Eight.

Tee: Target Skirt: Target Sandals: Target Necklace: Gift

Happy Monday!

Today is the first day of my last summer class, and I'm actually really excited about it.  My professor wrote the textbook that we're using, and he also happens to be my advisor and favorite professor, so it will be a great class!  I also start back up with working again after a lovely week off, and while I'm bummed that my break is up, I'm really excited to see the staff I work with again.  Supervising 18 college students is a challenge sometimes, but they make me laugh so much and I love watching them grow as leaders.

Today's outfit, believe it or not, is a little bit of a stretch for me.  This skirt has no purple in it, so to be wearing a purple tee with it feels weird!  I usually dress so literally and matchy.  Part of what I wanted to get out of this challenge, however, is pushing myself to dress outside of my comfort zone a little bit, and I'm taking little baby steps along the way.

Seven.

Dress: Target, thrifted new Belt: The Limited Wedges: Payless

Another simple outfit for me!  It's super hot outside today and I wanted something that would keep me cool and comfortable.  We cleaned our apartment all morning so things are clean and tidy before my last summer class starts tomorrow, ran a few errands, and had a lunch date at Panera (Caesar salad = yum!).  It was a great Sunday!  I'm relaxing this afternoon watching Gilmore Girls while I get my school stuff organized, catch up on blogs, etc.

This week of vacation has been awesome - I'm back into the swing of things tomorrow!!

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend as well!

Six.

Tee: Old Navy Blazer: Old Navy Shorts: Old Navy Wedges: Payless Necklace: Gift

Some of my latest reflections: 

Ultimately, I am really happy with who I am.  I am a good person who does the right thing, cares for others, but also places a lot of importance on caring for myself.  I'm smart, friendly, and talented.  I have a compassionate heart, particularly for children and animals.

The way that I had always pictured my life is not really what I want anymore.  I want more from life - I want purpose and excitement and meaningful relationships.  I won't be content to just keep on going through the motions.

I want to start living more for me, and not somebody else.  My life is my life and as long as I keep on doing the right thing and treating others well, I am capable of making my own decisions.  I am lucky to have a partner who feels similarly.  We both make sacrifices so that each other can be happy as individuals and as a united couple.

I'm not 100% sure what is in the future for me, but I'm going to do my absolute best to make intentional decisions so I don't get bored with my safe, expected life.

Five.

Dress: Target, thrifted new Denim jacket: Levi's Sandals: Old Navy

We're back from Kevin's folks' house, and we had such a great time!  Yesterday, we spent the afternoon in the pool, playing games, and watching all of our dogs play together in the big backyard.  We played a lot of badminton in the evening after a delicious grill out dinner and trip to the dog park, and then went to go see fireworks all together.  Today, we enjoyed more puppy playtime, a family walk with all the dogs (we love our dogs, can you tell??), and a movie.  It was so much fun, and we're back home now with two really, really sleepy pups :)

Four.

Tee: Target Shorts: Tommy Hilfiger Sandals: Old Navy Necklace: Forever 21

Happy Independence Day, to all of you who celebrate!  We are headed to Kevin's parent's house today for swimming, eating, and all-around merriment, and will be there through tomorrow, so I'll be "offline."  I will still be wearing my 30x30 items and I'll take a picture of my outfit, but I may not blog it until the weekend.  Time for celebration!!

Three.

Dress: Old Navy Vest: Old Navy Sandals: Old Navy Belt: Target Necklace: Eclectic Wendy Designs

Today is Kevin's 26th birthday!!  We have a pretty low-key day planned, since Kevin isn't one for big birthday fanfares or anything.  All he wanted was to spend time together and get some ice cream, so that's what we're doing!

Yesterday, Fran had an interesting discussion on her blog about dressing for yourself vs. dressing for others (in particular your partner).  Almost 100% of the time, I dress for myself, but today, I dressed for Kevin.  He has said before that he loves seeing me in purple, and I know he about dies whenever I wear anything that shows off my legs, so I thought this purple dress was the perfect way to make him smile on his birthday.  He also tells me all the time that I don't need to wear makeup to look beautiful, so I went really simple today with just mascara.  I still feel like me and am dressing true to myself, but this outfit is one that he really likes, too :)

Two.

Tank: Old Navy Cardigan: TJ Maxx Jeans: Old Navy Flats: Payless Necklace: Forever 21

Today's outfit is perfect for finishing my final paper, relaxing with my dogs, and going to play trivia at a local restaurant tonight.  I am soaking in all of this free time!

So I've written about my body struggles before...and things really haven't gotten easier for me.  I still feel uncomfortable in my body and although I've been trying hard to lose (or at least maintain) weight, I have gained 7-8 lbs since January, putting me at my highest weight ever.  GROSS.  I went to the doctor yesterday for a check up, and finally have a reason for this!  I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 2.5 years ago, and after about a year of tweaking, I had found a dosage of medication that put my thyroid levels back within a normal range.  Yesterday, though, my doctor told me that my levels had shot through the roof, which explains why I've been gaining weight, feeling depressed, and been much more tired than usual.  I'm starting a higher dosage of my medication today and hoping that it will make losing weight easier for me, and make me feel better in general.  Keeping my fingers crossed that things turn around for me soon!!

One.

Chambray shirt: Old Navy Skirt: Old Navy Shoes: Target Belt: Target Necklace: Gift

It's here!  The 30x30 that Inge and I are taking on together is finally here!  I have been wanting to do this for a while, and it feels great to have a friend alongside me.  Be sure to check out Inge's blog as well to follow along with her.

I love this skirt, but I feel like pencil skirts are often not flattering on my body, which makes them hard to style sometimes.  My chambray shirt seemed to be a good fit, since it's a little looser and forgiving, but just the shirt and skirt together made me look a little boxy and plain.  I tried tucking in my shirt, but it was bunchy and looked weird.  Instead, I tried to define my waist a little more by adding a belt - it almost adds a peplum kind of silhouette...and I like it!  I have always loved the look of a skinny belt around the waist on other people, but I'm kind of squishy and feel like it emphasizes that.  However, I'm trying hard to step outside of my comfort zone and accept my body the way it is, so here you have it!

I hope you all had a great weekend!  I finished two summer classes on Friday, so I was able to relax and "play" guilt-free all weekend long!  It felt awesome.  I caught up on blogs, watched Monsters Inc and then went to the theater to see Monsters University, and had time to cook some food instead of just grabbing whatever was in my fridge.  This week is going to be awesome, with hardly any obligations.  I've needed this break for a while, and I'm super happy to be getting it!!