Fabulously Average

Hola & Welcome! A life and style blog brought to you by Joanne Mason, your resident average Jo, from right outside the suburbs of our nations capital. Hoping to encourage the average gal to live her most fabulous life! 

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Goodbye Tumblr

So I tried to do a redirect to the new site, FabulouslyAverageblog.com, but it was just crashing everything so that’s a wash. The solution, coming on here and telling you to go to the new site -> 

FabulouslyAverageblog.com! Below is a sneak peek of a new feature and logo! Also, you can read about the change here.

So head to the new site because that’s where we are continuing the party!

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2018 Word of the Year

I like to have a Word of the Year because it helps focus my mind on how I should be looking at my life for the next chapter. It enables me to add more intention in my daily life, if that makes any sense, and to leverage my word to steady myself throughout the year. It’s like a touchstone I can go back to when I need some realignment. The last time I shared my word of the year was for 2015; why I didn’t for 2016 or 2017 is beyond me (both epically hard years, so that may have had something to do with it) but I did have words if you were wondering.

While most folks have their chosen word ready by January 1, it takes me a little while to recover from the holidays and get my act together for the next chapter. Instead, I like to use the first few days of the year to really think about what I want my word to be, to weigh the vision that I have for myself and my family for the next 365 days and truly assess what is needed. It’s never to late to restart and reprioritize things, my friends, so don’t let society tell you otherwise. 

So without further adieu, my 2018 word of the year is BALANCE. According to Google, balance is “an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.” If you kept with me for 2017 then you know how fitting the word balance is for 2018. Last year was one of tremendous growth, but not without darkness, so this year all I’m looking for is to maintain my equilibrium. Like I discussed in this post, leveraging the coping mechanisms I’ve learned in therapy are essential for me to keep my footing but in order to do that I have to maintain some sort of balance. For me that means self care when I’ve had a stressful day/week at work or when the kids are pressing all the right buttons. I tend to put so much into the priorities of others that I forget about caring for myself, I forget to recharge. 

There are a lot of things I plan to put into action this year in order for me to have some sort of balance for my 2018 but there is hopefully another post to come that will go more into detail. For now I just wanted to get this post up, for me not you, to officially declare my word of the year and release it into the word. I would, however, like to hear if you have a word of the year or resolutions/goals that you’d like to crush for 2018! Go share on my latest IG post!

Fair warning, I have a few self-reflective posts planed for the next few days/weeks (depends on when I have time to sit down and my thoughts spill out) so stay tuned for those! There is a lot I’ve been itching to share and isn’t this space just to the place to do it? YEAH! Happy New Year, my friends! 

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Looking Back at 2017...Kinda

So I’ve decided that I wont have an official Year in Review/Best of FabAve post like year’s past. Why? Mainly because this is a year I’d like to put in my rear view mirror. Much like 2016, this just wasn’t my year, and candidly, I don’t want to dwell on the past. I’m ready to move forward, y’all! I’m excited to dominate 2018 and make it my year. 

While 2017 kinda whopped my ass, I can’t deny the fact that this was a big year of growth for me. The fact that I came forward about my depression, on the blog no less, was a big step. In the blogging world, if it’s not pretty you don’t share it. And much of 2017 for me was sharing the hard, the gritty, the raw. That willingness to share the “not so pretty” moments was a sign of internal growth, so I call that a win.  

I’ve learned this year that without struggle there is no growth, so I’m taking my growth and running with it! This has been a transformative year for me and I’ve come to realize that I hold light but not without also holding darkness. For 2018 I’m going to punch that darkness in the face! Who’s with me! So what does the New Year hold for me? I’ll continue to share love in the presence of pain because that’s all I can do. 

I did want to take a page out of Nicole’s book and create an anti-bucket list for 2017. This way, I’m not really dwelling on the hardships of 2017 but more of looking back at the great moments of the year that do stand out in my mind. So without further adieu, here is my 2017 anti-bucket list:

Most memorable by far was the anniversary trip to Charleston!

Celebrating Theo’s first birthday!

The girls trip to Charlottesville was pretty epic, too!

Celebrating one of my sorority sister’s weddings! This is what I wore!

As I mentioned before, coming clean about my depression and then finally finding a therapist that get’s me! 

