“You can’t buy happiness,
but you can buy a bikini and that’s pretty close.”
God would not have put a dream in your heart
if he had not already given you everything you need to fulfill it.
-Joel Olsteen
There are very few times in my life where I have felt if as I didn’t belong or I let the fear of not being enough hold me back from doing something I have always wanted to do.
For me, attending New York Fashion Week was a fear of mine and something I would always wonder what it would be like to ever attend. “Who would invite me to a show? Would other bloggers love me as much as I love them on Instagram, how in the world would I pick out what I was going to wear,” would all be thoughts I would think over and over and over. Most of the time, I would almost laugh at myself and think yeah right, I am not ready for fashion week.
That was the furthest thing from the truth! God had put this dream in my heart, and it wasn’t by mistake or just by chance. It was because he had intended on me living out my dreams to the fullest.
So off to New York City we went to attend Spring 2019 FALL Fashion show where we would see Fall 2019 styles that would be coming out, meet with PR companies, take LOTS of pictures (God bless my husband yall, it was SOOOO cold), and meet up with bloggers that I have followed and admired for years.
You may wonder why am I writing this post? Just something to brag about or tell you all the cool things I got to do in NYC? NO, that is the furthest from the truth. It’s can be hard to figure out your place in the world when you are constantly bombarded from all sides from social media, traditional media, friends, family, and even coworkers who feel you should see the world the same way they do.
I am writing this post to encourage and inspire YOU to live your life to the fullest and whatever dream is on your heart, see it through. You see, I wouldn’t have been invited to the Sherri Hill Fashion show, I would have spent another season admiring fashionistas I follow on Instagram, not have had the opportunity to make new friends, and most importantly not been able to meet new companies and brands to partner and collaborate with.
Because of one opportunity that normally I would have turned down because “I didn’t think I belonged,” I can assure you that now I know I belong.
I am hoping by reading this, if somewhere in your heart there is a dream or passion that you have always wanted to do, you see it through. Stop wasting time wondering or feeling somewhat sorry for yourself not thinking you are good enough, you don’t have enough, worrying about where you are from, etc. You are a star and you are the main actress in the role of your life. God is sending you these opportunities for a reason and he wants you to experience your life to the fullest.
Next time an opportunity comes to better yourself or fulfill a dream, remember, God would not have put a dream in your heart if he had not already given you everything you need to fulfill it.
For Christmas this year, my husband surprised me with the most amazing getaway to Bolt Farm Treehouse in Charleston, SC. Talk about an ABSOLUTE dream, WOW! Seth and Tori Bolt designed their first treehouse in Walhalla, SC for their honeymoon and later built the most STUNNING treehouses in Charleston, SC on a 30-acre farm. We stayed in the Honeymoon Treehouse where we relaxed in the hot tub, cooked a pizza in the pizza oven, danced to the record player and unplugged from the world. We love how they refer to this treehouse, “Live like kings, play like kids!”
Shawn and I fell in love with the in room bathtub and the softest robes I have ever felt in my life. Every morning we woke up, Shawn would make us coffee with an antique grinder and we would sit on the porch and talk about our baby boy Bo, life, and how we cannot wait to keep coming back here. As busy as our lives are, it was so nice to unwind, just he and I, cooking, laughing, and reminiscing on our beautiful life we have created together.
I wanted to answer a few of your questions I had received via Instagram:
What was your first reaction to the bed?! “I love the beds!”
Ahhh, the bed was the MOST COMFORTABLE BED I have EVER laid on in my LIFE! It was honestly like we were FLOATING on a cloud!!! I literally never wanted to get out of the bed to do ANYTHING, hehe!
How hard was it to book your stay? I.E. How quickly did you have to decide your dates?
Shawn and I have been wanting to go for a while BUT we were very last minute about it at the end of 2018 and things were so busy for us, I am glad we waited to go when we did and things weren’t rushed/it was the perfect time for us to go. Honestly, I would try and book whenever you could because it is a ONCE IN A LIFETIME experience! Know when calling that it isn’t something you can book next week, it may take months, BUT IT IS SO WORTH IT!
Not a question but you code wasnt working when I tried booking a few weeks back?
The code was only valid AFTER our stay and TOMORROW (1/31) is the LAST DAY TO BOOK AND SAVE WITH CODE WHIT150 ASAP to save $150!
What kind of things is there to do/would it make a good honeymoon destination?
