Anatomy of a Do: The Overall Comeback

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{photo source: Viva Luxury}

I might lose cool points for this (depending on the person), but there’s nothing that I’m more excited about on the fashion-front than the return of overalls. Yes, you read that right. Overalls.

I practically lived in these during my late teens, and let’s just say we were well into the new millennium by that point to give you a frame of reference, likely making me one of the last people in LA, possibly the entire state of California (that wasn’t a farmer), to officially let them go. I remember proudly rockin’ overalls to my classes in film school, thinking I’d be extra “hip” and don a slightly off-centered baseball cap for added “style.” (Ah, the things we do when we’re young, broke, and trying to find our way in college.)

Admittedly, after many moves since those collegiate years, and multiple closet purges, I could never quite bring myself to throw them out and said overalls are STILL hanging in my closet (albeit deep in the back) as I write this.

Suffice to say, I have a lingering fondness for overalls, though I haven’t personally worn them in over 10 years now. My boyfriend has laughed at me more than once when I’ve mentioned that I’m thinking about buying a new pair and rekindling my secret love affair with that illustrious one-piece denim suit with the built-in denim-clad suspenders.

And I’ve found the perfect styling inspiration from Annabelle over at Viva Luxury on the right way to rock the return of overalls…and keep it 2014 appropriate.

What immediately makes this look very modern and fresh is that Annabelle chose a fitted pair of overalls in a dark wash, with just the right amount of distressing at the hip (as opposed to a baggy fit in a stone wash, channeling 1995).  She keeps that momentum all the way through via the rolled pant legs, which produces a more relaxed feel – and highlights those amazing metallic Armani ankle strap heels, playfully contradicting the overall casualness of the ensemble by including a touch of polished high fashion.

When accessorizing, nothing screams “on-trend” at the moment so much as chunky statement jewelry and the dynamic layering of bracelets built of different styles and textures. Further, so as to not compete with our focal piece, Guess’ Classic Denim Overalls, she opts to carry a light clutch over a large satchel or cross-body to impeccably bring the look together.

What I adore about the styling here is the contrast of ultra glam against super casual, showcasing a creative approach for a piece that many might consider a trend best left in the last millennium. I can certainly see the argument for those in favor of and against its return. Overalls aren’t necessarily an easy thing to pull off. Despite how comfortable they can be, there’s a limit to how and where a gal might be able to wear them particularly, over the age of 10. However, I think Annabelle found the best inspiration I’ve seen yet. I think I might have to take the plunge and grab a pair before the window closes and overalls are, yet again, a thing of the past.

This is the anatomy of a do… and it’s the overall comeback.


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Highlights

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{Day 50: I read this quote years ago, wrote it on a post-it note and stuck it on my desk. It always makes me smile.}

Transitioning back to the real world is always slightly jarring after such an enjoyable vacation. In this case, I also happen to be fighting yet another cold as well (while in the middle of a big editing project at the moment). Aside from kicking this cold, my first week back to life was a good one overall. I made a consorted effort to try to ease back into things as much as possible, not losing the spirit of my time off, hanging on to as much of that relaxed state as I could muster. Unfortunately, all too soon you start to slowly lose that vibe – up until you feel the need for another vacation.

Though I had a pretty packed week originally planned, many of those plans were subsequently canceled in favor of a book and getting to bed early many nights to tackle my cold. I did make it out one night this week when I felt a little better and wasn’t contagious to meet with my book club gals to talk about Wally Lamb’s We Are Water. I can’t say it was better than the other book of his that I really like, She’s Come Undone, but it did spark an interesting conversation – what human beings go through, how we’re all connected, how every action has a consequence, and how we are constantly flowing with life and adapting simply because we have to.

With that, I’m looking on to my next read (aside from The Body Book, of course). The plan this weekend is to rest up and figure out what’s next on my Kindle. Hopefully, I’ll be feeling a bit more like myself to catch-up on the plans that I kept having to cancel this week.

Today is day #53 on the 100 Happy Days Challenge. I’m halfway there. It’s been awhile since we’ve caught up – here are some of my favorite moments.

