SWEATER TRY-ON

The first few items I tried on were all sweaters because the weather here in San Diego has started to get a bit chillier! Since we live close to the beach, it definitely gets chilly in the morning and night, so I needed a few sweaters that I can wear throughout the week to stay warm!

Item 1: A New Day Women’s V-Neck Ruffled Pullover ($25)

This was a fun surprise! I honestly didn’t think I would like this because I felt like the ruffled neckline might be too much! But I was pleasantly surprised with how well it draped! It comes in three different colors and would look cute paired with jeans and booties! I’m wearing a size small, and normally would be a medium so I would size down! It’s a very comfortable and cozy piece and the ruffled element gives it a feminine, chic look!

Item 2: A New Day Women’s Slouchy Mockneck Sweater ($25)

I looooooove this sweater! I’m wearing a size Medium in this photo, but switched at checkout to a size small so also size down! It’s so soft and is the perfect sweater to wear with leggings! You can wear with leggings, tennies and a jean jacket or dress it up a little and wear with Spanx Leggings, tall boots and a wide-brim hat! It’s a super versatile tunic length sweater and is honestly so soft! It comes in a ton of colors too and is only $25!

Item 3: Universal Thread Crewneck Pullover Sweater ($20)

Size up on this one if you are on the taller side! I’m wearing a large to add a bit of length to it!! It’s slightly oversized, seriously comfy and is only $20! You can totally wear this to work with some dress pants or pair it with jeans and some loafers! There are like 15 different colors so you can take advantage of the affordable price point and buy multiple!

Item 4: A New Day Women’s Loop Stitched Cardigan ($35)

Okay…so I first saw this cardigan in Instagram on someone and it was super cute! But when I saw it in stores, I wasn’t as impressed! But then I tried it on and it fit so well and has a cool vibe to it! The large loop knit gives it a cool texture and you can wear it opened or buttoned up! It’s super versatile! I love the ribbed detailing and it’s a great piece to add to your closet for those semi-chilly nights! It does run a bit oversized (wearing size small) so size down for a more fitted look!

SHIRT TRY-ON

Item 1: A New Day Ottoman Long Sleeve T-Shirt ($20)

This is characterized as a t-shirt, but I actually felt like it was more sweater material since it’s a pretty thick knit! I love the neckline and the pocket detailing! I would wear this two ways- with my Madewell Jeans shown here, some white sneakers like these, and a headband! For a slightly dressier look, you can wear with Spanx leggings, knee high boots and a faux leather jacket over! It’s a simple basic tee that can easily be dressed up or down!

Item 2: Women’s Long Sleeve Henley Neck Pointelle Shirt – Universal Thread ($14.99)

This shirt is a great basic and layering piece! It’s only $14 and comes in white also. If you are shorter than 5’9, I would stick to your normal size! Otherwise, size up for a longer fit! I loved the pointelle detailing and the beautiful blue color!

Item 3: Women’s Puff 3/4 Sleeve Top – A New Day ($20)

This pullover top features a puckered texture, puffed short sleeves with drop shoulders, and a lovely peplum hemline. It’s made of cotton and some spandex and is a cute top! I loved this dusty rose color, but would definitely size down. I’m wearing a size medium, and would have got a small if they had it in stock! This shirt would be great year-round- wear it with denim shorts in the warmer months or add a layer and your favorite jeans in the colder months! 

Dresses

Item 1: Women’s Long Sleeve Ribbed Knit Sweater Dress – A New Day($29.99)

This Crewneck midi sweater dress is such a fun piece! I’m wearing a size small and love that it fits more form-fitting. You can easily dress it up or down depending on your style! I love it paired with a denim jacket and some casual sneakers! Top it off with a wide-brimmed rancher hat and you are set! 

Swap out the sneakers for booties and throw on a faux leather jacket and you are ready for date night! 

Item 2: Long Sleeve Sweater Dress – A New Day ($29.99)

This midi dress is similar to the previous one, although it has a hoodie and is more of a loosely-fitting dress. I’m wearing a size small and would size down to an extra-small, for a slightly better fit. I think this dress would be perfect for those who are currently pregnant too! There is enough fabric to give a little stretch and it’s a super cute casual dress that can transition into a postpartum wardrobe! I dream of putting my hair in a messy bun, slipping on this cozy dress and adding a pair of woven mules or sneakers to it! Casual yet chic!

