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
