You guys. WHY has it been so long since I've blogged?! Seriously, where did the time go?! 

In short, here's what happened. Our already super active almost two-year-old has continued to ramp up his activeness, so we spend a good chunk of our day doing anything and everything.  He's into SO many different things now. We love treating any apparatus in our home as jungle gym equipment, reading lots of books, and all things Frozen (Henry Hugglemonster has taken a momentary backseat). And that makes it a little difficult to find the time to sit down and blog (because when there is time to sit down, I'm doing things like working my business or finishing laundry or cleaning or doing all the things).

And speaking of business, holy WOW has it been an amazing few months with KEEP Collective! My crazy-amazing incredible team hustled like no other in November to promote to a Director team! Say WHAT?! That means my team sold huge volume and all hit incredible goals in order to get us there, and I'm REALLY excited to see what's coming down the pipeline. But, I'll save that for another blog. 

Let's get down to why we're really here today: A fabulous Stitch Fix to end 2016 right! 

If you don't know about Stitch Fix (<--Referral link!), let me give you a little rundown. Stitch Fix is a clothing subscription service, and you decide how frequently, or infrequently, you'd like a shipment. You'll fill out a detailed style profile about your sizes, style preferences, and budget (and it's super fun to fill out the profile to see what your style preferences are!). Not only does Stitch Fix offer clothing, but they have accessories, bags, and even shoes now! Their maternity Fixes were amazing while I was pregnant, and I've been getting Fixes on the regular just because it's so much easier than toting our sweet 22-month-old to the store with me to try things on! 

And, if someone signs up through your referral link, you get a $25 credit to use toward your next purchase! (And let me tell you, that adds up to some awesome free close!) I was lucky enough to snag a Stitch Fix gift certificate for Christmas too, so happy shopping to me! 

You can see my previous Fixes here:
Stitch Fix #1

Stitch Fix #2
Stitch Fix #3
Stitch Fix #4

Stitch Fix #5
Stitch Fix #6
Stitch Fix #7
Stitch Fix #8
Stitch Fix #9
Stitch Fix #10
Stitch Fix #11
Stitch Fix #12
Stitch Fix #13
Stitch Fix #14
Stitch Fix #15
Stitch Fix #16 
Stitch Fix #17
Stitch Fix #18
Stitch Fix #19
Stitch Fix #20

Stitch Fix #21

Stitch Fix #22

I love Stitch Fix because it comes directly to me! This is perfect for seeing if the pieces you receive will work with the pieces you already have. Your Fix also arrives with detailed styling cards to give you ideas of how to wear each item. Each Fix costs $20, but the fee is credited toward anything you decide to keep. When you've decided what you don't want, you simply check out online and mail the items back in the prepaid mailing envelope. If you keep everything, you score a 25% discount! I love that I can work with my current wardrobe to see what will work best with what I already have. 

So for this Fix, I asked for some gorgeous pieces I could wear to our upcoming KEEP Director's Summit in Tucson! I wanted to get a few new fashionista pieces (since most days, my wardrobe is comfy casual), and I wanted to try some things outside my comfort zone. Serena, my AMAZING stylist, never EVER disappoints! Seriously, Serena, if you're reading this, and you ever find yourself in northern Indiana, you just let me know, girl. You come over. I'll make you your favorite meal! Per usual, Serena picked five amazing pieces, so without further adieu, onto the goodies! 

1. Octavia Hayley Bird Print Infinity Scarf, $28 
2. Fate Goodwin Cowl Neck Sweater, $64

When I saw these two pieces coming, I wasn't immediately sure what I thought. The poncho looked a little, well, poncho-like, and having never tried one, I didn't know what to expect. But, I've come to completely trust Serena, and she didn't disappoint here! She suggested pairing the poncho and scarf together (P.S. NEVER would have done that with a cowl neck, but it totally works!) and said I should pair them with the burgundy leggings I kept from many Fixes ago. And I kind of LOVE the look! What do you think? Better with or without the scarf added? I know which way I'm leaning! 

3. Loveappella Pola Pocket Knit Top, $48

This top right here, this is my jam. I think if I could summarize my style in one top, it'd be this one. I love the mixed material (the back is the same stripe as the sleeve!), I love the pop of color on the pocket and trim around the neck. I just really love it! 