Have a great weekend!

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{Day 47:  The day I died and went to organic blueberry muffin heaven on a leisurely Saturday afternoon at The Sycamore Kitchen.}

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{Day 44: A stop at the Camarillo Outlets while on vacay last week, led to a birthday present to myself…and a little Calvin Klein in my life.}

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{Day 46: A night out the world famous Groundlings.}

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{Day 48: My 1st Oprah Chai (though I cheated and added a shot of espresso). Let’s just say it’s a DO!}

What I’m Lovin’ Right Now

Four words have been on my mind lately: bikini weather is coming. In fact, it’s already arrived fashionably early in LA at a not-so-cool 98° today. I couldn’t be less prepared. How is it that I was just at The Grove nursing a latte and staring at the Christmas tree, now all too aware that shorts weather is upon us?

If you’ve been following along, this year in general hasn’t been too kind to me on the health front, from that lingering stomach bug I had on-and-off for months to my recent bout with the common cold (that I’m actually now fighting again! Ugh). I’m noticing a change in my body and how it’s more easily responding to illness (though to nothing at all serious, thank goodness). There was a point in time, I’d go years without catching a cold. Perhaps much of it is getting older and I have to accept that. On the other hand, I’m sure most of it is needing to adjust my lifestyle because I’m not 25 anymore. Admittedly, my exercise and eating habits have been slacking (I know, I know) and I’m certain that has a lot to do with it. Add a little bit of anxiety, a dash of stress here and there, and you’re likely to be even more susceptible to getting sick (at least, that’s when I tend to get sick).

I do make a conscious effort to eat healthily, keep hydrated, but by no means am I perfect (if you put a box of Hot Tamales in front of me…it’s over). Naturally, there are areas for improvement and this is likely the link between why I’ve felt and continue to feel slightly “off” recently. While we all know clean eating, lots of water, and plenty of exercise and sleep is the answer, sometimes it just helps to get a little inspiration and reinforcement. Enter: The Body Book. I started reading it over the weekend after seeing really positive reviews on Amazon and can tell this is just what I need to re-invigorate my focus on my body and it’s relationship to nutrition. I’m not all saying that you won’t ever see me at In-N-Out indulging in a burger every now and then (because trust me, you will), but what I am saying is that it’s time to spend some time fine tuning this area of my life. Of course, not vainly for the mere purpose of that aforementioned bikini weather (though it is a good motivator), but because I also want to feel better and work on my energy levels, placing more of an emphasis on treating myself better than I have been as of late.

Here’s to good health…and along with The Body Book

Here’s what I’m lovin’ right now…

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  1. The Body Book by Cameron Diaz | Amazon.com
  2. Stuffed Avocados | FabFitFun.com
  3. Raw Gemstone Chunky Necklace | Etsy.com
  4. Hanging Chair | Pinterest.com
  5. Words by Joanne Harris | WeHeartIt.com
  6. The Secret to a Perfect Manicure | Makeup.com
  7. Malia Booties | Blowfish.com

 

 

Highlights

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{Day 34: My BF left to run an errand & came home with 2 Sunday favs: fresh flowers & bacon!}


This has been one of the most chaotic and exhausting weeks I have had in quite awhile boys and girls. I knew going into it that it would be a challenging one on all levels –  mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. And while I’m not really in a head space to delve into the particulars of everything that seems to be piling up at the moment, I am happy on this heat wave induced Friday in LA to say…I made it. I’m still in the middle of said storm that I know I’ve been rather elusive about, but the rain has lifted a bit since the beginning of the week. What I will share is that The Universe is making it very clear that the sunshine will prevail…even at 94° outside as I literally write this.

I know that I’m equipped to deal with everything that’s going on, it’s just funny how in life it tends to happen at the most inconvenient moment and the struggle is just accepting reality (which I’ve done), getting past the mental kicking (still working on it), while anxious about how everything will turn out (I’m a total worrywart, so still working on this, too).  Then again, what I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older, is that there’s never a convenient time. You really just have to roll with life and hope for the best. As I reflect back over the last week, I found myself constantly remembering to focus on the positive so I can see how my perspective is shifting often – and I smile because I can clearly see where things could always be much worse. I hope this inspires you, no matter what’s happening at this particular moment, to focus on the good. In fact, cling to it.

