Hey, y’all! I hope everyone is enjoying the short week and getting excited for the Fall season! We’re still in the high 80s and 90s in Nashville, but I can tell Fall will be here in no time. It is currently New York Fashion Week and we are seeing a ton of Fall fashion trends hit the runway - many of which I’m very excited about! I’ve detailed a few standout trends below.

My biggest takeaway from what we’ve seen thus far is that color is here to make a statement, denim is taking over in all categories and fluffy, fuzzy, textural elements are making waves in outerwear, sleeves, dresses, and formal categories. I personally have loved embracing more color lately and the Fall trend color palette is really fun and bright.

What is great about these trends is that they are approachable in many different ways based on your personal styling preferences vs. a specific item or style. Try a colorful accessory if you aren’t into a monochromatic ensemble, or a puff sleeve or jacket. We’re all familiar with denim and you can keep it classic in your favorite pair or try something unique like dresses, jackets, accessories or multi-use pieces.

DENIM

Earlier this year I put together a huge Denim Edit with over 100 styles of denim. Read it here and check out some of my favorite styles below!

COLOR

Colors will always be around in terms of “trend” but each season certain colors have more impact than others. Some colors from the spring trend report are still here like green and orange, but we’re seeing a big focus on blue and hot pink too!

PUFF AND FLUFF

The last few years have been focused on oversized and baggy, and while this season isn’t much different, there is a focus on texture and volume. Puffy jackets, fluffy and fuzzy textures and detailing, as well as overall volume are finding their way into pieces and silhouettes.

What are y’all’s thoughts on this season’s trends and color palette? Into it or not your vibe? I’d love to hear your thoughts! I hope you have a fab rest of the week and weekend and thank you so much for reading!

Meet registered dietitian Amanda Nighbert

With 18 years of experience as a registered dietitian and in the weight loss industry since 2003, Amanda Nighbert educates clients on the true nutritional information they need to reach their wellness goals. Her goal is to bring the latest, cutting-edge strategies and techniques to my clients in the most concise and educational manner.

Hey, y’all! I hope everyone is having an amazing summer. I can’t believe it is already August and we’re getting to the back half of the year. As you might have noticed on my Instagram account and here on the blog, I’ve made an intentional choice to focus more on my daily routine, wellness choices, and how to overall add value to more aspects of my life. It all started with my morning routine, which you can read about here, and has grown into what I’m eating, how I’m changing the amount of time I spend on screens, and learning more about supplements.

With all that in mind, I was so excited to connect with Amanda Nighbert, a registered dietitian, and fitness enthusiast. A fellow Kentucky gal, she lives in Lexington, KY, and has helped thousands of people reach their wellness goals. I’m so excited to bring back The Brand Brief this month with Amanda Nighbert.

Hi Amanda, thank you so much for sharing your story on The Brand Brief! You’ve been a registered dietician for 18 years. What made you interested in that field and what was it like getting started?

Growing up I was an athlete and very interested in health and wellness.  I wanted to make this passion my profession so I decided to get a degree in nutrition and become a registered dietitian.

Diets, fitness and the overall wellness sector contains a lot of ground to cover and can be overwhelming. What are the 3 basics you would want someone to start with or prioritize in their wellness journey?

Agree, it can feel so overwhelming when beginning your health journey because there is so much information out there and much of the information is conflicting! This is honestly why I created my LEAN program, to simplify nutrition for weight loss! Here are the top three things that I feel can make a significant impact on your health yet are simple to implement.

1. Drink plenty of water and make it electrolyte water when you can!  Hydration is so important to feeling your best and even more important for burning fat! Many people don't realize that the way we expel burned fat is through our breath and we need plenty of fluid to do this!

2. Prioritize protein!  Protein is the most important macronutrient for weight loss and most people are not consuming enough. Simply aiming for a minimum of 30 grams of protein at each meal can reduce hunger, fill you up faster and improve fat metabolism.

3. Move daily!  Sitting is the new smoking and your daily activity or daily step count matters! Everyone can walk more so aiming to increase your daily step goal by 1,000 can be very powerful!

