Peridot Skies: Kansas

Buffalo check and leopard

February 07, 2018

We are half way through the week and I am busy working on my to do list for the weekend! Do you do that too? Working thought the week with a list a mile long of things to do over the weekend, only to find there aren't enough hours in those priceless two days to accomplish it all. It's good to have projects and with a new house I have plenty!

An all time favorite for me, pattern mixing at its finest! Who doesn't love a great check and leopard? This girl sure does! Throw in a bell sleeve and this is for sure a favorite combo of mine! There are girls that love stripes and then there are girls that love ginghams.... I fall in the middle and love them both!

I have been working on my goals for the year and I am putting plenty of thought into them. I have realized that you can put a bunch of ideas and dreams on a piece of paper, but without a plan as to how you expect to obtain those goals they are just words. I want more this year! More time for me, more travel... more laughter with friends.... and most importantly more thought into my journey. You see, the last year and moving to Florida, while I thought it broke me, has only made me see just what I am made of. I am fierce, brave, strong, and determined. I will continue to seek my toes in the sand, but this time more on my terms and my time. When the time is right.... my heart will know this time.

You are stronger. You are wiser. Even when it's hard to believe, allow yourself to show up allow yourself to breathe in all the chaos allow yourself to be here for no matter what happens this is still not last year.

Morgan Harper Nichols

Shoes // Bracelets c/o // Similar top here and here // Jeans love these // Sweater similar here // LV bag // Earrings c/o // Bracelets c/o // Lipstick

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

February 07, 2018
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Nautical stripes

February 06, 2018

bags

Happy Tuesday!! Today I am sharing one of the easiest combos I think that you can put together. It's hard to not think nautical when mixing up navy stripes.

Such an easy look to pull together. These army green pants will be a great staple to transition into spring with; and the sweater is sleeveless making it a perfect transition item too. Is it just me... or does it seem like winter is dragging on right now? I am desperately in need of more sunny days and less gray days. While living in Florida, I added so many summery items to my closet. Now, I just need the seasons to hurry up and change so I can enjoy all my sundresses. Come on spring... where are ya?

I have been slowly adding items to my wardrobe. When I purged my closet last year, and moved to what I would consider more of a "mono" climate... I mean let's be honest, Florida pretty much has one season. I panicked a little at what seemed like an empty, I have nothing to wear mentality when I look for something to wear everyday. How could I get so lucky (insert sarcasm here) to be working for yet again a healthcare organization with a no denim rule. To make matters worse for me, they have a stricter sandal policy. Boy am I going to have to go shopping! That's not such a bad thing now is it?!

Sweater similar styles here and here // Pants // Jean Jacket // Mara Mine Shoes // Bracelet bangles // Bead Bracelets // Earrings c/o // Necklace // LV Bag // Lipstick

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

February 06, 2018
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Life Begins at the end of your comfort zone

October 30, 2017

Blogging

Comfort zones are easy; that's why we stay in them so long. The "zone" always feels safe and, well, comfortable. As you all know, I’ve been silent for some time now. What you don’t know is that, for me, the silence has spoken volumes. Let me take you back.

Do you remember last summer when I vacationed in Key West and South Florida? I shared my favorite Key West resort, The Southern Most Beach Resort and Breakfast at the Breakers. I even extended my vacation by three days before flying home to Kansas. The beach called to me and I answered.

In the blink of an eye, I sold my house, downsized by over 50% and ended my relationship of 11 years. I empty nested, and left alone. . . all. by. myself. I moved into a condo on the water in Palm Beach, Florida and into the unknown. Boy, when I do it... I do it big! I knew what I needed; I needed to let go of the things and thoughts that were getting in the way of me living an authentic life. Life's dot to dots don't always connect in a straight line, that's why they call it a journey.

Know this, the people we surround ourselves with will either raise or lower our standards. They either help us become the best version of ourselves or simply discourage us. We all need people in our lives to remind us of our essential purpose and to challenge us to be better. In Florida, I could count my acquaintenances on one hand but the one that mattered was a 26 year friendship; a sisterhood really. Today, that relationship has ended as well.

Throughout my six month journey, people changed. But more importantly, I changed. I witnessed events and behaviors that were toxic. I gained a whole new understanding of the term "frenemy". I stepped back. In doing so, I was able to see what was broken. I made no fan fair, fuss, or statement of my feelings; I quietly pulled away, even to the point of passing her in public without her awareness. On several occasions, she mentioned that she could see I was slipping in my sharpness for details. No, I just wasn't allowing her to see that I was as sharp as ever. I purposefully did not have any clear conversations regarding my position. After all, it was a moot point. I know, I know, not my style, right? I just didn't need... or want to work on mending it any longer. I was done. Without the poisonous relationship surrounding me, I started to grow. Unfortunately, the growth didn't come without grief.