My week-long vacation starts in just a few more hours. I’m taking some time off from life for a while to celebrate my birthday on Tuesday and recharge. I really need it. I’m looking forward to spending some time with my boyfriend in Ojai for my birthday for a few days, then heading back home for a much-needed staycation to have the time to relax, catch-up on life, and think about the next steps.

As such, I’m also taking some time off from the blog, but not to worry – I’ll be back! I hope you’ll still be here.

Have an amazing weekend and week ahead.

I still made it a point to find that one thing a day, that brought a smile to my face, even during this crazy week. Here are some of my favorite moments from the 100 Happy Days Challenge.

Talk soon! x

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{Day 39: 9:52am today. Heat wave in progress, and I’m lovin’ it. Another LA Friday has arrived.}

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{Day 37: A fresh homemade strawberry smoothie to start another busy day.}

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{Day 33: French films, festivals, and nights in Hollywood. Win, win.}

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{Day 38: Dropping your phone from a second story building to meet its fate with the concrete, not cool. Getting a replacement phone in 24 hours because you were smart enough to always get phone insurance, now smiling.}


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5 Reasons This Week Will Rock

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There are moments in life where you mentally kick yourself over and over, obsessing over a barrage of “what ifs” – knowing that the domino effect of what’s to come could’ve easily been avoided had either you made a different choice, or the circumstances surrounding you had been different. Of course, life is meant to be a teacher; and God, The Universe, or whatever spiritual ideology you choose to believe in never gives you more than you can handle. And yet, it still seems to take time before you get passed the mental kicking and cycle of “if I had just done this…”

I suppose it’s just the nature of being human and learning with the ebb and flow of life. This means that during the domino effect or the results of events to come, we also have a choice of how to deal/respond as we see our way through the storm.

This is going to be a chaotic and lively week as I maneuver through a more stressful moment in life. And though this particular storm is not life-threatening and not anything at all uncommon, admittedly, I still do the human thing and kick myself (often). However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve made it a point to try to focus on the positive and look for the gratitude in every situation. I must say, it’s an interesting exercise when you consciously catch yourself alternating between the kicking and the gratitude.

I’m choosing to focus on the positive at this particular moment. It’s a huge aspect of why I even started blogging almost 2 years ago and started my “5 Reasons” series 7 months ago.

So, I’ll take a deep breath, tell myself to take it one step at a time, focus on finding the lesson, ask The Universe to send good vibes and look forward to these 5 reasons this week rock…even during the storm.


1. I’d planned to take some time off and have a quiet staycation here at home for my birthday next week, but my sneaky boyfriend made other plans much to delight. Last week, he handed me a box and said it was an early birthday present. Inside, reservations for a quaint hotel in Ojai! My staycation just turned into a vacation! I’m SO looking forward it. This unexpected surprise will be what will carry me through the week! I can’t wait. 🙂

2. I’m 100% back to normal after my cold last week. It’ll be nice to get back to life healthy and rested. I’ll need it to make it through a rather hectic week ahead.

3. The new read for my next book club meeting is now on my Kindle ready to go! I’m excited for Wally Lamb’s new novel, We Are Water.

4. Aside from always being grateful for steady employment – things are expected to be busy at work this week. I’m in the middle of a huge project that I’m enjoying and being challenged by. It’s a great change of pace.

5. Movie night with my boyfriend (who totally rocks by the way!). Looking forward to a weekday night at one of my favorite theaters and Tom Hardy in Locke. Looks intense and currently 89% on Rotten Tomatoes? I’m there. Here’s the trailer!

Have a good week, guys! I can’t believe April will be leaving us shortly.


