A Season of Gratitude and Love

Joan King

December 21, 2018

I’ve found that this time of year can bring out the best in humanity. I choose to focus on that this holiday season. I have personally found that I have a deep sense of gratitude for all the fortune in my life. And it powers me though the toughest times.

I am a working mom. I have a village of people in my life that make it possible for me to do everything that I do every day. I have a loving and supportive family who challenge me and catch me every time I fall. I am surrounded by friends who are strong, ambitious, driven, beautiful women. These ladies remind me every day of all the amazing things we are capable of as women. My children’s teachers amaze me with their patience and kindness. My children’s caregivers are wonderful loving women who have a positive influence on my children in every way. The list goes on and on.

One of the aspects of this job that I love the most is meeting strong and fascinating women. We are all unique with our own stories to tell yet I find that we have shared experiences, shared struggles, shared hope. So many of us see the obstacles in our way and immediately start to think about ways to overcome them. These obstacles don’t deter us from our path. We persist. Because the obstacles have always been there. We’ve been learning to overcome them for years/decades/lifetimes.

I am incredibly grateful for the inspiration I find in the women who power my life. They give me the confidence that I need to wake up each morning thinking “I can do this” rather than pulling up the covers over my head and hibernating until spring. I realize that we don’t all have this amazing support system and for that reason, I try to bring some of that to you here in this blog. I want to share with you the support I have been so fortunate to experience. I want you to wake up each morning equipped with the knowledge that you can not only handle the day ahead, but all of the obstacles in your way. Wherever you draw your confidence from I hope you find it in excess this holiday season. And remember to carry it with you into the new year.

Joan King

December 13, 2018

And the Holidays are Here...

Joan King

December 13, 2018

Just like that, it’s holiday season. Many of us are running around trying to keep up with the demands of the holidays. Food prep, gift buying, holiday cars, holiday parties, trips to see Santa or maybe the Grinch… these tasks are filling our calendar throughout the month of December. From one weekend to the next, I have any number of holiday events scheduled. Some of these are very casual (breakfast with Santa) and others are a bit more formal (holiday cocktail party). And the very last thing you have time to do is figure out what to wear.

When you’re trying to fit in multiple events in one day, you most definitely don't have time to sit in front of your closet and attempt to pick an outfit. TIP: pick out 2-3 different outfits that might work well for your events. So if you have more casual type events on your plate, look to plan for 3 different outfits that could satisfy your needs and have those on deck. They don’t have to be totally separate outfits. For example, you can use the same pair of jeans in all 3 outfits.

What about when things get a little more formal? A holiday cocktail party, a new year’s eve soiree or even a holiday wedding could be in your calendar this month. Well, then it’s worth digging through what you already have to see if anything can satisfy the current need. Is it still stylish? Does it still fit? What if you find that your current wardrobe isn’t going to cut it, time to go shopping. So what are the current trends in formal/cocktail wear this season? Like most holiday seasons, shimmer and shine are in style. We’re also seeing a fair amount of velvet this year. Sequins and lace have been spotted this season as well. And don’t forget the jumpsuit! Jumpsuits are still everywhere in any and every style. These jumpsuits can be extremely versatile - dressed up or down for a trip to the nutcracker, dinner with friends, or that office holiday party.

Need a little inspiration? What’s out there in retail stores this season? Look no further, get a feeling for this season’s holiday styles, right here!