Oh, how I have grieved the past year. I grieved for a friendship that would not, as always thought, last a lifetime. I grieved for the mother role that I had lost as a result of empty nesting and the move. I grieved for my relationship of eleven years, my love, my best friend. I grieved for the life I had built for myself and my family in Kansas. Every day I would put on my favorite play list and walk the beach and when that was done, I would float in the water for hours on end. Surrounded by strangers, I cried millions of tears into that ocean. I needed to be alone without really being alone. That was what my soul needed.

Where am I now you ask? Simply put, I am in a better place. It has been a journey, and will continue to be one, but I know I am where I am supposed to be and I know I am here for the right reasons. You see, while I was physically in Florida for those 6 months, I could never get my heart to make the same transition. So, I packed myself up again and moved back to the Midwest. I close on my new house in a few days and I am already in my second month at my new job. I stayed in healthcare, so that at least went smoothly! I have missed you and my blog but know that stepping away was necessary. Would I go back and do it differently? No. I truly believe that things happen for a reason but now I am ready to come back to you! The emails, texts, pm messages and comments I've received are appreciated more than you will ever know. I have always loved this little corner of my world and can't wait to take you back to Peridot Skies. xo

October 30, 2017
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Black plaid dress

October 26, 2016

bags

I have been busy. I know everyone says that at some point, but I really have been busy. I just returned from another 4 days in Florida and emptying my bags only to repack them for a trip to Chicago next weekend. My busiest time at work is coming to a close this week and I cannot wait to have it behind me. I feel like I have just stopped everything thing to get through this month. November is looking calm to me! I left Florida in a sundress and returned to weather that requires a bit more of a fall feel. I wore this dress before I left for Florida and it is such a perfect fall dress. I love the pockets on the front and the drawstring waist. One of my favorite local boutiques Tulip on the Country Club Plaza has new shipments of fall dresses and sweaters arriving weekly. This dress caught my eye last time I was in there and I love how versatile it is going to be this season. I paired it with my booties but it would be very cute with flats and even tall boots. You could add a pop of color with a scarf, a cardigan, or even with your jewelry. Have fun with your otherwise basic black and whites this season. Thanks for hanging in here with me, I promise regular posting is coming back as well as some great fall outfits!

This little guy is making a cameo appearance in his own coordinating color combo outfit with his Mimi!

Dress c/o // Clare V Sandrine // Madewell Booties // Sunnies // Necklace c/o // Earrings // Lipstick // Bracelets

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

October 26, 2016
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5 Ways to style Converse Shoes

August 15, 2016

Art

I can't believe it has been two weeks since I posted. In case you didn't know, I went on vacation with my best friend of 26 years. She lives in Palm Beach and I flew in to visit her. We took a road trip and drove down to Key west for three days and celebrated my birthday while we were there. I decided to take a break from social media while I was on vacation; well except for snapchat! I am so glad I did. It was great to be present in the moment and really disconnect from my phone and computer. I was gone for a total of 10 glorious sun filled days of laughter, shopping, more laughter, and every day a pool day! I am ready to go back to the beach! I have several outfits to share with you, and of course the resort we stayed at while in Key West, so look for those to be posted later this week.

Today I want to share with you a trend that actually have become a staple in just about every gals wardrobe. The Converse, or if you are old enough to remember them referred to as "Chucks"! If you don't own a pair .... get out there and grab yourself some! I am thinking about adding a pair of pink Converse to my closet. Today I am sharing just how versatile a pair can be and different ways for you to style them. The possibilities really are pretty endless! I have worn them with everything from white denim, to dresses! Throw them on with a maxi too!

See the entire outfit here

See the entire look here

See the entire outfit here

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

August 15, 2016
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Fourth of July Style

June 23, 2016

Holidays

I attended an event this week and the theme was celebrating the fourth in style. Can you believe the 4th of July is just around the corner? Where has this year gone?! There will be celebrations on my street with a few bangs, but mostly low key noise makers. Undoubtably there will be someone around 11 shooting off a roman candle. What's a neighbor to do, right? Every year I volunteer to make my famous Wolfgang Puck's Sangria to share and all the neighbors love it!

These distress boyfriend denim shorts are pretty comfy however, I think they may be a little too sloppy for me. I prefer a better fit rather than a baggy short. They are perfect for weekends and lounging and super comfy, but I would opt for a regular fit distress denim for going out and about. What do you think about girlfriend jeans? My red white and blue flag scarf is festive for sure and on sale right now.

Scarf // Shorts // Tee // Bracelets // Watch //Sandals (Similar) //

This post is linked up. See my link up page for all the links I love.

