30 & Thriving Challenge

In exactly two months and one day I will be kissing my 20's good-bye and embracing my 30's. I'm am really excited about this new season of my life. My 20's have been great in many ways, but it was definitely a decade of figuring myself out. I went from single to married to a baby in a ten year span. I also graduated college, bought a home and held five different jobs. I have learned a ton about myself, and I can't wait to learn more. There's one thing though that I really feel like I have failed at my whole life, and that's taking care of my body. I wrote a post a couple of months ago about my journey with self image, and in it I shared that I have really come to a place of accepting and embracing my body. However, I am not doing the best job right now by keeping it healthy. There's a saying that I saw on Instagram that has stuck with me, "Friends don't let friends get skinny fat." I'm skinny fat. On the outside I might look great, but I don't exercise AT ALL. I have not even attempted to exercise since 2011. Three years ago!!!  The truth is I feel really weak and I want to feel strong. I want to know that my heart is in shape and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes that plagues my family. I want my 30's to be a time of thriving and strength now that I have discovered what kind of man I like, what my passion is, etc. It's time to thrive!

To help me, Mountainside Fitness is sponsoring my wellness challenge for three months. I will be sharing weekly updates on what I am learning and doing to start my 30's off on the right foot. You can follow along via the blog, facebook and Instagram, as well as the hashtag #30thrivingchallenge

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Photos by Liz E. Studio. Satin headwrap by I Wear the Headress

Easter Outfit

Easter is coming this weekend. As a Christian, it's probably the most important holiday to me. I'm looking forward to wearing my Sunday best and celebrating that day Christ rose from the dead with my loved ones. Since it's so hot in Arizona already, wearing a dress or skirt is definitely my choice. I love this light-weight skirt from Frances Vintage with a picture of a field on it. It captures the essence of spring, and I added a polkadot chambray because it's my signature Alex piece.

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To check out more Easter outfit ideas, head on over to The Girls with Glasses blog. Some pretty amazing bloggers are sharing their picks for the special holiday.

Photos by Liz E. Studio

Graphic Tank 3 Ways

I made a new purchase last week from one of my favorite stores, Frances Vintage, and it has easily become my favorite thing in my closet. This graphic tank is so comfortable and made by a local artist. It was only $30.00! It has a picture of a skeleton the designer found in the desert and the geographic coordinates of where it was located. Cool, right? I love that by wearing it I'm supporting a local boutique, artist and Arizona. Sometimes these "edgier" pieces can be intimidating if you tend to be a bit more classic and feminine, so I thought I would show you how I style it three different ways.

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#1 Geek Chic - A classic blazer and jeans never goes out of style. Add this tank and some sandals to dress it down or put on pumps and jewelry to dress it up.

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#2 Femme - Wear a classic pencil skirt with it. You can tuck it in or untuck it and add a belt to define your waist. I wore my preppy oxfords from GAP, but wedges would look cute with it too. If you don't want to show off your body as much, choose a maxi skirt for comfort.

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#3 Indie - Overalls are a trend right now that I was a bit reluctant towards, but I really like them now. These overalls are by Free People and can be found at Frances as well.

Photos by Liz E Studio.

Tank and overalls from Frances Vintage.

Watermelon

It's 95 degrees and it's April. Oh my gosh! Spring may have just arrived for most places in the U.S., but I'm declaring it summer. To me, summer means wearing bright colors and cooking with fresh foods. (watermelon tacos)

Lately, I have had watermelon on the brain. I love wearing the punchy color. It makes me so happy.

 (savory watermelon salad)

I have also been wanting to eat it a lot, and these yummy recipes on Pinterest aren't helping. If only it were in season right this minute.

Is anyone else out there obsessed with this color and food?

Get the look: watermelon cardigan from Old Navy, shirt dress from Old Navy, belt from Old Navy

Style photos by Kym Ventola

Untucked

High-waist pencil skirts, jeans and maxi skirts are everywhere, and you usually see tops tucked into them. If you're looking for something a bit different from your usual styling technique, try untucking the top and adding a belt to define your waist instead.

Get the look: tank from Urban Outfitters, skirt from Off Fifth, earrings from Old Navy

Photos by Kym Ventola