5 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health

Mental health is something that is not talked about enough, but I feel as though it is very important to start the talk because so many people struggle with it nowadays. If you or someone you know struggles with mental health, please take the time to work on it because not only is it important for your overall happiness, but it also very important for those around you, as well. Here are a few ways to improve your mental health and if you have any other tips that you would like to share in the comments below, I would love to hear them! 

Connect With Others

Loneliness is a sure way to slowly start to feel isolated, anxious, and even depressed – it can have a major impact on your mental health and unfortunately, not having enough connections with others is a major problem in the U.S. right now, especially with work-from-home life becoming more and more popular. In fact, one study discovered that loneliness shortened a person’s life by up to 15 years. This is why connecting with others is essential when it comes to improving your mental health. Having great, thriving friendships benefits us in many ways, and not just when it comes to improving your mental health, either.

Take a Trip

Often times, improving your mental health can be as easy as getting out of town. Numerous studies have found that a change of scenery can be an instant mood-lifter! Whether you book a quick weekend trip, an extended vacation, or just a local staycation, taking the time to see new things, focus on having fun, and eating great food can be the perfect way to temporarily remove stress from your life. Grab your significant other, a group of girlfriends, or even your mom, and hit the road to a better mental health.

Eat Well

What you eat definitely has the potential to help or hurt your mental health. Not only does the food that you eat nourish you body, but it also nourishes your brain. For example, a moderate amount of carbs increases serotonin production, which is a chemical that has been shown to have a calming effect. Foods with omega-3 polyunsaturated acids have been known to improve mood and improve cognitive function…and these are just two examples. When you eat well, you not only feel better from a scientific standpoint (ie. showing that the foods do increase good chemicals in your body), but you are more than likely also feel better and more confident, as well.

Have A Routine

Having a routine can seem boring and predictable, but if you are struggling with your mental health, it can help significantly. When I say to have a routine, I do not mean that you need to have every single interaction and moment of your day mapped out. Mostly, I just mean to have a night time routine (and maybe a morning routine, as well). For your night routine, setting aside time to incorporate self-care is very important. For example, know that your “bedtime” is at 11pm each night and before that, make sure that you incorporate a few things that will help you get better sleep, because being well rested is very important when it comes to your mental health. A few ideas are making sure your basic hygiene is met (brushing your teeth, showering, and washing your face), throwing in something that brings you joy such as journaling, taking a bath, or reading a book, and staying away from screens for at least thirty minutes before bed. In addition to this routine, a morning routine is great, as well, so that you do not feel rushed to get out the door. My experience is that having a slower morning helps people get into a better mood and will help your mood throughout the day, as well.

See A Therapist

If you are struggling with your mental health – no matter how small or big the problem is – I highly recommend seeing a therapist, such as the therapists at Ray of Hope Counseling Services. Therapy can be a very great and effective treatment for a host of mental and emotional problems and simply talking about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences is a great way to make yourself feel better. It can truly be so healing! Therapists are professionally trained listeners who can help you overcome life’s many challenges and changes and they can help you navigate said changes, in order to improve your mental health and feel the best that you possibly can. Ray of Hope Counseling Services’ areas of expertise are imago therapy for couples, play therapy, hypnotherapy, therapy for abuse and violence, addiction therapy, stress and anger management, depression and anxiety therapy, equine therapy, and more. If you are looking for a therapist Lawrenceville GA, Conyers GA, Athens GA, Marietta GA, or more (they have eight locations + online therapy), definitely check out Ray of Hope Counseling Services. They say, “The therapists at Ray of Hope Counseling Services strive to help their clients meet their life changes and challenges in a comfortable and supportive environment. They take great pride in honoring the privacy and confidentiality of each of their clients.”

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

Live Science says, “Daily irritations are part of life, but they can also wear us down. In a 2013 study in the journal Psychological Science, researchers used two national surveys to look at the influence of minor annoyances on people’s mental health. They found surprisingly strong links.

The more negatively people responded to small things like having to wait in traffic or having arguments with a spouse, the more anxious and distressed they were likely to be when surveyed again 10 years later, the researchers reported.

“It’s important not to let everyday problems ruin your moments,” study researcher Susan Charles, a psychologist at the University of California, Irvine, said in a statement when the research was released. “After all, moments add up to days, and days add up to years.”

Hopefully some of these tips help you on your own journey with mental health. Let me know if these work for you or if you have any other tips to share! I always love hearing from you!

 

Disclaimer: Affiliate links may be used in this post and small commission may be earned. This post is sponsored by Ray of Light Counseling.

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5 Things To Do During Christmas Break

Thanksgiving break has been amazing and I cannot believe that it has come to an end – it really flew by! Although I love Thanksgiving (and the break) so much, it is almost like a teaser to Christmas break because Christmas just reminds me of so much joy and that gets me really excited. As most of you know, I am a teacher, so for me, breaks not only mean that I get to enjoy myself more, but they also mean that I need to catch up on everything that I have not been able to do while in school. So, my Christmas break to-do list might look a little different than yours, but I wanted to share it with you anyway. Here are a few things to do during Christmas break:

Family Time

The most important part about the holidays is fitting in family time, in my opinion. In fact, I try to fit in as much family time as possible and if you are having holiday guests, that should be easy for you because they will be in your home 24/7. Even if you wanted to escape them at that point, you couldn’t. 😉 Just kidding! Truly – family time is so important, especially during the holidays. As a mom, I want to teach this and the best way to do that is by my actions. Creating traditions with family and showing that family time is of the utmost importance is essential.