Scoring Fluffy tickets and attending his comedy act at the Kennedy Center!

Starting up the Shop With Me series.

Throwing Remy a pretty epic Moana party for her fourth birthday!

The impromptu beach day that was the star of our summer!

Realizing that my kid is teaching me a thing or two about life.

A mini staycation with the fella to celebrate our 32nd birthdays! And seeing Straight No Chaser in concert!

Finding my inner feminist in a year where many women stood forward to speak their truths.

Dedicating Theo at our church.

Completing my goal of hitting up five fairs for the summer!

This will be my last post of 2017 but I hope to see you in 2018! Thanks for always coming by and showing FabAve some love. I cannot thank y’all enough for supporting this little space of mine. Muah and Happy New Year! 

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In case you care, wearing this super cozy sweater and these faux leather leggings. Boots c/o JustFab.

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Look back on my 2016 recap here, 2015 recap here, 2014 recap here, 2013 recap here,  2012 recap here and my 2011 recap here!

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Shop With Me Vol.7

A new installment of the Shop with Me series? Hells yes! And this one is a dedicated post to Old Navy denim! Y’all really seemed to have enjoyed the SWM post dedicated to this dress (read it here), so I thought it would be fun to hit you with it again with an Old Navy denim review. Read on and enjoy!Also, all of the jeans below are ON SALE!

For size reference, I’m 5'9" with a pear shape frame. I typically wear a size 8 with this brand.

Psst: Also if you’re wondering, I’m wearing this mock-neck sweater in these photos.

Mid-Rise Raw-Hem Rockstar Ankle Jeans in Serene  I ordered these online during a major sale but was sadly disappointed once they arrived. My main issue was the length of the hem. I’m wondering, if I would have ordered these in Tall maybe they would’ve worked? The raw hem though is a total yes and essentially what drew me in. Also, the overall fit was great, not too stiff but not too jegging-y. I would say these fit true to size if you’re interested. 

Secret-Soft Pull-On Rockstar Jeggings  So I snagged a pair of these jeggings and have worn them out and about with no complaint. However, these did make me realize that I appreciate the stiffness of true denim jeans. These were really comfortable, don’t get me wrong, but they might have been too comfortable? Amazing stretch! Fit true to size. 

Mid-Rise Raw-Edge Rockstar Ankle Jeans in Bright Another mild disappointment, although I knew I wouldn’t really be a fan of these from the get-go. The hem is too frayed for my liking, first off, and again the hem was just too short on me. Otherwise these fit true to size.

Mid-Rise Rockstar Jeans in Henry These I actually took home with me! The inseam is 29 inches versus 27 like the ones previously reviewed above so they covered enough ankle. There was plenty of stretch and give, and these hit perfectly on my hip. Fit is true to size.

Mid-Rise Raw-Edge Rockstar Jeans in Bethie While I didn’t snap a picture of these, I thought the asymetrical raw hem was a fun look. These fit true to size but again, I would recommend ordering in Tall if you are 5′9″ or taller. Far too much ankle was exposed, and while I love flashing some ankle it looked like I was preparing for a flood. The fit is true to size.

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Fancy Pants

Get the Look: Pants (on sale!) | Velvet Cami | Chanille Cardigan | Clutch | Heels via Marshalls

Company holiday party or happy hour on the horizon and not sure what to wear? Today I’m specifically talking to the gal not comfortable sporting a cocktail dress - I’ve got you covered! Sure, you can wear the standard black trousers with a fancier blouse or a statement jacket, but today, friends, we’re focusing on pants. Here are a few tips and tricks on busting out the holiday glam with some fancy pants!

First off, regardless of if you’re making a major statement or keeping things a bit more conservative, you want to make sure you choose a sleek pair of pants that fit your frame well. What I love about these pair is that they fit me like a glove! The perfect fit around my waist yet an ideal straight leg, and the amount a stretch is pure magic! 

Secondly, find a fabric that add whimsy! What do I mean by this? Opt for luxe fabrics that are a little nicer than the everyday dress pants. Think velvet, lace,  brocade or even satin. I love that the whimsy in this pair comes from the gold, almost metallic, print. So freakin’ fun! Another quick tip - deep, rich jewel tones are another great option especially during the holidays.

