And Now I Am Here

I have been putting off this update for a bit. As I was looking back on some of my older blogs, I realized I really needed to get my words out of my head and out to you. Most of you are not surprised at all that the time has come for another pivot. I love that you all have grown to know and root me on when these times come.

You have made my life so full! For those of you who have followed me from morphing my brand from The Beauty Room and to those who I’ve just recently met through Greenish- you have made so many of my dreams come true as corny as it sounds.

In 2012 when I graduated from TSPA for esthetics, I don’t think I had the closest idea of what this career had in store for me.

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From being able to have an income to support my life, to traveling, to creating a magazine to hosting Tuesday Talks and everything in between. I have been able to flow through all of my wildest ideas and dreams, because you guys are so absolutely amazing.

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Creating and holding space for each client has been a grounding force in my life. Through dating woes, moving cities, figuring out who I am in those 12 years- you have all given advice, hugs and held space for me as well. I am forever grateful for what was and what is to come.

Now for the part that you’re here for. I am not actually sure of what is to come. That sounds exciting, but I have never been more scared in my life. I girl bossed to close to the sun and it fucking burns.

I am heartbroken. In my personal life and in my business. I’ve always been an open book and now isn’t different. I just need more time to process. I also need the break that I urge you all to take when you enter the treatment room. Well, I actually need about 6 months of self- care days, my therapist to be on speed dial and have no other clients and to be dropped off on another planet.

Until that happens, I just wanted to let you know that I am so appreciative of your support and that I will, for now, be offering spa services one weekend a month and will update booked clients on the dates and location. I'll be at different pop ups in a few cities, offer at home parties and human design charts are always available online. Be sure to have your email updated in your client portal, because that is where I will be sending the most important information.

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If you are going through a time in your life, I want to remind you and MYSELF that nothing is permanent. Which is truly so beautiful as it is terrifying. Let’s cry, laugh, not understand it and ground ourselves. Spring is coming and it is truly the season of releasing the old, and focusing on fertilizing what’s to come.

Downtown Denver, Colorado | City Finds 2023

 For Jake's 35th birthday we decided to go to one of his favorite places Denver, Colorado.  This place is special to both of us because it is where we got engaged 2 years ago. The first visit we didn't get to explore as much of the city so we made that a priority this time.

Here is the lowdown on the cutest places that we visited during our trip.

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Starting with the Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver it is located in the Heart of the City and was in a really  great location for seeing the city,

I am pretty picky about where I like to stay as I always want to have an environment that is inspirational and different from my everyday life. I love how modern but also understated the details were in our room and throughout the hotel. While the space was small, it provided everything that we needed for our stay. The  shower was probably one of my favorite things because it was very spacious.

Since we arrived very early on our nonstop flight from Evansville we weren't able to check in right away but the staff was very accommodating and let us check in our luggage while we explored around downtown until the room was ready.

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We walked a couple blocks down to Milk Market which was full of really cute restaurants. We weren't quite used to the set up so we were a little confused when we were trying to order but got it all figured out and I had a sushi bowl and Jake had a burger and we both got a drink while we were waiting. Our room was ready by the time we were getting the check and we headed back to the hotel to freshen up before dinner.

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On our first night we stayed in and went to Apple Blossom which is a very cute restaurant located inside of our hotel. It is a farm-to-table dive but they do have a happy hour prior which was pretty  by saying due to the cute drinks decor and nice prices.

Once we had a couple drinks at happy hour our reservation was ready for Apple Blossom and we headed over and did I believe about three courses of extremely delicious food. 

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The next morning when Jake explored out with his friend I decided to get a facial at Aveda, it is a cute experience if you are tight on funds but still want to treat yourself I highly recommend going to the Aveda Institute for a treatment. Once I was done there I headed to ChoLun- a very Swanky asian-inspired restaurant for lunch. some of the best food I've ever put in my mouth.

As I was wrapping up on my solo daytime date, we met up and  visited the Denver Aquarium which was  bigger than I expected and  randomly had a lion in it. The aquarium was very cute. We saw all of these different types of fishes and it also had a space where you could pet the stingrays. I would highly recommend it if you are wanting to entertain children or just have a chill moment in your day while exploring.

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Our following day we met up with one of Jake's friends that lives in Denver and headed out to Breckenridge for the morning. Unfortunately the slopes were closed to go up the mountain but we did go into the City and found a cute restaurant to check out. I also got a really great Donut for free from the sweet lady at Daylight Donuts. We wandered a bit further and found a restaurant up in the mountains. The landscape was beautiful and I can't wait to visit during the winter so that we can see more of that side of Denver.

