The Swell Life

I loved this editorial in Vogue shot by Mario Testino. It is so fresh and fun and feels like summer. I hope everyone has a great July 4th weekend!!

Enjoy!

All the Right Angles...

This is for all of us. I wrote it as a little reminder to myself and I just thought I would share it on this Wednesday. Because sometimes we need reminders...

The thing is no one can tell you exactly how to live your life. People are either going to accept you and love you for who you are or they're not. Always follow your heart. Never question the past and what's happened because it's shaped you into who you are now and who you are meant to be. It is tempting to wonder and to question, but the universe is a great teacher. It is even more tempting to regret and to worry if you made the right decision, stop. Trust your gut. Your gut knows and so do you.

Wait for time to show you the way. Remember everything you have accomplished and set out to accomplish more. There really isn't any way that you can get off track. Trust yourself. Let go. Open your heart Even if it doesn't work out, it's okay, because not everything is meant to be forever. It happened for a reason, and it may be a stepping-stone on the path to teach you and to get you ready for when it is forever. Love yourself, please. As soon as you start loving yourself, your world will change. Always remember and believe that you are worth it. And don't let anyone tell you that what you're looking for doesn't exist, because it does. Treat everyone you meet with kindness. Take in the mountains, breathe in the air and don't forget to be thankful. Listen to music, let it take you back and let it move you forward. Let it comfort you when you're sad and bring you joy and celebration when you're happy. Remember that life is fun and the surprises are the best part. Learn as much as you can from everyone, but don't let other people's opinions shape your life. Every person that comes into your life teaches you something. Exercise. Do some yoga. Live for the day. Live for the moment. Love deeply. Honor yourself. Stay alive, stay in it even if it gets hard, stay present. Enjoy who you are, what you have become and trust that everything is working exactly the way it's supposed to, even if we can't see it now. There is a bigger picture and it's better than anything anyone could have ever dreamed or imagined it to be. Believe in the magic.

And just a little quote that I love:
"Above all watch with glittering eyes the world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic, will never find it. - Roald Dahl
Wishing you all a very magical and lovely day!

image via dress, design, decor

Delightful

I literally had to peel myself out of bed this morning and I had to do the same yesterday! I must admit, I am big on sleep... and I think if I had this bedroom it would be even more difficult to leave the coziness of this delightful room. I love how it's so light! And I love the white furniture against the hardwood floor... love, love, love.

A little bit of Summer...

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend. I took a quick trip to Dallas on Saturday for a dinner with my sweet friend, who is turning 25 today. Happy birthday Maddie! We ate at a Neighborhood Services restaurant and it was wonderful. Returning home means a little relaxing. I am sucked into Boardwalk Empire. Have you all seen it? Ah, if you haven't you should check it out. It is very entertaining! I promise. In the meantime, enjoy the day!

All images via dress, design, decor

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all have a lovely weekend. We have a pretty full list of activities. Weddings, birthdays, a soccer game to watch and I'm hoping to get in a little shopping. : ) Wishing you all a great one!

image via musings in femininity

I had no idea...

I have a very sensitive stomach. For whatever reason, it gets upset easily and my digestive track seems to be more and more in a mess. Typically, my stomach is where I hold my stress, anxieties, etc., plus I'm a runner. And I used to rack up a good 53 miles a week (that is until I found yoga). Along with telling me not to run so much, my friend advised me to go to the health foods store and pick up some aloe vera juice for my stomach. We have all heard of the benefits of aloe gel and most often we associate it with healing our sunburns, but drinking it? I thought how weird... that is until I started reading about the benefits of drinking this magic juice, and although I don't love the taste, it is quickly becoming something that I consume everyday. I have learned that aloe vera helps to dilate capillaries, support cell growth- which helps improve circulation. It is also an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, helping to prevent the onset of disease. It is also said that the juice provides support in weight loss and muscle development.
Sounds like a miracle doesn't it? I had NO idea, so I thought I would share my new-found knowledge with all of you. Just in case ya didn't already know!

This "harmony remedy" really does an incredible job restoring the body on all levels. If you find yourself wandering the aisles of Whole Foods or any other health foods store, or if you want to order it online, I recommend it.

Thank you to my wonderful, friend/advisor : )

PS I drink Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Juice, that I bought at Whole Foods but their are tons of options out there.

A Lovely Rainy Morning

We haven't had a really nice rain here in Houston for awhile, so when I woke up this morning to the sound of it on my windows I was very grateful! Ahh, how I've missed the rain and how I'm loving it now. I wish all of the places consumed with fires would get some rain! Praying for New Mexico...

image via inspired by: