Stop and Smell the Orchids

July 13, 2018

Wow June was one crazy month. With starting a new internship, taking 6 graduate hours (The most I have ever taken at once), trying to get eight hours of sleep, and surviving Mars' retrograde has not been easy.
Although I was somewhat active on the blog (posting a few times in June) I missed being here mentally. Writing about style and beauty with a little bit of my life thrown in is such a therapeutic way to get your thoughts out. I am ecstatic to say that I have been shooting new content that I'm really excited about and can't wait to share. Honestly I am so grateful to be back blogging regularly.
So here's things 6 things I learned during  June:

1. Focus on what you can do instead of what you can't. Somedays all the deadlines from school were so heavy. Instead of being proactive I would just focus on my current week and take the next week as it came. This was totally out of my comfort zone as I aspire to be proactive. However devoting all my attention to the task at hand ended up being better than trying to be ahead all the time. Sometimes you just have to do the best with what you have.
2. Take time for yourself. Although most weekends and days after work I spent in my room doing homework there were days where I didn't touch my homework at all, and I think those days were what kept me sane honestly. Getting to go to the Whole Foods Pre-Opening Party with my best friend Victoria, spending time with my loved ones, making time to go to Marshalls, and paint my nails kept me going. #Priorities.
3. Make time for meditation. I found my head spinning at the end of the night with deadlines from work, school, and life. Sometimes even making time for 5-7 minutes of guided meditation felt like a big deal and every time I was grateful I made time for it. I use Meditation Studio on my iPhone and on my Amazon Echo
4. You are stronger than you think. I look back and wonder how I managed to get it all done and how much I doubted myself. What's funny is that I've been through so much worse so I don't know how or why I underestimate myself. Never forget, females are strong as hell.
5. Sometimes you have to give up things that you love to get things done. During these past 8 weeks I basically gave up reading, watching television for the most part, seeing my friends, and online shopping (all four past times I enjoy). At first knowing I was going to have to put all these things on the back burner was a real bummer, but as time went by I didn't have that much time to think about the things I was missing out on. I just had to go on. However having so much to look forward too when I was done was a nice motivator.
6. Stop and smell the orchids. For real. My boyfriend and I celebrated our fourth anniversary and went to the beautiful Kauffman Gardens in KC. Although I had a lot to stress about I stayed present in the moment and enjoyed every minute with him. There is a lovely indoor garden with beautiful orchids.I wandered around smelling them for a good ten minutes. It really made all the difference.
I recently picked up this Maeve blouse from Anthropologie via Poshmark. It was super long because it is originally a tunic, and was quite big on me. My mom managed to trim it (thanks mom). The original style is called the Paseo Tunic Button Down Top Tie Waist. Its supposed to be tied in the front rather than the back. However, I prefer the bow in the back a lot. It really adds something to the classic sleeveless white button down. I do want to try it the original way it was created. However I feel like the shape is kinda weird in the front. I may be reading into it, what do you think? Nonetheless its definitely a fun take on a classic and I have been needing a blouse like this forever. I can wear it with loafers or with birkenstocks.
I'm still obsessed with this scarf I got back in the spring. You may remember it from this post.
I am also making some serious progress at completing my goal of owning this whole J. Crew berry print collection. Just need the heels and silk blouse!
The easiest way to tie a bandana scarf is to fold it in half into a triangle. Then fold it half an inch on both sides until you get a small rectangle. Then you can tie it around your neck. I love this page from J.Crew on how to style a scarf in 7 ways.

Right now I'm getting out of the school/work groove and getting into the work/relax groove which I'll take any day. PS what do you guys think of this lip color? Its a Kylie Lip Kit and its the real deal! Review coming soon.
June has taken so much out of me but I tried to make lemonade with lemons and am grateful for what this past month has taught me. Two passed classes later and I'm honestly just so grateful that July is here. It feels like a gift to be able to live fully in the present again. Time to revitalize and recharge during this month. I think we all need to take more time to stop and smell the orchids. 

Wearing: Blouse - Anthropologie (sold out, but similar), jeans - Urban Outfitters, scarf - J. Crew (sold out, but similar), lips - Kylie Lip Kit in Mary Jo K, watch - Marc by Marc Jacobs (exact)

Photos by the incredible LFTM Photography, seriously give Audley a follow here!

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22 comments

  1. Your words hold so true....we are stronger than we think. It's funny, that's part of a quote I'm using next week in a blog post!!
    You look fabulous in this!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  2. I'm going to have my teenage son read this post who is just about to start college. These are tips he can use too! I'm really interested in the meditation software you mentioned for your phone. I'm going to look into that. I have looked a little at classes or studios in and around Phoenix but I don't want to drive somewhere... having an app on my phone would be great. I didn't know they had such a thing. I didn't even think to look! Great tips. Thank you! And congrats on four years!

    Janine
    http://abeautifulwhim.com

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  3. You are so busy! I really enjoyed this post as a reminder of how to be positive. Thanks for sharing

    Lesley Kim

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  4. This looks like a fun experience.
    I would love to visit an orchid farm too.

    Much Love,
    Jane | The Bandwagon Chic

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  5. Such a lovely post here, so many valid points! June has been such a surreal month for me too, I seriously laughed out loud when you mentioned Mars retrograde! I seriously thought I was the only one worrying about it hah! It will last till August though, so let's pray we survive! Love your top xx

    Naya
    partyparrotblog.com

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  6. Nice to meet you, I love your posts, you wrote a bunch of true things and yes, we are stronger than we think. Wishing you the best of luck and going to look for you also on Instagram! Greetings from Italy

    Fashion and Cookies - fashion and beauty blog

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  7. I honestly couldn't agree more with all you've said here, girl. Since having Aviah, my life has, understandably, changed...drastically! I no longer have the time I once did and my priorities have changed as a result. That said, I've been learning to take one day at a time, focusing on what I can control and letting the things I can't unfold. It's refreshing to read someone else discuss the same things you yourself are experiencing :) You loo beautiful, as always, girl, and thanks again for sharing!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    THE STYLE CONTOUR

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  8. You are so cute in this post, and I love the location! Florals are always great to include in blog posts!!

    xx,
    Meredith
    LATEST POST | INSTAGRAM

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  9. Beautiful photos!!! You look so happy!!! I love your outfit and your scarf, so pretty!! x

    Yiota
    PinkDaisyLoves

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  10. Beautiful pictures and post! I will check out Meditation Studio!
    Have a lovely day :)
    Rosanna x
    Rose's Rooftop

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  11. These are great tips and such pretty photos!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  12. I love that you meditate, lady- I've been trying to get into it; my boyfriend swears by it and the research shows how beneficial it is! I've downloaded the Calm app and it's on my list to start!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  13. These are such gorgeous pics of you! I'm all about taking time for myself. Sometimes I feel guilty about it. But living life is what brings back inspiration for me to blog better and happier :)

    xx Yasmin
    http://banglesandbungalows.com

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  14. I really enjoyed this lovely post. I took time off to slow down and it was well-needed.
    Scarves, kerchiefs are some of my favourites accessories to wear aside from jewellery. You look great! <3/Madison
    FASHION TALES

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  15. Beautiful photos! Love your top!
    ~Samantha
    http://goldcoastgirlblog.com

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  16. Yes to all of these!! So important to take time for yourself - this lesson especially resonated with me :)
    xo, allie
    www.champagne-tuesdays.com

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  17. Taking some to time think, refresh and rewind is so important. Also, loved your outfit!


    Love,
    i.b. | http://soundslikeidil.blogspot.com

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  18. Lovely pics
    and your smile is radiant.

    Ann
    https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

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  19. Happy anniversary! :) That cute scarf round your neck really makes the outfit for me, it's perfect with your top! :)

    Sorry things have been so crazy, but great you got some good lessons from it all! :)

    Hope you had a wonderful weekend! It was so cold here, winter has really hit!

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  20. Ahh your life sounds so hectic right now, well done for keeping the balance babe! You look so chic in this white sleeveless shirt; very Ralph Lauren and ideal for these warmer months of the year :)

    aglassofice.com x

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  21. Such a lovely post - hope you're having a lovely week.

    Layla x

    https://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk

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