Item 3: Puff Short Sleeve T-Shirt Dress – Universal Thread ($22)

This dress was so fun! The color looks a little more orange in pictures, but it is such a cute dress and it is actually long enough for tall girls! I’m wearing a size medium so I would say it is true to size! I love the slight volume in the sleeves! Slip it on, pair it with some braided mules and you are good to go! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Pajamas

Item: Women’s Plaid Fleece Lounge Sweater and Pants- Colsie ($20 sweater, $20 bottoms)

I love this pajama set! It is lined with fleece and seriously so warm and soft!! I’m wearing a size large in the top because it was seriously cropped on me, and a small in the bottoms! I love this print so much and you will find me wearing these all winter long!

To Shop Any Items in Our Post, See Below

Phewwwww! That was a lot of trying on! I hope seeing some of these pieces on helped give you a better idea of how they actually look on! Sometimes when I see them in store, I’m like nope! But once I try it on, I’m able to get a better idea of how it really looks and how I can style it.

Thanks for following along with us! We appreciate your support and hope you are having a great holiday season! If you still need to get gifts, we have some gift guides, here and here, that can provide inspiration!

xoxoxox,

Kari

Ps. We get a tiny commission if you purchase from our links and it makes us so grateful.

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Happy November friends It’s the holiday season and that means lots of family/friend gatherings, yummy food, and of course presents! To help take the stress out of holiday gift shopping, we put together a few holiday gift guides to help you out! Whether you are shopping for your partner, bestie, or a teacher, we have ideas for you! So be sure to keep reading for some fun gift inspiration for everyone on your list! You can also find last year’s holiday gift guide HERE and HERE!

Gift Guide for the Wellness Enthusiast

We all have that special someone in our lives that is super into all things wellness, fitness, and health! Here are some gift ideas for the wellness enthusiast that will be sure to get their heart rate up in excitement! See what I did there (Insert winky face)! haha!

1// Act and Acre Gua Sha Scalp Tool: I’m sure you have heard of our love for gua sha for the face, but we just recently discovered gua sha for the scalp and are all about it! Using this gua sha stone, made of jade, helps promote circulation in the scalp, giving it an invigorating massage, which can help increase hair growth. As a postpartum momma who is still struggling with hair loss, this would be an amazing gift!

2// Saje Pocket Farmacy Essential Oil Blend Set: This is such a must-have for the wellness enthusiast! This kit includes a collection of 100% natural essential oil blends that you can keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you travel. Saje Wellness is one of my fave brands and they included some of their bestsellers to treat everyday ailments! Lululemon also has this recovery kit from Saje Wellness that would be an amazing gift too!

3// Lululemon Double Roller: Help your friend release tension with this amazing double roller! As a two-in-one roller, you can use the exterior roller to massage your arms and legs, and then pull out the interior roller to release tension in your back! Comes in three different colors and is such a great price point!

4// Bumble and bumble’s Bb.Post-Workout Dry Shampoo Mist: Revive those sweaty strands with this quick-drying dry shampoo! It will absorb oil, eliminate odor and it doesn’t leave any white cast or sticky residue! It’s the perfect post-workout product to take you from spin to brunch with your bestie!

5// Golde Matcha Turmeric Latte Superfood Blend: Give the gift of ultimate health with this superfood powder blend! Made with 7 essential superfoods with organic cacao that tastes great and has equally amazing benefits. The Turmeric is the ultimate superfood for skin and gut health, while the match, Rich in antioxidants and chlorophyll, provides a glow, detox, and a natural dose of caffeine. And the creamy coconut base is rich in MCT, which supports hair, skin, and nail health and boosts metabolism. It truly is magical and it’s vegan and keto-friendly! They also have a cacao flavor too!

6// Ice Roller for your Face: After a long night or an early morning, take this ice roller out of the freezer and roll over your face! It will help decrease puffiness, shrink pores, and can also ease tension and migraines! It’s such an inexpensive gift that makes such a big difference!

7// Be a Good Human Hat: Such a simple hat that packs a powerful message! This is the perfect hat for those who love to workout outdoors or keep the sun off their face! I also really love this smiley face hat from Etsy! It comes in so many colors and I constantly am getting asked where I got it!

8// Tangram Rookie Smart Jump Rope: How fun is this! The SmartRope Rookie syncs to your smartphone, automatically records your exercise data, programs your workout, and lets you compete with friends. Who knew a jump rope could empower you to live an active life!

9// Silk Hair Scrunchies: Say goodbye to creases after a workout with these super-soft silk scrunchies! I love to work out in these or use them while I sleep to ensure my hair stays smooth and breakage-free! Comes in a few colors and is such a fun and easy gift!

Gift Guide for Your Soul Sister

1// So Soft Sherpa Ballerina Slippers: So comfy and perfect for lounging around, these soft Sherpa slippers are so soft and only $20! Your bestie will thank you for keeping her feet warm and cozy!

2// Dae Dreamer Set: We have been big fan of Dae for quite some time now and love so many of their products! This set includes some of their best-sellers and is a great price! It sells out fast because it is just that good! I’m also a big fan of the deep-conditioner mask and the prickly pear hair oil!

3// Nodpod Weighted Eye Mask: Perfect for soothing migraines, calming anxiety, or getting that peaceful sleep, this weighted eye mask features four weighted pods that contour to your face, blocking out the light and providing soothing pressure to help relieve stress! I mean everyone needs one of these!

4// Starbucks Custom Cups: I love these cups so much!! And you know we are big fans of leopard print, so these Venti Starbucks custom cups are calling our names! At only $17, they are an inexpensive but thoughtful gift that you can give to all your besties! We also love these Gold & Rose Gold Ombre Custom Insulated Starbucks Cups! They are perfect for hot lattes!

5// Laneige All-Nighter Gift Set: Keep your besties lips super soft with this set of best-selling Laneige lip masks. This set comes with the famous All Nighter Berry lip-mask and holiday flavors, Gingersnap and Peppermint! Such an inexpensive gift that will be a major hit!

6// Aerie Oh Snap! Weekend Henley Mock Neck Sweatshirt: This sweatshirt is perfect! It fits perfectly oversized, the quality is great and the style reminds me of Free People but at a much lower price point! The sweatshirt comes in so many colors and is the perfect cozy sweater to wear on those chilly nights! It comes in so many colors and is perfect with leggings!

7// Daily Pause Spiral Journal: This journal is great! It includes daily prompts that encourages you to take moments of pause and reflection to bring mindfulness! It’s the perfect self-care journal and makes a great gift!

8// Lululemon Fleece Belt Bag: Phone, keys, wallet. Keep them close in this versatile belt bag! It’s the perfect bag to hold the essentials while you are out hiking with your bestie, grabbing a coffee or a busy mom chasing her kids at the park! And the soft fleece is PERFECT!

Gift Guide for Your Parents/In-Laws

Parents and in-laws are always the hardest to shop for, at least for me! It’s hard to figure out what exactly to get them, especially if they have it all! We found a few ideas for gifts that we think are sure to be a hit!

1// Herschel Supply Duffel Bag: This is the perfect bag for weekend getaways and adventures! If your in-laws like to travel, this cute bag comes in multiple colors and features snap-down sides that expand to allow a bit of extra packing space inside. The top handles make it easy to carry, and convenient pockets help organize essentials for a trip to the gym or a weekend getaway!

2// Smart Garden 3 Self Watering Indoor Garden: I am obsessed with this and it would make the best gift! No matter how little space you think you have, you have room to grow your own fresh herbs or vegetables in this self-watering indoor garden! It’s easy-peasy and you don’t need a green thumb!

3// Barefoot Dreams Robe: Perfect for cozy evenings at home, this cushy unisex robe is made from CozyChic, a machine-washable microfiber that won’t ever shrink or pill! It’s honestly so soft that you will probably only want to wear this!

4// Nordstrom Large Charcuterie Board: If your in-laws or parents love to host, this charcuterie board is perfect! Large enough to beautifully display the food and gather the whole family around and a great price! Win-Win!

5// Promptly Journals Autobiography Journal: I love this company and have the childhood journals for my kids! They recently came out with this autobiography journal and it would be perfect for grandparents to fill out! They can record their life story, sharing special memories that will live on forever! It’s such a sweet and sentimental journal for families to cherish!

6// Digital Photo Frame: This is the perfect gift for parents/in-laws! You simply download the Frameo app onto your smartphone to add photos wirelessly or can put in an SD card! It works with both iPhone and Android devices and once the photos are downloaded, you have your very own “rolling slide show”! It’s so cool to display over hundreds of photos in great quality!

7// Caraway Frying Pan: If your in-laws or parents love to cook, this Caraway frying pan is the perfect gift! Designed with a ceramic nonstick cooking surface to promote healthier cooking, easy food release, and quick cleanup, this pan is truly the best! I love the different colors too, especially the chic cream and navy blue color!

8// The Home Edit Book and Container Store Gift Card: Who doesn’t love a clean and organized home? I love following the Home Edit account on Instagram and they just created this book filled with tips and tricks to organize every inch of your home! Give this to your parents/in-laws with a Container Store gift card and you have the perfect gift!

Gifts Under $100

1// Vuori Performance Joggers: I love these joggers! I own a few pairs and pretty much everyone else in San Diego does too! But that’s because they started as a local Encinitas small business, are insanely comfortable, and are such good quality! You can’t go wrong giving these as a gift! You can easily give your work-from-home uniform a cozy upgrade with these soft, relaxed joggers that are also stylish enough for errands! They even have a men’s version too!

2// Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil: This hair oil is amazing! It was created by blogger Negin Mirsalehi and her hair is just amazing! Total hair goals! This oil will deeply nourish, moisturize, soften and smooth your hair! Perfect for winter!

3// The Knotted Crossbody Bag: Love this crossbody! The pockets in the front are perfect to access your phone easily and it’s the perfect bag to hold all the essentials! The knotted details add a little flair to this simple, yet chic bag!

4// Hardside 20″ Carry On Spinner Suitcase: This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to travel! This super-affordable carry-on features a full zip-around closure that lets it expand when you need to bring home more than you left with, and interior zippered compartments for more efficient packing! And it comes in a bunch of super cute colors!

5// Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Camera: These are so fun! I have one and I love adding the polaroids to our family’s photo album! My daughters love them too! It’s the perfect gift for any age!

6// DermaFlash Ultrasonic Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser: If you know someone who loves skincare, this is such a fun product! The two-in-one ultrasonic device unclogs pores and infuses your favorite skincare products, for smaller pores and clearer skin. I mean who wouldn’t want that?

7// FM Radio Alarm Clock with Qi Wireless Charging, Pointuch Desk Bedside Clock: Obsessed with this charging station! Not only does it charge your phone, but it also serves as a bedside clock, radio, thermometer, and humidity reader and you can put a photo in it! It’s super cute for a bedside table and is a gift that you can truly give anyone!

8// Hooded Quilted Water Repellent Jacket: Everyone needs a good winter jacket! This one contours to your body, doesn’t feel big or boxy, and is waterproof! It even has straps that you can use to hang it when you aren’t wearing it! It’s definitely a high-quality jacket!

9// Driftwood Candle: How gorgeous is this driftwood candle? It’s the perfect gift for that special someone in your life who has it all! It comes in two different scents, Grapefruit Pine and Ginger Patchouli, and will last such a long time!

You Can Shop All of Our Gift Guides Below

We hope that helps make your shopping easier! We are coming out with a second round of gift guides in the next week or so if you need more ideas!

Thank you so much for all of your love and support with our blog! We have grown so much the past few months and are truly forming a little community! It makes us so happy and excited for what the future has in store!

Hope you have an amazing week!

xoxoxo,

Kari

p.s. if you do click on our links and make a purchase from our gift guides, we make a small commission. As two stay-at-home moms, we greatly appreciate the support when you do!

p.s.s. be sure to check out our most recent blog post to see how Melissa styled her favorite $22 Target jeans!

The post Holiday Gift Guides: Round One appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

Ohhh hey! It’s been like a month or two since we have done a blog post! Life has just been so insanely busy for us both! Melissa and I are both Stay at home moms to entrepreneur husbands so that often translates to them working a ton! But we are back and are so excited to be here again! Thanks for always following along with us and giving us your love and support! We do appreciate it! I wanted to jump back into things and share my favorite things I’ve been loving this past month!

A Little Life Update

We recently moved in August, just down the street, but it still involved tons of purging, packing, organizing and unpacking! It’s been exhausting but also super fun! Our new house is super cute, has tons of natural light and we’ve been slowly starting to decorate it so stay tuned for more home decor posts!!

We also started homeschooling through a charter with my oldest daughter so it’s been fun, but also busy! We have soccer, Wild and Free nature groups and all kinds of fun field trips so it definitely keeps us busy!

And we went to Disneyland! It was so much fun! We enjoyed a week at our favorite place and it made our hearts so happy to see all of the Halloween decorations!

So that’s our little update! It’s been a busy but exciting season of life for us! A little break gave me some much needed time to get my creative juices flowing again!

My Favorite Things this Past Month

I wanted to share just a few of my favorite things I’ve been loving this past month! I always love when people share their faves because it gives me new ideas or products to try! So keep reading to see what I’ve been loving lately!

Books //

I try to make it an intention to read every day and sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t! This month I read two books and really loved them both!

