Heart Wide Open | New Direction


Whoa. Two weeks since I last pounded the keys on this computer. When I checked my previous post date, I seriously thought it was only a few days. January has proven to be a total blur. So far, conquered my first juice cleanse (starting another one tomorrow, wish me luck) and took followers across the world around my home in Minneapolis, spent a lot of time outdoors in single-digit temps, and my favorite part of the new year has been bumping into so many of you lately.

Minneapolis has tried me at times. Some of my hardest days are in this beautiful city. Days wondering if I can hack it, cold temps taking me to a crazy head space, but more than anything it has given me some of my best days. Challenged me to grow, to learn, to scare myself and most of all to open up a little piece of my world to the unknown.

I have been reflecting a lot these past few weeks. Funny how flipping the calendar and seeing 365 new squares that make you pause. Been feeling like a bit of a failure like I had all of these things to finish and accomplish by now, and here I am scratching my head wondering how I have yet even to attempt them.

It could be partly due to a little seasonal blues; cold temps make me feel less than inspired more like give me all the warm fuzzy socks, sweaters, blankets and take out available! Anyone else relate? Trying to get out in the sunshine and embrace winter is something I am keeping high on my goals list. I have a love-hate relationship with everything cold. The Texan in me is like, ā€œOk thank you for stopping by, but you can leave now.ā€

Crazy to think we captured these images on a crisp day in December because one month ago seems like forever. I mainly wanted to share these because they make my heart feel happy. The man in these photos, my husband, my favorite person in the world, is the sole reason for my moving here. 2017 marks the start of my eighth year in Minnesota. Holy cow, where is the time going?

I hope this can become a place where there are stories shared and topics that bring a little joy to your day. I know sitting down and finding time to read a blog is rare, so trust me when I say, thank you for following along. I read every single comment on C+M. I read Instagram comments the good and the bad, and I try to respond, apologize for not always doing so but I see it, and I love it, and today more than ever I have been feeling so blessed.

Most of all, I am open to being better, and I am open to hearing what you want to read. What do you love seeing? Do you want less fashion more everyday life? Do you want more travel? More home stuff? I am ready to listen and embrace the feedback so please let me know. I am all earsā€¦

HERS – SWEATER // SKIRT // DUCK BOOTS // SCARFĀ 

HIS –Ā BUTTON DOWN // HALF ZIP SWEATERĀ // DENIM // BOOT

FUR BABIES – PUFFER VEST I // VEST II // INFINITY SCARF

Special thank you to our friend Brandon Eckroth for capturing this special day for our little family, alsoĀ SorelĀ &Ā Wool and WhiskeyĀ for the continued love!

 

 

14 Comments

  1. Elissa Weise
    January 15, 2017 / 10:07 pm

    Love this post, Tamara! I completely understand about the love-hate relationship with the cold. Some days it’s so challenging to feel inspired, to do something exceptional with my day instead of another mini Netflix-binge. I love your posts and they inspire me to do fun things in the cities-even in the winter! So thank you for that! And, of course, these pictures are stunning. You have the cutest puppies!
    Xoxo Elissa

    • Tamara
      Author
      January 15, 2017 / 11:54 pm

      Elissa – love hate definitely sums it up best! I appreciate your saying that. It has taken me a long time to really learn to get out and appreciate the beauty. Before I could only see the negatives so it has been fun having a new perspective and trying to focus on the joy. Thank you for the comment as well, always means the world to me! XX T

  2. Sara Mahan Soenen
    January 15, 2017 / 10:58 pm

    I love your blog, and especially your fashion. Your sense of style is great. I love how mix casual and glam. It’s so me. I’d alsways love to see more home. Most people that dress have a great home with great style as well. They go together. It blows my mind you live in Minneapolis now but I will say watching your posts makes it look like a fun place to live.

    • Tamara
      Author
      January 15, 2017 / 11:52 pm

      Sara! I know it still blows me away sometimes when I think about living so far from home…Life is so different here and sometimes I miss home so much it hurts but I find myself loving this city and feeling at home with each passing year. I have been contemplating a few home projects so I will keep that in mind as a new category! Thanks for the comment and for stopping by! XOXO

  3. Connie Looper
    January 16, 2017 / 6:11 am

    I, too, left my home (26 years ago) and moved with my husband to start a new life. It was hard at first, so I completely understand. I think we all go through phases of feeling energized and inspired and other times feeling overwhelmed or even a bit lost. You are definitely on the right track by accepting and embracing where you are in your life right now, by looking for the positive things. Thanks so much for sharing your feelings with us! I love your fashion sense, and you have been quite an inspiration to me and my closet. šŸ™‚ The pictures you shared of your home over the holidays were gorgeous! I loved that! Travel, home, fashion, beauty – take us wherever you want to go! Best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2017!

    • Tamara
      Author
      January 16, 2017 / 9:46 am

      Oh Connie thank you for this sweet comment. I so appreciate hearing those words of wisdom. 26 Years wow! I can imagine we have had similar thoughts at times. I am an open book, love that you feel inspired that makes my week, and it is just beginning! I will be sharing more of our home and I have a lot of travel in 2017 so stay tuned! I love traveling and taking everyone along with me has been such a joy! Thankful for your reading and taking the time to give a little feedback! Happy 2017!

  4. Kelly
    January 16, 2017 / 6:35 am

    I’ve recently found your blog and love it. I also live in MN and am right there with you, the cold days can disipate any inspiration within you. I always remind myself to rise above it and be in awe of its beauty. It’s truly beautiful. Moving forward would love to see more fashion and home posts. Also, as a local, any local gems you come across, like fav shops, restaurants, etc.

    • Tamara
      Author
      January 16, 2017 / 9:49 am

      Kelly – Thank you for saying that! I love hearing that you are local and yes, I love sharing all about MN so I will be sure to do that more and more. I have been hearing more comments about a home focus so stay tuned for that! Thinking that will be a wonderful way to incorporate something I love along with the style posts! Appreciate your feedback! Have a wonderful week. XX T

  5. January 16, 2017 / 8:44 pm

    Hi Tamara,

    I so feel the same way! I have so many goals and wanted to be further along by this time in January. I try to remind myself it’s good to keep a balance and it’s good to take breaks. One of my favorite things about you is that you keep it real. I love the mix of fashion, travel & every day life. Truly enjoy following you! Let’s rock 2017! ā¤

    • Tamara
      Author
      January 16, 2017 / 8:50 pm

      Tracy!

      Thank you for these words. I am so ready to rock 2017!! Appreciate you!

  6. January 16, 2017 / 9:19 pm

    I personally would like more photos of John šŸ˜‰ Love you girl. Keep doing you authentically and you can’t go wrong.

    • Tamara
      Author
      January 16, 2017 / 9:41 pm

      Em! I miss hearing your voice. I will tell him that and I know it will make his day! Love you and appreciate all of your encouragement always. XX and cheers to a new year ahead.

  7. Cherie
    January 16, 2017 / 10:50 pm

    I just love how authentic you are. I would love to see more home posts but I also love what you’ve already been doing. I am curious what juice cleanse you are doing. I tried one a couple months ago and didn’t make it. Maybe you’ve found one that’s better than what I tried. Oh and I love your little fur babies, so adorable!

    • Tamara
      Author
      January 17, 2017 / 7:56 am

      Cherie,

      You are so kind to leave a message. I appreciate the feedback and I am happy to share with you all about the cleanse. It’s definitely challenging and I think having your mind and body prepared to do it is half the battle. I will send you details on it. Thank you again for taking the time to stop by! XX Tamara

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