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That night we had planned to meet up with our photographers so we spent time with them at happy hour at apple blossom before we headed around downtown to take photos.

Once we were done with photos we headed to Sunday vinyl this very cute bar to meet up with friends. They had just moved to Denver a couple weeks prior.  This small bar had such a Vibe. I ended up getting a  wine flight inspired by the vinyl that they had on playing that evening. The food was all so amazing and of course we couldn't have had better company.

Wine Flight Night at Sunday Vinyl

Once we were done there we headed to Citizen rail or Jake's birthday dinner. He loves steak and I literally looked up probably 20 places before we decided on this one and it did not disappoint. The highlight of this dinner was the duck fat potatoes you must get if you stop here.

The  Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver made some cute touches for Jake's birthday. They included a set of drinks from the family Jones and a coupon so we decided to drop by the family Jones for drinks.  I immediately loved the place for its cozy decor oh, but what made me love it the most was the quality of their drinks and their food.

Drinks courtsey of Hyatt Centric from The Family Jones

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We capped the night by stopping by Avanti which was a mixed-use space of restaurants and bars in a really cute neighborhood.  They were playing a movie outside on a huge projector. I wish we had more things like this back home so there were lots of people doing lots of different things and we just mingled around the space. 

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RECAP of Places we loved

• Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver

• Apple Blossom Denver

• Milk Market

• Cholon

• Denver Downtown Aquarium

• The Family Jones Spirit House

• The Sunday Vinyl

• Avanti Food & Beverage Hall

Something Blue | Evansville, IN Wedding Shower

Planning a Wedding can be stressful.

Looking back, this shower could have defininetly been the wedding. We had everything we needed. All the people we loved, our dog and great food.

If you are looking to make your life a bit easier here is your list of things/professionals to use for your shower or micro wedding.

Myriad Brewing Company $500 for 4 hrs, we tapped the bar at $500
La Campinara - we did a taco bar $400
Photographer - Nichole Davis Photography, I believe we had her for 3 hrs $350
Decor - Simply Yours Events did a great job and by the end of it was about $1000
My veil $1800, planned to wear for the wedding as well from House of White
Dress- Express, less than $40, shoes payless $30
Music - personal favor, but I believe Casey Williams is about $100 an hr.

Dessert bar, my friends gifted, I’m assuming it was about $250. The friends, priceless.

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What’s been your sticking point so far in wedding planning?

One Day In | Nashville, Tennesse

505 BUILDING

I love a good day trip. There is nothing like popping into a city for a day. With Evansville, IN being in a really good position for quite a few, I try to get to a new surrounding state every couple months. Nashville hasn’t been on the top of my list, but now I have friends in the city.

Emma and I headed down for a night and stayed in her condo as she splits time between Evansville and Nashville. The 505 Building is located downtown and is super freaking cute. We spent most of our time here after we hit up Whole Foods on the way in. The pool and co working spaces were my favorite.

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MURALS

If you’re a picture girl, there are a ton of murals so don’t forget to stop and strick a pose.

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SEW NASH

If you are looking for something to do out of the usual bar hopping in Nashville, I highly recommend visiting SEW NASH. I found them on Airbnb Experiences and this was SO fun. I haven’t really sewn much in my life, but by the end of it I was ready to start a new business. We got to sew a bandana that Ziki looks amazing in. We also made a makeup bag that I use religiously. Our instructor was so cute and informative. If you want to bring in drinks and snacks you can. The vibes are immaculate and I totally think this would be great for bach parties, family get-togethers or just a night out to catch up with friends. Once of my favorite touches was that each sewing machine was named after a Diva. I got Dolly.

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SUPPER CLUB

This super swanky place had a llve jazz band. If you’re looking for some good music and not to get to rowdy, but still have a good time this is the spot. The Supper Club was just one level of The Twelve Thirty Club. We didn't explore the others, we’ll leave that for another time. The speakeasy vibes the Supper Club was giving is enough to fill your cup. We had a few bites- the mushroom medley and one of the desserts. Both left my mouth very happy.

Have you been to any of these places? Would love to know what you thought in the comments!

