Why

“What’s your why??”  such a buzzy phrase right now, right?  everyone from fitness trainers to corporate CEO’s seem to be adopting some form of this to motivate and inspire their people.  While you may be seeing more of it recently, it has been around- and stuck around- for a long time.  And that’s because it’s basically asking “What is your PURPOSE?”.  If we don’t have a purpose, if we don’t have that WHY….then what exactly are we doing?  You might be thinking “um, cool your jets, Mer, this post is a little deep.  Just stick to jewelry and running and Cooper…with a little Philly sports thrown in”.  Don’t worry guys, those things make me so happy and those posts aren’t going anywhere….but I have felt the urge to explain my “why” recently after I realized something pretty big.

I was on Facebook the other day and saw a t-shirt that said something about being a mom or a boy-mom and I thought “oh Cooper is too old for me to wear that…” and it occurred to me that I never bought any of the “mom” t-shirts or coffee mugs or car magnets.  And that was because I’ve been embarrassed for the past almost 11 years.  Ashamed that I was not raising my son with a partner, as I had intended.  I was mortified to register for my baby shower….so much so that I made my mom drive me to New Jersey so that I wouldn’t run into anyone I know.  I spent 6 of the 9 months laying on my parents’ couch in hibernation and missing one of my best friend’s birthday celebration because I didn’t want to have to explain where my husband was.  After Cooper was born and we were out and about, I was always embarrassed to fill out paperwork or attend events at preschool or activities.  This is in no way a knock on any single parent of any kind….this is a true confession of not feeling like “enough” after my circumstances changed and allowing that to shape how I lived my life.  Like I wasn’t a good enough mom because my son’s father asked to end our marriage.  Like I wasn’t a good enough mom because I’ve had to use before and after care at school or camp.  Once I started dating after my divorce, I found myself waiting to divulge certain details that I thought would make me undesirable or “less than”…such as having Cooper 90% of the time or that we live with my mom and dad.  I thought that made me a lesser candidate to be in a relationship ….as though making the choice to live with my parents and having a built-in support system and role models for my son was less than living in our own place.  I have since gotten over that because let me TELL YOU ladies, any guy who doesn’t get that built in babysitters are priceless, doesn’t get A LOT of things that are important.

“Great, Mer….super story- what is the point, what does this have to do with your “why”?” It relates to my “why” because I found that I’ve carried this “not enough” ‘tude into my work, as well.  I’ve been selling Stella & Dot for a few years now and I’ve been relatively quiet about it, so as not to be awkward or seem “too much” or “pushy”.  I had this attitude not only on social media but in person and at Style Sessions.  I wouldn’t share all the details.  I wouldn’t reach out.  I would randomly share my stories on this blog and stress about if it was too much information and then not touch it for 6 months for fear of being annoying. I kept it small and to myself. Much like keeping small and on the sidelines at Cooper’s games or activities. But after a long weekend immersed in personal and professional development and some much-needed girl time, I realized I’m doing everyone around me a disservice.  Myself.  My kid.  My family.  YOU….I’m not being me and that is a damn shame.  I’m not doing all I can for my “why”: to have an awesome life with my son, doing all the things I’ve always dreamed of doing as a parent.  Embarrassed?  Ashamed?  No longer.  That is not my story. My story is: We are a family and who cares what that family looks like. No date for a concert?  I went alone.  (Highly recommend, btw!)  Proud of the team I’m on that sells women’s accessories?  You’re gonna hear about it because I want you to experience that awesomeness too.  (These girls are freakin’ cool!) Filling out emergency contact information for a baseball tournament?  Only listing “mom”, because girlfriend “dad” is not here and THAT IS OK!  I am enough.  Our life is enough.  My WHY is enough to keep me going.   My friends are enough.

You may not agree with me or have any interest in what I am talking about- ALSO OK.  But I’m no longer going to automatically make that assumption for you and quite frankly, I don’t care.  I’m more interested in my purpose and carrying it out and sharing it with you. If you’re into it, fantastic! Let me tell you MORE. To quote Brene Brown, “If  you aren’t in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback”. You don’t have to like how I live my life, but I’m not interested in what you have to say about it unless you are in it with me.

