TheMomInStyle

Translating Trends for Real Life

1 Year Blog-iversary: 10 Things I Learned


Hi Friends! It’s kind of an exciting day to be able to celebrate one year of TheMomInStyle! So many things I thought I knew and there are so many things to continue to learn! I am grateful to have found my path and my voice, I have wrote a bit about this topic once before, since I get a TON of questions about it! I thought I would be fun to tell you 10 things I learned over the past year!

Hi Friends! It’s kind of an exciting day to be able to celebrate one year of TheMomInStyle! So many things I thought I knew and there are so many things to continue to learn! I am grateful to have found my path and my voice, I have wrote a bit about this topic once before, since I get a TON of questions about it! I thought I would be fun to tell you 10 things I learned over the past year!

1. BLOGGING IS HARD WORK: Before I started the blog, I had NO CLUE how much work it was going to be. I literally just made a decision and went with it. I didn’t research blogging, or even read another persons blgo for that matter! Finding your voice, photography, Instagram stories, posting photos at the right time, understanding your community, networking, Pinterest, editing and taking photos …guys, I can go on. Sorry to disappoint, but my days are not spent hanging with a gaggle of girls, I grind hard (most of the time by myself) to create and provide quality content for this community. It’s not hard to start. But its DANG hard to stay in it.

2. LEARNING IS NONSTOP: With all the things I am responsible for in a day, I didn’t learn the functions of every app or publish my website all beforehand. Little known fact, I built my own blog. No, I don’t know anything about building a website! I just googled until it did. It’s a learn as you go and testing process. Podcasts, Google, and a few KIND Bloggers and friends have been great at answering questions when I get stumped. One thing to remember was that I needed to go at a pace that was right for me, and eventually it all worked out.

3. UNDERSTAND HOW TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA: From the basics functions of the app , understanding your insights, even HOW to do a story! Its very important to know how to utilize (Facebook and Instagram specifically) in a way that communicates the aesthetic of how you want to be seen in the world. From fonts used, photos taken, caption writing— So so important in building a brand.

4. THE COMPARISON TRAP IS REAL: I LOVE watching Instagram Stories– It’s like one of my favorite ways to wind down and see what’s up with the girls. BUT as a Blogger, I can EASILY watch someone else’s story (who is doing a great job, is beautiful etc.) and immediately feel like MY OWN plans for the next day or what I just put out in the world aren’t enough. The comparison game is a real thing, and when it comes to my work– even more so. Not to say that I shouldn’t watch it, but I am VERY vigilant when I start to see my CONSUMPTION of other creativity override my OWN plans for creating equally great content.

5. I AM NEVER DONE WITH MY TO- DO LIST: Girrrrlllllll. No matter how many hours I just sat at my computer, or how much time I was out and about creating content– There is always more to do! (My husband will attest to this) Learning a new app, making a new graphic, responding to messages, need new content for next week, etc. The list I have is never fully checked off! Get used to it!

6. YOU’RE NOT GOING TO MAKE MONEY IMMEDIATELY: Blogging is not a “get rich quick scheme”. REAL work and time is put into creating and REAL money is paid out –for example to host a website or to purchase a new outfit– and it’s not going to pay you back right away. Be prepared to put in the work, stay up late, get up early- create something worth reading and looking at! Take the time to curate your brand, and create community! If you do, there is certainly money to be made, just not right away.

7. NETWORKING IS IMPORTANT: This was something I really didn’t understand when I started my blog. When you are a blogger there really are no rules. This is a space where you can be creative as you want, take projects if you want, or not! Since when I started my blog, I don’t think I had EVER messaged another Blogger much less known one in real life. So that was super scary. But it can be lonely, and feel like an island. It’s not like I work in an office with coworkers to bounce ideas off of with, or talk about things happening! Networking is just as important Online and Offline, it has been a great resource of support, kindness and understanding. If you don’t know where to start, find other ladies that have similar size communities-DM them and meet or coffee you can learn together!

8. CONTENT IS KEY: It wasn’t long before I figured out that I was REAL bad at selfies… You know the kind with the perfect polished lips, great stackable bracelets and dainty necklaces?… Yep, I am REALLY bad at those. I can’t get everything in the picture and it always turns our TERRIBLE. OH and editing photos, I’m really bad at that too. Pay attention to your strengths and weaknesses- (videos/photographs/writing etc.) use what you know until you get better, research the heck out of it (google) or find a class!. What you put out to the world is a representation of yourself and blogging is no different. Your visuals are SO important so spend the time to get better!

9. NOT EVERYONE WILL ACCEPT WHAT YOU DO: This is a tough one for me, because naturally, I ALWAYS want others to love what I do, what I cook, what I wear on and on! Nobody likes to experience criticism or not being accepted. (This goes for anyone in your online or personal community) Especially for me, this is my passion, I have something to say, I have a story and I know my value in this space. But when I began this journey, it made me second guess myself and I had a really hard time. Remember you can’t control others, but you can control your own response. If this is you, and you know this is your calling, keep your head down and keep going.

10. IT WILL BE REWARDING BEYOND MEASURE: Proof that Hard work Pays Off. The amount of messages I receive daily, comments on my photos and reactions to content in my stories are all ways to measure “How I’m doing”. I love when I hear back from my community, its helps me plan for what’s up next and helps me see what is important to them. It is BEYOND rewarding to know that what I do, from the try on hauls, sharing in our trials that we face and the strides we take to live optimally makes a difference! It really is AMAZING to see, that my sharing pieces of my heart helps to inspire someone else!

BONUS: If you are looking to start a blog are are not sure where to start or what to write about, here’s a couple things to think about—- Reflect on your life: What you are the most passionate about? What topics could you write about or talk about everyday? What do your friends and family seek your advice about?

There you have it, 10 things I learned this year. Thank you so much for coming along with me on this journey and reading this post especially! I am so excited to see what 2019 brings!

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Bag Created by Holly & Tanager

Photos By Natasha Anne Photography

My New Year Commitments: 2019

I shared on my Instagram feed yesterday about my thoughts on 2018. I am so happy there are so many ladies that had such a terrific year! I am definitely thankful myself for a bunch of things, this little blog is one of them. This blog has been a way to escape and focus on what I was meant to do, and thankfully at my own pace. Through so many disappointments this year, over friendships not reciprocating, to the MAJOR head spinning loss of my Dad, I would say 2018 isn’t AT ALL getting rave reviews from me.

I am not taking this time to relive all the pain, but I am going to use this time to write down a few things for myself and share my commitments with you all friends. Because if there’s one thing I have learned this year is that, I’m not alone in feeling this way. And when I polled you all on Instagram Stories, you said you were feeling the same way! So by sharing my ideas, maybe it can help others at the same time!

In recommitting to myself, I am taking a look at a few things that I would still like to take control of (diet) and incorporate some new things that I think will “up the ante”. I can’t just expect to do the same things and get different results can I?

So Here’s the Plan:

  1. Drinking enough water: I really have slacked and lived that Diet Coke life lately… gosh I will miss it. 🙂 Drinking enough water is super important not just for everyday function, but flushing out toxins and the fat I burned needs to get out somehow! But… 100oz. of water is what I am shooting for.

2. Workouts: You know I don’t have a problem getting those in, because I love it so much. Sometimes I get lazy though and don’t get up in the morning early enough, so nonetheless- I am committing to 6 workouts a week.

3. Cryotherapy Treatments at US Cryotherapy: This is SUPER “Sciencey” So I’m linking the website if you want to learn more, but essentially Whole Body Cryotherapy is great for muscle recovery, increases blood and lymphatic flow, helps with joint pain and a whole array of benefits! I went once before Christmas, in the full chamber, the hydro massage (amazing) and the infared light– I loved it and can’t wait to see how my body increases in output, recovers and helps me sleep when I start to go regularly.

4. Faster Way to Fat Loss: Here’s the kick in the pants I’ve been waiting for. J/k I signed up the day before the round started on Dec. 31. No but really, I am fine with workouts, and I have learned quite a bit about calories in/ calories out and macro tracking yada yada… Putting this all together in a setting where I can be held accountable ALSO helped?! Yes, please. Again, this is just as “Sciencey” in explanation, but essentially this program is going to help address so many issues I have with getting my butt in gear with NUTRITION and putting all of the puzzle together for me. This will be a total of 7 weeks journey for me, but I am from what I have learned about the program already is that there will be lifelong learning to be had that I can take with me or continue to join the rounds.

Ok, not trying to overwhelm myself here, so I think 4 items on the list should be good. Since I had quite the wild ride 4Q emotionally, I’m taking it slow. These four things don’t seem to scary to commit to, but it’s just enough to get my butt in gear. I am happy to share my journey with these things on Instagram stories, especially since this seems to be on the list for many of us, its fun to have that be apart of the community. Rest assured, this won’t take away from the fashion and styling content I LOVE– just add to it!

Thank you so much, as always for stopping by and taking the time to read my little part of the world. I welcome you to help keep me accountable, and if there is anything I can do for you, please be sure to give me a shout!

