From Farming to Fashion

Wardrobe Staples

Just like a little black dress is a wardrobe staple, so is a black purse. My current favorite is the Coach Pillow Tabby! This bag is a literal dream. It feels so comfortable worn as a shoulder bag and looks good worn as a crossbody as well. I like to add a nice touch to my bags with cute bag charms. Coach not only has beautiful bags but make the cutes charms as well. If you’re looking to add accessories to your bags you have to check them out.

I’m a small bag kind of girl so the bags below are for all my mini bag lovers. I love a cute simple bag with just a casual outfit for everyday. Smaller bags also keep you from carrying a ton of junk you don’t need! Ladies, I know we’re all guilty of it.

The Coach top handle tote bag is so cute. It features a magnetic closure clasp and the Coach cherry bag charm adds a perfect touch. I’ll take the Michael Kors bag when I’m off for a date and just need something small to carry gloss and my phone.

Holiday Gift Guide: Code Word Cozy

Most of us are lounging around the house these days in pajamas, loungewear, and cozy sweats with a blanket nearby. That’s what makes a cozy gift a great idea. Blankets, throws, sweaters, and pajamas are gifts that are used year around. I’ve linked some cozy blankets from Target, Amazon , Kohl’s, and Tj Maxx. Ross, Marshall’s, Walmart, and HomeGoods also have some lovely last minute cozy gifts.

This time of year is also a time for all things flannel and plaid. Hollister has some great options in this department. I love the Plaid Flannel Shirt, Boyfriend Fit Oversided Flannel (I purchased one for myself and love it), Oversided Flannel Shirt. I also recommend checking out their Reversible Sherpa Hoodie, Full-Zip Sherpa Hoodie, and the Half-Zip Sherpa Hoodie. Hollister also has really good sweatshirts and sweatpants that I’d recommend. They’re on the pricey side but they’ve held up longer than sweatsuits I’ve purchased from Walmart.

The last thing I’d recommend are denim jackets. Walmart has a few beautiful denim jackets that I can personally vouch for, I’ve also purchased good ones from Target. Outerwear like Jackets and Cardigans are always a safe cozy bet for the holidays.

The countdown begins, 3 days to go!

Holiday Gift Guide: Missguided

Missguided is one of my favorite online brands. You get fashionable pieces at a good price. The links below are to items I love and would recommend for the fashionista in the family.

I love a good all white look. I feel like you look put together and fresh, plus they are easy to accessorize. The White Diamanté Corset Dress would be the perfect gift. It gives bad and bougie vibes and would be a perfect dress for New Years. The White Tulle Corset Dress would be a great New Years dress as well. To stay on the theme of white dresses I’d also recommend checking out the White Lace Up Side Dress and the White Tie Sleeve Skater Dress.

The Sean John Collection was a drop that I loved and it was something that made me nostalgic. I love the sweatshirts and matching items in this collection. If you need a coat or want to purchase one for someone special in your life I recommend the Tan Long Coat and the Cord Oversided Utility Shacket.

Please note all orders must be placed by 2pm Monday the 21st to be received by Christmas Day.

Let’s Talk Therapy

Mental health directly affects your quality of life. I once had a supervisor tell me that poor mental health was the leading cause of low work performance. He then went on to tell me how it was important for me to have some activity outside of work that I really enjoyed because that was what would made work more enjoyable. Now that a few years have passed I would say I wholeheartedly agree with that. When I’m working on my blog, making time to pamper myself, and taking trips it truly makes work more bearable.

I know we have all heard of the mind body connection, but I do not think we truly grasp the importance of that connection. I have personally seen how that disconnect has affected me and the people around me. Your diet affects your mental health, let me say that again YOUR DIET AFFECTS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH. Having a proper diet affects your mental, physical, and emotional health. I know changing your diet may feel ominous but try it. I don’t mean eat healthy one day, I mean give it a real try. I recommend incorporating more healthy foods into your diet like; berries, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and bright colored fruits and vegetables. I’d also recommend monitoring the amount of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats you intake. By changing your diet alone you will feel better and start to look better.

When you deal with mental health issues you often feel like your energy levels are low, and have problems focusing. Exercise is what I have found helps the most. Exercising not only helps boost your energy levels but can also help you sleep better, improve memory, and have a positive impact on your mental health. A walk, bike ride, or light jog can help release endorphins which help to relieve stress and tension, and boost your overall feeling. I can personally attest to this! When I have been at my lowest points exercise is one of the things that has helped me out the most. Instead of crying it out or stressing out, I’d work it out. I encourage you to join a gym, find a workout online or group classes you enjoy.

A somewhat taboo topic, particularly in the black community – therapy. You do not have to be crazy to need therapy, there is nothing wrong with going to therapy or getting help;you are not weak because you need therapy. It’s so disheartening to me when I think about some of the things I’ve heard when people cry out for help or say they need therapy. Please do not expect everyone to understand you or where you are coming from. Sometimes you have to do things for yourself! Find a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor that you feel comfortable with. As many of you know I have been going to therapy for a little over a year. I initially started going due to Postpartum Depression, and I continue to go because I’m not where I’d like to be.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to send me an email or leave me a comment. Please share any post you’ve found helpful.

With Love, Amanda

Self-care During the Holidays

Self-care during the holidays is particularly important as we often get lost trying to do for others. The most important thing that you can do for yourself and others is to show up and give 100%. In order to do that we sometimes have to dial back. For some that may look like a spa day, a day of no household chores, or simply being instead of doing.

Self-care can help alleviate stress and allow you to tackle everyday obstacles with more vigor. You will feel happier and be able to focus on task easier. As someone who has struggled coping with stress I can attest to the importance of self-care.

In the past I thought self-care meant painting, taking time to have a bubble bath, or just spending a few hours away from my little one. While those things are important and critical for peace, self-care is so much more.

I had to realize that self care was allowing myself to be vulnerable and feel free expressing my emotion. It took me going to therapy to feel comfortable doing so. I had to learn to practice self-compassion and did daily positive affirmations. I’ve used a guided journal for a few months now and have had to answer questions that really shouldn’t be that tough. One that really got me was, “What do you love about yourself? I encourage you to take the time to love on yourself and practice self-compassion and answer this question, “What do you love about yourself?”