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Highlights

Day31ATG{Day 31: Among the living again.}

After being couped-up at home alone sick for nearly 3 days this week, yesterday found me happy to be outdoors and among the living again. I don’t get sick too often (though 2014 has been especially harsh to me in this area), but it’s always an interesting experience. Why, you ask? Well, I very rarely ever sit for an entire day doing absolutely nothing but “resting.” It’s just not in my DNA to get too lazy for very long. I mean, there was even a point when I was home sick hacking everywhere, that I contemplated cleaning the bathroom at the very least since I wasn’t doing anything productive. It’s just always been hard for me to relax. I’m not the type to EVER let my apartment get messy, or leave things undone, which means I’m always finding a reason to be doing something.

Since I’m very aware of my OCD/perfectionism patterns – I am trying to work harder at learning to let certain things go and deal with them another time. The things I’ll never let go of, however, is leaving dishes in the sink or not making my bed. I’m sorry, I just can’t. I despise coming home to an unmade bed and dishes in the sink. If it’s just a plate or two, then I might let it go…for a few hours before I HAVE to wash those 2 plates. Yeah, yeah, I’ve just accepted this about myself.

I’m proud of myself though, I really did take it easy most of the week – well, minus that brief stint to the office on Tuesday…and making my bed everyday (if I wasn’t lying in it)….and washing dishes.

And so, since a majority of the week was spent at home reading, napping, blowing my nose, drinking tea, watching TV here and there, and eating – it’s been a rather uneventful week. Of course, no one enjoys being sick, but it was nice to have an excuse to sit and do nothing.

I have a lot of life to catch up on. I get to start by taking a trip to the DMV today to renew my drivers license. Hooray…NOT! (Pray for me ya’ll, I did make an 8:00am appointment to make things as painless as possible.)

I’m one month into the 100 Happy Days Challenge! Even when you’re sick, taking a pause from life, then getting back into the swing of things – there’s always something to be happy about so I’m glad I was able to keep pushing with the challenge while under the weather. Some of my favorite moments that brought a smile to my face during an otherwise uneventful April week.

Have a nice weekend.

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{Day 29: When that thing you ordered arrives 5 AGONIZING days later. Online shopping, fun. Shipping, boo!}

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{Day 26: The beauty of being home most of the week was being able to enjoy the flowers my BF gave me just before I got sick.}

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{Day 28: My tea bag was being especially wise that day.}

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{Day 30: Essentials for the common cold. And yes, candles do help.}


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Highlights

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{Day 21: A year old & still going strong. My version of those elusive ruby-red slippers, circa 2014.}

TGIF! This has been a long week. There’s much going on as of late, particularly on the career-front and I’m loving the challenge. I get bored rather easily, so it’s always nice when a change of pace is in the works. I’m being pushed to think more creativity and critically about the process of storytelling, while brushing up on some of my post-production skills, and learning about a whole new subject matter. Needless to say, it’s going to be a busy next couple of weeks. Unfortunately, I haven’t been feeling too great over the last couple of days so I know it’s the universe’s way of telling me to slow down and get some rest. This is exactly what I intend to do this weekend. I don’t have any plans and that’s precisely how it’s going to stay.

It’s now day 25 on the 100 Happy Days challenge. Here are my favorite images/moments since we last caught-up.

Have a nice weekend.

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{Day 18: A rare Friday out attending the L.A. Theatre Works performance of Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People.” It was fantastic.}

p.s. The L.A. Theatre Works hold lives performances in front of an audience of top-notch actors dramatically performing some of the most renowned plays ever written.  They are audio recorded and made available online for download or you can tune in every Thursday night on KPFK 90.7 FM in Los Angeles. See full schedule for times in your area. I encourage you to check them out. It’s pretty cool.

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{Day 19: The LA Times Festival of Books. Read more here.}

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{Day 24: Ready for the Scandal season finale last night!}

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{Day 23: My first ever Naked Juice green protein smoothie in an effort to combat how not so great I was feeling this week. It’s quite yummy. I could feel the health flowing through me!}

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{Day 22: Indie films on Tuesdays nights. Recently saw David Gordon Green’s new film, Joe. It won’t make my top 10 of the year, but interesting nonetheless.}

 

 

Highlights

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{ #1 Day 13: Farmers’ market happy.}

One of the things that I love about this time of year, is how much I look forward to being outdoors. One of my favorite ways to spend a weekend afternoon is a walk along the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica (frozen yogurt in hand, of course) while window shopping, people watching, and gazing at the ocean in the distance.

