September 25, 2018

DSW Style Squad

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This week has been one for the books. A few weeks ago, I signed on with DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse as a part of the new DSW Style Squad. I couldn’t be more excited! For the next 6 months, I (along with 4 other fabulous ladies) will be sharing the latest styles and showing you how to incorporate them into your daily routine.

I’ve looked at the trend forecast for fall and it is smoking hot with so many shoe trends. I have a full content calendar planned for this DSW launch and I know you’re going to love it and be inspired.

I will do another blog post in a few weeks sharing the styles that you must try for the upcoming season, but in the meantime, let me introduce you to the squad! Fun fact: these ladies are actually all my sweet friends, which makes this deal so much sweeter. When I lived in Houston, I had the opportunity to connect with so many incredibly strong women and entrepreneurs. It is my hope that we will inspire not only your closets but also challenge you to fight for your dreams! After all, this opportunity is a dream come true for all of us, and I feel blessed to be able to share it with each of you.

Without further delay, here is your new DSW Style Squad:

Roselyn Weaver @roselynweaver

Dawn P. Darnell @dawnpdarnell

Sarah Adam Hafez @sarahadamhafez

Shay Sweeney @shaymone

Follow each one of these ladies to see how we style the latest collections from DSW. I am personally so excited to show you my take on the western trend – I mean, I am from Texas and all. It’s only fitting!

What are some trends you are excited to see this season? Sound off in the comments below or shoot me an email and I just might style it for you on the blog!

As always, thank you so much for reading. I so appreciate you guys!

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Travel

June 22, 2018

Jamaica – Laughing Waters – Ochos Rios

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One of the highlights of our trip to Jamaica was visiting the Laughing Waters in Ochos Rios. We met Tony, who is a tour guide that services the resort we were staying at (The Jamaica Inn) and he told us about the adventure. We knew right away that this was something that we wanted to take part in. I am not one to venture too far from the resort when we are on vacation, but I put on my brave face and hopped into the boat with my husband. We rode across the ocean for about 30 minutes until we arrived at the waterfall.

I recorded the entire ride on my camera so you can follow along above to see how beautiful the view was. The water was incredible because the waterfall was fresh water and the ocean was salt water, so we were at a point in the water where the two met and it was really cool to see. Once we got out of the boat, we climbed to up the rocks to where the Laughing Waters are and we got in. The water was moving so strong. Imagine an intense hot tub with jets on … only the water is cold. I had to use my leg muscles to not let the water pull me away but it felt amazing having the water pounding on my back.

Dunnes River Falls is a common destination for tourists to visit when in Jamaica, so we wanted to do something a little more private and not as crowded. I loved that it was just Jason and I experiencing the waterfall, it was super serene and peaceful. We’ve already talked about bringing the boys back here.

On the way back from the Laughing Waters, our tour guide, Tony, stopped us by the coral reef in the middle of the ocean. We went snorkeling and saw lots of fish! Jason is quite the swimmer and was way out away from the boat checking out everything under the water, but I stayed right by the boat and kept coming up to make sure Tony could see me in case of emergency (haha! paranoid much?)

After we snorkeled for a bit, we rode the boat back to The Jamaica Inn where we were staying. It was an awesome adventure that I cannot wait to experience again some day. My husband kept telling me how surprised he was that I got into the ocean and snorkeled, but when in Jamaica … I figured I might as well live a little and have a good time.

Have you been to Ochos Rios before? If so, what are your favorite things to do? I am hoping to make it back soon!

Thanks so much for reading. Check out my next posts for a full recap of our trip to Jamaica and The Jamaica Inn.

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Open

How I moved my body last week as a 37 year old mom x 3 🤍
Monday: heavy lift day
Tuesday: full body sculpt
Wednesday: hot sculpt
Thursday: heavy lift day
Friday: hot sculpt
Saturday: full body sculpt
This current split might be my favorite! Have you tried any of these types of classes? You guys know I LOVE a hot sculpt session 🥵💁🏽‍♀️👏🏾
Workout Split, Fitness Routine, Hot Pilates, Hot Sculpt, Lagree, Women over 30, Moms who Workout, Morning Routine

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Beauty

June 18, 2018

Beauty Hack: How To Look Like You Got 8 Hours Of Sleep

I don’t sleep much. I work a lot and I am often consumed with the busyness that is life as a wife and mother of two. BUT … that doesn’t mean I have to look like it! Can I get an amen? I shared my beauty hacks on the blog a couple days ago, but I wanted to dive a little deeper into the magic that is … a great concealer, the right brightening powder and just an overall perfect make-up slay. If you’re into naturally looking like you got 8 hours of sleep … this post may not be for you, but I hear drinking lots of water, using eye masks and actually getting rest helps.

