Why we all think we have to have it together + 23 things I've learned about life

Last month I turned 23. What is it about this age that makes me cringe? Am I the only one? The thought of telling people that I am 23 somehow places this pressure of knowing my direction in life and it kind of stresses me out. 

I blame social media for a lot of things, but I definitely think that it has jeopardized society's view of what life SHOULD look like, especially at certain ages. We see so many people living their seemingly perfect, well-dressed, put-together lives poolside at 28 and feel as if we are failing. We should have impressive college degrees (with seemingly no college debt) by 23, be traveling all over Europe by 25, have established businesses by 26, and married and on our way to kids by 30.  It's this insane pressure to "keep up" and it's suffocating. 

We (preaching to the choir here!) need to wake up and realize that these people probably don't have it together! I am certain that there are rejections and emotional turmoil that go on behind-the-scenes. There are likely struggles that we don't see, but I am certain are there. The reality is, no one has it together. Even Kate Middleton probably has her issues and she's married to a freaking prince. 

Waiting for the day that I finally have it all together has held me back from putting myself out there. 

Not having it together is probably more than OKAY, friends -- it's normal. We need to cut ourselves some slack. The necessity to have it together all the time is so unrealistic and crippling. Let's just try to take a chill and focus on life now and the insane, messy, unorganized, beautiful, spontaneous, adventurous, and passionate thing that it is, because having it together is overrated. 

Below I wanted to share a few more of the things that I have learned in my 23 years as a human being. I hope that you can relate to some of these life lessons. They're things that I wish I would have realized a lot sooner, but I'm glad I've learned now and I hope I never ever forget. 

 Have a great weekend, friends! 

23 Things i've learned about life

1. You don't have to have it together. 

2. How many friends you have is far less important than the quality and depth of your friendships. 

3. Stand up for what you believe in. 

4. Be kind to everyone you meet because they matter. End of story. 

5. The cabbage soup diet is unhealthy and totally not worth the emotional turmoil it causes. 

6. Don't be afraid to try new things. I have had multiple experiences where I definitely did not want to branch outside of my comfort zone, but the results of doing so were great! 

7. Meeting people is awkward. It's not just you. 

8. Target and coffee cure all. 

9. I am my own worst enemy/critic. 

10. It's easier (and so much better!) to just be me than to try to be someone else. 

11. Comparison is the thief of joy. 

12. Love with no strings attached. 

13. You will never make everyone happy. 

14. There is no arrival in life. It's a journey, embrace it. 

15. Working hard pays off. 

16. Don't limit your dreams to practicality. I went to school to be a nurse, a very practical job, but am finding myself feeling fulfilled living this creative entrepreneur (and sometimes seemingly impractical) life. Do what makes you happy. 

17. Don't judge others too harshly. They're struggling right there with you. 

18. Go against the grain. 

19. Fake it 'til you make it.

20. Always be willing to teach. 

21. Traveling is worth every dime. 

22. Wear whatever the heck you want. 

23. Never settle.  

JORD Wood Watch Collaboration + Our Spontaneous Trip To Steamboat, CO

A few weeks ago Josiah and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to Steamboat, Colorado. I had a wedding there and he decided to tag along so it was half work and half play. Having my best friend along for the scenic drive would have been reason enough to bring him with, but we really made the most out of our visit there!

By this time we knew that we were going to be moving back to Chicago so we wanted to take in as much of the gorgeous Rocky Mountains as we possibly could. And I couldn't think of any place better to spend one of our last weekends than this adorable little ski town. Sunday morning we checked out of our hotel -- in which we got upgraded to a suite that was bigger than our apartment -- and headed off to breakfast at the cutest little breakfast cafe. The tiny restaurant was nestled along a river that ran through town and it was hopping with visitors. We had a little under an hour wait, but didn't mind a bit because we waited outside on adorable benches next to the river and ordered drinks from our very own waiter. Coffee for me and a donut flavored vodka + chocolate milk drink for Josiah (and a little for me) kept us satisfied until a table was ready for us. The breakfast was to-die-for. I had a peach waffle that I am still dreaming about. 

As soon as we finished breakfast we headed to the Gondolas to take a ride up the mountain. As we were lifted up higher and higher I couldn't believe how amazing the views were, but none of them even came close to comparing to the views from the top. I think I might have said, "WOW!" at least fifteen times while we were up there. Even though we had done a lot of hiking prior to this, I truly had never seen such remarkable views. 

