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Denim Made By Everlane
Denim lovers, this one is for you. You might have already heard the news, but if you haven't, then this is seriously about to be a big moment. Everlane has launched their own denim line. Yes, denim made by Everlane is now a reality. The brand that we love for their minimalist style approach, appreciation of quality materials, transparent pricing, and prioritization of ethical factory conditions has introduced their first ever collection of denim.We were so excited and thankful to receive a few pairs from Everlane and can confirm that their denim is the real deal. It is the type of denim that feels substantial, real, and ready to be worn again, again, and again. The kind of jean that won't stretch out, but instead will become worn-in over time in a natural way, resulting in an even better fit after many wears.From skinny jeans, to high-rise, and modern boyfriend fits, Everlane has the basics covered in their signature effortless way. One of our favorite things about their brand is their consistent and simple approach when it comes to design and styling- do what works and do it well. With each pair of denim priced at just $68, the investment is extremely practical, wallet-friendly, and wardrobe-satisfying. Below are three of our favorite styles + check back soon to see Lo style her favorite pair. xo[show_shopthepost_widget id="2815641"]
Moving Forward
Recently, I have been learning a lot about the idea of moving forward. We all logistically do this considering the fact that it is impossible to live life backwards, but I have been thinking about this in an emotional sense, and it is easier said than done (yikes!). Our past circumstances are so positive because they make up our story, have developed our character, and have shaped who we are. However, they can simultaneously create so much bondage and shame. It is so easy to get caught up in our prior mistakes, past relationships, the old person we used to be, or the fear of the opinions other's have on us based on past circumstances.
None of that is pretty or productive, and the past can tend to creep up on us sometimes when our awareness dwindles. The question to really dig into is, why do we let the past hang around? Jase and I discuss this a lot and try our best to help each other step out of the bondage of the past. We celebrate how we continue to shift, heal and grow individually and together as a couple, and we rarely let the past enter into an argument because it has come and gone + it doesn't help the present! The following words are so important and powerful, but we can't fully dive into these nuggets of joy until we have released what holds us back. PROGRESS. PRESENT. DREAMS.
Is there anything that you are holding on to from the past that keeps you from living abundantly? Learning from the past is such a gift, but letting it bring us down has no purpose. How can we be intentional in moving forward?We would love to hear from you in the comments below.
This post is in collaboration with The Refined Collective Series.
THE OUTFIT (c/o)
[show_shopthepost_widget id="2814200"]Photos by Kat Harris
Five Influencers to Follow for Street Style
Happy NYFW, friends! We are sad that we won't be in the city for this exciting time of year, but we can't wait to follow along on social to see what the designers have created for spring 18. As we think about following along on social, we think about all of the bloggers/influencers on Instagram that we love to follow and how they constantly supply us with street style inspo.For the girls that are headed to NYC this weekend and next week, we can hardly wait to see your street style pics. Of course the shows are what it is all about, but those in-between, en-route to, and post show moments are a big part of fashion week, too. The style of the women (and men!) that are in the streets and in the show seats is so inspiring in an authentic, organic, real-life kind of way. Below are five influencers to follow for street style; NYC-bound or not, these girls rock street style wherever they are! Enjoy xo
An Answer To A Health Prayer
If you follow me on Instagram, you probably have seen a few of my stories over the past months that featured this book: The Plant Paradox by Dr. Gundry. I started reading this book because I have had bloating, inflammation, and fatigue issues for years. I felt like I had tried everything to make it better with certain dietary remedies and supplements. However, they would only help for a limited amount of time and the issues would come back. I would get so confused as to why I would get painfully bloated everyday when I was eating SO clean - AKA homemade salads with homemade lemon juice and olive oil dressing, fresh quinoa bowls made from scratch, almonds with skin for a snack, whole food protein bars, fresh veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers. It just didn't make sense! 
Two of my dear friends go to Dr. Gundry and have nothing but amazing things to say about him and his perspective on gut health. My girlfriend went specifically for unexplained stomach problems a few years ago after seeing doctor after doctor, and she hasn't had a problem since! She told me to make an appointment with him, but he is sadly not taking new patients at this time. I was bummed to find that out, but I immediately ordered his book and it has brought me so much hope and a new perspective!
In his book, Dr. Gundry describes the many people who have changed their lives by eliminating lectins. Lectins are large plant-based proteins found in the seeds, grains, skins, rinds and leaves of most plants that bind to carbohydrates. Lectins are designed by nature to help the plant survive by protecting the plant from predators. Animals don’t like the taste, so they spit the seeds or rinds out. Humans aren’t quite as wise and continue to try to digest the lectins. Once inside, the lectins cause a chemical reaction playing havoc on our digestive system. 
Eating lectin-free can heal any auto-immune disease and it truly allows the body to function as it should and heal itself. How amazing is that!? Dr. Gundry's book is filled with impressive case studies that I find just beyond fascinating. He discusses cases from arthritis, to migraines, to cancers, plus many more that have been solved by patients remaining disciplined to a lectin-free diet. Another big lesson from Gundry's book is this: Every disease starts in the gut.
The Plant Paradox is truly mind-blowing and it has opened my eyes to so much. When I started to read the book initially, I seriously could not put it down. It is an answer to a health prayer and has provided me with so much hope. I cannot recommend reading it enough; it is a total game-changer! 
OUTFIT DETAILS
vest (c/o) | sports bra (c/o) | leggings (c/o) | sunnies (c/o) | shoes
SHOP
[show_shopthepost_widget id="2805411"] images by felicia lasala
FIVE WEEKEND SALES HAPPENING NOW
The long weekend is almost here, friends! We hope that you enjoy every moment whether you are resting and relaxing or busy, busy with fun activities planned. Either way, savor it! Labor Day is Monday of course, but some retailers have started their sales early. Happy Friday to us! Below is a list of five weekend sales happening now. Click the links to browse and below that are a few favorite picks.
