10 Simple Things that Make me Happy (and a Sephora Giveaway!) 8.28.2018

I’m definitely a believer in looking for the good in each day, and I also love little routines, so the simple things in life often bring me so much happiness! Of course traveling to amazing destinations and celebrating life milestones make me incredibly happy, but those don’t happen all the time, so I think it’s important to find what makes you happy and what you’re grateful for in your everyday life. 

I thought I would share 10 things that make me happy in everyday life, and I challenge you to make your own list! 

Diffusing essential oils

I’m still fairly new to the essential oil world, but the past several months I’ve loved diffusing them in our home each day! Not only do they make our home smell better and create a relaxing atmosphere, but they have a number of health benefits such as purifying the air and relieving headaches or stress. I have a few diffusers, but this one is my favorite (and by far the cheapest), I use Young Living oils because the quality is the best I’ve found (a little goes a long way)!

Finding a kickass new song or album and listening to it on repeat

I’m so bad about this, but when I find new music I love I have the listening habits of a 14-year-old girl and listen on serious repeat. Lately I’m loving Mac Miller’s new album “Swimming” and the song “Give a Little” by Maggie Rogers.

Cuddling with my doggies

Our dogs are definitely our babies, and even though our furniture would look 5x better if they weren’t allowed up there, we can’t help but to enjoy snuggling with them every day. Russell, especially, loves to cuddle and most nights he sleeps curled up against my stomach.

Getting into bed with clean sheets

So, this technically only happens once a week, but I love starting out a new week with clean sheets. It’s such a calming feeling!

Morning quiet time

I’ll share more about this in a future post, but ever since I started carving out a bit of quiet time in the mornings I’ve felt so much more awake and calm going into each day. It’s such a nice way to ease into the day, and I love to sip on my hot lemon water during this time.

Having plants around the house

I love having a bit of life and greenery around the house, and am so fond of my house plants! I had one die last week and I’m so sad about that poor little cactus! However, it does give me the excuse to pick out a new one :)

Planning for an upcoming trip

Trip planning has recently become such a fun activity to me, and fortunately I have quite a few to research and plan over the course of this year! I love everything from researching beautiful spots to visit to finding amazing restaurants to planning out which outfits I’ll bring (and photograph). I recently started making Google Docs and Sheets for different locations so that when I happen to find something cool or see a great recommendation I can add it to my list for that destination! 

Having an entire evening at home with Trey

Even though we don’t spend every moment together when we’re both home, it still makes me so happy when we both get to be home for an evening! Even simple things like watching a tv show while we eat dinner or researching a trip together make me super happy! And the dogs love it when we’re both home too :)

Drinking herbal teas

This summer I’ve really gotten into a hot tea habit (probably a weird time of year for that!), and it’s a habit I’m really happy about! I find herbal teas to be so soothing, and many have wonderful medicinal purposes as well. You can read about a couple I love to drink here.

My nighttime skincare routine

I promise I’m working on a blog post where I’ll break down my skincare routine, but anyways… I really do find calm in going through this routine every night. Am I excited to get off the couch and take off my makeup? Not necessarily. But once I’m in the swing of things I find it really relaxing, and I especially love applying my favorite face oil at the end. 

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To make your Fall makeup shopping a little bit easier, I've teamed up with a group of bloggers to give you a chance to win an $800 Sephora Gift Card!

To enter: complete the steps in the rafflecopter below. The more steps you complete, the more entries you receive, and the better your chance at winning! This giveaway runs until Tuesday, September 11th at 12am PST. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck! *this giveaway is in no way sponsored by Sephora.

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7 Things to Do Before Summer Ends 8.14.2018

Whoa, I cannot believe summer is flying by as fast as it is! Though most of us work year-round and the buildup to summer isn’t as exciting as it used to be, I still get so excited for the summer months, the sundresses and warm weather, and the unique things you can do. 

