2025
January 2025
There are few things I love more than fresh starts, new month, new year - all new beginnings with a clean slate! I'm not huge on resolutions, but more so into lifestyle changes and tweaks that I will keep for years if not for life to constantly be improving my everyday life. Because a long and fruitful life is the real goal right?! Lasting habits that improve life year after year - there is no staying the same - you're either getting better or worse - staying the same IS getting worse! Always push forward for better, stronger, adding more value to every place you go - we're in this for longevity and legacies!
2024 was such a year of everything for me - lots of ups and downs, tears and laughs, some heartaches and some heart bursting with joy moments, once in a lifetime moments, historical moments and lots of lessons - so many lessons lol. As I look at the year overall, I can say that I am truly grateful for every moment. It shaped me, taught me and brought me so much closer to Jesus. I will look at 2024 as a growth year, full of gratitude for all that God walked me through, knowing the final result would be bringing me closer to Him.
Y'all I am so far from having anything figured out - even just last night at church God showed me a big ol roadblock in my relationship with Him which showed me just how small my faith is, and the growth that I still need. As humbling as that was, it gave me hope. Hope that we are never "complete" or "finished" this side of Heaven. Hope that He always has more for us, but we have to trust Him - He wants to work in and through us, but we have to be obedient to Him in order for that to happen. Hope that no matter how flawed we are, He is greater than our flaws and has called us by name. Hope that His plan for us is more abundant than all we can think or imagine. Hope that when it doesn't make any sense (and sometimes it won't) that He is working all things together for those who love Him. Hope that where we are going is always better than where we have been. Hope that while there is nothing new for Him, He has new revelations and insights for us as we seek Him. Hope that we serve a good, good Father and we have full peace and assurance in knowing this.
If I could give y'all one word to hold onto in 2025, it would be hope. Hope isn't ignoring your present reality - it's understanding that in Jesus, we are facing everything from a point of victory. We are growing and fighting for better every day, but with a peace that passes all understanding because of WHO we belong to. So however you left 2024 - enter 2025 full of hope because if God is within you, you cannot fail. Cheers to 2025 loves and remember, the best is always yet to come!!!
xo, Lo
P.S. We are so humbled to each and every one of you that supported us in 2024 and are so excited to go into 2025 with you and our ever expanding glow gang - we love y'all infinitely!!!
February 2025
Happy love month!!!
Hope y'all are enjoying all the chocolates, roses, goodies, love and hugs that you can handle!!! We love love around here and it's always something to be celebrated!
I can't believe that we are almost halfway through February - is time moving faster or I'm just getting older? Is this an actual thing?!
So much has been going on and we have all kinds of fun and new things coming for y'all - we can't wait to share - definitely check out our red light therapy!!! As I have been working on various things and chit-chatting with y'all and other people in varying walks of life - a common theme is emerging and not a good one: lack of personal excellence. This saddens me, makes me very concerned for our next generation, burns my biscuits but also lights that "time to shift culture" fire inside me. I have reached a point where I don't see any issues or problems - only opportunities. How incredible is this opportunity - to be able to feed the next generation the ability to live out their best life with something that is already in them - we just have to bring it out!
How good do we feel when we can look back on something, no matter the outcome and know that we left nothing on the table? We went all in, gave it all we had and walked away entirely exhausted but more alive than ever? Nothing will awaken confidence, satisfaction and determination more than unadulterated perseverance. How would we feel at the end of our day if we knew we didn't cut corners, we kept our word to ourselves and those around us, and we did every task with excellence? Well, for starters I believe depression would mostly dissipate and hard work would become our new drug of choice. Failure breeds more success than success ever will - struggle is what separates the dreamers from the achievers. Everyone wants the view, but no one wants to climb. The climb is where we are forged. The climb is where we become the kind of person able to get to not just the first view, but the following, even better views after that. Stop wishing away the climbing journey - the journey is the actual reward. Consistency and discipline breed excellence - built daily in the trenches, the late nights, the early mornings, the work no one sees, the boring, the mundane, the endless to-do list, the tears, the dirty hands - excellence is forged in these tasks.
We have a generation that is missing their purpose because we are concerned with their feelings. Pardon the directness, but screw your feelings. We are doing a massive disservice by removing this generation's opportunity to build confidence in their own abilities. We were created for work - our work is a gift from God, for us to glorify Him while building His Kingdom. If we shifted focus to knowing that everything we do is all for His glory - how much more effort would we put in? Y'all. Think about this: if our next review wasn't with our boss, but with Jesus, holy moly how different would our work be?! I would bet we would all be putting forth an other-wordly effort.
