The Real World

I find social media to be a smoke screen of people's lives, yet I seem to get caught up in believing in what I am seeing. Sure much of it is funny entertainment, there's the political or advertisement posts and then there are the photos (which is why I prefer Instagram to Facebook) but there is some that is just not how it appears. I personally am very open in my life and as a result I am transparent on social media as well. Many know of my fertility issues or if im sick or if something exciting happened that day or that my family had a fun New Years in our pjs. It's just me, it's my Real World.

Scott and I recently were approved to adopt and what an exciting day that was to receive that amazing news. I was over the moon because I'm beyond ready to be a mom. But there's the other part that people don't consider when they suggest, "Why don't you just adopt". For one thing, it's expensive and those who adopt typically have just endured years of heartache and expensive treatments trying to have a biological child. You know how much easier life would be if we could just get pregnant naturally and only have to pay co-pays to have the child. I have wished that more times than I can count. Then there's the heartache that I see others going through with failed adoptions. Most of us have already endured month after month of heartache so I really feel for those women, I haven't experienced it so I can't say how it is firsthand but I can only imagine it is gut wrenching. 

I have put my faith in God that he will provide for us in growing our family and I pray always about it. Yet, I am human and sometimes that worry and doubt creeps up and I wonder how will we pay for this child (we already have so much debt from fertility treatments), will we even get "the call" that there is a baby for us, will they change their mind, all this and more goes fleeting through my brain. I know life consists of ups and downs and I know we are all on a mission to achieve that one thing ( or many things in some cases) but I hope we all get our one thing in 2016. :) 

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.