Be More Like Nick

I have not posted in about a week and I, honestly, have had way too many thoughts and emotions in the past week to even consider writing about the things I normally post about on here.  My family lost a very special 26 year old cousin of mine, a husband, a son, a brother and friend to many on March 9th and I have never experienced something so devastating in my life before.  I couldn't go on with my normal posts without getting some of my thoughts out onto paper (or computer) about what has been overtaking my entire mind and heart the past week.

How To Simplify Your Life

You hear about spring cleaning every year right as the seasons change from winter to spring but you never hear anybody say they're going to 'fall clean'.  After a busy summer, I think it is important to have a few ways to simplify your life to get you back on track before the seasons shift.  Read along to find a few easy ways to make your life a little more simple before the fall and winter craziness starts controlling you. Plus, find these fall outfit details at the bottom of this post!

101 Things in 1001 Days

While reading some of my own favorite blogs the other day, I stumbled upon Mackenzie Horan's list of 101 things to do in 1001 days.  It inspired me so much and I wanted to create my own to maybe help hold me accountable for all I want to accomplish and to motivate me to dream big.  There are just so many goals from small to large that can be done over 1001 days and sometimes if you don't take note of them, the time just flies by.  I'll continue to update this list as time goes on and hopefully by the end, I will have a lot crossed off!

Start: September 12, 2015

End: June 9, 2018

Charmed

Mock Neck Plaid Swing Tank || Distressed White Skinny Jeans || Reversible Tote Bag || Charm Bracelet c/o Soufeel Jewelry || Shoes: TJ Maxx but similar options: TOMS Majorca Quilted Suede Open Toe Booties, Grey Suede Peep Toe Heeled Ankle Boots, and VIA SPIGA Fabrizie Suede Slingback Mules || Earrings

If I ever see someone wearing a charm bracelet, I can't help but stop and wonder.  I wonder about why they chose those charms and what their story is.  I remember getting my first Pandora bracelet years ago and looking at all of the charms that symbolized something important in my life.  That is the beauty of charm bracelets... no two bracelets are ever going to be the same because it reflects each person individually and I love that. 

The not so beautiful part of charm bracelets? They can tend to get pricy, especially as you add on more and more to it.  That's where Soufeel comes in and saves the day. Soufeel is a retailer that provides quality charms for a really reasonable price. I chose a leather braided bracelet and six new charms that symbolized something important in my life.  Read below the 6 facts about me that led me to choose my charms!

1. A seashell charm: Ever since I can remember, the beach has held a special place in my heart.  There is something so refreshing about an ocean view that never ends, sand beneath my toes, and the sound of the waves crashing over and over again.  I can't think of a more relaxing and refreshing spot and the fact that so many memories have been made there makes it a very significant place to me. 

2. A pawprint charm: Those of you who know me personally or follow me on snapchat, know that I have a chocolate lab who adds so much joy to my life! She's kindof like mine and TJ's first child and we've both grown so much since adding a furry baby in our lives.  She means so much to us, is the cuddliest thing ever, and if either of us are having a not so great day, she instantly puts us in a happy mood. I really can't imagine what life would be like without a dog.

3. Hands coming together charm: This charm can mean a lot of different things to different people.  For me, I wanted a charm that symbolized something intangible and important.  I think of my support system as a whole and the importance of my family and friends.  They've always been there for me and whenever they need help, I'm there for them. Even the community as a whole coming together and helping each other in hard times is a very important thing and inspires me to be a better person. 

4. Love charm: This charm is engraved with the words "I learned what love is from loving you".  Yeah, yeah.. it be can seen as mushy gushy but I love it.  I won't bore y'all a love story right now but love is everything and this can have different meanings to people. So, obviously I had to get a charm that symbolizes what life is all about.

5. A grapes charm: When I think of grapes, I think of my mom and dad.  They grow their own grapes and make wine and I love wine and I love my parents so clearly this charm was needed on my bracelet. Basically, it reminds me of my parents and all they've done for me (which is A LOT).

6. An anchor charm: An anchor symbolizes many things to me.  To me, it symbolizes being confident in who I am as a person and the decisions I make.  When you are unsure of who you are, you can find yourself drifting amongst chaotic tides and currents rather than maintaining calmness and stability.  The anchor also symbolizes hope and was the symbol for Delta Gamma!

You can get 5% off anything at Soufeel with the code 'Blog5'. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

XO, Shelby