My Personal Style

It has taken me a very long time to figure out my personal style. I believe my journey started shortly after I began sixth grade when I decided knee high socks and basketball shorts were no longer acceptable for everyday wear. I remember looking up to my now sister in-law envious of her style and bravery to wear whatever she wanted (even though she thought she was full blood Native American at the time).  What I wear has evolved a lot over the past eight years. Starting with Aeropostale t-shirts everyday in middle school, if you are between the ages of 17 and 22 I am sure you remember this, then there was the dress phase I had in the early high school years. At some point in high school I figured out that I didn't want to dress like everyone else, I wanted what I wore to show who I was. What was in style no longer appealed to me, not that their is anything wrong with what everyone else was wearing it just wasn't me. When I was younger I would alway tell my mom when we were shopping she already owned four grey shirts just like the one she wanted. Well strangely enough these roles have completely switched. My roommate is constantly reminding me how much grey I own and that I rarely ever wear color, and if I do its only just a little bit. I am totally okay with this, and as quirky as this sounds my outfits totally reflect who I am as a person.

I want to stress on point though, appearance is not everything.  You do not have to look perfect or dress a certain way to have other people like you. It truly is what is on the inside that matters, it is the ideas and passions we have that are important. One amazing thing about style though is it's ability to give confidence to someone. I can't speak for everyone but when I am wearing something that I feel pretty in I am a much happier person, I am more outgoing, and I feel like my best self. I think everyone should feel confident in their own body and personally I think that having your own style can encourage that sort of confidence. Another thing that is important to me is dressing for comfort. If I do not psychical feeling comfortable in something then I will not wear it. Part of this for me has been dressing for myself, regardless of what other people think about it. I remember in high school I wore a lot of legging just because that is what I felt comfortable and pretty in. I had many "friends" that thought this wasn't acceptable, but I did what worked best for me. 

I own lots of leggings. I only wear jeans from gap and they have to be. Recently I have been obsessed with two pieces. I love the convenience of rompers. Dresses in the winter with tights are my favorite. My shirts are all pretty much plain, neutral colors and fit loosely. I love coats and scarfs in the winter because I hate being cold. All my shoes are brown. I normally can be found in either my grey sweater or a flannel. I don't wear a lot of jewelry but I love rings and won't be caught dead without mine.

In My Skin

Sometimes being in your own skin is difficult and hard to talk about. For many years I blocked thinking about myself. I for one hand have had a very hard time being in my own skin. I have battled with anxiety. I have been through highs and lows, tears and laughter. I have been through therapy and long talks with friends and family. There have been times when I thought I didn't even matter if was alive (fyi this is not true everyone matters).

I am brave, strong, happy, and at peace with myself. 

Personally I believe you can always be a better version of you. My mile can be faster. I can be on time more. I can be nicer. I can be better, but I will never be perfect. Pushing yourself can be a good thing, without pressure I don’t think you can reach your maximum potential. There is a limit though when the pressure you or others are putting on you has a negative effect on you, it is too much. 

I struggle with never wanting to let anyone down and spending myself too thin to avoid upsetting anyone. I don’t enough time with myself. I used to ignore my emotions (I’m getting better) because I though it was selfish to put myself first. That is not true, to be your best self for others, you have to put yourself first sometimes.

Life should be about happiness and being comfortable in your own skin. You have the ability to do whatever you want. I have the ability to do whatever I want. what do you want to do? Find what makes you happy in life. Find who make you happy in life. There is no need to compare yourself to others. Life has enough pressure why put more on yourself. 

We all feel pressure to be prefect. Sometimes we feel like we are never enough. I feel like that a lot. Then I remind myself I am brave, strong, happy, and at peace with myself. We are already perfectly ourselves. And that is enough. You are enough. 

xoxo,
         MK

In My Carry-On

Summer is the season for traveling. These are what I take pretty much everywhere with my during the summer! For me carry-on's aren't just for planes, I like to keep my essentials with me all the time.

1. Book Bag - I prefer to bring my book bag over my purse because it has so much more space. Most of the time I put my purse in my book bag, so I can have both when I get where I am going. I love North Face because they are so ...

2. Camera - I like to keep it with me just in case a picture perfect moment arises. I have the Cannon T3, but I am upgrading (replacing) to a T5. It is an affordable option for a quality camera.

3. Snacks - You never know when you are going to be hungry. Normally with traveling you don't know when food is going to be available, so it's important to carry some with you. Will says I am the only person he knows that eats mints like they are candy.

4. Sunglasses - This one is pretty obvious.

5. Computer - Clearly I need this for blogging, but it is also great for watching Netflix (if you have internet available). I always have my hard case on my laptop to keep it from getting scratched or protecting it during rough travels.

6. A Book - I love books! I almost always have one with me. My favorite are mystery books, I adore trying to figure out the ending before I am there. I believe there is a book type for everyone (picture books count).

7. Emergency Kit - This is perfect for traveling because it has just about anything you could ever need in it! You can find it here.

8. Phone - Yup you should pretty much take this everywhere.

9. Planner - I have used the PlumPaper in the past and loved it! But I am going to switch to Erin Condren because it works best for my life right now. My planner is my life line, I keep everything I need to get done in it. I would be lost without it.

10. Wallet -Yup you should pretty much take this everywhere too. Mine is from Fossil. I have had it for 5 years and still love it.

xoxo,
        MK

On Things Like Washing Your Hair Once A Week

Recently I read a new book, Hey, Natalie Jean (or you can see her blog here) which has completely inspired me to wash my hair once a week. I know that sounds crazy and gross, but I assure you it is AMAZING. Even baby Maci agrees natural hair is the best!

Only washing your hair once a week saves so much time you could pick up a new hobby. I am serious. Not to mention how much more natural my hair feels and looks. There are no chemicals involved. so there is no damage to your hair. If you aren't using heat on your hair everyday that saves your hair from even more damage.Your hair will not look perfect, but it is okay. Embrace who you are! I have never really been one for perfect hair, ever. You may have your hair up in a bun more days than your used to. No worries it is summer anyway, who wants sweat drenched hair? You don't have to make a full commit either. Have a presentation or a hot date? Wash your hair on Wednesday, it's all good!

You can use dry shampoo to keep your hair from looking oily, but that can get expensive. I use homemade hair powder (two dollars, yeahh). 

All you need is a container, baby powder, and coco powder (unsweetened) so we don't look like we have gray hair. 

Once you add add the coco powder you just mix it up. You can add as much or as little coco powder as you want!

xoxo,

       MK