The MAY 2016 | Series No. 3, Issue No. 2
ease
Issue
Curate Your Motherhood with Victoria Gloria ALSO
R ECON N EC T TO M O N E Y • MAK E SPAC E FOR BABY • LOV E B EIN G A MOM
The PERPETUAL YOU
At The Perpetual You, we believe in choosing, embracing, celebrating, and unleashing who you've always been - who you already are - who you want to be.
Be YOU...the Perpetual You.
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I have already lost touch with a couple of people I used to be. – JOAN DIDION
The PERPETUAL YOU
L E T T E R from our E D I T O R
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he idea for the theme Create Ease by Celebrating Growth came out of our desire to disprove the phrase “Growth is Hard.” Yes, growth is challenging. Yes, growth can require serious thought and deliberate action. But does it have to be hard? Through the curation of this issue, I’m more convinced than ever that growth and ease are not just compatriots; they are correlated. Growth can lead to ease, if only we can acknowledge it, accept it, and even ask for it. Growth is about knowing who you are, all the while choosing who you want to be. Growth is letting go and showing up, questioning everything and deciding on something. Embracing growth begins with recognizing your current stage of life and then having the courage to move forward. The Perpetual You is in a monumental stage of its life, what some entrepreneurs might call the “hustle.” We are growing. We have been steadily growing for the past ten months. And we plan to continue to grow. Plants need water and sunlight. People need food and air. The Perpetual You needs readers, and we also need supporters in order to survive. We want our growth to be organic and our supporters to be authentic. For that reason, we’ve joined Patreon–a platform where our community can pledge to financially support our content creation. You can see what it’s all about by visiting our personal Patreon page.
Asking for your pledge isn’t about becoming the next “big” thing; your support is needed in order for us to continue doing what we are good at: providing uplifting, original content paired with gorgeous, inspiring photos and design. The most important thing to our entire team of collaborators is that we can publish a consistent magazine, with unmatched quality and an uninterrupted message. Any support we receive will be a blessing and a boost. Every great idea is borne out of a desire to make the world a better place. For that reason, makers and creators such as myself and my team are willing to forego the “easy life” for the sake of the cause. For almost a year, I have become more and more entrenched in the possibility that lies within this publication. Bolstered by the faith and financial support of those closest to me, I have grown exponentially, both in my capacity for learning and in my ability to connect with others. I desire for nothing more than to offer women everywhere the same opportunity to have their lives forever changed by the vision of The Perpetual You. But I can’t do it without your help.
lee lee
IN THIS ISSUE
Create
ease
by Embracing Growth
realize
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Engage in activities and rituals that encourage and celebrate growth: assessing the budget, taking pretty pictures, cooking brunch (and shopping!) for mom, digging in the dirt, playing under the stars, and settling down with an introspective book.
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dwell Entertain impromptu guests, forwardthinking designs, and the adorable accoutrements of a classic nursery.
The PERPETUAL YOU
M O N T H LY M U S I C
Embrace raw emotion & follow our "Hard Times & Growing Up" playlist.
embrace Embrace the moments of motherhood, whether picture perfect or inspirationally true-to-
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live
life, with photographer Victoria Gloria.
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Emerge from feelings or practices that are holding you back from growth, by reframing weight gain, making intentional choices, and enjoying your life as a mom.
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SOCIALIZE WITH US
T H E P E R P E T UA L YO U M A K E R S
The Perpetual You wouldn't be possible without the amazing women who collaborate with us. Click on the Maker's handle or website to connect with her directly.
Maya Cover Story Photographer Maya, of MOJALVO, is a cinematographer and photographer, capturing moments in hopes of telling rich stories of the world around her. Most days you can find her behind the camera lens, but she also enjoys snuggling with a big mug of coffee, baking something paleo, or exploring the northeast. See her work at mojalvo.com or on IG @mojalvo.
Maya The Perpetual You is a place where creatives and coaches can come together to showcase their work and be part of a movement designed to shake up the world. Interested in adding your talents to the mix? Email hello@theperpetualyou.com.
