Have some decorum

One of my favorite bloggers passed away recently. I have been following Ellie O’Connell for a while now. I can’t really remember how I was introduced to her but I’m pretty sure it was through Instagram.

her and the hubs

Ellie was a fashion/lifestyle blogger… but not like the popular ones all over social media. She was ‘real' and her posts had depth. She had ALS and often blogged about her slow deterioration. It was haunting and beautiful and her posts made me appreciate little things that people take for granted every day, like being able to type and/or wipe your own hiney.

Anyway, Ellie blogged all of this while keeping her hilarious, inappropriate sense of humor. Her posts will literally make you laugh out loud. She gave me an appreciation for antiques (still can’t afford any) and quality clothing. She lived in both Provence and Paris for a while and through her pictures, made me also want to live in both Provence and Paris for a while. Although it seemed like she had some money (her bestie is Yolanda Hadid btw), she made it clear that money did not equal happiness. She was completely open and honest about severing ties with family members, fighting with her caregivers, needing money for treatment and so much more.

I encourage you to read some of her blog. (Caution: she sounds like a spoiled brat) The blog is fascinating and thought-provoking and will make you slow down and love what you have.

Here are a few of my favorite posts:

http://havesomedecorum.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-06-22T07:17:00-07:00&max-results=1&start=105&by-date=false

http://havesomedecorum.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-11-06T10:00:00-08:00&max-results=1&start=62&by-date=false

http://havesomedecorum.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-07-16T06:35:00-07:00&max-results=1&start=98&by-date=false

Most Eligible

It has been a while since I’ve blogged. This summer has been crazy busy and a lot of fun. It’s one of the hottest summers to date and although I love pool days and sundresses, I am ready for fall and football.

Pretty exciting for me this month – being featured in Atlanta’s Jezebel Magazine as one of the city’s ‘Most Eligible.’

selection process

The experience was amazing. I had so much fun getting my hair and makeup done and taking pictures at Westside Ironworks. The whole thing has been a blast. When I went to interview, I honestly didn’t think I had a prayer. There were very impressive women in my group – Ivy League graduates, corporate bigwigs, entrepreneurs… I was pretty inspired by some of them so getting the email that I was selected was pretty neat.  

I shot in two different outfits and this red Bebe dress was the one chosen for the feature.

Everyone has been nothing but encouraging and supportive. I am so thankful for the people God has placed in my life right now.

There was another event at Tongue & Groove. I was so sick (runny nose, congestion, sore throat, chills, etc...) but I went anyway and I'm so glad I did. It was blast with my favorite ladies in the world.

I found this beautiful leather dress from NASTY GAL on sale. It was pretty heavy (about six pounds) but it was so pretty and I luv it. Not sure where I'd ever where it again so it was fun to be costumey for a night.

Facebook has exploded

It’s been a complete mess this week. After hearing about the seven (?) Dallas police officers shot overnight, I didn't even want to log in today. But of course, I ended up scrolling through my feed...reading opinion after opinion.

I have to admit, I haven't yet watched either video of the police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I know it would probably make me absolutely sick. When I see videos like that, I think of my dad and my brother. What if it were them? It’s horrifying. I also know how this story tends to end…Nothing changes. There will be another hashtag in a few months.

 It blows my mind how disconnected people are. There are many aspects of other religions, cultures and races that I don’t understand…but I wouldn’t dream of getting on Facebook and blasting my ignorance to the world. Just because you don’t understand the Black Lives Matter movement, doesn’t mean it doesn’t hold value.

We all see life through our own lens, our own experiences, upbringing, friends, family... So when you’re having a hard time understanding someone else’s point of view, try to put yourself in their shoes (cliché, I know). Or…instead of getting mad about something you can’t comprehend, why not ask someone who does. Why not have a conversation? Why not try to inform yourself? You may not change your mind, but you’ll at least open yourself up to how someone else may be feeling. You will consider someone else’s feelings instead of just your own.

 My heart breaks for all those who lost lives this week. There is no justifying murder.

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:28