I wish you the realization that you are enough with your dreams and your goals and your “why”. I wish you the opportunity and the courage to share it with others.

Cheers!

Love,

Merrie Leigh

Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving!   I hope you all had a holiday filled with good food, big laughs with family and friends, and a little time for reflection.  The latter usually comes for me in the days after the holiday….this year was no exception.  Family from Florida, Texas, and Hawaii spent the majority of the week visiting and catching up.  We had LOTS of family time!  It’s so much fun and so good for my heart and soul, especially since Cooper is usually with his dad for Thanksgiving.  This week was quite busy and we jumped back into our regular routine as soon as we got off the Turnpike on Sunday.  I was finally able to sit down this morning after a chilly run with a big cup of coffee and reflect on what I’m currently thankful for….

1-  coffee (hey, it’s the little things sometimes, you know??)

2-  my relationship with my cousins across the country.  we don’t see each other very often at all, but we are able to spend time together in such an easy and familiar way.  our family is certainly one that is able to enjoy each other and cherish the time we do get to spend.  my grandmother is, i’m certain, watching down on us with a proud and happy heart.  

3-  social media.  i know, i know, this is a slippery slope and one that can be difficult to balance.  for me, it helps me keep in touch with friends and family who i may not see very often, as well as share my business and my little blog with all of you!  🙂  i’m choosing to use this outlet for positive tasks and personal goals, and hopefully bringing a smile or two to others.

4-  S.W.I.F.T- “strong women in fitness together” is the running group that I am so lucky to be a part of.  the women i have met and friendships i have formed through this club are invaluable.  every morning…ok not every morning because sometimes i hit snooze…we hit the road for miles of chatting, laughs, tears, and strength.  I think it is easy at times to take that bond for granted.  the every day miles can sometimes feel like just another “to-do”.  however, the day of the marathon i was reminded just how powerful women supporting other women can be.  running up to at least 10 of your friends (one with a megaphone no less) handing out hugs, snacks, and words of encouragement when you have the toughest part of the race ahead of you, is the best.  (sidenote, if you are interested in learning more about S.W.I.F.T, check out this website: http://www.swift4running.com/)

5-  Stella & Dot- following a similar theme of women supporting women, i can’t help but be grateful for this company and specifically the team that i am a part of.  whether it is helping each other with customer questions, media posts, style solutions, or setting and achieving goals- this group of women has you covered above and beyond.  i am so grateful that the opportunity was put in front of me and that i was able to share it with my friend Lindsay this year, as well.  i’m able to provide cooper with a number of experiences and things that i wouldn’t normally be able to, as well as fuel my passion for and expressing my creativity through styling women and helping them feel more beautiful and true to themselves.  This company truly empowers us and has reignited friendships and brought women into my life who i am so grateful to know.

6-  Life changes-  a number of friends have some exciting changes ahead over the next year and i couldn’t be happier.  since it is not my news to tell, i’ll keep it as simple as that, but HOLY COW I AM SO EXCITED!!!!

7-  Santa- i have to say i am so relieved that Cooper still believes in Santa.  I’m a little surprised, but happy to move the damn elf every morning if it means another year of a little extra Christmas magic.

8- my car-  on my way to meet up for our run this morning, it occurred to me that my car is a workhorse!  my little hatchback has gotten me through so much the past 9 years (you read that right, people- my car is 9 years old and i will drive it into the ground!  she still works quite well!):  a bazillion trips up and down the turnpike, random dates with boys both good and bad, various commutes to work and- for a few years- a school for Cooper that was completely out of the way but completely life changing for us both, quick zips to the shore (our happy place!!), adventures with Cooper, and the every day driving either alone or with him when those brilliant ideas and special moments happen….and where else can you be the queen of karaoke but in your car?!

9-  Kate and Leah-  this #girlgang of mine never ceases to amaze me.  goal-setting, awareness-raising, laugh-inducing babes.  (have you seen how gorgeous these two are!?!)  we  never hesitate to vent, listen, give ideas and advice, support, or shed a tear for each other.  no questions asked.   i’m proud of these two

 

 

 every day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for sharing  your coffee with me and reading my current thoughts on gratitude.  Wising you the opportunity to take stock of what makes you grateful right now….

Love,

Merrie Leigh

The Mindy Project

Well it looks like Autumn has finally decided to arrive….Daylight Savings, fallen leaves, and seasonal temps are here to stay.  I don’t know about you, but whenever the weather makes an abrupt change, I suddenly think I have nothing to wear.  (The numerous plastic tubs filled with clothing in my basement would say otherwise.)  Luckily, I do enjoy going through my clothes and putting looks together.  It was one of my favorite things to do as a teenager and still makes me feel super accomplished and put together when I plan my outfits ahead of time to this day.  I’ve also found that it makes getting ready, whether it be an event or night out or simply  a normal Tuesday, so much easier and less stressful.  No  more wondering if an item fits or how a top matches with a bottom …. not to mention it gives me so much more time to plan my jewelry around the outfit.  Which is my favorite part!!!  This year my plan is to really put my Stella and Dot collection to work.  I have an awesome selection from the Fall and Holiday lines that literally work with everything in my closet.  It’s so much fun (not to mention easier on my bank account) to mix and match new jewelry with outfits and clothing that I already have.

It’s always been easy for me to look at what’s currently hanging in my closet and put together a look that is mood or occasion dependent.  This, I’ve found over the years, is not easy or enjoyable for everyone.  I’ve always been the one who friends call and say “What should I wear to this….” or “Do these earrings go with this dress?” or “Can you come over and dress me for my date?”.  It’s always been something that I love to do!  The gorgeous girl pictured with me above is my friend Mindy.  She is someone who  always looks beautiful.  I’m not saying this because she and her husband feed me the best food and drinks around…they do, but seriously she never doesn’t look amazing.  Surprisingly, she feels like she is not very good at putting together “her look” and feels like her closet is random and a  bit challenging to work with.  We’ve been going back and forth about this topic for the past few years, but this year she is celebrating a very special birthday (yay 21!!!) so we think it is the best time to re-do her closet and focus in on her personal style.

I would describe Mindy’s style as a little bit  classic, a little bit edgy, with a sprinkle of bohemian thrown in for good measure.  Neither one of us can resist a stripe, a chandelier earring, or a good stiletto.  My short-term goal is to put together a look for her actual birthday.  I’ve already picked out her jewelry (obviously) and have a few looks in mind for the big day.  My next step is to go through her closet to take stock of what she has and what she might need to fill in.  Anything that doesn’t  bring her joy to wear, will be donated.  I want her to be able to pull any top out of her closet and pair it with any bottom and vice versa….and feel like herself.

I’m always a bit happier after a Stella and Dot style session- I’ve helped someone choose a piece of jewelry that not only works with their style and taste, but makes them feel a little more polished or sparkly or fun.  I feel the same way after styling a friend for an      event or a night out- I know how amazing they look and I want them to know it too.  With the holidays coming up, it can be overwhelming to dress for events both large and small along with purchasing gifts and hosting family.  Along with being your one-stop-shop for jewelry and accessories through Stella and Dot, I’m happy to offer my services that put together outfits and looks for specific occasions, pack for holiday trips, or organize your wardrobe so you what you’re working with and what you need to feel like YOU (maybe a stripe, a chandelier earring, and a good stiletto!!).  Message me with any questions or ideas.  

 

 

I’m looking forward to keeping you posted on The Mindy Project.  (Happy Birthday, my girl!)  And Happy Fall, friends!

Love,

Merrie Leigh

 

Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Hey there friends….
I know, I know- it’s been a while. A long while. I’d love to tell you that I was off jet setting around the world or falling madly in love with some rich, handsome man or finally figured out what a bento box is, but I wasn’t. And I didn’t. And I still haven’t. What actually happened was that I stopped.   I quit my extremely stressful and not-a-good-fit-for-me full time job and took two part time jobs. I stopped. Stopped dating. Stopped writing this blog. Stopped helping women style themselves. Reset. I basically pushed pause on the treadmill. 

