REVIVED AT MOUNTAIN SHADOWS

This year has been one long marathon of trying to be strong, rally and make it through grief. I've done it, but I am exhausted. In just a couple of weeks I will have reached a year of living alone. The end of firsts is almost in sight! A couple of weeks ago, I went through some of my last "firsts," with what would be 11th year wedding anniversary hitting. I knew I needed to change the meaning of that day for myself, so I went back to my favorite resort in all of Arizona, Mountain Shadows.  I decided to make May 19th a day of revival. 

I went there last year to rejuvenate myself with some girlfriends (read last year's review). I knew it was the place I needed to go once again. From the beautiful grounds, to the tasty food, to the relaxing pool, to the stellar fitness classes...It was just what the doctor ordered.

I created a highlight reel on my Instagram account of all of the moments I loved. Click here to watch. Rennai joined me for a day at the pool where we enjoyed cocktails and talked for hours. Then I enjoyed a nice long shower and my time on the patio drinking rose before I met a friend for dinner at Hearth.  There was live music, and the food was amazing as always. 

I enjoyed an amazing sleep in my queen size bed, and then I took a full body fitness class in the morning. After that, I brunched with my friend Karolyn, and checked out fully refreshed. If you eat brunch there make sure to get the steak and eggs. OH MY GOSH! 

There were definitely some tears and some sad moments in the day because the royal wedding was happening the day of my anniversary. But being at that hotel kept my mind at peace and focused on enjoying my surroundings instead of dwelling on all of the what-ifs. 

I highly recommend Mountain Shadows for a place of peace and a good time. They have amazing staycation rates over the summer. Be sure to check out their website for more information. 

Summer Linen Style

This posts is sponsored by Garnett Hill. 

Linen is probably my favorite fabric right now. You guys see me wear it all of the time, and I finally got linen sheets from Garnett Hill this year. It was the BEST thing I have done for my home this year. So, being a big lover of linen and a believe in Garnett Hill's linen collection, I got three new linen pieces to add to my wardrobe. 

The first piece I got was a linen button down that I could wear with shorts, jeans or even as a pool cover up. I'm in LOVE. The blue goes with everything. (They are currently sold out of it, but this piece is similar). 

I also got an a-line dress in the most beautiful terra-cotta color. I'm obsessed with this color lately, and so is the rest of the fashion world. The dress has pockets, a zipper in the back, and is so classic. It's the perfect piece to pack in your suitcase for summer adventures. You do need to wear a slip with it though. 

I also bit the bullet and got white linen pants. It's definitely a risk being a mom of littles, but they are so beautiful and quality! Be sure to wear a thong with these pants though. ;)

Check out the rest of their linen collection, click here.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

BEAUTIFUL PAJAMAS TO WEAR EVERYDAY

A cotton t-shirt and a pair of cotton shorts has been my pajamas for almost my whole life. I've never really cared or invested a lot into what I wear to bed. The primary focus has been comfort so that I can enjoy my sleep not about beauty or style.

Now that I am feeling more beautiful and sexy as the days goes by, I find myself wanting to wear beautiful things even while I sleep. With the summer weather now here, the silk jams that I have by Natori are a bit too hot for me to sleep in, so I decided to try some of their cotton styles instead. Natori makes the most beautiful sleepwear that makes any woman feel like a million dollars. And, oh my gosh, I think I may just like these THE BEST! 

I ordered the Shangri-La set and the shorts are cotton and comfortable, and the lace makes them sexy. The back on the tank is cut lower than normal, and I feel like it really highlights my back more. 

I also feel like I can wear these in front of my kids and people and not feel self-conscious about them being overtly sexy. It's the perfect balance of comfort and beauty in a pajama set. If you're looking to spruce up your sleepwear collection, I highly recommend these. https://www.natori.com/natori/sleepwear/shop-all-sleepwear/natori-luxe-shangri-la-pj/ 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; Product given for this post.

MANGO-NIFICENT

This post is sponsored by Jamba Juice.

Jamba Juice saved my life last year. I lost a lot of my appetite at the beginning of my separation. Everything came as quite a shock to me and the grief was so strong that I couldn't eat. I dropped almost 10 pounds in a month. Smoothies were the only thing I could stomach, and thankfully Jamba Juice has some really tasty ones.

One of the best things about smoothies is that you can pack them with a ton of fruits and vegetables and protein, and somehow when you combine it all Jamba Juice makes it taste good. My personal favorite is Mango-A-Go-Go. It's my go-to (wink). 

Having to stay energetic and strong for my kids, I was there almost every day. Sometimes I would even take the kids and treat them to one. They still to this day think it's just like ice-cream. I love it because it doesn't have any ice cream in it and, instead, a ton of fruit. 

I'm not sure if you have tried their smoothie bowls, but if you want some added banana, coconut, strawberries and crunch be sure to try their Mango Medley Bowl. YUM!! I just tried it, and I'm obsessed. 

If you want to try anything mango at Jamba Juice between now and June 6th use the special code JAMBASTYLES for $2 off your purchase. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Mother's Day for a Single Mom

This post is sponsored by James Avery

This is my first Mother's Day as a single mom. Maybe off the bat it doesn't seem like it should be too different from any other Mother's Day, but I don't have a spouse that will be giving me a card or a gift or even hot coffee at the start of the day. 

So, what do I do this Mother's Day to make sure that I celebrate the most important job in my life, especially after one of the hardest years yet? Well, i got myself an extra special piece of jewelry from James Avery. 

When it comes to jewelry I like to keep things simple and special. James Avery has always meant a lot to me over the years growing up in Texas. I wrote about the gift I got myself over the holidays to remind me of peace (click here to see), and I wear it non-stop. So, what better gift for Mother's Day than a bracelet with an "L" and an "N" to remind me of my children. 

I love that it's on a cord because it's comfortable when I'm typing at work vs. a hard bangle. Elle and Levi also like seeing their letters on my arm. If you still don't know what to get for Mother's Day I would highly recommend a James Avery charm bracelet like this.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer