Starting Over!

Good morning!

Mondays are my favorite.  I’m crazy.

The weekend was fun!  I did some new things…like making a wreath and eating gourmet tater tots.

I’ve been on a quest to be super cliche and “follow my bliss.”  I don’t think I’m alone in that it’s much harder than it sounds.  Most of us have spent our lives doing things in order to make others happy or to at least appease them.  You say or don’t say this or that because of what someone thinks.  You say “yes” to a party you desperately don’t want to go to just because you feel bad turning down the invite.  Etcetera, Etcetera…

So, I’ve tried to pause and examine “why” I’m doing what I’m doing.   Is it really going to make me happy?

Things that made me happy this weekend to follow.

My Charlotte Olympia knock-off cat flats and my pleather leggings.  😻

IMG_5426Holiday decorating!  Before: It took me 20 minutes holding up flowers and accoutrements together in AC Moore for me to pick out the supplies.  Next time I’m going for the bigger wreath.IMG_5122IMG_8530IMG_5116After!  It’s a little different for “fall” colors but that’s what I was going for.  As much as I love oranges and leaf hues, this season I was ready for something new.img_4756.jpg

Saturday was an open house at Sorrelli to meet the founder, Lisa Oswald.  The brand started in Kutztown in 1983 and is now sold internationally.  I love that she went to KU too!IMG_5431Sorrelli has a jewelry store in Kutztown that all about the glitz.  There’s a reason their instagram handle is @sorrellisparkle.  The whole store glitters and is full of pieces you want to try on and fantasize about wearing to a gala. There are cuter, more dainty collections too if you’re not all shine all the time.  Everything has a unique shape and look that just screams Sorrelli.  You can tell. img_5442.jpg

I was enamored with the jewel tone collection.  I usually don’t even like purple!  But this caught my eye and needed to come home with me.  The combination of purples and blues are magic.  Plus, I can wear each piece separately if I’m not into the matching set.img_5441.jpgThere were snacks!  Free food is always a draw for me.  I had a baby biscotti and a kir Royale…totally never new what it was until I drank it.  Now I think I love them!  It’s champagne and Chambord.  There’s something classy and magnificent about carrying around a champagne glass.  img_5444.jpgIMG_5447If you bought something at the event, you got a signed tote or jewelry role from Lisa.  Obviously, we bought things!  I’m going to use the tote, I’m over that stuff you keep somewhere, because it’s special and then never enjoy.  IMG_5445IMG_6770There just so happens to be a fabulous doughnut shop darn the block from Sorrelli.  IMG_5476IMG_5439We split two so we could both try different flavors.  They’re small but in a good way.

Blueberry Crumbcake!IMG_5477French Toast!IMG_5478Even a plain doughnut would be great because the dough is that flaky, and delightful. Mmmm.IMG_5479

I enjoyed some interesting “tater tots” with crab salad on top here. Hmm, would I order them again?  Possibly.  IMG_5450Sunday morning meal planning at Giant before shopping!  I had an Americano and tiny hits of gluten for breakfast.  Two French Toast Bantam bagels.  They were delicious.  If you look closely, you can see they’re about the size of a golf ball and are closed bagels filled with cream cheese.  It’s a pretty genius idea.  I had no clue they were actually backed by Shark Tank investors!IMG_5462Sunday night meditations.  I mentally prepped for getting back to my healthy status. It’s long overdue and I can trace it back to around January when I stopped being motivated to my natural level.

This candle smells heavenly.IMG_4486Enjoy your Monday everyone!

Follow your happiness.

Do something that excites you today!

~Whitney Victoria

Tigers Eye Tuesdays

It’s okay.  I ran today.  That’s what I need to share with you guys.  It’s tough to convince yourself after weeks (possibly months…whoops!) of not running that it’s a good idea again.  I had this moment sitting at my desk that I just knew I needed to get outside. My gear was in my car so I headed to my first choice trail.  I always carry pepper spray on the paths and don’t wear headphones.  I have more control over my thoughts without music blaring in my ears and I like to be aware of my surroundings.  It was just 2 miles but I felt alive and accomplished afterward.  Something that helps me with motivation and protection on a regular basis is tigers eye.  So….IMG_5389.JPG

I’m back with some crystal clarity.

Tigers Eye has been one of my faves when I was little and had a rock collection.  There are a few types but I’m mostly referring to the most common today Golden Tigers Eye.   It’s goldish brown and has a stripe running through it that looks like the “eye of the tiger.”  It’s mystical.  That stripe seems to move with the light.

I wear this bracelet probably 5-7 days a week.  My mom made if for me and I love the energy infused in it.  It’s a little reminder I’m strong and protected everytime I see or feel it.fullsizeoutput_1da7I thought it was a good choice to highlight this stone in October because this month is about stepping into your greatness and getting clear on your true desires.

Tigers Eye

Quick Stats:

  • Element: Fire
  • Astrological association: Capricorn
  • Chakra: Solar Plexus
  • Message: Embrace your personal power
  • Properties:
    • Good luck
    • Protection
    • Clarity and inner focus
    • Courage and determination
    • Prosperity

I love this description.  I want to be a Radiant Warrior.

Lori A Andrus | Step into your sacred Path

Here’s more insight from Energy Muse.

Use Tiger’s Eye healing properties to focus on your prey, form your strategy of attack, and wait for the perfect moment to pounce. Tigers might be the largest feline in the world, but they still allow lions to be kings of the jungle. Channeling a powerful medicine, Tiger’s Eye crystal healing properties teaches us to live with integrity by encouraging the balance of power. Instead of competing with others to stay on top, Tiger’s Eye allows us to climb that career mountain and aim for the stars on our own terms.

This stone is straight up fierce and I need a little of that in my life.  I didn’t realize until doing some research for this post how closely the stone’s name is tied to the animal.  I have gained an even greater appreciation for it now.  Tigers are so mysterious and beautiful, stalking their prey, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.  They’re rare and terrifying and captivating.  Now, you don’t have to “believe” in crystal healing to get something out if this. Maybe you want some new style ideas.  I picked a few tigers eye pieces that inspire me.

Bracelet 
333082DBTEV
Loafers 
colym3013913162_q1_1-0
Tank 
9608796_fpx.tif
Layered necklacep294117_2
Pendulum necklace

fullsizeoutput_1da6

Bomber Jacket fullsizeoutput_1da1

Be fierce and stand in your power.

~Whitney Victoria