The PERPETUAL YOU
Kirsten
Kristi
Walker Sisters
Senior Designer
Designer
Staff Photographers
@kirstenmariedesign kirstenmariedesign.com
@druggedoncolor kglyphics.com
@walkerstudiosllc walkerstudiosllc.com
Victoria
P.K.
Jen W.
Contributing Photographer
Proofreader
Contributing Photographer
@victoriagloria victoriagloria.com
Connect on Facebook
@jenwenzelphoto JenniferWenzelPhotography.com
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Amy
Sarah
Kate
Contributing Artist
Contributing Photographer
Contributing Artist
@craftivatect craftivatect.com
@sarahannayphotography sarahannayphotography.com
Connect on Facebook BlackSquirrelWorkshop.com
Victoria, our cover story superstar, also curated much of this issue's photography with her motherhood story collections!
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SOCIALIZE WITH US
T H E P E R P E T UA L YO U T E A M
Lee Lee
Jessie
Creative Director & Managing Editor
Art Director
The Lee Lee is the #ladyboss of The Perpetual You. A writer by trade, designer by heart, and mother by choice, she seeks intentional practices and a positive mindset. Connect with her through Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Email. If you’re near Hamden, CT, she welcomes you to stop by her front porch.
Jessie Leiber is a multi-disciplinary designer & art director striving to make her world more pixel perfect. When she's not poring over mockups, she can be found singing (loudly) in her car or compulsively buying striped shirts. You can stalk her @jessieleiber or work with her at Little Legends.
Sarah
Brittany
Online Content Editor
Social Media Coordinator
Sarah Sandidge can often be found reading. A lover of language, cultures, and sociology, she’s a chatty introvert fascinated by people. When not reading or editing, she is spending time with her family—mostly taking care of her two beautiful children—somewhere in the heart of Missouri. Meet her at @LulainLondon.
Brittany is a social media guru and cabi stylist. She is often found on her phone curating hashtags or talking the latest runway trends, but also enjoys the perfect mix of chocolate and barre classes. You can plug in with her on Instagram @dressedtt9s or Twitter.
The PERPETUAL YOU
realize to align your daily practices with your
ever-evolving desires
Monthly Challenge Ready to Grow? Join our monthly challenge on Facebook or Instagram.
E M B R AC E T H E I M P OR TANC E OF
Money The PERPETUAL YOU
REALIZE
A self that goes on changing is a self that goes on living. – VIRGINIA WOOLF
My journey into motherhood had a less than perfect start. A rough labor experience and a baby who did not sleep well put me into a fog for the first few months. My life was still there, but parts of it felt outside my control. I was just along for the ride, moving forward one step at a time. Through the chaos of those first months, I went through the biggest period of growth in my life.
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his little angel became the center of my world and I gave everything I had to him. He was my teacher, providing me lesson after lesson as I struggled to keep up with the pace and grow along with him. It is so easy to get disconnected with other parts of our life during periods of change and growth. I was so focused on my son that as I got accustomed to my new normal, I realized that other areas of my life had been neglected. I needed a serious check in with my self-care and my money—two things people don't often realize are intertwined. I had grown into my new role as a mother, but my life was off balance. The following are three questions I come back to when I need to reconnect with myself and my money.
Where am I overdoing it? With a new child, one lesson I am constantly reminding myself is that more is not better. He does not need every toy under the sun, so I carefully choose toys to be nice, functional, and fun. Be mindful about what you let enter your life. Where do I not have enough? I never seem to have enough time, so right now anything that helps me save time is a priority. Sometimes that means getting my produce delivered from a local farm or planning to get extra help for my son. In the future, it will mean getting help with housework. (I can’t wait for that day!!)
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Use money to create ease in your life. What’s important to me? Right now working on my backyard and getting my garden planted is important to me. Taking a big family vacation this year is less of a priority. So, I will spend my resources making my yard beautiful and think about a trip next year. Direct your resources in the direction of what’s important in your life. Even if you have never checked in with your selfcare and your money I challenge you to start today. These three little questions can get you thinking about money as more than a resource. Money is a tool you use to build the life you want. Once we accept and embrace the importance of money we can use it effectively to get through all phases of life, the calm and the chaotic.
Start Today Here are three ways to start using money as a tool to create more ease in your life.
Shop for Comfort. The next time you buy a new outfit, keep your entire life in mind—not just the specific event you’re buying for. Buying purposefully will make your money go further and your closet last longer. See more tips for comfortable style on page 28.
Focus on your Values. Purchasing self-care products that are safe for everyone in the family shows your loved ones you value their skin as much as your own. Plus, you won’t have to worry when the little one starts drinking their bubble water! Read about passing down your beauty routines on page 24.
Enjoy your Free Time. Nicole Cooley is a corporate dropout and new mama currently obsessed with sleep, green juice, and planting her new garden. Her company Money With Moxie helps women align their spending to their value system and use money as a tool to design their ideal life. Connect online at Facebook and Instagram.
The PERPETUAL YOU
Recognizing and fully participating in the ͞little moments͟–whether hearing a favorite song on the radio or accompanying the kids to the park, can be a fun, free way to add some spark to your day. Find out why your wellbeing is worth slowing down for on page 26.
Passionate about reading? Follow our Books To Read Board on Pinterest for monthly suggestions.
E M B R A C E H E R O I N E S W H O T R A N S F O R M
Big Magic
Emma
My Name Is Lucy Barton
by Elizabeth Gilbert, Pub. 2015
by Jane Austen, Pub. 1816
by Elizabeth Strout, Pub. 2016
Creative growth; most of us abandon it before it ever really begins. We paint, imagine, and dream as kids, but in adulthood, ͞grounded pursuits take precedence. Soon, we no longer feel alive, engaged, or inspired. We feel busy, anxious. This isn’t a state we have to live in, according to Elizabeth Gilbert. The memory of feeling ͞joyful, light and creative can be our motivation to create. To make a meal, a book, a sweater, a new dance move... Creativity unlocks the mysteries of inspiration, and this brings growth.
When we meet her, Emma is a selfimportant rich girl with a penchant for matchmaking. As the novel continues, though, her personal growth is expedited by some pretty big mistakes; and she soon understands that her way of seeing the world isn’t the only way. On this decadently detailed (and fairly hilarious) journey, we learn that our mistakes hold value, our friendships hold wisdom, and our decisions power. Most of all, Emma shows us that growth will keep on knocking until we quit resisting and let it in.
Most often, the hardest moments in our lives become the biggest propellers for personal growth. In Elizabeth Strout’s beautifully written novel, we see growth between a mother and daughter whose relationship has been stagnant for years. There is compassion, understanding, and a new level of trust reached, all within the confines of a hospital bed in New York City. This novel, and its protagonist, Lucy, make it clear that it’s never too late to grow a stronger bond with those who matter to us the most.
Radically committed to magical mornings – Micayla is a wordsmith, entrepreneur, and mindset enthusiast living out a decidedly different post-secondary path while eating wholesome plants, drinking black coffee, hyper-organizing her days, and staying up too late working on poems. Lots more online and tweeting cheer from @Micayla_Vranic. The E A S E IS S U E
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REALIZE
E M B R AC E
Nourishment
The PERPETUAL YOU
Mom nourished us from day one, so it makes sense Taking your mom to brunch? Tag #theperpetualyou and #momsbrunch so we can re-gram your mom’s big, beautiful smile!
we’d want to prepare or buy a meal for her on the day meant to celebrate her role in our life.
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o matter what kind of mom you have or what kind of relationship the two of you have, one thing is for certain: she sustained you – bathed you, protected you, and fed you – until you were ready & able to take care of yourself. The sheer amount of meals she prepared qualifies her for a lifetime achievement award! Mother’s Day brunch is a special event in and of itself—any day you get to have brunch with loved ones is pretty special!—but this day is also about giving mom a break. A day to show her that all those meals, not to mention the resulting dirty dishes, are much appreciated. The holiday spreads; the birthday parties; the pancakes with syrupy, smiley faces. Don’t worry if you’re not as good of a cook as your mom; order something from the market or take her to your favorite brunch place. If you’re mom’s long distance, order a meal and have it arrive the day before! The only rule? She is not in charge. Let mom know she can continue to care for you on every other holiday, but Mom’s Day planning belongs to you.