After the Gondola rides we had planned on heading to the hot springs (which they are known for), but quickly realized that we didn't bring our swimsuits with us. After a quick trip to Walmart to attempt to come up with some replacements, we came up empty handed and decided that we would just have to promise to return again and go to the hot springs. 

The remainder of our day was spent hanging out by the river and walking around the old downtown. Admittedly my favorite store was the candy store, because I have a MAJORRRRR sweet tooth. We bought more candy than we probably should have, but I have no shame! #sugaraddict 

We hit the road later in the afternoon and felt so refreshed after a weekend away, even if it did involve a little work. Life is really teaching me lately to make the most out of the time that Josiah and I have together because sometimes they are few and far between. 

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Speaking of time....(too cheesey...?),  I have teamed up with JORD, who sells pretty much the coolest men's and women's watches you will ever find. They're made out of wood! They emailed me a few weeks ago and It took me about 2.5 seconds to say yes when they asked if I wanted to partner with them. As soon as I received my watch I couldn't hardly wait to share my review with you all.

The watch arrived in a beautiful wood box that made me feel so special. This is the watch that I picked out and I am obsessed with the bold color pop that it adds to my outfits. I tend to go for neutrals so this bright splash was definitely welcomed. I would never have considered myself a watch wearer, but since getting this watch I have worn it all the time! I have worn the watch as both a casual accessory (with leggings and a chambray shirt) and then more dressy piece and I think that it works just as well! It's a super unique accessory that I can wear every day. 

JORD has put together a little giveaway for all of you! The winner will receive a $75 voucher to purchase their very own JORD watch and just for entering you will receive a $20 voucher*. The giveaway will be open until this Sunday at midnight. Share the love with your friends and give them a chance to step up their accessory game! 

You can enter here. 

Here are a few of my favorite picks for women: 

1. Frankie -  Dark Sandalwood + Emerald 

2. Fieldcrest - Maple 

3. Frankie - Koa + Ash 

And a few for men: 

1. Frankie - Zebrawood + Champagne

2. Frankie -  Dark Sandalwood + Emerald

3. Fieldcrest - Dark Sandalwood

*excludes the winner

**The $75 voucher will expire on 11/30/2016, and the $20 e-gift cards will expire 1/31/2017 

Luxury Wood Watch

5 Things I learned Reading The Luminous Portrait by Elizabeth Messina

Right before I moved away, my friend Grace gifted me Elizabeth Messina's book The Luminous Portrait and although I've taken my time reading through it, I have finally finished!  Mid-hair appointment last week I read the last page and haven't stopped pondering it since. Elizabeth's writing was so calm and gentle to read. I felt as if she was taking me by the hand and graciously gifting me all of the knowledge she has acquired throughout her career. Here are just five of the many lessons that she imparted to me. 

1. Take your camera with you everywhere - A lot of the images in the book are images that Elizabeth captured spontaneously of her children or other people she encountered while just living her every day life. Those images were some of the most raw and incredible I had ever seen. Every time I say that I am going to bring my camera with me to go to the park, to go hiking, or to attend a baseball game, I end up not. I view it as a hassle that is not worth it. Elizabeth views it as an opportunity to capture life as it. I am so inspired by that mindset! Next time we head to the park for a casual walk or even run to the grocery store, I'll be sure to have my camera in my purse, ready for any opportunity. 

2. Always have a personal project on the side - When your creative passion becomes your job, it is so easy to start to only take on projects that you are going to be monetarily compensated for. Elizabeth challenged readers to always have a project that is personal and not for business. She argues that it keeps us creative. I would argue that it keeps us from hating our craft.  I am going to really try to challenge myself with that this year. Josiah and I have started a weekly thing where we go to an area of the city and just do a fun photoshoot. We switch on and off, taking turns to let the other practice their modeling skills (which are nonexistent) while the one behind the lens is challenging themselves to think outside the box. It's so far been rewarding. I have a few upcoming styled shoots that also allow me to expand and grow in a safer environment. 

3. Always take a picture of the sky - I absolutely love the sky, like I am obsessed with it. If you stalk back a bit further into my instagram feed you'll likely find ALOT of sky pictures. There's something magical about how the sky can take on some many different looks, but still maintain it's identity as the sky. Before reading Elizabeth's book I had never thought of ensuring that I captured a picture of the sky during each session that I took. It's a part of the day that is often forgotten and deserves to be remembered. 