If I could shout this from the rooftops, I would, but since I’m sitting on a couch in Jamaica, listen up: If you don’t have a GREAT, and I mean, GREAT concealer in your makeup bag, add that to your list of things to do tomorrow. I don’t really have dark circles under my eyes or bags, but I love the way a really good concealer literally brings your eyes to life.

Check out my YouTube tutorial on how to go from puffy and sleepy, to bright and beautiful in less than 10 minutes.

Step 1:

After priming your face and applying your favorite foundation, grab your concealer and draw vertical lines under your eyes, on the bridge of your nose, between your eyebrows and underneath your nostrils. Optional: you can also shape your chin by drawing a “V” on your chin right below your lips.

Step 2:

Take a clean and WET beauty blender (or the like), and begin to blend in the product. Important note: dab to blend the product into your face, do not swipe!

Step 3:

Make sure the product is blended in and then set it with a brightening powder or setting powder. I use a brightening powder.

Step 4:

Optional, but effective – highlight your T zone! Use a brush or damp blender to highlight those prominent bones on your face! I love to highlight the bridge of my nose, the high point on my cheeks and forehead.

Step 5:

Go out and SLAY the day!

Here To Inspire

June 15, 2018

Dealing With Disappointment

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Dealing with Disappointment. It’s been a disappointing week, from not so great news about my brother-in-law who is battling cancer, to finding out that something I really wanted and prayed for wasn’t going to work out the way I hoped. I’ve struggled with keeping my head up and pushing forward with everything that is going on behind the scenes, but I do try my best. I often share my outfits and everything great that’s happening in my world, but honestly, this week, I’ve cried more than I have in awhile and I’ve felt at a loss, completely unsure of the direction that God is taking me.

Disappointment, after disappointment, leads me here, writing in my little corner of the internet to share something that my family strongly believes (mostly because I need this reminder today) – what is meant for you, is meant for you – it cannot be taken away, and it will come in God’s timing. This gives me so much peace when I think about it, even when the pain of things not going the way I planned takes the wind out of my sails.

I have these ideas in my head of where I should be – in my career, in my blog, in my personal life … and honestly, when things don’t go the way I imagined they would, it’s really hard to cling to that reminder, but I know that it is true, as it has been proven time and time again.

I got a call today that I hoped would go much differently than it did. I am sure many of you can relate to that feeling of hope and longing for something, and the pain that comes when another delay comes. You are not alone, and even if you are not a person of faith, I hope that you can find peace in knowing that the universe wants you to win, and you will in due time.

I just wanted to share a quick update as to what’s happening over here this week, we’ll be back to regularly scheduled programming tomorrow! Below are a few of my favorite scriptures for times like this. XO – Steph

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listento you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Psalm 27:14 (ESV) Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Hebrews 1:11 (ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Pslam 39:7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.

Outfit details: Top is from Naked Zebra, everything else is linked below!

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Beauty

June 11, 2018

Beauty Hacks: What I Swear By

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Who doesn’t love a good beauty hack? I rounded up 5 hacks that I realized I use pretty frequently and wanted to share them with you all.

Let’s jump right in!

1. Puffy face when you wake up? Try rubbing ice all over the areas of concern or putting something cold on your skin. Not only does this trick calm my skin down, it gives me a fresh face to start the day.

2. Throw away your makeup remover! Natural oils are excellent makeup removers and you probably already have them in your kitchen. I personally love avocado oil, jojoba oil and coconut oil, but really, any oil does an amazing job of breaking down the makeup on your face and removing it. I’ve even used olive oil when I was out of some of my others.

3. Drink your weight in water. I’m not the best at this one but when I’m on track and doing what I need to do to get my water intake in, this makes all the difference with my skin as well as my insides.

4. Concealer is your best friend. Tip 1: Put on concealer after you apply foundation. Tip 2: draw triangles or vertical lines under your eyes, blend it in with a wet sponge or beauty blender to brighten up your eye area. I take it a step further and apply product to my entire T-zone!

5. Prime + Set. Always apply primer before putting on your makeup. Primer is a great way to help your makeup go on smooth and last all day. Once you’re finished applying your makeup, set your face with a great setting powder or setting spray. There are so many options out there, you can literally achieve any look you’re going for – dewy, matte, glow … you name it!

What are some beauty hacks you love? As I was typing this, I realized I had so many other “hacks” that I use every day, I almost changed the post to 10 beauty hacks, but I went ahead and kept it at 5 to keep it short and simple. I will add on more in a future post!!

Until next time, thanks for reading!