As a mom, entrepreneur, and social media influencer, what does balance look like for you? Any tips and tricks for accomplishing what you want that you can share?

This is definitely an area I struggle with.  I launched my online business almost five years ago and owning your own business, while very rewarding, is a lot of work! This past year I have made this more of a priority and the biggest thing I have focused on is boundaries! Setting boundaries with my time like limiting work on the weekend. Setting boundaries for the things I say yes to and knowing that saying no is not a bad thing.  I now weigh the benefit and time commitment vs saying yes to everything.  Lastly, including my family more in my business. This way I am tackling two things at once! 

The Brand Brief focuses on women in business and the unique journey women face in that experience. What would you share with other women in business based on your experience?

Forget what other people think!  This was the hardest thing to overcome when I started, especially with putting myself out there on social media!  I was so worried about what others would say about me.  But, once I realized that there will always be some haters and that more people were cheering me on than not, my confidence and output increased tremendously. 

When you’re feeling down, unmotivated, or not where you want to be health-wise, what do you do to combat it? 

I take a break!  I stop trying to do it all and focus on 1-2 things that I know matter the most.  Most people are living in the all-or-nothing mindset!  I actually did a ted talk on this very subject which is worth the listen. We think we have to do it all to be successful and when we can’t do it all we just do nothing. I have learned that it is all about just doing something.  So, if you are feeling burnout, take a step back and pick 1-2 things to focus on for the next 30 days.  Then as those become more second nature, add more.

Looking back at your 18 years in the industry, what challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?

While working my clinical job in the hospital the biggest challenge I faced was the lack of opportunity for professional growth. For years I just accepted this. Then on the eve of my 40th birthday, I decided to make my own path and that is when I launched my own online business. It was extremely scary, but I knew if I did nothing then nothing would change. What I learned is that if you are passionate about something then you will succeed!

What are some red flags you can share when it comes to overall health and diet? What are some common red flags we should be paying attention to?

1. Diets that feed into the all-or-nothing mindset! What I mean by that is to avoid plans that completely omit certain foods.  You will find the most success when your food choices are flexible.

2. Supplement-driven plans.  Your health and wellness are not in a pill or potions.  There are no quick fixes and these types of programs typically promote that. In the long run, they always backfire.
   

Your Lean program focuses on the combination of nutrition and fitness. What makes this program different and why is it 7 weeks?

LEAN stands for Living Energized and Nourished and this is the goal for all my clients.  It is not just a weight loss program, it is a lifestyle program. The goal is to teach you the simple changes you can make in your life that create long-term results vs short-term fixes. What sets LEAN apart is the simplicity of the program, the focus on changing your mindset, and the daily support accountability! This is what I have found people need the most! Most people know what to do, they just struggle to do it consistently. In LEAN you check in nightly and some days are good and some days are bad, but I am here to help you navigate the challenges you face day to day to overcome the obstacles in your life to create consistency. Because at the end of the day your progress is based on your consistency. 

Can you share a peak (high moment) and a pit (low moment) of your career thus far and what you learned from both? 

Luckily for me, there have been many peaks in my career!  Seeing my business grow and expand, being asked to present on the Ted X stage in 2021, and developing into an industry leader for health coaching. My low moments come at times of burnout. The grind is a lot and there are periods over the past five years when I just did not think I could do it all anymore. Taking a break during these times has been key for me!

Nutrition and fitness are very habit enforced. What do you do in your daily routine that reinforces those habits and lifestyle? Any special morning routine or tips?

I agree!  Consistency is key when it comes to your health!  Really the things I prioritize in my own daily life are the same three simple strategies I mentioned above!  I definitely practice what I preach, adequate hydration, protein optimization, and moving my body! 

You share some amazing free guides on your website about meal planning, intermittent fasting and also provide amazing FREE content on social. At what point do you recommend someone takes their health journey to the next step and hires someone like you?

I do! When I first went out on my own I enrolled in a few business and marketing courses and they all preached, to give them a little but make them pay for more!  Well, I suck at that! LOL!  I just had a really hard time holding back information that could actually help people so for the past 5 years I have been giving it all away! My goal is to empower anyone to take control of their health on their own. But, I always say if you struggle to implement the strategies I teach or have a hard time creating the consistency you need, then I am here to help with that!

