OKC Outlets are in Full Bloom

Spring is in the air in Oklahoma and OKC Outlets are in full bloom. If you haven't heard the news, I'm in a season of change myself - a baby boy is due late this summer! My changing body and growing family means I've been on the hunt for new, bump friendly clothes (and of course lots of baby items)...OKC Outlets to the rescue! It's so great to shop discounted prices on clothes I need now that won't fit me after baby. Finding staple pieces that will grow with me is a win, too! 

Weekend trips to OKC Outlets have been a staple for me & C throughout our relationship. It's fun to see how what we shop for has changed through our personal seasons: from dating to engagement/wedding to buying our first home and now to having a baby. OKC Outlets has a store for every season of life and this season in particular is in full bloom. Below I'm sharing some of my personal go-to stores at the outlets  + some favorite items from each one. All of the pieces below are not maternity - I either picked items that would stay flowy and stretch with me or I just sized up for the bump. 

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Gifts for Her at James Avery

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it is full speed ahead to Christmas! What are you asking Santa for this year? Honestly, the older I get the less I know what I want for Christmas.... I am at the [very blessed] stage in life where I have everything I need and if I want something, I can just buy it myself. It makes creating a wish list really tough...and not buying anything off that list after I create it even tougher!

One thing that is always on my wish list year after year, though, is jewelry from James Avery! I remember receiving special pieces from James Avery ever since I was a little girl. From birthdays and Christmases to big accomplishments and milestones, James Avery was a household name and a brand frequently used to celebrate the things that mean the most (i.e. family, faith, love and friendship). I've bought countless pieces from their collections to gift the special ladies in my life, as well. Personally, I think heirloom-quality jewels make the best kind of gifts, regardless of the occasion, because they hold special memories for years to come.

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Thanksgiving Outfit Inspo

Free People Sweater | Jeans | Similar Boots

Ya'll. I feel like I blinked and the holiday season was halfway over. I don't know how October and November went by in such a flash but they did and it's officially Thanksgiving week. And that means Christmas will be here and gone before I know it and it will be 2020 and I'll be 30...WHAT!

All that to say, I still have absolutely no idea what I'm going to wear to Thanksgiving..... I've been in a major blogger/social media/outfit rut lately. I've been leaning away from the fashion/beauty blogger stuff and focusing more on lifestyle and travel content (both near and far) because that is what really inspires me, what I enjoy creating and what my end goal of blogging has always been. Of course what I'm wearing still matters to me and I'll always love a good outfit, so I try to include fun clothes in my wanderlust-y posts. BUT, since my posts as of late haven't been solely focused on clothes, I feel like I haven't been on top of my outfit game as much as I was this time last year!

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What to Pack for a Trip to Europe

Shop This Post Here

Hi, hello! I'm home from Scotland and I have a terrible case of the post vacation blues. It was seriously the BEST trip I've ever taken; I don't know if I've ever been so sad to leave a country before. It is always sad for vacation to end, yes, but Scotland itself truly stole my heart and I feel like I left a part of me behind. I would go back tomorrow if money and work didn't hold me back. Work, save, travel, repeat....ya feel me?

I'm working on a Guide to Edinburgh blog post as well as a post about roadtripping around Scotland seeing castles, ruins, going on hikes, etc. Stay tuned! In the mean time, I wanted to share a quick recap of what I wore as well as tips on what to pack for a trip to Europe. I received a lot of questions over Instagram DMs about European approved hair tools, power converters, etc. and thought I'd share my tips. But first....an IG outfit roundup! 

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NYFW Outfits + How My Feet Survived

Band Tee | Leather Skirt | Leopard Golden Goose Dupes | Studded Strappy Heels

"Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world." - Marilyn Monroe

I couldn't agree more; I felt like I was on top of the world while at New York Fashion Week with my best babes last week! It was my second trip to Fashion Week and my sixth trip to NYC overall. I never tire of visiting the city that never sleeps, it is just as magical every time I go! I have visited Manhattan enough that I know my way around the city and to really perfect the art of "touristing" in NYC. In my opinion, one of the most important things to do in New York, whether visiting during Fashion Week or just for fun, is to take care of your feet! You will do a LOT of walking and your feet will take a beating! Even the comfiest of tennies can rub a blister if you aren't careful.... Add fashionable heels or booties into the mix and your toes and arches will be screaming and that can ruin a day of sight seeing real quick! With the right pair of shoes, though (and a little help from Foot Petals), anyone can conquer New York City.....or the world!