Before fall arrives, I wanted to make a little list of fun and/or positive things we can all do to celebrate the end of summer!

Spend Some Time by the Water

This is obviously different for all of us since I can’t make it to the ocean this month, but I want to squeeze in one or two more lake days or at least lay by a pool for a bit to soak up some warm sunshine (with spf of course). If you live near a beach, please take advantage on behalf of the rest of us! 

Try a New Spot for Date Night

Whether it’s a date with your significant other or a get-together with friends, pick a spot you’ve been wanting to try! Trey and I can sometimes be bad about visiting our old favorites over and over, but lately we’ve been trying to branch out and try new places and new activities. 

Do a Closet Clean-out

I love to do a seasonal closet cleanout when I evaluate what I didn’t wear that season. I always donate a large portion, but I also sell some pieces on Poshmark (username @lovelenore) and have done local Facebook sales as well (with great success). It always feels nice to enter a new season with a clean closet! This may not necessarily be a “fun” activity, but it will make you feel so good moving into the fall!

Spend an Evening on Your Patio 

We love to take a night here & there to hangout on our back porch. We’ll grill our dinner, share a bottle of wine, and either listen to music or watch a tv show on the ipad. It’s so fun to sit outside with our cute lights and potted plants, just enjoying each other’s company and soaking up a warm summer evening. If you don’t have a patio of your own, check out a local brewery or winery’s patio. Bonus points if there’s live music!

Read a Just-for-Fun Book

I’ll be honest, I don’t read as often as I would like and when I do read it’s often a nutrition or health type of book. I always say I’m “too busy” and most of my time is spent with a computer in front of my face. If you’re someone who reads all the time then this idea probably doesn’t seem like a big deal, but if you’re like me and have a stack of books on your “must read” list, pick one up and allow yourself some time to relax and read for fun!  

Make Homemade Sushi

Trey and I recently tried our hands at homemade sushi, and it was actually so good! We definitely need more practice, but it was fun to do together as an at-home date night, and we got our sushi fix for a lot less money than it would have been to go out. We ordered a sushi making kit off of Amazon, and then looked up some recipes and tutorials.  

Be a Tourist in Your Own Area

I need to follow my own advice, because there are so many great things to do in our area that Trey and I have never taken the time to do! Usually when we’re off of work we just want to be home (I’m the biggest homebody), but when we do decide to explore a new activity we always have fun together. A couple of things on my list are to explore some state parks that are within 1-2 hours of driving, and to visit a large aquarium in a neighboring city!

jumpsuit: c/o Lulu's  |  sandals  |  earrings  |  similar bags here & here

What’s on your list of things to do before the end of summer?? Let me know below!

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10 Ways to Practice Self-Care Every Week 6.25.2018

"Self care" is definitely buzzy right now, but this is a trend I have zero issues following. It seems like life gets crazier and crazier the older we get and as society changes, so I am absolutely here for any reminder to pause and take care of myself.

Stress is something we all deal with on some level, but it really is terrible for you. There are definitely times I use stress to my advantage and really "get shit done," but if you let it take over you'll end up with adrenal fatigue, weight gain, or other health issues. 

So, I'm here today to give you a friendly reminder to take care of yourself. Self care isn't girly or "hippie," it just means that you value yourself enough to care for your body and your mental health. I don't see a single negative to doing that.

While there are countless ways to practice self care and to customize it to you, here are 10 ways I practice self care and think are realistic for nearly every lifestyle. 

Quiet time before starting your day
Yes, this might mean getting up a tad earlier, but when I start my day with even 10 minutes of quiet time instead of diving into a whirlwind of getting ready, my day undoubtedly gets off to a smoother start. Your morning quiet time can be completely customizable to what you like to do and some ideas are reading, meditating, stretching, journaling, or even scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest. If it calms you and makes you feel happy, then it's a positive start to the day! I like to make my hot lemon water and curl up with my dogs to read or go through Pinterest for inspiration. Sometimes I'll write a blog post if I'm in a creative headspace. I personally choose not to watch or read the news first thing in the morning because it's usually not the most positive content and I don't like to start my day off by worrying about the world. Remember...calm and happy is what you're going for!

