Category Archives: personal essays

alt summit recap – part un

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alt-summit-recap

 

These photos sum up my Alt Summit experience. You simply cannot put a price on meeting someone you’ve admired for years, looking into their eyes, and holding their hand. As bloggers, we find ourselves (mostly) behind screens for a living. Of course, the irony is that we are sharing our humanity, our stories, in the hopes of connecting with others and inspiring a conversation. Erin Loechner has inspired many conversations for me, along with so many others I had the chance to finally meet in person. At the end of each day, my excitement overcame my exhaustion, and the friendships I made and solidified are worth a thousand conferences. I feel invigorated and driven by the many exciting opportunities + projects on the horizon (and can’t wait to share). As a blogger, designer, mother, wife, and human…I feel whole.

images by Brooke Dennis for Alt Summit

alt summit!

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Hello friends! I’m Alt Summit bound, and couldn’t be more excited about it! For those of you who are not part of the blogging community, Altitude Summit is the premier business conference for bloggers + creatives, held annually in Salt Lake City, Utah. I feel it’s quite fitting that I’m finally making it there with my 5 year blogging anniversary looming. This space began as a creative outlet, and like many others would attest, it has become something so much bigger. I have met the most amazing people (online and in person), many of whom have become close friends, and ALT is the perfect opportunity to meet those that inspire me face to face! I’m also looking forward to connecting with sponsors + brands that inspire me…I have a feeling some amazing collaborations are on the horizon. My suitcase is bursting with my beautiful new business cards – I’ll be sure to share more details on those soon. Until I return (next week), you can follow my adventures (as always) on Instagram…apologies in advance for the overgramming that is about to occur. Au revoir!

epiphany

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As the title suggests, I recently had an epiphany. And ok fine, this title might also refer to the French holiday which falls on the first Sunday of the New Year (I’ll do anything to tie in my Francophilia). I came across this quote on Pinterest the other day, and even though it’s a very simple concept, something just clicked. I’ve been focusing so intensely on results for so many years, that my efforts towards long term change have been almost entirely in vain. This relates to many aspects of life of course – I’m sure we can all relate to it. I’m determined to make 2015 a triumphant one. Small steps towards big change…it seems that’s how all growth occurs. How do you relate to this quote, and what are you focused on this year?

réveillon

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As we prepare to celebrate our annual réveillon dinner and say goodbye to 2014, I find myself in a reflective mood, as many do on this day. The word “réveillon” means awakening, and I’ve always loved the concept, especially on New Year’s Eve. To open your eyes and see clearly–both the cracks and the light shining brightly through. This year has been full of beauty, personal + professional growth, happiness + hardship. It’s not unlike your story, I’m sure – our lives all seem to ebb and flow in similar patterns. Periods of (sometimes troubling) recession, followed by (usually thrilling) surges forward. Both phases having their own trials and triumphs. Emerging from those tempestuous waves, I’ve learned a very significant lesson this year–that there is no such thing as balance. It’s an act – always an act of, balancing. My intention for 2015 is to improve my balancing act, making more time for myself amongst the chaos of work and family obligations. To return to my roots, nurture my soul, and enrich my life. I can’t wait to share the journey with you.

happy new year + bonne année!