Over the past number of years I had gotten very good at trying new things and meeting new people.  I had joined a few groups, ran some distances and races I never thought I would be able to run, and advanced professionally each time I set a goal.  However, this last advancement into a new position at a new company didn’t feel 100% authentic.  I thought it would be perfect for me and Cooper:  higher salary, more challenging projects, room for growth.  These are all of the things I should want…right?  A few blips occurred in the interview/hiring process that I should have paid attention to.  At one point it felt like the recruiter and I were forcing it to fit and work.  But it ended up going through, so it was the right choice….right?  Long story short, it was not the right choice for me.  It was too much, did not fit with my lifestyle as a single mom, took time away from other goals and passions that I had, and zapped my confidence.  I was losing my hair, not sleeping well, and was NOT a very pleasant person to be around.  But I took this job and I pumped it up and it was supposed to be so great for me, so I should stick it out…right?   Should, supposed to…words that are a clear indication that I was not making authentic choices.

I remember telling my mom a few days prior to giving my notice, “All I want to do is take care of my child and run.” So, essentially, that’s what I’ve been doing for the past year. I am able to get my son off the bus in the after school for the first time ever. We spent summer afternoons at the pool and dubbed this past season “the summer of Mom and Coops”.  I kept rising with the sun and logging miles with my running friends, but in a way that felt less stressful and more fulfilling.  I was able to watch the majority of my son’s baseball games and act as his taxi regularly.  I’ve found some of our best chats take place in the car….parents, I know you can attest to this, as well!  

It has taken a full year, almost to the day, but I finally, FINALLY feel like myself again.  A few great examples of this include my new membership to Orange Theory Fitness.  My brother had gifted me a month’s membership for Christmas over a year ago.  I had been too self conscious, stuck in too much of a rut, and not motivated enough to join.  I was scared and feeling yucky.  This summer I put my big girl sports bra on and, with the help of Leah (guys, she is SERIOUSLY my life saver….you have no idea), kicked some serious a** once a week at Orange Theory.  I’m hooked!  Last week I took a class and realized that the instructors often talk about getting “comfortable being uncomfortable”.  I think this is so fitting for me as a mom, as a woman, as a runner.  I forgot what it felt like to be comfortable stepping outside of the box and challenging myself because I was living so far outside of my authentic self that literally everything was stressful and beyond uncomfortable.  I’ve worked my way back to getting comfortable being uncomfortable while staying true to myself.

Thank you for welcoming me back and taking the time to catch up!

Love,

Merrie Leigh

You’ll Be Fine…

WARNING:  Long Post About Running

Hey strangers….it’s been a while, huh?  Remember when I talked about how I just kind of freeze up when there is a lot going on…..?  Yeah, that happened.  New job, two big races, insane kiddo schedule…what happened to Spring?   I do have a few things I want to share with you, mainly race recaps and some thoughts on friends.

I would like to start off by sincerely thanking everyone who donated in some way to my fundraiser for the HollyRod Foundation and Pace School in Pittsburgh.  The generosity shown blew me away and I felt so proud to give them our donation and tour the school.  This is truly a special, special place where kids can learn to thrive and grow with the specific resources they need.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the amazing start to the trip.

My weekend in Pittsburgh turned out to be more than I could have hoped for.  I was able to do a little good, meet up with old friends, as well as make new friends and learn to love Pittsburgh again.  In all honesty, I had a lot personally riding on this race….I lived in Pittsburgh for a number of years and attended a few years of college at the University of Pittsburgh.  My ex-husband lives there, as well as his family and a number of people I “lost” in our divorce 9 years ago.  This race has been on my bucket list as a redemption, of sorts, and I intended on crushing it in order to prove something to myself and the memories surrounding my time there.  What turned out to be a suggestion to run the race with my good friend, Wesley, turned into my opportunity to check this race off my list.  It was now my race to run.   I admittedly get very bad race nerves…  Anyone who has raced with me, knows this.  Wesley had a tall order in front of him:  he was pacing me for a race that was technically difficult, in a city that I felt had left me emotionally broken.  Not only did he have to motivate me to physically complete this race, he also had to manage the emotions that came along with it.  I was not exactly the best company, even though we had a few amazing meals with some amazing friends both old and new.

