hi, friends!First of all, for those of you who are new around here, could I just say a HUGE thank you for your love and support?! Thank you for reading my blog. Thank you for engaging in my instagram. I read every single comment and I'm just so grateful for you guys every single day.When I started this Style Blogging journey this time last year, I had no idea it would become such an incredible source of support and encouragement. But it came at just the right time. God is just sweet like that.Before we dive into pictures, I wanted to share a quick health update on Matt!When we were in high school, Matt was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, which is an auto immune disease (also called IBS). This disease is actually pretty common and for a lot of people can be managed with medication and some changes in diet. Unfortunately for Matt, he found out pretty quickly that his disease was not going to be easy to manage.As an 18 year old, he pretty much saw his health (and what felt like his whole life) fade into doctors visits, medicine bottles, and unmanageable pain. The next twelve years held seasons of remission and seasons of severe struggle but you'd never know any of that if you met Matt. He's the most positive and uplifting person I've ever known. He's gone through more struggle in the past 12 years than most people face in their entire lives, yet he continues to press on and look on the bright side. He's an inspiration to everyone who knows him.When you have a chronic illness, you just never know when it's going to rear it's ugly head. In January of 2016, Matt was experiencing such sever pain that he couldn't walk or sit. He felt like everything was falling apart so by a total miracle, he was able to get in right away to see a specialist. It turns out, he had a laundry list of issues that had been wreaking havoc and had to be addressed right away. Some of the doctors suggested taking out MULTIPLE organs, others said we could try a few medications. All of them agreed that a few surgeries were necessary to at least try to begin the healing process.After being in the hospital for over three weeks, he was finally released. They gave him a few temporary fixes but even now (over a year later) we are still just having to wait to see what our next steps are.Matt is getting an infusion treatment every six weeks but he has to be admitted to the hospital for observation each time. He has other procedures to check his progress and a multitude of at home care he has to do every day. He's such a trooper!We are hoping and praying that his body will continue to heal with the help of treatments plus all the homeopathic measures we take. But it's just such a process so we are also just praying for patience as we ride this out.The reason we want to be open about our journey is because it's so easy to assume when you look at pretty pictures on instagram that no one else is struggling. But the truth is that in one way or another, we are ALL struggling. If being honest and authentic about what we are struggling thru helps just one other person to know they are not alone, then it's worth sharing.We also share because we want people to learn (as we are) that just because life is hard doesn't mean it can't be good. Our circumstances CAN steal our joy IF we give them permission. It's our goal to focus on the sweet side of our life and even in the midst of the struggle to still find the bright spots.When I look at our family, I don't see a brokenness. I see us as we are in these pictures. Laughing. Glowing. Playing. Enjoying every second we have to be together.I refuse to believe that our best days are behind us.We can't say enough how much we appreciate your prayers and your sweet words of encouragement. You are all such a light to us during some dark days. Thank you for loving us well!Now here are some fun family pictures taken by my AMAZING friend Megan Wallach!Side notes: Our outfit info is at the bottom of the post. I made the flower crowns. Y'all lemme know if you want a tutorial. 
My dress is fully stocked, under $50, and linked here!The girls dresses are under $18 and are linked here. Their shoes (that they wear non-stop!) are linked here.
Fresh Swim Style
Hi!I am loving this kimono from Filly Flair! As soon as I got it in the mail, I immediately thought it would be perfect as a swim cover. It's less than $35 and the quality is amazing! You need to check out some of the other Spring styles like this precious black midi dress and this floral cold shoulder top. Beware! They sell out quickly! If you're planning a wedding, they also have some CUTE bridesmaid dress options!
My swim suit sold out super fast and is only available in limited sizes but I'll be sure to let y'all know when there's a restock!
ASOS Sale!
Hi Y'all! I'm super excited to share with you guys that one of my very favorite retailers (literally buy almost all my clothes from there) is having a great sale! It's kind of a buy more, save more situation. I've rounded up a bunch of my picks for you to browse so see below!![showboutiquewidget id="588453"]Let me know if you have any questions about sizing or anything! Happy shopping!
Spring Cleaning - Closet Edition
Hey Friends! Let's get down to business.
As some of you may know, I have a little side gig called closet editing. It's basically where I come over to your house ad help you clean out your closet. Some of you are like "Wow, that sounds horrible. Why would I let you into my closet?" I'll tell you why! THE best way to make clothing decisions is to have an unbiased second opinion. Enter: me!
During the closet edit, we make piles, I have you try things on, I ask prodding questions... all in the name of LOVE. As in I want you to love your closet.
Because so many people prefer to fly solo on this task, I'm here with a few tips on how to have a successful and efficient closet clean out sesh, just in time for Spring and Summer clothes to make their grand appearance. Speaking of Spring and Summer... can we talk about these elastic waistband crop pants? They are perfection paired with this cami blouse. Also, this laser cut detail tote has quickly become my go-to bag for Spring. Oh, did I mention the inside of the bag is blush? You're welcome.
Ok here we go!
Step One: The Piles
Go thru all your hanging clothes and make a pile of anything faded, picked over, missing buttons, or just down right nasty. This will be your donate pile. Some of the things might also need to be in the trash pile. You be the judge. If it's not in good condition anymore, you don't need to put it on your bod.Now pull out anything you haven't worn in the past few months. We all know the items that stare us in the face and beg to be worn. Chances are, if you haven't worn it up until now, you're not gonna wear it again. These kinds of items can go in the SELL pile. This includes things that don't fit well. They might fit someone else! I use the app Poshmark to sell all my clothes when I'm done with them. It's very simple and you can make a whole lot more than online garage sales or consignment stores.Step Two: The Styles
Ok now that we've got our donate/trash and sell piles, what should be left is your KEEP pile. Here's the part where if I were doing the closet edit, I would go through and help you put together outfits with what you already have. But if you don't have me, you still have Pinterest. Bless it. You can put together outfits by doing a search for items you own! For instance, let's say you want to know how to style a white button down. Just do a quick search for that on Pinterest and you should come up with a bunch of ideas. I like taking pictures after I've put together a look so I can remember it later. #mombrainI also recommend going thru tee shirts, underwear, socks, workout clothes, and shoes. The same rules apply to these things. Make your piles and stick to your guns.I hope this helps and as always if you've got any questions, please feel free to let me know!Thanks for reading!My outfit details are linked below![showshopthepostwidget id="2586927"]
The Loft Spring 40% Off Sale
Hi, friends! Just wanted to pop in real quick to give y'all a roundup of some of my favorites from The Loft 40% off sale. Some of my picks are an additional 40% off SALE so yay for that!
You can shop everything below by clicking on the picture! If you have any questions, let me know! [showboutiquewidget id="586052"]