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Thank you to LOFT for sponsoring today’s post

NYE Outfit Inspiration

Hey Girl! I’m just down living my best life down in Florida this week! The boys cannot believe that we are finally on vacation they are loving every second! We have VERY casual New Year’s plans this year, just hanging with the kids likely with my sequin Mickey Ears. 🙂 However I do have a couple outfit ideas with LOFT if you have plans! My looks that I put together are #fancycasual, because I don’t like being uncomfortable– like ever. LOL

The looks are similar in that they both rely on a touch of faux fur to elevate. I have done a few try ons lately with Faux fur, and its definitely an impact item! Just add a little bit of sparkle and you have a great look that has versatile pieces to use later too! There are a few items specifically that sold out so quick, so I substituted them with another item that would be just as great to pair together.

This pink and purple fur scarf I will FOR SURE be throwing on top of my lavender topper coat when I get back! Thank you so much for hanging out with me this year and I look forward to a great 2019! This little blog was only a dream at this point last year, and I can’t believe how much it means to me now and all the ladies that it has brought together! I truly am so thankful for the opportunities and new friends that it has brought my way!

I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us in 2019. I would love to hear your plans to celebrate the New Year!

-xo Sarah

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Post Christmas Sale Roundup

We made it to warmer weather and the boys are loving every minute of it! We are embarking on one of my favorite weeks of the year. Its like a “Limbo” week where hardly nobody works, the sales are amazing and we are still noshing on Christmas treats– all the way until we party again on NYE! Post Christmas Sales are my FAVORITE to shop! My mom and I used to go spend ALLLL the gift cards when I was little, it has been one of my favorite days of the year!

I am working on rounding up my favorite sales for this year– Gift Cards burn a hole in my pocket, and if you’re anything like me— I got your back sister! Trust me, I’m shopping too!

EXPRESS – 50% off everything sitewide

LOFT– Many items are $10/$20/$30 My full shop page is here, but I have rounded up LOTS of favorites of the New Arrivals.

MACYS – Extra 20% off or $10 off purchase of $25 or more.

OLD NAVY  50% off Active, this is a great time to grab some new gear–LOVE their active line, a few favorites are below. PLUS 30% off for Cardmembers/20% non cardmembers

NORDSTROM – Theres a truly EPIC half yearly sale going on. SO many good brands that I can’t ever get on sale are on sale.

EVEREVE –Up to 70% off In Stores and Online

SHOES.COM – 25% off with code BYE2018. (Select items, not applicable to SOREL brand) A few favorites that we have shopped are noted below!

ABERCROMBIE –   40-60% off Site Wide

J.Crew  – Extra 50% off Final Sale items with code BIGGERSALE

SOREL.com — Select styles are 25% off- prices are as marked on the website- no code needed. A few favorites are below

Versatile Sweaters and Accessories

I just love it when a simple outfit can be transformed pretty easily with accessories. Today’s look with LOFT is exactly that. I took a great wintery white sweater and some fun denim– and made two different looks out of it! One is more casual and the other being great for a holiday get together. Accessorizing is fun but also an inexpensive way to elevate your look for a fun night out or just change it up!

I brought back in the double fray denim, such a fun hem– and this ivory sweater sadly sold out so quick, but theres another one I linked and LOVED as well and will work just as perfect for these looks. These accessories again, who doesn’t LOVE a little leopard in your life? You can totally change up the look with the scarf which makes for a slightly more casual look!
I hope you enjoyed today’s post, I am looking forward to seeing how you style your pieces you are grabbing for the holiday and beyond!

Thank you as always for stopping to check out my posts, I truly appreciate your trusting me to help you style your own looks for life!

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Last Minute Gift Guide

Good Morning Friends! Down to the single digits here before the big day! I asked in a poll over the weekend, what would you like to see on these last few days before Christmas and an Amazon Gift Guide won by a landslide! 

I have collected (some I am shopping myself) 60+ items for the entire family- Perfect for housewarming, stocking stuffers and filler items MOST under $30! BUT if I found something cool– I just went ahead and added it!

I really tried hard to find items that are unique, clever and maybe things that we haven’t thought of before! I will call out several of these items in stories today so be sure to watch! As always, Thank You for shopping my gift guides, I truly appreciate your support through the Holiday Season and Beyond!