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EMBRACE A TREND
No brunch drink’s popularity is growing more rapidly than the “new” Bloody Mary. From Bloody Mary bars—where you choose your type of vodka and add your own fixings—to uberexpensive, small batch Bloody Mary mixes, this trend is going strong. There’s something irreplaceable and visceral about this beloved cocktail: the sanguine color, the restorative mythology, the ever-expanding acceptable garnishes. Our Bloody Mary base includes a custom spice blend of pimento, celery seeds, and black pepper from the global brand La Boîte à Epice, along with the requisite tomato juice. To that we added vodka, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and myriad
The PERPETUAL YOU
toppings including bacon, shrimp, red pepper, a lemon slice, and a sliver of Jasper Hill aged cheese—there is literally no limit to the number or variety of garnishes one is allowed to add. Don’t let the reputation of this cocktail as “hangover cure” dissuade you from giving this ultra-trendy but still humble drink a chance. Whether brunch for Mom or an unhurried morning with your closest friends, pick the easy, trendy way out, and offer the “new” Bloody Mary. Entertaining has never tasted so good.
Nature EMBRACE
Spend time outdoors soaking in the growth that is happening all around. Gardening, planting, digging, watering...all take
strength and builds muscle. When you soak the flowers, spray yourself a little too. Take a cue from the natural longings of children to play in the dirt. Reach deep; let the lush soil remind you of how good it feels to be alive and thriving.
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EMBRACE THE
Celebration The 2016 Motherhood Gift Guide is also on Pinterest! Click here to follow our board.
The PERPETUAL YOU
REALIZE
At the Perpetual You, motherhood is revered, savored. That’s why we chose to center our first ever gift guide around this holiday.
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other’s Day isn’t really about buying gifts. Sending mom a token of appreciation is part recognition of the significance of motherhood itself. A thoughtful gift also becomes a celebratory symbol of everything mom has given you If you still haven’t found the perfect gift for your mom, click to visit our Motherhood Gift Guide online. The Mama-to-Be desires to nest and be nurtured. Spoil her with a deluxe cleaning kit from Murchison-Hume or Empire Squid’s sublimely simple organic belly butter. When buying for Mama with an Infant, choose gifts that focus on self-care, strength, and support. Waxing Kara’s peace spa tower gives her the soothing, satisfying spa experience right at home! A Mother of Young Children is focused on blending her individual life with her life as mommy. The tassel necklace from Conflicted Pixie or Purple Maroon’s signature ribbon tie dress are casual but gorgeous. No one deserves to have more fun than the Mom of a Tween or Teen! The flower power clutch from Tulusa is a fun, sophisticated way to store her iPad or other necessary items. When Mom’s kids go off to college, she’s ready for gifts of a higher caliber. BBeadazzled’s “choose joy” necklace or an upcycled wine tote from CB Sacks both encourage her to enjoy this new phase of life.
Get Featured The Perpetual You loves featuring handcrafted, locally sourced products. Send us a note with recommendations to your favorite goods!
Grandmothers, by nature of the job, have a little more time on their hands than when the kids were young. A Himalayan salt bath from Being or a custom Kimono robe from Ortupes will either one be much appreciated and used often.
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E M B R AC E T H E
Beauty & Mess Purpose and adventure lend themselves to one another. Finding and cultivating our purpose helps us reach our full adventurous potential. On our pursuit of ultimate joy, we must be audacious and let go of paths no longer serving us.
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e change, evolve. We learn, grow. Sometimes growth is a beautiful, graceful dance. Other times, it is challenging and takes multiple tries. The energy and image we project to the world during growth is our choice. How we choose to present the beautiful mess that is life is an empowering way in which we unfold the women we are becoming. Deleting the image of ourselves that doesn't align with how we want to feel is easy, so we exhibit only those moments that are polished and pretty. We fall down, but only share the triumphs, with a filter on top (thank you Instagram). Why not reveal the rawness and grit too? You can display your genuine life—from personal defeats to messy hair—and still be in pursuit of the ideal. Other times, putting the most edited version of a moment is what we need to do, and how we do this is completely personal. Cropping out the “dirt” of life can be motivating and inspiring—not only personally, but socially as well. Sharing the best parts of ourselves can reframe our self-worth and our situation. You can filter out the “ugly” to showcase your spirit and celebrate the best version of yourself and still live authentically.
The PERPETUAL YOU
Embracing the grit makes the choice to embrace luster and gloss all the more special. Both “images” are real, but tell a different story. Some moments of growth call for protecting your light; others require you to let it shine. At the intersection of the tenacity of daily experience and the soft, blurred edges of the looking glass lies a great amount of ease.
Summer is always enjoying the journey and making the most of the everyday moments. She is the wearer of many colorful hats; a yogi, mom, wife, writer and marketing & education coordinator in the Florida Keys. She is also the lover of really great red wine. You can follow her island life adventures on Facebook, and Instagram @airabess or #findingmywaylivingthisdream.
Try This at Home A purposeful travel mindset means giving to others, even while experiencing something amazing for yourself. Take a series of photos and edit them using whatever filter or software you want. Now place the original and edited version side by side. Share. Try doing this several times over the course of a few days. Simple daily activities and (maybe) big, grand adventures. Tell your story with grit and with the polish.
Buy a disposable “film” camera and carry it around with you for a week. When you have the impulse to take an “Instagram worthy” picture, take one with this camera instead. At the end of the week, develop the film and scan in those pictures which resonate to you as a completely authentic representation of your week. Share.
Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you dream of. – ALICE WALKER
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Embrace Self-Care Busy women with busy lives need simplicity wherever they can find it. A purposeful make-up routine will bring much-needed ease.
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rowth can be rooted in the everyday rituals that we seem to find mundane or boring. For example, I used to find bathing my children a time hindrance until I made bath time into a fun ritual we could enjoy together. A bubble bath that acts as a car wash or colored water that helps us create a new potion cures bath time boredom in a heartbeat. The everyday acts that we complete together are opportunities to explore and nurture our relationships with others. Additionally, the practice of self-care is an important gift you can give your children. Treating your body with respect isn’t just one of the most important and beneficial things to do for yourself—it sets
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Beauty on Purpose 1
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Keep it Simple and Fun One of my favorite parts of bath time with my children is teaching them to put on lotion and they love it! I squirt a dimesized amount on each hand and let them rub their tummies. Not only am I teaching them self-care, but I also get to smell calendula and lavender all day! * Leigh recommends California Baby’s Calendula
Everyday Lotion or Beautycounter’s Baby Soothing Oil.
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Give Yourself a Treat Self-care is pertinent to growth but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable or indulgent. You don’t have to splurge on every product you buy but if you have one that you particularly love and know that it works, then treat yourself. If you love it and will use it, the investment is worth it.
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* Leigh recommends Beautycounter’s Nourishing Cleansing Balm or Lurk Perfume Oil.
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Meet Your Kids Where They Are My children are toddlers so teaching them to apply lotion is a first step in self-care. For older children, try something as simple as washing your faces together. With each stage of life comes a new stage of self-care. Simple acts like these can help you stay connected.
* Leigh recommends Kiss my Face Clean for a Day Face Wash or Yes to Coconut Cleansing Wipes.
3 an example for those who admire you. My daughter watches me apply makeup every morning and she always asks for a little dusting of blush. Because she sees that putting on makeup is something I enjoy, she wants to be included. Children are always watching. They love to imitate what we say and do. Taking care of yourself first means you have more to give when needed. Teach your children to take care of themselves—spend time with them in the moments of self-care. One day, they will value the practice and pass on the joy of self-care to their own children.