As I mentioned above people typically know what to do, they just struggle to do it consistently, that's where I can be of help!  When you sign up to work with me I will hold your hand every single day!  I will be there to answer all your questions as they arise. And help you navigate the obstacles that come in your life! I am there to cheer you on when you are thriving and I am here to help you get back on track when life gets ahead of you! That is why people come to work with me, for the accountability and support I provide on a daily basis!

CHECK OUT her amazing free guides!

From intermittent fasting, meal planning, and habit tracking, Amanda has a ton of free guides on her site to help you create the best lifestyle for yourself.

FREE GUIDES

Where can everyone find you? Share your socials and where to find your amazing content!

• Website

• Instagram

• Facebook

• Youtube

• Pinterest

• LinkedIn

• Tik Tok

Every July Nordstrom puts on their Anniversary Sale. While some who have their store credit card have been shopping for a couple of weeks, the sale goes live on July 15th to the public - aka we can all shop!

I’m going to share an unpopular opinion, but I honestly don’t think this sale is that major unless you’re really needing to stock up on basics, gifts for the holidays, or a big ticket item you’ve had your eye on. Most of the items that are on sale are the same every year and actually go on sale again believe it or not, but if you’re looking for some fall shoe staples, home decor and items, or big ticket items like luggage and baby/kid items then I found some great deals!

My favorites are boots and booties, beauty bundles, the barefoot dreams blanket (expensive even on sale, but in my opinion, worth every penny), and denim. Check out the categories below:

TOPS

If you’re looking for tops for the office, staples heading into cooler months, or chic sweaters, there are some great pieces. I love this white button-down and this off-the-shoulder sweater for simple, yet chic outfits. This top would be great for work paired with a linen pant in late summer, or trousers in the fall.

DENIM & PANTS

Some of the best deals of the sale are on denim and I’m loving the selection this year. With a wide range of styles and washes, there is something for everyone. I love these Levi’s that are super popular for an everyday staple and am loving this looser fit style for casual looks if you’re into ripped denim.

DRESSES

Whether you’re looking for a wedding guest dress or a cute mini to style with boots, there are some great dresses included in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year. I’m loving the florals and patterns too!

JACKETS

Since we haven’t lived in Chicago for a couple of years now, I don’t find myself reaching for jackets and coats as much, but am still a sucker for a layering piece or statement jacket. I love the quilted trend and this jacket is so chic and cool. This leather trench is such a fun twist on the classic style.

handBAGS

Honestly, I wasn’t super impressed with the handbag selection this year, but I liked these classic and chic bags from Marc Jacobs and Coach!

ACCESSORIES

Trends are leaning toward more of a mix or statement jewelry and the dainty styles that have been everywhere for the last few years and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is providing some amazing deals on pieces that are fun, yet classic. I love these earrings for every day, but unique style. If you are looking for a gift for a mom in your life, this necklace is really cute!

ATHLETIc, PJS & INTIMATES

If you live in athleisure as I do then investing in some great pieces during the sale is a great option! I love chic jackets and you can’t go wrong with a pair of staple leggings.

Shoes

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has some great categories, but the shoe department can’t be beaten. From colorful heels and booties you’ll wear all year, there are amazing pieces at great discounts. If you’re into the new love of loafers then try these, love the color!

Home

As I mentioned above, the barefoot dreams blanket is one of the best purchases I’ve made and I personally think worth every penny. Nordstrom has an amazing return policy so if you grab one and don’t love it, returning is easy, but I can say I don’t think you’ll be sending it back! I personally like the cozy chic line, but they have a slightly cheaper version that is also great! The sale is also a great time to stock up on glassware or bedding (both make a great gift for newlyweds or house-warming parties)!

Men

I sometimes feel that the men’s department of Nordstrom is better than the women’s and Kollin always leaves the sale with more than I do ha, but we love their jackets and shoes. Kollin loves these Blondo waterproof chukka boots and they’re $50 off during the sale.

