What I Have Learned Through My Journey

Sometimes it feels like life is a test and it makes you wonder what am I learning and am I passing the test? These past few years for me have been a roller coaster and I personally am not a fan of roller coasters (I get sick just riding in the car in the mountains) but without the lows you wouldn't appreciate the highs.

As I reflect on my journey, I think about what all I have learned. The other day I went to lunch with a great friend who has experienced this same journey as me and I realized so many blessings have come out of infertility.  I used to think that I have lost so many friends through this process however I have since realized I have gained some really great ones that I might not have had the opportunity to meet or spend time with had I not shared similar experiences as them. I have also learned that you are so much stronger than you think you are and that tears do not mean weakness. I have been taught compassion because you really do not know what someone else is going through and this applies to many aspects in life. Perception is not everything. I have learned to be patient (still continuously working on this one) as the process of infertility treatments and now adoption means quite a bit of waiting and patience. I have come to realize that I am tenacious, driven and I don't give up easily. If I truly want something I will find a way to achieve it (still have some aspects in my life that I need to apply this to).

It is easy to seclude yourself when hurting and probably not the best idea to do so however it did help with my faith in God, it strengthened that bond because you know you can't do anything with out Him.

We all have our own path and trials and tribulations but we make it through and you just have to have faith and hope throughout this journey we call life! I believe it is good to step back and look at what you are going through and contemplate on what you should be learning from it and grow. I don't think you are really "grown" once you reach 18, life is a continuous growth and learning process.

Does any of it matter really?

What is fashion, what is style and does any of it matter really?  Fashion is so volatile, I personally feel the styles of previous decades are much better than what is current. Which is probably why they tend to come back around, this Fall's fashion trends revolve around the 70's which personally I think is a great look!  Who doesn't love the flared jean, it balances out your leg especially if you are like me and have some hip action going on.

Since I have matured I have come to realize though that it is not necessarily about fashion but rather style, style is putting your own flare on what is or might be perceived as fashionable.  Find what fits your figure best and incorporate the latest trend that you can relate to.  

I recently went to the mountains in Georgia and fell in love with hiking!  I don't think I could hike for more than one day as the idea of all my stuff on my back is not appealing but just being out in nature and enjoying all its beauty is something that is incomparable. I could do that every day, I hope to live one day somewhere that allows me an opportunity to do more of that. While on this trip I picked up this skirt which puts off that 70's vibe with the tie-dye so here is my take on this year's fall fashion (in a casual Florida style of course). This skirt is by Patagonia, they make outdoor apparel so it was pretty appropriate for me to get it in the area that I love to be outdoors.

Enjoy this upcoming season of trends - peace and love to all! Find me on bloglovin - stylishcomfort. Thanks! :)

Growing In My Heart

Everyone knows I suffer from infertility, I don't hide that aspect of my life from anyone as it is such a huge part of who I am. It is hard enough to endure this journey and I think not talking about it would be even harder and ultimately I hope to help those that are in the same situation. But that's not what I am writing about today. I am talking about taking that next step.... Fast forward almost four years and we have decided to make a turn on our path and go down the adoption route. We looked into donor eggs but the cost is prohibitive and even though I thought the same of adoption I have since learned it is possible.

I remember probably about 12 years ago I was involved in a discussion at work about adoption and I said I would totally do it! However, never did I see that as actual reality for me. Sooooo many people have said to me along the way, why don't you just adopt (mind you they all have their own biological children so in my mind I would think, yea easier said than done) and I just was not ready to do that.

We went to an adoption/foster orientation class and everyone kept saying they were called to adopt. Afterward I said to Scott, what was that all about, I certainly didn't feel that I was called by God to be an adoptive mother. I realized this past weekend after we took our first aid/CPR class that in fact I was called to be an adoptive mother as just not anyone can choose this path and it takes a certain person to adopt someone else's child.

I'm not saying I am a saint and to be honest I am a selfish person and I see this as the ultimate lesson in being selfless. Loving someone that you did not conceive or form that bond while they were in the womb literally scares me but I know my heart is big enough to love that little person. I cried the day I received the preliminary approval and knew I was on the right path and I now know I am all in and so ready and willing. I can't wait to see my husband as a father and to finally have our own little family. My baby may not be growing in my womb but they are currently growing in my heart. I love you so much little one and I can't wait to hold you in my arms forever.

