Even though I'm not going as many places these days, it doesn't mean I can't dream up the perfect summer outfit. ;) I've had my eye on breezy, summery, neutral pieces lately. Can't you just picture wearing this easy outfit for a day trip to the beach, or maybe a get together with girlfriends? 

What is the thing you're looking forward to most in June?

Straw bag | Nothing screams summer like a straw bag, and my favorite style is the classic circle bag -- this one looks like it has plenty of room!

Tie shoulder top | This loose, flowy look has my heart -- give me all of the loose and comfy summer tops! I especially love the texture of this top, and the fun tie details on the straps.

Comfy "camp" shorts | I think most of us are rejecting the real waistband these days, and with shorts as comfortable and cute as these, who can blame us? Under $20!

Tortoise sunglasses | A classic summer staple. These are affordable (a must for me, personally, with sunglasses since they usually end up getting lost, crushed, or chewed on!).

Statement ring | Love this beautiful Kendra Scott ring for 50% off! The color is reminiscent to me of the Caribbean ocean.

Leather sandals | Another can't-go-wrong, classic summer style is the slide. These studded beauties are on sale for less than $60 and would go with everything.

Standing Together

Beautiful artwork by JessicaMingoDesigns

Hi friends.

How are you all?

What a few weeks it has been. I've read a lot of blog posts lately that start off with "I've written and rewritten this post a hundred times" -- and as cliche as that sounds, it's true for me, too. I had a lengthy post written two weeks ago. I read it, rewrote it, read it, rewrote it. 

I have learned that it's often better to listen before speaking. And, quite honestly, over the past few weeks there has been a lot to listen to and so many voices and experiences that take precedence over my own. 

After the tragic, wrongful death of George Floyd (and many others), I opened my eyes, ears, and heart to as many voices as possible. I stood, still stand, and will always stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, but I knew it didn't start and end with a social media or blog post; I didn't just want to post something, and have that be it. I wanted to take a deep dive, to look inward, to figure out what I can do to be a better ally to the black community, and to open the door to a discussion about racism with my own family. Again, I realize that it won't just be a one-time discussion with our kids, but rather an ongoing, lifelong conversation; more than words, it will be a commitment to leading by example.

Within my own family, we have long dismissed the idea of "We don't see color" to "We see color, and it is beautiful." What I'm working on now is "We see color, it is beautiful, we honor your experience, and we will do better." Though my children's friends are diverse, as is our neighborhood, I looked around the house and realized our toys and books were not as diverse as they could and should be. By listening and paying attention, I realized our efforts to support black-owned businesses were not equal and in line with our beliefs. In addition to financially supporting organizations like the NAACP, I sought to do the work within the walls of our home and diversify my kids' books and toys (we didn't have this book, this book, or this book yet so I ordered all three to start). Outside of our walls, I'd like to do better in paying attention to the companies we give our money to -- do they support what we support? Fairness, progress, advancement opportunities, diversity, and equality?

I'm sure you've heard the quote by Maya Angelou, "When you know better, do better." That's the thing about change: it's not a one time event, but a constant process. But we need to take the first step to begin. By taking the time to listen, dig into the issues, learn more about what we simply don't know... we can begin to take inventory of our own lives and the places we can do better. Those seemingly small changes in our thinking, in our daily practices, in how we view and treat others, could very well inspire others to do the same -- and together, we can create huge, meaningful, lasting change. We can do better (so much better), and we can make the world a better place for our children, and their children.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and peaceful weekend ahead. <3