I'm rounding up all of my NYFW outfits below (even the ones that haven't made it to Instagram, yet) and sharing my secret to making any pair of shoes more comfortable to walk in.

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Life Lately + 30 Before 30 Update

Swarovski Pendant & Tennis Bracelet c/o Roma Designer Jewelry (20% off with code AMANDASOK20) | Pink Romper c/o The Impeccable Pig (20% off with code AMANDA20) | Strappy Snakeskin Heels

Hi, friends! Happy Monday! I hope your week is off to a great start. It has been a while since I posted a blog post and it's been even longer since I posted a real life update.....I had these pictures ready to go but was struggling to come up with a post topic so I figured I'd just catch you up on my life lately. It has been a busy summer and as of last week I only have six months to go until I turn 30.....yikes! I came up with this 30 before 30 list a few years ago and have been slowly chipping away at it but now it is time to get down to business! Time is running out!

Before we get into my summer adventures, though, I wanted to take a second to talk about this pretty Swarovski crystal necklace! The pendent makes such a statement without being over the top and the chain is adjustable so you can make it short or long depending on what you are wearing. It's from Roma Designer Jewelry and you can get 20% off site wide with code AMANDASOK20 (plus orders over $50 ship free). I think this pendant would look beautiful with a v-neck top or a strapless dress! I paired it with my Swarovski Tennis Bracelet from Roma and this cute little Impeccable Pig romper which C hates but oh well, what do men know about fashion amirite?!

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Starbucks & Swarovski: My Go-To Healthy Starbucks Drinks

Crystal Tennis Bracelet c/o Roma Designer Jewelry (20% off with code AMANDASOK20) | Pleated Midi Skirt c/o Chicwish | Similar Cami | Pearl Barrette | Rose Gold Sandals, Similar & Less Expensive Version | Lips, color is Patina | Eyeshadow

Raise your hand if you're a coffee addict! 🙋🏼‍♀️ I legit don't think I could survive without coffee in the mornings. It is as much a part of my morning routine as washing my face or brushing my hair. I am a bit of a coffee snob and always make my "fancy" coffee at home in the mornings (as opposed to drinking work coffee, bleh). Recently I've gotten in a terrible habit of wanting a post-lunch / afternoon pick-me-up beverage....it's usually a drink from Starbucks (hello, gold star member here!), a Diet Coke or a zero calorie energy drink. When it comes to Starbucks, though, it can be hard to order a drink that is both delicious and low-calorie (some grande lattes have like 400 calories and 50+ grams of carbs - that's more than a typical meal for me). I have a few staple low-cal drinks that I love and thought I would share them! I polled my Instagram followers a while back and am sharing some of their suggestions below, as well.

First, though, let's talk about my outfit!! I wore this on C and my four-year anniversary day date last weekend. We got brunch (with all the coffee, duh) and then got afternoon cocktails! Roma Designer Jewelry sent me this Swarovski Crystal bracelet and I just love the simple sparkle it gave to my look. It is so elegant and classic - it shimmered in the sunlight right along with my wedding rings. It's technically a "friendship" bracelet but I think friendship is one of the most important parts of a marriage so it seemed fitting to wear it on our special date. The tennis bracelet will never go out of style and it is so easy to pair with all of my outfits (and even stack with other jewels). I know I'll be wearing it for years to come!

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My Experience with Microblading

Let's talk brows! I've been having a lot of good brow days lately thanks to my recent microblading + powder brow combo sessions with Gilded Beauty OKC! In short, I got my eyebrows tattoo'd on. If you haven't heard of microblading, let me fill you in. It's a semi-permanent tattoo that fills in and shapes your brows perfectly (just like you would do with a brow pencil) by mimicking hair-like strokes with a pigmented ink (similar to tattoo ink, but safe for your face). It's done with a hand tool, which is more like a tiny razor blade as opposed to a tattoo pen, and basically gives you extra brow hairs. I had wanted to get my brows microbladed for several years so I jumped at the chance to collaborate with Michele at Gilded Beauty when she reached out to me!

I'm going to share my experience with microblading below from start to finish and will follow it up with some common questions I received from my followers. If there is anything I didn't answer, feel free to leave a comment or send me a DM on Instagram!

