Bridging the Gap: Life Lessons

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“You are never too old to be what you might have been.”

George Eliot

When asked to join the Bridging the Gap Campaign, I was initially hesitant. However, when Catherine, of CatherineGraceO, reached out to me with more info about how the campaign was pairing together millennials and midlifers in a unique way that had the potential to impact many I knew I had to be part of it. I’ve have spent the past few weeks connecting with my Bridging the Gap partner and can’t wait to tell you more about:

Nina of Sharing a Journey.

Nina of Sharing a Journey

This is one of the first pictures of Nina that I saw! I was instantly drawn to the free spirit of her smile and how she unabashedly breaks traditional style rules for midlifers by wearing fresh trends like this gorgeous off the shoulder top. Her style is chic and classic while incorporating fun spins through patterns and colors. The woman beneath the clothes is one of the most impressive and fearless women I have met! She has met life head on and whether working in the corporate world, serving in public office or starting her own business Nina has always put one thing first- her daughter. Nina is a proud mum and driven women- a perfect merger I hope to be able to imitate someday.

The woman beneath the clothes is one of the most impressive and fearless women I have had the privilege of speaking with! She has met life head on and whether working in the corporate world, serving in public office or starting her own business Nina has always put one thing first- her daughter. Nina is a proud mum and driven women- a perfect merger I hope to be able to imitate someday.

Through our time talking together, we found three main life points we felt remained unchanged as one moves through life. Nina put it best when she said, “Start with what you have and you’ll keep getting better.”

Life Lessons: From Your 20s To Your 100s

 

1: Some things never change.

Nina and I have audiences that differ in age, yet both are looking for the same things: to feel beautiful, be part of a community and to find their purpose in life. Just because we hit a certain number doesn’t mean we have suddenly figured everything out! Life is a constantly changing journey- perfection doesn’t come with age but experience does.

2: Life always presents the next step. 

Many times we feel lost or unsure of what we are supposed to be doing. As a millennial, I feel overwhelmed by societal stress and making big decisions about family and career; as a midlifer, Nina was able to emphasize letting that stress go because life will continually move forward and the opportunities will present themselves.

3: Listen.

The best way to learn is to listen. It’s SO important to not only listen to those with more experience than you but also to quiet your mind and listen to your heart. Nina listened to hers by choosing to leave a high paced career to raise her daughter- a decision that she says is the best she ever made.

Lastly, I want to leave with you some poignant advice Nina passed on to me:

“Enjoy and savor your life as it is today. Yesterday has already happened and tomorrow has not yet come. When we look too far forward or dwell in the past, we miss all the beauty of life’s unfolding before us.

Life has wonderful phases, being single, being in a relationship, having a family, and an empty nest. Each has certain joys, sorrows, and responsibilities–some things gained, others sacrificed–try not to rush ahead.

If you are present for your life, moment to moment, you will have fewer regrets, less anxiety, less anger and make far fewer “mistakes”. You’ll see that your power is in the present–that’s where thoughts form ideas, actions, and direction in life.”
Now that you’ve met my partner in the Bridging the Gap campaign,
head on over to Sharing a Journey to learn a little bit more about me. 
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3 Tips on How to Layer for Fall

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“I LOVE LAYERS.”

-Alexander Wang


How to Layer for Fall x Basking in Burgundy

I’m sure upon looking at these pictures you’re wondering why they are labeled how to layer for fall. Sure, upon first glance this looks like just another floral dress….

How to Layer for Fall x Basking in Burgundy

The secret to this ready for cooler weather look is:

How to Layer for Fall x Basking in Burgundy

A simple turtleneck is all you need to take any look from summer to fall! It’s the perfect item to add to your closet to maximize the amount of wear you can get out of any look! Read on for three ways to incorporate this piece into your fall look:

How to Layer for Fall x Basking in Burgundy

1: Put it under a dress!

This works on so many levels! For my look the black turtleneck simply makes the strapless dress look like a long sleeved one. This trick works under a short sleeve or tank top dress as well- just choose a complimentary colour turtleneck! For this trick, chose a thinner turtleneck that won’t be bulky under the dress.

How to Layer for Fall x Basking in Burgundy

2: Put it over a dress!

A turtleneck works equally as well over a dress! You can essentially double your wardrobe by turning all your dresses into skirts! A heavier knit turtleneck works better for this how to layer for fall trick, as it won’t show the line of the dress beneath it.

How to Layer for Fall x Basking in Burgundy

3: Layer it with your fav summer top!

Similar to how a turtleneck layers under a dress, you can put one under your fav summer tank and swap your wedges for otk boots for a look that is fall ready!

If your take aways anything from this post it’s how incredibly versatile a turtleneck is- over, under, or on its own it’s the perfect how to layer for fall piece!

What’s your favourite way to transition your wardrobe for fall?

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Beauty Edit: Best Amazon Beauty Buys

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“If you do build a great experience, customers tell each other about that.

Word of mouth is very powerful.”

Jeff Bezos

Hi, my name is Kait Elizabeth and I am a self-proclaimed Amazon addict.

I’ve been a Prime member since the company launched the membership program and it definitely pays for itself every month! FYI, an Amazon Prime membership is so much more than free two-day shipping. I use their music streaming service daily, often watch movies or shows via the site and LOVE using Amazon pantry to have groceries delivered right to my door. (One step closer to my goal of living in my pjs and never leaving the house…..)

Is Amazon your jam too?

Obviously, they sell everything under the sun which can make it difficult to sift through everything to find the winners. So for this Beauty Edit, I’m going to share five of the products I ordered from Amazon and have used in the past week!

Best Amazon Beauty Buys
Best Amazon Beauty Buys

1: AuraCacia Lavender Oil

Lavender is traditionally used for its calming effects. This oil is strong without being overwhelming! I love using it on my pillow at night or in my bath to relax.

2: Baby Foot

This product made it’s round last year as the big new thing in the pedicure world. I was hesitant at first to believe the results could be so good. Let me tell you though that this product works as claimed! Be prepared to wear socks for a while because your feet will be a flakey mess- but then you’ll have perfectly smooth Baby Feet!

3: Tony Moly Intense Care Snail Hydro-gel Mask

This mask is less than $10 and will help heal all the damage summer dealt to your skin! It’s super hydrating and leaves you feeling refreshed.

4: Lucas Paw Paw Ointment

This product has a cult following across the globe. It’s uber moisturizing and can completely change your lips overnight! I’ve posted about it before but love it so much I had to add it to my best Amazon beauty buys.

5: Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C Hyaluronic Essence

Have you ever tried the Lumene brand? It’s the bomb.com. The products are jam packed with vitamin c and are super gentle and brightening! I use their vitamin c serum and eye creme but just recently added the essence to my routine and my skin couldn’t be happier! Honestly, I’d compare it to the Ole Henrikson line!

What are your best Amazon beauty buys? I’ve love to hear what you use your Prime membership for!

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Stuff is Happening: What the news around the world?

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“A person who won’t read

has no advantage

over one who can’t read.”

-Mark Twain

I read a lot of blogs, like a lot of blogs- and news sites.

They aren’t all fashion and beauty related. I love reading blogs about technology (iPhone 8/X/finallyAppleisupdatingthedarnthingyall), politics, cooking, pop culture, classic literature, language and everything in between! Btw if you need any #newread suggestions I have your back.

Across all the blogs I read though, some of my favourite posts are round-up post! I know I just did one about my summer and Instagram, but there is SO much news around the world that I couldn’t stop myself from posting a general round up too. Let’s check out the news around the world together!

1: First stop: HOUSTON.

News Around the World x Basking in Burgundy

Getty Images via BBC News

I can not express how heart breaking the news coming out of Houston is. There are SO many people in need, who have lost EVERYTHING. I’m not even going to ask if you can imagine- because we can’t. There is something we can do- give. Give from what we are #blessed with to those who are in need. There are so many ways to give but here’s my favourite (their CEO doesn’t make millions and they don’t just minister to the physical, but also to the spiritual):

The Salvation Army

I know across America people are struggling. Being able to give $1 might not seem like a lot. $1 multiplied by dozens of people though adds up quickly. Will you be part of that? Money aside the BEST thing you can do in this situation is:

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thess. 5:17

2: On the lighter side: Let’s talk Taylor Swift.

