Ralph Lauren Lace Sleeveless Dress [on sale! true to size] // Steve Madden Santi Strappy Sandals [true to size]
Oh 30, you were something. When I think about the year as a whole, one word comes to mind – change. Some good changes, some unwelcomed changes, a lot of intentional changes, a few unplanned changes, but mostly just change. Getting older is a funny thing. When I was younger, I welcomed change like it was my job. I thrived off of change, I wanted something different every single day. “Can we have a child?!” “Okay, what about a new house?!” “I think I need a new job!” “At least let me get a different car!” “Are you sure we just shouldn’t have a kid?!” “You’re right, a new furniture set would be easier.” That was my thought process nearly every single day. Trying to redo anything I could regularly. Now that the past year has been full of change, I want everything the same. No surprises [unless it involves macaroni and cheese] and a life full of “normal” again, whatever that means.
I went into 30 full of anticipation for what the year was going to bring – I was very unclear of what I really wanted it to bring, but here are a few of the “big” things that happened the past year:
- Quit two jobs
- Lost our dog of 11 years, Maggie [which in being totally honest, rocked my world upside down]
- Installed a pool
- Started blogging full-time and hired 3 people
- Became a mom to two new boy puppies
- Rented and furnished an office space
- Poured my focus into Facebook which resulted in hanging out with 5,000 people there to over 230,000!
- Traveled 15 times
- Experienced extended anxiety for several months in a row in a real and paralyzing way
And that’s just the first few things that came to mind. With all of that being said, however, as 31 arrived this week, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace and routine. I feel like I am finally finding my footing with this new lifestyle. I feel happy, I feel hopeful and I am full of anticipation of what’s to come.
Each year, I like to take a few minutes and think about what I’m really hoping to achieve for the coming year. When I thought about it the other day, one thing just kept ringing out in my head – enjoy the adventure. I’ve found myself in a habit of approaching everything as one big to-do list. It could be a great, exciting adventure and yet, my mind lumps it into the category of “just another thing that needs to be done”. I am constantly waiting for it to be over so I can cross it off the list. I don’t want to live this way. I want to enjoy every morsel of the journey, not long for it to be over so I can move on to the next. My goal is to change my mindset from viewing a task, no longer as a task but an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to make new relationships, come out stronger and wiser, experience a new environment, be an inspiration to somebody else. To approach something with joy and come out of it thankful for the experience.
Inc International Concepts V-Neck Tank Top [true to size] // Bar Iii Draped Faux-Wrap Skirt [crazy comfortable, true to size] // Call It Spring Asadolla Block-Heel Sandals [true to size] // similar shoes
31 – may you be full of smiles, laughs, cheers and a few less gray hairs. Here’s to the journey ahead! 
Inc International Concepts Popsicle Cold-Shoulder Top [true to size] // similar jeans // American Rag Easten Slide Sandals [true to size]
All of the outfits above came from one of my favorite places to shop, Macy’s. I have been so impressed with their inventory recently and the price points are even better. If you are looking for a great place to shop without spending a fortune, be sure to check out Macy’s for a ton [we’re talking a ton] of options!
Easily shop all of the items I’m wearing in the post below —
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