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Talking Swimsuits + Body Image + Pool Floats

Tassel Bikini, only $25 and comes in a ton of colors! | Unicorn Float & Watermelon Island c/o Intex | $10 Designer Inspired Sunnies 

Swimsuit season is here which means swimsuit shopping is here......am I the only one who loathes trying on swimsuits and looking in the mirror? No? Good. There was a day a few years ago that I loved my body and was proud of my thick thighs and broad shoulders but now? Not so much. I'm challenging myself to get back to that mindset - both physically and mentally - and I thought the best way to do that was to put it in writing. Hopefully my vulnerability encourages someone along the way! 

As women, I think we all battle body image issues at some point in our lives (or all the time) no matter how big or small we are. I remember my first "negative" thought about myself was how huge my calves were during Vacation Bible School sitting next to my two best friends. Well....my calves are still cankles, but I've moved on to feeling negative about other areas of my body as an adult.....my muffin top, love handles, bra bulge, bingo wings, thunder thighs, etc. Sure, I'm good at hiding them in real clothes that flatter me, but in a swimsuit? It's all out in the open. 

I've been on a roller coaster of health and fitness stages the last couple of years and I'm currently in a valley. I was at my fittest in 2015-2016 but I had a pretty intense shoulder surgery a year and a half ago that was followed up by a gallbladder surgery last summer. My "comeback" has been challenging (just as much mentally as physically) and getting back into a healthy eating and workout routine (especially both at the same time) has been much harder than I expected. I think knowing what I once was has made me feel worse and more insecure about my current physical state. 

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A Charming Sale at James Avery

James Avery has been a household name for as long as I remember! As a kid, I always received James Avery charms as gifts for birthdays, accomplishments, milestones and special celebrations. Somewhere I still have that jingly little bracelet covered in horses and ballet slippers. As I grew, my James Avery pieces grew with me....I started asking for rings and earrings that I could wear into adulthood, and I still wear those items today! If you look closely you can see my two favorite James Avery rings in these pictures.

Honestly, I thought I had outgrown the charm bracelet phase, but when I discovered James Avery's new bracelet designs, I was smitten! I'm a sucker for twisted wire cable bracelets and this Oval Twist Charm Bracelet compliments my daily wrist stack perfectly. I chose to add two charms on the same link to give it just a little something extra. I chose an "A" for Amanda and a black onyx bead because it will match everything. I like having two charms on the same link because it keeps it simple and dainty but makes it pop at the same time! No lie, I have worn it almost every single day since I got it and I love it.

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Derby Fashion with Roma Designer Jewelry

Dress, c/o Chicwish | Pearl Necklace & Pearl Drop Earrings c/o Roma Designer Jewelry, use code AMANDASOK20 for a discount | Shoes | Lips, color is Patina

Channeling my inner Betty Draper here! I wore this outfit for my neighborhood's big Kentucky Derby dinner party over the weekend (complete with a fascinator, of course) and I LOVED it. It is so fun and fabulous - I got a ton of compliments! I placed my bets on Maximum Security and was so bummed when his win got overturned......even though I lost my money, C and I won second place best dressed couple, so at least there is that! We lost to a couple dressed as a horse and jockey and I'm OK with that. I think I carried the team with this outfit, though - I have always loved retro fashion, in particular the 50s and 60s. This dress is no exception and the pearls compliment it perfectly. I like to imagine my Grandma used to wear something similar to cocktail parties!

I shared in this post that I've always been a pearl girl.....whether they are simple and stately or bold and attention grabbing, pearls are always appropriate! What I love most about this specific pearl strand necklace and drop earring set from Roma Designer Jewelry is that it can be dressed up, like it is here, or dressed down with something simple and classy like a black shirt and denim. Either way, it accentuates an outfit perfectly and makes a statement. I love that this strand of genuine South Sea Shell pearls is a bit oversized (10mm pearls)....it really makes you stand out in a good way! The clasp is actually a round bead made of sterling and inlaid with crystals that twists together! I really appreciate that the necklace still looks OK when the clasp sneaks around to the front and I love how it sparkles. You can see it peaking out in a few of the photos below if you look closely.

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What I Wore in Europe

Ruffle Cami is c/o Meela Collections | Backpack is c/o VICI, similar here | Shop the rest of my look here!

Bonjour! I am officially home from Europe and back at work. Womp womp. It is kind of nice to get back into a routine, though. As much as I love traveling, I always love coming home and I appreciate getting back to my gym and healthy eating habits! I really missed my bed, hubby, hair products and puppies (in no particular order haha).