Wesley kept telling me “You’ll be fine”.  I was starting to hate that phrase and his cheerful disposition by the time the race approached.  “How does he know I’ll be fine??”  I thought.  “This is only my second marathon…this is a really tough course”. “He told me I would be fine two weeks ago when I went trail running and I got lost”. “This is easy for him, this is his ‘thing'”.  It turns out, it’s also my thing.  For 26 miles I ran to prove to myself that I’m not broken; that I’m better than I was when I packed up my car 9 years ago and drove back to Philadelphia without a clue what I was going to do with my life and how I was going to raise my unborn son; that any mistakes I had made here were just that- mistakes- and people make mistakes only to  rise above them- it’s called grace.  Wesley did an amazing job of putting up with me and my changing moods throughout the race.  Finally around mile 20, I realized the mileage left was completely doable- and I was doing it.  I relaxed a little and let him boss me around (I drank a tiny beer at the Church Brew Works and even cracked a smile).  We had lost the 9 minute pace group before the half-way point, so I was certain as I neared the finish that I had not PR’ed this race.  But I was OK with that- I felt strong and at peace with where I was and how I had approached this challenge and this city.  I crossed the finish with a smile and tears of happiness and relief.  We shuffled towards the snacks and he asked how I was feeling.  Aside from just wanting to sit down, I said “I feel good!  Really strong!  It’s OK that I didn’t PR.”  “Mer…You PR’ed by 15 minutes”, he laughed, “Why do you think I was pushing you so hard at the end”.  That’s when the tears reeeeaaaallly started.  It wasn’t a fluke.  I was a runner and I was fine.

Two weeks later I set out to accomplish a secret goal I had for myself:  Uberendurancesports Dirty German 50k Trail Race.  31 trail miles on a course I was only slightly familiar with, on legs that had just raced a marathon.  Wesley and a few close friends were the only ones who knew about this goal until about the week before.  I received a lot of “Are you crazy?” and “Are you sure you can do this??”  No, I actually wasn’t sure.  I had just started trail running and didn’t have the luxury of a pacer for this race.  “You’ll be fine” Wes said at the start.  “Seriously with that?!?”  My nerves were shot.  I was annoyed that he was running this with someone else, extremely nervous for myself, and nervous for my girlfriend Sara, attempting her first official 50 mile race.  I started with Wes and Kate (more on Kate later), but fell into my own pace behind.  I met up with them at the first few aid stations.  “You feel ok?  You’ll be fine”.  I forced a smile, nodded, and said “OK”.  I was almost finished the first lap when my knee started bothering me. 14 miles in and  I was feeling the knee pain that had occurred during my first marathon.  I didn’t panic, but I was upset.  As I got to the area where we had dropped our bags, I decided to change my shoes in the hopes that would help.  Wes and Kate found me and I told them about my knee.  He offered to tape me up and wait for me so that I could start the second loop with company.  As the three of us started out, I felt immensely unsure how I was going to get through the next 15-ish miles, but I knew I wasn’t quitting this race.  Kate took off ahead and Wesley hung back with me for a few minutes.  “You’ll be fine.  Take it easy on the downhills and take the uphills faster than you can.  It will help.”  I trusted him, but I was a wreck.  He went ahead to pick up with Kate and I fell back into a slower pace.  There was no one around me.  That’s when I lost it.  Big, heavy, heaping sobs.  I felt scared and unsure and angry and alone.  So I called my girlfriend Leah, who always knows what to say.  After calming me down she reminded me why I was here.  It’s not supposed to be easy.  What would be the point in running an easy race?  She reminded me I was not alone and told me I would be OK.  I hung up with Leah, popped more ibuprofen and took off.  As I caught up with Wes and Kate at the next aid station, I felt much better mentally.  I started with them and continued to talk to myself about why I was out there.  That’s when I  settled into a good, steady pace and took the rest of the race as it came.  With some pain, but also with the joy and determination of someone setting out on a new challenge, I ran the second half much stronger and faster than the first.   I was able to see Kate cross the finish and complete her first 50k, too!  It was an amazing day with so much support from friends.  Wesley was right, I was fine. I had just run an Ultramarathon.  Me.  I did it.  I WAS FINE.