4. {Wedding} details deserve their own portrait - The only thing I love to capture more than bride and groom portraits are detail shots. Flowers, cake, invitations, and rings always have me gawking in awe. These items are a huge part of what makes the wedding day unique and it is so important that they have their own portrait. Plus, publications absolutely love details so it is super important not to quickly skip over them without much though (or worse, to not capture them at all!). The more shot of them, the better! 

5. Think outside the box - It's so easy to find your "groove", while doing a shoot, and stay there. It's far more comfortable to take the shots you know have worked for you over and over again, but another challenge that Elizabeth presented in her book, was to always think outside the box. She specifically was referring to wedding pictures, because bride and grooms really want images that are unique to them and by thinking outside of the box we are more likely to achieve that. 

What are some photography/creative books that you've been reading? What are some things you have learned? 

10 Things I Am Loving This Summer

Summer is the best! When I was in school I dreaded the day that summer wouldn't mean a break from responsibilities and studying. I worried that summer as an adult with a job would lack all of the excitement and freedom that I previously found on those brief (much needed) breaks.  However, I am very glad to have found out that is not the case! Summer as an adult is still awesome. Here are a few of the things that I am loving this year. 

1. Watermelon - I once ate an entire watermelon over the course of two days. Not even like a small watermelon, like a huge watermelon. To say I am obsessed with it is clearly an understatement. This summer we have had some of the best tasting watermelons I have ever had. My favorite way to eat it is straight, but we have also discovered summer bliss juice, which we are in love with. I am dying to try a Watermelon Margarita so if anyone knows of a good recipe or a good place to get one, let me know! 

2. Farmer's Markets - Not surprisingly, Denver has an incredible selection of wonderful Farmer's Markets to choose from. We have taken full advantage of them every weekend! The produce is so fresh and the people are so friendly and passionate about their products. Also, hello free samples! 

3. Hiking - I would never label myself an outdoorsy person, but the hiking here is unbelievable. While you will likely never find me camping on the ground or truly roughing it (peeing in the woods is so not my thing. And I shower twice a day so...not going to happen) , I am appreciating the day-trip hikes that we have gone on and the physical challenge that they present. They are serious workouts! 

4. Ice Cream - It's a good thing we've been hiking so much because seriously, Sweet Cow has become far too regular of a thing. When my parents were here we went twice. And they were only here for four days. We are obsessed with it! I usually like really crazy flavors, but their chocolate chocolate chip cookie dough is my new go-to. There is more cookie dough than ice cream and I can not get enough! Josiah love the Beam and Coke, which is essentially Jack and Coke in ice cream form. 

5. Working Out Outside - Mentally I seriously took a beating this winter. As much as Josiah and I tried to stick to a consistent workout schedule, knowing that we would have to either a) go to the gym or b) workout in our living room made it so, so difficult to be dedicated. Having the option to workout outside really makes the workout so much more energizing and makes us more likely to follow through with it. 

6. Being light outside when I wake up -  I love waking up to sunshine! It makes for a much nicer start to the day. 

7. Being light later - Summer almost feels like borrowed time, because once the winter hits, all of the evenings are cut short and it's impossible to stay outside (in the light at least) later than 5pm. We are taking advantage of every single one of these summer nights. Whether we are walking around Wash Park, sipping Kombucha on the Porch, or biking the Cherry Creek Canal we are not taking a single second for granted. 

8. Going outside in shorts and a tank top - I went to get groceries the other day and as I hopped out of the car I realized, I had shorts and a tank top on. I realized, I wasn't even thinking about the temperature when I left. I just left! I didn't have to give myself a pep talk as I walked into Trader Joe's thinking it's so cold, it's so cold, it's so cold. I just walked slowly into the store. It's a truly simple, but wonderful pleasure of summer. 

9. Long Bike Rides - I upgraded to a nice Trek street bike about two years ago and have been obsessed with biking ever since. Prior to moving here, Josiah was not into biking, but living in Denver (and being one-car people) , it's almost impossible to not bike. So, as soon as we moved, we got him a Trek street bike as well and now he is equally (if not more!) obsessed with biking as I am. We have a really nice trail that winds through the city that we absolutely love to ride. Sometimes we like to ride fast (mostly on the downhill) and other times we like to take our time and simply enjoy the ride. 

10. Cold Brew Coffee - I will totally drink this year round, but I love it even more in the summer. It tends to be my afternoon pick-me-up. I've been loving it with a touch of honey and cream.  Novo Coffee has the best in Denver. Hands down! 

What are some of your favorite things about Summer?