The first book The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave was literally so good!! I even stayed up way past my bedtime two nights in a row to finish it! I don’t want to give too much away but it held my attention so well and was one of my fave books of the year!

The second book, Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty by Lauren Weisberger, bestselling author of Devil Wears Prada was a fun read! It’s about a college admission scandal, following your heart, and the reality of perfect lives! It was more of a fun read, but I really enjoyed it! I highly recommend both books!

Hair//

The next two things I’m loving are hair products! Since we live by the beach, we are constantly swimming in the oceans and pool! Our hair gets dry so we definitely have to keep it hydrated to prevent breakage!

I’ve been using the dae Monsoon Moisture Mask for the past few months and love it! It keeps my hair soft and silky! It also has clean ingredients, smells good and looks cute in my shower! I typically only wash my hair 2-3 times a week max so I just use a tiny bit of this every time and let it sit in my hair while I shave! My hair is definitely shinier and having less breakage!

My daughter’s have pretty wavy to curly hair, and my 5 year old has super long hair! It kept getting tangled and frizzy so I bought this leave in conditioner for curly hair by Verb and it works wonders! I just put a little in the hair after bath, brush through and let it air-dry! She gets perfect little waves with no frizz! It’s magic! I tried on my fine, straight hair and it was a little too heavy for me! So I highly recommend for wavy/straight hair!

Fitness//

With our move recently and a busy schedule it has been so hard to get consistent workouts in and I’ve been left feeling in a rut! I kept getting ads for Melissa Wood Health app so I decided to download and so the seven day free trial! I ending up loving it and now pay $9.99 a month for it!

The MWH Method is a series of slow controlled, low impact movements combining yoga and Pilates to sculpt long lean lines throughout the body. Her program offers pre and post natal workouts, beginner workouts and meditations and much more! I like that she has a schedule to follow so it keeps me on track and mixes it up! I’ve been following the schedule and then adding in an extra workout on days that I have time! It’s been so good and I feel refreshed after taking each class!

To add a little intensity to my workout when you for the challenge, I use these Bala bangles! I have them in 1lb and 2lb and love them! I also try to wear them while on walks! Such an added bonus!

Clothes//

I purchased a few things this month that I am loving! I’ve always been a big fan of one-shoulder looks and found this super cute top at revolve! It comes in quite a few colors and the material really surprised me! When I purchased I thought it was going to be a cotton t-shirt material, but it was actually a thicker polyester and spandex material! I like to wear it with my hair in a bun and some hoop earrings to give it that sexy peek of shoulder look!

I also love this ribbed workout sports bra and bottoms I got from Target recently! I’ve been wearing them non-stop and love the slate blue color! The ribbing is so cute and the high-waist super flattering! I paired it with this cute little open back shirt!

I’ve also been loving this billabong dress I got last month! You can wear it so many ways! I like to wear it with booties, a hat and a chunky cardigan! I’m wearing it with this little cardigan I picked up from Amazon and it’s such an easy and comfortable outfit! This outfit will definitely be a repeat and will probably be on my list of favorite things for a while! You can easily dress up or down!

And my last favorite clothing item this month was my Gap Cheeky High- Rise straight leg denim in black! I was actually going to order the Madewell Perfect Vintage denim in black because I love the fit, but I saw these on sale and figured I should give it a try! I’m so happy I did because I love them and got so many compliments on them! I wore them at Disneyland and they were so comfortable!! Highly-recommend! I would size down one size because they do stretch out as you wear them!

Randoms//

These PeapodMats Leakproof Mattress Pads! My oldest has been potty-trained for a few years now, but instill like to keep this mat over her mattress for extra protection! They are perfect for that potty-training time when you need some reassurance and accidents happen frequently!

I’ve also been loving line art recently!! I just purchased these prints from Etsy and they are so beautiful! These will go in my bathroom and were so inexpensive! You just buy the file, print at Office Depot/Staples and put in a frame! So easy and inexpensive!

Okay! If you made it this far, you are amazing!! Thank you! Hope you enjoyed reading and found some inspiration of books torneadnos things to try! These were just some of my favorite things this past month! Leave a comment below and let us know yours!

You Can Shop this Post Below

Have an amazing week! You are loved, appreciated and beautiful!

Xoxoxo,

Kari

P.S. have you read our blog post about making your coffee be more sustainable?! You can find it here!

And just a disclaimer, we do make a small commission if you purchase through our links!  we are forever grateful for your support!

