to cultivate these relationships and pray that they feel the same about me.

I’ve also met some awful people. I have seen the worst in others. I have learned that people are not always who they say that they are. I have been pushed to my limit, been tested and let go of a lot. It is hard. Painful. Humbling.  It also made me stronger, wiser and in the weirdest way more trusting and loving. I learned how powerful the heart is. I am so proud that I am continually getting better when I could let these things make me bitter.

It’s been over two years since I decided to change my life, lose some weight and incorporate fitness into my every day routine.  It has been such a rewarding journey. I still have not met my ultimate weight loss goal but I am healthy (like cleared of so many issues healthy), fit and happy. I have a work out partner, accountability and use my workouts to relieve stress. It is an amazing outlet and I am beyond thankful for all of the support.

My professional life really came together at the end of 2013. I am involved in some incredible projects. I have been given more responsibility with Pollinate Media and I am so excited with my future with this company. I also got back into Fashion and began selling Stella and Dot jewelry, which I love doing. I am consulting for a non-profit, giving back and that feels incredible. And I still have this blog and se some exciting things happening here. I am busy, striving and still have freedom to just live.

With that said, let's summarize the last two years. In 2012 I made A LOT of changes in my life. I focused on me for the first time ever. 2013 was all about maintaining changes, cultivating relationships and having a lot of fun. I set many goals and I accomplished most of them. Although after May I think I completely forgot what they were. (You can read last year's post here). 2014 feels like it is going to be my break out year. Instead of sharing goals and setting New Years resolutions, I am going to share a word that will describe where my focus will be in my personal life, professional life and my physical/fitness journey. 

Personal 

My word for my personal life is Purposeful.

I want to be purposeful in the decisions that I make, the people I let into my life, the relationships I cultivate and how much I give of myself.

Professional

My word for my professional life is Balance.

My professional life is made up of four "jobs" that I truly love! It has taken a couple years to get to the place but it has all come together. I need to stay balanced in my time management, in the way that I think (business minded vs. entrepreneurial spirit) and with the projects I take on.

Physical/Fitness Journey

My word for my physical/fitness journey is Disciplined.

My fitness journey really is a habit at this point. I work out for my mental health just as much as my physical health. I work out 4-5 times a week, I lift, I seek appropriate counsel when I hit a plateau or need motivation but I would never call myself disciplined in this area. I need to hone in on my diet, really tailor my work outs for definition and stay focused on my ultimate goal.

 Whatever you decide to do in 2014, I wish you all of the best! I am so thankful for all of you that care, follow along and pretend that my life is way more interesting than it really is! ;) Haha.

Let's go out and make the most of the time we are given! Choose to be happy, fight for what you love and never settle!

10 Reasons Why I am a Shitastic {Personal Style} Blogger

There is no doubt that I have been a shitty blogger lately. Call it what you want but I have been completely uninspired and retreating just a bit. I also think that Instagram is just way easier to share blurbs and pictures. So in a way #instagramatemyblog. Aaannnnnddd I have spent months, no joke, months, trying to figure out what I want from my blog. The voice I want to use. Content I want to share. How I want to grow. A whole mumble jumble of thoughts that I can't eloquently put together. So. There's that.

So what better way to begin blogging again than with a list of why I am a Shitastic Blogger. Now I cannot take credit for the idea behind this post (uninspired, remember?). I read blogs for a living and came across this post from Kym of Travel Babbles. I am going to go ahead and call Kym a genius. Haha. Because that ONE post actually got me thinking and writing again. ;)

Why I am a Shitastic {Personal style} Blogger

1. I HATE taking selfies and pics of myself. 

2. I also have the HARDEST time self promoting

3. I am SO over the arm parties. I like a couple bracelets. But 10 or 12? Why?

4. I own NOTHING from J. Crew and don't think that Jenna Lyons is that creatively forward. (I am going to get hate mail for this one)

5. I don't post outfits that I actually never wore. And most days I wear work out clothes now that I work from home. 

6. My shopping like a pro days are totally over. But I do know that the cool "blogger shoes" are the Rockstud Valentino's. Which I would buy. And Rock. Especially in the leopard print. But I don't have money for that!