Our pastor said a couple of weeks ago - what a tragedy it would be if we were collecting trophies throughout our life, only to get to the end of our lives and realize that all our trophies were from areas that God wasn't giving trophies? Wooooweeee - talk about getting itchy in church. But oh so true. What are we pursuing that isn't even part of God's plan for us? What are we doing at 75% effort when we should be doing it at 100% and for His glory? How different would our world be if instead of doing just enough to get by, we dedicated ourselves to excellence? How cool would it be to watch the confidence level of the next generation soar as they strive for excellence and begin pursuing their God-given purpose in the process?!
This gets my heart pumping and ignites my passion for this next generation and their unique position to build God's Kingdom. What a privilege to serve the Lord in our work while helping the next generation live a life filled with excellence and glorifying Him in their work. There is no respect in half effort - give it all you've got and then just a little more - let's go make heaven crowded y'all!!!
Colossians 3:23 - 24
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
-
March 2025
Happy Spring!!!
I love this time of year - mostly the time change as it's lighter later and we ease into hot summer nights.
Well. Y'all. It has arrived. The big 4-0. It's birthday month!!! I am incredibly grateful for the first 40 years and am so excited for what God has in store for me in this next season of life. Since this is such a milestone birthday - I am going to share with you 40 things I would tell my younger self about the journey. Cheers!!!
1. Nothing, good or bad, lasts forever
2. Stop caring what other people think - it is such a waste of energy and it doesn't matter what they think or say - all that matters is what God says about you
3. You truly only have your name and your word - protect them fiercely
4. First impressions are actually incredibly important
5. Never be ashamed to struggle or work hard
6. You never know as much as you think you do
7. Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard
8. Be proud of where you come from
9. Jealousy will destroy everything it touches
10. It is better to be trusted than liked
11. Take the risks. Playing it safe is weak - take the risk. What is the worst that can happen? Lose everything and rebuild? Cool. Take that risk every. single. time.
12. A real friendship is worth more than 30 acquaintances
13. No matter how bad it is, someone always has it worse
14. Gratitude will change every circumstance and ultimately your life
15. Honesty and integrity will take you farther than skill and degrees
16. The right thing to do, is always the right thing to do
17. Your parents do, in fact, know what they're talking about and more than anyone else in this world, have your best interests at heart
18. It's never that serious - literally whatever it is, it's just not that serious
19. Coffee is delicious - don't wait so long to start drinking it
20. The freedom you're searching for, can only be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ
21. Workout every single day, for your body and your mind
22. Your friends determine your future and the quality of your life - choose them very wisely
23. Your grandparents will never live long enough - soak up every minute with them and every life lesson they have for you, they will be one of your favorite memories of growing up, but you won't recognize that until it's too late
24. Be kind to everyone - except pedophiles - send them straight to the woodchipper
25. Marry your best friend that you can't keep your hands off - I cannot emphasize this enough - yes, God has someone He created just for you and they will be perfect
26. Trust your gut
27. Life isn't fair or easy and that's ok - it's actually better that way. The person you become in the hard times and through the failures is exactly who you want to be
28. Choose discipline and discomfort - comfort is a slow death of regret
29. The truth will always prevail. You don't have to defend the truth, release it and it will defend itself
30. The magic you're missing is in the work you're avoiding
31. Be reckless in your generosity. You will never outgive God, but it sure is fun to try
32. Your parents home will always be home and nothing will ever be quite like it - it is the place that built you. (Stop trying to run away from it - Mom and Dad are we laughing about this one yet - hahaha)
33. Give as many big, tight hugs as you can
34. Go to the funerals - it is not about you, it's about honoring the deceased and being present for those left behind. As difficult as funerals are, you will regret not going
35. Speed wins. Just start, even if you have no idea what you're doing - start immediately. You can always redirect, but you have to start - the winners in life take fast action
36. Be openly passionate about what sets your soul on fire. Passion isn't weird, it's inspiring and contagious and the passionate people are the world changers
37. Trust and surrender to God's plan over your own - I promise your plans will be insanely pathetic compared to what He has for you
38. Say "I love you" all the time
39. Never ever, ever give up. Never. If you refuse to give up, you will eventually win - victory belongs to those that simply refuse to quit - the best is always yet to come
40. The most important thing in this life is your relationship with Jesus
20-year old me would be so proud of 40-year old me, in awe of God's grace and mercy and humbled by the life God has given me. My entire life is a compilation of answered prayers, forgiveness and proof of God's promises. I am so undeserving of it all. Thank you Jesus for saving a wretch like me - "twas grace that brought us safe thus far, and grace will lead us home". Here's to the next 40 years - let's go set the world on fire!!!
