10 Summer Sweaters + Why I blog

I rounded up the best between-season sweaters. Honestly, I can’t think of anything better than summer evenings at the beach. But when the sun decides to take a little nap I get cold! Our beach has a grill with endless soft serve ice cream. I’m such a sucker for them. We love to grab our treat and walk the beach. It’s my favorite thing in the world. I’m really into buying things that are versatile and can be worn during a couple seasons. I found this amazing HAT in white tweed and gold. It’s perfect!

RAINBOW ARC SWEATER | VINTAGE CUT OFF SHORTS | HAT in white tweed | GUCCI SLIDES 

REAL TALK and Why I blog (answered below #6)

I wrote this as a blog entry in February. It’s the most popular post on my site and thought I’d share it with new readers. Have a look!

1.I was at lunch with a good friend yesterday and we talked about where we lived before NY + CT  and how both of us ended up here. It made me think about how far we’ve come and the struggles. I told her about moving to Chicago to start Dennis’s MBA program at Kellogg (NorthWestern’s business school). We had zero, and I mean zero dollars to our name. LOL. We bought a tan rusty 1980 corolla (for $400) to drive to the grocery store  and when we wanted to take little Davis (2) and Gwen (baby) to the Lincoln Park Zoo. We had big dreams of moving to NYC to start Dennis’ career and live on the east coast. We didn’t have any money but we had each other and lots of dreams. Life was simple and HAPPY. We worked really, really hard. On really hard days we both looked at each other and wanted to move back to AZ (where we grew up). I also talked  more with my girlfriend yesterday about coming from a broken home. I need to share more on this topic. I sure wish I had someone to talk to or hear from when I went through it.  I had a few rough years putting myself through college and finding my own path when I was 18. At one point I even moved in with my aunt and uncle while I sorted through my emotions and figured next steps. I worked two jobs in college to pay my own rent and schooling (waitressing is no joke). If someone ever mistreats a waitress around me, I will drop kick them through the door, lol. It’s HARD!  I’ve had to work for what I have. I don’t ever want anyone to think that I was handed anything. (well…I was handed “D” my hubby is my biggest blessing of all) I know the downs all too well and I understand (and have so much empathy) when you guys write in about what you struggle with. My biggest advice is to keep your head up, lean on God, and talk about your dreams out LOUD. You have to say them out loud. Pray about them and talk about them. You can make anything happen if you work hard at it. I’ll be sharing more of my back story. I think it’s important. I want to help anyone I can. I know fashion is fun but I want (more than anything) to help you guys or inspire or even be a friend when you need it.

2. Sometimes I learn the hard way. But more than ever I’m learning to trust my gut feelings. Don’t second guess yourself. There is always a reason for your feelings. Don’t ever let anyone tell you different.

3.My girls have been off and on sick this week. Dennis is traveling (gets home today!) we have had a couple all nighters fighting fevers. In between working and juggling being a mom the only thing that helps me keep up with all of it is the one hour I spend working out. I’m sure on my instagram it appears that all I do is shop, wear cute clothes and workout. Don’t ever let instagram fool you. Instagram is my job. I have people I have to answer to. Numbers, goals and analytics that track my performance. Brands that expect certain things from me. I’m struggling with all the same things you guys are.  I’m actually headed to my first Fashion Week show in a couple hours and my hair won’t be washed. I’ll use half a bottle of dry shampoo and hope my deodorant kicks in. My girls are home sick and I’m trying to work, get ready and lay with them as much as possible because I know that MOM GUILT will set in when I’m away from them.

4.We bought a home and finally feeling settled. Well kind of settled. I bet it will take a year! Who are some of your favorite interior designers? I’d like to have a little help once I get a feel for what I’m looking for.

5.I’ve been boxing once a week. I can’t tell you how fun it is. Have you tried something new to challenge you lately? I’m learning I need to push myself out of that comfort zone more than I let myself.

6.Blogging advice – This is something I get asked about daily. The answer isn’t an easy one. Stay consistent, it might take a couple years to gain traction but you can do it! You might need to keep your day job while your blog grows (don’t let that discourage you). It took me almost two years to get that first big paycheck from blogging. Hire the right people. Find someone to help you build your website or take a class all about SEO and other ways to keep your user growth up online. Create mood boards and use a content calendar. I was the worst about using a content calendar. I started to grow the most when my content was thought out weeks ahead of time. Stay in your own lane. Don’t let what others do influence your work. everyone can fit on the internet. Just be you and it will work out!

why I blog- I started blogging 7 years ago. I started it originally to stay in touch with my family in Arizona when we moved to NYC. I had Davis (3 years old) Gwen (13 months) and Chloe ( a newborn baby). I had them very close together. Blogging gave me the outlet I needed each day to journal and gather my thoughts on parenting, NYC life and also all the fun fashion that I saw everywhere. Fast forward to today and I’m so grateful for the journey I’ve had. I’ve had 2 partners along the way. I’ve grown as a person and mother. I’ve met some of my best friends through blogging. Most importantly I’ve been able to help provide income and stability to my family. I continue to blog because I love being able to be a stay at home mom while providing a source of income for my family. It is a lot of work but I’m very passionate about it. I wouldn’t want another job at this time. I’ve thought about doing esthetics once a week as soon as my kids get a little older. Skincare is definitely my biggest passion of all. If you have wanted to blog but you feel like you missed your chance, YOU HAVEN’T! If you have the drive and passion you can make it happen.

7.Okay…..I want to start the conversation. USING a surrogate. I can’t carry another baby. It’s not in the cards for me. My third (Chloe) was a preemie and I had complications. I’ve had to have three c-sections to deliver. I’m so grateful for the three healthy and safe deliveries we have had. I’d love to have a 4th but know that I have to get a little creative in order to have one. I started becoming open to the idea of having a surrogate last year. It seems to be more common than ever. We have been looking into it but still get anxious about the thought of someone else carrying my baby. I’d love to know your stories (if you want to open up) if you have experienced this. I’m not saying I’m going to do this 100% but I am saying it’s on my mind and something we are considering. Dennis is still on the fence about it but warming up to the idea. We will only do it if we feel right about it. I would love to know all of your thoughts. I’ve heard such amazing stories about surrogates.

8.Questions about my hair are answered here- HAIR – Getting the bright blode you want!

RAINBOW ARC SWEATER | VINTAGE CUT OFF SHORTS | HAT in white tweed | GUCCI SLIDES 

Have a great day!

xx

Jenna