This wasn’t a planned tattoo, although I’ve had a dedicated “ink” board on Pinterest for years. This was on a whim and I am the happiest that I was able to get it done.

So, I have a boyfriend. If you’ve seen any photos of us, you may have noticed that he’s got a couple tattoos himself. I really sweet cherry blossom half sleeve and a less noticeable but just as amazing homage to Godzilla. Since he’s already had some work done, I wanted to get a tattoo from the shop where he goes.

UP IN ARMS. ♥ It’s a brilliant little tattoo parlor in Moon Pennsylvania. They’re a group of talented artists & some super chill people. I had my little snowflake done by the apprentice, Archer. Follow him HERE.

The reason for the snowflake was really just because I wanted to start with something small to see how I would heal and react. I’m also broke so this seemed like a good opportunity…if not my only opportunity for a while. & While I don’t believe that tattoos need to have any kind of meaning I found a way to give this little guy a good bit of meaning to me.

I had an old self-harm scar covered by the placement of this snowflake! The dude man (Archer) asked if I just wanted to go over the scar and I said “YEAH, F*#K that scar!” & that’s how placement was decided. Now, you can google the symbolic meaning of anything … so I did. Snowflakes can signify a snow-covered earth meaning a sort of rebirth. I like it. I’m going with it. Snowflake.

I was terrified. I was sick to my stomach before getting the tattoo. I was thinking the worst. I could hardly eat. (Eat before you get tatted.) I cuddled a stuffed unicorn that someone had donated while the first line was inked.

Honestly, though, It wasn’t bad at all. It’s not a pain like when your parents tell you that they're disappointed in you, it’s more like when a child tells you that you have a large rear end. It’s a bit of a burn but nothing some emotional eating and ointment can’t heal. I do realize that my opinion on this will probably alter with tattoo size and placement though.

1,000/10 Will do it again. My only regret is that I didn't get one sooner.

♥ A huge thank you to Archer at Up In Arms for my first tattoo. More to come!

What is BootayBag? It's what you might think it is ... or at least what I'm hoping you'd think it is. BootayBag is a monthly subscription plan that sends cute undies right to your door! No fuss and no need to leave the comfort of your home. The style and pattern will always be a surprise (unless you choose a specific option that they have available) and you can even add a bralette to go with it. Their packages are very customizable, and they have different plans to suit your desires.

BootyBag is a company run by women, for women.
I would definitely recommend checking out their website and their social media. They have a killer body positive stance and an amazing zero-hate tolerance policy. These women are here to lift you up and deck you out.

Click HERE to visit their website and to browse their subscription options!

So… as if gorgeous panties sent to your door wasn’t enough, this company has heart. ♥
This is what truly stuck out and resonated with me personally.

Underwear is one the most needed items at women’s shelters, but it is also one of the most under-donated items. BootayBag is out here giving back. They partner with local organizations to make new, clean, and cute underwear available to women who are in need of it.

There was a point in my life where staying a women’s center was about to be my only option. They had a room ready for me on standby. && As of right now I am considered “working poor” and I honestly cannot tell you that last time I was able to purchase new underwear for myself. I utilize what I currently have in my panty drawer because I’m not in the position to buy new and give back… yet. I promise that I will get there someday...

In the meantime, I take great comfort in knowing that businesses like BootayBag are out there helping women like me. Your purchases are helping to support people in need and that is something I can get my bootay on board with.

♥ A huge thank you to BootayBag for sending me the loveliest complimentary undies & for all the good you are doing.

I had the opportunity to be a part of a lovely holiday photoshoot! ♥

Last week I was one of five women who responded to an Instagram post put up by The Loveliest Co. They were looking for volunteers to model their new Holiday items for their boutique. I guess I was one of the first to respond because they gave me the go ahead to join them!

Can we just talk about how HUGE of a deal it is to me that I even responded to their post in the first place?! Me. Sophia. Sophia who has always been full of anxiety and whose self-esteem truly couldn’t sink any lower most days… I responded to a modeling call for the cutest boutique/coffee shop in the Pittsburgh area…& They said okay!

Last week I showed up to The Loveliest with my nerves through the roof and with a weird anxious quiver in my jaw that was very noticeable every time I tried to smile for a photo. I did my absolute best to put up a strong front though, and to tell my fears to kick rocks.

The other women I met were wonderful. Some were mothers just like me, and all of them were kind and admirable. It’s a unique thing to take such intimate shots with people you’ve only just met. I had a delightful time trying on the most beautiful outfits and posing with the cutest holiday props.

How cute are these outfits though?! The braided sleeve sweater with the chunky scarf was so cozy. & The oversized cream sweater with the pink satin hair bow was so sweet! I fell completely in love with that outfit.

The Loveliest is a spot that really delivers in every way. It’s a business ran by women who want to empower other women. I’m so glad that I was able to take part in this Holiday shoot, and I hope to be more involved in future events they’ll be hosting.

I’m extremely proud of myself for taking a little leap out of my comfort zone this month. Witnessing all of these women creating their own paths in life has sparked a fire in me to figure out how I want my story to unfold from this point on.

♥ Thank you to The Loveliest for including and inspiring me.
♥ Thank you to Kyleigh Danielle Photography for these amazing photos!

“Domestic violence comes in all sizes and shapes, because every relationship is different. If you have a feeling that you or a loved one may be in an abusive relationship, here are some of the domestic violence warning signs to watch for.”

I think there might be one or two items on this list that I didn’t experience & put up with for years. There are a lot of other things that aren’t included on this list. Real love doesn’t hurt…be aware. 💕

We went on a mini adventure to McConnell’s Mill State Park to visit Hells Hollow Falls. 

We took a couple wrong turns, got a little off course, and completely lost cell phone service. We also saw some gorgeous falls, really nice houses and some wildlife. I’d say it was a successful trip. 

It was a cute little walking trail that led to a small waterfall. The sun peaking through the trees was perfection. The air was hot and sticky but the mist from the falls more than made up for it. & I had the best exploring partner by my side.

Adventures like this really make me realize how much I need more nature in my life.

It couldn’t have come at a better time. There was an explosion/fire where we live and it involved a cloud of chlorine. People were advised to stay indoors and turn their air conditioning off. I didn’t know anything about it until this morning when I went to let my dog out and was hit with the smell. No good.

We had a baby shower down in Maryland today and I was more than happy to leave chlorine county behind until it blew over.

UNOs and the Honi Honi have always been a must for my family. Amazing food but it’s become really popular with vacationers so it tends to be extra busy on the weekends. I love the atmosphere, the live bands, and being able to walk down to the lake. I daydream about having a vacation home down here.

How pretty is this flowering tea though?! Have any of you ever tried a blooming tea before? This is my first time experiencing one…

I received a Tea Chest of Twelve Flowering Teas from Teabloom. Their flowering teas are made from green tea and edible flowers. They’re sewn up into a ball, or even a heart shape, and when you steep them in hot water they bloom.
Pretty simple, right?

The tea featured in the photos above is called “My growing love” and it’s a combination of green tea and rose. It had an earthy flavor and you could definitely taste the rose. It was nice & I’m really excited to try the pineapple flavored one next!

&& The child in me had a blast waiting for my tea to bloom. I may have poked at it a couple times. You know you would too.

It was a cute little treat. ♥ The tea smelled and tasted wonderful. I’ll be looking more into blooming teas.

You can also pick up a tea pot and other accessories from Teabloom.com However, I snagged mine from my local thrift store!

*Thank you to Teabloom.com for sending me these products free for testing purposes. All opinions are my own. ♥