2020

We are almost halfway into 2020 and it's been eye-opening on every level. From the corona virus global pandemic, the economic shutdown, George Floyd's murder, the protests and riots, crisis and chaos...the division among us has never been more apparent. Although it is often heart-breaking, I make it a point to watch the news every morning and listen to the New York Times "The Daily" podcast so I am informed. Ignorance may be bliss but this is not the time for us to sit idly by. 

I don't often publicly speak about matters such as these, but rather I have private conversations with my loved ones on the so-called touchy topics. In the days following Floyd's death, I have focused on reading, listening and learning through activists, influencers and podcasts, but now it's time that I break my uncomfortable silence. Finding the right words is tough and I know I will make mistakes along the way, but I will do better as I continue to learn and grow. This blog has always been a place to share my experiences and opinions, so I am using my outlet to release the feelings that are weighing heavy on my heart.

It's a scary and polarizing time in our country. Having a child in the midst of this is even more challenging. I don't take my responsibility as a mother of a white male lightly. I am digging deep within myself to acknowledge my white privilege, understand the systematic racism that plagues our country, take a hard look at my own learned prejudices, and looking to recommended resources for change. I want a better world for my son's generation and that starts with me, and how my husband and I raise him.

I will teach Jack to be kind to everyone - no matter their race, religion, political view, socioeconomic status, gender or sexual preference. I will teach him to be actively anti-racist. I will teach him to be an ally to people of color. I will teach him to understand his privilege and be empathetic to others. I will teach him to listen more, and speak less. In the era of #MeToo, and as a victim of sexual assault myself, I will teach him to treat women and their bodies with respect. I will teach him about climate change and protecting our planet. I will teach him that a simple smile can completely change a stranger's day. I will teach him to accept and value peoples' differences. I will teach him to stand up for what is right and what he believes in.

I want change - and beyond the internal work I am doing, the hard conversations I am having, and how I am planning to parent - I am going to take action and VOTE in the upcoming local and presidential elections. I hope you do the same.

30

I will be turning 30 tomorrow and today I'm reflecting back on the milestones of the last decade. My twenties were incredible. I learned so much, grew as a person, married the love of my life and brought my baby boy into the world.

20
At 20 years old, I was a sophomore at Florida State, living in my first apartment. I met Greg two months before my 20th birthday, and we've been together for a third of my life! He's been there through a lot of my personal growth, from a sorority girl in college to a mom now. 

21
Obviously the biggest event at 21, is turning 21! I was a junior at FSU, majoring in Retail Merchandising and Product Development, with a minor in Business. Thinking back I can't imagine a better degree for my current career. I also started my blog in 2011, and have written over 500 posts since. Greg and I went to the Keys together for the first time.

22

This was a huge year for me - I interned in LA at BCBG for 8 weeks, and interviewed for a job before returning to FL. I came back to FSU and graduated cum laude. 5 days later, I landed my dream job as an Assistant Buyer at BCBG! I moved across the country immediately to embark on a new adventure after an extremely bittersweet goodbye with Greg. I did not know anyone in LA when I moved, which was incredibly scary but my dreams were much bigger than my fears. I lived alone for the first 6 months which helped me gain a much-needed independence.

23

After an entire year of long-distance, Greg moved to California! Our first year living together was great and we adopted our shelter cat, Zoey. We quickly outgrew my tiny studio apartment in Silver Lake, and moved to a townhouse in Hermosa Beach. We went back to the Keys for lobster season.

24

I was promoted to Associate Buyer at BCBG. We lived the California lifestyle to the fullest and loved spending quality time together as a couple. One of the best Keys trips happened this year!

25

Traveled to Big Bear, San Francisco & Seattle, Palm Springs, and another Keys trip! After 3.5 years in LA, we decided to move back home to Florida to settle down, get married and start a family closer to our own families.

26

I started working at Ron Jon Surf Shop as an Assistant Buyer, and was promoted to Associate Buyer after 6 months. Greg proposed at the top of Jay Peak while vacationing in Vermont. Still one of the best moments of my life!

27

Celebrated my golden birthday, bachelorette party with my three best friends, and married my love in a very special place for us - Key West! We moved to a beachside bungalow shortly after our honeymoon.

28
I was pregnant for the majority of 28 and gave birth to Jack on December 4th. I was promoted to Accessory Buyer.

29

Mom life in full-swing! Greg and I bought our first home! And took on another challenge at work, taking over the Women's Apparel category, in addition to Accessories.