Leigh Schwab is a mother of twins who uses her love for skin care to help educate women about the ingredients in their products and the need for proper skin care legislation in our country. You can learn more about Leigh’s passion for a healthy and simple life on Facebook and Instagram. The E A S E I S S U E
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This month’s Self-Care Toolkit
Red Raspberry German Chamomile Emerald Damara
E M B R AC E E AC H
Moment The PERPETUAL YOU
Mothering can be exhilarating. The days, weeks, and months fly by. All you want to do is hold on tight to each moment. To stop time in its tracks, pay attention to the littlest of details and look with eyes wide open at the wonder of your daily life.
H E RB
ESSE N TI AL O IL
CRYSTAL
GO D D ESS
Red Raspberry
German Chamomile
Emerald
Damara
B E N E F I TS
BE N E FI TS
BENEFITS
BEN E FITS
Helps to stay vital, energetic, and supported
Heals pain and kills germs
Fosters love and compassion
Assists in growth and gentility
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must-have herb for mothers is red raspberry leaf, a uterine tonic that assists in becoming pregnant and keeps you healthy and strong during and after pregnancy. Packed with minerals and vitamins, this herb sustains vitality, energy, and feeling supported. Add four tablespoons of the dried leaf to one quart of bowling water; let steep covered for 30 minutes. German Chamomile is “mother’s milk” of oils. This healing oil is very safe, and one of the only oils recommended for small children. To help with inflammation, pain, diaper rash, bug bites, cradle cap, add 5 drops to one ounce of olive oil and apply to the skin. German chamomile also kills bacteria, germs, and infections. The pure green color of an Emerald stone connects it strongly to the heart chakra—a true destination on a long trip searching for home. Mothers can carry this stone with them to increase the capacity for love, compassion, and nurturing. Wear this stone close to
your heart during meditation, and stay connected to your hearts’ truest loves. The Celtic fertility goddess Damara guides you to your true mothering self. She carries the message: “My vigilant focus on keeping harmony within households stems from my desire for children to maintain their youthful awe and sense of wonder.” Remember Damara’s gentility when you need assistance in mothering or when your family is experiencing growth. This spring, skip some of those routines that tie you to a strict schedule and just play in the grass & under the stars with your family. Let mother nature embrace you in her arms for a few moments and you will feel more ease.
Ashley Dees frolics around Saint Augustine Florida, picking herbs, finding herbal remedies, and playing with aromatherapy, tarot cards and crystals. Learn more about her, and how she teaches and gathers goddesses together at her website greenharmonyaromatherapy.com.
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Embrace Comfort “Fashion has two purposes: comfort and love.” – COCO CHANEL
Growth challenges us to go outside our comfort zone. From learning how to parent a toddler to learning how to market a small business, we’re constantly growing. Embracing comfort where we can, even in something as small as what we’re wearing, eases the major discomfort that comes with growth.
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ince life challenges us everywhere else in life, let’s not make what we wear a challenge too. Wear the same thing you wore the other day with different accessories. Go ahead and wear your favorite jeans every day this week with a different sweater. Pair that same white t-shirt with a cardigan, a button down, or a patterned scarf. Keeping our outfits simple allows our bodies to move and our hearts to breathe with ease. When you get dressed in the morning, always start with comfort in mind. Wear loose boyfriend jeans so you can easily hop in and out of your car while running errands. Pair that plaid button down with some soft linen pants, so your body can breathe as you move through your day. Layer a t-shirt with your favorite light jacket and
P H O T O by A D D I E P O E P H O T O G R A P H Y , @ A D D I E P O E
REALIZE
Embrace the Kimono
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Light, easy and stylish, a kimono is one of the most versatile pieces you can add to your comfortable wardrobe.
