What a year!

Hi lovelies! WOW I haven’t been here since January! To be honest, blogging was very hard to do especially during this period of frustration. I hope everyone is well and surviving this unexpected year. 2020 really blind sighted us! The pandemic really came into our lives and rocked our worlds. Despite all of that, I’m grateful to be alive, and if you’re alive and reading this, I’m happy that you’re still here.

We’ve started a new month, and I thought I should start this new month on a positive note. Which is why I’m back here. If you follow me on my social media platforms, you’d know that I’m always trying to spread positivity by reminding people that, despite all the challenges that we face, they should never give up on themselves and on God. Most times, uplifting others, uplifts me.

Beginning of the year I did a vision board of everything I’d like to achieve this year (which is kinda what inspired this blog post). I just wanted to remind you that it’s okay if you haven’t been able to achieve everything you had planned for the year. Don’t be hard on yourself or compare your journey to someone else’s. We are in a pandemic! Being alive is a HUGE achievement. All that matters is that you’re alive, healthy and strong enough to face the next day.

It’s been a tough couple of months with many mental and emotional challenges. One thing that I’ve been upset about of late is my weight gain. Instead of working on getting my body in shape, I’ve been eating like crazy! Food is comforting to me; and obviously, during these trying times, I’ve been looking for comfort- which has resulted in crazy weight gain. At some point during our national lockdown I felt myself deteriorating – I hated the way I felt and looked (of course you don’t see the messy parts because Instagram makes us look polished). I would look at other people losing weight and working out and would feel so guilty for my poor choices.

Not only did my mental health take a huge knock these past couple of months, but at some point I felt my body caving in as well.

One day I stumbled on these quotes by poet and author, Alex Elle, and made the decision to change my way of thinking.

It’s very important to note that life is seasonal. Some days will be good, and other days will be bad- all you need to learn is to ADAPT to the season you’re in. What I love about seasons is that they don’t last forever. When I realized this, I decided that I’ll try to look and feel beautiful- weight gain, scars, breakouts and all. Learning to be comfortable in my own skin has been a very difficult task , but I’m proud of my progress.

Speaking of looking and feeling good, I was sent some beautiful lounge wear a couple of days ago by Maria and Regina – a fashion and accessories brand owned by twin sisters who created the brand with the aim of providing trendy and fashionable clothing for women of all shapes and sizes. The quality of their clothes is amazing too!

What I loved about their company is that it aims to help women feel comfortable in their own skin. Obviously for me, it wasn’t just receiving clothes – but it was channeling the energy that they have, when wearing their clothes.

Being under lockdown during winter has made my go-to uniform sweats, hoodies and comfortable clothes. One of the things that I love about sweats, is how they not only keep me warm, but they also conceal my weight gain. Which is always a bonus!

Check out how I managed to style the Maria and Regina Evolve Set into different looks. Who said sweats have to be boring??

Look 1 – Super chilled. The Evolve Set worn with double strap sandals and belt bag.

Look 2 – Drama! The Evolve Set worn with ankle boots, a baker boy hat, belt bag and leather jacket. Comfort Chic (if that’s even a thing lol!)

Look 3 & 4 – Sneaker Edition.

Frame 1 – The Evolve Set worn with a bucket hat, belt bag and sneakers.

Frame 2 – The Evolve Set worn with leopard print head scarf and matching sneakers.

Personally, I’m obsessed with this set- the bible verse touch on it made it even better for me. If you’re looking for great quality, locally made, comfortable lounge wear – head over to the Maria and Regina website and shop away!

Here’s to feeling amazing in our skin and not allowing anything to take that away from us. Remember that your beauty doesn’t have anything to do with how the world perceives you, what matters is what YOU see.

Stay safe and blessed my loves!

^{This blog post is sponsored by Maria and Regina.}