Unique Timepieces from Jord Wood Watches + GIVEAWAY

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

- Steve Jobs

It is easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others.  I’m just as guilty of it as anyone, fighting my own brain into staying on my own path daily.  We’re human.  It happens.  We work hard and keep trying.  Time can help us heal wounds, see what is truly important, help us realize how far we’ve come.

I’ve seen Jord Watches on other bloggers I admired and thought it would be pretty amazing to try one of these gorgeous and unique timepieces myself.  When they reached out to me recently to ask me to review one of their pieces, I was ecstatic.  In today’s post, I’m reviewing the gorgeous Cora Polaris design, a mix of rose gold metal and walnut wood, with sparkling Swarovski crystals and an enchanting midnight blue face.

The timepieces are beautiful and unique - just like you - which is why I am also excited to feature a giveaway where one of you could win a $100 discount code towards one of these stunning watches!

What I Wore: Denim Life

It is still incredibly cold in my neck of the woods, and I'm longing for Spring.  I need more sunshine to combat this anxiety and depression.  I need decent weather for getting out in nature.  But for now, I wait.

You probably caught the gorgeous beaded gown from Simply Be that I showed you leading up to the holidays.  Well, Simply Be reached out again to give you styling inspiration for this Western Denim Shirt.  You'll be able to see how different bloggers styled it in an upcoming post on their blog.  (I'll link it here when it's up.)  Right now, Simply Be's tops are 30% off, including this dark wash denim goodness!!

Read on for my review of this top, and see me pretend not to be freezing my caboose off in the 38 degree weather at the lake! lol

Smile Bright Like A Diamond! + GIVEAWAY

Fresh breath, clean teeth, and proper oral health are very important to me.  To this day, I have only ever had one cavity, and it was so teeny, tiny that it was hardly anything to write home about.  I had such a wonderful experience with Smile Brilliant’s teeth whitening system, so I was super excited when they reached out to see if I wanted to try their new cariPRO Ultrasonic electric toothbrush.

In today’s post, I’m bringing you my experience and review of this brush, along with a coupon code and giveaway opportunity!

KATU Afternoon Live: Styling Graphic Tees

My latest Afternoon Live segment was all about styling graphic tees beyond jeans and a t-shirt. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing jeans and a t-shirt and your comfiest sneakers, I hear from a lot of awesome ladies who feel stuck in a rut wearing only those things.  They want to shift their thinking and feel more stylish, but still remain comfortable and feel like themselves.

With that in mind, I wanted to provide some inspiration for different ways to wear those casual tees. Graphic tees are great for showing off what you love - be it a band, a television show or movie, a favorite quote, etc. - or displaying some other element of your personality.  And the best part is that these styles are versatile enough to mix with all the elements of your wardrobe!

In today's post, check out the video of my segment, see other examples of how I like to wear graphic tees and where I like to purchase them, and read my review for the above look.  Let's get started!

What I Wore: Sporty Brunch

One beautiful afternoon in the fall, before the weather turned cold and icy, I ventured to Laurelhurst Park in Portland to take some photos.  I'd never been to this park before.  It was absolutely beautiful. I love the old trees and watching the ducks waddle in and out of the water.  It was a delightful place to be for an hour, and I wish I could have stayed longer.

This is a look I wore to a laid-back brunch with friends.  It is casual and comfy, perfect for running around town on the weekend.  While these pieces (aside from the shoes) are no longer available, I still wanted to offer my reviews and give you some outfit inspiration.

What I Wore: Tartan Layering Remix

Today's look is one of the crop top examples I used in my latest Afternoon Live segment on breaking the plus size fashion rules.  It features this cropped sweater from Leith, a Nordstrom brand I only recently found out about.  I love remixing this tartan dress with other colors and items in my closet, so pairing this new top with this dress was the first thing that came to mind.

Reviewing Kiyonna's Bianca Ruched Dress

Today's post is brought to you by the letter V, for Valentine's Day and Va-va-voom!

I long put off trying on the somewhat intimidating bodycon dress, but every time I try one on I surprise myself with how much I love it.  Today I am reviewing the Bianca Ruched Dress, which is another one of Kiyonna's bodycon styles.  I've been eyeing this dress since it came out and finally felt confident enough to give it a try.

If you are looking for a sexy dress for Valentine's Day, date night, a wedding, etc., the Bianca is a great choice for any such occasion!  Read on for my review and styling tips!

KATU Afternoon Live: Breaking the Plus Size Fashion Rules

This month on my latest Afternoon Live segment, I decided to start the new year talking about the "plus size fashion rules" and how to break them.  We've all heard these "rules" - that plus size women shouldn't wear color or prints or stripes, that we should never wear anything too tight, should never draw attention to ourselves, should never be in anything so big and shapeless, etc. etc.

Well, honey, these rules are made to be broken.

I want to encourage everyone to break these rules, and to break their own rules for fashion.  We can all get in a rut while listening to our own insecurities and our own ideas about what we can't and shouldn't wear.  Stop it.  Start the year off by being rebellious and courageous, stepping out of your comfort zone.  Get out of that tidy box that society, your family, or you have put yourself in.  Try everything on and find clothes that speak to your personality and make you feel amazing!

2018: Year in Review

Some might say that I'm presenting my year in review a bit late, but I don't like to half-ass things.  I like to do things with my whole ass.  That takes time.  And while I strive for perfection, I know I am not perfect and that none of y'all expect me to be perfect.  In fact, I am proud to show you the glimpses of reality and imperfection that is me and my life.  While I don't always get to present all of that here on the blog, you can watch any of my Facebook Lives or follow me on Instagram, or view some of my InstaStories to know I am a real person with real flaws and feelings and issues.  I'm not going to pretend to be someone I'm not.  That would be doing you and I both a disservice.

But I digress.

My 2018 was overwhelming in very positive ways.  Sure, there was shit.  There was anxiety and stress and failures (real and imagined).  There was heartache and tears and anger.  But mostly, there was love and adventure and excitement and new experiences.  I learned about others, about myself, about what I wanted, about asking for those things.  I can't possibly share everything about 2018 with you because we'd be here forever, but I can show you some awesome highlights!

What I Wore: Plaid You Made It

Slowly catching up over here with another outfit post!  This time I'm bringing you what I wore to Friendsgiving.  That weekend was so hectic!  I did a KATU segment in Portland and raced home to finish packing and head to Tacoma for an Outlander Craft Day.  On Saturday, I attended the all-day crafting fun, but had to leave a little early to head back home to change clothes, feed the dogs, and then head to Portland for Friendsgiving.  I made cookies in advance so I wasn't worrying about what to bring.  I was exhausted by the end of it all, but I did learn to arm knit at craft day!

All this and more in the post today!