Do you have friends who you call on in specific situations?   Friends who you’ve just only met but you connect with instantly?  Friends who you absolutely know without a doubt why they were put in your path?  Me too.  🙂  I feel so fortunate to have the  friends that I do.  And I absolutely love when friends from different circles come together.  I was reminded of this that weekend in Pittsburgh, as well as during the Dirty German race.  I would never have met a few friends if it weren’t for Wesley.  Girls who I connect with, not only because we run, but because we think alike and have some shared life experiences.  Sara is one of them…she and I connected instantly and, lucky for us, our boys get along really well.  (Btw- Sara CRUSHED her first official 50 miler!)  Kate is another friend I never would have met if it weren’t for Wesley (pictured above).  She and I are doing a quick trip to Milwaukee in September to run a half marathon and see a baseball game (who doesn’t love baseball pants, ladies??)…and just like that a bond is formed.  I don’t question why Wesley and I are friends or why he was put in my life:  I’ve met some amazing people because of him, including him, and I am so grateful for his friendship.  I know, without a doubt, I could not have made it through either one of those races without his support.  Those two races were a turning point for me.  I learned I am a runner.  I learned how to dig a little deeper.  I learned that I WILL be fine.  No matter what is ahead of me.

 

Love,

Merrie Leigh

About

Boy Mama.  Marathon Runner.  Jewel Lover.  Stylist.

http://www.stelladot.com/sites/meredithlweiss/

Source: About

#weekendcoffeeshare

I’m a little behind on my #weekendcoffeeshare…..but I have a lot more to say on this Tuesday afternoon, than I would have on Saturday morning.  Here goes….

If we were having coffee, I would tell you that this blog is now PUBLIC!  Yep,  putting it all out there.  Why not…  JFDI!  It’s about that time! I’ve been rolling the idea around for a while now and with the help of my sweet, brave, amazing fried Sarah of Live Uplifted, I did it.  So…yeah, friends, we’re public.  Woot woot!  BTW- you should visit Sarah’s website…  you won’t be disappointed.  Trust me.

If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I’m carrying a truckload of anxiety lately….remember my post about everything happening at once?  That’s right now:  Pittsburgh marathon, new job, travel baseball for the kiddo, public blog & new side business, exploring some medical issues, kiddo potentially testing out of his IEP….it’s all happening.  Right this minute.  That’s life, right?  How do you combat anxiety and enjoy the ride?  I run, I meditate (try to), I vent to friends…these are things that give me perspective and help me feel more in control and centered.

Speaking of side business….If we were having coffee, I would probably tell you that I love your shirt or your lip gloss or your necklace….because those are things I always notice and ABSOLUTELY LOVE.  All things girls: accessories, make-up, clothes.  I ended up at a college studying Fashion Apparel Management and Merchandising and worked for a buyer for a few years in Pittsburgh.  SO.  MUCH.  FUN.  And I’ve missed it ever since moving back to Philly.  With Sarah’s help, we came up with a plan and a direction.  What does this mean?  If you need help with make-up, styling, accessories or all of the above, I’m your girl.  I sell jewelry through Stella and Dot, which is a great way to help  women accessorize, socialize and feel great about themselves.  I also do personal styling consultations and make-up applications for any type of event….maybe you haven’t had a date night in FOREVER, maybe you have an interview, or maybe you just need some fresh ideas.  I’m happy to help!