Catch Up On Appointments

Next up: catch up on all of your appointments! You are off work and have a little bit of extra time, so why not catch up on your appointments, such as your routine dental cleaning? Or, maybe you need to get a dental filling and have been putting it off. Well, now is the time to get on that! Metro Decatur Dental Group PC is the number 1 dentist in Decatur, GA, so if you are looking for a new dentist, check them out. They are known for their happy clients, innovative technology, and their gentle dentist, Dr. Gary Simms. Metro Decatur Dental Group PC is a full-service dental office inside of DeKalb County. “Dr. Simms has dedicated his professional life to dentistry, both cosmetic and function. Whether you need basic teeth whitening, cleanings, fillings, or more advanced dentures, root canals, bridges, crowns, and veneers, Metro Decatur Dental Group PC is a dentist you can trust.”

Get Festive

Now that Thanksgiving is past us, it is time to get festive for Christmas! Put up the lights, get the decor out of the attic + dust everything off, and pump up the holiday tunes. This is such an exciting part of Christmas and for kids, it makes the holiday so, so magical, which is my ultimate goal. Scenes from this time of the year are some of my most vivid and most favorite memories from my childhood. These days fly by so quickly and making it magical for our children should be one of our priorities during this season. I recommend getting festive as early as possible to make this happen! Holidays with kids can be so wonderful, but also exhausting. The key to making it fun and magical is to prepare in advance, so get started on your holiday decor now!

Relax

I know that during the non-holiday season, I am working hard, so when I have time off, I need to (and I deserve to) relax a bit. To me, this is something as simple as maybe getting an opportunity to sleep in, have a cup of coffee in bed, while reading a book. To you, this might mean having a full on spa day, or going on an adventure. No matter how you relax, make it happen for yourself this holiday season because like I said, you have been working hard all year round and you really deserve the little bit of time to relax and just do nothing.

Give Back

Last but not least, this is the season for giving and there is nothing more important than giving back during these few weeks. Donate your time giving to people in need, or even just pay for the persons coffee in the car behind you at Starbucks. However you choose to give back is up to you, but it’s important to at least consider doing something to help the people around you.

What are your plans for Christmas Break? Anything exciting planned?

Let me know! I always love to hear from you!

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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post with Metro Decatur Dental Group PC. All opinions are my own. Affiliates links may be used in this post and I may receive a small commission. 

Making Memories: 4 Ways to Prioritize What is Important to You

Every single day is a new opportunity to grow, learn new things, and improve how we feel about our lives and the situations we are in. Each day is a chance to prioritize the things that are really important to us. Although each day is completely different – some will be more productive than others and some days will be ones where you do not get anything done – each day nonetheless is still a chance to make lasting memories.

Life is too short to go through each day, month, and year, and not have great memories with family and friends. It’s also too short to be unhappy. This is why I believe that it is truly important to focus on what is ultimately important to you, at the end of the day. Here are a few ways to prioritize what is important to you so that you can focus on being happy and making lasting memories:

Find Out What’s Really Important To You

Being immersed in activities that do not add any value to your life can make you lose sight of what is really important, so sit down with no distractions and really think about what it is that you want out of life. Start by making a list of the things you enjoy. How can you do the things you love each and everyday? You could also make a list of things that you want to try. Maybe this is traveling to Greece with your family, skydiving, or something as simple as singing karaoke. No matter what it is, write it down and then make it happen. The only way that you are going to be happy, make lasting memories, and prioritize what is important to you is if you make time for the things that you want to do.

Prioritize Yourself

A lot of the time, when we limit ourselves from doing the things that we love, we are the only ones holding ourselves back. Maybe you blame it on work, family problems, or household tasks, but when it comes down to it, you are the only person stopping yourself from being happy and making memories. To break free from this, you need to focus on your mental and physical health. Prioritizing this will make you a happier (and healthier) person, which will in turn, lead you to want to do things that are better for you. So, instead of sitting in front of the TV, maybe next time, you choose to go out to dinner with a friend! 

Declutter

We have become a society that is so obsessed with things. Jewelry, clothes, cars, technology, STUFF. It’s time to say no to these unnecessary things and instead, start spending your money on things such as trips and experiences, that will create lasting memories. In order to do this, you have to start getting rid of your items that you do not need. Declutter your home and figure out what you do and do not need. With the things you don’t need, get rid of them! For example, if you have extra jewelry that is not benefitting your life at all, sell it to Chapes-JPL, the Nation’s premier jewelry lender. Chapes-JPL is not your typical pawn shop, though, so do not get confused. Unlike a typical pawn shop who lends at extremely high rates, Chapes-JPL provide asset loans on items such as jewelry, gold, diamonds, watches, and other assets, at a low rate and a fair value. They have been doing this for over 38 years and offer loans as low as $100 to 5 million dollars. Chapes-JPL operates out of private financial offices and only schedules private appointments for their clients, which makes your time doing business with them easy and very discreet.

In addition to offering low-interest collateral loans, Chapes-JPL also buys your valuables from you, which is what you could do if you really do not need the item at all. Both ways selling, or getting a collateral loan in Atlanta are very fast and easy. Since Chapes-JPL buys your valuables, or offers loans strictly on collateral, they do not need to do credit checks, so it makes the process easy and quick for you

I can bet that you have many unnecessary valuables lying around your house that you do not even know about them. Get rid of them by selling them to Chapes-JPL or getting a collateral loan instead, in order to reduce your clutter, remove the stress from your life, and start focusing on making memories instead of keeping things that you do not need around your home.

Put Down Your Technology

I understand wanting to take the best picture for the gram, but when you are behind a phone or a camera lens, you really are not making memories – you are just snapping pictures of other people making memories. Put down your technology and join the crowd. Immerse yourself in the culture of another town, learn about your friends and family, and laugh as much as you can.

At the end of the day, happiness is what matters most and prioritizing what is important to you so that you are able to make lasting memories is what you are going to remember when you are grey and old.

Hat | Dress | Boots | Earrings | Sunglasses | Handbag

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Chapes-JPL but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are used and I may receive a small commission.

 

Being Mrs. Fowler Does Disney: Mickey Treats

A new year is upon us and you know what that means? More trips to Disney! Especially now that I am an annual passholder!

We already have had our first Disney vacation of the year and I could not be more excited more for the next one. Disney is my happy place. Amidst all of the stress and chaos I can’t help but feel sheer happiness whenever I am visiting the home of my favorite mouse. Throughout the course of this year, I plan to write a few blog posts on all of my tips, tricks, must-dos, and favorites, but I knew that I needed to start with all of my favorite Mickey treats!

Seriously, who doesn’t love a good Mickey shaped snack? While all of these treats are not Mickey shaped, they are all the perfect amount of goodness for a sweet or salty pick-me-up while in the parks. If you buy the dining package, most of these options can be  purchased for a snack credit. Some of the options can be found at all of the parks while others are specific to a certain park. Just make sure to scoop up the specific snacks before you leave a park so you don’t miss out on the treat!

Chocolate Covered Rise Krispy Treats

This yummy treat is a the perfect way to take care of your sweet tooth. It can be found at all of the parks, as well as the candy stores located in Disney Springs. They come with a variety of toppings but our personal favorite is covered in chocolate and then drizzled with white chocolate. These are also a great way to take care of those unused snack credits. They keep well in the refrigerator for a few days so you can enjoy a little piece of Disney after you return home.

The Night Blossom

This fruity treat is only available at Pandora within Animal Kingdom but it is probably my favorite treat out of all the parks. It has layers of purple and green slush, with flavors of apple limeade and desert pear. It is then topped with passion fruit Boba balls. While the drink pictured is non-alcoholic, you can add alcohol for an additional cost.

Starbucks

There is a Starbucks located in every park at Disney World and it is the perfect park pick-me-up. I don’t know about you, but when we do Disney, we wake up super early and stay till closing. We make use of every minute that we are allowed to spend in the park so caffeine is absolutely necessary. It is nice to be able to get my favorite coffee drink in the park and helps to make Disney feel even more like home.

Mickey Pretzel

This salty true is a true classic. It can be found at every park at Walt Disney World. You can add a cheese sauce to dip your pretzel or just enjoy it plain. They are located at little carts all over the parks and are the perfect treat for one of your snack credits.

Dole Whip

If you have not tried a Dole Whip, you are seriously missing out. Dole Whip is pineapple soft serve that can be found within Magic Kingdom. If you are visiting The Polynesian, you can also grab this treat from the resort. While it comes in a few flavors, my favorite way to enjoy it is as a float. I get the classic pineapple soft serve with pineapple juice. While it looks like it would be enough to share, trust me when I say that you will want one all to yourself. On those hot summer days in the park, this is the perfect way to cool off.

Strawberry Lemonade

While flavored lemonades can be found at each one of the Disney parks, one of my personal favorites is the Strawberry Lemonade at the Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom. It is not a classic beverage, but rather a slush that is just the right about of sweetness. It is great for cooling down on hot, summer days and seems to quinch my thirst way better than a soda. I also absolutely love the Mint Julep Lemonade at Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom. It is seriously so good and probably my new favorite.

Mickey Cake Pops

These little cuties are a favorite of my daughter’s. They come with a variety of cake centers but we really enjoy those that are filled with red velvet. While Vivi likes the smaller, classic cake pop shape, I love the ones that are shaped like a Mickey head. The ears of those pops are actually marshmallow and are a nice treat when biting one off. Cake pops can be found at all the parks inside of the candy stores and some souvenir shops.

Cheshire Tail

Chesire Tails are a new addition to the Magic Kingdom park but they are seriously amazing. Picture a chocolate croissant drizzled with sweet icing and that is your Cheshire Tail. Conveniently located right next to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cup ride, this treat is the perfect quick breakfast snack or the perfect treat for taking care of that sweet tooth.

Ghirardelli  Hot Fudge Sundae

If you are spending the day at Disney Springs, or even just paying a quick visit, I strongly encourage you to stop by the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and treat yourself to a Hot Fudge Sundae. The hot fudge is homemade in house and their waffle cones are made fresh daily. The smell radiating from the Soda Fountain is delectable and it is enough to draw you in and leave you wanting more. I love enjoying an ice cream sundae on those hot, summer days but it is a great treat all year long. They also have great hot chocolate if it happens to be cold when you are visiting!

Mickey Ice Cream Bar

I can’t have a list of my favorite Mickey treats without mentioning the Mickey Ice Cream Bar. This treat is a true classic and should be enjoyed on every visit to the park. I usually share mine with Vivi and you can tell that she enjoys it by the amount of chocolate all over her face. The ice cream bars are located at kiosks all over every park and it is a great way to use up a snack credit!

 

While I have tried many different snacks, these are just the ones that I am always wanting to eat again. What are some of your favorite treats at Disney? Let me know in the comments below! We are always looking to try new treats and I would love to hear from you!

A Little Bit of Christmas in the Spring: A Family Stay at The Inn at Christmas Place

Instead of heading somewhere warm for my Spring Break, my family used this opportunity to head to somewhere a bit cooler, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. If you are not familiar with the Pigeon Forge area, it is just outside of Gatlinburg and it is one of my family’s favorite vacation spots. Both my husband and I grew up visiting the area so we love coming back and experiencing it with our daughter whenever we get the chance. For this visit, we decided to stay somewhere new that we have both been wanting to visit, The Inn at Christmas Place.

The Inn at Christmas Place is the sweetest little hotel that is literally decorated for Christmas all year long. You are experiencing the spirit of Christmas every day of your visit and you can truly feel the magic of this special holiday in every aspect of the hotel. The architecture of the hotel itself brought a sense of charm to the building and you really felt like you were in a quaint little cabin. Christmas lights adorned the building and a large nativity scene sat just outside the entrance, greeting you as you turned into the parking lot. There was also a very large Christmas tree across from the front entrance that featured carolers singing. The walkway to this tree was light up at night and it definitely made for some great pictures. One of my favorite things of the entire hotel was the doormen. Dressed liked something you would see out of a movie, they were always ready to welcome you inside or wish you on your way.

Out the back door and you will find the perfect area to gather with friends. A small waterfall, plenty of seating, and fire-pits make this an incredible way to start your morning or end your evening. There was a large balcony overlooking the courtyard or you could sit and numerous chairs and benches lining the path. The little waterfall was truly picturesque and was just a great way to relax. Of course everything was decorated for Christmas, giving you plenty of photo opportunities, and sparking joy around every corner.

For our stay, we decided on the King Mini Suite. This room featured a pillowtop king bed and a full sleeper sofa. We had an in-room, two person whirlpool, that Vivi loved! We also had a gas fireplace with a fully decorated mantle and a Christmas tree. Vivi called it her “Christmas Home,” and the whole experience was just magical. Other amenities included a private balcony, refrigerator, microwave and coffee pot, and a flat screen television with a DVD player. Each afternoon, our room was cleaned and our pillows were adorned with Hershey Kisses. It was a sweet treat and something that Vivi definitely loved coming “home” to enjoy.

Of course the room that was decorated the most was the hotel lobby. The trees were immaculate, the decorations were exquisite, and the staff was just as cheerful as one of Santa’s elves. We enjoyed grabbing a hot coffee every morning on the way out, warm cider in the evening, and a cookie every night before bed. All of this could be found just by the lobby counter and was definitely a nice treat.

We loved sitting on the comfy couches and talking with the other hotel guests and we even managed to sneak in a kiss under the mistletoe. Just off the main lobby was another sitting area. It was here that you could find Santa almost every morning during breakfast talking with the children, or on some evenings hosting a sing-a-long. I think it was the addition of Santa that really evoked the spirit of Christmas at the hotel. He was truly the highlight of the entire trip

Another favorite that the hotel offered was a Deluxe Complimentary breakfast. Every morning guests can enjoy homemade omelettes, an assortment of items for a warm meal, and the tastiest cakes and pastries. Besides all of that, you could also enjoy a large yogurt bar with toppings, fruit, waffles, cereals and all the coffee and juice your belly could hold. We tried the hot meal and the omelettes and both were amazing. Vivi liked being able to have all of her usual favorites for breakfast and we just loved getting a quality meal that we did not have to buy!

We made sure to stop by and see Santa every morning after breakfast to tell him about our day and snap some pictures. There was never a wait to see him so Vivi was able to talk to him as long as she liked. He was so patient with her and always had a kind word.

The hotel also featured your typical amenities. Those included a small work out room, an indoor pool, hot tub and an outdoor pool with water slide. The outdoor pool was closed because it was still quite cold on our visit, but I did manage to grab a picture through the fence. We did enjoy the indoor pool one evening, along with the hot tub. It was the perfect way to rest our tired muscles after exploring the streets of Gatlinburg.

Besides the typical amenities, the hotel also featured a few things that were unique to the hotel. The first of those was a Scavenger Hunt. Sheets were available with pictures for you to find things all over the hotel. Once you found all the things on the list you could take it to the front desk for a treat. The Scavenger Hunt was great because it gave you the opportunity to really explore the hotel and enjoy all of the decorations. There was something fun and unique decorating every corner and the Scavenger Hunt was the perfect way to see it all. The other amenity was the opportunity to write a letter to Santa. The cutest little writing desk, complete with stationary, was available to children to write a letter to Santa. The letters could be placed in the mailbox or hand delivered to him in the lobby. Vivi chose to hand-deliver her letter and Santa promised to take care of her this Christmas.

If you ever forgot what was happening at the hotel each day, an information sheet could be found in the elevator each day. The sheet was updated daily with all important hotel information, as well as the weather report and a count down until Christmas.

I could go on and on about the magic of the season at The Inn at Christmas Place but I really think the best way to experience that magic is to plan your own family vacation. Compared to other hotels in the area, it was reasonably priced. When you take into account all that the hotel has to offer, including the deluxe complimentary breakfast, the hotel was very affordable and it is somewhere that we will stay again. There is a lot of places to stay in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area so I think that it is important to find somewhere unique to stay to make your trip that much more memorable. This is definitely the most unique hotel that we have ever stayed in the area and it really did make our entire trip even more enjoyable.

The spirit of Christmas is alive every day at The Inn at Christmas Place and we are so thankful that we were able to experience that magic first hand. This amazing hotel is the perfect place to stay whether you are a family with small children, a couple celebrating an anniversary, or even a group of girlfriends getting out of town. There is truly something for everyone and no one can resist that Christmas magic. I encourage you to consider booking a vacation and enjoy Christmas anytime of the year!