And when I can muster up the strength to get out of bed early enough before it gets too hot outside and the trails too crowded, a hike is always something I like doing that I wish I did more of, but find myself preferring to sleep in, taking a more leisurely approach to my weekend mornings.  And yet, when the beach is involved (my absolute favorite thing to do on warm weekends) it seems much easier to get out of bed bright and early to grab a good spot on the sand. Somehow that whole exercise part of hiking hinders me more than lazily sitting on the beach with a book. (Hey, it’s the California girl in me.)

A ritual that seems to reoccur around this time of year and through the summer months is finding myself on Sunday mornings even doing my grocery shopping outdoors for the week’s produce at the local farmers’ market. Though the farmers’ market goes on all year, there’s something about the next few months that find me particularly more excited to stock-up on fresh strawberries, lettuce, and my other addiction (besides lattes and Hot Tamales) freshly made, still warm in the bag kettle corn.

Last Sunday found me at the farmers’ market for the first time in months not only due to the amazing weather, but because this is the time of year when strawberries and other types of produce taste better. It’s certainly more of a process gathering groceries for the week at the farmers’ market than making my structured weekly trip to Trader Joe’s, but I like the atmosphere that comes with buying from local merchants – there’s a relaxation to it that you just don’t find walking the aisles of the grocery store.

Reflecting back on this week, the highlights were largely based off that one trip to the farmers’ market. I smiled to myself often as I chopped up my salads, made smoothies for breakfast using fresh strawberries, and happily snacked on Kettle corn while blogging or watching TV. It’s something that I hope to continue to do.

It’s supposed to be another sunny, but more temperate weekend ahead. There’s plenty going on around town this weekend, but I have a rather long to-do list, so I don’t know how much I’ll be able to squeeze in. The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books event starts tomorrow through Sunday at USC and the bookworm in me has always wanted to go and check out the festivities: exhibits, talks, poetry readings, live music, and of course be around books for an entire afternoon!

I’m starting the weekend with a very rare visit to (*in my best British accent*) “The Theater.” My boyfriend scored free tickets to a play in Westwood tonight, making it a welcome change of pace to our otherwise more typical boring Friday nights in watching Shark Tank.

I’m now on day 18 of the 100 Happy Days Challenge still going strong. My top 5 favorite photos since we last talked are also other random highlights of life lately.

I hope you all have a good weekend!

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{#2 – Day 16: I’m becoming fast friends with the Barista at my go to morning coffee spot. My iced latte was served more decoratively than usual, much to my delight.}

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{#3 – Day 14: I finally bought a new fun polka dot notebook to keep handy to jot down blogging ideas no matter where I am!}

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{#4 – Day 17:  A new straw clutch for spring. And it doubles as a cross-body. Win, Win.}

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{#5 -Day 15: Fresh farmers’ market strawberries. Smoothies and Belgian waffles were especially delish this week.}


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What I’m Lovin’ Right Now

It’s 87 degrees outside as I write this. My home air-conditioning unit has gotten light usage as of late. The birds are chirping in full effect, leaving “bodily surprises” all over my car once again (boy, do I miss parking in a garage!). And trips to Yogurtland are happening with more regularity. On more than one occasion, I’ve stepped outside, greeted by our trademark LA sunshine and smiled to myself as the warm heat hits my face. Aah, do I love this weather!

It’s no secret that I’m usually a much happier person when the world outside my door is circa 80-85 degrees. This is the time of year when the balance is just right. Warm, sunny, gorgeous…but manageable. I’m realizing as I write this that all too soon a huge transition will take place and I’ll be melting in 101 degree weather – cursing the electric company when I get my bill in the dead of summer because the A/C usage becomes anything but “light.”

