Hi. You might remember me as someone named Alissa who is 24, loves to talk about curly hair, clothes and frequently trips and falls. Well, she’s I’m back. I took an impromptu break because I was going through some pretty heavy stuff and I realized that I was putting a ton of pressure on myself to keep going and I needed to listen to my body and mind about what to say no to. I realized that I was putting a ton of pressure on myself to always be blog-ready in what I was wearing or thinking of content ideas. I needed to stop and just live life for a little bit.
After all, one of my biggest pet peeves has always been when bloggers act like there’s 500,000 people waiting on your post. Based upon my stats, at the most I would have like 10 people waiting on a post so in no way do I think that someone is like, “YESS! Almost midnight so I’ve got to go see what Alissa is posting about today.” (Although if you are, you are my favorite person ever and let’s be besties.) I realized that I needed to just let it go, which is probably something I realized because I finally gave in and watched Frozen with my 5 year old niece and my life was forever ruined by that soundtrack.
I was in two weddings in October, a week apart. Oh and I didn’t fit into the first wedding’s bridesmaid dress unless two people very tightly squeezed me into a dress that was supposed to be covering my boobs (the reason I had to get it) and made them look like I was in a corset and pushed them out even more. I had six weeks to get those puppies and my waist into the dress without bursting out. It’s amazing what you can get done in six weeks when you have no other options and you are the maid of honor in a wedding.
Oh and in case you’re wondering, it fit. It ripped an hour before the wedding. It ended up being super low cut because the boobs wouldn’t go down and I could barely find shoes to go with it but at the end of the day the wedding went perfectly and I learned how to fix a dress with scotch tape before a wedding.
Stay tuned for my next post detailing how a wedding nightmare came to life.
I started pursing things that were just in the back of my mind. Instagram styling, learning the back ends of websites and more have all been nagging at me for the past year and I finally decided that if they weren’t ever going to go away, I should probably pursue them because they mean something. Again with that whole listening to your gut thing. Some of these things may never come to fruition but at least I pursued them and I can say that I know I did my best. I never want to stop learning and I also never want myself to be my greatest roadblock.
I ate Chipotle five times in one week and had no regrets. Really the only thing that makes this worth mentioning is that although it’s normal for me to eat there three times, the fifth time is when the manager of the Chipotle location said I needed like a Chipotle black card. WHICH IS A THING APPARENTLY! I am so down for that. Pro tip: A gigantic cheesy quesadilla with veggies, sour cream, corn salsa is under $4 in Kansas. You’re welcome.
Hello? Is it me you’re looking for? No? Well, anyway, I missed you. I totally read your posts though, but really, I missed you all. Thank you all for being the best, even when you didn’t know that you were being the best.
Nada Qamber
Awh! I missed your posts Alissa! It's great to see you back!
Looking forward to the wedding post and many more amazing outfit photos! <3
Laura.
Aw, welcome back. It's always good to take out for yourself ๐
Loving the photos too.
Anything & Everything | Bloglovin'
Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/)
OM I'm so happy you are back! Missed you in the blogging world.
xo
PinkSole
Ali Hval
I missed your advice and wit like hell, but I'm so so glad you're going to be posting again! I'm just glad we can text and shiz because you're seriously such a bright person in my life. And I love your radiant personality and just the sweetness that is you. Never stop being you. This is the greatest and most honest post from you and I love it. It's true that you've gotta listen to your heart. Whenever I don't I notice I get into dark and sad places, but this week I've been trying to fix that especially and I can see things improving already. LOVE YOU LADY
Daily Style Finds
Welcome back! I enjoy your wit, too. I understand the nagging of other things in the back of your mind – and pursuing them, even if they do not happen. Look forward to more from you.
Lisa
Daily Style Finds
Bree Aylwin
Welcome back! Missed your looks and your wit!
ourthreesons
I was SO pleased to see a post from you show up in Feedly this morning! Welcome back! I'm glad you took the time to figure things out for a bit though, you have to do that sometimes.
Maggie Zemanek
Welcome back!! This look is stunning, by the way. That dress is amazing!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Rachel Lynne
ALISSA!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're BACK I'm so pumped! Like because look at those pumps, they rock, you rock! Welcome back! Gorgeous as always ๐
Kayla Gilbert
Glad to see you're back! We all need a break sometimes.. and mine will be as soon as I push this baby out! ; )
Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com
Priya
I am really glad you're back, I've been dying to know what you've been up to (and I know there are more than 10 people who feel the same way ๐ I always enjoy reading your perspective interlaced with well-styled outfits! I'm glad things are turning around for you. Welcome back! <3 <3 <3
โฅ perfectly Priya
BLovedBoston
That window pane dress is so beautiful on you!! Learned how to fix a dress with scotch tape – can't wait to hear about that! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Whitney Damrau
Congrats on fitting into the dress, that's a big accomplishment. Glad you are seeing things differently now, my favorite saying now is just do you. Because you're pretty great! You look beautiful and I love the dress!
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Elegance and Mommyhood
I am so glad you are back and feel happier and renewed now. The grid dress and your strappy pumps are gorgeous. You look better than ever, gorgeous!
Happy Holiday month!
๐ Ada.
Rachel Dinh
So curly and cute! I love this black and white look.
http://www.racheldinh.com
Laura Bambrick
Glad to see your back! Sometimes we all need that time to self-renew. Good for you for taking it and coming back looking more gorgeous than ever!
Straight A Style
Glad to have you back and get an update. I actually checked your blog the other day just to make sure I hadn't missed a post. The wedding sounds CRAZY, and I am flat obsessed with those shoes.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Elise Von E
Beautiful! Such a pretty dress, and I love your necklace!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Ginny
Welcome back, looking fab as always ๐
faith pierce
Welcome back to blogging! Looking forward to following along for more – also love your dress!
Lulu Linden
Welcome back! I can't wait to read more about that wedding catastrophe — I am SO sorry that happened. And are you kidding about that Chipotle card because…#need it!
Audrey
http://www.lululinden.com
Lauren Farrell
Alissa, I love how the stripe detail of your shoes matches the graphic lattice detail of your dress. You look beautiful!! Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful week ahead!
http://www.laurenfarrellny.com/blog
Lauren Farrell
Alissa, I love how the stripe detail of your shoes matches the graphic lattice detail of your dress. You look beautiful!! Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful week ahead!
http://www.laurenfarrellny.com/blog
Gabrielle Crystal RoseBonniee
You look beautiful and so confident! Give me a bit of it, haha. Such a beautiful woman you are ^^~
Lovely photos โก
Have a nice day xx Love from Slovakia ~
โก * christmas beauty wishlist โก
Nadja Maisner
You look absolutely amazing! I'm in love with the whole outfit. The dress is so pretty and the shoes – perfection. Love your style. ๐
http://yellowpumpkiin.blogspot.de/2015/12/army-green-and-rose.html
Mary-Katherine
Yay you're back!!! And now I am really curious what a Chipotle Black Card is… do share!
xo Mary-Katherine | Gold-Hatted Lover
Bogi RedReticule
Glad to have you back and you look pretty as ever! I absolutely loved the photo you recently posted on Instagram with your big curls! Take it easy and never quit listening to your gut!
http://redreticule.com
Jessica Salisbury
Love that dress and the heels! Thanks for joining the link-up party today!
-Jessica
http://www.wearitforless.com – come join the link-up party today!
Lilly Style
You look gorgeous! Love those heels!
Jessica Porter
What a wonderful post! So glad you were able to take some time and recharge! Can't wait to hear the wedding story OMG I've been in a few myself and I feel like something crazy and unexpected always happens!
Welcome back!
Jessica
http://www.wedressalright.com
Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
So glad you're back! Sometimes it's nice to just take a break and focus on you for a bit. It's so easy to put pressure on yourself through blogging! Love that dress on you!!
Chelsea Davis
IN love with with look! What a gorgeous holiday dress. I love your statement necklace and heels.
XO Chelsea http://www.shesaidhesaidfashion.com
Kyle Akeley
I've missed you, I'm so glad you're back!! And you look amazing.
Kyle
http://professionalish.blogspot.com/
Alyssa Gap
Welcome back! So glad you were able to take a break for yourself. Glad to see you back and happy. : )
Alyssa | Glitter and Grey
Whitney James
So glad you're back! I've missed you…XO!