4. Collective Concepts Krystal Dress, $78

When I saw what was coming in this Fix, THIS was the piece I was most excited to try! I've been looking at styles like this for ages, and I LOVE a good polka dot detail, so I couldn't wait to see what it looked like. And it did NOT disappoint! I love that I can dress it up with a great pair of heels, boots, or a statement necklace OR dress it down with leggings and flats. I love the shimmer. I love the 3/4 length sleeves! And it might just be perfect for a party in the desert! 

5. 41 Hawthorn Carla Crochet Detail Blouse, $58

Okay, so, story time. When my Fix came, I liked this top! I loved the jewel tone, and the sleeve details were cute too! I immediately liked it when I tried it on. But when I showed it to my mom, she pointed out a stain on the front, right smack dab in the middle. It looked a little like oil, maybe, but I wasn't sure. I emailed Stitch Fix immediately to ask if they had another, and they got back to me less than an hour later to say that this absolutely isn't up to their standards, and unfortunately, they didn't have another of the same top available (bummer!). They did offer me a discount on the shirt if I decided to keep it, but without knowing the origin of the stain, it made me a little nervous to keep it without knowing if I could get it out. So I emailed back saying as such... but I also asked about the buy five discount. Could I still get 25% off if I chose not to keep this top but still keep the rest of the Fix? And they responded immediately and said yes, they would take care of it if I chose to do that! Umm, that's some awesomeness right there! 

So what do we think, friends?! Do we like the other four pieces enough to keep them all? Are there any you would definitely send back? I need your feedback! 

Stitch Fix #22: Fall staples for every occasion!

There are so many things that get me excited for this season. Windy days. Leaves falling. Sweaters. Salted Caramel Mochas. And right up at the top of the things that make me love this season is Stitch Fix. 

If you don't know about Stitch Fix (<--Referral link!), let me give you a little rundown. Stitch Fix is a clothing subscription service, and you decide how frequently, or infrequently, you'd like a shipment. You'll fill out a detailed style profile about your sizes, style preferences, and budget (and it's super fun to fill out the profile to see what your style preferences are!). Not only does Stitch Fix offer clothing, but they have accessories, bags, and even shoes now! Their maternity Fixes were amazing while I was pregnant, and I've been getting Fixes on the regular just because it's so much easier than toting our sweet 18-month-old to the store with me to try things on! 

And, if someone signs up through your referral link, you get a $25 credit to use toward your next purchase! 

You can see my previous Fixes here:
Stitch Fix #1

Stitch Fix #2
Stitch Fix #3
Stitch Fix #4

Stitch Fix #5
Stitch Fix #6
Stitch Fix #7
Stitch Fix #8
Stitch Fix #9
Stitch Fix #10
Stitch Fix #11
Stitch Fix #12
Stitch Fix #13
Stitch Fix #14
Stitch Fix #15
Stitch Fix #16 
Stitch Fix #17
Stitch Fix #18
Stitch Fix #19
Stitch Fix #20

Stitch Fix #21

I love Stitch Fix because it comes directly to me! This is perfect for seeing if the pieces you receive will work with the pieces you already have. Your Fix also arrives with detailed styling cards to give you ideas of how to wear each item. Each Fix costs $20, but the fee is credited toward anything you decide to keep. When you've decided what you don't want, you simply check out online and mail the items back in the prepaid mailing envelope. If you keep everything, you score a 25% discount! I love that I can work with my current wardrobe to see what will work best with what I already have. 

This Fix was once again styled by Serena. I feel like Serena and I could totally be besties. The kind that drink like 8 cups of coffee together while watching Gilmore Girls in our comfy and fashionable Stitch Fix clothes. But, I digress. 

This Fix, I asked for some transition pieces to Fall. I also asked for something I might be able to wear in some family photos we're doing soon. And Serena always comes through. But this time, I REALLY need your help deciding! What do I keep, my friends?! 

1. Skies are Blue Abela Open Cardigan, $48

2. Rune Porter Leggings, $44

I love the color and style of the sweater - so much so that this absolutely reminds me of a LOT of other sweaters in my closet! It's a thicker knit, so it's perfect for cool days, but I love that it has 3/4 sleeves! The leggings are great - high quality and fit well... BUT, I'm kind of legging-ed out right now. I have four awesome pairs of basic black leggings, plus a gorgeous burgundy shade. AND, I've acquired quite a few LuLaRoe patterns now, so I'm just not sure I need any more leggings in my life! 