7. I haven't bought a fashion magazine in months. Not even September issues. And I used to be addicted.

8. It irks me that everyone thinks they can be a style blogger because they get dressed everyday or bought a trendy item. (that just makes me sound mean. I know. I am really not though. Sometimes I wonder why I try to be one too.)

9. I don't really like blazers, stacked heels or kitten heels (even when they have a designer label).

10. I hate that {it seems like} no one knows the difference between Fashion Bloggers and Personal Style bloggers (and that some are both).

Well friends, I am back. To an extent. I have missed this online community and interacting with you all! Please let me know what you think!

I also have some outfit posts to share.

Crazy, I know!

One. More. Day.

I just wanted to remind you all that there is one more day to enter the Kiki La'Rue Giveaway! 

Do not miss out on a chance to win FREE money!

Find all of the information ---> HERE

I am SO EXHAUSTED trying to get used to my new doubled work load. So please excuse my brevity this week. I will also be headed to a Bachelorette Party this weekend so it doesn't look like rest is in my near future. Haha.

Hope you all have a HAPPY HUMP DAY!!

Kiki La'Rue Love and a *GIVEAWAY*

Happy Hump Day!

I love Wednesdays. I love knowing that we have hit the hump and we are quickly approaching the weekend. I told you yesterday that I have a lot of cool things to share with you... WELL one of the amazing things I have to share is a partnership with Kiki La'Rue. As you have seen from some of my posts the last few weeks (one // two // three) and if you follow me on Instagram, you will know that I bought my first few pieces and cannot stop wearing them. I also got to meet and spend the week with the shop owner, Becka. We have been following each other on Instagram and blogs for awhile and knew that we would be fast friends. Her whole goal is to make people feel beautiful regardless of size and sells clothing from small-3X, Maternity and shape wear. You all have read my journey in getting fit (still working on that), losing 40 pounds last year and learning to love myself again. I strive to share with you all that you can dress with confidence at any size. I think our visions align very well. I am so excited to be sharing her clothing with you all and am SO HONORED that she thinks that I will be a strong representation for her business.

Here are a few pics in my KLR clothing

 I am in the Tribal tank which is no longer available but the Warrior Princess is a great way to get the look!

 I am wearing the Christina Skirt

 I am in the Champs in Hot Salmon (comes in 8+ color combos) and Becka is in the Simply Stunning Hi Low dress

 I am wearing the Morgan Maxi in Peach and Mint

Lauren Maxi (only comes in Black leopard, I am wearing brown, now or other FUN prints like tribal!) // Champs in Red-Ivory // Geisha Girl // Derby Dress

The NUMBER one reason I am drawn to this company is because of the PERSONALIZED customer service that Becka and her team emulate. They are VERY active on Facebook and Instagram, answering sizing questions and using models of different sizing to share the true fit of the items they buy. They are quick to answer emails, the have an extremely fast turn around on shipping and you do NOT have the feeling that you are shopping from an online boutique. I am hooked. You know I have high expectations and do not partner with many brands, so this says a lot. I have three more dresses coming this week! EEK! I think you know my style and love for a certain print so CAN you guess which ones??? 

If you are looking to make a purchase might I suggest the Magnetic Fields Maxi or the Sorbet Chevron Maxi in Pink and White (Plus Size)? They have SO many new arrivals and they post stuff all of the time. I was able to see what she bought last week at LA Market and it is Too Die For!

Please ask me any sizing questions in the comments and I will reply there! 

NOW... The fun stuff! I cannot talk about how much I love something without giving you the opportunity to try it for yourself! I am offering a $50 gift card to one lucky reader! There are MANY ways for you to enter so please get to it! The giveaway will close at 11:59pm on 6/26. I will announce the winner on 6/28. GOOD LUCK! And make sure to head over and create a wish list on the Kiki La'Rue website!