Until that day comes, I’ll continue to enjoy the sun on my face, less expensive electric bills, and even try to enjoy the song-like chirping of the birds despite their nasty behavior. Because, hey, we all have “bodily surprises”…I just wish it wasn’t all over my freshly washed car.

Here are a few things making me smile a bit bigger about the warmer weather. Here’s what I’m lovin’ right now…

…and p.s. – if anyone ever asked me to describe myself in just three words, it would be #1 below. xx


WILRN

1. She Loves Adventure | LoveLustFashionBeautyRomance

2.  Parmesan Cauliflower Bites | Damn Delicious

3.  Sassy Tank Top | Etsy

4. 5 Steps to Melt-Proof Make-up | Lauren Conrad

5. Report Simba Flats | DSW

6. Life is like a Box of Chocolates Contact Lens Case | Etsy

(Yes, I still actually wear contacts in the 21st century. I’m working my way to the whole Lasik thing.)

7. Stella McCartney Lucite Clutch | Media Cache

8. Old Fashioned Georgia Peach Lemonade/Ice Tea | The Gaia Health Blog

9. Gold Knuckle Rings, Black Manicure | Sarah Sarna

10. My Dream Kitchen Inspiration: bright, airy, spacious, sleek and modern | Media cache


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Highlights

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{Day 8: The sun, the clouds, blue skies, and fresh clean air after an unexpected overnight rainfall.}

I can’t believe I’m already penning another Highlights post – this week flew by! And what a week it was. Knock on wood, things are going well in life. I can’t complain (well, I can always find something to complain about – ha!).

I think what has been a fun addition to life lately, is partaking in the 100 Happy Days Challenge. I’m on day 11 today, posting the challenge exclusively to Twitter and I’m adoring it. Not only for the challenge of completing 100 straight days of posting (because we all know I love a challenge), but because it forces me to find something happy to post about. It’s pretty funny, how I stop a few times a day and ask myself what my “#100happydays” post will be for that day.

I’m not too surprised at how easy it is to find one thing a day that brings a smile to my face. In part, this is why I started blogging to begin with. As a blogger, you’re always looking for inspiration and ideas for posts, forcing you to pay attention to the world around you, go out and interact with said world, look for what speaks to you, and write about it. It’s also specifically why I started the “Highlights” series, where I share the highlights of my week. So the idea of joining this challenge is icing on the cake. While blogging forces perspective, it doesn’t have to always be in the good or the positive necessarily, you can write about something that gets under your skin or you disagree with altogether, and that’s awesome too.

However, this challenge is strictly in the happy only. So the last 11 days find me constantly looking for what that might be, snapping a quick photo (sometimes slapping a sexy filter over it), and sharing it with people from all over the world.

It’s also fascinating to follow the “#100happydays” posts on Twitter and Instagram to see what others are posting. As expected, it’s usually in the small things: indulging in ice cream, appreciating a cup of tea, spending time with a loved one, starting a new book, going jogging (though I don’t personally see anything happy about that!); or a little bigger: booking travel, dyeing your hair pink and green (no joke), and I even saw someone post a picture of an ice pack after some sort of mishap (still, no joke).

In effect, it’s nice to see people from all walks of life looking for the good, capturing it, and spreading the joy. It’s quite infectious.

You’ll likely start seeing many of my “#100happydays” posts as apart of my Highlights blog posts because some of the moments captured will likely also be Highlights of my week, naturally. As I move toward my 3rd week on the challenge, I thought I would share my top 5 “#100happydays” photos thus far.

Have a great weekend! And do let me know if you’re taking the challenge, I’d love to follow you.

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{Day #1: Just because flowers from my guy are always the best kind of flowers.}

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{Day #9: Still loving my  single initial delicate necklace, a little gift to myself earlier this year. It’s one of my favorite pieces.}

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{Day 4: A memorable afternoon spent visiting the Journey of a Dress exhibition, celebrating 40 years of DVF’s iconic wrap-dress. Full post to come next week – this was too much fun! Stay tuned.}

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{Day 10: All about these tofu soft tacos (and I don’t even eat tofu).}