Often times in life we think quitting is a bad thing. That's what society tells us anyway. It seems like all we ever hear is along the line of quitters are losers. It's sadly just become a norm of thinking.


Society is wrong.
Quitting is ok, and can be a GOOD thing. Especially if it leads to growth & balance.
I've spent the past year being a quitter...reevaluating life and taking action...
No, I didn't go aimlessly quitting everything I was doing just to go lamely cry in a corner. (Sorry, no crazy quitting tirade.) I took a step back, slowed down and acknowledged that just because I was on the same path as everyone else, it didn't mean I was on the right path. The busy lifestyle, the goals of more money, the over consumption...everyone's doing it and I should follow along, right? - "C'mon Amy, what's wrong with you?...you aren't happy pursuing that?" Turns out that type of life just wasn't working.

I just recently read a snipet from Donald Miller talking about the same thing. He's a smart dude. He says, "The idea is two fold:
1. Get rid of anything that doesn't need to be in your life.
2. Realize you don't have to be stuck in a rut.

I was in a rut.
I had a lot of things that didn't need to be in my life.
I was focused on a lot of things that didn't need to be in my life...unimportant things.
So, yeah...I quit things. It was life changing.

I quit my job
I had a terrible job I felt I was stuck at. So I left. By quitting I no longer had to deal with the stress and poor work environment. I no longer chose to deem the company's behavior acceptable by working for them. I was then free to pursue a better career path. I now carefully choose who I work for and with. I choose options that align with my values and propels me into growth as a person and in my field. I pursue mutual respect. I pursue things I love. It seems to work out.

I quit over consuming
I spent a lot of time buying things and thinking about buying things. This dulled the pain of the crappy job and I was far from understanding what it meant to live intentionally. I worked so I could buy things. I created and followed an "American Dream" type of lifestyle. That's what I was taught. I didn't really know any other way. Society tells us to overwork so we can overbuy. It's a perpetual process, it doesn't end. So yep, quit that too. Don't get me wrong, I still love the artistic qualities and culture of fashion but I don't let it consume me.

Those are just a few examples of how I chose to change my life by quitting. So be encouraged to not feel stuck...feel free to quit! You don't have to stay in a rut. Be intentional about what you pursue in life. Take a look at your life and quit any un-healthly lifestyle you find yourself in.

Hey Akron fashion lovers, come on out February 22 (this Sunday) to a style event at Francesca's - Summit Mall! Some fab Barberton DECA students are putting on this event as a class project, so come support them and have a stylish good time. Your local fashion bloggers Dina's Days, For The Birds & I (Glam and Grace) will be there to host & help style outfits! Spots are limited, RSVP here

Above is a selection of my favorite pieces they have available online. Go ahead and browse the site to get an idea of what they have available in store!

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I recently got to take a cooking class at Gervasi Vineyard, Cooking with Wine. It was so much fun and we made so much amazing food. Great memories were made and I got to learn how to make this crazy delicious salmon. I've been hooked and have prepared it at home several times already. It's a must try...and then you won't be able to stop making & eating it!
One crucial detail I've found for this recipe is that fresh salmon makes all the difference. I first tried frozen from the freezer section, thawed it and followed the directions but it was no where near the juicy tender filet we made in class. Super disappointing. So I then gave the fresh fish a whirl. It's a HUGE difference. This fresh Salmon recipe is not only easy to make but it's life changing good!

Salmon en Papilotte

4-4oz Fresh Salmon Fillets                 Fresh Ground Salt & Pepper
1 Lemon - thinly sliced                       Parchment Paper (4-12x18 pieces)
1/4 cup Dry White Wine                     4 teaspoons butter        
Vegetables of Choice                          8 Rosemary Sprigs (optional)
(I used mini sweet peppers)

Preheat over to 450 degrees

Rinse Salmon and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Fold parchment paper in half. Place salmon by the middle of the center fold. Top with 2 lemon slices, fresh cut veggies and a teaspoon of butter. Splash wine on top (a tablespoon or so will do) Start folding at the side, overlapping until sealed. (note: we learned to make sure it's folded tight into a packet so it cooks evenly and stays tender)

Place on baking sheet. Roast 10 minutes, or until dish has steamed out and expanded. Transfer packets onto plates. Slit tops with a sharp knife. Gently open and enjoy the aroma.

This dish makes a great presentation and easy clean up!

Credit: Recipe from Gervasi Vineyard  by Chef Maxine Verbel

                     

One of the most important things to remember about style & fashion is to make it your own. Experiment with styles and be you. Just because you own a article of clothing that bursts of sequins, it doesn't mean you can only wear it for a formal & dressy occasion. In fact, the best outfits have a mix of dressy and casual elements. It adds variety and interest...and of course, FUN! Somewhere in our minds we get stuck on certain ideas and purposes. Here's a reminder that there are no rules! So let us mix and match to our hearts content.
I took a minimalist approach with this look, simple neutral color pallet, minimal jewelry and clean lines. I had grabbed this sequin dress for $15 and was dying for a chance to wear it. For going out to dinner, it's a little much...a little too glam and fancy. An easy fix is to throw on some layers and mix it with some casual pieces to tone down the dressy sparkle. I layered on a high-low twist top from Necessary Clothing. I simply love this oversize piece, it can go with anything. The over-the-knee boots and hat add another casual stylish element. It says "trendy" and tones down the glam of the dress. WIN! To top everything off, my fitted and clean line Zara coat really pulls the look together. Polished!

Hat: ASOS  ///  Necklace: Aldo Accessories  ///  Dress: Nordstrom Rack  ///  High-low Twist Top: Necessary Clothing  // Over-the-Knee Boots: Necessary Clothing  /// Coat: Zara

Remember your mad friendship bracelet skills from way back in grade school? Time to bring it back for this styled up DIY! Add a bit of uniqueness and color to your plain, boring headphones. All you need is embroidery floss from your local craft store. So soooo many colors to pick from, you'll probably stand in the aisle for a good 15 minutes just trying to pick. You can use as many or as little as you'd like. Also, good news, it's cheap! You can get 2 for under a dollar.

This wrapped style is just a series of the same knot, pretty simple! Here's a good detailed tutorial. Once you get the hang of it (aka: remember your master craft from the old days), it's done in no time. Plain cord no more.

Well whaddya know, I got the River Island coat I've been eyeing! This muppet-esqe beauty is sure to brighten up the rest of the long winter season. That faux fur accent tho! A little punch of Bid Bird color goes a long way during these months of gray on gray on gray.  If you're wearing lots of dark colors this winter like I am, don't be afraid to add a bold pop of color. Make a statement!

But seriously, Big Bird...I love him. Suuuunnnnnnyyyy dayyyys, sweeeeeping the cloooouds aaawwayyyy...

{ N E W  D E S I G N  in the  S H O P }

Because no worthwhile aspiration can be accomplished from within our comfort zone. Let's live our lives in boldness, bravery & love. What happens when we actually do the things we dream about and take action? ...not tomorrow or in the future, but right now today. It can mean taking a step of faith, owning your present circumstance or take action for change. Let's let our lives speak bolder than this shirt - while inspiring others to do the same. 

How do you live boldly? Wear the shirt, share & tag your stories with #boldnessbemyfriend