My Beach Style: Jamaica

We escaped the polar vortex in Chicago for a quick getaway minus the kids – our first time alone on vacation in ten years! This week I’m planning on putting away the phone, swimming in the ocean, eating all of the gorgeous food and just soaking in the sun.

Ten years ago exactly Tom and I had planned a trip to Jamaica – we had a weekend snowmobiling in Wisconsin, then we had planned to trade our snow boots for swimsuits and hop on a plane to paradise – only that never happened because I crashed my snowmobile and was in a coma and almost died. After my traumatic accident, I felt very lost – eventually I broke up with Tom. I even thought maybe that accident was a sign from God that we weren’t supposed to be together. After about a year of absolute anguish, I followed my gut instinct and asked if we could get back together – and thankfully he wanted me back after all I put him through. So being here now, after being married and having two beautiful kids together, I’m just so thankful we made it through.

Scroll down to see some of my favorite swimsuits I wore on my trip.

Swimsuit  / Hat / Necklace 

  1. Leopard: If you’ve followed me for a while, you know leopard is my favorite color, and a one-piece swimsuit is a mom’s best friend. I’ve always loved Mara Hoffman swimwear, not only for the aesthetic, but also because of her commitment to sustainable fashion.

Swimsuit / High-Wasist Acid Washed Shorts – Levi’s (thrifted off of Poshmark)/ Sunglasses 

2. Assymetrical: This high waist bikini has side-ties which you can’t see in this pic, but I’m partial to details like that. I am also in love with the one shoulder strap – but just a warning you may end up with some fun tan lines.

Swimsuit (similar) I bought mine second hand on Poshmark

3. Retro: High-waist and ribbed fabric is the way to go for bikini’s – I’ve seriously never felt so comfortable on a beach before.

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Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
Ski weekend with my favorites ❄️❄️ So proud of Sophia for skiing on her own for the first time!
There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
Just a mom who loves mums 🌸 🪴
Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!