SOCIAL MEDIA

5.14.2018

White Ruffles And Pink Accents + Finding Joy In The Present










Sometimes, our circumstances are a bit out of our control. Sometimes, we might find ourselves in a season of life that isn't always easy to bear. Despite all the people out there touting "positive vibes" and to "only spend time with those who uplift you", sometimes the positive vibes are hard to find. And, I'm here to tell you that my three year old daughter is one of my favorite people on the planet, and she's the person I spend most my time with... but a three year old rarely leaves you feeling uplifted and energized. haha. My current season of life (caring for two toddlers) is sometimes challenging, and I have a close friend who has found herself in a challenging season of life, for very different reasons. I was just thinking the other day that no one is immune to those challenging and difficult times in life. So, how can you find a little joy amidst the daily grind? Today, I'm sharing 5 ways that can improve your mood and help you feel happy, during the trying times.

1. Remember the good times during the especially hard times. There are hard Mom-days, and then there are really hard Mom-days. I've found it really helps me, in the moments I feel I might snap, to recall those really good times with my children. It reminds you that there have been lots of good times, and there will be good times in the future. The one certain thing about life is that it's constantly changing, so your current situation will be changing, too. 

2. Get outside. Hear me out on this one, because I sometimes struggle with this, myself. I would rather stay inside where it's always the perfect temperature, and there are no bugs. haha! But, it's been proven that humans need to get outside sometimes, and it's a definite way to improve your mood. I choose to take daily walks with my kids. They love it, I love it, and everybody really is in a better mood, after our walks. 

3. Find a hobby you love. For me, it was starting this blog. But, finding a hobby that really drives you, motivates you, and helps give you a sense of purpose can really help fuel the good feelings. Spending time each day doing something you really care about will go far to help you feel happy. 

4. Find a friend. My friend, Candace, has been on the blog a few times, so you've probably seen her. She's someone I can relate to, we both blog, we both love fashion, we both like to stay healthy, and bonus points, we live like a mile away from each other! It's so nice to be able to talk to someone about what you're going through, no matter what it might be, and have someone who cares to just sit and talk over a glass of wine.

5. Get Healthy. By this, I don't mean join a gym and spend hours sweating it out on a treadmill, and eat only chicken and salad for every meal. I mean, just clean up your diet a little bit, maybe go a little lighter on the alcohol, and add in a few walks through the neighborhood each week. If you've started to eat poorly, you'd be amazed at how good you can feel just by cleaning up your diet a little (less sauces, just one cookie instead of two). It adds up and can really impact your health, overall.

If you're going through a difficult situation, or are just in a challenging season of life right now (some seasons can be challenging but beautiful, like raising toddlers, or planning a wedding), I hope you found a few ways to increase your joy during this time. Remember you're not alone, and no one is immune to the challenging seasons of life. We're all in this together! 
Thanks so much for reading!
Jessica

Shop My Look:

62 comments :

  1. 1. This outfit is adorable, as always! Loving the denim skirt so much!
    2. Loved your five points on finding joy in the present. #2 is so true, especially now that the weather is beautiful!

    I hope you had a great Mother's Day with your kiddos!
    Felicity | http://oliverandmoose.com

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    1. Thank you so much Felicity! I was needing this advice, myself, as I've been feeling really stressed out lately. Going to take the kids on a walk, today, and just be outside with my thoughts. It really does help! And, yes! We really had a lovely Mother's Day!

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  2. Aw, such sweet advice! You've absolutely helped me through this tough time. I'm so thankful for your friendship! I hope we can walk our babies together one day :)

    I love these pictures, too! The ruffles are just popping! So pretty!

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    1. We'll be walking our babies together so soon!! I can't wait!

      Thank you so much!! You really had some kind of super-photographer eye last weekend! I love them all!

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  3. Such good advice!!! I don't have children, but these are things I can relate to as well:)

    Laura
    Black Coffee Beautiful

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  4. Having a friend like that is truly the best!! Everything seems so much better when you share it, and they can totally help with a different perspective!!
    Love the ruffles on this shirt Jessica!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Thank you Jodie! Hope your weekend was fun, and you have a great day!

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  5. You are the queen of finding ruffles!! Love it! Also, these are great advice! I definitely follow these when times get hard and they do help!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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    1. Thank you so much, Rach! Have a great Monday!!

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  6. Hey Jessica, I really love this outfit on you, however I do feel as though the top fits a bit too lose, maybe get it tailored down a bit and it'll be perfect. You look beautiful nonetheless!

    aprilbasi.com

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  7. Love the ruffles with the denim skirt - such a nice contrast! And yes, great perspective!

