Top 3 Reasons I Love Our New Hood

 

Satin bomber jacket: Nordstrom Rack // Jumpsuit: Anthropologie // Loafers: Coach (similar)// Scarf: Vintage // Lip color: Stila 

On Athena: Bonnet: Brair Handmade // Sweater: Joe Fresh // Sweat pants: H&M // Silver shoes: Amazon

Wow! I swear, every time I post pictures of Athena she looks so little! Even if they aren't from long ago. She needs to slow down with this growing up thing. I'm so not ready.

Ok. So here we are in a super cute little spot in our new hood. People always ask me what it was like moving away from big city life in Chicago to Salt Lake. Technically I didn't really leave city life all together. In fact, ask most people who live in Utah, they would consider where I live to be the bustling city. Obviously to me it's way different because Its not the same as living a few blocks from the Sears (yes, I will always call it that) Tower anymore and not much can compare to that. But to me this new city life is pretty sweet!

So I'm going to share with you my top 3 reasons why I love my new city life.

1. A back yard. Guys! I would never have thought this girl who lived in a concrete jungle for 15 years, who couldn't even identify a square of grass within blocks back near my old apartment, would love a backyard so much. I love having a place to sit outside and hang out with Athena. She loves being outside and I love getting some sun on our lounge chairs. Andrew loves to grill out too and we no longer have to drive to the lakefront, pay to park, walk a few blocks with all our stuff just to grill a meal. It was such a task. Oh, and did I mention we have a pool in our yard? I don't mean to brag, but it's about a foot deep and made of pink plastic...it's Athena's baby pool. But you better believe I get in with her! Also I have a garden. I haven't grown anything successfully yet but I sure am going to keep on trying!

2. A driveway. Sure, our driveway is on an insane incline since we essentially live on the foothill of a mountain but holy cow, is it nice to drive up to our door and not have to pay to park. People here think I'm crazy when I tell them we used to have to pay $250 a month to park half a block and across the street from our apartment and that was actually a great deal for that neighborhood. Grocery shopping is so much easier too when I don't have debate what I can buy because I have to carry it home. I just buy what we need and don't think twice. What a concept!

3. It's safe. Any place has the potential to be unsafe but for the most part Salt Lake feels pretty crime free. I'm not constantly worried about someone breaking into my car... and sleeping in it overnight (yes, that happened in Chicago) or holing onto my purse with a death grip when I walk on the streets. I don't even worry about turning my wedding rings around in public places. Knock on wood, none of this will ever be a problem here, but those were legitimate daily fears I had in Chicago and I'm slowly loosening my grip on my old reality and settling into this new one. 

With that it also makes living here an excellent place to have children and raise a family. There hasn't been a single place I can think of I was afraid to take Athena or part of town I worried about driving her through. That peace of mind is really priceless.

There is a ton more I love about our new life out West, but these have proved to be the most stark contrasts thus far. Maybe I sound like a Chicago hater now but what i really think it is is that I'm a proponent for change. Especially ones you didn't know you needed till you do them.

So what about you? Did you leave city life? Are you considering it? What is your motivation or feelings about it. If you did leave, what is favorite part since you moved?

Salt Lake City Guide to 20 Colorful Walls Great for Blogger Photos

I have been dying to share this with you all since we moved here! When we flew out from Chicago to look for places to live, we scoured the city and came across some really cool spots for photos.

After 11 years working with middle schoolers, I have a trained eye for finding "graffiti." I almost have an intuitive feeling before I find these things. Granted, these are no middle schooler vulgarities. these are super-colorful and interesting walls and some even works of art.

I've gathered my top 20 spots, including addresses, so you can stop there and take pics too! All are no more than 15 mins from downtown Salt Lake.

Bonus? It's kind of fun to watch me change in various stages of pregnant in these pics since I've been pregnant 8 of the 11 months we have lived here.

1. Blue square wall on The Intermountain Guitar and Banjo 712 E 100 S




2. You Are Here wall on the back side of the Sorensen Multicultural Center 855 W. California




3. Book Wall behind the Hotel Monaco by the parking garage *technically private property 15W 200S



4. Bee Mural - The Honey Stop 1314 S 500 E




5. Car Door - 1300 S 400 E





6. Wavy pastel wall - behind Taco Time 810 S. State Street




7. Sugarhouse Mural - Highland and Wilmington


Photo cred: @lomogogo


8. Color block wall - Highland and Wilmington


Photo cred: Sandy A La Mode


9. Purple and lime green wall (there's a big stripe of green up higher) - Zaniac 1045 E 2100 S

Photo Cred: @Amdician

10. Aqua and Lime green door - Hip and Humble on 1043 E 900 S


Photo Cred: Sandy A La Mode

11. Pink wall- Sexy Blue Boutique 1051 S 300 W




12. Green and blue striped wall - Holiday Inn Express (back wall) 206 S West Temple


Photo Cred: @thekittchen

13. Cute doorway with pink doors. Most of the time there is a little red scooter parked out front and on the side of the building there is a little greenery arch between shop windows - 1310 S 300 E


14. Gold doors - 361 Main Street, Downtown


15. Multi color triangle "wall" (more of a large doorway) 1700 S and Main St


16. Racing pattern gray and white wall - John Kruger Auto 301 W 1600 S


17. Bright green and purple wall - 634 N 400 W


18. Camping mural wall on the side of Tanner Frames -18 E 800 S

Photo Cred @hallwaysrunways


19. Red Brick wall - Firehouse BBQ 565 E 2100 S


20. Eva's Bakery - 155 Main Street

So, have you seen these around? Which one is your favorite? Let me know if there is anything I missed or should add!

Happy snapping!

What to Wear to A Blogger Conference.

Sweater: Free People // Shoes: Kate Spade Go Flats // Jeans: Flying Monkey // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love cross Body c/o Shopbop

When attending a Blogger conference, you may experience some style anxiety. Knowing so many other stylish women will be walking around you all day can get intimidating. Coming fresh off of the Alt Summit last week, I have some advice for what to wear to keep you looking cool, collected and confident!

1. Stay true to your own personal style. This is after all where you are going to meet people in real life that may know you and your style only through the internet. Be stylish but on message with something people would expect to see you wear on your blog. Trying to veer to far outside your comfort zone will make you feel uncomfortable, and ain't nobody got time for that!

2. Wear some statement making shoes. I am NOT a high heels girl. Never have been and never will be. What I do best is fun flats. EVERY girl needs a pair of killer, compliment-inducing flats. You will be able to run around to sessions all day, score compliments that make an impression and be comfy while doing it! Again, make sure these shoes are true to your personal style.

3. Know your setting. At most conferences, you are sitting most of the day. Watching keynotes, eating sit-down lunches, listening in on interesting panels. Who wants to be doing that in uncomfortable clothes. You don't want a tight waistband digging into my waist while you sit. Opt for your comfiest stylish jeans like my super stretchy high waisted skinnies and an on-trend sweater or top. Mine is Free People, who makes the coziest blanketyist (I made that word up) sweaters around. And if you think it may be cold as many indoor conference halls can be, layer up or bring a chic blanket scarf.

4. Be a little unforgettable!  Have a few bold accessories. Bonus points if they are near your face, that way when you are talking with someone new, they will remember you better. I wore my bright green and yellow vintage scarf with a gold vintage scarf pin and got tons of compliments. A statement making lip color or a cool braid can do the job as well.

Thanks to Kit for these photos we were able to squeeze in before the sun went down.