April 2025
It's Holy Week and Easter!!!
This week is one of my favorite weeks of the year. The magnitude of what Jesus did for all of us is truly humbling and a staggering example of undeserved love and grace. Hope you're getting lots of family time to reflect on Jesus' death and resurrection - the greatest love we will ever know.
This week is always a very reflective time for me as I think about how Jesus knew what was coming and He still carried out His Father's will. Last week was heavy for me, unexpected news that seemed to pause my world, while the rest of the world kept moving. When trouble hits and the unknown seems to be the only known, I am quickly reminded that God knows. There were no surprises for Him before His death and resurrection and there are none for Him now or ever. What a comfort and unexplained peace that brings. To be surrounded with chaos, but to be firmly rooted in His Word and promises to us: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
To be at peace is priceless, truly, there is no price tag to being at peace. Especially when the wars of life, uncertainty and the unknown rage around you, to be at peace in your soul, because you know, no matter what happens, God is God, He is Who He says He is, the beginning and the end - that kind of peace is only found in Him. He never said we wouldn't have hardship or troubles, He said He would never leave us or forsake us, meaning whatever we are going through, we are walking with the Creator of the Universe.
We will all have trials and troubles and heartache in this world, but how much deeper does our faith become when everything around us is crashing down and we lay it all at the feet of Jesus? This is no last resort - this is our best and should be our only response! Hard times will give us a faith we have been longing for and will glorify God above all else. He didn't save Daniel from the lion's den, He saved him in the lion's den. He didn't save Daniel's friends from the fiery furnace, He saved them in the fiery furnace. We have to get there to actually be delivered!!! Think about this: we are always praying for a deeper, unshakable faith - how are we to have unshakable faith if we are never shaken? What if, when it's all falling down around us, instead of turning from God, we surrender all and turn to Him?
We are drowning in hurt, fear, worry and doubt so much so, that we don't even see Him walking every step with us. He has more for us than we can ever think, dream or imagine - we just have to fully abide in Him. I can't even fathom the despair His followers must have felt when Jesus was crucified - everything they believed in, hoped in, put all their trust in - GONE. They had witnessed and experienced His miracles first hand and now He was dead. What they couldn't see, however, was that this was all part of His perfect plan, it had to happen to save each and every one of us from our sins. So while what looked like death and the bitter end to them - Heaven was simply counting to three. Y'all I could cry - no matter our circumstances, God is the author of our story and only He knows how it ends - what joy!!! No one, no doctor or anyone else can speak to your story - God alone holds the pen. If to the world, circumstances appear hopeless, remember - the darkest night - He WILL light it up - for HE IS RISEN!!!
"For nothing will be impossible with God." Luke 1:37
May 2025
Oh my lanta y'all, can we believe it's already May?! How? Where is the time going? Am I the only one shocked and alarmed at how fast time is flying lol
Cheers to the month of May - the month of flowers from April showers, the month we get to celebrate all our hero mommas and the month of my wedding anniversary to the greatest man in the world!!!
We are almost halfway through 2025 and I am excited and simultaneously annoyed with myself for the time that has flown by and all the things that I had on my "get done" list that are still floating in procrastination purgatory. Sigh. I feel like when I am looking at a month, a quarter, even the year as a whole - there is so much time, but when it comes to the day to day and weeks - it's over before it starts. I saw a quote that said something along the lines of, procrastination isn't laziness, but arrogance towards God, in taking what He gave us to do today, and acting as if there will be the same opportunity for us to do it tomorrow. Oh, ok, so that hits completely different and goodness was I convicted. I can't even begin to count how many times in a day that I do this. Small things, big things - I'm just like, oh, I'll get to that tomorrow or next week - or whatever excuse I happen to be giving myself. The more I thought about that perspective, the more humbled I became. What have I missed in my arrogance to just "do it later"? I think of Ruth, what if she had decided to work in the fields "later" and didn't meet Boaz? Or Esther - what if she didn't go before the king that specific day and all the Jews had been put to death? Or Joseph - what if he didn't interpret the king's dreams when they happened and all of Egypt was also plunged into famine and he was never reunited with his family? Or the woman at the well - what if she chose to get water "later" and missed out on her encounter with Jesus and His gift of forgiveness and spending eternity with Him? Or the twelve disciples - what if they had decided to follow Him "later" and missed out on living the greatest period of time in the history of the earth? Y'all it might seem like just an email, just a workout, just a conversation, just a phone call, just a meeting, just a simple request - but if that is what we are being called to do in that very moment, what are we really missing out on by putting it off?