My Breast Reduction Story

If you have been on my side of the internet you have seen my announcement. I have finally gotten a breast reduction. It all happened very quickly and slowly. I’ve always been one to share my experiences, so there is no holding back on the newest adventure. Here is everything I have to share on the experience in hopes that is helpful for you.

Before and post op 1 week

My first consultation was in September of 2021 at Flannagan Plastic Surgery. The overall consultation left me uneasy. I was told that due to how my breast fell they were going to remove my nipple and I would lose all feeling. The feeling part was totally fine for me. They continued to explain that I would not be able to breastfeed. My partner and I were in the middle of wedding planning and had not completely decided about children yet. When I asked if there was another way, the doctor proceeded to say only 30% of women can even breastfeed. Which didn’t really answer my question, but was their way of saying no. Even if that is true, there was just not a lot of sympathy given or regard for other options.

I was planning to pay out of pocket, because I believed that my insurance would not cover the procedure. Flannagan’s office had already quoted 10k for the procedure.  This sounds like a lot, but my braces were about 5k. So I was ready to take on the payment if I could do it monthly. With the information given, I kind of gave up at that moment and went back to wedding planning.

A few months later, in February 2022, I was re-telling the story to my hairstylist. She had already been looking for a plastic surgeon and had found a surgeon in our insurance network. I was amazed and reached out to the Deaconess Plastic Surgery office right after our appointment. There was a bit of a wait to get in, which was the same for the previous office, but I was feeling optimistic and they set my appointment for consultation for May and it got pushed to June. I would allow for 2-3 months before you can even get in for a consultation.

In between all of this I had been visiting Core Chiropractic about once a week up front until I only needed it once a month. This helped quite a bit with discomfort and I knew I would need some kind of documentation of the issues my breast had been causing me. I paid about $50 per visit out of pocket. I did need this referal documentation when surgery came along.

Once my consultation came around, I met Dr. Kottwittz and her nurses. She explained to me what insurance is typically looking for- being a certain BMI and being able to take a certain amount out from the breast. She went over and drew out what her typical incision and scar would look like. I told her I really wanted to keep my nipple and she said she rarely had to take them off and would do everything to avoid that.

She informed me they would submit the information and then it was a waiting game on when we would hear back.

I left feeling really optimistic, but did throw it to the back of my mind since I didn’t know when we would even hear back. I went on to purchase my wedding dress and plan things basically as if I would still have these boobs for a while. 

Late August I got the call from the office that I was approved and they scheduled it right away. I had little time to get too scared, because it all happened so fast. I had one appointment the week they called and then I was right into surgery after labor day.

For the day of the surgery you have to stop eating/drinking at 12 am. You need a person there with you. My sister took me and stayed with me. For mine, I had to arrive 2 hours prior to surgery, which was 6 am. They planned for 4 hours of surgery and then they monitored you after before you could go home. The anesthesiologist did an amazing job. I woke up feeling no pain. I was starving though and ordered a lot of Panera. 

My mom, sister and friend Casey were all there when I woke up. I talked for a little bit and went straight to sleep. Once I woke up again, I was walked to the bathroom and then dressed for the journey home. Post- op week one wasn’t unbearable pain- it’s mostly just all uncomfortable. You can’t lift anything and you have to sleep on your back. I am about 2 weeks post op and I am moving around a bit more and cleared for driving, but trying to take it easy. I did finally start feeling my nerves healing. It feels like weird electrical pulses coming and going

All in all, I would do it again. The emotional toll was way more than I expected. Seeing myself in my clothes and actually having room and not being at war at how my breast will fit. I still get a little teary eyed. I am also changing status in my life to becoming a wife, my business is shifting and I am getting braces off. So you may not cry as much as me.

If you have been that girl that has to alter the way you move and what you  wear to be at the mercy of your breast size, I highly recommend looking into a breast reduction. The recovery isn’t easy, but it is totally worth it.

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THE TIPS

having to be on my back is proably the worst part

Had so many sweet deliveries

Do homework on your doctor’s before and after and scar styles.

Once I was told I had to have my nipple taken off I just believed that was the only way! There are actually quite a few ways you can get your boobs reconstructed. It helps to go in with questions and be somewhat informed.

Save money.

Even if you plan on using insurance you are going to have to take off work for quite a bit. Some people go back after a week or so. I watched countless youtube videos of experiences from artists and other service providers and their number one regret was not taking more time off to heal. I took 3 weeks off and I wish I would have saved a bit more to not worry about money at all during my break. I am very blessed to have a partner and a great community of people who have sent food which was a bigger help than I realized.