Kids and Babies

While I don’t have kids yet, I’ve been told these carseats and strollers are amazing so take advantage of these great prices!

Beauty

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is known for amazing beauty bundles and I think they are great this year! Take advantage of skincare bundles and fragrances at a major discount. There are also great deals on tanning products and you can’t miss this moisturizer on sale for $1,300! LOL

I hope y’all find something you’re shopping for or just something to treat yourself with! Have a fabulous weekend!

Hey, y’all! Kollin and I have always talked about how funny it seems to be doing such grown-up things when we don’t feel old enough to do them. For example, people are giving us a loan for our mortgage, or how we run meetings during work and hold a bunch of responsibility for multi-million dollar companies. Sometimes we still feel like the 17-year-olds back in high school when our biggest worry was what we were doing that weekend.

Having just turned 29 on May 31st, these adult things are happening more often, and like anything when you get older, your priorities shift and it’s time to handle growing up. One thing we had to talk about was the importance of life insurance. While we aren’t parents currently, talking about and having a plan for life insurance is really important. Through companies like Fabric, we’ve been able to learn more about term life insurance quotes and how policies for parents are really important.

Those 17-year-olds we still feel like sometimes maybe didn’t understand the importance of the grown-up things we all have to consider now, but as we grow up and the potential for kids come into the picture for us, there are a lot of decisions to be made around insurance. But, no one tells you that insurance can be pretty confusing. So where do you start? I found this article on 5 Reasons You Need Life Insurance and found it really helpful in understanding why getting life insurance is helpful and what factors to think about.

If there is anything we’ve all learned in the last 2+ years, it’s that life is precious and some of us have even lost loved ones too soon. In those moments no one wants to think about insurance or what the next steps are so having all that set up and in place protects your family. A recent study has shown that our age group, millennials, have been most influenced by the pandemic and purchased term life insurance policies than any other group. Forty-five percent of millennials said they are more likely to buy life insurance due to COVID-19, compared with 15% of baby boomers and 31% of Gen Xers.

And in true millennial fashion, we’re reshaping how we think about and purchase term life insurance. We’re more inclined to do our own research and spend time really learning about space before we dive into it. We want to know how it works, how we can customize it, and know that we are getting the best value for our coverage. So, what do you need to consider? I’ve nailed down some big questions:

What kind of policy do you need? Term life insurance or whole life? A term life policy will provide coverage for a certain period of time—typically 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. Finding the right policy is determined by your financial needs and goals. You should also understand what impacts your rate. There are two main factors: health and age. Be sure to compare rates for term life insurance quotes from many companies so you can make sure you’re getting the best rate.

Here are 10 more things to consider when shopping around for the best term life insurance quote. There may be thoughts of I can do this later when we have kids or the feeling of wanting to push it off, but being prepared helps have everything in line so you don’t have to worry about it later. That peace of mind is really nice so you can just keep living life and not have to worry about the adult things.

This post is sponsored by and in partnership with Responsival. As always, all opinions are my own.

Hey, y’all! Today I’m celebrating turning 29 and came across a past post I had done for year 26 where I shared 12 things I had learned about life up until that point. Three years later and I’ve had some more lessons so I wanted to share. I’m so grateful for these lessons and for this little space with all of you!

1. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish

2. You do have time for it - you just aren’t prioritizing it.

3. It’s hard to make friends when you get older so meet up with old friends, say yes to meeting new people, and put yourself out there.

4. Stop being so self-critical. You’re the only person it impacts.

5. Failure is inevitable, try anyways.

6. Everyone deals with comparison no matter how happy they seem.

7. Be accountable. Don’t make excuses and move on.

8. If the door closes, there is something better coming. It wasn’t a rejection, but rather a redirection.

9. Do things on your own timeline.

10. Say no and don’t feel bad about it.

11. Surround yourself with who you want to become. You become the average of the 5 people you surround yourself with so choose wisely. Expand that group to those you don’t personally know like podcasts, music, movies, TedTalks, Masterclass, and those you follow on social media.

12. Ask the hard questions up front and don’t ignore red flags.

13. You never grow out of the feeling too young to be doing something.

14. You can do it all - just not at all the same time.

15. Take social media breaks every month.

16. People don’t give and receive love in the same way. Learn their love language.

17. You don’t get judged as often as you think you do. Honestly, they probably don’t even think about it.

18. Gratitude is the catalyst to being happy.

19. When you’re uncomfortable you should pay attention. You’re either growing, learning, or need to make adjustments.

20. Know your value and don’t diminish it for anything or anyone.

21. Never give up. You don’t want to give up on all that time you put into something. For example, you’ve been in business for 5 years and not finding the success you want. What if success came in 5 years and a day?

22. Wake up earlier. It isn’t fun for a while, but it’s worth it.

23. Marriage isn’t 50/50. Most days it’s 70/30, 15/85, or 45/55. Sometimes someone will need to give a little more, support more, or put in more effort.

24. Define and focus on your goals.

25. If you don’t like something, change it. Make decisions, ask for help, move to a new place, change your perspective, and adjust your behavior.

26. Silence is powerful.

27. Wounds don’t heal if you keep touching them.

28. The little moments can matter just as much as the big ones.

29. Optimize your time - it is the one thing in life you can’t get back.

Hey, y’all! I hope everyone is having a great start to the long weekend! We’re kicking off my birthday with family and lots of activities so be sure to follow along with all the fun on Instagram. This holiday is a great time to shop sales and I’ve rounded up a huge list of sales happening online. There are so many amazing deals happening and I hope y’all find some great pieces! Enjoy your long weekend and stay safe!

BEAUTY

Fenty Beauty: Up to 50% off select items

It Cosmetics: 25% off sitewide and an additional 10% off your order

Kate Somerville: Get glowing w/ a FREE full-size ExfoliKate™ Cleanser when you spend $80
Use code: EXFOLIKATE

Kylie Cosmetics: Up to $10 off products

MAC Cosmetics: 25% off Bronzers, Highlighters and Studio Radiance Face and Body - use code: 25GLOW at checkout

Sephora: Up to 50% off and free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIP

Ulta: Up to 50% off beauty steals

HOME

AllModern: Up to 40% off furniture

Brooklinen: 15% off sitewide

Frontgate: Up to 50% off sitewide

Mattress Firm: Up to 50% off mattresses

Parachute: Get 20% off sitewide

Serena + Lily: 20% off everything with code WAVES

Target: 30% off clothing and swim and BOGO 50% off sandals

Wayfair: up to 70% off Memorial Day Clearance sale

FASHION

CLOTHES

Anthropologie: extra 40% off sale items

ASOS: 25% off everything

Banana Republic: 30% off full-price with code: BRTHIRTY

Baublebar: pieces starting at $10

Bandier: extra 40% off sale styles with code MEMDAY40

Bohme: 20% off site wide

Bloomingdale’s: extra 50% off clearance for up to 60-70% off

Coach: up to 40% off select styles

Gap: Get 50% off tees, tanks and shorts - 40% off everything else with code SUNNY

Good American: 20% off, plus 40% off markdowns

H&M: up to 40% off sale items

JCREW: 30% off purchases plus 60% off sale

Kate Spade: 20% when you spend $200+ and 30% off when you spend $400+ and 40% off when you spend $600+ with code HELLOSUMMER

Lulu’s: 30% off sale items

Nasty Gal: 70% off everything

Pink Lily: Items starting at $10

Revolve: up to 50% off designer sale

SHEIN: Up to 70% off

Shopbop: up to 50% off designer styles

Something Navy: up to 50% off select styles

Urban Outfitters: Up to 50% off

SHOES

ADIDAS: 25% off sitewide including sale

Nike: save up to 40% on markdowns

Steve Madden: 40% off select styles with code SUNNY

Sam Edelman: Additional 20% off sale with code SUMMER20

STUART WEITZMAN: 40% off select styles

Zappos: up to 70% off

LIFESTYLE

Equilibria Women CBD: 25% off sitewide | use code amandanava for an additional 15% off