The post A Little Life Update and Some of My Favorite Things this Past Month appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

It was a time filled with uncertainty, fear, and worry, but I think it was a year where we really learned a lot about ourselves. Well at least I did. There have been many times I felt uncomfortable and out of control, which led me to shed a few tears, but also dig deep, grow and learn to let go of some bad habits while creating some new ones.

While many will remember 2020 negatively, I am choosing to focus on the positive that did come out of it. Here are 6 lessons I learned in 2020!

Lesson 1. Being Vulnerable is not a Weakness

I think one of the biggest lessons I learned was that it is okay to not be okay. I really never stress or suffer from anxiety, but this year definitely gave me some moments of downright panic, fear and anxiousness. These were relatively new feelings for me and I didn’t know what to do or how to process them necessarily at first. When COVID hit, I was so nervous, especially after watching the news or browsing social media. All of these questions were running through my mind….With lockdowns happening, how would my husband work? As a stay at home mom, we solely rely on his income, and what would we do if he couldn’t work? Would we have to move? How long would our savings last? When would it end? Would we be able to fight COVID? Would our family? So many things to worry about and FEAR!

I’m not typically one who expresses any negativity to anyone, except for my husband maybe, but letting those thoughts run through my head were consuming and stressful. I was starting to get anxiety and have trouble sleeping, which was already pretty minimal because I had a 4 month old at the time.

I would then get frustrated because I wasn’t being strong and didn’t want to stress out my husband either. It was such an interesting time. But one day, I broke down and cried. I told my husband all my fears, he told me his and it was rough. And we felt vulnerable. And scared.

But then something magical happened. We found strength in each other. We found strength in ourselves. And we realized that we could literally lose everything, but that we would always have each other and we could rebuild. It almost gave us a sense of freedom knowing that if we hit rock bottom, it could only go up.

Major Takeaway!

There is a beauty in being vulnerable. With vulnerability, you allow yourself to experience a deep and true connection- with yourself, with your partner, even with the world around you.

Lesson 2. A Social Media Detox is Good For the Soul

When COVID hit, I found myself obsessively checking the news online, trying to figure out what the heck was going on around the world. I went on Facebook or Instagram and friends would be posting about it as well. I was being inundated with information and various viewpoints, some negative and some positive. But all together, it was overwhelming and exhausting.

So I decided to stop going on social media, stop checking the news. Setting time limits for various apps and really just getting away from my phone. And let me tell you, it felt so GOOD!!

When I could put my phone down and away, it allowed me to focus on my family, my health and my home. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, I read more books, took more walks, and just enjoyed the beautiful simple things around me.

I noticed that FEAR started leaving and TRUST started appearing more. No longer was I picking up people’s energy and absorbing it and it felt so good. I think this is something that I will continue to do in the future. A few days a month of not checking Instagram or reading the news is definitely good for the soul.

Lesson 3. Self Care Isn’t Selfish

Obvious right? Like duh, you need to take care of yourself. But this was a hard one for me. I came into 2020 just a few months postpartum, so hormones were still high and sleep was at an all time low. My body had just undergone a massive change being pregnant and adjusting to two kids was an adventure. Plain and simple, I was exhausted.

Add in lockdowns, where you can’t see your friends and family, can’t go places and are indoors a lot, I felt like every day was groundhog day.

I needed some ME time, but I couldn’t bring myself to ask for it. My husband works so hard with his own business, sometimes working 10-15 hour days. How can I possibly ask him to sacrifice his time so that I could have some of my own. And how would we even fit that in? I was even getting jealous of him driving alone because he was able to listen to what he wanted, have freedom and just be able to think or not think.

It quickly became apparent something needed to change. My husband is the sweetest and he started helping me find pockets of time where he could take over and I could practice some self-care. We started off with him taking the girls out for a morning walk for 30 minutes so I can drink my coffee, do some journaling and get dressed for the day. Then we would add some time in the afternoon so I could get a little workout in or take a bath! These small little moments of self-care started to really make a difference in my mental health and overall well-being.

Practicing self-care means you believe you are worthy. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, hour long rituals that you do every day. But it does mean that you show up for yourself, you advocate and you prioritize your well-being by participating in some kind of activity, ritual, or routine that nourishes your soul. Self-care is self-love.

Lesson 4. You Will Not Be Everyone’s Cup of Tea

Hi. My name is Kari. I’m a Libra. Enneagram 9 (the peacemaker) and I strongly despise conflict. I often steer clear of voicing my opinions on politics or other highly-debatable topics because I just don’t want to argue with anyone.