Since I went with a bold print I decided to keep my accessories and the top portion of my look subtle. However, I kept the look luxe and had fun mixing fabrics! I added this velvet cami and this chanille cardigan because it’s a little extra, and gals, that’s just what I was going for! 

Get the Look: Pants (on sale!) | Velvet Cami | Chanille Cardigan | Clutch | Heels via Marshalls 

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Theodore - Fifteen Months Old

So this post is going up hella late. Apologies if you were waiting with bated breath, life got in the way. Not to mention, little man’s check-up was scheduled after the fact and to include all of his most updated stats the post would be going up late regardless. Enough with the excuses, let’s get to Theo’s 15 month update!

Routine: Are you tired of me telling you that we haven’t had any changes to our routine? Cause nothing new to report here. Well, we have had some changes and struggles the last month or so but that has more to do with sleeping. Read on for that update below.

Napping/Sleeping: Since the week of Thanksgiving, homeboy has either been teething (molars are coming in) and/or we’ve just hit a major rough patch in his sleeping patterns. 

The four-day weekend of Thanksgiving was rough guys! Like, Theo refused to sleep through the night, waking every few hour, and he wasn’t napping. Needless to say, mama was happy to go back into work that following Monday. Since then, however, little dude is doing better but we are still struggling every few days. Theo is either screaming his head off when we put him down to bed at night or he goes down easily but will wake at least once. In the instance that he wakes, sometimes dad or I just get comfy on the floor with a comforter and don’t fight it. 

He’s gotten a little better about waking at night but now he wakes up at 6:30 a.m. on the dot every day. Not convenient on weekends. Not really convenient on weekdays either, but by that time I’m already up and getting ready for the day so it doesn’t phase me as much as it does dad, lol. But yeah, we’re all trying to get used to this phase, until the next one. But looking back at Remy at this age, the same thing happened. Hmm...

Eating: So last month I mentioned that I would be working on adjusting his bottle schedule to account for meals, and we’ve been doing well some days and crappy on other days. He still eats breakfast at 8 a.m. but now I push lunch to 11:30 so that he’s down for his nap by noon. For both those morning feedings, he eats a meal of solid foods (oatmeal, fruit, mash potatoes and meatballs, to name a few) as well as a 4oz bottle and 6oz bottle respectively. 

Between 2 and 2:30, depending how long he’s down for his nap, we’ll give him a snack of fruit of puffs and then a 6oz bottle at 4:30 before he goes down for his afternoon nap. He then eats whatever we’re eating for dinner and then his bedtime bottle (8oz).

Growth/Health/Development: Little man is growing but I feel like Remy at this age was so much bigger. At least two inches taller and six pounds heavier. I know - DON’T COMPARE, but I can’t help it! Theo is 31.75 inches tall, putting him in the 71 percentile in height, and he weighs 22.84 pounds, placing him in the 51 percentile for toddlers his age. He’s growing consistently, so I have nothing to worry about, but it’s weird how differently they are growing. 

Homeboy has so many teeth! Like I mentioned earlier, he’s got many of his molars coming in so that’s a fun, slobbery mess. Because of the teeth, Theo has had some tummy issue and had pretty bad diaper rash earlier this month. Thankfully, we are past that right now, but boy was that rough.

He got his first black eye a few weeks ago. Theo lost his footing and hit the corner of a table. I like to think the bruise makes him look tougher, LOL. On another note, at this month’s check-up we found out that little dude’s iron looked a little low, so we may need to start adding iron supplements.

Social:

Little guy wags his finger and say’s, “no, no” and it’s probably the cutest thing ever

Theo likes to rattle and shake the baby gate in the living room to escape and he’s been successful several times

He put the Christmas tree up earlier this week! We haven’t put ornaments yet (this weekend) but I’m curious to see if he’ll be snatching them off the tree

If you tell him to stomp, he’ll shuffle his feet as fast as he can - so cute!

Another song in his arsenal, along with I Love You, is Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Theo has become obsessed with books! He’ll climb onto his toy train to reach them where they are stored. He’ll walk into the living room and yell, “book!”

I think little man will be athletic! He can throw the ball at you if you ask and actually has aim!

If you ask him to stomp, Theo stops around in place. It’s more like marching in place but it’s still cute!

We call him Mikey because he’ll almost eat anything

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017 | For Him (Under $50!)

This was probably one of my favorite guides to pull together. Why? Because it gave me tons of ideas for gifts for all the men in my life AND every item is under $50 - what’s not to love! So for the special men in your life I’ve rounded up a plethora of products but this weekender is by far my favorite of the bunch! 

In the widget below I also included a few additional gifts over the $50 mark but still under $100, if you’ve got a little more wiggle room in the holiday budget department. 

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 

Shop the Post (and more!): 

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Holiday!

Get the Look: Dress c/o eShakti | Heels | Clutch | Earrings

Please tell me you read the post title with this song in mind because that was my intention! FYI - Trolls Holiday is my new favorite seasonal movie, so cute! Remy and I are obsessed. But enough about my mini me, let’s get to the look. Can we talk about this dress? Gah, so perfect for this time of the year, am right!? I actually wore this stunner for one of my dear friends’ wedding earlier this month and it was the perfect ensemble for a little (a lot) dancing, some drinks and a good time with my sorority sisters and our fellas. 

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All night I envisioned myself as the woman dancing (in the red dress) emoji. And folks, that’s exactly what I did! I was a dancing machine, enough so that the photographer asked me to recreate a hair whip. Ha! 

This dress took me back to my college days. Why you ask? Well because red was my “go get ‘em” color back in my hay day. It was the color I wore when I wanted to dazzle, or when I needed just a little more confidence. But somewhere in my journey from crazy sorority girl to mom of two I lost that dazzle. So when I spotted this dress I knew it was going to my new dazzle dress! 

I had the option of customizing this stunner almost any way I wanted. I could have chosen to make it a maxi, a midi, a different neckline, different sleeves - the opportunities were endless! But in the end, the existing silhouette just spoke to me on so many levels. And on that early December Saturday, as I witnessed love in the most beautiful form, I let the dazzle wash over me. Should I have named this post “The Dazzle Dress?” 

Get the Look: Dress c/o eShakti | Heels | Clutch | Earrings 

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Why I Broke Up with my Therapist for a New One

After going through silent turmoil for months on end, when I finally women’d up and started seeing a therapist I didn’t quite understand what all the hype was about. Sure, I thought the doctor I was seeing was giving me okay advice but I didn’t think I was getting what I should have been getting from our time together. However I continued going for nearly four months, once a week, until finally one week I didn’t go. And that missed week became a missed month, and that missed month become a missed summer. And I was back in my bleak, black hole with no hope in sight.

At first I thought I didn’t like the whole experience because I was already iffy about seeing a therapist, but it wasn’t until I started seeing my current counselor that I realized the initial doctor and myself just didn’t hit it off. And folks, that can happen. Now that I’m seeing someone that meets all of my requirements (which I didn’t know I had until after doc. #1), I’m a huge advocate for therapy/counseling. 

Therapy helps you learn techniques that essentially aid in making things easier for daily struggles, i.e. coping mechanisms. My first therapist was very much like the one’s you see on TV - she listened, took notes, asked questions about my feelings every now and again and made sure I wasn’t going to run into traffic if I was feeling blue. While I appreciated the vent sessions, and a few connections for how my past effects how I handle things in the present, I always left with no real resolution to my depression. There was never an action item or homework, I just left to fester in my sadness. So I stopped going and called the whole therapy experiment a bust.

Enter a very difficult and crappy summer. I started having panic attacks and the inner turmoil started to have physical effects (stomach ulcers, psoriasis flare ups and insomnia). I knew I had to start seeing someone again but also knew it couldn’t be the doctor I’d been seeing. So I called her up and asked for a reference. Thankfully she didn’t take offense to the fact that I didn’t want to continue my therapy with her and gave me the contact information for someone she thought I’d “gel” with. 

Leaving my first session with the new counselor, I knew that this was how a good therapy session was supposed to feel like. I had felt hope for the first time in a really long time, and I left feeling less broken than when I we started or session. It was promising and instantly I became a champion for therapy. 

My hope for anyone reading this post wondering if therapy is for you is this - it’s for everyone, especially someone who is struggling. I think it’s critical to have unbiased ears available to listen and even more important to realize when you’ve got the wrong person listening. Don’t be afraid to find a new therapist if your current one is just not delivering the goods. It’s your wellness that’s important, so in this instance there aren’t any hurt feelings. Lastly, just because you didn’t jive with one therapist doesn’t mean you won’t with another. Don’t let one negative experience soil it for your recovery. There are so many willing and able doctors, with different paths of life, available to help you if you are willing to give them a chance. Sometimes you just have to do a little research, but don’t let that research deter you. At the end of the day, your mental health is what’s important so make it a priority, the ultimate priority. 

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Am I Okay with Not being Heard?

Get the Look: Sweater (on major sale!) | Similar Cropped Denim | Bag (under $15!) | Similar Boots

So last night I stayed up later than normal to work on today’s post. I was putting the final touches when I accidentally clicked out of my drafts window and exited out without saving. An hour and a half worth of work out the window. I was crush, exhausted and annoyed but not enough to gather my thoughts and rewrite the post. Why, because it was a post about not being heard. 

If you are a blogger/influencer and haven’t read this post by Alissa from The Adored Life then you are doing life wrong. Gah, I have so many feels for her message to the countless content creators trying to take stake on this place we call the Internet. The ultimate platform to spread our voices and yet there are never enough voices and also too many voices. Does that make sense?

My initial post was in response to Alissa’s post. About how there is no one holding a gun to my head to produce content for the blog yet I feel guilty when I don’t. Fabulously Average is my passion project, the livelihood of my family does not depend on this space. And while I’m okay with it being a hobby, it’s still a hard realization when you’re words aren’t going aren’t going anywhere.

Long story short, I wrote this long winded post about how I don’t feel heard. I no longer feel like I’m making an impact on anyone but myself. But I guess that’s something in and of itself, that I can produce content I’m proud of - if not for anyone else but myself. Isn’t that the important lesson in the end? I don’t know, I’m feeling all types of rejected by the Internet these days. Don’t event get me started on the Instagram algorithm?! 

Get the Look: Sweater (on major sale!) | Similar Cropped Denim | Bag (under $15!) | Similar Boots 

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017 | For Her (Under $40!)

Whether you’re getting a gift for mom, your sister, your female coworker or yourself - I’ve got you covered with this all-inclusive gift guide perfect for the women in your life. I contemplated breaking this out into several posts, specifically targeting different sub-categories for the females, but decided against it and rounded up some great overall gifts under $40! So take a peek at my top 10 picks, but feel free to peruse some additional gifts within the “Shop” widget below!

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 

>Shop the Post (and more!):

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Holiday Gift Guide 2017 | Kid Toys 1-4yrs (Under $30!)

It’s that time again, boys and girls, holiday gift guide season is here! Oh the holiday’s, materialism at its finest. To kick-off the gift guide series for 2017, I thought I’d start with budget friendly toys for kids 1 to 4 years old, all under $30! Now this specific guide is a labor of love simply for the fact that I wanted to include products that I know my kids (ages 1 and 4) would truly enjoy. It was also very important for me to round up gifts that are unisex - don’t get me started with gender-specific toys/clothes for kids [enter eye roll]. Included below I also included gifts for kids specific to the age group in case you wanted it broken down that way. Enjoy!

1// SueSport Castle Play Tent - If I had the room for this, I would scoop this up for sure. Just imagine the countless hours of entertainment! 

2// Green Toys Outdoor Wagon - Perfect for indoor and outdoor adventures and this would be ideal for storage! 

3// 40 Piece Wooden Blocks Set - I appreciate toys that encourage imagination and something like this would keep both my kids enthralled for hours.

4// Little Tikes T-Ball Set - As my husband would say, you gotta start ‘em young!

5// Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Grow 'n Learn Garden Caddy - This is great for the little’s and the big’s because it has three "smart stages” that change + it introduces the ABC's, shapes, colors and opposites.

6// Hape Kids Little Splashers Rainy Day Catching Set Bath Toy - This would probably be so messy but imagine how much more fun bath time would be!

7// Battat Big Red Barn - I could see this being one of those toys my kids fight over. I love that this is travel friendly, too! 

