Lace & Pearls

A Seattle Style blog. Helping women who struggle with their personal style or those who just need a fashion fix!

Pause & Reflect: Celebrate Yourself aka Self-Care! 6 Ideas

After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.Valentine’s Day can be a bit of a downer. Either you don’t have someone to spend it with, you want to do something extravagant and end up disappointed, or maybe you’re like myself and don’t really care much about it. Instead of feeling down and out, I want this Valentine’s Day to be your best one yet and make it all about you!

After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.

That’s why, for February, I challenge you to pause and do something thoughtful for yourself. It doesn’t have to be on the 14th, but anytime during the month.

Celebrate Yourself with Self-Care!

Keep in mind that treating yourself doesn’t need to be extravagant or cost a lot of money. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Take a bath. My absolute favorite form of self-care! I run the bath water, add in some Epsom salt, and tell my husband to pretend that I’m not there. If candles and wine are your thing, bring those too and give yourself 30-60 minutes to unwind with no interruptions. I personally like to watch Hulu when I’m in the tub, but closing your eyes and listening to soothing music or even nothing at all can do wonders.

Curl up with your blanket, furry friend, and a good book or show. I love snuggling on the couch with my heated blanket (the best gift ever) and my fur baby! It’s one of my favorite things to do and makes me feel so relaxed and loved. I always try to savor the moment and take a snapshot in my mind of that exact moment.

Pamper yourself at the spa or get a massage. I recently went to the spa and got my eyebrows waxed. They were beyond scary! Taking care of yourself, even when it’s something necessary, can provide an instant pick-me-up. Schedule your mani/pedi or that wax you’ve been neglecting and zone out for a bit.

Shopping date with your bestie or dinner and a movie. If staying in is more your thing (aka me), do a movie night at your place with popcorn and snacks. Party straws anyone?

Go for a walk and jam to your favorite tunes. This is probably my second favorite way to relax. I can’t even tell you the last time I listened to the radio because I’m always listening to a podcast or Spotify. Give your mind a rest and switch from a podcast or entertainment to some mellow tunes. On the flip side, if you’re always listening to music, change things up and find a good podcast. Whatever your interests are, I guarantee there is a podcast out there on the subject.

Learn something new. This one is huge! The primary reason that I stepped away from blogging was for health reasons. During the break, I began meal-prepping and learning how to cook. Eating healthy not only benefits my insides but also gives me a confidence boost. I highly recommend challenging yourself to try something new and get outside of your comfort zone!

If you enjoyed today’s post, leave a comment and let me know how you will be celebrating yourself this month.

Thanks for reading!

Shop the Post:

Cardigan: Madewell (similar) | Blouse: Vince (similar) | Denim: Jag Jeans c/o | Necklace: Ann Taylor (similar) | Ring: Fresh Tangerine | Booties: Report c/o Famous Footwear | Purse: Marshalls (similar) | Lipstick: Marc Jacobs Beauty (color Send Nudes) c/o

📷’s by Hello Rigby

Related posts:

  1. How to Stay Motivated + 2 Year Blogiversary
  2. How to Overcome Anxiety When Networking
  3. What I’ve Accomplished in One Year of Blogging
  4. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Pause and Reflect: Keeping It Real + Blog Update

So I've been toying with the idea of introducing a new blog category. When I started blogging over three years ago, I would occasionally share a lifestyle post. As I went along, I ultimately decided to stop including them. Narrowing your blog focus is key, with the idea that if you're talking to everyone, you're talking to no one. So I’ve been toying with the idea of introducing a new blog category. When I started blogging over three years ago, I would occasionally share a lifestyle post. As I went along, I ultimately decided to stop including them. Narrowing your blog focus is key, with the idea that if you’re talking to everyone, you’re talking to no one. I agree with this to a certain extent, but after talking with my blogger friends, and seeing a decline in Instagram engagement, it occurred to me that being unique and sharing more of who I am is the key to long and lasting relationships with my readers.

Keeping It Real + Blog Update

The blogging community is beginning to feel pretty stale and formulaic with the constant drive to sell and promote. Blogging used to be a means of sharing hobbies and interests rather than being so focused on business. These tactics keep things afloat and produce revenue, but it’s also important to remain authentic and mix in non-sponsored/brand-related content.

With that said, I want to be able to share more of myself and build upon our common interests. I know I can’t get behind a brand or person without knowing their back story so why should you?! I will still be sharing fashion and beauty posts but will be mixing in the occasional wellness or lifestyle post too. This new ad hoc series will be called Pause & Reflect and will be tagged under the lifestyle category.

The comparison game has been a hot topic in the online world lately. Remember, we are all unique and have so much to offer. It’s those who embrace their differences that stand out from the crowd and become the person that people want to follow, so be appreciative of your uniqueness and keep your head up.