~Whitney
wwww.whitneynicjames.com
Rachel McCarthy
Welcome back! Obsessed with this dress and these shoes are just perfect! Great look!
xo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
Darcy
Yay, so happy you are back!! I've been thinking you were about to reappear lately ;). Glad you have you back in my bloglovin' feed!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Maggie
So glad you're back! I have missed your hilarious writing and gorgeous curly hair! I hope you are feeling better! Hang in there ๐
Maggie
http://www.PolishedClosets.com
Melanie
Well welcome back! I just found your blog and I'm so happy I did! I just love your outfit and your style!! That dress is beautiful! I had a wedding disaster about 2 years ago with a bridesmaid dress and it was dreadful. I need to look into the Chiptotle black card! I eat there way too much too! =)
Melanie | Blog: Toots + Dill
Lauren Nolan
Love this dress!
xoxo,
Lauren at http://www.lakeshorelady.com/
Jessica Garcia
I'm so glad I came back! You look great and I love this print ๐
xo, Jessica || The Petite Diaries
Libby G.
LOVE that you're back!! And I'm obsessed with this entire outfit – you look stunning!
Libby
http://www.styliniowan.com
Naomi Shapiro
Aww, look how adorbs you are.
Closet Fashionista
Welcome back!!!! Looks like you had more than 10 people waiting for a post (this has more comments than I get in a week!! ๐ )
Its definitely good to take a break sometimes and just forget about things and do what you feel is right. I need to go with my gut more often, but sometimes it's not just me not doing things, haha… (men…UGH!)
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
Anna Higgins
SO glad your back!! I cant wait to read you future blog post! Your the first blog I ever followed!
Stylin' In St. Louis
So glad that you are back! I love your sense of humor!
xo,
Jacqueline
Stylin In St. Louis
Nicole Layne
Welcome back!! It's so good to see you back. You look great in this dress!
Nicole
Nicole to the Nines
Shira
First of all, so glad to see you back but I totally understand needing to take a break and I hope things are ok with you- definitely feel free to message me on FB if you ever want to talk! Second of all, omg about that dress- I need every single detail on that lol so I'm seriously awaiting that post haha! omg, sounds insanely traumatic but I really hope you weren't forced to buy a dress too small??? wtf??
Also, your windowpane dress is amazing and I'm just so happy to see your post!
http://asequinloveaffair.com
Making Restorations
It's good to go with what your body is telling you. I've regretted not doing that far too many times. Also, you made me totally want chipotle. All the locations near me have been shut down bc they are making ppl sick, but I still love them
http://makingrestorations.blogspot.com
Shoshana
Beautiful dress. I'm loving the window pane box print. The nipped waistline, the full skirt, perfection on you. Love it!
http://www.stylegonerogue.com
Kimi, Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
I saw one of your tweets and thought you were just sharing an item you had bought… I DIDN'T REALIZE YOU WERE BACK AND NOW MY NIGHT IS MADE! Yay! ๐ So glad you've been doing well and I am equally glad you are blogging again!
Meghan @ Hayes Days
I creeped on you on IG while you were away but needless to say I'M SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU BACK for how often or less often I get to see you. Ugh for bridesmaid dresses. The bride will probably never remember. Forget the bridesmaid dress, you look amazing in this one. I love it on you! We have a Chipotle here in Athens, but it's not close to my home. We have a similar type burrito restaurant called Barberitos and I definitely have that multiple times a week so I feel ya on that being one of the finer, more important things in life. Again– so happy to have you back! Can't wait to read and see what you've got coming.
hashtagfablife.com
Love the window pane print dress! Listening to my gut is on my goals list for 2016! And I can never have too much chipotle!
HashtagFabLife
BarBara Sara ล trkalj
Lovely post ๐ Wanna follow each other?
http://ordinaryblondie9.blogspot.hr/
Nikki
Welcome back friend! I am so glad you are back! I have thought about you so many times. Listening to your gut is so important. I am bad about not doing it, but in the end it is always the right thing to do in any situation. 1. I cannot wait to read more about the ripped dress and the scotch tape. 2. I love that dress and I need it. 3. I am so glad you are back!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
nicole s.
