Photo Journal: Hiking at Mt. Hood

Back over Labor Day weekend, Sean and I decided to get out of the house and take the boys for a little road trip.  We've been wanting to make more time for a little hiking, so we ventured out towards Mt. Hood for a scenic drive and walking amongst nature. It was fun to breathe the fresh air, look at the glorious scenery, and take photos along the way.

Fall Style with Catherines

* This post is sponsored by Catherines.  It features gifted items that I selected.

While many people think of spring as a rebirth and new start, I find that fall makes me feel like hitting the refresh button.  The transition from summer to fall feels more like a new beginning to me as we venture into colder weather, the holidays, and moving into a new year.  So I take this time to push myself out of my comfort zone, to try new things, and regroup my mindset in preparation for the coming months.

When Catherines reached out to me about a collaboration, I was really excited.  I've previously worked with Catherines as a Style Ambassador and during their Denim Debut and Art of the Mix campaigns. I found some great go-to pieces that I continue to purchase from them - no-wire bras, girlfriend jeans, Bermuda shorts, maxi dresses - just to name a few.  So in choosing a look to review on the blog today, I decided to branch out of my comfort zone in honor of fall.  And boy, am I glad I did!

KATU Afternoon Live: Utilizing Summer Dresses in Fall/Winter

My latest Afternoon Live segment is now online!! While I don't have a huge post to go along with it, I wanted to make sure to get it on the blog ASAP.

I chose the topic of making use of summer dresses in the colder months.  I've been pushing myself more to utilize the tips I shared in the segment because I also want to be able to wear my summer dresses all year round and make use of my wardrobe.  Often times we get stuck in our ways, which includes wearing items in our closet only one way and never branching out to try new things.  It is really important to push yourself out of your comfort zone once in a while (in fashion and in life) to challenge your ways of thinking and learn more about yourself.  I find the times I push myself or challenge myself to be incredibly educational times of growth.  The more you try new clothing on (JUST TRY IT ON!), the more you learn about yourself, your likes and dislikes, and what works for your body.

Check out my segment below, with tips for a positive try-on session, and a few blog examples of layering summer dresses.

Savannah 2018: What I Wore & A Photo Journal

I'm back!!  I'm sorry I've been gone so long though.  I had every intention of coming back from my vacation and busting my butt to bring you new blog posts.  I have so many fun things coming up to share with you - outfits I have already shot, reviews, travel updates, etc.

I had a wonderful trip (and look forward to sharing it with you), but it really kicked my butt.  I came back home exhausted.  I got sick with a cold and have been taking it really easy as I rest and get better.  I still don't feel 100%.  I've said it before and I am sure I will say it again in the future, but not having a thyroid sucks.  I just can't do everything all the time like I would like.  I have a new "normal", and that "normal" means that every bit of energy I expend - whether it is something fun or something stressful - takes me way longer to recover from than a typical person.  I've been trying to be kind to myself - allowing myself to rest, giving myself permission to not get everything done all the time, putting off doing blog posts in order to focus on taking care of me - but I still feel guilty about it.  I have been able to use the time in between to take advantage of the unseasonably sunny weather we've had lately and shoot various outfits before it starts raining all the time.

This being the first of my Reunion Trip Updates, I am going to do things a little different than past travel posts.  For these trip posts, I will be showcasing an outfit I wore alongside a photo journal of that day or event, instead of separating the outfits from the action.  I think this will be an easier way for me to tackle the posts and still give you all the information I want to include.

Today's post is about my time with my sister in Savannah.  It has been about three years since I was back there, so I was incredibly happy to spend time with my sister and her family.

Reviewing Kiyonna's Meadow Dream Maxi Dress

As I have mentioned before, Kiyonna is such a great destination for gorgeous dresses (and tops and skirts) that flatter your curves.  You can check my many previous Kiyonna review posts to see what I mean.  From special occasions to work to vacation, and casual in-between times, they have you covered with dresses and separates in solid hues and beautiful prints.