3. Market and Spruce Dolly Tie Back Neck Knit Top, $54

 

This is quite possibly the softest shirt I've ever put on. Ohmigosh, it's so incredibly soft. LOVE that it again has 3/4 length sleeves so that my Keepers still show, and LOVE the bow detail on the back, but I'm worried that it's a little boxy and might make me look a little wider than I am. In fact, my fab photog was sitting on the floor playing with our son when he first took this photo. As soon as he looked at it, he popped right up, told me I wouldn't like that angle, and took it again. I looked WAY wider from below!

4. Pixley Millie Textured Knit Dress, $68

Serena sent this dress with the recommendation of wearing it in our family pictures. I love the v-back, and I'm all about polka dots. But what do we think of the neckline? I just can't decide if I love it enough, especially since I REALLY loved the dress I got in my last Fix! What's a girl to do?! Ask her friends for help, of course! 

5. Madra Shiloh Leaf Print Infinity Scarf, $38 

Oh hi, this scarf is cream and has mustard colored leaves. It's GORGEOUS, and I'm really excited to rock some scarfs this season! I skipped them a lot last year because I was still nursing, and they mostly got in the way/became a way for my little man to yank on my neck even more. I kind of love this. 

So I absolutely need your help this time around, friends! Weigh in! What am I keeping? What's going back? 

Oh, and, keep an eye out for a SECOND Stitch Fix blog post this week... but this time, it's a different model! Stitch Fix has men's now, and my handsome hubby LOVED his first Fix (he kept every single piece!)! He'll be showing it off this week right here! 

Fall favorite things: A natural deodorant that works, my favorite color combo, and a new Stitch Fix model coming soon!

I'm not a real big believer in New Year's Resolutions... mostly because I rarely stick to mine. And I've decided as of late that I really can't (and shouldn't!) wait for a reason to start something new or drop a bad habit. I've missed my regular blogging so much, so one of my goals this fall is to get back to it. And what better way to kick it off today than with a post about my favorite things this fall!?

Holly's Keeping It Real natural deodorant

Confession time. I've been on the hunt for a natural deodorant ever since Henry was born. While I was nursing, I grew super aware of not only what I was putting in my body but ON my body too, and I was hoping to find something more natural. That set me out on a quest to find a natural deodorant that worked for me. Because, you see, I am a sweater. And not just when I'm working out. I sweat, like, frequently. So most of the other natural deodorants I tried just weren't standing a chance. 

Enter Holly's Keeping It Real natural deodorant! Holly and I are in a fit mom's group together on Facebook, and when I was having some arthritis issues, she and I got to talking about the products we use. She told me she'd started selling her deodorant in small quantities, and I jumped at the chance to try it! I selected the Sweet Orange scent, and a gorgeous little jar arrived in just a few days! 

Full disclosure. It took me a solid two weeks before I really felt it was working. But, that's because my research showed that it takes awhile for your body to adjust to not having the normal deodorant chemicals hanging around. So if you can tough it out for two weeks, your body will thank you. I'm LOVING this deodorant! 

Coffeemate's Salted Caramel Mocha creamer
Yeah, yeah, I get it. It's fall. Everyone is on the pumpkin spice latte (PSL for those in the know) bandwagon. And I get that it's charming and tastes like fall. But, you guys, it's not for me. I'm just not a fan. Ever since the first tasty sip of my Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha a few years ago, I've been hooked. But while I LOVE my Starbucks SCM (I don't know that anyone else would know this acronym, but I know it, so let's go with it!), I don't love the $5 price tag on a daily basis. 

Enter Coffeemate's Salted Caramel Mocha. It sort of makes my coffee taste like heaven. A warm tasty bit of heaven that I reheat around four times a morning, but heaven nonetheless. Get your hands on some! Actually, stock up, and give me your extra! 

Burgundy/Mustard/Navy

Essentially everything I wear this season will fall in to this color family, and for good reason. They're GORGEOUS together and separately, and it's a no brainer to me that I need to wear all these things all the time! And what do you know? These colors happen to pair perfectly with my favorite Burgundy and Midnight Python Keeper! Pop some rose gold on there, and I'm pretty much in love! I even think I love it with leopard... and I am SO not a leopard person! 

