20 Things That Inspire Me

20 Things That Inspire Me

This past weekend I spoke at Create and Cultivate and being around all these amazing women made me feel inspired and proud. I felt motivated, happy, and so lucky to do what I love. And I was proud to be part of this amazing community and to be speaking on an amazing panel. Looking around me, I had to pinch myself that I was included. It reminded me that when things are sometimes overwhelming, make choices to surround yourself with those that inspire and lift you up. The panel and all those that attended on Saturday made me feel so inspired!

The past year has been a tough one, with extreme highs and lows. My goal has been to focus on the good and there’s been plenty of great moments so far. With the high energy and inspiration from this weekend, I felt a post about 20 things that inspire me was appropriate.

1} My kids – the joy they see in life inspires me to look at things differently. They start school soon, where did summer go?

2} Chicago – this is the first year I’ve really embraced living here. Blogging about my favorites things here, spending time with my friends, moving to West Loop. I’m using a new lens looking at the city I live in and loving it.

3} Summer to fall transition – it’s my favorite time of year, some days are hot, some are slightly cool. The air feels like fresh change.

4} Friends – this year has taught me a ton about who my true friends are. Seeing them (and not at events) to chat, talk through life, and have a drink has saved me from crying for months.

5} NYFW – I’m headed there for just a few days but the energy of New York and my love of fashion collide into a fabulous time.

6} Exploring new restaurants – a staple of my life. Each place, from the interiors and food, inspire me to be more creative in my photography and blog content. You would be surprised how many ideas come to me while eating at a new place!

7} Crazy Rich Asians – OK, so I have had no time to see this movie and it is #1 on my list to do this week.  But why is it on the list? Because I am beyond proud that the movie/actors/producers have broken a huge barrier for our culture. A romantic comedy with a full asian cast and breaking millions a day. I’m inspired and proud.

8} Pregnancy – both my sister  and sister in law are pregnant – due in the Fall and having girls! So many new changes for them and I’m so excited for them. Seeing my sister blog through the pregnancy, listening to my sister in law and brother decide on products for their first baby, it all brings me back to when I was pregnant. Joyful and hopeful times.

9} My bedroom – moving into a place with new bedroom furniture has inspired me to look at bedroom furniture and build a new beginning for myself.  I’ll be posting more details once I get it all together!

10} You guys and your notes/comments – you guys inspire the hell out of me! Your positivity, the fact that you take a minute to leave me a comment. It all means the world to me.

11} Planning a meet up soon for people in Chicago – It’s on my list people! Planning to meet you guys makes me nervous – will you come? Like I said you inspire me in #10 so planning a meet up inspires me to work hard.

12} Painting – I love painting, I don’t do it nearly enough, but I recently sold one of the paintings I did to a fellow blogger.  Painting is soothing and I’m not great at it, I just love sitting down to do it.

13} Instagram – everyday and few hours a day I’m on this app. It’s a time suck, but keeps me inspired to do better work. I love seeing what other’s are doing and their daily lives.

14} Las Vegas – Headed there for an October trip. Looking forward to this and meeting all the bloggers involved. Traveling is one of my favorite hobbies.

15} Pinterest – the bible of inspiration for me.  Content ideas, photography, quotes, you name it I love searching for it on Pinterest.  Find/follow me here.

Other Star Print dresses here   |Black Sandals here  |   Shop cute clutches here  |

16} Niki Booker’s Blog and Create the Love Instagram account – both of these inspire me to believe in love and myself. Love Niki’s blog posts and each of Mark’s instagram posts are amazing.

17} T&J Designs – although I don’t do as much as I used to with designing things for my e-commerce site, I still think of marketing ideas and new ways to style our affordable jewelry pieces.  Please check out the site if you haven’t! It is all a steal.  Shop here.

18} My friend Lauren and her blog, Big Blonde Hair – Lauren is motivating, hard working, inspirational and a huge support to me. My love of reality  TV and what they wear are combined on her site. Anytime I need website, SEO and business tips, she is my go to. Her website is dangerous – I want to buy everything shown.

19} Hannah my photographer – always smiling, always ready, and always there to be creative with my next project. She has been one of the best things to happen to me this year! Friendship and business combined with her sweet attitude has me always inspired.

20} The Future – looking forward with hope and not looking back at regret.  So many good things have happened and I can’t wait to see what’s next.