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A little background
Way back in June (which is crazy that that was WAY back, but I digress), I started a “series” called “What Mama Wore” over here on the old blog. My intention was to post one fun and easy outfit each month as a sort of style inspiration for busy mamas. I mentioned how much I actually enjoy doing these posts because it helps me be intentional about shopping my closet and taking some time to appreciate the pieces I’ve got and think of new and fun ways to pair them.
I certainly enjoy reading my share of fashion blogs, but I don’t really have any interest in becoming one myself. That said, the occasional style post never hurt anyone, right?
Why “What Mama Wore”
As I mentioned before, my whole intent with these posts is to encourage busy mamas that while there is nothing wrong with athletic shorts and yoga pants (or leggings as pants) sometimes, I really do feel more productive and ready to take on the day when I’ve taken even just 5 minutes to put together a fun outfit. And frankly, if you’ve gone through your closet and filled it only with pieces you love, sometimes 5 minutes is all it takes.
I also want to use these posts as an opportunity to share some of the things going on in my mind with some hope that you’ll find it encouraging as you go about your week.
Finally, as a disclaimer, my style tends to be on the more casual side and I get most of my clothes on deep discounts or second hand, because dressing well really doesn’t need to cost a fortune. I’ll always let you know where I got the various pieces of my outfits and link similar pieces below for your convenience.
The Real Point of Today’s Post – Some Thoughts on Community
What I really want to talk about today though is community. Community in life and blog land. If you read my post last week, or follow along on Instagram, then you know I recently had the opportunity to join with a some local bloggers for a networking meetup. It was an awesome event at a new Kendra Scott store complete with free makeovers by DIOR, delicious desserts from Seasons 52 Restaurant, and photo sessions for updated head shots by Molly from Still Being Molly. It was a good night catching up with friends and meeting other bloggers whose blogs I’ve been following.
One of the things Molly talked about was the importance of blogging in community. That really resonated with me. You may know that I actually started blogging over 5 year ago on a different site that was mostly for fun. Blogging was becoming a thing and it was a fun hobby. I had no idea what I was doing. And so, without much purpose or vision other than sharing the cool things I was doing at the time, life got busy and the blog took a back seat. And I never really got back into the groove with that site.
Then, earlier this year, I had the idea for Live Well Play Together. After talking to Hubs and brainstorming a good list of 30+ potential post ideas, we took the plunge and launched the site. There has definitely been a learning curve and some posts are better than others, but I am happy to say that I am finally starting to feel much more in the swing of things around here.
Community over Competition
One of the major differences in this blog and the previous is that I promised myself going into this that if I was going to do it, I wanted to do it well. I knew a big part of that was doing it in community. It’s the tagline of this blog: “Because life is better when we do it together.” I’ve been intentional going about this in several ways – joining and participating in Facebook groups and Twitter chats, taking time to respond to every single comment and reader email (eventually), trying to make time to keep up with blogs I enjoy, engaging with followers on social media, and joining groups of local bloggers.
Y’all. The difference has been huge. I’ve been able to learn so much from other bloggers from various niches and places in life. I’ve been able to ask questions and get feedback that I never would have gotten before. And frankly, it’s just more fun. I feel WAY more inspired to work hard when I feel engaged and connected with others in the process.
I enjoy seeing bloggers that I follow succeed. We can celebrate successes together and ultimately all help one another be better. The thing about blogging is that my blog will never be the same as someone else’s. We’ve each got unique perspectives, styles, voices, and interests. And we can each use these platforms, whether big or small to use those things for good.
Of course, we all want to be successful and to create something meaningful. But isn’t it more fun when you’ve got someone to share those things with? (Spoiler alert: yes.) And so that’s what I’m thinking about this week. I’m just feeling really grateful for the opportunity to have a space in blog land to share and that you all read and engage with so regularly.
