Locally Grown.

I haven't had a chance to share some of my fun new successes on here recently, but a quick update: I am retailing in two local stores, both of whom are carrying exclusive designs for their customers. It's so exciting and fun! This is one of my favorite designs, printed on high quality toddler tees. Available at Eco Chic in Vacaville in a variety of colors, or online at enjoyessential.com if you're not local. Plus, we can change the state up for ya!



Winter in April.


Am I seriously in California?! We left for a sunny spring getaway in Tahoe and ended up in a winter wonderland. It feels like Christmas more than Christmas did! When we were up here for New Years, there was very little snow and no snowfall, so this fresh white powder is welcomed with open arms. My wardrobe, on the other hand, is not the most ideal for this trip. I was hoping to get to wear these gorgeous new statement necklaces from my store, enjoyessential.com but looks like I'll be covered up in a scarf all weekend!


And now for my raspberry sorbet vodka and 7up 10 cocktail while my honey sips his jack and coke, laying in bed in our hotel because we're too lazy to get dressed and wander the casinos. This is my bliss. 

Spring Style Giveaway

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Operation Smile

I think it's so important that we take time every now and then (and as much as possible) to think about the people less fortunate than us, who struggle every day for acceptance and can only dream of a day thats not hard as hell.



When I was approached by Operation Smile, I thought to myself how incredibly lucky I am to be able to look in the mirror every day and see a smile not flawed by scarring. I seriously take that for granted every day. I hate the little crooked tooth on the bottom, or how I wish my upper lip was just a little fuller. So many babies are born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities and most of the time, their parents can't afford to pay for the help they need for reconstructive surgery. A baby born with cleft is twice as likely to die before his or her first birthday. They often can't eat, socialize, speak, and are shunned for looking different. Every child deserves to live a full life, and one where they aren't treated differently because of how they look.

Operation Smile has been able to perform over 200,000 surgeries, free of charge to families. They treat children all over the world and believe that "Safe Surgery Saves Lives," which means they adhere to the highest medical standards no matter where the surgery is performed. They continually educate and train their staff and volunteers to provide the best possible care for all of their patients and communities.

One in seven children have no access to healthcare. That is so scary. Let's so everything we can to change that.

Even a couple bucks makes a big difference- especially in underdeveloped countries. I just made a donation to Operation Smile here, and you can too.

Women's Outfits of the Week

It's no secret I am obsessed with online shopping. But lately, I've been turning towards supporting small businesses rather than my usual online Amazon splurge or Target spree. I was playing around with some new outfit ideas last night and thought I would share them with you guys!

I'm not a mama, but I am obsessed with Loved By Hannah & Eli.
Mama Bear tee by Loved by Hannah & Eli // Ripped Jeans by Target 
Sandals by American Eagle // Bag via DSW (obsessed)

This outfit is perfect for a baseball game. I like a little bit of edge because I've never been much of a tshirt and jeans kinda girl, but I would totally wear this to a Giants game.
Baseball stitch tee via EnjoyEssential only $16.99 // Sunglasses from Target
Tennis Shoes are Vans // Hat via Buckwholesale


Cash Giveaway!

we have a treat du joir for you on the blog today. 

i have been struggling lately with motivation. that's no secret. i need to get motivated to move my boo-tay. i need to get motivated to stop putting complete garbage food (read: canned frosting, nutella, whipped cream, etc.) in my face. 

do you know how i like to get motivated? 

i buy myself new goodies. it's shameful trickery and it works every single time. i'm simple-minded like that. 

maybe you want to buy some new music? workout clothes? an iPod? options people…we have options. 

we have options because we have $$ up for grabs here. $130 of cash. cha-ching!

feast your eyes on these tasty licks. all of which i'm eyeballing…especially those leggings. i'm a sucker for leggings that hide my love handles. 

source | ipod // fuel band // leggings // water bottle // shoes

and when you've finished up drooling over these goodies have a looky-lou below because we've got some more eye-candy for you. 

the wonderful ladies who've brought you this glorious fitness-inspired giveaway. 

the good news is the giveaway is cash. so if getting motivated to sweat isn't your thing…buy yourself a starbucks and something from j.crew and call it a day. 

we're all winners here, people. 
ashlen | aimee | karli | amy
natalia | dollie | enjoy essential | libby
brooke | meagan | felicia | noelle
show some love and get busy on your entries. there are quite a few so make sure you have about five minutes to dedicate.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Great Expectations.