Casually Holiday with LOFT

Hey Girl,  Dressing up is for sure a fun thing to do but you know that cozy life calls my name often. In the spirit of #fancycasual,  I have a new look for the holiday season with LOFT, and its all about incorporating versatile pieces that will carry you through the season and all through winter. Today’s look is inspired by all of us busy mama’s bustling to work and then the school play, or traveling! So a couple weeks back I featured  a lavender coat, which is also another great option for these cold months ahead. This look has a little more flair to it with the monochromatic play and touch of faux fur.  Perfect for the #fancycasual look that we all know and love! Just add a few more cozy details with the hat, leopard scarf and sherpa lined slip-ons — that come in two colors by the way and your done!  Alone these pieces can hold their own, you can take the scarf and add it to a workwear look, that’s whats great about the pieces here! 

Thank you so much for stopping by friends! I hope you are having a truly blessed holiday season! 

-xo Sarah

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Holiday Gift Guide with LULULEMON

HI Friends! I have something so so amazing and special for you today! I have a new (and HUGE) gift guide, that truly was so much fun creating! I have partnered with Lululemon to bring you a fun AND coordinated (Of course) Men’s and Women’s Gift Guide! I styled 8 looks here, 4 on me and 4 on Jeff. I have NEVER had so many looks in one post before! These looks are complete with accessories, holiday exclusive styles and are all ready to shop! 

My Brunch buddy here is Jeff, he is a trainer and General Manager at Orangetheory Fitness — Bexley/Dublin Avery/Toledo and Perrysburg locations. Recently just engaged to my Beautiful Gal Pal Rachel, has the sweetest pups ever and LOVES those Denver Broncos.

What I love so much about this collection of styled looks is their ability to go to the gym and be ready for brunch at the same time.  These looks have many pieces whose original usage is made for workout, but using them in a lifestyle setting makes them perfectly versatile and giftable. 

This LookBook is made for you to shop for yourself, or send right on over to your significant other! If you prefer to shop in store, rest assured the educators will take care of you! Just show them a photo of something we have on!  I truly appreciate you taking the time to check out  our looks and would LOVE to know, what’s on your list?

-Sarah

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Jeff’s Look

Sarah’s Look

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Jeff’s Look

Sarah’s Look

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Jeff’s Look

Sarah’s Look

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Jeff’s Look

Sarah’s Look

Photography By Natasha Anne Photography

SPECIAL THANKS

LULULEMON at Polaris and ALL our friends (Eva and Megan) at the store for making this experience fun and totally amazing! 

Jeff Yates for lending us his muscles and male modeling skills. 

Outfit of the Day- Holiday Flare

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Photos By Natasha Anne Photography

Hi Friends and Happy Monday! I hope you all had an amazing weekend! To add to all my Holiday bustle we started upgrading a couple rooms in my house! #why lol… We aren’t hosting for Christmas, so I figure, why not?! you will have to check out my stories, I’ll keep you updated there!  There’s a new outfit on the blog today- its a little holiday -boho- chic..lol hopefully I will have a better description for it coming up! I’ve talked about my flare denim a couple times before, per you request looking for non-skinny denim options. Skinny jeans are SUPER popular and yes thats basically all I wear, but this is a REALLY nice departure of that. I am really loving it! It balances out my legs, and it just adds a bit of fun to the look! These in particular were a great find, they are really comfortable and stretchy. I did not order the “Long Length”, I did not want them to drag on the ground FYI. Since they are a bit of a statement denim, I kept it simple with my turtleneck. Of course I needed to add a bit of holiday touch, and you know I can’t go anywhere without my scarf. lol 

I hope you enjoyed the Look of the Day, I hope you got a little inspiration from it and If you decide  to make a look your own, I can’t wait to see it! Tag me in your photos on stories!

Have a great week!

-Sarah

Cold Weather Layers With LOFT + My Favorites

Hi Friends! You know when I got home yesterday it snowed. Not like the little frozen flakes, but like the BIG FAT ones you see on Charlie Brown Christmas?! It was so beautiful and definitely meant its not Halloween anymore! I swear it JUST happened! You may or may not be in the market for a new coat, but I know I am always on the hunt to add layers that help make me feel good and comfortable. Today I am teaming up with LOFT to feature one of my favorite cold weather looks! Not everything needs revolve around red and green to feel festive! This year fresh colors are coming back to life and I am really loving how they feel! I showed you this jacket on stories not that long ago, and I am STILL loving how fresh the color feels! This color has such a fresh winter feel especially paired with and all black look- is a great contrast! You all went crazy over this skirt and turtleneck combo as well! It all looks so great together!
Theres a bunch of great styles and colors available right now at LOFT so I decided to do a little roundup of a few of my other favorites! Yesterday I showed you a FAB  Mix and match whatever combinations you choose to fit your own personal style! 

If you end up grabbing something, sent it to me! I can’t wait to see how you style it!  

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| THE ROUNDUP |

Feeling like more? Visit my Shop Page to see All My Favorites from this retailer.