"So what's happened with me in the meantime?" UM BECOMING EVEN MORE OF A TOTAL FREAKING FOX!!!!!! I looooove this dress. It was actually made for you. It's embarrassing how many times I've come and read your old posts. I hope there will be more new ones, but also no pressure. Follow that gut, girlfriend.
Jeans and a Teacup
As you can see – you have definitely been missed! I'm totally one of those 10 people who have been anxiously waiting for your next post! ๐ You are looking fabulous and I hope you stick around here for awhile!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
LyddieGal
Welcome back Alissa! Glad to hear you were able to take a much needed break, follow your heart and your gut and get to a better place, even if things are still chaos, sometimes I wonder if it's even possible to be without it. And Judging by the fact that you've already got 54 comments here, I think far more than 10 people missed you! I wouldn't doubt that it is in fact 500,000.
Chic on the Cheap
Nikki Glowicki
Just happened upon your blog and I'm super excited to keep reading! Love when I just can't help but grin or laugh a little as I read. Makes the fact that I'm up at 11:11 even though I am normally in bed by 9:00 seem like a slightly less terrible idea ๐ Now that I've found you, keep it coming, yeah?
http://www.thislovelylifeblog.com
Merlin Seetha
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Marjorie Smith
You are looking so beautiful, nice style and outfit!
XX
http://www.angelamall.co.nz
Taramixandmatch
So happy to see you back and smiling!
May Cho
You fixed a dress with…scotch tape…an hour before a wedding…? This one I've GOT to read, Alissa. I wasn't an early reader but I understand what you mean when you've got to take a break to live. I'm happy you've done that and are back.
Your dress is lovely and those shoes are to die for!
May | THE MAYDEN | Bloglovin'
carrieslifestyle.com
you look amazing
http://carrieslifestyle.com
Posts online about Australia, Rio, Amsterdam…
Elle Sees
yayyyy you're backkkkkk! you look lovely, you were missed, and that was the best wedding story! made my morning bright!
Garaytreasures
Yay!!! When I saw that you linked up to "Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me" today I shouted "YAY She's back!" Lol I am so happy that you discovered your passions and dreams and secretly loving that your back. Looking ever so stunning Alisha.
Rachel xo
Garay Treasures
Amy Johnson
Such a funny lady you are! I loved reading this post. Great outfit too! You look so pretty in that dress.
Kelsey Bang
I have missed your cute posts! welcome back! Perfect black and white outfit! So chic!
kelseybang.com
Jackie
Yay!! I am so happy to see you back here!! You look fabulous as always and your stories always make me smile….although, I would have been freaking out about the outfit malfunction if it happened to me ๐
Jackie
Something About That
Tiffany Diana
Glad you took some time off. It's always great to mentally recharge and really live in the moment. Looking forward to more of your journey. I LOVE that dress!
xo
Shannon Jenkins
Yay!!! So glad you're back!! Sometimes we just need a nice long break to recoup! You look amazing! So in love with that dress! The pattern is too cute!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Jillian Manesh
CUTE dress! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Jalisa G
Alissa, you are hilarious, girl! You had me laughing throughout this post, you have such a beautiful personality, oh and hair (girl, those curls are fabulous)! That's awesome that you listened to your mind and body and took a break. We're always the best versions of ourselves when we're well rested and, like you said, listen to our guts. I had to listen to mine when I kept feeling a prompting to take a break from my YouTube channel. I was doing that and my blog 6 ( a video one day a week) days a week at one point and it was just way too overwhelming and I wasn't able to give 100% of myself to either because I was divided. I'm glad I listened and decided to concentrate primarily on my blog ๐
That's crazy that you were able to manage to fix your dress within an hour of the wedding, major kudos to you! Speaking of dresses, I'm loving this dress; the window pane print looks great on you, as does the addition of that beautiful purse; great styling!
I hope you're having a wonderful day so far and all of those things that you've been pursuing WILL come into fruition. They wouldn't be on your mind and chasing after you, if they would be futile in the end ๐
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Karly @ Miss in the Midwest
First of all, I saw the photos from the wedding that you're speaking of, and I never would've guessed that your dress ripped – you looked beautiful! Second of all, I am SO, so glad to see you back. Good for your for following your gut these past few months – I think I need to take a note of your book and do the same in the New Year.