This year I have seen so much divide and anger and hatred for others because of their beliefs. Honestly, I don’t think the world has ever been more divided. And while I strongly despise this, it has shown me that I cannot be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s actually impossible. I can be the most delicious cup of tea ever and there will be someone who doesn’t like tea at all.

So stop worrying about others will think. I think it’s actually beneficial to surround yourself with people who have varying viewpoints because everyone can learn and grow from each other. And sometimes your beliefs might even evolve into something different. And that’s okay. “You will always be too much of something for someone: too big, too loud, too soft, too edgy. If you round out your edges, your edge. Apologize for mistakes. Apologize for unintentionally hurting someone-profusely. But don’t apologize for being who you are.”

DANIELLE LAPORTE, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF THE DESIRE MAP

Don’t hide your beliefs because someone might judge you for them, feel scared to share your view on something or feel pressured to try and conform to what mainstream society wants. I’m not saying to be rude and go on Facebook rants or whatever because that’s just too much DRAMA for this MAMA! But be okay with knowing that you might believe in something that others will judge you for. It’s okay. You are not everyone’s cup of tea.

Lesson 5. Release the Need to Always be in Control

I think one of the biggest lessons I learned in 2020 is that I will not always be in control. Obviously, we can change our environment to reduce the odds of certain things occuring, and we can try to be prepared, but there will always be a certain level of unpredictability in life. Releasing that need to control leads to so much more happiness and peace. It takes us out of that “fight or flight” mode, and allows for us to really identify what is triggering us and how we can grow from it.

This year, I started to freak out and lose track of the more calm and collected version of myself. I had to find her again, so I really focused on identifying what was triggering me. I think for me the uncertainty of this year was a trigger. Everything around me was chaotic and I don’t love dwelling in chaos.

So here is what I did…

• focused on things I could control (my health, productivity levels etc.)
• breathed when I started to feel triggered and tense
• recognized that a thought or a feeling was temporary
• repeated affirmations ..I am safe, I am secure, I am healthy.

When I started doing these things, I then began to see that I was being triggered because ultimately I had lost my sense of trust. Regardless if you believe in God or some other kind of Higher Power, I think the belief that you are taken care of, loved and protected can help you get through anything. You literally have to give up control to feel it.

Once I gave up having to control and surrendered, I felt this overwhelming sense of peace again. I am loved, I am safe and I can get through anything!

Also, I highly recommend listening to Surrender by Natalie Taylor!

Lesson 6. Be Satisfied with the Now

I think we all do this, but I am definitely guilty of doing this more times than I would like. Saying things like “as soon as I lose 10 pounds I will start a blog” or “once this is over, then I will start doing this.” You start chasing something and looking so forward to the future that you aren’t being appreciative of the now. It’s human nature to always want more, but if you don’t ever stop and appreciate the steps and journey it took to get there, what’s the point?

Life is truly a gift and there is no guarantee for a tomorrow. Cliche right? But it’s so true. Once you start focusing on being present and being grateful for the things happening in your life now, life changes. I’ve never found such happiness in doing even the simple things- sitting on the beach with my family, waving to neighbors, even just driving down the coast.

Once I stopped pushing things off and just doing them, like this blog, I found such an excitement and thrill. It gave me a higher sense of happiness and I found connection and community. But most of all I didn’t have to be perfect to create that. I just started appreciating the now.

You are Amazing!

Wow! If you made it this far and read the entire post to see what 6 lessons I learned in 2020, you are an angel sent from above! Haha! I know it’s long and I know it might not make sense, but I wanted to share some of the great things that have come from this year.

2020 was uncomfortable. It was like getting a new pair of shoes and getting blisters every day. But then one day, you didn’t get any and you broke in the shoe. And now it’s your favorite, well-worn shoe. That’s what this year was. A stinky smelly old shoe. Hahaha jk! It was a year for growth!

And you better believe this caterpillar is ready to spread its wings and fly. Literally I am ready to travel the world in 2021.

As always I love and appreciate you all for following along on this journey with us! Thank you!

Don’t forget to read Melissa’s post about some amazing new lip colors! Just in time for your New Year’s Kiss!

xoxoxoxo,

Kari

The post 6 Lessons I Learned in 2020 appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

Get to Know Me// The Basics

You made it! Welcome to our blog. Before we start with our various content, we wanted you all to get to know us a little more in depth.

So let’s see! Where do I begin? I am a born and raised Southern California girl, a bit quirky, an enneagram 9, and a Libra. Pretty much I just want world peace and for everyone to get along. Can we just make that happen already?

