MY STYLE: BATTER UP!

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In my last post I talked about the importance of taking care of yourself and not losing sight of things that bring you joy. And that’s exactly what my shoot with Lady Luck Pinups was all about: a moment to focus on myself, feel beautiful, sassy, and have an absolutely amazing afternoon with an equally amazing person.

I first stumbled upon Lady Luck Pinups via a mutual friend on Instagram, and after months of liking one another’s pictures, we finally got the chance to meet at the Curvy Expo earlier this year. Meeting Jennifer was like running into a long lost friend – there were hugs and smiles and I felt instantly comfortable around her. And the photo shoot was no different! As soon as I walked through the studio door, Deanna, the makeup and hair stylist, made me feel like the babeliest babe around. And that feeling continued as I got behind the lens and Jennifer gave me a crash course on how to pose like a pinup. I knew, without a doubt, that this team had my back and was there to make my experience the best it could be, and they did just that…and more!

And can we talk about this adorable Rockford Peaches dress I found online? I have wanted one of these dresses for ages, but never took the plunge (my obsession with this movie runs deep, if you couldn’t tell by my blog handle). In keeping with the theme of doing what brings me joy, I bought this baby as soon as I booked my photo shoot and excitedly messaged Jennifer to let her know I wanted to do an A League Of Their Own inspired shoot. She was totally on board and made my idea come to life! She even drove to multiple grocery stores to find the perfectly round peaches, just for me. How could you not love this woman?! I can’t wait to get back behind her lens again soon!

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ONE YEAR LATER

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Hey guys! Yoo-hoo! I’m still here…I’ve just been taking a wee break.

October came and went, and with that I saw the 1 year anniversary of this wonderful blog of mine. I wasn’t sure how to mark the date. Although I was excited, a lot was going on in my life; things I never thought I would experience, things I never planned for. So instead of celebrating, I took a step back. A moment to reflect, if you will. I wasn’t sure if I would share any of this, but the more I thought about it, I realized that I have a platform to inspire and support others, so here I am.

I’ve re-written this post a handful of times, with some versions more detailed than others. But in the end, I decided to simply share some lessons I’ve learned that have helped me get through hard and unexpected times. I hope they inspire anyone who may also be going through a tough time, or even give a ray of hope for anybody feeling down.

  • Take care of yourself. That may seem like a selfish thing to say, but you must! Trauma and loss can consume you, especially when there is little you can do to improve the situation. I’ve recently taken up meditation, and I love it! I downloaded a free app called Headspace, and have made this a part of my daily routine. It’s a moment just for me.
  • Don’t lose sight of the things that bring you joy. You may not be able to control your situation of loss, but you control the positive things that allow you joy. For me, this is my blog and my writing. It may have seemed daunting to come back to it, but I realized the joy it brought me and how important it was to have that in my life.
  • Rely on your true friends. I cannot even imagine where I would be without my closest friends.They have been by my side to support me with absolutely no judgement. They have listened to me vent on the phone, taken me out for countless coffees, and stepped up to all of my odd requests for support. True friends bring a special light into your life that is irreplaceable. And yes, I’m including some of my family members on this list!
  • Make your mental health a priority. Loss and trauma can be overwhelming, and despite how positive you try to remain, it can seem like too much to handle on your own. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek help from a professional, whether it’s from a therapist, Psychologist, counselor, or support group. Nobody is there to judge you, only help you.

I know it may be hard to believe when you are in the eye of the storm, so to speak, but everything will be okay. And when the calm arrives, you will be that much stronger from the experiences you’ve had to deal with and get through. I promise. ❤

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FROM THE KITCHEN: SUGO

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It’s no secret that I love fall, and this is largely due to the traditions that come along with it. With another wonderful Thanksgiving in the books, I’ve enjoyed reflecting on what other family traditions have happened this season.

Every fall, Italian families get together to make sugo (or sauce) for the coming year. It’s an all-day event that starts with chopping bushels of tomatoes, garlic, and onions, bright and early in the morning, followed by careful love and attention of the sauce as it simmers all day. Once the first batch is complete, we’re rewarded with the most delicious lunch of pasta, ricotta cheese, and bread (all homemade), and of course, our first taste of this year’s sugo. The weather always ends up being just a bit chilly, which is perfect for huddling around the warm vats of sauce. And we always leave feeling proud of the sauce stock we’ve amounted for the coming year.

I took the opportunity to film Sugo Day 2016 for my very first vlog. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into one of my family’s traditions. Be sure to leave me a comment letting me know what your favourite fall tradition is!

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