I am really proud of the place I'm in currently. My Type A and planner mentality kept me on course for where I wanted to be at this point in my life. Hard work, big risks and a little bit of luck. None of these amazing things would have been possible without the support and guidance of my parents and my husband. I am so excited about the next chapter, entering my 30's and becoming the woman, wife and mother I want to be.

Looking Back at 2019

2019 was the year of Jack. Life flipped upside down in the best way possible the moment we became a family of three. So much growth, change, milestones, sleepless nights, googling, giggles and joy. Motherhood is the hardest and most rewarding thing I've ever done, and the first year was nothing short of amazing.

Greg and I bought a house in October, and we've spent the last couple months settling in. Having a blank slate to decorate is my favorite thing. It feels so good to have a home for our family to create memories, host for holidays and parties, and be in a great neighborhood for Jack to grow up.

I had another career advancement within my company - taking over the women's apparel department, in addition to accessories. I've been loving the new challenge, and designing clothes has been such a fun & creative aspect of my job. 

Looking forward to 2020 - new experiences with our little guy, making our house a home, and turning 30. Cheers to the New Year! Wishing you a safe & happy holiday!

Wild One - Jack's First Birthday Party

This past weekend, family and friends joined us to celebrate Jack's First Birthday! We threw a "Wild One" themed party based on mine and Greg's favorite children's book, "Where The Wild Things Are," complete with banners, balloons and even Max's wolf suit for Jack to wear. He hated the crown but loved the fluffy tail!

The day was filled with so much fun and laughter, and lots of food. Jack's cake smash was the highlight - this boy could not get enough! His outfit is now green tie-dye, and the high chair (which was my grandmother's) had to be hosed down post-cake! Icing was everywhere! Big thank you to everyone that came and spoiled our little boy!

Dear Jack

Jack Oliver, you are the light of my life. The past 365 days since you entered the world have brought me more joy than I ever imagined. Watching you grow and learn has been the greatest gift, and seeing your personality blossom is so fun.You are curious & goofy, so snuggling, persistent as hell and the perfect mix of me and Dada. 

I never want to forget the sound of your giggles and squeals, the pitter patter of your hands when you crawl on the wood floors, and the way you say "Mama." I never want to forget how small you were in my arms the first moment I held you, and the feeling of you sinking into me when you fall asleep on my chest. I never want to forget your slobbery open-mouth kisses and your cute wave goodbye. I never want to forget your blonde fluffy hair that sticks straight up, your chunky cheeks and thigh rolls. I never want to forget the way your face lights up when your eyes find mine across the room.

To think a entire year has gone by since meeting you for the first time evokes so many emotions. I'm  proud of your Dad and I for not only surviving the first year of parenting but for raising a sweet, strong and spirited little man. I'm sad that time is so fleeting. When we're playing and laughing so hard that you lose your balance and tip over, I try to soak in every second of it. And in the dark hours of the night when I'm rocking you back to sleep for the third time, I am reminded that this too shall pass. 

You are officially one year old and entering the toddler stage, but you will always be my baby. You are my whole world and I feel so lucky to be your Mommy.

 

HOMEOWNERS

It's been a bit quiet around here - in between mom life, picking up a new department at work and traveling for two destination weddings, Greg and I bought a house!

We are so excited to raise our family in our dream home, in the town where we both grew up. We moved in last month and have slowly been getting settled, unpacking and decorating. Jack, and our cat Zoey, are loving the larger space to play and get into mischief. We plan to get Jack in swim lessons soon so we can utilize the pool next summer. Looking forward to making our house a home, and creating memories with our family and friends for years to come.

Currently Obsessed

IT Cosmetics CC Cream with SPF 50+

In the hot summer months, I tend to scale down my daily makeup routine. One swap I always do when it becomes humid out, is switch my foundation to a tinted moisturizer. After some trial and error, I finally found the perfect product that checked all the boxes I was looking for: lightweight, strong SPF, and good coverage. I have acne scars from my teenage years, so I prefer full coverage. IT Cosmetics CC Cream with SPF 50+ is so amazing - I think it's going to permanently replace my foundation. It smells amazing, evens my skin tone, stays all day, and after a month of consistent use, I feel like it is actually clearing my complexion so I feel more confident even when I'm makeup-free.