XO – Steph

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Blogging Tips

June 5, 2018

How To Stand Out And Be Different In the Blogging World

Standing out when it feels like everyone else is trying so hard to fit in is hard. Really hard. You want to “do you,” but it seems as though the “in” thing is to be the same as everyone else. In the blogging world, it is common to scroll through Instagram, see something popular and then find hundreds of other content creators attempting to do the same thing.

I want to hopefully encourage other content creators and business owners alike and say that it is OKAY and actually so important to be different. So how do you do that? How do you stand out when everyone else is trying so desperately to fit in?

Figure what makes you different, then own it.

So what’s your it factor? Don’t worry, you don’t have to tell me right now. Sometimes it takes a minute to really figure it out and pinpoint what it is exactly that makes you different from everyone else. Depending on your industry, there may be a lot of other people who do what you do. Whether you’re a blogger or business owner, you have to determine how and why your audience will want to come to your page over someone else’s. For example, fashion blogging at times can appear to be very self serving, but I think the important thing to remember is that we are here to serve others. How are you being of service to your audience? Are you just posting outfit of the day images like everyone else? Or are you teaching and helping your readers in an area that they need help growing in? Don’t get me wrong, there are many content creators who have audiences who come to them specifically for the clothes or that one thing, but if you aren’t an “expert” in that field, you have to find a way to offer something of deeper value.

A lot of times, we try to emulate what others are doing in hopes of it too making us successful, but the reality is that what works for someone else, may not work for you. The beauty of this industry is that there is literally room for all of us – but the key is bring what you offer to the table, not a carbon copy of someone else’s work.

Trust me, I know the comparison game is real and reading this post is probably easier said than done, but in the end, it is so worth it.

If you’re struggling with what to do next and feeling like nothing is working, no one cares, your work is meaningless, etc. etc. – stop, take a moment (or several moments) to regroup, think about the reason you started – a lot of times this will help you begin to figure out your “it” factor and what makes you different. Everyone’s why is different. Everyone’s path is different. We weren’t all meant to be the same.

I say all of this to say, do you, boo. That’s the greatest gift you can give your audience/readers. And while you’re doing you, think about how you can serve others while doing what you love.

Thank you for reading loves!

Beauty

June 5, 2018

The No Make-Up, Make-Up Look

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Style

June 5, 2018

How To Look Like You Got 8 Hours Of Sleep

Check out my YouTube tutorial on how to go from puffy and sleepy, to bright and beautiful in less than 10 minutes.

Step 1:

Step 2:

Take a clean and WET beauty blender (or the like), and begin to blend in the product. Important note: dab to blend the product into your face, do not swipe!

Step 3:

Make sure the product is blended in and then set it with a brightening powder or setting powder. I use a brightening powder.

Step 4:

Step 5:

Go out and SLAY the day!

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Travel

May 28, 2018

Vacation Mode: What To Pack

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What to pack for vacation?? We leave for Jamaica next week and I seriously can’t wait. I always struggle with a bit of anxiety when leaving my kiddos behind, but once I land in paradise, I’m ready to have a great time. This will be beach trip number 2 for the year, and after over-packing the first time around, I have a pretty good idea of what to bring and what not to bring on this trip.

I of course will be shooting content and doing a bit of styling while I’m on vacation, so I’m still probably bringing more than the average person, but it works for me! When getting ready for a trip I always start a packing list of what I want to bring. It usually always consists of things I already have that I just need to remember to put in my bag, and things that I need to go out and purchase. Since I just got back from the beach, I don’t need to buy much (thank goodness!)

Here’s a breakdown of what I’m packing! If you’re going on a trip this summer, I hope this helps!

Skincare:

I always pack a great makeup remover, cleanser and moisturizer. A few years ago I went on a trip and forgot to bring great skincare and by the time we got home, my face had been through the ringer. I will never make that mistake again! Vacation mode does not apply to your face … ever! I’ll bringing my June Jacobs Cucumber Cleanser and my L’Oreal Hydra Moisturizer! I swear by this stuff! It does wonders for my skin.

Beauty:

When I’m in the sun a lot, I do not wear heavy makeup during the day. A tinted moisturizer is my go to. I have a few that I love but right now I have Nars so I will likely bring this with me. I linked a few others that I’ve tried and love. For the evening, I amp up my beauty looks a bit and typically do a full face.

Hair:

I got a sew-in a couple weeks ago and will have this for the beach. While I would normally get braids before a trip like this, I have an important meeting right before my trip and I didn’t want to wear braids for it. My hair is naturally curly so I just spray it with water and define my curls using Ouai Wave Spray. This product was gifted to me earlier this month and I am so glad because I use it all the time right now.