LiquidIV: 30% off and free shipping all weekend when you use code AMANDA_NAVAA

Fabletics: 2 for $24 all bottoms and up to 80% off everything else

RETAILERS

Amazon: Memorial Day Flash Sales

Macy's: 25%-40% off

Nordstrom: up to 60% off Half-Yearly Sale through June 5th

Nordstrom Rack: extra 25% off clearance

Overstock: up to 50% off

Pier 1 Imports: Up to 85% off and free sitewide shipping with code WAWN88

Walmart: Thousands of rollbacks

TECH

Dyson: save $50 off select vacuums

Best Buy: Save big on TVs, computers, headphones, accessories, and more.

Hey, y’all! Today’s post is definitely more personal than the usual fashion edit, but it’s been on my mind for a while to share what I’ve been working through.

During a weekend away with my mom for Mother’s Day, I was chatting with my mom about how anxiety has been impacting me lately and she asked me, “when did this start?” I couldn’t really nail down an exact timeframe, but I shared with her when I had my first anxiety attack - albeit, I didn’t know that’s what it was at the time. It was back in college and while I’m going to keep the particular time and details private, it got me thinking that this is something I’ve been dealing with longer than I thought.

Like many others, the pandemic and quarantine exacerbated my anxiety and I was dealing with my emotions more frequently than I ever had before. But, it wasn’t until the fall of 2021 that I had another one since that first back in college and it actually became a more frequent thing. In the last 6 months, I have experienced 4 anxiety attacks (as someone who had ever only had 1 in my 28 years of life up until this point, it felt like a lot) and knew I really needed to deal with what was happening. But, the first thing was to find out what was causing them.

I looked at each attack and really tried to nail down what was happening and the emotions I was feeling during them to see if it would help determine any triggers or environments that were contributing. Here’s what I found:

My anxiety Triggers:

• Feelings of lack of control or too many variables around me is a big catalyst

• Alcohol enhances the likelihood of having one/severity for me

• High stress or feelings of being too overwhelmed

• Negative thinking and spiraling thoughts

• Personal life stressors and circumstances

• Being out of my routine for too long

INSTAGRAM VS. REALITY

This night on Instagram looked like so much fun and an amazing experience - it was - but, what I didn’t show was the anxiety attack and scary feelings I had toward the end of the night. This wasn’t intentional as my first reaction when having anxiety isn’t to grab my phone and share with y’all, but I think to be authentic in this post I needed to share the story with y’all (more below).

One or most of the above list was present for me during the attacks, the main one being lack of control. In every experience, it started by feeling like I wasn’t in control, couldn’t do/change things, or I was ignoring my emotions to “get through it” and then it bubbled over. Sometimes my anxiety will just linger throughout the day and not always be an attack. Other times, like the CMT Awards, it bubbled over and I found myself having a full-blown attack at the show. That particular night really helped me understand a lot about how to combat my anxiety and some tips and tricks I’ve learned that have helped me.

So, I think part of that night’s issue was that I was building it up and had pretty high expectations of the experience. I’m an enneagram 2, control freak, and very much want everyone around me to be happy and having fun - people pleaser has entered the chat. This was one of the biggest events I had ever been invited to as a blogger and you could say I felt the pressure to get great content, please the brand and also make sure my guests were having fun. This was all, of course, self-induced pressure and did not come from the brand or my friends that I brought along, but my anxiety was mounting throughout the day.

It started off a great day as two of my best friends came to Nashville to join me. We got ready together and we were so excited since we were about to be in the same room as Carrie Underwood! We jump in our Uber, head to the show, and halfway there it starts POURING rain. Our driver tries to get us close to the door, but we inevitably get soaked. The venue and where we were meeting the brand were about 3 blocks apart so we ended up having to walk in the rain, in heels and dresses - thankfully, they gave us ponchos which helped a little.