My mom and I traveled to Europe for 12 days - most of that time was spent in Paris but we did hop over to London for two days via the Chunnel! I knew we wouldn't have much opportunity to do laundry so I strategically packed outfits that would be light weight.....that way I could bring more pieces. If you're curious, YES, packing cubes really do work! I packed enough outfits in one suitcase to wear something different every day + several dressier looks, as well, that I changed into for fancy dinners!

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OKC by the Districts: Uptown 23rd

Spotted Top (only $5!) | Yellow Chino Pants | Similar Mule Slide Shoes

Hello fellow Oklahomies (and anyone else out there reading this)! I'm getting ready to skip town for a few weeks so this post is going up earlier than normal. I shared my favorite spots in Midtown and the Plaza in months past but this month we're talking about Uptown 23rd! Uptown 23rd District is one of Oklahoma City’s premier business and entertainment areas that continues to grow. It's located along historic Route 66 (on NW 23rd Street) between Broadway and Pennsylvania Avenue. There are many iconic landmarks such as the Tower Theater, Gold Dome and the historic Milk Bottle, lots of tasty restaurants and plenty of things to see and do!

I'm rounding up my favorite local spots in the Uptown 23rd area to help you create a day filled with tasty eats and lots of fun. TONIGHT is actually Uptown Uncorked - Uptown 23rd's annual fundaiser with tastings from Uptown’s best restaurants along with local breweries and wineries, live music, a photo booth, and exciting raffle items. If there are still tickets available, it would be a great time to experience the area!

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Easter Inspo with Roma Designer Jewelry

Yellow Wrap Dress, similar here and here | Roman Glass Pendant, c/o Roma Designer Jewelry (use code AMANDASOK20 for 20% off) | Strap Sandals | Lips, color is Twig

Spring is in the air and Easter is right around the corner! I LOVE Easter and everything that it stands for....plus it's a good excuse to dress up, take pictures, eat candy, and bake my Grandma's homemade carrot cake! My mom and I booked a big mother-daughter vacation in April, though, and we unknowingly did so over Easter weekend...we didn't realize until it was too late. I'm sad to miss our family's Easter Sunday traditions but I guess we'll just have to indulge in Grandma's carrot cake when we get back!

The planning of my Easter Sunday outfit has been a big deal for as long as I can remember! I love all the floral prints and pastels, tulle skirts and pretty crochet details. I'm rounding up some Easter dress inspo for you below - I tried to find dresses that are appropriate for church, brunch, egg hunts and everything in-between. Even though I'll be out of the country on Easter, I'll be rocking an Easter dress all day long.

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7 Ways I Maintain a Work-Life-Blog Balance

Workout Set (only $30!) c/o Fabletics | Long Sleeve Crop Top | Crop Leggings | Nike Metcons

If you want something, you gotta work hard to make it happen. But I'm gonna be honest.......I've been working myself into the ground lately chasing my dreams and I am exhausted both mentally and physically. Of course it pays off eventually, but the pay off isn't always overnight so it can be tough to keep pushing yourself without seeing those immediate benefits. Needless to say, with so many things going on, I've had to really focus on maintaining a work-life-blog balance so that I don't burn myself out! I recently saw a quote that said, "I cannot pour from an empty well" and it really resonated with me.

I have a full time job that often includes nights or weekends, I teach fitness classes several mornings (5:30 a.m.) and evenings (6:00 p.m.) a week, plus I blog, which is more a less a job in itself (but a fun one, of course). In between all of that I try to find time to be present with my husband, visit my out-of-town family, spend time with friends, meet with blog partners, workout, clean the house / do chores, run errands, travel and maybe find some time to relax if I'm lucky. I'm not complaining, don't get me wrong, I know how blessed I am to have so many amazing opportunities. What I'm getting at and what I've come to learn is that sometimes I can't do it all and that's OK.

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Green & Gold with Roma Designer Jewelry

Green Eyelet Blouse c/o SheIn | Similar Button Fly Jeans | Gold Necklace c/o Roma, use code AMANDASOK20 for 20% off | Gold Earrings c/o Roma, use code AMANDASOK20 for 20% off | Block Heels

Green and gold were my high school's colors - Go Lions!! I went to a small private school in Texas and we had to wear uniforms so believe me when I say I was forced to wear a LOT of green and gold in my life. I wore it so much I kind of burnt myself out on it. When Saint Patricks Day would roll around each year, I'd always realize just how little green I had in my closet.