Looks:

Styling for the beach is easily my favorite. All you really need are a few great sundresses, swimsuits, cover-ups, sunglasses and some looks for dressing up a bit at night. Here is a sneak peek at a few things that will definitely be in my suitcase.

Where are you headed this summer? Let me know if there’s anything that is a “must pack” for you and your family!

Thanks for reading! XO – Steph
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Style

May 22, 2018

Summer Style: Red Two Piece Set

Summer Style: Red Two Piece Set. I was shopping at my favorite online store (ASOS!) and found this adorable two piece set that I planned to bring to Cabo with me. I had a total goofball moment and only ordered the skirt, not the top too, so mission failed on having this beauty with me to frolic on the beach in. Thankfully the top was still in stock when I went back to order it and now I’ll definitely bring this with me to Jamaica in a few weeks.

I have been living in sets lately and I have no intention of stopping. I love that I can show a little skin confidently with a high waist skirt. I’m a mom of two with stretch marks on my stomach so naturally, walking around in a crop top isn’t something that I always felt comfortable doing, but I found a way to achieve the look in a way that still fits my personal summer style.

Summer Style Tip:

When shopping for a skirt that you might want to wear a little higher on your waist, consider sizing down. I’ll be honest, I sometimes have to wiggle to get the skirt over my ass but when I finally get it up, it’s worth it and I don’t have to worry about it falling down.

ASOS is having a great sale right now (20% off) so swing by their site and shop this look along with several other styles that are perfect for summer. I’ve been spending some much time (and money … ooops) on their pieces lately, but they seriously have the best quality for the best price. A hidden gem on the world wide web!

If you shop the sale, let me know what you find! I can’t wait to see. I’ll share my haul with you over on my SHOP page.

Have a great week beautiful people and thank you so much for reading.

Steph

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Style

May 15, 2018

20 Summer Dresses Under $100

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Sharing 20 summer dresses under $100 (many under $20!) today on the blog. Often times when I’m searching for a great deal on a dress, it ends up being a bodycon or something tight fitting with little design or substance, so I set out to find pieces that were affordable, but still very stylish and appropriate for every day mamas like me!

I scoured my favorite budget friendly sites, including ASOS, Forever21, Shein and a few more, to bring you an ongoing list of dresses that will keep you styled throughout the summer months. Being based in Texas, I typically opt for a dress when it’s 100 degrees outside because it is easy to slip on and cool. To shop my picks, simply click on any of the images above!

XO – Steph
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Beauty

May 8, 2018

Conair Curl Secret 2.0 + How To Stay Glam As A Mom

Today’s post is brought to you in partnership with Conair!

We’re chatting all about how to stay glam as a mom!

It’s no secret that I love a good glam session. I literally pull out my favorite makeup products and styling tools and I can hear angels singing. I recently added the Curl Secret 2.0 by Conair to my routine and it’s been such a game changer … more on that in a second.

I’m a mom of two and our life literally revolves around our kiddos, which is to be expected at this stage in our lives, but it’s because of this that taking care of myself and finding time for me is so important.

I try to make time for beauty where there are gaps in my schedule, so for me my glam session usually starts very early in the morning before the kids get up.

I remember somewhat losing myself after my first child and it took awhile before I could even wrap my head around getting dressed every day … but there’s something so empowering about a really good glam session.

I’m getting ready today using the Conair Curl Secret 2.0 and the Hot Brush and I swear my glam just elevated to a whole new level.

I wear my hair so many different ways, including extensions, naturally curly and wigs, so I was thrilled to use this product on all of my hair options and be able to achieve the voluminous look I love. I will say though, make sure that you try the tool on a small section of hair FIRST if you are wearing extensions to make sure that it will work for you! (DISCLAIMER)

Tell me, have you added the Curl Secret 2.0 to your glam routine? If not, what are you waiting for? Treat yourself or your mama this Mother’s Day! You can find any of the products mentioned in this post at Ulta!

Comment below if you want to win an extra entry to for you and your mama to get a new Curl Secret 2.0 just in time for Mother’s Day!

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DSW Style Squad

Jamaica – Laughing Waters – Ochos Rios

Beauty Hack: How To Look Like You Got 8 Hours Of Sleep

Dealing With Disappointment

Beauty Hacks: What I Swear By

How To Stand Out And Be Different In the Blogging World

The No Make-Up, Make-Up Look

How To Look Like You Got 8 Hours Of Sleep

Vacation Mode: What To Pack

Summer Style: Red Two Piece Set

20 Summer Dresses Under $100

Conair Curl Secret 2.0 + How To Stay Glam As A Mom

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