June 23, 2016
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3 Things I learned with Chanel

June 06, 2016

Beauty

I attended a beauty event last Tuesday evening hosted by The Blog Guild and Town Center Crossing Macy's in Leawood. The Chanel beauty counter was our featured beauty product for this evenings event and we were treated to gorgeous color palettes, fabulous fragrances, and a skin care that will make you feel like a million bucks! Town Center Macy's in Leawood is the only Macy's in Kansas that has a Chanel counter. That makes it very handy for when you need a refill of a product, or to play with the new colors. With out all the hassle of the mall, the Town Center Crossing Macy's is a perfect spot to shop.

Our theme for the evening was Eyes speak volumes, and we were going for dramatic eyes. It's funny how you can wear makeup for so many years and yet there is always something new to learn. I love when a makeup line evolves with the trends. Rance, our consultant for the class was wonderful. He took the time to assist each person with the right product for her skin type, showed us all how to do a perfect tight line, and even had some of us stepping out of our comfort zones (me) in colors we generally would select. (It wasn't a pink lipstick)

So what 3 things did I learn?

When you apply a tight line to your upper lid keep it on the lashes in a dotting pattern, not drawing a line motion. It applies so smooth and glides right on.

To select your correct shade of blush, make a tight fist, then release it and squeeze your ring finger (any finger will do) at the tip. The color your finger tip shade is will be your natural blush of your cheeks

Apply your eye cream to the orbital bone of your eye. Not actually directly under the eye area. Believe it or not, you can actually over hydrate the delicate skin under your eyes and you will create white bumps.

I was the model for the evening so the only pics I have of my makeup are from my snapchat!!

My new favorite products I added to my makeup bag are the Le Volume mascara, Lash Primer, and I love the CC cream.

What are some of your favorite Chanel products? Anything I need to know about?

June 06, 2016
0 Comments

Wrapping up the Week

May 13, 2016

Colors

Happy Friday lovelies! It was a busy-ish week and I am looking forward to some catch up this weekend. Tuesday The Blog Guild held a happy hour meet up hosted by the darling Golden and Pine shop. We nibbled on these gorgeous treats by Heirloom Bakery. Seriously the cutest store!

I have my eye on one of these. I mean really.... it's pink ombre and a lucky horseshoe!

I spend Wednesday playing catch up in the evening with editing and writing.

My Peony bush in my backyard is finally opening. Is this not the most gorgeous ever? I am going to cut a few and bring them inside to enjoy.

I am itching for a new pair of sandals and I think these may be the ones.

Have a great weekend!

May 13, 2016
0 Comments

Roof Top Golden Hour

May 02, 2016

Events

Golden hour is one of the most magical times of the day for photography. Weather you catch it in the morning or in the evening, it is a glorious display of light. This particular event I caught the golden hour in the evening. The Blog Guild had its spring meet up a few weeks ago and the roof top terrace was gorgeous with skyline views of the city, and the sun setting made it a perfect venue for photos. I have to admit, I don't know as much about my camera as I should. I really want to take a photography class, but not the kind where you take photos... more of the type of class where you learn setting and practice adjusting your camera to your needs repetitively. Instead of every time your surrounding change you have to stop and think thru what you need to adjust, then remember where and how to find it. What also is a inconvenience, is when you hand your camera to someone to take pic for you and they adjust your settings but aren't familiar with your camera. Canon vs. Nikon users, I'm a Nikon user. It all really comes down to time and making it a priority to fit in a class. Hopefully I can find one to attend this summer.

I haven't been adding new items to my wardrobe too much lately. But I did do a little sale shopping this weekend, and love when everything you try on works perfectly. I picked up some great new additions that I can't wait to share with you. There will be some new pattern mixing for sure!

Sweater old // Jeans Exact here similar here, and here // Sunnies // Earrings c/o // Wedges old (Options here, and here) // Watch //

May 02, 2016
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Why You Need to Own a Trench Coat

April 28, 2016

bags

Rainy season is upon us and you don't want to get caught without some form of protection. We have had some pretty powerful storms roll through KC in the past few days and I always carry an umbrella (actually two) in my car and my Hunter Boots are never far from the back door. A good trench is one of those items you should own. It is so versatile for not only rainy days but windy days as well... and we all know there are plenty of those in Kansas! We are smack dab in tornado season and rain is pretty much a weekly forecast right now so being prepared is a must. I own a black and a white trench coat but recently spied a blush convertible trench that I linked too in last weeks Wednesday Wants. I picked up this monochromatic peplum top last fall and it's perfect for spring layering being lightweight.

Style Tip: Opt for a smaller peplum to hit lower on your hips to not emphasize this area. You also want to create the color break (in this case the black against the white) at a lower point on the body for the most flattering look.