(Ethical pieces on a rainy day.)
A front blew through last Friday night, and we woke up to rain and much cooler temperatures on Saturday. I started the morning off in shorts and a tee, and eventually switched to this warmer outfit to run errands and eat lunch with Ryan. This was the first time I wore my new Malala Shirt from Passion Lilie and I love how casually chic it is. The pattern is great for fall, and while I probably could have ordered a smaller size, I like the tunic style with jeans. I’m also planning to wear it belted with a long skirt. For interest, I added the Jalia Ombre Necklace by Noonday and it works so well with this top. To keep my feet warm and dry, I wore my trusty Garbo flats purchased in the spring.
(The necklace works perfectly with this pretty print.)
It was beginning to rain while Ryan took these pictures, and my blouse got a little wet. I actually felt chilly enough for a cardigan, and I’ve realized that my two favorites from last year are wearing thin with holes. I’m on the hunt for a comfy piece with vintage style, but the temperature is rising again this week, so I don’t need it just yet. But it was so refreshing to experience a real fall day, even if it only lasted for a few hours.
(“Nesting” by Nicol Sayre.)
The boys have settled into their school routine and I’ve got some extra time on my hands to think about my blog these days. Last year, I enjoyed the thrill of growing my blog, attending conferences, and even finding a few freelance writing gigs. I thought this year would bring more of the same, perhaps in bigger ways, but it’s been much quieter. I cut back on my posting schedule as home demands became greater, and while I think I’ve found a good balance, I still think about what I could do differently.
Kory Woodard, whom I’ve worked with as she designed my blog (twice!) and as I edited her eBook, offers a mini blog consultation session for her email subscribers. I really value her opinion and fresh insight, so I signed up for a slot and she gave me her feedback last week. It was a great experience and I always find it helpful to get a second opinion on things, especially when it’s something you look at day in and day out, like your blog. Fresh eyes are always a good thing, and Kory gave me some wonderful tips that I’m exploring and trying to implement now.
I don’t have visions of grandeur, and my blog will always be my creative outlet, but I’d love to use it as a starting point to find writing jobs and broaden my horizons a little more. Kory recommended Esmé Wang’s blog, and I found this post incredibly inspiring. I love her accessibility and honesty, and she’s becoming one of my new favorite reads.
Just to start a few things in motion, I added all of my ethical style posts to my Portfolio section. I’ve been meaning to do this for a while, and now there’s a list of all the brands I profile and wear on a regular basis. And I signed up for Alt for Everyone which takes place at the end of this month. It’s a great value for the price and there’s no traveling or snow involved. Ryan has promised to help me juggle the boys’ schedules during the sessions, and I’m excited to learn a few things and find some inspiration, too. I’m also thinking about the topics I write about and wondering how those might change as my blog evolves.
It’s all pretty exciting and I feel inspired to try a few new things. I’m always open to suggestions, too, so if there’s anything you’d like to read about, or see more or less of, feel free to tell me. I’ll be sure to share my thoughts on the Alt seminar in the next few weeks, too, so stay tuned!
(Peppers from our neighbor.)
Ryan was at a conference this week, so I was on my own with the boys. Our new school schedule is pretty packed, and I think it really helps to have a regular routine. I am looking forward to a little leisure time this weekend, though. Here are a few things that caught my attention this week.
“How do you feel about your breasts?” A really interesting photo series about real women that is, unfortunately, not safe for work.
Cosmopolitan endorses candidates for various elections. While I don’t read this magazine, I applaud their decision to discuss politics within their pages.
Why my favorite candidate went public with her story. (I love Jill Filipovic.)
And why she shouldn’t have to.
A New York Times editorial on Texas’ voter ID laws.
Newlyweds who’ve been together for 72 years.
Michael Stipe’s thoughts on Douglas Coupland’s September 11th artwork.
A local professor lives in a dumpster.
And my new favorite song in two versions.
Have a wonderful weekend!
