Portland, Maine

This weekend, Lexii and I drove up to Portland, ME for the day to check out some of the amazing vintage shops. The drive up wasn't so bad - just a measly 2 hours north.

We grabbed 2 dirty chai and hit the road around 10am. We got to Portland around 12:30, just as the Portland Women's March was dispersing. So we got to some nasty woman power in the streets to welcome us in - complete with a Trump clown.

After taking this in we headed to our first stop, the Portland Flea-For-All! It was liking walking in the Brimfield only it was indoors and the sun wasn't beating down on our backs. There were stations and stations of vintage furniture, knick-knacks, records and clothing. I was in heaven. I left with a vibrant scarf and my first Navajo style ring (believe it or not.)

We combed Congress Street for some more vintage gems, we stopped into a shop called Moody Lords were I found the ultimate teeny dreamcatcher and a couple cool pendants.

Next stop, Otto's Pizza. I had been to the locations around the Boston area, but not since my freshman year of college. Lex and I grabbed sparkling peach coolers and stuffed our faces with some thin crust margherita pizza.

Last but certainly not least we popped into a local coffee shop to try some of that famous portland java.

The Benefits of Traveling Solo

Earlier this month I traveled to the Dominican Republic...alone. I've had a whirlwind of a year - graduating college, getting promoted, moving home, etc. So I haven't had a ton of time to focus on myself and recharge. And that was what this trip was all about - me. 

I've always loved being around people. I find that my mood typically reflects that of the people around me, so when I'm left alone for too long my mood gets weird. But I've been working through that. I spent the first chunk of my vacay solo, kind of shying away to other people. "I'm here to be alone," I would tell myself. After a few days though, I made some friends and it was a blast. I spent the days being a beach bum, drinking pina coladas and reading. My nights were spent with my new friends drinking Presidente and dancing at the resort's club.

I learned a lot about myself during my stay in the DR. I learned that I need time alone to be able to do as I please without other people's input. I also learned that I hate getting set into a routine. I need change, even though change has always been something I've been afraid of. This trip helped me get in touch with myself and I really hope that I'll be able to get another opportunity like this in the future.

If you're looking for a little change in scenery and some me-time, do it, go on vacation alone. You won't be sorry!

Beacon Hill Hangs

I had an awesome time shooting with some of my ladies at Free People Boston. We spent a Sunday afternoon wandering the sunny streets of Beacon Hill. The weather was gorgeous and got us all very excited for the warm days ahead.

Love Your Body

With Valentine's Day right around the corner and being newly single, you'd think I would be a hot mess of insecurity. On the contrary, I feel pretty empowered. So I felt inspired to share what I've discovered recently.

Looking back, I was always a little insecure. I sprouted boobs and hips earlier than most in my class and my hair was curly and frizzy and absolutely refused to be tamed. Today I embrace those qualities I once despised. I have come to accept these qualities; even love them. This is what has truly made me happy.

I think about all the women out there, young and aging, who are insecure and uncomfortable with themselves. I'm dedicating this post to any woman who has ever been made to feel anything but beautiful by society. 

You are beautiful, ladies, you just can't see it yet.

Some of you might find this post a bit out of character or inappropriate, but to that I will say, "Hey, it's all for the kids, I'm trying to make a statement." 

Nashville

First of all, Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great holiday season. Mine was wonderful, spent surrounded by family and friends. 

This year, I am planning on working on myself and deepening my relationships with others. The past year was all about growth and thinking about my future, 2016 will be all about new beginnings. I'm graduating from college this year and starting anew so this will surely be a big year for me!

My first order of business this year was to reconnect with an old friend of mine. My friend Oakley and I were very close and high school, but after graduation she moved back down south and while we've tried out best to keep in touch, there's nothing like being close distance-wise to keep the friendship alive. 

So a few weeks ago, John and I headed south to spend on quality time with our long-lost friend. We ate, drank, went sight-seeing, and   had a great time! The amazing thing about true friendship is that you can be away from each other for an extended period of time and be able to pick up right where you left off. That's exactly what we did.

Here are just some photos of all the fun we had! Thanks so much for having us, Oaks, it was so good to see you again! Next time you're coming up North.