8// Bilingual Board Book Set - I’m a sucker for toys that are both fun and support brain growth, and this board book set is the perfect combination of both. We have a few of these books and I love hearing Remy repeat the Spanish words after me. 

9// Melissa & Doug Zoo Friends Hand Puppets - How stinkin’ cute are these?!

10// BeginAgain Counting Chameleon Wooden Number Puzzle - Eco-friendly, educational and pretty to look at, what’s not to like! 

Specific for 1-2 Years: 

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Specific for 3-4 Years: 

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Millennial Pink

Get the Look: Bodysuit  (on sale!) | Denim (on sale!) | Thrifted Denim Jacket [similar] | Booties c/o JustFab

Two back to back outfit posts featuring pink items - WHO AM I? Something has certainly gotten into me because if you know me at all, you know that I despise the color pink. But somehow, millennial pink has wiggled its way into my heart. I recently read somewhere a very funny description of this particular shade of pink, “It’s a way to be pretty while retaining your intellectual detachment.” Such an “on trend” explanation, don’t you think? 

Another trend, which is actually making more of a return than a debut this season, is velvet. Last Fall it was everywhere. You wanna know how I know? Because I own a velvet midi dress in millennial pink which I purchased to attend a wedding last December. I guess you can say that’s when both trends made their way into my wardrobe. Anyways, velvet is still everywhere - from tailored suits, dresses, simple tees and even flats - velvet is back in a big way. 

Below I included a few of my favorite trendy millennial pink and velvet pieces from around the web. Bonus points if I found one item incorporating both trends, like this tee, these pants or these booties! What about you, what are you’re thoughts on these trends? 

Get the Look:  Bodysuit  (on sale!) | Denim (on sale!) | Thrifted Denim Jacket [similar] | Booties c/o JustFab

Shop the Trends: 

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Thankful 2017

Remember when I used to share Thankful posts on the regular? Those were the days; maybe I should jump start that series back up again for the New Year. Thoughts? 

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! I hope you are enjoying this time with people that you love, eating ALL THE FOOD, doing just a little shopping and watching all the Thanksgiving episodes of FRIENDS. It is no secret that most of 2017 was a tumultuous year for me, and it isn’t even over yet. If you don’t really know what I’m talking about, here’s a recap. In dealing with all my drama, however, I’ve found that the sweeter moments in life were just a little more shiny, extraordinary and more remarkable than if I would have been experiencing it all as the former version of myself. So with that, today I thought I’d share just a few things I am thankful for. 

My Tribe. This includes my husband and close family/friends that have, in one way or another, contributed to my rare bouts of happiness this year. Whether it was listening to one of my many vent sessions or offering to watch the kids, I could not have made it thought such a difficult season in my life without my tribe. 

Travel. I’ve gotten lucky enough to spend time away this year, even if it was only for a few days. From my birthday staycation in Baltimore, to a weekend in  Charlottesville, to my the epic anniversary trip to Charleston - 2017 travel did not disappoint! I wanna up my game for the New Year, any suggestions on where to go that is both kid and budget friendly? 

Speaking Up. Depression has a stigma but it my belief that speaking up can negate the shame associated with the illness. I cannot tell you how freeing it is to have finally shared that I am dealing with postpartum depression. Why? Because in a sense, I feel that by exposing myself in my most vulnerable state I am no longer giving my depression the power to consume and control me the way that it was did. I’m not at the other side of the tunnel, far from it, but I can tell you that it isn’t quite as dominating as it once was. 

I wish there was more I could be grateful for this year but again, it was a hard one for me. The few things that did provide bright rays of light, however, cannot be overlooked. The kind, supportive people in my life provided so much emotional support on my darkest days and most of them don’t even know how integral their presence was in my journey. Most importantly, though, is that I’ll be closing out 2017 with my head held high and a positive outlook for the year to come. I hope that you have a fantastic holiday season and may God bless you. 

FYI - My cozy cardigan is on sale and under $30! 

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Cyber Week Sales

Some hate it, some love it, but none of us can deny it - Cyber Week is here. With the official kick off to the holiday season fully underway, let me share my sincerest apologies for adding to the clutter in what will surly be a cluster eff of a holiday season. Don’t get me wrong, I’m kind of excited for all that is merry and all that is bright, but I can’t disregard the fact that with it come so.much.stress. To make Cyber Week a little easier I thought I would share the best deals in one place! 

