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Watering the plants. It’s something I was often asked to do growing up. Spoiler alert 🚨: I was (and still am) painfully impatient. I would turn the hose on high and basically spray soil all over the place. My mother would show me again how to water slowly to get a nurturing soak that would seep deep into the roots.🖤As I was watering some thirsty plants today, I thought about the privilege of teaching my son about racism rather than knowing the ache of preparing him to live through it. I realize now that the conversations we are having right now need to be like how my mother waters plants. Instead of flooding him with information and spewing dos and don’ts everywhere, it needs to be long, slow and steady. Conversations that go deep to the root, far below the surface. I’m always grateful for the wisdom of @morganharpernichols, this week she has gifted the world. I hear you.🖤
#amplifymelanatedvoices • • • Design by @ohhappydani
It’s been months since I last spent time in the studio. I felt fully supported this week when my 🎧 were blasting and my husband tapped me on the shoulder to give me a thumbs up, making sure I knew he was cheering me on. I intended to do a small collection of turquoise-inspired pieces, but everything I mixed wanted to be more green, and as it turned out emerald was the undertone of each set. I have to smirk as I consider the birthstone of the majority of my little family. My husband and two daughters all share the emerald so it is sweetly fitting and quite meant to be.✨As far as shop news goes, my hope is to pursue a relationship with a boutique to sell Polka Square pieces exclusively. This would allow me to focus solely on the creative process and thrive in the joy of what that brings. Stay tuned for details. #dothepolka • • • #handmademodern #handmadejewelry #madeinoklahoma #oklahomadesigner #shoplocal
It was everything but typical. We weren’t giddy with excitement. We were terrified. We weren’t anticipating whose smile she would have. We were wondering if she might live...prepared for the likelihood she might not. It was a scheduled c-section. My husband and my father flanking my sides while our village hoped alongside us while overflowing the waiting room. She was 4 whole pounds and 3 full ounces. Tiny to some, but heavier than we ever expected after a severely growth restricted pregnancy. Despite multiple heart defects, a brain malformation and under developed lungs, our Audrey Claire lived and her birth was absolutely celebrated. • On this day, SIX years ago, she began her life detached from my body, but somehow, as she left my womb, that’s the moment my guarded heart fully opened for her. I hadn’t allowed myself to fully want her or fall in love with her. Because what if? • 81 days later the ‘what if’ became reality. For years, Audrey’s life was my compass. Her story guided me. I became shackled to the loss of our daughter and my identity was a rope knotted throughout the links of the chain. • Only recently have I made some of the most significant growth as Audrey’s mother when I saw what I was allowing to happen. Cooper and Emma need me more than she does. I believe Audrey is perfect in Heaven. She doesn’t need anything from me, I did everything I could when she was here on earth. I was her best mama. And, I was allowing myself to pour so much into her story that it took away from what I could give to my children who do still need me. The very best way I can honor the life of our Audrey is to be here now. To be well now. To be. Now. • Isn’t that an incredible gift? I have two children who need me. I have one who doesn’t. She doesn’t because of the gift of the cross. How could I possibly live on after the life and death of my own child? Heaven. Jesus. Hope. • That’s how. • On this, the 6th anniversary of our Audrey Claire’s birthday, I’m grieving what wasn’t and celebrating all that was. It’s possible to do both in the very same beat of my heart.
Our littlest love turned 4️⃣ today! She smiles with her eyes and her soul is full of wonder. She challenges and pushes limits, and somehow it forces us all to grow in return. She is loyal and has a way of finding a special place in the hearts of many. On her birthday last year, a great storm was brewing, a flood arrived that lasted days and the aftermath was devastating. My girl and I flooded at times last year as well, but just as the sun was shining bright on this day, we both have seen such transformative growth. Cheers to honoring what was, acknowledging what is and hoping for what will be. Happiest of birthdays to you, our darling Emma Kate! 🎂 by @sugar_star25 (can you even?!) • • • #birthdaygirl #thisis4 #birthdaycake
Every once in a while, it’s fun to round up a few of my favorite products. As with everything else in my life this year, I’m being more mindful to invest in fewer, higher quality items, rather than spending the same amount on more but less quality. There are still the white tees of my product line up. Er, what? I’ll always stock up on white tees from Target, Old Navy, and the like, knowing I can wear them without expecting too much for too long. Similar with some of my favorite products. These are not those, however. These are the ones that last and are worth every, single penny, my friends. 1/Powder Me SPF by @janeiredale // When my gal pal who doubles as my dermatologist gifted me with this, I knew my face would be in good shape this summer. It is a lightweight, tinted powder with SPF 30 to protect from those rays. Not only is it waterproof, it is easy to apply and reapply throughout the day. 2/Good Genes by @sundayriley // There are several products I’m using morning + night, but if I had to choose just one, this would win. 3/ Sun Catcher by @randco and @streicherhair was just released and my unruly hair couldn’t be happier. Here’s hoping the scent is bottled sooner rather than later. 4/ Brow Styler by @benefitcosmetics // I’ll be the first to say, I was an over-plucker for years. Now I’m making up for it by finding the perfect tool. This is it. All-in-one, look no further. Super glad my friend and favorite shop-girl introduced it to me! 5/ Nomade by @chloe // It’s the fragrance that lingers after you’ve left the room. It’s feminine and understated, plus the bottle is unique with a suede detail.✨That’s a wrap!
There is something about spending our summers here growing up and now, having the privilege of passing down the same tradition to our own children at our family lake home. Currently, half a dozen little people wake up early, eat all the food, make all the noise, go in every direction, throw all the rocks and want all the boat rides. Lake days would certainly be slower and we would get more sleep without these six kids around, but as Mother’s Day proved, the gift of a legacy is something unique. I was reminded how much I still have to learn as a mother to my two children, and also how deeply appreciative I am for all that I never noticed through the years as a daughter. Here’s to the magical mundane, the damn dailies, the beautiful bits and everything in between.✨
It’s like he’s looking in a mirror. Even the wildlife around here knows what team they are cheering for.🧡Our son’s distance learning program has mainly consisted of Nature Class, Science Experiments, Home Economics and Art Studio and I’m more than okay with it. For the first time in his young life, he witnessed Spring in its entirety, frankly our entire family has. We watched color emerge from the earth, we witnessed growth in a slow and steady manner, we appreciated a season we are often too busy to notice. It may never happen again. Our family of four might not spend that much collective time together, moving as slowly, again in our lives. Color unearthed in us as well. We danced more often and found a daily rhythm. We ate simply but never went hungry. We wanted more but required little, until later we realized we wanted what we have. We grew also, slowly but surely, each of us has changed. In different ways, the world has darkened during this time. And yet, in other ways, it shines even brighter. Would I do it again? No. I always choose forward. Have I done it well? Well enough. What will May bring? For me, it brings celebrating the birthdays of my husband and two daughters. Acknowledging the mother’s of the world on May 10th. It allows my husband to return to his work, treating patients in a more normal routine. Simplicities like homemade lemonade, sprinkler mist, fresh cut grass, driveway catch and sandal tan lines. Here’s to moving forward, embrace what is next.
It isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but when it is, make it count. 🌈 #slowdays

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Thirty-Something Skin

Polka Square January 30, 2018 One Comment

Sharing a few “over-the-counter” skincare products that I use in addition to those recommended by my trusted dermatologist. I’m not a skincare expert, but I’m a real-life user and that makes it worth sharing.

Links to each product listed below the video.

Mask | Brush | Rose Water | Vitamin C Powder

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The Basics.
January 19, 2018
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In Real Life
February 8, 2018

One Comment

  1. Krystal February 1, 2018 at 4:42 am

    That vitamin c powder looks awesome. Will for sure need to check that out.

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    Reply

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