Holy cow, I'm seriously in awe of this past year, you guys. I feel like life is constantly amazing me, but when I say 2017 amazed me, I am 100% behind that statement. This year was the year of new experiences. It was the year of firsts, the year of going out of my comfort zone, and the year of personal growth. Gah I'm getting emotional just thinking about how everything that has happened this year has shaped me into the gal I am today.  Reflecting on this past year has really made me realize how faithful our Heavenly Father is. I look back on all the things that once worried me, that once weighed me down, and it's like they've all been taken away. He is SO faithful, you guys. All the glory to God. Today I want to share 17 things I learned in 2017.

Christmas Eve Outfit

Merry Christmas Eve! These next couple days are the absolute happiest of days. Are y'all excited? Because I sure am! Nothing makes me happier than having nothing planned but to spend time with friends and family. Seriously, what a wonderful time of year! One of my favorite days of this whole season is definitely today, Christmas Eve! I've loved it for as long as I can remember. I love getting ready to go to Christmas Eve service and then spending the rest of the evening with my family. Today, I will be sharing the outfit I will be wearing tonight. This outfit is perfect inspo for any holiday occasion!

Finding Motivation When You Feel Like Blah

Good morning, beautiful friends. Oh my goodness, first semester is almost over!! Senior year is FLYING by. The end of semesters are always the hardest parts of the year. Sometimes I find it hard to really concentrate and get studying when the excitement of break & Christmas is in the back of my head. Let's be real, we're all in Christmas mode! I can definitely relate to having a hard time finding motivation for school or work related tasks, especially during the holiday season.  Today I'm here to help you say goodbye to that lazy mindset that we tend to fall into and hello to one that says, "LET'S GET THIS DONE."

The Ultimate Gift Guide: 30 gifts under $30

It is officially December, which means I am in full Christmas mode! YAY! Oh my goodness, this time of the year is the absolute greatest. There are so many wonderful things in store for the days ahead. One of the most special parts of Christmastime for me is that it is the season of gift giving. I love spreading cheer by finding my friends and family something special that I know they will like. Gift giving is definitely not the focus of the season, but I think it is the perfect way to remind your friends and family that they are awesome!! Last year I did a gift guide featuring 25 gifts under $25... but of course I had to change things up just a wee bit, so today, I've brought you 30 gift ideas under $30. 

 p.s. they're organized from lowest to highest in price so feel free to scroll around;)

A New England Adventure

Happy Sunday, friends! Wooahh, time has flown by once again! I can't believe that all of the Thanksgiving festivities are already wrapped up. I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving with your friends and family. This is hands down one of the happiest times of the year. Gah, I just love it. This year was extra special because my family and I traveled out east to visit family. Oh what fun we had! I'm so excited to share with y'all our adventures in New England.

New Approaches to the perfect Thanksgiving Outfit

Good Morning, friends! I'm back and oh so happy I am! Although fall is by far my favorite time of the year, it also happens to be the busiest. These past couple weeks have been nothing short of a whirlwind, but they've been SO good. My time has mostly been occupied by involvement with the musical production at my school. I wanted (& needed) to absorb every second of it. Being a senior definitely makes me realize how much I truly enjoy all the things I get to do through my high school. I am looking forward to savoring my final semester.  Y'all, life is so good! Speaking of all things happy, Thanksgiving is in just a couple of days! YAY! Last year I gave y'all three Thanksgiving outfit ideas (read here), but this year,  I wanted to give you guys ideas that aren't soo... as my friends would say: "basic." For today's post I took some typical pieces worn on Thanksgiving and styled them in ways you wouldn't expect.

Lovely Layers & Fall feels

Oh happy day! It's Sunday! I hope you all had a fab week. October is by far one of my favorite months. There's something about October that is just so happy. Maybe it's the weather or the leaves or the football games... Oo YES football games!! Friday was the last home football game of the season for my high school & boy was it an exciting one! It's absolutely crazy to think that some of my favorite high school festivities are ending. It's so important to take in every moment and enjoy it while it lasts!! Today I'd thought I'd dive right into all the fall feels and share with y'all the perfect fall outfit.

Fab Frames with Warby Parker

Happy Tuesday, friends! Today's post deals with the most necessary accessory there is: glasses! If I am being quite honest, glasses are truly one of my favorite accessories. I've had glasses for as long as I can remember. Finding glasses is not just any ole' clothing purchase... the right pair of frames is SO important. Your glasses can express who you are. You will wear those puppies everyday. Choosing the perfect frame that encompasses your personal style and taste can be somewhat of a challenge.  I recently came across Warby Parker's Home-Try on program. Let me tell ya, it is a total game changer in the glasses world. Finding frames has never been so stress-free!

10 Things

Holy cow! It's been too long, friends! Oh how I've missed writing my weekly posts! But as you know, I'm all about focusing on the positive, and the good news is... I'm back!! You guys, two things: It's October (woah!) & it's starting to feel like fall (yay!). Could life get any happier?!? Goodness gracious! Life is so lovely! SOO for today's post, I thought that there would be no better comeback post, than a little update! Today I will be sharing 10 things. You might want to hold on... it's a bit of a random assortment, but nevertheless, it gives you a little glimpse at what's been swirling around in my head since the last time we connected. 

DIY: Pocket Inspo Cards

Happy Sunday, lovelies! I hope you all had a great week! For today's post I thought I would switch things up a bit and share another little DIY. I haven't done one in forever... but there's no time like the present! A couple years ago, I made these cute little inspirational cards to keep with me in my purse or backpack. I don't think I realized how much I would actually end up using them! They are the best! When my heart is overwhelmed or I just need a little pick me up at school, I turn to these cards. After flipping through even a few, I feel refreshed. It's always good to remind yourself of what's really important. Well anyways, let's get on into this super simple little DIY.

A few of my Favorite pieces & words to start your week

 Happy first Sunday in September! Oh my goodness, I am so so excited for fall! The weather has been absolutely gorgeous lately. It's so nice to step outside without sweating immediately. Ah, the transition between these two seasons is always so beautiful. Yesterday I drove to the little apple orchard in town just to get a apple cider slushy. Fall fever is a real thing, guys. Although I have been loving the cooler weather, I have been trying to get the most out of my summer wardrobe before it's too late! Today, I have a happy little outfit to share with y'all that can be worn to just about anything!

Fall Fever: A Transitional Look ft. Basics

Happy last Sunday of August!! Once again, another month has flown by. But can we talk about how excited we are for fall for a sec?!?! Oh my goodness! I can't wait to start wearing my fav boots and chunky sweaters again. Annddd to start ordering some lattes at Starbucks... lol I can't do warm drinks in the summer. It's iced all the time for me! Fall is by far my favorite season. It's a happy time of new beginnings. For today's post, I am embracing my fall fever and I'm bringing you the perfect transitional outfit. The best part? It's made up of all basics!

Statements in All Black with Maddy

FRIENDS!!! I'm so excited about today's post mostly because we have a special guest here on Merging Threads... my cousin (who is basically my bff), Maddy! Maddy is my fashion soul sista, so her appearance on my blog seems long over due. We are both huge lovers of black. If you ask me, black does not get the attention it deserves. Lots of people think of statement outfits as having bold patterns or interesting cuts. Maddy and I want to show that you can be just as bold & make a  sassy statement in the color black!

5 Things I Learned This Summer

Good afternoon, friends! It's a lovely rainy Wednesday and my last day of summer. Whoa. Time has flashed before my eyes. The end of my junior year seriously feels like yesterday, but at the same time, I feel like such a different person than I was when I walked out of school that last day. I think it's crazy how much you can learn from even the smallest of experiences and how those tiny moments can so distinctly shape you into who you are. It is in times like these--seasons of change and new beginnings-- where I look back and am SO SO thankful for everything that has happened. As I look back on the past couple months, I realize that I've learned a lot. I've learned from new experiences, learned from old ones, and definitely learned from my mistakes. Today I want to take you all through my little summer reflection and share with you five things that I learned this summer.

Top 5 clothing essentials for back to school

Happy August 13th!!  I can't believe it, you guys. I start my senior year of high school on Thursday. Life is moving so quickly... but I'm super excited for this school year to begin! Because I am so looking forward to the first day, I thought it was only fitting to do a little back to school themed post.  Today I will be sharing my top clothing essentials for back to school season. For those of y'all that aren't in school, these are also perfect essentials for transitioning from summer to fall. In this post, I'll be sharing the essential, styling it, and then giving y'all multiple options for where you can purchase it!

Behind the scenes of a typical blog shoot

Happy Friday!! I hope you have been enjoying the August sunshine! Today, upon request, I have a little bonus post for you all. I'll be letting you in on a series of tips that I tend to follow before/during a shoot.

Rehearsal Dinner Outfit

I hope you are all having a lovely Sunday! Mine has definitely been lazy, but for good reasons. My cousin got married yesterday!!! Wow. This past week has been such a good one. So many exciting things happened in preparation for the wedding! Today I will be sharing the look I wore to Friday night's rehearsal dinner. 

Michigan Travel Blog

Happppppyyyy Suuunnnddaaayyy! I cannot believe that this week marks the beginning of August. Life is flying by, you guys! Holy cow. Even when time seems to move fast, I think it is important to slow down for a bit and just sit in awe of all of life's wonders. This world is full of so much beautiful scenery and wonderful places. One thing that I never seem to wrap my head around is my love for Michigan. Michigan is such a happy place for me. The simplicity of life and the happiness that Michiganders seem to carry in their hearts inspires me. I look forward to  returning every summer. It feels like my home away from home. Today I am super happy to share snippets of this year's adventure up north with y'all. 

Workout Dress? I think YES!

Yay, it's Sunday, my favorite day of the week.  I see Sundays as fresh starts. It is up to you to make the week ahead the best yet! As you may have noticed, I've been a little MIA from social media this week. I spent the past five days at a church camp. Experiences like this are rejuvenating. Life is so so good, friends! Maybe it's because I spent a lot of time in sporty gear at camp this week, but today I decided that it would be fun to share an alternative to your average athletic wear.

Typical Tourist turned Fashion Forward

Before I get into this post, I just wanted to share a thought with y'all! Friends, now that we are in the heart of summer, I think it is the perfect time to be reminded to make the most of it! It's easy to look ahead and become excited or even anxious for what is to come in the fall. Look at each day as a blank piece of paper just waiting to become a masterpiece! It's refreshing to find joy by living in the present. I know I need this reminder right now and I hope it is helpful to you all too! Anyway, today's topic here on Merging Threads concerns the abundance of tourist sweatshirts we all have stacked up in our closets. I would be lying to you if I said I didn't buy them. They are def a weakness of mine... how can you say no to an oversized bundle of comfiness? That's the thing, you can't. The great news is that wearing these oversized bundles of comfiness don't have to mean looking drab. Today I will be turning the typical tourist sweatshirt into a fashionable new look!

Friday Five: Current Favorites

Friends!! It's Friday! YAY! This gal right here is so happy. I thought there would be no better way to celebrate the weekend being here than with a surprise post for y'all! Today I'm mixing it up a little bit an giving the ever-so-famous Friday Five a go! I'm excited to share five things that I'm just feeling over-the-moon about!

A Simplistic Summer Look

Good morning to all my lovely readers! I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July. I can't believe we are approaching the middle of July. Ugh!! Time has a way of slipping past me. In the summer months, I tend to wear outfits that are easy to throw on. I want my outfits to be comfortable, simple, and effortless. Today, I will be sharing an effortless look that is my go-to when "I have nothing else to wear."

Three Last Minute Fourth Of July Outfit Ideas

Happy Sunday friends! It is absolutely crazy to think that today is July 2nd! That means in just two short days it is the Fourth! YAY! I tend to be a last minute kind of gal, so today I am bringing you three outfit ideas that can easily be recreated with simple pieces that are already in your closet!

Long Layers: A Whimsical Look

Good morning, friends!! One of the many reasons I love summer is the fact that I have more time to be creative with my wardrobe. Finding new ways to wear ordinary pieces is the best. I could spend hours in my closet just thinking of all the different ways to wear one thing! Today's look features two pieces that are an unexpected but lovely combination.

The Bee's Knees: A Dressy-Casual Look

Hello friends! I hope your week treated you well. It seems that lately I constantly look to wear outfits that are far from predictable. To be completely honest, sometimes I get bothered by summer fashion. I feel limited to dresses especially on certain occasions. For today's outfit I put together a perfect alternative that is a little more dressy but still has that fun summer vibe. 

Minimalist wardrobe: Summer Shoe edition

Happy Monday, friends!! I hope you all are enjoying the beautiful (but very hot!!) sunshine that June brings. Over a year ago, I wrote a blogpost that shared my top 10 essentials & tips for creating a minimalist wardrobe. Today, I will be taking it a step further by sharing three pairs of shoes you will ONLY need this summer. 

Closet Creativity

Happy happy happy Sunday, loves!! My junior year of high school is officially complete (yay!!). It feels a bit crazy to be finished, but boy, do I love it! My first couple days of summer usually involve a closet clean out. If I'm being honest though, it usually just turns into hours of outfit experimenting...oops!! Today I will be sharing a new look that I absolutely adore. It puts the perfect spin on summer layers.

Switching it up for Summertime

YAY, it's a new week!! Y'all, summer is officially less than a month away and I have been putting together some new outfits for the season. Today I will be sharing a look that is a great alternative to the average summer outfit. It's fun to switch it up a bit!

3 Summer Hairstyles To Rock All Summer Long

Happy Sunday, friends! The sun is out today & has me dreaming of summer. I cannot wait for laid back days with absolutely no plans. I always feel like summer is the perfect time to experiment with new fashion trends and hairstyles that you wouldn't normally wear throughout the year. Today I thought up three easy hairstyles (that involve no heat!!) to try out this summer.

Minimalistic Prom Look + Recap

Happy Sunday! PROM PROM PROM!! Oh what fun!! Today I will be sharing a quick recap of last night's look along with some fun pics with my beautiful friends.

Summer Must-Haves

Hello, friends! Let's admit it. We are all dreaming about summer already.  It can't come soon enough if you ask me! At the turn of every season, I tend to do a little bit of shopping here and there... or everywhere (ha!). I am one of those gals that online shops all the time, but my cart never actually makes it through checkout.  I've come to realize that I have expensive taste. More importantly though,  I've realized that I can satisfy my taste without breaking my wallet. I don't have to give in to  ridiculous prices. There are so many similar pieces to the expensive things you love out there at about half the price! Today I will be sharing my must "Summer Must Haves": Designer vs. Dupes Edition.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful day celebrating Jesus' resurrection with your friends and family. Today I will be sharing a quick recap of my Easter outfit. 

Spring Staple: Utility Dress & Sneaks

Rise & Shine! It's Sunday! This time of the year always finds me dreaming of summer... and out of that summer fashion, of course. Before we get to wear all of our cute off the shoulder and flowy halter dresses, we have to go through this awkward stage where we don't know if we should dress for the winter or the spring or if its even alright to push toward more summery pieces. I tend to dress for the spring, cause let me tell ya, by this time I'm over all the boots and sweaters and so done with winter fashion! At the same time, it's hard not to dress "too springy."  For today's post, I am excited to share an outfit that will satisfy both your summer dreams and the last of the cooler weather. 

SALT HOUSE CO: Happy Tee & Happy Heart

Hello friends, I am so happy to be back!! Today's post is pretty exciting, let me tell you. Around this time of year, the weather has me dreaming of summer style. In the summer months, I always lean towards a effortless, hipster-ish look. I want something that is easy to throw on, keeps me comfy, and brings a smile to my face! Graphic tees do just that. They are zero effort yet super stylish and can be styled multiple ways (talk about an ultimate go-to!!). It seems like I am always on the look out for that perfect, artsy graphic tee. Here's the exciting part of this post, y'all. I have found the perfect tee that will satisfy your summer style desires.

Winter Outfit + Weekend Adventures

Hello, friends! It's been two weeks. ugh. I've missed you all. My apologies for no post last week. I'm so excited to be back today! This weekend I took a little adventure to one of my favorite towns. I had so much fun and I thought I would share my outfit & some of my adventures with you all. 

subtle stripes & a whole lotta smiles

Good morning friends! What a great day to be happy! It's a new day with new adventures and so many things to smile about. This past week I listened to a WHOLE LOTTA music. Music always gets me thinking (& makes me over the moon about life!!). Today I'll be sharing a few things that I can't seem to get out of my mind.

Calm Week & A Classic Look

Rise & shine, it's Sunday! I hope you all had a lovely week. Mine was a bit uneventful, but calm weeks are often the best kind of weeks. I definitely had plenty of time for some self-reflecting. Quiet moments for things like that are much needed. As I was doing some thinking, I realized that I have been blogging a lot of single outfits lately. Today, surprise, surprise, I have another one for you. I love to write this kind of post, but I also want to cater to your interests. Do y'all like single outfit posts or would you like to see some more lifestyle posts? Let me know what you would like to see here on Merging Threads. After all, this blog is for you! Anyway, today's look is super classic and perfect for any occasion. I am excited to share it with you!

Cozy Chunky Knits

Happy Sunday! Can you believe we are already twenty two days into 2017? Before we know it, it will be February. Ah! But I'm okay with that because the winter months are the perfect time to experiment with all the best cozy fashions. Lately I've been living in chunky knits. The outfit I will be sharing today features one of my favorite sweaters.

Testing Trends: Layered Tee + Tank Complete look

TRENDS, TRENDS, TRENDS. Cute or Nah? Everyone always seems to have their own opinions  as to whether the latest ideas in the fashion world are really the best for daily wardrobes. Sometimes though, you'll never know if a trend can work until you try!  I've seen layering a tshirt and tank all over instagram and pinterest. At first I had mixed feeling about the new trendy combo, but I gave it a try and there is something so chic about it that I love! Today I will be sharing my own take on the tshirt and tank trend.

Go To Hues: Black, White, ( + a pop of leopard)

Hello friends! I hope you are all having a lovely day. It seems like the new year is already off to a busy start, but it was nice to have some time today to get organized and ready for this week. If you have been reading my blog lately, you probably noticed that I have a thing for neutrals. Something about dressing in simplistic colors brings me a certain confidence that other colors don't! Today I will be sharing one of my favorite looks in my go-to hues: black & white (oh & a pop of leopard of course!).

16 Things I learned in 2016

Wow. 2016 was a big year in many ways. I have grown so much in such little time.  I started my blog. I've eliminated things that don't bring me joy. I've embraced all the positive things life has to offer. I've learned so much this year about life and myself. Here's a condensed list of sixteen of this year's lessons.