Rebecca Henreckson
I have missed your posts! So glad you're back.
Adri Lately
Ahh your back and still as hilarious and stylish as ever!
xo Adri
http://www.adrilately.blogspot.com
Lisa Morice
Welcome back Alissa. I've missed you. I was a little worried when I came back from my holiday and there were no posts for months. I was glad to see the odd pin from you so I knew you were ok. Taking a break is a good thing, you need to take care of you first and social media and blogging can be very draining. You look fit and happy and I'm deliriously happy you're back. Much love xx
Doused In Pink
Welcome back! Sometimes a break is needed to refocus and energized! I love your dress! You look so pretty!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Sybil
you are looking fabulous from head to toe!! love this entire outfit and how you styled it!
Have a great day!
Animated Confessions
Lauren {Fizz and Frosting}
OH HEY! Glad to see your post today! You look fab, per usual. I love this dress!
Fizz and Frosting
Pat
I check this site everyday. I just checked it yesterday. How did you sneak this on? That smile, those lips, that hair. I've missed your commaentary & perfect timing for a great humourous line, for offering advice in a way I didn't realize it had happended. Welcome back, you were missed by many & loved my all.
Pat
I check this site everyday. I just checked it yesterday. How did you sneak this on? That smile, those lips, that hair. I've missed your commaentary & perfect timing for a great humourous line, for offering advice in a way I didn't realize it had happended. Welcome back, you were missed by many & loved my all.
Public Lives, Secret Recipes
Love that dress!! Super cute! xo
http://publiclivessecretrecipes.com/2015/12/public-lives-eat-travel-rock-secret-recipes-cannoli-french-toast.html
Beautygirl 24
I'm so happy you're back! I'm sure everyone is saying that! I love your stories. One of the things I love about blogging is the writing. So many bloggers don't write. They throw outfits up and say a couple sentences and that's it. I'm a writer at heart, always have been so it's nice to come here and not only see you're pretty face, but to also read!
Beautygirl 24
Oh, and it's your. I hate autocorrect ๐
bello di essere donna
very nice suit, especially color
Gold Coast Girl
Cute outfit! Love the pattern of that dress!
~Sam
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
Terry S
Sooooooooo loving this look, Alissa. <33333
Welcome back to the blogging world. ๐
Terry
http://styleofterry.tumblr.com
http://terrystwocents.tumblr.com
Kellyinthecity
Hey Girl!
Hope all is well — Looks like the break was a good one. ๐ I was thinking about taking a much-needed break over the holidays, and this definitely encouraged me!!
Anyway, can't wait to read the wedding post. ๐
XOXO!
Kelly | Kelly in the City
Laura (bright and beautiful)
yay! Welcome back ๐ This look is lovely on you!
xo, Laura
bright and beautiful
Gina Daily
Wow, what a way to come back to blogging! A fabulous outfit and a lot of laughs (for us…maybe not you at the time but hopefully in retrospect??) wrapped up in one great post!
Gina || On the Daily Express
Heidi Hendricksen
Oh my gosh, girl! I'm laughing and crying with you on this one. It sounds like you learned and grew a ton during the past couple of months. And you are back with a bang! Absolutely dropdead gorgeous.
Wishes & Reality
Head to Toe Chic
You're back!!!!! and looking so pretty in this dress!
xo,
Angela
Pili
Greetings. It's my first time checking out your blog and already feel that I'll return. I like your wit and style. Nice!
Jessica @ Here&Now
welcome back lady! First up, that dress is Target? Shut the front door! Second: a chipotle black card? Tell me more! Good for you for doing what you needed to do!
xx
Here&Now
Brynn
I'm glad you came back to blogging, Alissa! I just wrote a post today after 3+ months of complete silence on the blog, and it felt odd but fun. I hope you are continuing to listen to your gut and do what feels right for you right now. Self-care is so important!!
Tonya W.
I love your style – both fashion and writing. You are incredibly witty and I love all of your looks. Absolutely fabulous!