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Group Giveaway: Goldsmith Co. Jewelers

Hands down the best thing about blogging is the friendships that have flourished through this crazy world. Beyond friendships I have had so many opportunities given to me, along with my amazing job that I have today. I LOVE reading new blogs, finding inspiration in blogs and bloggers and being challenged along the way.

I am SO EXCITED to have partnered with SEVEN lovely women to giveaway, not one but TWO, fresh water pearl necklaces! We want to show all of our readers how much we appreciate them! I hope that you will check out each of their blogs and maybe find someone new that you connect with!

            Wild One Forever // Fashion By Mariah // In the Fashion Lane // All Things Unpredictable and Chic

The Standard Pacific // Let It Be Beautiful // The Red Closet Diary // Chelsea and the City

Check out the necklace we are giving away!

Classic, Timeless and a piece that belongs in every woman's jewelry box!

Plus it is a piece that can be worn alone or layered with funkier pieces.

For a chance to win one of the pearl necklaces...

Please like Goldsmith Co. Jewelers on Facebook

* Complete the easy steps on the Rafflecopter. The more you enter, the better chances you have a winning.
* Giveaway ends on 6/9/13 so get to entering!!

GOOD LUCK!!

 

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Happy Valentine's Day

Sending my L-O-V-E to every single one of you!

I have big plans, huge! Haha.

Whether you celebrate or not, spread the love.

Lord knows, we could use more LOVE in this crazy world.

I have a couple of Valentine's.

This one has been the best to me ;)

The Happiest of Valentine's Days to each and every one of you!

XXOO

Coffee Date/Hang Out Sesh

TGIF lovelies!

I hope that you will join me for coffee today! I am loving this series and the opportunity to share with you all. I am linking up with my friend Alissa, so if you are joining me on this hang out sesh I suggest you go link up and see what other women are sharing!

I am wearing this camo hoody. Again. And these sunnies. I am DYING to get them with the Green Flash lens too.

If we were having coffee today (or tea since that is what I am drinking) I would start off by sharing that I am missing my family this week! Getting to spend a couple days with them is like a tease. Seeing my nephew and niece makes my heart SO happy. I tell you that I was so excited to have my nephew sleep in my room both nights that they were here. And that on the second night he woke up and wanted to sleep in bed with me. WHile I didn't get much sleep that night (how do you moms do it???) I loved the extra cuddles, running my fingers through his curls and watching him sleep. There is nothing more special than those little moments. I would ask you about your fam (if you had one) or to have you share a special moment you had in the past couple of weeks.

 Don't pay any attention to me. Sneak attack! How I slept most of Sunday night.

If I was having coffee with you I would share that I had an interview this week and that I have been applying for new jobs. I would share what a nerve wrecking process it is but even through the nerves I am SUPER excited to start a new chapter in my life. I would ask you to keep me in your thoughts and prayers that the perfect position comes available. I would ask you about your job and where your passion lies. 

Dating and my Work Outs are always a hot topic. I would share that I saw my "future husband" in a Yoga class last week. I would tell you that I have not been that physically attracted to someone like that in YEARS. Now I just have to see him again so that I can get the balls to talk to him. I would tell you how my family saw what I looked like after a hot yoga class and jokingly (well, not really. They were serious) told me that I should only try to talk to him BEFORE class. LOL. I am a hot, disgusting, sweaty, smelly and red faced mess after a work out. There is nothing cute about me. At all. I know that and I am ok with that. I would ask you if you read my most recent Flirty Thirty posts about my dating diary the last few months and get your thoughts on what I shared. I would ask how your love life is and if you have been focused on a diet and fitness regimen.

If we were hanging out I would talk a little bit about the blog and social media. I would share that my blog readership continues to grow and that I am a little overwhelmed by my Inbox. I have so many emails to respond to that I don't know where to begin. Haha. I would share that I am beginning to accomplish some of the goals that I set for 2013. AND I would tell you how excited I am that I hit 500 followers on Instagram! Pretty cool milestone. 

