11 Honore' Photo Shoot ... Behind the Scenes

I recently had an interview and photoshoot at my house for 

11 Honore'

You can read the article HERE.

I don't work with too many brands

because I have chosen not to be  branded

'an Influence'

but rather 

I want to view my self as 

'an encourager'

Life can be hard on us all 

at one time or another

so I think finding all the joy and beauty 

along the way is important.

That being said

every once in a while 

a brand comes along 

that really resonates with me.

11 Honore'

is one of those brands.

11 Honoré is a size-inclusive shopping site that for the first time ever, gives more women the option to experience the best designer clothing and celebrate and honor their bodies, beauty and style.

The shoot was a fun collaborate effort

with a great photographer, assistant 

and

 hair and makeup!

What a true luxury it was 

to work with such a quality team!

I sure did enjoy the help of  the  team to make me look good!

It was a powerful moment for me 

in this Praba Gurung dress

toasting to 

'This is 60!'

Clothes have always been an important part of my self expression.

They can convey my mood.

Sometimes they can be a positive armor 

of self protection.

Other times simply fun and joyful.

During the shoot it made my heart happy

to truly realize

clothes

will continue to be important players

in my life 

no matter my age.

The best outfits will always be ones that add

 energy and confidence to my day!

One of my favorite parts of the interview

was some of the thought provoking questions I was asked.

Like 

"What was it about my blog that I found gratifying?

That for me is an easy one.

My favorite part of my personal blog

is definitely the community of so many fabulous woman

all over the world that I have met.

The community that we have all built.

I have witnessed the strength of so many woman

who have navigated life's storms

with grace and dignity through the years.

Which in turn gave me a strength 

to dig deeper

and 

keep my head high

when I have had to navigate my own storms.

When life is hard

it is all too easy to feel alone in the struggles

Sometimes just knowing 

life can be hard on us all at different times

can ease the aloneness.

And seeing others rise above

and 

come back stronger

paves the way for ourselves to do so.

My blog has given me a personal space

to share 

joy, beauty and creativity.

It has given a personal space

to share my voice

during

good times 

and

the hard times.

I have chosen to be transparent

here on my blog.

I don't just share the pretty outfits, rooms and travels

parties and celebrations

I have shared the hard times too

in the hopes that mine can be an encouragement to others

as others have been to me.

I started my blog when my daughter left for college

not having the slightest clue

as to what I was going to do in my next phase

after completely devoting myself to raising my three.

I started by simply taking pictures of things I found beautiful.

Putting attention

on what I found beautiful

began to ignite creativity.

It was with tiny steps

plus intention

that I began to find my way back to my own self.

It was my blog that began the catalyst.

In my transparency here on my blog

I have also shared about a family estrangement

a marriage infidelity

and 

my own struggles with mental health.

I have also been fortunate to share the joyous family occasions

like all the excitement of my daughters engagement and wedding

as well 

as my son's wedding last year

and 

now our wonderful new granddaughter!!

I have done a series on

"Write the blog you want to Read"

in an attempt to encourage others

to find all of the wonderful gifts

choosing to blog have given me.

And how remarkable is it

that a simple interview question

can make you stop

and

 really take the time to realize

not only how gratifying my blog is to me ....

But to also be reignited is my own purpose 

for my blog.

My purpose here

is to encourage.

~~~

Encourage to take the time to value

and

care for yourself.

~~~

To encourage that hard times can be gotten through

and 

if your intention is right

you can come out the other side all the better 

and 

stronger for it.

~~~

I want to encourage

that getting older

has it's own wonderful gifts.

~~~

I want to encourage

that these days can be the best days.

~~~

I want to encourage 

to slow down and take the time 

to see everyday beauty

and 

savor and enjoy each and every joy 

that comes along.

~~~

In the day of  the influencer

I want to be an encourager.

~~

My own struggles with mental health

have made me realize

we can all use 

love filled encouragement.

So I hope when you visit here

you leave

encouraged

to 

savor and enjoy your own life.

Realizing there are peaks and valleys 

for us all to travel

but we can still find all 

the beauty there is along the way!

As always my friends

I wish you love and joy

as you style your life

You can find my
11 Honore' Interview
 HERE