A regular workout class
I love a routine and having the accountability of a regularly scheduled workout class. Then I know if a week gets crazy, I'm at least getting in one or two quality, sweaty workouts. Having a workout class on the calendar will help you to prioritize it, will ensure you get in movement, and will de-stress you as well. Spin class is my consistent workout of choice, but the important thing is to find a workout or class that you love and actually look forward to attending each week.

A face mask on the weekend
Your skin is your largest organ (crazy, right?) so it's important to treat it well. I recently started doing a face mask or two every single weekend, and it's become such a nice self-care ritual. I'm currently loving this "radiance renewal mask" by REN Clean Skincare because it leaves my skin smooth and glowing, and helps with acne scarring and hyper-pigmentation. 

Sleeping in at least one day a week
I've always struggled with getting enough sleep and I don't prioritize it like I should. But it helps if I can sleep in at least one day per weekend and get my energy back. It's also such a great feeling to not set an alarm once in awhile! The to-do list can wait... give yourself an extra hour or two of sleep on the weekend!

Bringing water with you everywhere
Most of us are somehow coping with being dehydrated, but it's really an easy fix. Once I started bringing my reusable water bottle with me everywhere, I began drinking plenty of water and felt soooo much better. You can read about the 5 benefits I saw from upping my water intake in this post. Being properly hydrated not only keeps your organs functioning and cleanses your body, but it also increases your metabolism and gives you more energy.

Stretching
Most of us don't stretch nearly enough, and it's so healthy for our bodies! It relieves stress and tension, elongates the muscles, improves flexibility, and helps to prevent injuries. What's not to love? You can do a few simple stretches every day or every time you workout, and/or set aside 15-20 minutes on the weekend to do some deeper stretching. Yoga is a great way to get in some stretching too!  

A daily green smoothie
I love to have a green smoothie for breakfast every morning because it's an easy way to fit in a full serving of greens in the morning! Since there's no other way I'm eating a cup of spinach at 7:30am, a smoothie a day has been the perfect solution for me. In my smoothies I also pack in protein, fiber and healthy fats, so I'm getting steady energy all morning (no more shaky, hungry mornings). This is my current favorite recipe! 

Exfoliating
Exfoliating is not only good for your skin, but it's also good for blood circulation. Plus, who wants dry, rough skin? It's much better to be glowy and smooth, and your skin will thank you! I like to dry brush once a week and then use my all-time favorite body scrub (well worth the price!) in the shower. 

Make your phone off limits in bed
Scrolling through your phone in bed can be a tough habit to break, but it's well worth it. Parting from your phone is a clean break from the day, and your sleep quality will be better when you're not being exposed to the light from your device, which can prevent your brain from releasing melatonin). Try it out for a week and see what you think!

A random act of kindness
Okay, so this doesn't seem like "self care," but I wanted to include it because when I do a small act of kindness it always makes me feel sooo good. Not in a "wow, I'm an amazing person" kind of way, but just in the fact that I got to brighten someone's day or benefit the earth and overall just put a little more positivity into the world. I recently got a shirt that says "be the energy you want to attract" and I believe in that mindset wholeheartedly. This doesn't have to be anything crazy or expensive, but some ideas are: texting or calling a friend just to check in or encourage them, sending someone a card/note, paying for the coffee behind you, doing one of your significant other's or roommate's chores "just because," remembering to recycle, picking up trash when you see it in your neighborhood or in a parking lot, or even just giving a stranger a sincere compliment. Put out good energy and it will come back to you!  

romper  |  hair scarf  |  shoes  |  similar bag  |  earrings  |  necklace

How do you practice self care each week? Is this something you prioritize in your own life?