Stitch Fix for MEN! 
My husband and I are very different when it comes to shopping. I LOVE shopping. I love trying things on and walking around aimlessly with an armful of clothing until I can make up my mind on what I really want. This was pre-kids though, when I had time and free hands to do said shopping. Now, it's just not that easy to get out to a store, try things on, actually REALLY look in a mirror to see how they look, and pay before a meltdown happens. 

Dan, on the other hand, doesn't so much love all the shopping. Whenever we go to the mall, I'll ask him if he needs new clothes. The answer is almost always yes. Yet, when it comes time to actually look and choose and try on, he doesn't know where to start. Full disclosure, my husband is the first to admit that he used to be SUPER fashionable and put a lot of thought into his clothes. But, alas, adulting and work and son happened, and he just doesn't have the time anymore. 

So we were both REALLY excited when we saw that Stitch Fix is launching a men's collection! I may or may not have been stalking the Stitch Fix page for updates, and when I saw that they would be available on September 21, we got Dan signed up for a Fix to arrive on the 22! This is by far my favorite thing to get in the mail (and really the only thing I've consistently blogged since Henry was born!), so I can't wait to have my male model to blog about too! You can check out my past Fixes here! And you can sign your guy (or yourself!) up for Fixes here (<--referral link - Stitch Fix has an AMAZING referral program!)!

What are you loving for this season? Weigh in below! 

Stitch Fix #21: Can't stop, won't stop. EVER!

Fall is coming, fall is coming! Today was mild and gorgeous here in Northern Indiana - a perfect reminder that fall is definitely coming, friends, and it's time to update my wardrobe (and SERIOUSLY get rid of things that I don't wear anymore (Hello, clothes from high school. I wish I could tell you I'm kidding!).). So let's just get right to it!

If you don't know about Stitch Fix (<--Referral link!), let me give you a little rundown. Stitch Fix is a clothing subscription service, and you decide how frequently, or infrequently, you'd like a shipment. You'll fill out a detailed style profile about your sizes, style preferences, and budget (and it's super fun to fill out the profile to see what your style preferences are!). Not only does Stitch Fix offer clothing, but they have accessories, bags, and even shoes now! Their maternity Fixes were amazing while I was pregnant, and I've been getting Fixes on the regular just because it's so much easier than toting our sweet 18-month-old to the store with me to try things on! 

And, if someone signs up through your referral link, you get a $25 credit to use toward your next purchase! 

You can see my previous Fixes here:
Stitch Fix #1
Stitch Fix #2
Stitch Fix #3
Stitch Fix #4
Stitch Fix #5
Stitch Fix #6
Stitch Fix #7
Stitch Fix #8
Stitch Fix #9
Stitch Fix #10
Stitch Fix #11
Stitch Fix #12
Stitch Fix #13
Stitch Fix #14
Stitch Fix #15
Stitch Fix #16 
Stitch Fix #17
Stitch Fix #18

Stitch Fix #19

Stitch Fix #20

I love Stitch Fix because it comes directly to me! This is perfect for seeing if the pieces you receive will work with the pieces you already have. Your Fix also arrives with detailed styling cards to give you ideas of how to wear each item. Each Fix costs $20, but the fee is credited toward anything you decide to keep. When you've decided what you don't want, you simply check out online and mail the items back in the prepaid mailing envelope. If you keep everything, you score a 25% discount! I love that I can work with my current wardrobe to see what will work best with what I already have. 

This Fix was once again styled by my main girl, Serena. Serena, I'm sending you like, a million virtual hugs for sending me this Fix! JUST TAKE MY MONEY! 

This time around, I'd asked for some transition in to fall pieces. I didn't ask for any specific colors, but as ALWAYS, Serena knows me and sent navy, mustard, and burgundy. She just... knows what I'm going to love! 

1. Market & Spruce Auria Embroidered Dress, $74

Full disclosure. When I saw this dress come up in my app, long before it arrived at my doorstep, I didn't think I liked the pattern. And even when I took it out of the box, I thought, I still don't know if I like this pattern. But then I put it on, and ohmigosh, it's adorable! It's adorable now for the warm end of summer! It's adorable later with a sweater, leggings, and boots for the chillier days of fall! It's just, kind of adorable! And the little embroidered detail on the bottom?! Love! 