Life as a Buyer

I have been lucky to experience the life of a buyer twice now, my first time was in New York (which just happens to be my favorite city and that was an opportunity of a lifetime, one I will never forget) and recently I went to market in Atlanta.  The Gift & Home show was at AmericasMart and I loved it! AmericasMart Atlanta connects buyers with top brands from around the world. It is here where you discover the latest products and trends at the nation’s #1 product destination!

The life of a buyer is a tough one as there is an enormous amount of product to see and by the end of the day your feet feel as though they might fall off and you have to get up and do it all over again the next day.  However, I being a newbie just soaked it all up and it gave me the itch for more. I have always loved fashion, accessories and home goods and this show did not disappoint. Every where you looked it was something to see inevitably creating a sensory overload with three buildings that offer up to 18 floors with each floor showcasing more pretty things to touch and feel. From funny sayings on plaques to rugs and pillows to delicate romantic jewelry, there is really something for everyone at this show.

This life might be harder than expected as people perceive it as just shopping all day but it can be mentally and physically draining, BUT sign me up as this just feeds this girl's passion!

Red, White, and Blue

It's Memorial Day weekend and as we honor our past and current heroes in the military, I would like to talk patriotic apparel. Do you participate in the american style looks? This is the season to do so with Memorial Day this weekend and 4th of July just around the corner. I personally love the colors together and apart. Red looks amazing with navy, often I will pair a red necklace with a navy skirt or dress. The crispness of blue and white together is so classic and gorgeous. 

Old Navy and Target have some great items if you want a new fun look to wear for the 4th of July and in fact Old Navy is having a huge sale right now! I chose a few pieces from Old Navy that you can pair together or wear as separates.  The shoes would look adorable with just a plain white v-neck and jean shorts. So beachy chic! 

Enjoy your long holiday weekend! Thank you to all those who have served and are currently serving in the military!  And stop by your nearest Old Navy. 

Blue skirt with little white stars!  So cute and you can wear it anywhere by dressing it up or down (pair it with a plain tee for day and then throw on some heels and a statement necklace for night). 

Find me on bloglovin, thanks! :)

Vacation Attire

Who doesn't love vacation? It is fun and exciting to get out of town and explore new areas or just relax. Vacation might be one of the best things on earth.

My husband and I are cruiseaholics, we enjoy all types of vacationing but we especially love cruising. We recently went on the Liberty Of The Seas with Royal Caribbean to Cozumel. It is not necessarily about the destination but the whole experience. The attention you receive from the staff, the pampering, the food and drink and of course it is a fashionista's dream as you can potentially wear up to four outfits a day. You have your day wear, pool attire, dinner outfit and your after dinner attire. If you have cruised before than you know what I am talking about. I love to people watch and the outfits you see span across the board from super casual ( like why would you wear that out of the house) to your glitz and glamour on formal night (prom night relived).

I typically overpack because a girl has to have options, and then you have to style each of those outfits with the appropriate shoes and accessories. I had two suitcases for a four night trip! But it's a blast and if you have not done it then I highly recommend it. It is your own personal runway to wear your favorite (or new) pieces in your wardrobe.

Keeping It Real

When I first started this blog I thought it would be a fun outlet for the fashion side of me, I'm not the best writer but I didn't look at it as a money maker or anything like that. This blog is just a way to share my fashion insight.

Starting tomorrow, Sunday April 19, is National Infertility Awareness Week so I thought I would go off topic and share my story. In the event you are on this same journey, I just want to let you know that you are not alone.

My story begins in college where I had a hard time time adjusting as I had never been away from home for long and always experienced anxiety when I did have the opportunity to go to a camp or vacation with a friend. So I was now forced as a shy individual to make friends and I decided to look up clubs/organizations that I could join that might help in meeting others. One of them was headed up by a guy who I found out later was no longer an active club but I ended up developing a friendship with him. This friendship eventually went further than I wanted and resulted in date rape and I became pregnant. As any normal college girl, I panicked but when I went home a few weeks later and went to the Obgyn I learned that I had miscarried. I was ok with this outcome since this was not in my plan and obviously not conceived out of love.