Below are just a few of my favorite pieces from the around the web, but underneath that I am also sharing sale codes and some drool-worthy items from the particular store. Enjoy!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 

(Sales Updated 11/23!)

Abercrombie - 50% off + free shipping

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American Eagle - 40% off + free shipping

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Ann Taylor - 50% off THANKFUL 

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ASOS - 30% off 

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BOOHOO - 60% off

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Gap - 50% BLKFRIDAY

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H&M - 20% off

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J.Crew - 40% off THANKU

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J.Crew Factory - 50% off

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Loft - 50% off

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Lucky Brand - 50-60% off

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Macy’s - 20% off HURRY

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Nordstrom - 20% off

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Old Navy - 40% off

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Sole Society - 50% off select styles

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Ulta - BareMinerals Kits $10 each + Deals $10 and under, $25 and under, and more!

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Urban Outfitters - Buy one, get 50% off 

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Wardrobe Remix Vol.43

I could swear I already wrote this post but when I went into my ‘drafts’ folder and saw nothing there I was stumped. So here you have it, my friends, the 43rd installment of the Wardrobe Remix! 

Gingham is one of those prints that can be worn year around but something about wearing it during the Fall makes it just a little more special. For today’s remix I’m share three ways I’ve styled my gingham midi skirt here on FabAve, and I’ve rounded up some cute gingham options under $50!

You know the drill, click on the corresponding numbers to head to the original post! Thanks for stopping by!

look 1 | look 2 | look 3 

Shop Gingham Under $50: 

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How to Set Yourself Up for Success

Get the Look: Dress (worn as a skirt) via Old Navy | Sweater (on sale!) | Similar Booties | Similar Bag

First off, I wanted to thank y’all for the love and support I received since sharing the post about my depression. I got a lot of encouraging words of strength and even connected with a few women struggling with similar thoughts and experiences. I cannot be more thankful for such a supportive community. 

Over the last several months I’ve found it difficult to be the best version of myself. When you’re in a state of depression, you’re convinced that you aren’t enough. For anything or anyone. And folks, that’s a hard place to be in especially when you have people depending on you. But in this new chapter of rediscovery, I’ve learned that one of the best things I could do for my children and for my husband is be a better version of myself. I’m learning that I am enough and that I deserve to be happy too. In this journey I’ve credited much of my happiness to, not just the people around me, but also to calculated, intentional things I’ve started doing to set my mind straight and put in a position of happiness. 

Self Care. I cannot say this enough, self care is really important because it puts you in the state of mine that cherishes you and sometime you need a little cherishing. Whether it’s a dedicated 30 minutes for a bubble bath, a jog, to read a book, to give yourself a facial - whatever it is, make time to care for your well-being. If you’re not in the right place mentally, how do you expect to properly be there for those around you? Get where I’m going with this one? 

Create A Gratitude List. This is new to me, but creating a gratitude list has helped me really appreciate the people and things in my life that truly make me happy. Once a week (typically Sunday nights), I sit down and just jot down all the things that made the week prior enjoyable. Whether it was a moment of pure bliss while watching Theo and Remy play or a kind gesture from a co-work, if it made me smile and feel all warm inside, it make the list! 

Prioritize Your Goals. Another new to me concept but you don’t realize how important it is until this next sentence. It’s easy to let other/outside forces prioritize your goals for you. Think about it, how simple is it for someone to hijack your goals with a simple request. You don’t realize that most of the time you are putting your goals on hold to help someone else achieve theirs. Make your list a priority because no one else will. 

I really hope this ‘best self’ check list really sets you on a path of success. At the end of the day, you have to invest in yourself in order for others to take a chance and invest in you too. For me, realizing that the one of the biggest indicators of happy, well-adjusted people is being raised by happy, well-adjusted parents. And that’s what I want to be, happy and well-adjusted. Well, I guess as adjusted as I can be;) 

Get the Look:  Dress (worn as a skirt) via Old Navy | Sweater (on sale!) | Similar Booties | Similar Bag

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