Dress: Windsor Store
Sandals: Mindaliving

I have been really into pale green lately, especially with a nude sandal or heel! This look was comfortable and stylish and that’s what I liked most about it!

What a busy couple of weeks it has been! With all the weddings and events I have coming up, it’s only going to get busier. I miss the days when I could write all day and go to class at night.

It can be really hard to make time to write when you come home from a 9-5, but it makes it all the more worth it when the story makes progress! Thankfully, that is where I am currently at- making gratifying progress!

After finishing my first draft of my Young Adult novel years ago, putting it in the “drawer”, and bringing it back out to revise, I am thrilled to say that I am making strong headway on the revision. My original manuscript came in at 55,000 words. The revision process is one of the hardest parts of the writing process for me. I get so excited to write a story, get it out on paper, and give the characters life, that when the first draft is finished, I get lost in the editing process.

I like to make a revision calendar to hold myself accountable. It doesn’t have to be exact, but giving myself a goal for editing 5, 10, 15 chapters, is a huge help! In the last few months, I’m happy to say that I have revised the first 20,000 words! I’ve re-written, perfected, fact checked, and edited close to half of my novel, which feels amazing.

In sticking with my calendar and my planned timeline, my debut novel should be completed by the end of the summer. No matter how slow you go, progress is progress, and finding that balance has definitely been a journey for me. I’m so excited to see where it takes me!

xx
​-TS

It may have taken me nearly the whole time- but I finished the race! And most importantly to me, I ran the WHOLE thing. I'll back track a little: Sunday, May 6th was the annual Broad Street Run, and for the first time ever, I was a runner!

Last year, my boyfriend, Dan, decided to train for the Broad Street Run, the largest 10 miler in the country that takes place right here in Philadelphia. I was so proud and happy for him when he crossed that finish line, that I said, "Tiff- put down the mimosa, and do this next year."

To my surprise (I've never been a runner), with the support of my family and friends, I began to train for the race in mid February, 2018. I began my training journey with what seemed like the best idea- putting my jacket over the treadmill screen and running until I needed to stop. When I removed my jacket I was at 2 miles! For me, this was a victory in itself.

After this initial run, I began to go for runs at least 4 times a week, practicing in hilly parts of the city to prep me for a flat Broad Street. In mid March, I completed my first 5 miles, and in the second week of April, I ran my first 8.25 miles in under 2 hours. I was thrilled. Knowing I could do the distance without stopping was the biggest relief. I was asked about my training plan, which, in my case, was listening to my body and running almost every day. Even if I came home from work exhausted, I pushed myself to do at least one mile to keep conditioning.

The day of the race, I was amazed at how training with hills had paid off. The flatness of the route was much easier than I had anticipated and allowed me to comfortable jog the first 4 miles. Around mile 7 I felt the tiredness kick in, but I stayed hydrated, and of course, motivated by those lining the streets to cheer us on.

My favorite part of the whole entire race, was mile 9, when I saw my mother, brother, and his girlfriend cheering me on and waving as I ran by. When I finally crossed that desired finish line, I felt accomplishment, pride, and was grateful. Until next year, Broad Street!

Did we die and go to jumpsuit heaven? It sort of feels that way! If you’ve been in the mall lately then you’ve seen them: on the hangers, delicately draping down to the floor, seemingly saying “buy me.” Jumpsuits are the rage this year and I’m shouting “hallelujah!”

As a romper lover, it only makes complete sense, that I too, would favor the jumpsuit. Standing at only 5’2 I wasn’t positive I would be able to pull off the chic, effortless jumpsuit look. To my surprise, I fell in love with the look on me, which is always a plus.

In the above photo, I paired a flow-y grey suit with block heel Rampage shoes for an evening dinner. The small heel kept the allure of the wide leg while adding a stylish finish.

I couldn't be happier with this popular and timeless trend. The more jumpsuits the better! Hopefully my bank account agrees!

​-TS

Mum and I revisited Fort Myers Beach for our 2018 mother-daughter trip. Once again, we stayed at the Diamondhead resort, a beach front hotel with amazing views, a fantastic pool and outdoor bar, and a relaxing Spa.

One of my favorite pastimes-eating-was happily satisfied with the abundant restaurants and seafood eateries. My favorites were Doc Ford’s, Sanibel, Matanzas on the Bay, and Fresh Catch Bistro. We focused on healthy options as I am a bridesmaid in a June wedding, and didn’t want to gain any unneeded weight on my vacation. We split a shrimp cocktail every dinner, mostly said no to breads and wines (😩) and enjoyed fresh, grilled or broiled seafood with a double side of veggies.

We were sure to start every morning with a quick jog on the beach, and some strength training. By the end of the trip, my rompers were looser and I was tanner. Definitely a win! I couldn’t have asked for a better trip with the best gal, my mama!

Our little guy, Kobe, is no longer little! He’ll be one year in August and this pup is growing fast. We rescued Kobe from the SPCA in Delaware, and from the moment we laid eyes on him, this lab/pit/chow/bulldog/Brittany Spaniel mix (yes we did doggie DNA) stole our hearts.

Although this spring hasn’t been the warmest, we’ve been having all sorts of adventures with Kobe. From the Wissahickon trails to Kelly Drive and beyond. Enjoy Kobe, we’ll be here watching you grow, bubba!

Here's a re-posting from long ago, For those of you that may be visiting Seattle in 2018, here's a short list of a few favorites from my trip. 

In November 2016 I visited Seattle for the first time and it did not disappoint. The city was beautiful, friendly, and simply awesome. There’s a few destinations I recommend for the Seattle-bound traveler.

​1- Pike Place Market is a must!  Not just for the fish market or singing, but for the FOOD in general. This was also a great place to grab some souvenirs. A short stroll down from the market is the beautiful waterfront with more restaurants and shops. We had a great meal along the water.
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2-Columbia Center Sky View Observatory was definitely a highlight of the trip.  The 360 degree views of the city were breathtaking. Not only could you sit back and enjoy the view, but you could purchase a beer and snack while doing so!
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3- The Underground tour was super cool. For those not scared to venture under the city of Seattle into pre-existing streets and buildings, then this is for you! History with a twist. Our tour took place around 6 or 7 p.m. but I was told that the later tours are a lot of fun as well. I highly recommend it!

Those are my travel to Seattle tips! Have fun in the Emerald City travelers!
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Cheers,
-TS

This passed holiday season was not only lovely and incredibly well spent with family, but also my 28th birthday. Below are some pictures of the holiday
hoopla!

On November 4th, my friend and I traveled to the One Liberty Observation Deck for a Sunrise Saturday Yoga class. It was just what I needed to energize both mentally and physically. Walking into the building, the morning was dark and still, yet full of anticipation for a productive and fun class. The views from the top were not only beautiful, but they added a sense of both peacefulness and excitement for the day to begin.