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3 Things Making me Feel More Inspired 6.06.2018

As more of a right-brain kinda gal, feeling inspired has always been crucial to my happiness! But with anything in life, it ebbs and flows. However, there's nothing quite like the high of getting some fresh inspiration. I thought I would share 3 things that are inspiring me at this moment...

top (c/o)  |  skirt (under $50! | c/o)  |  similar bag  |  shoes  |  hoop earrings  |  necklace

The Goal Digger Podcast

I've only listened to a few episodes so far, but I adore Jenna Kutcher's positive outlook on life! This podcast is a balanced blend between inspiration and practical life application. If you're an influencer or want to be an entrepreneur (or already are!), you should definitely give it a listen! I've already gotten some fresh ideas for social media strategies and blog content.

A Change of Scenery

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the blog/Instagram world and the comparison game that I forget that I actually get to travel a lot compared to most people. I will certainly never take this for granted and wish I could travel more, because it inspires me like nothing else! I love Missouri, but sometimes getting out and seeing something different is the best medicine for me. I'm currently spending a week in Austin, Texas and the scenery, architecture, food scene, friendly people, and overall good vibes are giving me all sorts of inspiration! It's quickly becoming one of my favorite places!

Girl Time with my Best Friend

Related to the trip mentioned above; my best friend Jo and I are spending the week together, and we are having the best time! From girl talk to future dreams and business ideas to creating fresh content, I'm feeling all kinds of inspired. We're definitely a good contrast of personality traits, so we can always bounce ideas off of each other and brainstorm like no other!

Photos by Jo Johnson

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27 Things You May not Know About Me 5.08.2018

Hi guys! I truly can't believe it, but I'm 27 today! To celebrate, I'm sharing 27 things you may not know about me...

01 | If I were going to college today, I would go for nutrition or dietetics and go a totally different route than PR. I don’t necessarily dislike PR, I’ve just found I’m passionate about wellness and nutrition!

02 | Before meeting Trey, I dreamed of moving to a big city and thought I wouldn’t get married until my late twenties or even thirties. However, life fell into place and I got married young and we’ve found ourselves happily living in a smaller town. We do love to travel to big cities and the coasts as much as we can though!

03 | I have one sister, and we’re opposites in so many ways! But now that we’re adults we’re very close.

04 | I ate strictly gluten free for two years in college to repair my digestive system after long-term antibiotics (for my acne) wrecked me. Now I’m trying grain free, and may go back to gluten free permanently since I’m actually gluten intolerant!

05 | My style used to be very preppy and I loved J.Crew and wearing bright colors! If you’ve followed me for a long time you may remember those days ;) But if you’re newer in the past year or two, that may be a shocking fact!

06 | When we bought our home we thought we would love doing fixer upper projects ourselves. But years later, we’ve discovered we truly do not enjoy them and would rather invest our time and money into experiences and travel! On the next go, I’d like something slightly more turn-key or be able to budget in having someone else do most of the work for us.

07 | I went to the University of Missouri and was a member of Chi Omega. I decided to rush because I barely knew anyone at Mizzou going into it, and as an introvert, I knew it would help me to meet people and get involved on campus!

08 | I have three small tattoos! One I really don’t love (I was 18 and wasn’t picky enough), but the other two are special to me! I do want one or two more small ones and have a couple of spots saved for special things in the future.

09 | I played classical piano and violin growing up (piano for 12 years and violin for nine). However, I haven’t played either since graduation from high school and have a feeling I’ve completely lost all of my skills.

10 | I have a deviated septum and can’t breathe well through my nose. I try really hard to not be a mouth breather! I was actually talking with a doctor about getting a nose job several years ago, but then Trey and I got engaged and I decided I would put my savings toward a down payment instead (great decision lol).

11 | Trey and I LOVE going to concerts together! We’ve seen J.Cole and Kendrick Lamar three times each and our first concert together was the Watch the Throne tour with Kanye and Jay-Z. Some other favorites have included Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, and Gary Clark Jr.