Disclaimer: I was given a media rate in exchange for my blog post but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be used and I may receive a small commission.

Mommin’ Ain’t Easy, But it is a Whole Lot Easier with Baggallini: A Review of the 3 in 1 Backpack

Let’s get real for a minute.

No matter how much we love Motherhood and being a mother, it is not always easy. It truly is a job in itself and, while I am happy to take on this job daily, I am always looking for ways to make it just a little bit easier.

Luckily, I know that I can depend on one of my favorite handbag companies, Baggallini, to always have something that is both stylish and functional. They have done it again with the most amazing bag to meet all of my Mom needs.

Now that Vivi is getting older, I don’t have to bring as much stuff with me to meet her needs. She does still require some extra supplies, though, so I needed something that would work as an addition to my outfit, as well as meet my needs as a Mother. The perfect bag for that job was the 3 in 1 Backpack.

I decided to give it a test drive this past weekend on a particularly warm day. We wanted to make the most of the weather so we packed up the 3 in 1 Backpack and headed out the door. For this outing, we decided to head to our local outlet mall to do a little playing at the park, grab a snack, and maybe do a little shopping. In the bag I made sure to pack my water bottle, snacks for Vivi, a change of clothes, wipes, as well as my other handbag necessities. With all of the pockets and zippers, I was able to keep everything very organized and right at my finger tips. The outside pocket was great for easy snack access, my water bottle fit nicely on a side pocket, and the front zipper was the perfect spot to slide in my cell phone.

So besides the obvious, what other benefits does this amazing bag include? Taking a quick peek on the Baggallini website,  I was able to pull this list of amazing features:

• Lightweight, water-resistant nylon or printed fabric
• Removable wristlet has 3 card slots
• Removable wristlet dimensions: 7.5″ W X 4.5″ H
• Interior organization and multifunctional pockets
• Quick access phone pocket
• Fits iPhone 8 & iPhone plus
• Interior tablet pocket
• Fits up to 8″ tablet
• Key loop
• Sleeve for luggage handle
• RFID protection
• 56″ removable, adjustable straps convert from crossbody to backpack
• 4.5″ drop length
• Care instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth
• Exterior dimensions: 15.5″ W x 12.5″ H x 4″ D
• Weight: 1 lb. 7.5 oz.
• 1 year warranty against manufacturer’s defects

The feature that I enjoyed most was definitely the fact that this was a 3 in 1 backpack. I literally used every option on our day out and it was so nice! The strap could be easily lengthened or shortened so that I could use it as a crossbody, shoulder bag, or simply hang onto the handles. Perhaps the most unique way to carry the bag was as a backpack. With easy to clip straps and a top loop, the bag quickly and easily became a backpack leaving me hands free to chase Vivi.

This has definitely become our go-to bag for family outings. I love the sleek design, the color literally matches with everything, and you can not beat the ease and accessibility. I cannot recommend the 3 in 1 Backpack enough and I encourage you to add this bag to your collection. As Mothers, we need all the help we can get and Baggallini definitely helps to meet all of those needs.

Outfit Details:

Sweater | Dress | Ring | Headband | Boots

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post with Baggallini. I was gifted the bag and will be compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links are used in this post and I may receive a small commission.

February Favorites

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Hello Friends!

It is hard to believe that another month has come and gone, but here we are are already finished with the month of February! January may have dragged, but February definitely flew by at our house!

If you follow me over on Instagram, you probably noticed that I did a small style challenge the week of Valentine’s Day. There was not any specific prompts, just an encouragement to dress for the holiday and build community among everyone participating. It was a lot of fun and I loved seeing everyone’s outfits. If you are interested in seeing everyone who participated, just check out the hashtag #bemrsfowlersvalentine over on Instagram and I know you will feel inspired.

Because of the style challenge, I did not do a whole lot of shopping for the month of February so, instead, I wanted to share with you a few of the outfits that I put together for the week of love. While some of the pieces I already owned, a lot of them were new and were in collaboration with one of my favorite retailers, SHEIN. They had so many amazing pieces available and I was able to put together some truly incredible outfits. I encourage you to check everything out and consider adding some of the pieces to your own wardrobe. They were all super affordable and, if you use the code 1gveras, you can save 15% on your entire purchase!

Red Pleated Skirt | Double Heart Belt | Black Heart Sweater | Leopard Sequin Skirt | Black Elbow Heart Sweater

Platform Crocs

I was gifted a pair of platform Crocs this month and I have to say that I was a bit skeptical at first. I did not know how I was going to make them work in an outfit. I have to say that, after a little research on Pinterest, I gathered some ideas and now I am obsessed. The shoes were incredibly comfortable and the platform was a lot of fun to wear. While I probably won’t be wearing them everyday, they are definitely a great addition to my wardrobe and will be perfect when I have to do a lot of walking. My advice to you should you decide to purchase is just incorporate them into what you would normally wear. For me, pattern-mixing is something that I do a lot so I made that the focus of my outfit instead of the shoes. By doing that, the shoes compliment the pieces and everything comes together for a chic, and comfy, look.

