It’s been quite a while since I’ve written something raw and emotional on this blog. I’m not sure why, but over the years I somehow lost my voice. Anytime I would open up my computer to write something that was in my heart I would freeze and I would convince myself that whatever it was I had to say was not worthy enough to be published…I feared that I would be talked about and judged.
That being said, this lead me to stick to writing about the easy things in life while continuing to share my love of fashion, interiors, and family. While I truly enjoy all of those things, and really love talking about them, the truth is that life isn’t always easy. Todd and I have been married for almost eleven years now, and I’ll be the first to tell you it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. About three years ago Todd and I hit a “rough patch”. We didn’t seem to agree on anything, and we were constantly competing with each other over who did more. We would get in the biggest fights over the most ridiculous things. At the end of each day, we both felt exhausted and so disconnected.
We both knew we still loved each other, but we also knew we needed help. Starting therapy was the best decision either of us have ever made. It not only saved our marriage, but it brought us closer than I ever thought possible. Now don’t get me wrong, therapy wasn’t always easy…it was actually pretty brutal for a while. Things that we didn’t even know were an issue were brought to our attention, and things that had bothered us for a long time, but were “swept under the rug” came out in full force.
Todd and I learned so much about one another, and we also learned so much about ourselves. At the end of the day, the biggest and the most important thing we learned is that in order to be happy as human beings, we have to be CONNECTED. And in order to be connected, you have to talk about the things that aren’t always easy. You also have to share how you’re feeling and what’s on your mind. No two people in this world are alike and we all think very differently, so if you are not communicating with one another, you both assume how the other is feeling… and we all know what they say about assuming 🙂
Todd and I “graduated” from therapy about six months ago, and while things still aren’t always perfect, as a couple, I can honestly say we are stronger and more connected than we’ve ever been.
Between work, kids, and life in general, making time to connect with your significant other is no easy task…but it’s so important. And while Todd and I have had date nights since Carson was born, it wasn’t until recently that we really started to embrace them.
The photos below are a pretty good example of where we are at these days as a couple. While both of us would rather skip a photoshoot and head straight to dinner, I knew I had a collaboration with Nordstrom coming up. And after checking out the brand that I was asked to share, I realized that it was a brand Todd and I would both love. So we decided to make this collaboration fun and shoot the look together before we headed out to dinner. And I’m being dead serious when I say we actually had fun taking these photos. We laughed, goofed off, and made the best of “working” before dinner.
After all the deep stuff above, let me tell you all a little more about the new brand 1901 Todd and I both love. First off, I am obsessed with almost all of their dresses…the designs, the fit, the prices, and the quality are all amazing. And while I wore this one for the shoot, I also ordered this one and this one. The men’s collection by 1901 is just as good as the women’s. Todd loved his shorts and his button down so much that he had me order them both in a few more colors. And I can’t lie, I love the way Todd’s legs look in a pair of 7 inch shorts 🙂
Make sure you check out these gorgeous pieces from 1901 below. This stripe V-neck dress has my name all over it!
Thank you for sharing! I think it takes guts to go to therapy and put in the work it takes to keep a healthy marriage. I look at therapy like going to church – you probably aren't going to read the part of the Bible that troubles you or you don't want to hear, but you if you go to church, you might hear the message God has for you. Same with therapy – therapists don't let you hide from the topics you'd rather not discuss.
And also – you're not alone in this dept – my husband and I hit 11 years later this year and there are definitely ups and downs and rough patches. You are brave to be honest and raw about it and I am glad you two have found a happier place with each other.
Thank you for sharing! I think it takes guts to go to therapy and put in the work it takes to keep a healthy marriage. I look at therapy like going to church – you probably aren't going to read the part of the Bible that troubles you or you don't want to hear, but you if you go to church, you might hear the message God has for you. Same with therapy – therapists don't let you hide from the topics you'd rather not discuss.
thanks for being real, girl! xoxo
Your honesty is inspiring to so many – so glad that therapy has helped and you are both stronger for it x
And also – you're not alone in this dept – my husband and I hit 11 years later this year and there are definitely ups and downs and rough patches. You are brave to be honest and raw about it and I am glad you two have found a happier place with each other.
You use Kim to take your photos? I just took an Iphoneography class from her at my church. She's awesome.