RELAX, BE, and JUST LOVE! This place is amazing for your soul, and sooo romantic, luxurious, and WATERFRONT! You feel the presence of God all around you, you are surrounded by nature, and the most beautiful things life has to offer, each other. There are so many intricate details you will never be able to get anywhere else and thats what makes it so special. From the mirrored walls, to the stunning views laying from you bed, to the most plush bed you will ever lay in, every detail is romantic and so dreamy!
We are going in February and we are from Houston so we want to go exploring the last day since our flight isn’t until the evening. Where do you recommend going? Also, THANK YOU for the code-my husband upgraded us to the honeymoon treehouse!
Ooooh, I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! On the last day, I recommend you all going to downtown Charleston to King Street. Charleston has been voted #1 city in the nation multiple times so there is SO much to do! If it is a Sunday, brunch at Halls Chophouse is amazing or if possible, book a reservation at Poogans Porch for lunch. We love doing the horse and buggy rides around he beautiful city-the homes and history is incredible! You honestly cannot go wrong with any restaurant downtown Charleston as they are ALL incredible. Plus King Street has some amazing places to shop!
How close are the treehouses? Do you interact with other visitors?
The treehouses are not that close at all. These sit on a 30+ Acre farm and there is plenty of room between them. Shawn and I did venture out and if we would have seen anyone out, we would have definitely talked to them but we didn’t see anyone out, which was kind of nice. Tori Bolt did stop by for a quick visit and she is as STUNNING in person as she is on their social media/website. After meeting her, you can defiantly understand the beauty, time, and every detail that she put into Bolt Farm Treehouse.
Did you all go out to eat or cook there?
On the way in, we stopped by the grocery store and picked up food to make for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. We also took our own beverages, etc. Shawn and I have done HelloFresh for years, so I saved one of the Pasta dishes from that week and took it with us to cook one night for dinner. There is a stove top, mini refrigerator, grill, and pizza oven all there for you to use + cooking utensils and plates, etc. We made egg and bacon croissants, cooked hotdogs, pepperoni pizza, smores by the campfire, pasta, snacked on cheese trays and drank wine from Usual Wines, and even had cookies from Fresh Beginnings. There are really cute restaurants near by tho!
What did you take to wear?
When we went, the weather was about 40-50 degrees, so I took lounge wear, ugg boots, and a dress to get dressed up in for a romantic dinner between us. They also have a hot tub so I took a couple of bathing suits too!
Can you only stay one night?
There is a 3 night minimum stay on the weekends and 2 night minimum stay during the week. One night just wouldn’t be enough 🙂
Are they open all year round?
Yes! They are! There is heat, air, an indoor bathtub and an outdoor shower with hot water, campfire, hot tub, etc. I loved going in January! On the last day we were there, it started raining. Hearing the rain drops on the tin roof was one of my favorite parts!
Is there wi-fi/cell phone service?
The treehouse did have cell phone reception, but there was no wi-fi, which I loved! Shawn literally cut his phone off all weekend but I of course took pictures and still facetimed Bo, but that was IT. They intentionally do not provide wifi inside because they hope each guest uses this time to disconnect from technology and enjoy nature and whomever they’re traveling with. We just told out friends and family we were staying in an amazing treehouse, but “unfortunately” there is no service so you will be off the grid for a few days! 🙂
If you have any other questions, you can check out their FAQ page here!
We are so grateful for Seth and Tori for creating such an incredible place for us to go to when we need that time together again. I can promise you, it will be one of the best things you ever do with your spouse and will be telling all your friends it is definitely a BUCKET LIST trip!
To book your trip, click here.
“This is the year I will be stronger, braver, kinder, and unstoppable.
This year I will be fierce.”
This year, I am trying to be more active OUT of the house instead of getting my cardio in at home and lululemon has helped me do so by creating adorable clothes that make me want to be more active, especially when going for a run on the beach! It is so nice to go for a run through the park, on the beach, or in the neighborhood to clear my mind and to make 2019 my best year yet.
Shawn has always been one to love working out and being active. Me, not so much. I would much rather watch Gossip Girl and eat donuts but lets be real, we aren’t getting any younger and day by day, it gets hard to workout.