Tiger Midi Dress

One piece that I did purchase this month was this absolutely amazing, tiger print dress from ASOS. I saw it on Instagram on the fabulous @onelittlemomma and I fell in love. Once I saw the price, I knew that I had to add it to my wardrobe. It was such unique piece that I knew I would be able to get a lot of wear throughout the seasons. I paired it with booties this month but I know that it will look amazing with my favorite wedges as it starts to warm up. The sleeves have buttons so they can easily be rolled up for a different, cooler look. The dress looks great with a denim jacket or even unbuttoned as a kimono. The options are unlimited! I encourage you to check out this piece and consider adding it to your wardrobe. It runs a little small so I recommend sizing down.

Hopefully some of these favorites appeal to you as well! There was some truly great outfits that happened this month that would not have been possible without these pieces. I encourage you to check them all out and consider adding them to your wardrobe.

Disclaimer: All pieces from SHEIN I was gifted from the company. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links are used and I may receive a small commission.

Getting My Fix with StitchFix

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post through We Are Teachers for StitchFix, but all opinions are my own.

I am sure that it is no surprise to all of you that I absolutely love shopping. I love the feel of the bags in my hand, I love the smell of the fabric, and I love the way that a new item makes me feel. What I don’t love is driving into town, fighting the crowds, and trying on clothes in a very unflattering dressing room. With my schedule being so busy, lately I have just not even bothered with clothes shopping.

What is a girl to do?

Well, I have found the answer to get my shopping fix and its name is StitchFix! StitchFix is a personalized styling service that sends a box of clothes and accessories to your house with free shipping and returns. While there is a $20 styling fee, that price is applied to any items, should you decided to buy. You are only charged for the items that you decide to keep. Mailing back any items that you decide not to keep is very easy. Simply place them in the enclosed mailer and place them in your mailbox. So easy!

When you first sign up for StitchFix, they will have you fill out a Style Profile Quiz. You will fill out your sizes, any styles that you may not like, as well as any colors and prints that you may not want to wear. It was very thorough and I was impressed by all of the styles that they took into consideration. The fact that the Style Profile Quiz is so thorough is great, especially for teachers. As a teacher, we have a required dress code and image to present I was able to put in my job’s dress code requirements so that I could get a lot of great things for work. After filling out my profile, I just had to wait for my box to arrive.

As soon as I got my box, I opened it up so that I could try everything on. You do have a time limit to mail everything back so it is important that you open the box as soon as possible to make your choices. If not, you will be charged for all the items.

Upon opening the box, the first thing  I noticed was the Outfit Suggestion cards. There is a card for each item that was shipped with your box and two ways to style the item. This is a great feature, especially for those who struggle with how to put outfits together.

The first item that I received was the Golda Faux Wrap Midi Skirt by Le Lis. This was probably my favorite item in the box. I loved the styling suggestions and immediately thought of quite a few ways to style it with items already in my closet. It was the perfect length for teaching so I knew that my stylist had read through my questionnaire answers to give me exactly what my wardrobe needed. I absolutely kept this piece.

I took the time to style it with pieces that I already owned so that you could see the versatility. It can easily be dressed up or down and would be a great addition to my existing wardrobe.

The next item that I received was the Kaydin Dot Stitch Pullover by Teeberry & Weave. This was a great sweater and I think it would be an essential basic in most closets. The fit was great and it could easily be styled many different ways with multiple things in my closet. My only problem was that it was very similar to things that I already owned. I could not justify having two, almost identical cream sweaters. Unfortunately, this one had to go back.

Another favorite in the box was the Jacqueline Skinny Pant by Liverpool. I had never heard of this brand before but I am so glad that I have discovered them. The fit is amazing. This particular pair was dressy enough for work but it could easily have been dressed down for the weekend. For pictures, I paired them with the Kaydin Dot Stitch Pullover from my order, but they could literally be paired without almost everything in my closet. I decided to keep these pants because they fit perfectly and matched my style exactly. I am glad that one of the questions that was asked on the Style Profile was how do you like the fit of your pants because these are the perfect addition to my wardrobe.

The final clothing item that I recieved was the Mayven V-Neck Blouse by Skies are Blue. This top was absolutely adorable. Just like my other pieces, the fit was great and it pretty much matched my style. I really considered keeping this item but it was quite similar to a few tops that I already owned. I loved the colors and knew it would have been a great addition, but in the end, I was not completely sold.

My final item was not clothes, but rather a necklace. It was the Peony Fringe Pendant by Bay To Baubles. It was a great necklace that could be worn with almost everything and was gold, my favorite color to wear in jewelry. The only problem was that it was very similar to other items I owned. This was my biggest problem with the items that I received in my box and I feel like that was a good problem to have. The stylist did such a good job of styling my box that she practically gave me items that I already owned.

In the end, I only decided to keep two things from my StitchFix box.. I wish that everything had worked because you get a 25% discount on your order if you decide to keep everything in your box. There was so many great pieces, but in the end, I couldn’t justify keeping items that were so similar to items that I already owned. Even if you don’t keep all items, your $20 styling fee is applied to your order so that your money goes toward building your closet. Most of the items in my order were around $45 so I technically ended up getting one item for about half off. I was just grateful that my styling fee was applied to my order so I never felt like I was wasting money. I honestly enjoyed the experience and am currently waiting for my next box. You can choose the frequency that you receive your boxes and are welcome to cancel at any time. Feel free to check on my highlight reel on my Instastories to see my actual try-on videos and hear more about my experience.

The only question that I have left unanswered is how do you let StitchFix know which items you decided to keep or send back so that they do not charge your account. Well, the have an app for that!

Once you receive your order, your StichFix app will update with all of the items that you have received. After you make your selections, your will scroll through the items marking which ones you decided to keep and which ones you decide to send back. You can also mark how each item fit so that they can make sure your next box is all of your correct sizes. It is so easy and they walk you through the entire process. Once your selections have been made, you can update your style profile to fit your current needs and sizes, leave a note for your stylist and, of course, schedule your next fix!