Eleven years later and I'm finally OK with wearing green and gold again! This outfit made the perfect St. Paddy's Day look yesterday, but I think it could easily be worn year round, so I had to share it a day later! I am usually a silver or rose gold kinda gal, but sometimes classic yellow gold is the best option. I can't help but think of a pot o' gold at the end of a rainbow when I see this gorgeous Gold Vermeil Fancy Filigree Necklace from Roma Designer Jewelry against my green blouse. I love that it has matching earrings, too!

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President's Day Sales

Denim Jacket, on sale! | Camo Pants, 40% off | FP Scarf | OTBT Wedge Sneakers, 10% off with code AMANDASOK | Glasses | Lips, color is Patina

If you're a luckier person than I and you actually have today off work, I hate you.

Kidding. Kinda. President's Day is probably one of my least favorite days of the year. I work at a financial institution so we are closed on all federal holidays (eh hem, today), but we have a mandatory all employee meeting every year on President's Day, so I still have to go in to work. Womp womp. C works for a bank, so he is off today and it is absolutely and completely NOT FAIR. But shopping is great therapy and there are SO MANY President's Day sales going on right now, so I'll be fine! I rounded up some of my favs + a few of my sale picks below!

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An Honest Rothy's Review

Hi Friends! Happy Monday! I hope your week is off to a great start. I got a pair of Rothy's for Christmas and no lie, every single time I wear them, someone asks my thoughts on them! I shared a little bit about them in my January Favorites post, but thought I would dive in and give you a full, honest Rothy's review. I'm not sparing any details! I have The Point style in Persimmon, for reference, but they also have a loafer, a sneaker, a standard [ballerina] flat and a TON of fun colors and designs to choose from. I'm totally crushing on the camo, the zebra and aaaall the leopards. I'd take a pair in every color, really!

For a little background, Rothy's are made from water bottles. The company has been in business for three years and they have already taken 20 million plastic bottles and repurposed them into flats. How's that for going green?! There is no waist throughout the entire shoe making process! People rave about their Rothy's for work, for travel, and for everything in between, but they're PRICEY ($145 a pair) so it's understandable to question if they live up to the hype. Below are the questions I had prior to owning a pair that I thought would be helpful in deciding if they're worth the splurge!

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Valentine's Day Outfit Inspo

Heart Sweater c/o Chicwish | Pink Maxi Skirt c/o Chicwish | Gucci Purse, Dupe Here | Similar Michael Kors Flats | Lips, color is Twig

The month of love is here! Some love it, others hate it. I'm neutral. I actually haven't been single on Valentine's Day since I was 14 (HA!) but I've also never been overly into celebrating the holiday. Now-a-days, Cole's birthday is the day before Valentine's so we celebrate that big and lay low on V-Day. Note that that also means I celebrate his birthday in lieu of Galentine's Day, but I wouldn't trade it for the world (I could be persuaded to trade it for chocolate cake, though .... I kid I kid).

Our Valentine's Day tradition is to order Chinese take out and eat at home by candlelight! It's become something that we look forward to each year. We exchange small gifts (like, $30 a person) because Christmas is in December, my birthday is in January and his is in February so we are usually gifted out come Valentine's! But, those small gifts are often things we put a lot of thought into and they are always fun and special.

Even though we don't go out on a Valentine's date, I still like to dress the part leading up to it and revel in all things love! Any excuse to wear pink and eat candy....I'm here for it! I rounded up some Valentine's Day outfit inspo including comfy PJs, date night looks and cozy sweaters.....no matter what your plans are, I gotchu!

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Classic Jewelry for Valentine's Day

Wrap Top, on sale for $10, runs big | Button Up Skinny Jeans (Size Down) | Lace Bralette | Cognac Pumps | Pearl Necklace & Earring Set, c/o Roma Jewelry, use code AMANDASOK20 for 20% off | Lips, color is Velvet Teddy 

Jackie Kennedy once said, "Pearls are always appropriate," and I couldn't agree more. For as long as I can remember, pearls have been my favorite type of jewelry. Don't get me wrong, I would never be disappointed in diamonds or morganite, but there is something about pearls that screams class and sophistication and I'm here for it. Plus, they literally match everything. Pearls are always appropriate because they can be dressed up or dressed down, which I love, and they are slightly more budget friendly than other gemstones (a nice bonus!).

With Valentine's Day on the horizon, it's time to start thinking about gifts. Whether that be gifts to give a Galentine or gifts to put on your own wish list (hint hint, hubby). I have been wearing this Freshwater Pearl set from Roma Jewelry non-stop lately and thought it was such a classic piece of jewelry for Valentine's Day, either to give or receive! The best part? The set is marked down to only $39 so it fits any budget!

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