simple

Three words that I have been gravitating to lately are ease, comfort, and simplicity- in outfits, in plans, in decisions, in recipes, and so on. A lifestyle of ease is so appealing to me. Sometimes I feel that ease gets confused with lazy and they are definitely not the same. To me, ease and simplicity mean that I am resisting the urge to rush, stress, push push push, and ultimately burn out. No, thanks! I am seeking and praying for ease, comfort, and simplicity in order to be fully charged and ready to roll when life brings a moment that is hard and requires serious energy and endurance. If I rest enough and seek simple, then I will be more ready to take on challenges that will arise.

What do you guys think? Comment section is below!

P.S. As I type this, I realize that these thoughts are on the forefront of my mind thanks to Shauna Niequist's new book, Present Over Perfect. You can read our Q&A with her, here!

lo's outfit // the details: the dress (c/o) + the shoes (c/0)

authentic self

Lo's outfit : plaid bomber (also available @ anthro) | pants | shoes | sunnies 

Last week I was so inspired by an interview on the Today Show with Alicia Keys. Here is a link to one segment with Tamryn Hall, but she also had a conversation with Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie. In both conversations, Alicia Keys spoke about her love for going make-up free and embracing her true self. I was immediately captivated, as I have recently started wearing less makeup and really digging deep, turning my focus inwards and deciding to truly love and celebrate what makes me, me, instead of trying to conform to the standards that are out there. Now of course if wearing makeup brings you joy and makes you feel like the best version of yourself, then go for it, girl! As Alicia Keys mentioned, the main point is just discovering what makes you feel like your "most true, authentic self" and owning that, loving that, and conveying that through your life and to the world. Amen to that! What do you guys think? Let us know in the comments below.

xo melissa