Overall, I really enjoyed this experience and I encourage you to try it out, at least once as well. It was such a nice surprise to receive in the mail and I really enjoyed trying on what my stylist picked for me. To encourage you to try out the service, We Are Teachers and StichFix are offering all of my readers and followers a waived styling fee!  Just click the link (StitchFix) and the waived fee will be applied to your order! This means that you are not charged anything unless you decide to keep items! That is something definitely worth trying! If you do decide to try StichFix, I would love to know what you get in your box. Just share below in the comments or tag me over on Instagram!

Happy Shopping!

Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post with StitchFix and We Are Teachers. Affiliate links are used and I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

The Alida: A Savannah Staycation

In the chaos of our life, Justin and I finally made time to celebrate our anniversary and were thrilled to enjoy a night at The Alida, the newest hotel to become a part of the historic district in Savannah.

Located at the west- end of River Street, this gorgeous hotel boasts scenic views, amazing cuisine, and architecture that is inspired by the ships traveling through the Savannah River, just outside the hotel. The hotel is at the end of River Street that had not been used in the past few years. Thanks to The Alida and a current project, The Plant Riverside District, the west-end of River Street has gotten a much needed face lift and is offering new and exciting things to both tourists and locals.

Upon walking into our room, I was immediately drawn to the large window seat. It boasted a gorgeous view of the city and was the perfect spot to read a book or just enjoy the ships passing through. The window seat was also a unique way of hiding your storage. There was a closet located at each end of the window seat and drawers were located under the seat itself. I really like this because it allowed the room more opportunity for free space. There was no need for a dresser so you could move about more easily within the room. I feel like this is so important when staying in a hotel because your room can often times start to feel confining. The unique use of storage and the large windows really helped the room to feel more open and an all together more inviting experience.

On each floor of the hotel you can find a water station. I really like this idea because you were able to pick from tap, sparkling or still water, and take as much or as little as you like. Fruit was also available, as well as an ice machine. I have never seen anything like this in another hotel and it was a nice treat to have cool, sparkling water, anytime I like. This is a free service and just a way for you to feel more at home.

The Trade Room

Venturing down from our room, we made a stop at the lobby bar, The Trade Room.

The Trade Room is conveniently located within the lobby of The Alida and is available for guests or anyone just wanting a drink. I used this opportunity to order one of the bar’s signature cocktails, the Strawberry-Ginger Phosphate. This drink had just the right amount of sweetness and was a refreshing treat. The ginger gave the drink the perfect bite and it all came together for very enjoyable experience. While sitting at the bar, we made friends with some other hotel guests, a few of which had their dogs with them. We were delighted to see that The Alida was a dog friendly hotel. Whether you want to stay with your dog, or just stop in with them for a drink, your four-legged babies are always welcome.

Just outside The Trade Room is some adorable outdoor seating. It had two fire pits to keep you warm on those colder nights and just looked like the perfect place to hang out with friends and enjoy a drink. Out here you can also find the hotel pool. While it was too cold to swim, I couldn’t help but check everything out. I was in love with the cute little cabanas. They will be the perfect spot to relax through our hot summer months.  Plenty of seating was available to work on your tan or just enjoy the view. There was also a Pool Bar that is open on warmer days serving refreshing drinks and light bites.

Dinner at Rhett

After a drink, we were getting hungry so we used that opportunity to check out the hotel restaurant, Rhett. The best way to describe Rhett would be an upscale diner. I want you to picture your favorite, small town diner and then give it a touch of elegance.

That is Rhett.

The cozy booths, plastic cups, and comfort foods really help you to feel at home but the elegance in the atmosphere leaves you feeling fancy. The architecture in the restaurant is one of the best places to really get a feel for the ships coming down the Savannah River.

We happened to be visiting the restaurant right in the heart of Restaurant Week, so we were able to sample 3 courses of the menus signature items at a fixed price or just order off the menu. I opted for the 3 courses while Justin just ordered off the menu. We both started our meals with the Wedge Salad. It was perfectly crisp, beautifully dressed and the dressing was definitely homemade.

For our main courses, I went with the Roasted Pork. The pork sat on a bed of collards and was served with fingerling potatoes, boiled peanuts and chilis. Each flavor complemented the next and I wish I had more of those boiled peanuts. Justin went with the Burger American. He is very picky when it comes to his food and he said it was the best burger that he has eaten in a long time. We both cleaned our plates.

For my final course, I went with the Chocolate Mousse. It was rich, creamy and just the right size serving. Served with a homemade cookie, it was the perfect ending to an amazing meal.

The Lost Square

After dinner, there is always room for one more drink, so we headed upstairs to check out the rooftop bar, The Lost Square.

This bar boasts an amazing view of the city and the Savannah River. It is the perfect place to end a night out with friends or a romantic dinner for two. With a large fireplace, heat lamps, and comfy seating, you are sure to stay warm on those cooler nights while good drinks and even better conversation, warm your soul. The Lost Square was definitely the highlight of our stay because it just had an amazing atmosphere. Around the corner from the bar is also a large area available to rent for parties or events.