Do you ever feel like you're just doing exactly what you're meant to do? I do. For the first time in my gypsy life, I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing, with the people I'm supposed to be doing it with.


Did I ever expect to start a hobby in November that would turn into an incredibly successful business by February? No. Did I expect to be running this amazing business from the comfort of my own home? No. Did I expect to connect with other business owners who are always open to collborating and supporting each other to lift each other higher? Hell no. But I did. And life is so good.

This weekend I received three seperate emails from women I've never met asking for marketing and sales advice. I received four emails from bloggers reaching out to ME- not the other way around. I received emails from two websites asking me to write sponsored posts on their products/services. Here I am thinking I'm slacking on my blog, and I'm actually doing just fine! My mind is blown- the tables have turned and I'm the one giving advice, not seeking it. I must be doing something right.

As I sit here at the coffee bar of my favorite specialty grocery, typing on my broken iPhone and sipping my ever present iced tea, I have to take a deep breath to remind myself how dreams really can come true. How God led me to this place where I was able to leave my career to create a new one. How hard work and constant dreaming can lead to a happy and successful life. Dreams are always free but the hustle is sold seperately. When I say hard work, I mean it. Nights til 3am. Emails at the dinner table. Customers who hate everything even if it's made of gold. A husband and two dogs who look at me praying I have fifteen minutes to go on a walk. Amazon shipments that don't arrive until the 23rd hour. 

But you know what makes it worth it? When a blogger emails me and says "I literally just found out I'm pregnant. I haven't told anyone yet. Can you make me a onesie for my pregnancy announcement?" Or "We've lost three friends to cancer. I can't wait to wear this tank in support of them." It's those moments that make everything worth it. Being a part of people's lives in a way no one else can be. 

Being where you're supposed to be is the best feeling and I wish I could share it with you. It's that feeling of complete comfort and also the feel just before you get the chills- that deep breath of complete and total satisfaction without a drop of anxiety to spare. And let me tell you, this chick right here knows all about anxiety. At least... I used to.

Tanks for Charity.

Enjoy Essential is partnering up with two young women who have decided to run the San Francisco Nike Women's marathon this fall, and in order to do so, they will need to raise money for the charity of their choice. We have designed kids tees and women's tanks to support their cause, and all proceeds will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Here is some info about Arianna and Jenn and how they encouraged each other to start running and training, and why:


"Along with our decision to run came a decision to pick up a mantra. When we thought about why we were choosing to run we could have thought up a few different reasons; bonding, fitness, the Tiffanys necklace waiting for us at the end, to shed the final few baby pounds, but what seemed to hit home for both of us was "I'm worth it." Because we are. We deserve something that is good for us and makes us feel good, something that motivates us, a win. Everyone deserves a win, because we are all worth it. We also decided to take up a fundraising challenge to sweeten the deal. We both partnered with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, committing to raise money to fund research and for the care of patients and their families. Who is more worth it then people fighting cancer, their support systems, and the people fighting to find a cure. We are both personally connected to this cause with multiple family members that have survived blood cancers. If we are worth it, they are worth even more. Purchasing a shirt means that you are coming along with us for this crazy training, fundraising and racing journey. We so appreciate Enjoy Essential supporting us with this fundraiser. We look forward to seeing people sporting their new shirts and supporting a great cause as well!"

Women's tanks and kids tees can be pre-ordered exclusively here, for only $15.99:

All profits will be donate to the charity and will sponsor Arianna and Jen running for the greater good. Grab a tank for you, a tee for your little one, and show the world you're worth it!