I've been a member of Kiyonna's Blogger Brigade since 2012, which affords me the opportunity to try different styles from them on a regular basis.  After six years, I am still working with them because I adore their styles and the quality of their products.  Their fit is consistent, their customer service is excellent, and they do have some rather wonderful deals throughout the year.  And I am not just saying that because they gift me items.  I have made purchases of my own on multiple items throughout the years.  Sometimes I want that same top or dress in all the colors, or just know how awesome something is going to be because I love Kiyonna!  I've even purchased pieces as gifts for friends.

All this to say, today I am bringing you another review from their latest dress offerings, the Meadow Dream Maxi Dress.  As per usual when I wear Kiyonna, this dress garnered no less than five compliments in a couple hours time when I wore it to film my latest Afternoon Live segment.

P.S. - You can see this dress in action during my segment in this post.  The video is now live!

KATU Afternoon Live Companion: Plus Size Lingerie

Today on KATU's Afternoon Live, I talked about my favorite lingerie, panties, and bralettes.  Lingerie is something I have become increasingly passionate about.  For the longest time, I didn't think I was supposed to look or feel sexy, and I didn't think I possessed that ability in the slightest.  Of course, there weren't always so many options for plus size women either.

Once I discovered alluring pieces in my size that made me feel hot and sexy, it was life changing! And now I am incredibly passionate about showing you lingerie options.  Because a non-model body in lingerie is hard to come by, I love bringing you my At Home Fitting Room features to review the lingerie and sleepwear on a pear-shaped body with big thighs and tummy rolls. It is helpful to know what items look like on all different bodies.  It helps us choose what we purchase, but also shows us all the different ways we are beautiful.

Today's post is a rundown of the info I went over in my segment, and a round-up of my plus size lingerie posts.

At Home Fitting Room: Tops, Volume 2

I recently shot a lot of pieces for At Home Fitting Room posts.  This is the last of three categories in this round of items.  Today, I am showing you tops from Torrid, Lane Bryant, Catherines, Weebox, ThinkGeek, Her Universe, and more.  I don't always get a timely chance to style items and take photos for the blog.  Even when things are no longer available, I still think showing you what an item looks like and how it fits on a non-model body is still important.

The usual spiel: I shop too much and want to use my experience to help you navigate brands and sizing.  Let's get to it!

At Home Fitting Room: Lingerie, Sleepwear, & Loungewear

I recently shot a lot of pieces for upcoming At Home Fitting Room posts.  You'll be seeing them broken up into three categories to make my life easier.  Today, I am showing you lingerie, sleepwear/loungewear, and panties that I've purchased over the last eight months actually.  I don't always get a timely chance to style items and take photos for the blog.  Even when things are no longer available, I still think showing you what an item looks like and how it fits on a non-model body is still important.

And I particularly enjoy doing these lingerie posts because I think it is incredibly important to see lingerie pieces on different bodies.  I never know how a panty or other item will look on me because I never see them on another body like mine.  It is my priority to bring you as much information as possible, so I truly hope this helps.  You can check out all my lingerie posts here.

The usual spiel: I shop too much and want to use my experience to help you navigate brands and sizing.  Let's get to it!

At Home Fitting Room: Dresses & Bottoms

I recently shot a lot of pieces for upcoming At Home Fitting Room posts.  You'll be seeing them broken up into three categories to make my life easier.  Today, I am showing you dresses, a skirt, jeans, and a couple pairs of shorts that I've purchased over the last eight months actually.  I don't always get a timely chance to style items and take photos for the blog.  Even when things are no longer available, I still think showing you what an item looks like and how it fits on a non-model body is still important.

The usual spiel: I shop too much and want to use my experience to help you navigate brands and sizing.  Let's get to it!

KATU Afternoon Live Companion: Everyday Cosplay

Today, I'm back on KATU Afternoon Live with tips for finding your Everyday Cosplay.  This includes places to shop for geek-centric clothing inspired by your favorite fandoms, and inspiration for putting together character looks from items in your closet.

With Rose City Comic Con coming up in a couple of weeks, I have been thinking about what I am going to wear.  But also, it can be really hard to find plus size options for geekwear, fandoms, and pop culture interests.  Torrid has been keeping my geeky heart afloat for a while now.  Most official fan stores don't have anything above a 2X.  I want you to know your options; and I want to see more plus size geeks reppin' their interests at these cons!