We get inside the venue and have to wait in line for security. There was a mix-up with our wristbands and for a moment, they wouldn’t let us inside. After figuring that out we find out we are in a standing section and don’t have seats for the night. I wasn’t expecting them, but one of the girls with us was pregnant and I was spiraling thinking she would be so uncomfortable all night. I calm down a bit and start taking photos, hanging out until the show starts and things seem to be fine. The next thing I know, the show starts, Keith Urban is literally 2 feet away from me, and I’m surrounded by a room full of country stars. I was feeling a lot better with all the distraction.

The night goes on and well into hour 4, I start getting uncomfortable. My feet hurt, I’m tired of standing and since it’s a live show, there are a lot of moving parts, commercial breaks, crowds of people, and audience queues - aka, things out of my control. I start getting some negative thoughts about how if maybe I’m ready to leave my friends are too and they don’t want to be there, I wanted to go to the bathroom but had no idea where it was and didn’t feel like I could leave my spot until the commercial break. I also was pretty dehydrated and worried about 2 more hours of standing in a crowd. I tried some breathing exercises and the 3-3-3 rule (more on that below).

I’ll cut to the chase on this already long-winded post: I was standing in the crowd waiting for Maren Morris to come on (my absolute favorite) and got an overwhelming feeling of “I have to get out of here”. I started to get hot, nauseated, and tunnel vision set in. I told my friends I needed a break and went to go find the bathroom. Halfway out of the crowd I felt like I was going to pass out and asked a security guard to take me to the bathroom since I didn’t know where to go. After some embarrassing moments taking my sweet time walking up multiple ramps in heels and dizziness, I made it to the bathroom and got sick.

I got a text from my friends asking if I was ok and to hurry back because Maren would be on soon. I knew I needed to hang out in this stall a while longer and remembered sending “can’t. puking.” back to them lol. Then, I could hear Maren Morris singing and I took a drink of the water I luckily brought with me. I texted another friend that I was having an attack. We’ve chatted before about them and she also deals with anxiety so I knew she would be helpful.

She immediately asked how I was feeling and then ended up changing the subject to take my mind off things. We chatted for a few min and then the friends I was with texted me asking if I needed anything. I realized the worst of it had passed, got myself together again, and went back downstairs to the show. The security guard who escorted me was waiting outside the bathroom to make sure I was ok. He was so nice and walked me back downstairs. We talked about his grandkids and I could feel the anxiety melting away. I got back to my friends and they were so kind about it. I ended up telling them about the attack - I had only ever told my husband and the other friend at that point - and they were so supportive. They asked if I wanted to leave, but I decided we could stay. After a couple more performances, they admitted they weren’t feeling the best either (it had been a really long day) and we decided to head out.

We got back home and just talked about the show, shared videos, and chatted about life. I called Kollin (who was out of town) and told him what happened. It felt really good to just be open about it. So, I decided to write down what caused me to get those feelings (above list) and what made me feel better or mitigated the anxiety.

Things that bring me peace of mind:

• Other people knowing what I was feeling helped them help me. You can’t get help unless you ask for it and I had to get comfortable talking about what made me uncomfortable to protect my mental state. Now, my husband or friends can understand what might be triggering for me or just check-in to make sure I’m all good.

• 3-3-3 rule: Look around you and name three things you see. Then, name three sounds you hear. Finally, move three parts of your body — your ankle, fingers, or arm

• Watch a comforting show or movie

• Inner self-talk: I learned this on the TSC Podcast with Ethan Kross and found it really helpful. Essentially you internally talk to yourself in pep-talk form as you would someone else. But use your name and don’t say it out loud

• Listen to music or a podcast

• Change your environment - spatial relation to the anxiety is so real and taking a step out of that physical space can change your mindset and help calm you

• Go into nature - sit in the sunlight, listen to the birds, look at the sky, put your feet in the grass

• Take CBD

• Journal or write a gratitude list

• Pray or meditate

• Read a book

• Stick to your routine as much as you can. Lack of control is a trigger for me so when I know I’m in my routine and things are going to plan it helps. Another tip from friends has been to make a mundane to-do list. Easily accomplished items that are completely in your control and you do every day like brush your teeth, drink water, and get dressed. It might seem silly, but that literal boost of serotonin helps when you check it off and feel accomplished in something.