2. Le Lis Lavania Lace Knit Top, $48 

I'm honestly shocked this shirt isn't more expensive because it's so well made! And it's lace! And it's navy! And I just... feel like I need it. Do I need it?! It's adorable for fall, and I feel like it could even transition into other seasons with the right jacket and pants! 

3. Pixley Martina Slub Knit Open Cardigan, $48

BURGUNDY! All the things this fall should be burgundy... like my new favorite Keeper! This is totally my style - open, flowy, warm, and looks great paired with jeans or over a fabulous new dress (see above!)! I love that the fabric drapes well, and I really like the added scoop detail around the front of the cardi! Oh, hi, and it can almost be pockets!

4. Eden Society Armen Lace Detail Blouse, $54

Hellllo, mustard! I actually have a really similar tank that I got from Banana Republic Outlet a few summers ago, but it's probably time for an update anyway. And the lace! I just love that it works now as a tank with my white shorts, skirt, and jeans and will work later as a fall piece with the right sweater and boots! 

5. Fun2Fun Pineda Split Neck Top, $37 

I was really excited about this piece for a few reasons: 

1. The price

2. The flannel pattern

3. The long sleeves! 

It's lightweight enough that I can easily put a sweater with it but heavy enough that I can put a tank under it and wear it around on breezy days. It's long (love) so while I would probably mostly wear this with jeans and boots, I feel like I could wear it with leggings too (maybe. If I get brave!)! 

So what do I do, friends? What pieces would you DEFINITELY keep? What would go back? Help a girl out! 

Cheers to a year!: What I've learned in my first year of Direct Sales

One year ago this very day, I was a ball of nerves. I had a lot of questions, a lot of excitement, and a lot of fear. One year ago today, I was planning to join a Direct Sales company - something I really never saw myself doing -  I loved the products, and I loved my baby, and I loved my sanity, and I loved the idea of working at home. But, I need to back up a bit. 

In February of 2015, I gave birth to the most beautiful boy on the planet. Yes, I'm completely biased. I'd spent almost ten years as a high school English and Journalism teacher, and it's a GIANT understatement to say I loved my job. I loved having conversations with my students about writing and reading and life. I loved seeing the light bulbs go off when a concept suddenly made sense or a student remembered something we'd talked about previously. I loved the connections I made as a teacher - the connections I made with students, the connections students made to the material, the connections I had with my coworkers. I loved teaching. I still love teaching. 

But I held that sweet baby in my arms, and I just knew I wasn't ready to go back to teaching. I wasn't ready to go in early or stay late. I wasn't ready to bring home 110 research papers to grade. I wasn't ready to lesson plan into the wee hours of the night and morning. I wasn't ready to leave our son. And so my husband and I made the decision that I would stay home with our little man. And I felt very at peace with that. 

But when he was around five-months-old, I started to get the itch. I missed working. I missed accomplishing goals. I missed feeling productive. I missed talking to other human adults (or teenagers, or just people who could talk back to me). So, I started looking at my options. 

I'd been introduced to KEEP Collective just before our son was born. I went to an online Social my friend was having, and I fell in love with some of the pieces because they were a part of me. There was a mom Key (charm) that I knew I wanted to have. And there was a heart shaped padlock - part of how my husband proposed, and an integral part of our wedding - and once I saw that, I fell hook, line, and sinker for this collection. I'd always shied away from hostessing Direct Sales parties, but this line was too gorgeous and my wish list was too long, so about a week before I had our son, we had a Social (me, on my couch with my computer, one hand in the potato chip bag, one hand taking occasional bites of ice cream). I kept in touch with the fabulous designer from the party, bought a few more pieces over the following months, and never really considered being a designer...

...until I did consider it. I started to think about what I loved about teaching, and it was helping people tell their stories. And that's what KEEP does - it helps people show off what they love - whether that's something incredibly meaningful, something fun, or something really pretty. KEEP could help me still tell stories while allowing me to be at home with our boy! So I took a GIANT leap of faith and decided to do it! 