I always have to share what I am dying to buy. So I would tell you that I am in DIRE need of a new pair of running shoes and that I am thinking about buying these in the BRIGHT blue combo. I am also dying to buy these booties after stalking Laura of Ascot Friday's blog and IG feed. Plus my friend Jess has them and I am in love. I still need to buy some pants that fit. I am loving these because of the zippers and my obsession with distressed denim is out of control so these skinnies obviously need to come home with me. And lastly I am dying to buy the Naked Basic palette. I need some matte, neutral shadows in my life. I need to reel my shopping in until I secure a new job. I am hoping you will hold me accountable ;)

I am pretty positive that we would talk about upcoming plans for the weekend and that we cannot believe that it is February already! I have a 30th birthday party to attend and I have NO plans for Super Bowl (yet). I still haven't seen some of the Best Picture nominees and I am DYING to go to a concert. Luckily I will be seeing Pink in a couple weeks. I have started making plans to go to AZ fro Spring Training, I have some Country concerts that I will be attending and a couple weddings coming up. The next few months will be very busy! I would hope that you are planning some fun things too!

Now that I have talked your ear off, what else would you tell me? I love hearing about your life too! Let's chat!

Thanks for hanging out with me today! I hope that you have an incredible weekend! 

Since none of my favorite teams are playing in the Super Bowl I am going to root for the California team....GOOOOO NINERS!!!

Merry Everything, Happy Always!

I want to wish EVERY single one of you the Merriest of Christmases and Happiness Always!

 I am so thankful that you read my blog, find me somewhat interesting and for your interaction! I have been SO BLESSED through blogging and I am beyond grateful for the opportunities that I have been given.

On this day I sure am missing my incredible family, especially the two little ones that bring so much JOY! This is the first year in my 30 years of life that I am not with them on Christmas Day. This has been a year of firsts, following my heart and creating new traditions; so this is one of those times that I am remembering that. I LOVE you Dad, Mom, Carly, Samantha, Adam, Eli and Drew! No matter where we celebrate we hold each other in our hearts!

Thank GOD we have iPhones and FaceTime. ;)

 

 Sending SO MUCH Love!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Xxo, Mandy

 

Changes are Coming...

                                                Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Mandy on Pinterest

I have been pretty transparent in 2012. Well, as transparent as I have felt comfortable with; hoping not to share TOO much of myself on the blog and the internet. Being vulnerable and sharing my heart is not always easy nor comfortable. But the last six months as I have shared with you my fitness and weight loss goals, talked about finding myself again after ending my relationship (Here, Here, Here, Here, ), my thoughts and excitement about turning 30 and documenting my style, I have gotten quite the steady following. With that following I have gotten more comments, I have connected with many of you over emails/Twitter and I have gotten LOTS of questions.

I have been thinking, A LOT! Now that I am in a new phase in my life I think I am going to start a weekly post that touches on life as a single woman in her thirties. I have been asked if I would consider blogging about dating; which would include the dates I go on, what to wear, communication, pretty much the good, bad and the ugly. There have been questions about how I {re}built my self esteem, how I handle friendships/relationships (like my ex), what I plan to do with my 'career',  and how I "really" found my happiness. Clearly that is a LOT of info and I think it is time to address some of it. I am ready to share my heart a little more frequently along with my personal style.

                              Source: pursuitoffelicity.tumblr.com via Mandy on Pinterest

BUT (yes there is a but) I am extremely nervous to be so vulnerable. I don't plan on holding back and I don't want to be insensitive. I would never want someone to Google my name and see that I talk about all of my dates/relationships/experiences. I don't want people to be afraid to date me or share with me in fear that I will talk about them. I want this to be about ME, what I have learned so that I can HELP YOU!

Sooooooooo.......

- Does this interest you?

- Will you comment or email me questions or situations along the way so that I am keeping the info fresh and tailored to you as the reader?

- Do you think that this is a good idea?
- Can you help me come up with a name for this series???
{Flirty Thirty, Thoughts of a Thirty something, a play on Sex And The City?}

I cannot do this without your interaction.

So PLEASE let me know what you think!! 

I mean, how could you not want to read the thoughts and advice from THIS face? ;)

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.