HELPFUL TOOLS TO COMBAT ANXIETY:

Y’all may know that I’ve been really focused on becoming a morning person this year and a big part of that was developing a morning routine. You can read the specifics here, but a few months ago added CBD back into my daily routine and have found it really helpful in keeping me calm, grounded, and less reactive to my anxiety. I started taking Equilibria CBD every day as a more preventative way to combat anxiety, stress, and overwhelming feelings. It has really helped me understand the calibration of my emotions and notice the feelings of the beginnings of anxiety and stress. I take the daily gummies in the morning every day and also love their daily drops if I need a little more calm throughout a stressful day. You can learn more about CBD and Equilibria here.

TCB readers can use my code AMANDANAVA for 15% off their order if you’re wanting to try it yourself! I’m linking other tools I use below in my morning routine and throughout the day to help combat any anxiety I’m feeling like a cozy sweatshirt, refreshing ice roller, my favorite blanket, and journal.

If you’re still here, thank you. I know that was a lot and this isn’t my usual topic or something that is relevant for everyone, but my hope is that if it is relevant for you, you found it helpful and grabbed some takeaways. I hope this post also showed you that life can look really different than what we see on Instagram or written on a blog. I wanted to be authentic with y’all and reiterate the message that we’re all human. We all deal with tough things and struggle with issues many others do too. Having now experienced anxiety myself, I know how helpful it is to talk about it. If you need someone to talk to please send me a DM on Instagram or email me. I’d love to help however I can and would also love to hear from you if you have any helpful tips for readers too! Thank you again so much for reading!

I partner with Equilibria and could receive a small commission from any purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

SHOP THE LOOK

*linked shoes are similar, not exact. You can find them on resale sites as ‘Jimmy Choo Minny 85’

Hey, y’all! I’m not sure if it is the influence of the very colorful runway or the fact that I’m wishing for warm weather and tropical vacation, but I’ve been SO into color lately. Which, if you know me, is weird. I am a neutrals girl through and through, but lately, I’ve been feeling a pull toward mixing it up and incorporating fun colors. Here are five colors I’m seeing all over the runways, stores, and trends for 2022! Would you wear any of them?

Neon Pink

I can tell you that I audibly gasped when I saw the Valentino FW22 Collection which was a dual-gender collection created almost entirely in “Valentino Pink PP,” a hue that color specialists Pantone developed exclusively for the Italian label. Valentino Creative Director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, decided on a monochromatic collection to “eliminate the visual shock” and allow “the unique character of the person and the fashion (texture, shape, and decoration) to remain the sole focus.”

The same color is already finding its way into everyday wear and retailers. Check out some pieces in this iconic hue below!

Hot Orange

I recently purchased a pair of Jimmy Choo sandals (at a major discount - check it out here if you missed it) in bright orange and I’m obsessed! I love that you can pair them with a neutral look for a pop of color or go all out like in my outfit above in a color block outfit. Hot orange is making a strong play this season and I love it for accessories, dresses, and of course vacation wear.

Lavender

This time of year lavender can seem like an obvious choice. Pastels and lighter hues are pretty popular in Spring, but. lavender is taking it to the next level this year. While it might be easier on the eyes than some of the other colors listed here, it still is attention getting and different than usual wear for most people. Stand out in a classy and elegant color this season!

Illuminating Yellow

This color definitely grabs your attention and sometimes can be as bright as neon, but for spring 2022, illuminating yellow is a color to watch and gravitate toward. Invoking warm and bright feelings, this shade of yellow is perfect for warmer weather and as a base color for your outfits. Go classic with a button down or make a statement in a highlighter pump. No matter how much you incorporate this color, you’re in for a fun and cheerful look.

Kelly Green

This hue of green lives between emerald and lime green, this bright and playful green can also be very elegant and sophisticated. I think this color is gorgeous in pretty much any category, but we will see it mostly in dresses, shoes and pants! Pair it with hot pink, black, or go with a full monochromatic style for a chic look.

Thanks so much for reading! I hope you found some inspiration to add these fun colors into your wardrobe this Spring and maybe an item that you liked! Tell me below in the comments what your favorite color is this season!