| Photo by Hilltop Photo Co. |

* The Monday Motivator is a series meant to motivate, encourage, inspire and provide advice on real life stuff.*

I'm going to be honest with you- I have an attitude writing this week's Monday Motivator. My gears have been grinding lately because of one thing: Facebook.

I know what you're thinking. A blogger? Annoyed with social media? Aren't you kind of asking for it?

Although social media is a huge part of the business of blogging, I don't find myself as annoyed with my blogging side of social media as much as I do with my own personal social media. Sure, the comparison game on Instagram continues to be a STRUGGLE, but that is a topic for another Monday.

Closet to Costume | Fortune Teller

Halloween is just around the corner, and if you're planning to go out this weekend but don't have a costume plan, I put together an easy one that may not even require you to leave your closet.

This year I'm dressing up as a fortune teller, and although I did purchase a few pieces, I had most of my costume already available in my wardrobe. If you love boho style like I do, this will probably be super easy to put together using your own closet.

The Monday Motivator | Stay Close

* The Monday Motivator is a series meant to motivate, encourage, inspire and provide advice on real life stuff.*

There's a saying that goes "stay close to anything that makes you glad to be alive."

I'm not sure who said this. I've only seen it on Pinterest. So if you're the owner and you're reading this, thanks for the words. 

For today's Monday Motivator, the day before my niece turns one, I felt this was an appropriate topic.

Fall Stylebook | How to Wear a Long Sweater Cardigan

As the days officially start to get chillier here in Illinois, I'm embracing sweater season and planning my outfits with a cozy mindset.

For today's fall stylebook, I took this Joseph A. long sweater cardigan and styled it two different ways. Long sweaters can be a little intimidating to wear, especially if your height is on the shorter side like mine. But have no fear- you can make this trendy piece work with the right outfit. 

Here are two ideas for styling a long sweater cardigan:

The Monday Motivator | Stop Introvert Shaming

* The Monday Motivator is a series meant to motivate, encourage, inspire and provide advice on real life stuff.*

One of my best friend's texted me on Saturday night and said, "I'm at home tonight reading, baking cookies and doing laundry" and in the following statement she said, "I'm so okay with it that I feel like I'm a different breed of 24 year old."

I couldn't help but giggle to myself and respond, "girl, that is literally my ideal night."  Because seriously, it is. 

Pumpkin S'mores Bars

Fall in the food world means two words: pumpkin. everything.

Like your average fall-obsessed individual, I too want to try all things pumpkin flavored. Pumpkin bread pudding? Absolutely. Pumpkin Spice Cheerios? Get in my shopping cart. Pumpkin ravioli? Lemme try.

But my one true dessert love is left behind in summer: s'mores. Just like I will try anything pumpkin flavored, I will also try anything and everything having to do with s'mores. GET. IN. MY. BELLY.

ban.do Warehouse Sale Haul

ban.do had their annual warehouse sale a couple of weekends ago and I went ALL OUT.

If you're not familiar with ban.do, they are a lifestyle brand based out of Los Angeles that designs clothing, accessories, stationary, planners and all kinds of gift items. I love this brand because their bright colors and unique pieces feel like a party. ban.do is inspired by "the power of friendship, the good old days, and all things fun" and that is exactly what I think of when I shop their brand.

The warehouse sale is a MAJOR event because they offer ha-uge discounts on a lot of their products. This year offered awesome deals that were available online too, so I made my move and picked up some items I've been eyeing forever.

The Monday Motivator | On Being Spontaneous

* The Monday Motivator is a series meant to motivate, encourage, inspire and provide advice on real life stuff.*

Another Monday has begun- get that coffee brewing!

Last week was a crazy, chaotic upside down MESS. I got selected for jury duty and spent a lot of time out of the office, and my usual routine went to shit. Although it's nice to get a break from work, I also know I will pay for it this week playing catchup. 

I am a creature of habit. In fact, we all are; some of us just go about it in different ways than others. I personally always like to have a plan- something that keeps me on track and positions me to know what to except from day to day. But just as much as I LOVE to plan, I also get bored with the same old routines.