KEEP Shop

Savannah is known for some amazing, local shopping, but you don’t have to leave the hotel to see all that is to offer. Keep Shop is located inside the lobby of The Alida and has custom Stetson hats, Satchel leather goods, Salacia Salts apothecary and Element Clay Studio ceramics. You can also find items that you may have left at home, but with an upscale twist. Pretty, gold nail clippers, natural toothpaste, and unique bobby pins, are just a few of the things that you can find lining the shelves of Keep Shop. They also have fun toys for your little ones. My personal favorite item from the shop is The Alida Signature Candle. As you walk through the hotel, you will notice their signature smell. I am not exactly sure what the combination is, but it is amazing. The signature candle smells exactly like that scent so you can literally take a piece of The Alida home with you. A candle definitely came home with me and it makes my house smell so good. If you buy anything during your stay, I strongly encourage you to take a candle home with  you.

Also located within the lobby is plenty of sitting areas. Come in from the heat and have a drink, read a book in one of the window seats, or just sit back and people watch. It is also a great place to take all the Instagram photos. There is literally something around every corner just screaming to be photographed. Whatever you decide, there is space available for you to make yourself at home.

Justin and I enjoyed every aspect of our stay at The Alida. The staff was welcoming, the hotel was gorgeous, and the food was amazing. I am so thankful that we had the opportunity to experience so much that this new Savannah staple has to offer. We are already planning on taking our friends out to dinner at Rhett and will definitely be grabbing a drink at one of the bars. Whether you are planning a trip to Savannah or just looking for somewhere to enjoy a staycation, I cannot recommend The Alida enough.

Disclaimer: My stay at The Alida and meal at Rhett was comped by the hotel, but all opinions are my own.

January Favorites

Hello My Beautiful Friends!

I cannot believe that January is over. I am sure for some of you it seemed to drag, but for me, the month was gone in a blink.

This year I am really trying to be aware of my purchases. I recently received my first Louis Vuitton (thank you Hubby), and it made me realize the importance of quality over quantity. Add in the fact that I recently “Marie-Kondo’d” my closet and I just no longer want excess. I think that it is very easy to get caught up in wanting more “stuff” but the reality is that we all need to simplify our lives. To keep myself more accountable, I am going to start sharing all of my favorite purchases from the month with you. I think that it will really help to keep me more aware of what I am buying, plus it will be a way to share all of my awesome finds with you. I recently did a poll over on my Instagram in my Instastories and that was something that received almost 100% votes for wanting to see on my blog. I know that I personally enjoy those kind of posts so I hope you do as well.

So without further ado, I bring you my January Favorites!

As you can tell from the photos, these are not perfectly style outfit pictures. These are pictures that were taken on my phone as I wore them. I tried to pick pieces that I am using in my wardrobe and not just styling for a post. I feel like that makes these favorites real and authentic and I hope you will consider adding them to your closet.

Goodnight Macaroon Boots & Free People Turtleneck Bodysuit

I just happened to wear these two items together one day so I figured that it was good way to share their versatility. I have wanted these boots from Goodnight Macaroon for so long and when they were having a 30% off sale, I finally broke down and bought them. I have to tell you that they are worth every penny and I am so glad that I finally was able to add them to my wardrobe. The fit was exactly what I have been looking for and the colors goes with everything. The boots do not slouch fall down and stay fitted to your calves. They have a great heel height and I was able to wear them all day in the classroom without any problems. I would recommend sizing up one size.

The turtleneck bodysuit was something that I had seen multiple people share and I am always looking for good layering pieces. I love the fact that this is a bodysuit because it stays tucked into my pants. The lace detail is so pretty and looks great under dresses, with overalls, or with sweaters. I ordered my normal size and it fits fine but if it you want it to fit tight, I would recommend sizing down one size.

Snakeskin Boots

Snakeskin has become a huge trend recently and I have to say that I am not mad about that all. When I saw my friend Riley of  Yes, Please Daily post these boots, I knew I had to have them. If you have not already guessed, I am definitely a shoe girl so I am constantly looking for fun pairs to add to my wardrobe. This pair did not disappoint and I have loved styling them. The heel is a great height and this was another pair that I was able to wear all day in the classroom without any problems. The fun print was also a big hit with my students. In this pair of boots I ordered my normal size and they fit great!

Peekaboo Chic Dress Extender

This month I have also been loving my skirt extender from Peekaboo Chic. This is the Classy vs. Sassy Slip Dress Extender and it has serious been a life saver. So man of my cute dresses are not long enough to wear to work and that can be disappointing. I love this slip because it adds an extra layer to my dresses, giving them a little extra length, so they are more appropriate for my workplace. I also got one in black so that I would be able to match all of my dresses. If you are a teacher, or really anyone who is looking for a way to add some modesty to some of your skirts or dresses, I strongly encourage you to check out all that they have available.

Besse Bag from LOÉIL

My final favorite of this month would definitely have to be the Besse Bag from LOÉIL. This beauty of a bag is clear with clear, plastic handles. I love this bag because I am able to change it so much by adding a clutch to the inside. In this outfit, I inserted one of my clutches from the Studio DIY Can’t Clutch this Subscription and it gave both bags a completely new look. I feel like together, they have class and elegance, with a touch a whimsy. I was inspired to get this bag by my friend Kelsey of Pardon My French. She uses this bag to hold her Louis Vuitton Toiletry Pouch and it looks so chic. I know this will be a piece that I will continue to use for years and will be able to use it with so many different outfits and clutches.

I hope that you enjoyed these favorites as much as I did in January. They will all become staples in my wardrobe so I am sure that you will see them again. Let me know what your favorites were in January! I always love to hear from you!

 

Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used in this post and I may recieve a small comissinon. My skirt extender I recieved c/o Peekaboo Chic but all opinions are my own. My Louis Vuitton is the Saintonge.