The Look
This look is from our weekend vacation to Charleston. (Many thanks to my sister for playing photographer!!) We were fortunate that the weather was mostly cloudy and not too hot. I took full advantage by wearing my skinny crop jeans from Old Navy. My shoes are a couple seasons old from Target – basic silver, metallic braided sandals, and my top is new! I actually purchased it for less than $1.00 out of pocket thanks to a free $10 coupon from Kohl’s and Influenster. Similar pieces are linked below.
Get The Look
Yes!!! When I get out of my usual yoga pants I feel SO refreshed, couldn’t agree more! Im constantly caring for my two little ones, it’s nice to care for myself too! You look amazing by the way!!!
Yes! It is good to get a little mom refresh every now and then! And thank you so much for your sweet words! I loved this outfit!
Great thoughts on this post. I would love to share your blog!
Thanks so much; I appreciate you stopping by and offering such kind words!
You look stylish in this simple attire!
Nistha
https://www.fashionistha.com/summer-closure-in-floral-romper/
Thanks so much! I definitely try to keep it simple around here! 🙂
I agree that networking with other bloggers is so important and it makes blogging so much more enjoyable! I’m so thankful for the friends I’ve met through blogging.
Same! I appreciate you stopping by!
I am definitely with you on the community over competition! I love meeting up with other bloggers and influencers and learning from them, but also becoming friends with them. I’ve met some wonderful people that I never would have met otherwise.
It makes it so much more fun, right?! Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a great weekend!
I agree with you wholeheartedly! When I started engaging with the blog community I started to enjoy myself tenfold!
I love your top! It is so fun and perfect for a vacay! Speaking of community, I’d love if you would add your posts to On Mondays we Link Up! We have a great community going over there, too!
–Roxanne
http://glassofglam.com
Isn’t it way better in community?! Thank you so much for your kind words! I will definitely check out your link up! <3
I love your thoughts on community! It’s so important and can make such a huge difference in so many aspects of life. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much; I completely agree!
you are absolutely adorable. and i TOTALLY agree with you on your sentiments on community… EVERYTHING is better when we collaborate and do it together.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. I had such a great time with everyone at the meet up!
I agree with you! I could not get through my life without my blogging friends. I’ve been blogging for almost 11 years and my “regular friends” have no idea what I’m even talking about when I go into blogger talk.
Haha! That’s funny! Good for you – 11 years is quite the commitment! It really is more fun in community!
Glad to have stumbled upon your blog! I agree with you completely on the importance of community and engagement is what makes blogging worthwhile! 🙂
Thank you so much! I’m glad you stopped by!
Thanks for linking up to the Top of the World Style party. Light blue and white are such great summer classics!
Thanks! I was glad to squeeze them in one last time before fall!
I love the top and I so agree, community in blogging is so important!
Thanks so much!
It’s so nice that you bring such a positive spin on things, Mary Leigh! And I love that embroidered top.
Thanks so much for joining us in the Ageless Style Linkup!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks so much! I appreciate you stopping by!
Hello Mary, nice to ‘meet’ you in the Blogosphere today!
What a pretty outfit, you make elegant but casual dressing look easy. Also just wanted to thank you for linking up to mine and Laurie’s new Thursday link-up
best wishes
Ashley x
Thanks so much! I appreciate you stopping by!
I love the looks you have!! Things I could totally wear. Also, I hear on the community!! It is soooo important!
Thank you so much! <3
Very cute look! You sound just like me with your affordable looks! I too love how supportive the blogging community is. I think it’s so great how we can all support each other over completing!
Thank you so much, Katie! I do love to find a good deal! I have so enjoyed meeting other bloggers along the way! It is really more fun when we can support one another!
Dressing well does not cost a fortune! I get most of mine second hand and find great quality expensive pieces that I pay pennies on the dollar for. Love your looks!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Same! I always tend to look second hand first because there are often so many great pieces to be found there!
I love meeting you at the Trifabb meetup. And I am with you I love it when bloggers help each other out and aren’t afraid to celebrate each others successes.
Same! I was glad to finally put a “face to the blog”! I have really enjoyed meeting so many other wonderful bloggers!
What a positive outlook to create with & for community. Good luck on your endeavors!
Thanks so much, Dianna – I appreciate you stopping by!