Hello lovelies! Last weekend, my mom, sister and I decided to make a trip over to visit family in Oregon. I was excited as always; as I am whenever we travel- mostly because I feel like we don’t see them near enough. It’s about a four hour drive and it goes through several valleys and a beautiful mountain range. We’ve driven it more times than I can count, yet I had never really noticed most of the nature outside (as most of the time I was trying to sleep or watch a movie in order to encourage the drive to end quickly). But this time we left early in the morning, and decided to take a couple of scenic stops on our way.

It’s so funny to me how when we travel (especially) it can be all about getting to the destination as swiftly as possible. And granted, we aren’t always in the mood to take our time. But it was pretty interesting how just paying attention to the scenery and making a couple of short stops opened my eyes to the beauty that I’ve briefly noticed so many times from out a car window, yet had never experienced it with more of my senses. Breathing the crisp air and realizing how different it is, getting to touch the moss growing on the trees, actually hearing the sounds of the breeze in the background….it was so refreshing to just be in the moment.

As much as I love the outdoors, I can find it hard to take an hour or two to enjoy it as much as I’d like to. Now I’ve realized that really I can appreciate nature on a daily basis throughout day-to-day life. I realize through writing this that I sometimes compare travel to exercise, it can be daunting to see a how far you have to go, and wanting to rush to just get it done instead of making the most out of the process.

Switching it up a bit from my usual sweatpants and t-shirt look I would typically go for in order to achieve extreme comfort for the journey, I chose this super cozy wool pullover and my new favorite jeans that no joke, feel like pajamas. The pullover is made of wool and like most, I can be pretty picky when it comes to wool but this sweater doesn’t irritate at all. Always excited about new warmer fashion trends, I like to make sure I have comfortable, versatile staple pieces where I can change the look easily but still stay cozy and comfortable. An outfit like this can be dressed up with accessories or even a skirt or different pants in order to make it a completely different look.

During this time of year, it’s important that we take a minute in all of the hustle and bustle in order to cherish the people that mean the most to us. Sometimes the overwhelming commercialization of this holiday season can distract us from what really matters, quality time and conversation with family and friends. I’m so glad I got to spend some time with my far away family, and I hope you guys also get a chance to show your love to those who are important to you. :)

























Special thanks to my sister, who let me use her hand-knit scarf for this shoot!

OUTFIT:

Sweater: Boucle Mockneck Pullover

Jeans: Pilcro Serif Legging Jeans

Hello everyone!

I have to say, I have been really excited to share this post, as my family and I are planning a trip to Mexico (and this dress is sure to get me in the Mexican spirit- plus I really just want to be there right now). But until then, I thought I would wear something that made me feel as though I was somewhere warm, endearing and far away.

This dress really does remind me of travel, because I actually wore this dress on my first trip to Mexico which means it’s full of really crazy memories of being totally submerged in a different culture. That was actually the first time I had been out of the country, and it was such an interesting experience. It really doesn’t matter how many movies you watch or pictures you see, because as soon as you arrive somewhere new all of your senses are enveloped into an ocean of something totally different. I find that my mind is widened by being in new places, and it definitely encourages my natural incentive to explore.

Whenever you enter into a new destination, there is something so ethereal about everything- the food, the scenery, the people and so much more. Obviously Mexico has definite differences from where I am, but even when I travel semi close to home I get that same feeling of curiosity and excitement.

I also love seeing in other cultures how normalcies for them are such a surprise to me, and visa-versa. Mexico has a sultry, ethnic, serene beauty and I can’t wait to visit there again. When I wear something that reminds me of a faraway place, I can’t help but feel like that same attitude of being on vacation is with me wherever I wear it; even when I’m still in my home town.

What places do you guys dream about visiting?

xx Hailey





















Dress: River Island Misha Mexican dress

The view from the top!


We found these gorgeous flowers a little off the path, and I had to take a picture!


A local vineyard that we passed on our way up.







Yesterday morning, my sister and I decided to go on a hike to what is called "Table Rock". It's basically a giant foothill with a plateau on the top of it which is perfect for looking out at the entire valley after your hike. It's an unbelievable view, and a pretty motivating reward I would say! Knowing what's waiting for us at the end of the workout generally helps us make it the whole way- it's a pretty long hike! The whole hike goes through the brush and wildflowers native to Idaho, and sometimes we even see animals like sparrowhawks or wild rabbits. It's a bit of a drive, and quite a walk, but it's always worth it.

Especially in the summer, we like to go before the sun rises over the hill so that we will be shaded on our way up. This requires getting up at about 5:45 and getting there around 6:30. Although I'm not particularly fond of the 'getting up' part, I love being there at early dawn because everything looks so calm and quiet. When we made it about 1/4 of the way up, we saw a young buck still with velvet on his antlers! He actually climbed up onto a hill right near us, and then went down the other side into some brush. It's SO cool to start off my day by seeing such incredible bits of nature. Luckily all the animals we tend to see are mostly small ones that aren't violent, like bunnies or deer; otherwise I probably wouldn't think it was so cool.

Exercising outside is my favorite way to get active, it makes me feel so much better when I can see whats around me, and appreciate the natural beauty! I love early morning- it's probably my favorite time of day. Being up when the everything is so quiet and I know that there are so many possibilities for the day to come always excites me. Combine those two things, and for me it's the perfect morning excursion :)

What are your guys' favorite ways to get outdoors? Leave your best stories in the comments and remember to follow me here!