If we were having coffee, I would end with telling you about my friends.  I have a lot of friends from all different phases of my life.  I’m good at being a friend and I love what my friends bring to my world.  This coming weekend while I’m in Pittsburgh, I have the opportunity to help a friend from college.  She is one of the bravest mamas I know and could use some support.  Her oldest son, Jack, is on the Autism Spectrum and attends Pace School in Pittsburgh.  I have the opportunity, through Stella and Dot, to make a donation to the school that has helped Jack so much.  As fate/luck/the universe would have it, I’m able to visit the school this weekend  and personally make the donation.  I cannot wait!   To show support for Cassie and see old friends while I’m in Pittsburgh means so much to me.  I’ve received so much love and support over the years, it feels good to pay it forward.    To support Cassie and Pace School, as well as Autism Awareness, shop this link.   Search for “Wishing Bracelets” and purchase one today.  I’ll have a recap of the visit and the race when I return…

 

Thanks for having coffee with me today!  xo

Love,

Merrie Leigh

be-YOU-tiful

Beauty….so many definitions out there, right?  So many products, different representations of what is considered “beautiful” or “attractive”.  I don’t know about you, but sometimes these advertisements and articles and social media posts have me a little confused about how to look pretty…not only for others but for ME!

What I have found, only recently, is that I feel most beautiful and look the best when i feel like MYSELF.  Crazy concept, right?  Wearing clothing, makeup, and/or accessories that enhance or support my personality and spirit instead of channeling someone else’s concept of that spirit.  Don’t get me wrong, I definitely look for inspiration in magazines or on Pinterest, but I often use them on friends or others when I am doing their makeup or styling them for a night out.  Because everyone’s definition of beautiful is different, I like to have knowledge and ideas of various styles and looks.

So the question then becomes, how do you feel like YOU to look like YOU?  In some of the best pictures of me, I look confident and happy.  I’m usually with my son or have just finished a race or with friends relaxing and celebrating.  These are times when I feel the happiest and most at peace.  It’s important to me to reflect on those times and be aware of how I am feeling about myself and carry those feelings with me in all situations in order to stay true to myself and my spirit.  This makes it easier and more authentic to get ready in the morning or going out with friends or on a date….Less tantrums and “ugh!  this doesn’t look right!”

Feeling good equals looking good.  What do you do to FEEL good that makes you LOOK good?

Love,

Merrie Leigh

 

JFDI!

Let’s talk about timing…..

I don’t know about any of you, but I typically feel like I either have nothing going on or I am carrying the world on my shoulders.  In times when my plate is very full, I tend to do nothing.  I take no action.  I almost freeze.  Because a lot of times, what’s going on in my world involves taking risks and being vulnerable and trying new things.  Scary stuff!  But what’s worse than feeling scared, is feeling regret at missing opportunities and experiences.  It’s taken me a loooong time to be able to admit that and use that as motivation.

I just recently read an article about starting your own business (more on that later…).  The author laid out a few tips and tricks, as well as behaviors and attitudes that she’s used to become successful.  One of those was “JFDI”….in other words “just f*cking do it”.  This has become my new mantra.  When I’m over analyzing, beginning to freeze up and find excuses for “bad timing” I simply say “JFDI!”.  Whether I’m running trails at night for the very first time or writing a new blog post or interviewing for a new job, this phrase has the power to push me off that cliff of fear and get moving so that these opportunities and experiences can actually happen and I can trust the timing of my life.

One of those scary (ok TERRIFYING) opportunities is starting my own styling business.  I am currently a stylist for Stella and Dot and would like to expand my services beyond jewelry and accessories to make up and wardrobe.  Details are coming soon!  In the meantime, keep jumping off those cliffs and remind yourself to “JFDI”!

Love,

Merrie Leigh

Welcome!

Hi there!  Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Since this is my first post, I thought I’d tell you a little bit about me and why I wanted to start this blog….

That’s me.  Merrie.  And my son, Cooper.  He’s turning 8 this month (more on that later).  We live right outside Philadelphia.  I work in Human Resources for a large Hospital System during the day and am a Stella and Dot stylist at night/on the weekends….in between running/training for races and running Cooper to games and practices of various sports (baseball season is about to start!).

I love all things girly, which you’ll get to see quite often, but I can hang with the guys cracking jokes and watching a game.  That’s how this blog came to be….my sense of humor.  About EVERYTHING.  Especially dating as a single mom, raising a boy as a single mom, and really laughing at life in general.   With a few gentle suggestions from friends, I decided to start this blog to document the fun and funny things that occur in my life, as well as style and beauty suggestions.

I hope you enjoy following me along as the Spring unfolds and we see what the Summer of 2016 has in store!

 

Cheers,

Merrie xo