Oceans

I really love this song. It's called, Where Feet May Fail, from the Zion Acoustic Sessions. If you haven't yet listened to all of the acoustic concert which is approximately 2 hours, it is amazing! To watch so many artists in one room singing and worshiping is just awesome. There is so much talent out there and its really a pity that we only get to witness a small portion of it. Hope you enjoy the message and beautiful song as much as I do!

Keep It Simple

I'm definitely guilty of complicating life at times. Often my stress or worry comes from either 1. putting thing off that I need to get done 2. thinking about possible future outcomes I have no control over, or 3. thinking of things from the past that I can not change. Staying present in life is a hard task. Even when I remind myself to stay in the present, my mind can drift to other things in seconds, as petty as, "did I leave the curling iron on? What if the house burns down? did I leave it on the carpet? should I call Ryan? should I call my neighbor?...." and then I remind myself yet again...don't worry about it, you always unplug everything and you need to stop worrying!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. -John 14:27

I often wonder why I like shows or movies that are cheesy and perhaps unrealistic, okay...very unrealistic and it's because there 'feel good' shows or movies. There is no crazy drama, no cat fights, just pure human life focused on family and friendships. I know it sounds crazy and yes, I do realize that their religion is EXTREMELY distorted but I think about what it would be like to live an Amish life. For nothing more than the simplicity of having no modern day technology. I wonder if I would enjoy this simplicity or be underwhelmed. I suppose the grass is always greener but it's something to think about. With 1 in 4 taking antidepressants in the United Stated, it leaves me to believe that we may be overcomplicated life which in turn may lead to feelings of depression and dissatisfaction.

I came across this very simple yet profound quote. I will be working each week to check one of these tasks off the list with goal of simplifying my life. I invite you to do the same and go on the journey of finding joy in the smallest of things leaving worries and stress behind.

“Dedicate yourself to Love. Decide to let Love be your intention, your purpose, and your point. And then let Love inspire you, support you and guide you in every other dedication you make there." – Robert Holden

This quote wrote by Dr. Holden perfectly summarizes my life's mission and what I want my legacy to be.

3 months to 30!

I know many people dread the big 3-0 but personally, I cant wait! To me it's the beginning of a new phase in my life. I've learned alot in my 20's, many great things and a few not so good situations but overall  I genuinely feel that the best is yet to come.

Packing for a vacation has always been one of my best procrastination moves. I shove things in my bag like I'm being timed and cross my fingers it will all make sense in the end. I've learned just recently that it doesn't work when your left with wearing the same shirt for a few days or freezing because you've forgotten a jacket. This is a classic Lauren behavior. I'd like to pronounce to everyone, that this vacation will be different, after all I'm growing up, remember? I've never felt so in need of a vacation and because of this, I spend my nights daydreaming and preparing lists in my head of what to pack. Here's what my crazy mind has come up with so far!

1. SUNSCREEN! I'm a ginger which means that sunscreen is essential. COOLA is my favorite sunscreen, it's light, refreshing and good for your skin...love their sunscreen chap stick as well.

   2. FRAGRANCE! My mom actually started this tradition since I was young and it's brillant. People have an amazing way of smelling a scent and being brought back to that particular time in our lives. For all my vacations, I chose a new scent and it holds memories. This trip I choose Bobbi Brown's Beach.

 

      3. BEACH TOWEL: I came across a really cute Anthro beach towel which I couldn't pass on.

4. BATHING SUITS: I'm really into wrap bathing suits in a blue tones (imagine that!), cut outs as well as tribal print bathing suits. Here are a couple of my favorites.



6. BEACHY CLOTHING: Vacations are all about staying comfortable yet fashionable. These looks are effortless and can be thrown on over a bathing suit and can translate from day to night with a couple simple adjustments.

7. HATS & SUNNIES! you can't forget to protect those precious eyes and face from the sun.

I'm loving the hand dipped yellow straw hat as well as the new 'Erika' Ray-Ban sunglasses.



 Cheers to an amazing birthday and year ahead:-) 







Ohhh Oscars!

So, overall fashion at the Oscars were quite simple. Oscars are typically this way as it is appropriate to dress more sophisticated and formal than awards such as Golden Globes or the Grammys. There were however, a few actresses that looked absolutely flawless; sophisticated, with a touch of sexy and glamor. Here is my personal best dressed list.

My top 3 in no particular order is Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Hudson, and Olivia Wilde

Old glamour...love the draping on the back.

Such a flattering dress and beautiful hairstyle.

Hi, can you believe she is 8 months pregnant?? what?

Here are a couple of my other favorite dresses. Everyone looked beautiful overall, just wished there were a couple more fashion risks taken.



Always love her fresh makeup and carefree beauty.



She owned that dress and the night.

Her hair is a bit bohemian that is the perfect juxtaposition of the dress which is quite formal.

When did Hermione grow up so beautifully? love this look

Seemed like a fun night!