(Small signs of fall….)

I thought about what I wanted to write about all day. Not because I didn’t have anything to talk about (no shortage there), but because the single topic that kept coming to mind was the one that I didn’t know if I had the correct words to formulate a post about. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been feeling slightly overwhelmed with everything on my plate… parenting and managing toddlerhood, making sure nutritious meals are cooked, meeting deadlines and scheduling projects for work, squeezing in workouts, quality time with TJ, and keeping in touch with my girlfriends… it all sort of came crashing down at the end of last week. I’ve never been one to have panic attacks, or really suffer from intense anxiety, but I could feel that something was off on Friday. My heart was racing, I couldn’t turn my mind off, worrying about loads of “what-if’s,” obsessing over certain things being perfect, I was irritable, and felt on the verge of tears several times. While I took some time to reflect on Saturday, I realized that I’ve been feeling as if I’ve been doing everything “half-way….” a mediocre friend, mom, wife, writer…. I felt like a slight hypocrite always encouraging women to take time for self-care…. to ask for help when they need it… and here I was, not doing either….

So, I guess you could say that this trip to Hawaii is coming at an opportune time (TJ had a last minute work trip, so Harper and I decided to tag along). A chance to disconnect, reconnect, and take some time to focus on a few important things in my life. I’ve prepped all blog posts, which means minimal working while I’m there. I’m hoping to text a few girlfriends (maybe even chat) and read a book or magazine while little miss sleeps, and to be as present as possible.

 All that to say, I was reminded of the importance of asking for help and taking care of myself…. so, if you’re feeling the same way, stop for a moment and do something for yourself (I ended up doing some yoga to center myself, taking a long shower, and treating myself to mani/pedi tomorrow). If you’re not feeling that way, do something nice for yourself regardless….. we all deserve it… and don’t have to go it alone! I hope you all have a good week friends xx

(An end of the week family breakfast out… almost too pretty to eat….)

(Went back to an old favorite, Outpost Kitchen, for a morning breakfast date)

(Grey on grey for a spin session… leggings, hoodie)

(Saturday evening bubbles)

(Sunday morning comfies… pullover, joggers)

(Always obsessed with the balls….)

(Felt a little like fall…. comfy cardi, band tee)
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We’ll be traveling all day tomorrow, and I’m not a huge fan of airport or airplane food. So, I picked up a few snacks for the plane for our little family including these fruit and veggie bars for Harper, peanut butter crackers, kale chips, perfect bar, and beef jerky. I’m also considering making a few of these egg muffins for a quick breakfast since we have a very early morning flight.

I haven’t started packing yet, but I know what I am brining… so I guess that’s better than nothing. I’ll be tossing in this gorgeous one shoulder top to pair with shorts for an evening mai tai, and later with my favorite jeans and mules for a night out. The other tops making it in the suitcase include this soft thermal, gauzy ruffle top in the prettiest hue for fall, knotted pullover (which I will likely wear backwards), and my favorite distressed shorts to wear with them. I’ll also be bringing a few dresses including this blue and white one I wore to my sister’s bachelorette party, embroidered black off the shoulder dress, casual cold shoulder dress, tunic dress to toss on as a cover up (and easily wear with booties when I return), and this adorable stripe romper (slightly obsessed). I also bought this headband, and I’m oddly excited to wear it…. To travel in, I plan on wearing these joggers and this pullover (with a tank underneath, since it’ll be hot when we get off the plane).  I also bought this little boho romper for little miss and I’m obsessed.

A few items that I saw this over the weekend that I thought would be perfect for everyday include this lace-up pullover, marigold cardigan (love love the color), pleated knit top (looks perfect for work or play), blush velvet camisole (#obsessed), and this wrap front sweater.