If you’ve stuck around for this rant, thank you! And if you’re excited for more “real-life” posts, leave a comment. I love hearing from you and hope you will be inspired by this new series. And if you’re only here for the fashion, you can ignore these posts and just look at the pictures and shopping links. Win-win! 🙂 Thanks for reading!

Shop the post:

Sweater: Todd & Duncan (similar) | Bow: J.Crew

📷: Genelyn Jaye Photography 

Related posts:

  1. How to Stay Motivated + 2 Year Blogiversary
  2. How to Overcome Anxiety When Networking
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Top 10 Post of 2017!

Clockwise from left to right: Pixi Beauty Product Review | 8 Wardrobe Tidying Tips | Hate to shop or Need a Fashion Refresh – Try Stitch Fix | Up-and-Coming Design Monifa Kincaid Jewelry

I polled my Instagram audience and asked whether you wanted to see a reflection post or a top 10 post. It was a tie, so I decided to do both! My reflection post is here and keep reading for my top 10 posts of 2017!

Top 10 Posts of 2017!

Pixi Beauty Product Review + Giveaway

Any post with a giveaway ranks high. With that said, Pixi beauty is a well-respected drugstore brand that is affordable and effective. In this post, I share about the products I’m liking in addition to several other Pixi reviews and shopping links.

8 Wardrobe Tidying Tips That Will Change Your Life

I wrote this post in my first year of blogging and later updated it. What a timely post! It will definitely help you refocus in the new year and get things in order.

Hate to Shop or Need a Fashion Refresh – Try Stitch Fix

I teamed up with Stitch Fix in their My Body My Style campaign. For this collaboration they featured me on their blog and gifted me a shopping credit. If you’re in a style rut or need some inspiration, I highly recommend you read this post and sign up for Stitch Fix!

Up-and-Coming Designer Monifa Kincaid Jewelry

One of the perks of blogging is that you get to partner up with small business owners. Monifa had just launched her line and approached me to collaborate. Her pieces are gorgeous and I was ecstatic to partner with a fellow female entrepreneur!

7 Fail-Proof Tips for Getting Ready in the Morning

This post is also a great one for the new year! Surprisingly, I had forgotten some tips and am finding them useful. This is definitely a must-read.

Invest in a Classic Wardrobe and Save Money

Do you have clothes in your closet with the price tag still on them? What about buyer’s remorse? If so, this post is for you! The key takeaway: invest in what you want from the beginning instead of cutting corners because it will ultimately save you money.

Wardrobe Building Blocks: Your Guide to a Cohesive Closet

In this post, I show you how to maximize your wardrobe without feeling overwhelmed. It’s full of actionable tips that you can begin to incorporate today.

From Business Casual to Date Night with J.Jill

Toward the end of the year, I began partnering with J.Jill. This is my first post with them featuring three daytime looks that easily transition to night.

Comfort Shoes for the Stylish Fashionista

One of my biggest struggles when it comes to fashion is finding comfortable shoes! Even though this post was written in the summer, it’s a great resource for anyone who is looking to learn more about stylish comfort brands.

Lace & Pearls is Open for Business

It has been a long-term goal for me to launch my own jewelry line. As you might have gathered, I am a big fan of jewelry and all things girly! Check out this post to see where the journey began.

Thanks for a great year! Which post is your favorite and what would you like to see more of on the blog? Let me know in the comments. Your feedback is so important.

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New Year’s Reflection: Stressed, Overweight and Tired!

This has been the fastest and most challenging year yet! Instead of going the traditional route of choosing a resolution, last year I chose to focus on the word healthy. Getting healthy is still on the forefront for 2018, so again I'll be focusing on that. After all, your health is your first wealth!This has been the fastest and most challenging year yet! Instead of going the traditional route of choosing a resolution, last year I chose to focus on the word healthy. Getting healthy is still on the forefront for 2018, so again I'll be focusing on that. After all, your health is your first wealth!This has been the fastest and most challenging year yet! Instead of going the traditional route of choosing a resolution, last year I chose to focus on the word healthy. Getting healthy is still on the forefront for 2018, so again I'll be focusing on that. After all, your health is your first wealth!This has been the fastest and most challenging year yet! Instead of going the traditional route of choosing a resolution, last year I chose to focus on the word healthy. Getting healthy is still on the forefront for 2018, so again I'll be focusing on that. After all, your health is your first wealth!This has been the fastest and most challenging year yet! Instead of going the traditional route of choosing a resolution, last year I chose to focus on the word healthy. Getting healthy is still on the forefront for 2018, so again I'll be focusing on that. After all, your health is your first wealth!This has been the fastest and most challenging year yet! Instead of going the traditional route of choosing a resolution, last year I chose to focus on the word healthy. Getting healthy is still on the forefront for 2018, so again I’ll be focusing on that. After all, your health is your first wealth!