Be very adamant about size.

I think almost every video I watched people are relieved, but want smaller. I think my surgeon did an amazing job with the shape and scar placements. I do worry that since I will be able to move more that once I lose a little weight that I will still have big boobs. I think no one believes you when you say you want them as gone as possible because it’s not the norm. So have conversations and have your nurse put it in your notes every time you visit.

Be ready to get emotional. 

It feels like you are getting something done that you have been waiting for for such a long time, but our bodies store trauma and sweet memories. You may be overcome with a flood of emotions at random times as you mourn your old body and feel excited for what’s to come.

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Pangea Pizzeria | Evansville, IN

Pangea Kitchen is always on my list when recommending places to try for visitors. They NEVER dissapoint.

The branding before you even walk through the doors is foodie perfection paired with the follow through of a very cozy atmoshpere wrapped up in great service and food.

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“At Pangea Kitchen, old-world traditions meld with new-world adaptations, creating a destination for those who have a taste for the unexpected. Our global soul food market invites you to sit down and enjoy the view as your food is being crafted to order using the finest house-made and imported ingredients.

Don’t stop with one trip; make your home part of the Pangea Kitchen world tour by taking home house-made pasta, cheeses, imported charcuterie, and specialty meats from our market showcase. ”

— Pangea Website

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They followed up the first resturant with 2nd Language an asian fusion resturant that also is 5 stars.

We are so lucky they are blessing us with another experience. Pangea Pizzeria has now opened! I popped in for lunch with a friend, luckily for me it’s a short walk away from The Beauty Room.

For my inaugural order, I went with a couple slices from their “slice of the day” menu. 

I got the Pistachio - House pistachio puree, sausage, mozzarella blend, fresh basil, finished with house Calabrian chili honey. Fun Guy - House mushroom cream sauce, fresh mozzarella blend, roasted shiitake mushrooms, finished with grated parmesan, fresh basil, and garlic-infused olive oil.

Along with a Butterscotch Blondie. I did go back and get the CCC gelato. All of them are exactly how I would expect anything coming from this company, thoughtfully made. All the flavors play nicely with each other. 

Menu from Pangea Pizzeria

I left feeling so full, you definitely can’t beat a $5 dollar lunch these days. You can get the pizza by the slice (fairly big slices) or an 16/18 inch pizza. The full pizzas range from $22- $29.

I miss tha patisserie that used to be in here, but the vibe of a pizzeria where you can see the pizzas being made, big open windows to see the city and quaint seating was truly such a good fit for the space.

Once you head in and give it a try II would love to hear your thoughts on what’s your favorite below!

Myriad Coffee House | Newburgh, IN

If you’re new here, please know I’m always going to find a cute place to live out my main character arc. Did I just ruin my own life and contemplating it all? Am I a struggling artist trying to pour my heart into the next big project? Am i a corporate baddie pushing through fears aof starting entreprenuership?

Coffee shops really are a place for all people at all stages of life. Perfect movie-esqe backdrop.

When I saw that Myriad Brewery Comany had expanded into Newburgh and added a coffee house I was so excited! My budget, not as much, since now we will be there all day.

We’ve always enjoyed our time at Myriad Brewery Company ,but since getting Ziki (our dog) we’ve loved it even more since they are a dog-friendly bar.

Ziki and I finally got down to Newburgh to this morning to do a bit of catch up work. We bumped into the cutie pie owners and chatted for a bit. Honestly, aside from it being a cute place, it feels so good to support such good people. They were a hughe help to the relaunch of the Black Chamber of Commerce in 2020 and really have created a space for all walks of life.

The coffee flights I’d been seeing are what drew me in, but I could not do it on my own (4 (5oz) pours) so going to save that for a day date with the bae. I ended up with an iced vanilla latte with a dash of coconut and a blueberry muffin. I enjoyed both of them and wll be back to try more. They have hot lattes, teas and milk alternatives. Very important for my 30+ crowd.

If you like a quite place for computer work or a nice place to read while you have your coffee give them a try. The seating is nice for groups, but there is also places to duck off in a corner if you’re alone. The patio wraps around and has FANS like every outdoor space should. If you’re feeling spicy go closer to 5 pm and you can go straight from coffee to an ice cold beer.

Sounds like the best of both worlds! In additon to already being a pretty cool spot they have food trucks all the time. Give them a follow and plan your next visit.