[show_shopthepost_widget id="2802740"]
The Beauty Of Smiling
Have you ever seen someone in a public place (maybe in a restaurant, in a coffee shop, at the grocery store, or anywhere else) and thought to yourself, wow, "she is such a happy person" or "oh my gosh, how much joy she must have!"? This has happened to me several times and it always sparks something inside me. This normally happens when that person is smiling. Whenever I notice someone's smile, I feel joy inside, for them, and it also causes me to intentionally smile more.
The beauty of smiling is like no other; it is genuine, it is real, and it is who we are. We are made to rejoice and share joy, even when circumstances aren't perfect. Actually, especially when circumstances aren't perfect! It is a fun challenge to smile past the hurt, feel happy despite the storm you might be in, and carry joy in our hearts.
About a year and a half ago now, I listened to a sermon by Graham Cooke and this quote really stuck with me: "You need to have a lightness about you, where the joy in you is greater than anything else." I think about these words often and whenever I do and take them to heart, something inside me changes. Worry, fear, and doubt can really burden us and cause us to get stuck. If we have a mindset that is rooted in joy, we will feel light, happy, and hopeful.
Smile on, friend! You never know who might need to see the light of your smile, so share it with the world, no matter what. xo
THE OUTFIT: sunnies (c/o) | choker | top | skirt ($100!) | bag | shoes
SHOP:
[show_shopthepost_widget id="2799824"]images by felicia lasala
Transitional favorites from Abercrombie
Abercrombie just opened a store in Century City here in LA and it is amazing! The fall line from A&F is complete with cozy sweatshirts, effortless denim, easy sweaters, and so much more. We have talked about it here on the blog before, but A&F recently went through a major rebrand and have new designers. We are so inspired by their growth and development as a brand and are excited to see what is next for them! In the meantime, we will be making their items wardrobe staples, season after season.As September approaches, we have our eye on a few early fall pieces to make the transition seamless. We love the idea of layering and mixing fall pieces with summer pieces. For example, throw on a denim jacket over this romper or rock this sweater with a pair of denim shorts. All it takes are a few new things to pair with things you already own, and you will have yourself a completely new look. Abercrombie knows the power of versatile items that easily mix and match, which makes moving into a new season so effortless. See below for transitional favorites! xo[show_boutique_widget id="631838"]
Taking The Time To Journal
We always feel so renewed after a great conversation with someone that we love and trust. Our souls are made to take part in deep, connecting conversations with one another. It is such a blessing to be able to talk through challenging times, reflect upon happy times, praise the Lord for what He is up to in your lives, and share wisdom. In addition to talking through life with loved ones, we are also big believers in taking the time to journal.
Taking the time to journal is such a beautiful way to develop your inner self and become the person who you were designed to be. With the help and guidance of Jesus, journaling can be such a private and beautiful time to connect with Him and be led by Him! One of our favorite things to do is to get still (and comfy), turn on worship music, open up His Word, and grab our journal and pen.
Journaling is a personal experience and will look different for everyone. The best part is that your journal is completely yours. Journal about anything you want. Just start writing, reflecting, rejoicing, thanking, wondering, praying and see what happens. The more you do it, the more freeing it will become!
My journal is a mix of personal thoughts, verses from Scripture, prayers, inspirational quotes from authors/bloggers, poems, wisdom from others, and more. But again, everyone's journal will be unique, which is another reason why journaling is such a beautiful work of written art. We also love the idea of a gratitude journal, especially this one from Papyrus. A gratitude journal is a wonderful way to actively express our gratitude for everyday things, which leads to a greater sense of overall happiness and peace.
Here are a few journals that we love: one | two | three | four | five
+ outfit details: romper | shoes | bandana | sunnies (c/o)| bag
Leave comments below and we will be praying with you along your journaling journey! xoimages: felicia lasala
When The Kitchen Becomes Your Happy Place
I find it so special to go over to our friend's houses. I love it because it truly gives me further insight into who they are. How do they cook? How do they decorate? What are their habits? I so enjoy seeing home life! It also opens my mind to become inspired and introduced to new ways of doing things in my own home.
Enter a few months ago when we went to our dear friend's house in Suncadia, Washington! Jase and I settled in upstairs, and I came downstairs into their lovely kitchen to get some water. Judah handed me a glass jar that looked like a cleaned out milk bottle, and said, this is yours for the weekend! I fell in love with the idea of drinking water out of glass jug; they are easily refillable, dishwash-able, and they don't contain plastic. It's a win on every level, and I immediately started incorporating that into our home habits + Jase and I take them in our cars every day to stay hydrated!
Fast forward to two weekends ago. Jase and I went to our dear friend's house, and they cooked the most sensational dinner with the purest of ingredients. I am talking the fluffiest homemade bread turned into fresh garlic bread, pastured chicken with carrots, dark potatoes, and forty cloves of garlic! Yes. Forty cloves! We were greeted with roasted artichoke cooked in rosemary and lemon wedges, partnered with homemade ricotta cheese dip topped with fresh local figs. I realized they cook this way almost every night together - it's their happy place, and they love experimenting with recipes that come to mind. They remind me of playing the piano by ear, but in the kitchen. I learned so much by their art and creativity, and left feeling inspired and motivated to get out of my cooking rut. This last week, I made that homemade bread and experimented with the most lovely recipes almost every night with the freshest of ingredients from a local market in Silver Lake. All of the sudden, my love for cooking revived, and now the kitchen is becoming more of my happy place, rather than a stress.
What have you learned from seeing how others do home life? We would love to hear from you in the comments below. xo