    -Emily | www.East91Blog.com

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  8. Getting outside is key for me when I struggle. Love this list and adore your skirt. We are twinning in denim skirts today!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  9. This outfit is beautiful....love the blouse with ruffles.
    I agree with everything you wrote. Having a hobby and a creative outlet is super important. Healthy lifestyle never hurt anyone. When we are healthy, we feel better and this obviously has an impact on our mood.

    P.S. I saw your comment on SOS blog and just wanted to let you know that it is (as far as I know) perfectly normal for children to start speaking a bit later. Some kids will only start speaking after they are 3 years old. I'm not a speech therapist, but I'm a language teacher and that's what they taught us at the University. I know of kids who started speaking a bit later and ended up being the most advanced kid in their kindergarten and school soon after.

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    1. Thank you so much, Ivana! And thank you, especially for your encouragement about our daughter. She's starting to really take off quickly now that she started talking, and it's been a huge relief. It means a lot to me that you'd take the time to say all that! Hugs!

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  10. Thank you for the great advice. Getting outside can always make me feel so much better when I am feeling bad. I am loving your outfit!

    http://whatmakesmesmileblog.com/

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    1. Thank you so so much, Freja! Hope your Monday's going well!

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  11. Lovely tips! And such a pretty outfit! You always have the prettiest ruffled tops, and these earrings are so beautiful!

    Krisztina | http://www.krisztinaclifton.com/2018/05/unboxing-sa-plunkett-naturals-vlog.html

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    1. Thank you so much, Krisztina! Have a great day!!

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  12. Oh gurlll....love this outfit on you. That top is just pure perfection.

    https://www.missymayification.co.uk

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  13. Totally agree, Simone! It's trying, but also beautiful! Thank you so much!

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  14. This top is so pretty! Loving the ruffles!!

    Happy Monday, babe!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    www.WhatWouldVWear.com

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    1. Thank you so much, Vanessa!! You have a great Monday, too!

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  15. Such a diva look. I did something very similar on the blog last month. You look gorgeous babe!
    Nistha
    https://www.fashionistha.com/get-summer-ready-in-valentine-clothes/

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    1. Thank you so much, Nistha! Hope you have a great Tuesday!

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  16. You always know how to rock ruffled top!
    Stunning as always!

    Much Love,
    Jane | The Bandwagon Chic

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  17. Life is all about happiness and always follow our intuition so we can be in sync with the universe and leave stress and bad energies behind! Thanks for this week inspiration, you are a beautiful soul :)
    With love,
    xx

    Patricia & Miguel
    www.freeoversea.com

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    1. Thank you, Patricia and Miguel! Hope you're having a great week!

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  18. Amazing rouge detail!!! I love it!!!
    kiss
    Chiara - http://shesinfashionblog.com

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  19. I love your look from head to toe, so chic and feminine :)

    xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY

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  20. Such a cute little one-shoulder top! Great outfit!

    Daniel x

    The Daniel Originals | Instagram: danielpoonvignez

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  21. Cute outfit, and I love the post!

    Chloe x
    www.softoctobernight.com

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  22. What a gorgeous top, it goes perfectly with the skirt and shoes and that bag is super cute!

    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

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    1. Thank you so much, Lovely! Have a great Tuesday!

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  23. That top is so cute! I love the ruffles on it.
    http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thank you so much, Courtney! I hope you're having a wonderful week!

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  24. Beautiful outfit, Jessica! Thank you for the tips as I am certain many moms out there can relate. Hope you're having a good Mom week! :)

    http://lizzyslatest.com/

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    1. Thank you so much, Lizzy! You have a great week, too!

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  25. wow i really love how you style everything! obsessed with ruffles!
    Read my post trendy nail colors https://highheelpoodl.blogspot.rs/2018/05/top-5-spring-nail-colors.html
    Or how to make your hanger https://highheelpoodl.blogspot.rs/2018/05/room-update-hanger.html

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    1. Thank you, Isadora! I'm obsessed with ruffles, as well! Have a great evening!

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  26. You look amazing in this look! What a cute bag though! Lovely post! So inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
    Have a great week!
    Much love, Len
    XO

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    1. Thank you, Len! I hope you have a great week, too!

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  27. That's one great way to tone down the statement blouse a bit to a more casual look, love how you styled it with those denim skirt dear. Really chic and fab casual look! The earrings are really lovely too.

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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    1. I thought it was a fun twist! Thank you so much, Jessica!

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  28. I am in love with the ruffles at the moment! And that top goes so well with the denim skirt, thank you for the inspiration :)

    Emma | www.lifeofemmax.co.uk

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    1. Thank you for the sweet comment! Have a great evening, Emma!

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  29. Trying to find the positive and look at things with a different view, or imagine the positive outcomes of a situation instead of the negative, are really helpful. Your tips are great!

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    1. Thank you so much!! Yes, totally agree with you!

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  30. Loving your ruffle top !! You looking stunning doll ������
    http://prachimaulingkernaik.com/top-10-shoes/

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