New Year’s Reflection: Stressed, Overweight and Tired!

Towards the latter half of 2017, I gained over 20 pounds and am currently dealing with a slew of GI problems. I’ve missed more work then I can count and walking into the doctor’s office is becoming routine. We are still in the process of figuring things out and I hope to know more soon.

Along the way, I somehow managed to put on all that weight and have struggled with some other health issues (pre-diabetes and acid reflux). I have spent most of my life watching my weight and eating healthy, so it’s ironic that I’ve managed to get so off track. Plus, none of my clothes fit and I don’t feel that great about how I look and feel.

To help with stress, I have made some changes, like adjusting my work schedule to have every other Friday off. I also joined Orange Theory after being introduced to it by a coworker. I am obsessed! I really feel like it helps my mental state and overall health, so I’m in the process of building up to go 3-4 days a week vs the 2 days I’m going now.

This time next year, I hope to have my health back on track and be down in pounds. It will be great to have more energy and no stomach pain.

On the bright side, I have also accomplished a lot this year! I launched Lace & Pearls Jewelry, created a monthly newsletter, and successfully began partnering with brands. I even befriended some blogger babes and made some new connections that I hope to continue in the new year.

I wish all the best to you in 2018 and thanks again to those of you who continue to read this blog and comment! I apologize that I haven’t been the greatest at responding to comments, but I do read all of them and am grateful for your kindness and support.

Shop the post:

Dress: J.Jill c/o | Vest: Club Monaco (similar) | Necklace: Callura via Zulily c/o | Earrings: Charming Charlie (similar) c/o | Boots: Paul Green (old) | Clutch: DSW | Lashes: First Glance Lashes c/o| Lipstick: Neutrogena MoistureSmooth color stick (Rich Raisin) c/o

*c/o: courtesy of or gifted.

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

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  1. 5 Reasons For Saying No
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  3. Fashion First
  4. 3 Year Blogiversary + The Prettiest Tulle Dress

Lace & Pearls Jewelry is Open for Business!

Lace & Pearls Jewelry has officially arrived!!! This passion project has been a long time coming and I'm so excited to share it with you!Lace & Pearls Jewelry has officially arrived!!! This passion project has been a long time coming and I’m so excited to share it with you! You might have seen small mentions here or there but if this is your first time hearing about it, let me get you caught up.

Lace & Pearls Jewelry

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ve probably seen a recurring theme/fashion tip: accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Some people are shoe people and others love a good handbag, but I love jewelry! It’s a girl’s best friend in my opinion.

A couple years back, December 2015 to be exact, I decided to take a jewelry class. From that point on, I got the itch to create my own pieces and eventually create an online marketplace to showcase and sell my creations. I toyed with the idea of an Etsy shop but after a discussion with a friend and doing my own research, I decided to go bigger and create an ecommerce store.

Lace & Pearls Jewelry has officially arrived!!! This passion project has been a long time coming and I'm so excited to share it with you!If you love a good signature necklace or something special, you’re in for a treat! All of the pieces in the Lace & Pearls Jewelry line are handmade by me and made of fine materials that include gold-filled, sterling silver, and brass chains along with real stones and pearls. I would describe my pieces as feminine meets minimalism. Everything is meant to feel dainty yet exquisite.

I hope you have fun checking out the site! Don’t forget to sign up for the mailing list and follow/like my Instagram and Facebook page. It would mean the world to me to have your support!

Lace & Pearls Jewelry has officially arrived!!! This passion project has been a long time coming and I'm so excited to share it with you!Inspirational Word

Today’s takeaway is to follow your dreams! I know this is cliche, but honestly, I never thought I would see this into fruition. The truth is, I didn’t really think much about it. Instead, I just kept moving forward because I knew that if I let myself get in my head, I would just hold myself back. During this entire process, I almost felt like it wasn’t me, but an alter-ego that was pushing me forward. I attributed that to staying out of my head. I will admit some days I did get in my head (let’s be real, a lot of days), but for the most part, I just persevered.

These photos are from earlier this year when it was warm. This was my first time shooting and wearing my pieces. Unfortunately, there are only two of these necklaces with the black onyx druzy stone, Life of Aani has one and the other is available on the site. I hope to make another similar piece soon but the stone will be slightly different.

Dress: J.Crew (old) | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Purse: Ted Baker London | Shoes: Josep Seibel | Lipstick: Rimmel London (Crystal Mauve) ℅

Lace & Pearls Jewelry has officially arrived!!! This passion project has been a long time coming and I'm so excited to share it with you!Thank you!

I have so many people to thank for helping get this business off the ground.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments. Thank you all so much!

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

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  1. What I’ve Learned from One Year of Blogging
  2. Fashion First
  3. 3 Year Blogiversary + The Prettiest Tulle Dress
  4. New Year’s Reflection: Stressed, Overweight and Tired!

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