It can be hard to stay motivated and that is why having cute clothes to wear to the gym, on a run, or a fitness class always inspires me to do more. Last year, I kept up with BBG and while doing it I learned:
1. Workout in the mornings- With a little one at home and running 3 business from home, by the end of the day, I AM EXHAUSTED, aren’t we all? I have learned that working out in the AM is so much easier than putting it off, putting it off, putting it off. Plus, it is a great way to start your day!
2. Find a reason to workout- Whether it is for you, your wedding, your vacation, whatever it is, find something that makes you WANT to workout and do it! For me, it is for myself, but also for my little guy running around everywhere! I want to be in good shape physically and mentally for him!
3. Find something that YOU love so YOU will stay with it- There are so many different classes, different gyms, workout areas, etc., you should be able to find something whether it is an at home class, run through your neighborhood, at the park, or a class at the gym, find what you love to do. The more you love something the more passionate you will be about it and the more you will WANT to workout.
4. HAVE FUN- No, seriously! HAVE FUN, isn’t that what life is all about?! If you aren’t having fun, RESORT BACK TO #3! If you are finding a class for you, you are hopefully having fun and it is hopefully motivating YOU to be your best self, loving your body and HAVING FUN, even though it might be challenging!
5. LOVE YOUR BODY and know that it is ok to still work on your body! Remind yourself every day of what you have been through, where you are now, and where you are going. I know it’s cliche, but God made you this way. Of course we all have our insecurities but when you learn to love yourself and love your body, working out will be an even greater reward.
My vest, top, and leggings are all from lululemon as well as my water bottle that I love taking on runs with me! All of these pieces fit true to size and are great to transition from winter to spring. Lululemon creates long lasting pieces that help me maintain my goals and I am so excited to start taking classes with my trainer next week.
ps. Leaving my 5 fitness goals for 2019 for y’all here!
What are your 2019 fitness goals?
1. DRINK MORE WATER
2. Exercise 3 times week
3. TRX Class
4. 1 group fitness class 1 time a week
5. Monthly Cleanse
This Collaboration was sponsored by lululemon and Shopping Links
vest | top | leggings | water bottle | shoes (similar)
click here for more adorable running pieces
and here for more pieces that are perfect for training.
Photography by Hunter Ryan Photo
What a dream our engagement session was. Years ago, I had seen an image via Pinterest from a photographer in Naples, Florida and immediately fell in love with it. I knew that if I was ever lucky enough to find my prince charming, we would HAVE to have pictures like the one I had seen.
When discussing engagement pictures with Shawn, we both knew we wanted them on a boat, as being on the water is our favorite place to be. I remembered the image I had seen years ago and showed it to Shawn. Of course that couple was off the coast of Miami, but since we were getting married in Lake Norman, I thought what better idea than to do our photos on Lake Norman. I immediately reached out to Hunter Ryan Photo, the photographers who shot my DREAM engagement photos, and fell in love with how SWEET Tiffany of Hunter Ryan Photo was! We hit it off and chit chatted back and forth on exactly what Shawn and I wanted and she had amazing fashion advice to give in deciding on what Shawn and I would wear. I knew I wanted to wear Sherri Hill, and honestly the photos in the black Sherri Hill gown absolutely TAKE MY BREATH AWAY. I can’t WAIT to hang them in our lake home.
On the eve before our engagement pictures, the weather was calling for 80% chance of rain, 20 MPH winds, and possibly a thunderstorm. I was panicking because this was literally the ONLY day we had to do these photos. The boat was booked and Cody (Tiffany’s husband) had flown in JUST to do our pictures, so I was beginning to freak out a little. We had planned on doing our photos later in June when Cody and Tiffany could both fly to Lake Norman and spend the week but our schedules didn’t work out and Cody ended up coming alone to do our pictures. We loved Cody and his personality-it was like we had known him for forever, however, we do wish Tiffany would have been able to make it and maybe a little sunshine, but we didn’t mind the grey skies!
We cannot thank Cody and Tiffany enough for capturing these beautiful moments, I scroll through them over and over thinking “are these really our pictures?!” I still cannot believe how gorgeous the area is and cannot wait to marry the man of my dreams in April of 2018.
You can view our outfit details below:
Look 1:
Shawn: Button Down, Shorts, Shoes
Whitney: Romper, Hat, Bracelets and Earrings c/o The Retail Therapist, Heels
Look 2:
Shawn: Pants, Button Down
Whitney: Dress, Neck Tie
Look 3:
Shawn: Tux
Whitney: Dress, Bracelets and Earrings c/o The Retail Therapist