A year ago today, I had NO idea what to expect. I was a giant ball of nerves as I started to prepare for my business venture. I was worried about so much - epic, giant failure being at the top of the list. But I knew that if it I was going down, I would go down fighting because I believe so strongly in KEEP's mission - to give women the chance to design their one-of-a-kind lives through flexible entrepreneurship. Whether it failed or it flew, I would make the most of this business. 

And business... it soared! My friends and family were incredibly supportive (and integral!) in helping me to get my business off the ground! And through them, I've met the most amazing customers, many of whom I now call friends. Yep, that's right - running a business has brought me some AMAZING friendships. 

So here's the short list of what I've learned in my first year of doing Direct Sales. But truly, there's so, so much more. <3

1. Having the flexibility to work from home has changed my life. And I'm a better mom because of it. 

I'm not one to feed into the mommy wars of what's better for children. Whether you're a working mom, a stay-at-home-mom, or an in between mom, I firmly believe we're all doing the best we can. But I know that for me, being able to work from home has made me a better mom. I love being with my son. But I also really love working. And so having the chance to do both has made me more patient, more conscious of how I spend my time, and more invigorated with my life. And in turn, all of those things are passed on to my son. I'm truly living my best life because of this opportunity. And that makes me incredibly grateful. 

2. Direct Sales aren't bad. They're kind of awesome. 

There's been some negative press and posts lately about people who do Direct Sales. People think DS consultants are pushy. Or don't care about them. Or only want to sell a product. Or only want to talk about their products. That couldn't be further from the truth. While there are probably some bad apples of consultants out there, you'll find that in any field. The Direct Sales people I know are inspired. They love their products. They love what their products can do. And they want to share that others! And I kind of love it. Whether you're ever a customer of mine or not, I still love you... which leads me to my next point. 

3. Not everyone will love what you sell, and that's okay. 

Do I think KEEP rocks? Umm, yes. Do I think there's a piece out there that I can design to make every single person happy? Umm, yes. Does that mean every person is going to be as jazzed about these products as I am? Umm, no. And that's okay. I fully accept that some people don't like my product, just as I probably don't like things about their businesses. That's okay! It doesn't make me love someone less if they don't like what I sell. 

4. The relationships and friendships I've formed through this business sustain me in so many ways. 

I am so blessed to have built a team within KEEP, a team that inspires and motivates and encourages one another. I'm also so blessed to be on a larger team within KEEP - a community that supports, loves, and motivates one another. I've "met" amazing women through KEEP - and I say "met" because so many I've never even had the chance to meet face-to-face. But I've nurtured friendships and mentorships and met some of the most amazing soul sisters I've ever known. NONE of that would have happened without this company, and I pray that someday I get the chance to meet each and every one of these women so that I can give them real, in-person hugs! 

5. The pieces I design make me cry... in the very best way. 

It has been a privilege, and I mean that, to work on pieces with my customers. Whether they're wanting to represent being a sister, friend, daughter, mother, believer of God, yogi, or something else entirely, it's a joy to work with people to design things they love or things that mean something to them. 

There are so many stories that come to mind this year - a mom who fought infertility for years and finally had a rainbow baby to represent. Another mom who at 24 weeks pregnant, suffered from brain trauma, fell into a coma, delivered her son, and had to work her way back to doing, well, everything, again (mom is totally fine, and that sweet baby boy is NINE now!)! But the story that touches my heart the most is one I want to share with you. 

A former coworker of mine retired and moved to Florida, but she and I have remained in touch on Facebook. Tragically, her son was murdered in a robbery gone tragically wrong in Portland. Their family suffered an incredible loss, so when she reached out to me about a Keeper, I wanted to make sure we made the perfect one for her. The saying adopted by her son and his friends was Hug Life. All of her son's friends got tattoos, but mom wasn't quite ready for one yet, so instead, we put together a gorgeous Keeper that she can wear daily to keep her youngest son close at hand. 

That's why I love this "job." This is what makes me excited about what's to come in the future of this business. It's not just that I get to work from home. It's not just that I get flexible working hours. It's not just that I get a paycheck for doing this (and sometimes, I really can't believe I get paid to do it!). It's not even the amazing trips, incentives, or people. 

It's that there are so many stories to be told, and I get to help tell them. And I can only imagine what stories are to come in the future. Cheers to year one, cheers to all of you who helped make it such an incredible year, and a bigger cheers to all the years left to come with KEEP Collective!