I always envisioned that I would have a family, I didn't always long for a baby like I do now but I just knew it would be a part of my future. I will never forget the love I felt for my niece when I saw her as a newborn and can only imagine how great that love would be for my own child. I got off birth control about 5/6 years ago but then shortly met a bunch of girls and we were having so much fun that a baby had become less of a priority and hubby and I were ok with just the two of us. You start to become content with your life and don't feel as great of a need to change it (or so I thought).  Over three years ago that all changed and I wanted to get serious about becoming a mother. The first month I was certain I would become pregnant (because I had already been pregnant so I never thought in a million years that it would be a problem) but when that didn't happen that month or any month after I began to experience a Great Depression. Every month my heart would just break into a million pieces and eventually I was unable to continue putting it back together. I then pushed away any friends or really anyone in my life away. I thought it was easier as no one wants to be around a depressed person. You learn to smile on the outside while dying on the inside. So here I was on this infertility journey with no one to turn to (or so I thought) until I started to meet a couple of people on this same path. I began to meet many others through social media and what a relief to find someone who knows exactly what you are going through. A blessing really!

I have learned many things through this process, I have experienced the greatest heartbreak but I have learned compassion for others, patience (still learning this one), hope and faith. It can test your faith in God but ultimately I know He has a plan for me and I have to trust that.

If you are a victim of this disease then I want you to know that you should never give up (harder to say than do) because you never know what is waiting for you around that next corner of life. And remember you are not alone even though most times you will feel you are. One in eight couples will experience infertility, I am 1 in 8.

Holiday Traditions

Holidays are all about families and traditions. With Easter coming up I thought I would talk about a very different ritual that the Walters family has and I'm pretty sure no one else partakes in. Growing up we did the typical Sunday morning with church, Easter baskets, egg hunt for the eggs we had previously dyed, lunch and pictures with our matching/coordinating outfits.

I remember getting a new outfit every Easter, a tradition I still carry on as an adult. I would beg my mom to wear it before Easter but alas I had to wait. I remember one cotton t-shirt dress in particular, it had a drop waist that I loved (totally my favorite dress of all time) and I would definitely rock that dress today! I do believe comfortable and cute has always been my style even when I went through awkward stages and my style was a bit off (ok I admit sometimes a lot off).

Now onto that crazy tradition that we have, well when everyone else is enjoying ham with their families, you can find us at the Chinese restaurant. I remember our favorite restaurant closed down but the staff knew us and many Easters were enjoyed there (often we had the place to ourselves).  It's a crazy tradition but obviously something we can call our very own and I think that is pretty neat! What are your traditions? Anything unusual for different holidays?

This year I bought this floral scarf to go with a dress I already own

My mom made the dresses and bonnets

My favorite dress!

Wardrobe Staples

You know those pieces in your wardrobe that just never seem to go out of style and are considered a wardrobe staple, well the jean jacket is just that. The best thing about a jean jacket is its versatility, you can wear it with a dress or pants. Not only does it never go out of style but you probably won't grow out of it either. I don't know of many pieces of clothing I can say that about in my closet.

Traditionally denim was used for overalls and work clothes however it has transitioned into your every day casual attire.  Gap was known for their khaki and denim but now a days you can pick up a jean jacket anywhere. I recently purchased one from target and it reminds me of  the original Gap style at probably 1/3 of the price.

Enjoy your day and your jean jackets :)

Good Luck Charms

We have all heard of good luck charms, like the four leaf clover, the horseshoe, the lucky penny or the rabbit foot. Did you know an elephant with his trunk up is good luck? An elephant is such a large animal but at the same time they seem so gentle. I think it's those big flappy ears! By the way, if you haven't seen Water For Elephants, you should. What a great movie.

A colorful fun way to wear these gentle giants is with a wrap bracelet, as shown below. You can double them up or layer them with other bracelets. Available at www.shopluxboutique.com for only $24. Fun easy accessory that is sure to cheer you up and maybe give you a little good luck along the way.

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All opinions are mine as I am not being compensated but I am sure you will love them just as much as I do. Accessorizing is fun! 

Please follow me on Bloglovin, Stylish Comfort. 

Resort Wear

Living in Florida you are destined to have some resort apparel in your wardrobe. Tommy Bahama, Escapada, Lilly Pulitzer, Katherine Way, and J McClaughlin are just a few of the designers that specialize in resort wear. All of these designers offer fun prints in comfortable materials, it is just a no brainer for those living in humid climates. Dresses are the lightest and easiest to wear and Tommy Bahama offers a great selection. Sign up for their online outlet and get great deals every few months, you will find dresses that were sold previously in their stores at 50-60% off! Comfortability and stylish are key when it comes to casual weekend attire. If you like color and fun prints, check these brands out. Definitely sign up for the online outlet and Tommy Bahama will email you for a limited opportunity at amazing deals!

Escapada

Tommy Bahama