12 | My favorite number has always been 27, and I have no idea why. Crazily enough, it’s also the favorite number of two of my closest friends!

13 | My top 3 celebrity “crushes” (such a dumb word haha) would have to be Liam Hemsworth, Kevin Love and Michael B Jordan (since the Friday Night Lights days).

14 | I live an hour from the closest Chipotle and grieve about it on a weekly basis. It’s my favorite chain/takeout meal! Yes, I’m a basic B.

15 | Food related: leftover chicken makes me want to hurl. So, a lot of meal prep ideas don’t work for me in that regard.

16 | I was born in the San Diego area and lived there until I was nine. Then my family moved to Missouri!

17 | I was obsessed with the Lord of the Rings series in middle school and high school. My family read the books together and we watched the movies all the time. Yes, I was a nerd.

18 | In addition to my full-time job and blogging, I’m also a photographer! You can view my photography website here and my Instagram here. I actually have some weddings booked for this year (both solo and as a second-shooter to Jo) and I’m so stinkin excited! You can read more about how I balance everything here.

19 | I’m an INFP and am very much an introvert. I seem to be surrounded by opinionated extroverts though ;)

20 | Some of my favorite foods are fish tacos, sushi, ramen, and pineapple.

21 | Trey first spotted me at a Mizzou / kU (Kansas) basketball game our sophomore year (people in the midwest will know what a crazy rivalry this was). It took him several weeks of asking around and Facebook stalking to figure out who I was, but when he got my info and reached out we had an immediate connection. I actually remembered distinct times I’d seen him on campus prior to meeting, even though it’s a campus of 27,000+ and we had no classes or friends in common at the time. Definitely a love at first sight kinda thing.

22 | Unfortunately my least favorite food is broccoli (in all forms). The smell, taste and texture have made me gag my entire life! I wish I liked it since it’s so healthy!

23 | Our top bucket list concert we haven’t been to yet is a Kings of Leon show. Trey and I have loved their music for years and years.

24 | I played in junior golf tournaments growing up and for a time thought I would play golf in college. But then I burnt out on it and just wanted to focus on dance (which I ended up doing nothing with after high school ;).  

25 | My favorite alcoholic drinks are rosé, moscow mules and spicy margaritas, but my simpler “healthier” cocktail is a tequila tonic or tequila soda with extra lime wedges.

26 | My biggest pet peeves include: tangled cords, and when a car pulls out in front of me but there’s no one behind me.

27 | We would secretly love to have a third dog, but know it’s not very practical right now with how much we like to travel and go on weekend trips. I make sure to give regularly to Rescue One, a phenomenal animal rescue organization in Springfield!

top  |  pants  |  shoes  |  earrings

If you made it to the end of this post, you're pretty amazing!

I'm so excited to see what this year holds for me! 27 is my number! What I do know is that I love Trey more than ever, I'm blessed with wonderful family and friends, and I've got the cutest fur babies around. This year I'm manifesting good health, lots of unforgettable travel and experiences, and that I see the joy in every day life.   

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Weekend Breakfast 6.06.2017

These are the last of the photos I shot with my bestie Jo (Jo Johnson Photography) on our little girls weekend to Columbia several weeks ago (view the other posts here and here). It was absolutely pouring that day, so we improvised with indoor photos, and ate a delicious brunch at a healthy + photogenic restaurant called Nourish Cafe.

This little Moon River top is Jo's, but I've been thinking about buying it for myself ever since! It's breezy and relaxed, and the details are so pretty.   

Top  |  Jeans (similar)  |  Platform Sandals here & here  |  Similar Earrings

Photos by Jo Johnson Photography

Today we are headed home from our Virginia + DC trip, and I can't wait to snuggle with my little furries in our own bed! I love and live for traveling, but at the same time... there's no place like home :) 

I'll have a few travel related posts coming your way soon, including "a weekend in DC" and my travel essentials/vacation packing list!

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