News Around the World x Basking in Burgundy

Image: Photos by Class

Ugh. If you know me, you know I’ve never been a fan. Personally, it’s cause she claimed to be “country” but my “country” isn’t this diluted poppy stuff that I feel really started with her. Hey, everyone has their personal preference! In case you haven’t been online at all: Taylor Swift released a new song. People have a lot of feelings about this:

Taylor Swift is a snake.

Taylor Swift is mocking Kim Kardashian.

Taylor Swift’s new song is inspiring conspiracy theorists.

I’ll be honest. The new song is catchy- as catchy as “I‘m Too Sexy for My Shirt.”  (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself on that one.) On the Kim K. thing: bullying is never cool- even if it’s hypothetical, and this does look probable. Everyone has an image that they portray- famous people above all. Taylor, you do you babe, you do you.

3: Back to the serious: North Korea.

News Around the World x Basking in Burgundy

Image: Google Maps

This blog is NOT about politics, nor am I about to make it. This is world news craziness though! North Korea has fired missiles over Japan– a US ally. If you don’t think this is news, check again. You definitely want to keep your eye on this one!

4: BONUS: Anna Wintour

This didn’t happen this week; it’s Anna Wintour though and she’s timeless. (Plus you need an upper after some of the above and I have to do something about style.) Have you watched her answer 73 questions with Vogue? No? Click that link!

What news around the world are you following this week?

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Loss, Statistics and Finding Me

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It’s ok to not be ok.

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I’m eleven weeks pregnant in this photo.

Long enough that the bloat meant my pants wouldn’t fit.

Long enough for a dot to grow to the size of a lime.

Long enough for plans to blossom and dreams to grow.

Only it was all a cruel trick. The baby, my little Sweet Pea was only the size of an actual sweet pea, my body had yet to recognize the loss.

I opted to wait for a natural miscarriage, to carry on life until the inevitable end. Only it didn’t.

For eight long weeks, we waited. Every week the same: an ultrasound and the news nothing had changed. Eight long weeks of carrying a child I would never know beyond the changes being created in my body- the severe nauseous, the bloating, the hormonal changes, all the typical symptoms of pregnancy but none of the joy to be found at the end.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11

How does one cling to this truth when carrying a lifeless being within? How does one go from being a mum to every moment blaming yourself for being unable to support the little one’s life? To society, having a baby makes you a mum- losing one makes you a statistic.

“According to the March of Dimes, as many as 50% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage.” WebMD

What a statistic doesn’t tell you is everyone is different, how every story is unique, how every moment grouped together is completely individual. I didn’t have the miscarriage that was announced by blood loss. I didn’t have the miscarriage that was late term. I didn’t have a miscarriage due to eating sushi or drinking or deli meat. It wasn’t managed by Advil, it didn’t feel like cramping, it wasn’t over in a few hours. My miscarriage was “missed”. It was three rounds of labor inducing medication, several ER trips, dozens of prescription pain killers and ivs, and two months of bed rest. My miscarriage was finding out I was pregnant on our three year anniversary and surgery two days before my birthday. My miscarriage lasted into what should have well into my second trimester.

I didn’t just lose our Sweet Pea; I lost myself.

I hated my body: first for failing to keep my baby alive and second for failing to recognize the loss of my baby.

How does one recover from the loss of their physical and mental self?

I don’t know.

I’m not writing this with an answer. I’m not writing this for pity. I’m writing this to support the so called statistics. I’m writing this for every woman who has ever lost a pregnancy. I’m writing this to say:

It’s ok to not be ok.

It’s ok to not understand, to be angry, to be hurt, to feel lost. Through it all, the dark nights, the hard days, the tears BE KIND to yourself. Cancel all the plans, curl up in a ball buried under the blankets, turn off your phone. I cannot stress how important giving yourself time is. Time does not heal all as the old saying goes, rather it just gives you better ways to cope with the pain. Listen to your time- to how you feel, not how a doctor or a blog or a forum tells you that you should be feeling. You are not a statistic, you are your own story.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3: 1-4  

I’m not ok.

I don’t know when I’ll be.

 Until that day, I will continue to mourn, to value deeper the ones I love, and to search for ways to understand.

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PS: Here are two reads that have helped me not feel alone in this:

Melissa Rouch shares so many thoughts and feelings I thought I was alone with.

Leandra from The Man Repeller shares more on the self-compassion that is so important post miscarriage.