Emily McDowell Etsy Shop

In a world with so many distractions, tugging and pulling us in so many different directions, it can sometimes be pretty hard to be true to ourselves. It’s always good to remind and encourage each other how special each and everyone one of us really is – and how important it is to be confident our differences (I know, it’s cheesy, but bare with me…I’m having a moment) What I mean is that we all see the world differently, have different tastes, different opinions, and process thoughts/experiences in completely different ways – when we try and be someone else, we become less of ourselves and end up just looking or feeling confused. Right? So instead of comparing yourself to someone else, look at the things that make you truly unique and appreciate those qualities :) Today,  I want to encourage you to notice something inspiring about someone in your life and then be sure to tell them – it will mean so much!

I love Graphic Image planners – I’m obsessed with mine and use it religiously. I got the gold finish for 2012 and it makes me happy every time I open it :) If you haven’t picked out your 2012 planner yet, I highly reccommend it!

Speaking of planners….Good luck to those of you starting school today – I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing Christmas break! I am right there with you when it comes to dreading the studying….I enrolled in 3 more classes yesterday (sad, I know). Oh, and they are super exciting, too (e.g. Income Taxes). Yuck, enough about that…

I have been inspired by so many things and people lately! Two months ago, I didn’t even know what a blog was. I’m serious. And now I would call myself a legitimate member of the blogging world/community/whatever you want to call it. I’m telling you, if you’ve never experienced it, there is a whole “blogging world” out there full of wonderful things! I’ve loved discovering so many creative and inspiring blogs and my favorite part is interacting with readers and other bloggers. I want to say thank you SO much to Chassity of Look, Linger, Love for featuring me on her blog yesterday! I was very flattered. I also want to mention some of the other wonderful blogs I’ve been loving lately….Daily Crush , Stripes & Sequins, Mrs. Lilien, Design Darling, Style Within Reach, Daily Cup of Couture and so many more! Keep up the good work ladies :)

Source :Sunshine & Pearls Tumblr

I’ve always been a big fan of riding boots – especially when worn like this! Totally Ralph Lauren. In fact, I actually designed some riding boots for the Dee Keller Fall 2012 collection just like these! (with my own two hands…well, with the help of a pencil of course) Anyway, I’m super excited about them – I will blog about them once we get the prototype shipment from Italy :)

I am a little obsessed with these Fashionology bracelets. I want both – aren’t they so adorable?! And they are only $40 :) You have got to comment/tweet/facebook/whatever me if you decide to get yourself one of these beauties – I want to hear!

Love this Image. Simple and straight to the point – with awesome colors :)

How beautiful is this room? (If only…) I’ve been dreaming about New York lately. Like most young girls, I love everything about the city and its magic. But I must say, I think I’m too much of a homebody to live there.  Now, to all my fashion-blogging friends, I’m super excited about visiting NYC for the IFB conference in February! Are you going?!!