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Comfortable by Yourself Your busiest of days calls for the comfiest of outfits. Whether you’re being productive around the house or running errands, start with the jeans that allow you to move the most. Pair boyfriend jeans with a plain cotton tank, a floral kimono, and some flat sandals. The kimono adds color, dimension and style to an otherwise pretty blah day with very little effort. Pictured: kimono, boyfriend jeans, white tank, flat sandals, Leocadia K. Talisman necklace
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Comfortable in a Crowd. Dressing appropriately is hard when the weather’s all over the place. Whether you’re at a backyard BBQ or an outdoor birthday party, layer a cotton maxi dress with a floral kimono. The dress will keep you cool on a hot day because of its loose fit and warm on a cool day because of its full coverage. The kimono updates the look without over complicating it. Pictured: kimono, maxi dress, flat sandals, Leocadia K. Sun + Moon necklace
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Comfortable One-On-One. You don’t have to sacrifice feeling comfortable for looking your best. For a meet-up or a date, pair your favorite skinny jeans with a neutral blouse, grab that kimono, and slip into some spring wedges for height and curve without the foot pain. You’ll move with ease and enjoy the evening stroll after dinner without worrying about how long the walk is. Pictured: kimono, skinny jeans, blouse, wedges, Leocadia K. Turquoise Tribe necklace
3 scarf, so you’re prepared for changing temps. Colorful, patterned layers keep your comfortable look fresh. When we’re comfortable in what we’re wearing, we feel confident, relaxed and content. In this comfort, we feel more like our true self and we’re more receptive to the growth that a full life requires. Our true self wants to expand, learn, and evolve; she has the courage to move us forward into the unknown and she knows the way through the seeming chaos. Choose comfort first, and you’ll have more love, light, and energy—to grow with grace and style.
Caitie Sherrick is a jewelry designer + stylist for mildly rebellious flow-goers at Leocadia K. She’s deeply inspired by modern art, has a boho heart + loves the warm, unconditional love of a good cup of chai tea. Join her on Instagram for daily inspiration + visit her shop for more every day outfit ideas. The E A S E I S S U E
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P E R S P E C T I V E S from T H E P E R P E T U A L Y O U PA N E L
How has mothering (or the desire to mother) re-framed the way you see growth?
Mothering has taught me to be the best version of myself. I find myself having to be more vulnerable, sensitive, compassionate and seek advice through community. I have two children and the one that has pushed me the most out of my comfort zone is the one that is creating the biggest impact as far as being a better person. In my transformation, his own change is blossoming like wild flowers.
My daughter, Mariah, was born in 1995. When she was 3 ½ months old, she died unexpectedly in her sleep. This forever changed my perspective on life and motherhood. When my boys were born several years later, I had a completely different view. I have cherished all the experiences my boys have gone through; every milestone is a huge accomplishment. Growth is learning to experience all that life brings our way, to find the good and positive in it all.
Ashley
Victoria Anne
April
Life Coach + Motivational Speaker Paso Robles, CA
Counselor St. Peters, MO
Coach & Branding Expert Houston, TX
The PERPETUAL YOU
As a mom of two boys I am reminded daily of how precious life and lessons learned are. They teach me more than I teach them. Their growth is rewarding and challenging; the experience to be a part of nurturing the life of another is such a blessing.
My role as play therapist urges me to access mothering energy for many different unique souls. I’ve learned that children want to grow and survive—that there is a tendency towards growth, given the right conditions. Letting go of control is one of the most fruitful things I do. Each child’s journey is unique and far greater than anything I could have envisaged, never mind engineered. For me, mothering is about being the container for growth.
Being an auntie, a mentor, and mothering a business, I now see how much sacrifice, dedication and love mothering requires. The simple things (I know I took for granted as a child) come flooding back to me—from “basic tasks” like showing up and being present to the everyday things like late night homework, play dates, and music lessons. What a unique and unselfish strength mothers have in choosing beyond themselves and their own desires.
Mothering has forced me to grow in ways I never knew possible, and kept me from growing in other ways—I'm not afraid to say that. You sacrifice when you become a mother, and even though I have tried to carve out time for myself and my passions, it is still a constant balancing act. Watching someone grow, literally, in front of your eyes, is an amazing gift and a constant reminder of the incredible power of the human body and brain.
Rachel
Cara
Katie
Play Therapist Hong Kong
Marketing Expert Baltimore, MD
High School English Teacher Arlington, MA
The E A S E I S S U E
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“ When I ask them how to be
free ,
they simply tell me to unfold, let go, and
bloom . ”
– ALEX ELLE The PERPETUAL YOU
dwell to align your physical space with your
ever-evolving self
The E A S E I SS U E
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