I’ve been married to my handsome hubby and best friend, David, for almost 12 years, and together, we have two beautiful daughters, ages 4 and 1, and a super adorable rescue pup, Milo. We live in Carlsbad, CA and have a dream of one day owning an animal sanctuary, small bed and breakfast and traveling for a year in an RV.

I also obsessively look at homes in other states. My current faves are Brentwood/Franklin, Tennessee, Charleston, South Carolina, Eagle, Idaho and Hill Country Texas. I just love how much house and land you can get there when comparing it to California!!

I’m a big fan of soy lattes and green tea matcha, love Reformer Pilates, and enjoy reading in my free time. It’s not uncommon for me to stay up after a late night nursing session to read another chapter or two in my book. Hence, the dark under eye circles?! Haha! However, I still make a goal every year to read 75 books, and as a busy mom to two, late nights are my me time. I am really excited to share what I’m reading with you all though! Virtual book club anyone?

The Serious Side//

On a more serious note, most of my friends know that I’ve always toyed with the idea of having my own blog, but never did for various reasons. The biggest reason being I dislike taking photos and think I’m so not photogenic. This is actually one of the biggest hurdles for me. I’m really taking it as a challenge to grow and evolve and to be less critical of myself. As a mom of two daughters, I want them to grow up confident and not have that negative self-talk.

However, it is sometimes hard to see an unedited image of yourself and automatically not compare it to what you see all over Instagram or fashion magazines.

Above all, I promise you I will always be REAL. I might put a pretty preset over an image, but I will never change/alter my appearance with any editing software. Therefore, you will get the REAL me because if I ever meet you in real life, I don’t want to look completely different! Pinky Promise!

Okay enough for the super serious stuff! Another random fact about me is that I used to love all those about me questionnaires that we used to do back in the day (hello Myspace) so I thought it would be fun to answer a few! Hope you enjoy learning some random facts about me!

Please leave a comment telling me about you too or if you have any more questions you would like to know about me!

Random Facts About Me//

Celebrity BFF Wish: Lauren Conrad

Electronic Calendar or Paper Planner: Paper planner all the way! In fact, I’m going to do a blog post about my top 5 paper planners because this is also something I love love love! I keep them all and use them as a diary/journal to remember fun memories or events!

What Song Speaks to you the Most?: I have three that whenever I hear them, they evoke so many emotions. 1) Rescue by Lauren Daigle, 2) Surrender by Natalie Taylor, and 3) Bones by Maren Morris.

What did you want to be as a child? In preschool, I wanted to be a missionary so I could spread God’s love to everyone. Haha! No joke, when all my classmates were saying things like dinosaurs, astronauts or trash truck drivers, I said “I want to be a missionary.” However, I also considered being a pediatrician and a physical therapist for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Favorite Season of the Year: Fall! Hands down! Fall in San Diego is pretty much amazing. We have great weather, can still go to the beach, have sunshine but also have days where you can bundle up and put on your coziest clothes.

What do you think the secret to a good life is? Oh! This is a good one. I think getting in the habit of practicing gratitude, even for the small things, can really shape your life for the better. I also think being authentically you, finding a partner who pushes you to grow but catches you if you ever fall, and not living with a fear mindset are all major components to living the good life!

Vanilla or Chocolate?: Vanilla. Not a fan of chocolate at all.

Biggest Pet Peeve: Hearing people chew and chewing ice. I could literally throw up!

A Personality Trait I love about Myself: I’m pretty easygoing and chill. It takes a lot to get me mad and I think I can process life pretty well without getting too stressed.

Describe your style: California Casual? Haha! I love to mix it up, but my husband also says “my style is a little mixture of Jennifer Aniston and Sporty Spice. In my current motherhood stage, it’s all about comfort and easy access to those chi-chi’s for nursing! But I love a good pair of denim shorts, maxi dresses and my style staple, a wide-brim hat!

Three Beauty Products You Can’t Live Without: Mascara, Concealer, Eyebrow Pencil

Something that makes me happy: Being with my family and hearing my husband and girl’s laugh deep from their bellies.

Alrighty then! Enough with the baring of my soul (dramatic much?), I think it’s time to call it quits. After contemplating starting a blog for so long, I am super excited to finally do it, and to begin this journey with one of my best friends, Melissa at my side.

Thank you for being a trooper, reading to the end and taking the time to get to know me! I can’t wait to start this exciting new adventure!

xoxox,

Kari

The post Get to Know Me: Kari Edition appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.