Our plans might change, but God's plans and purposes remain forever. So just because we might not participate, God will use someone else who was willing to be a part of His plan. I cannot think of anything worse. It sucks to miss out on a business opportunity or even an advancement in your career or personal life, but to miss out on being used by God for the advancement of His Kingdom? Well that is tragic in every sense of the word. All because we drug our feet and chose to not do whatever we were tasked to do at that moment, thinking in our arrogance that the same opportunity would be available to us at a later time. Wow. Let's take the end of 2025 to become doers, fast responders, action takers, world changers, killers of the status quo, seekers of excellence and ultimately Kingdom builders.
Y'all we never know what one small action on our part, that God is going to use to write into His masterpiece of glory. How different would the remainder of 2025 be if every morning we gave our work to God and stewarded every task for His glory - not taking our time and action at our leisure. As much as I put things off, I probably can't even comprehend what could happen in my own life. How exciting for us, that we get to partner with God in the work of His Kingdom. Simply by showing up with what He has given us and by stepping forward in obedience - He does the miraculous. Don't think you have been procrastinating or don't have anything to offer? We all have 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish - time to lay it all at the feet of Jesus and watch God be God!!! Love y'all the most - let's get to work!!!
June 2025
Happiest Official Sum-Summ-Summertime!!!
I love summer so much - even though I don't have free summers like when I was growing up, there is something so nostalgic about the relaxed mood that comes in the summer months. Vacations, cookouts, beach days, camps, slumber parties, lake getaways, no schedule - it just feels so welcome as a lil escape from the normal hustle and bustle of school and work.
Y'all 2025 seems like the fastest and yet also the longest start to a year so far. It has flown by but also so much has happened that I feel like this year has been 2 years long already. And like life always is, it's some of my favorite memories coupled with some real-life hard, heart crushing times. Three lessons have consistently surfaced through it all that have helped shape me and ultimately the situations as well.
Firstly: my response is my responsibility. All the time. No matter what is said or done, I am entirely responsible for how I respond. It has taken me a long time to understand this, but the freedom and control of situations that this brings is top tier. It allows others to behave as they want, but prevents us from stooping to their level, doing or saying things we might regret, and ultimately degrading ourselves by not requiring discipline or personal excellence in our own behavior. Think about this, how quickly are situations diffused when we don't match the other person's behavior? It's a great feeling, knowing we have a choice in every single response, regardless of the situation, we control how we act. This is the way.
Secondly: forgiveness and love are required of us. Y'all, full transparency, this one has been a full on brawl in my mind. Talk about "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak". You ain't even kidding. My spirit thirsts for Jesus, but dang do I just straight wanna slap somebody in the flesh sometimes. Even just this morning, my verse of the day popped up and humbled me real quick: "My command is this: love each other as I have loved you" John 15:12. Well, there it is, God just knows exactly what we need even before we know we need it. We are called to forgive as He forgave us and to love as He loves. Obviously this doesn't include abuse - but it does include our dealings with each other and how we are to handle our relationships. Very often, the chapters of our lives that give us the most growth, peace and deeper understanding of God, begin with our surrender. Forgiveness isn't excusing their behavior, it's us being obedient to God - and that is the ultimate goal.
Thirdly: God is Who He says He is. This is such a comfort for me, that when things are raging and seem to be out of control for us, God is God. He is unchanging, unshakeable and there is no confusion or division in His perfect will. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He has given us His Word, so that we are never left wondering what our response to various situations are to be. There will still be circumstances we don't understand, but God will always be present and we can abide in His unchanging promises to us. What a joy that in every time of our life, we are able to turn to the One that already knows the outcome. He is a good, good Father and loves when we surrender to Him - that's when He is truly able to show His power.
Y'all, as always, thank you for reading and following along. I grew up loving reading and writing, a gift passed on from my mom, and it's always such a sweet summer memory of walking to the bookstore, and then spending an afternoon of thunderstorms reading an entire book, Nancy Drew was always top choice. Writing is always a heart project for me and I pray that as you read God will touch you and bless your day!!!
July 2025
Happiest 249th Birthday America!!!
I love love love the 4th of July - it is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate. Give me everything red, white, blue and patriotic!!! When I was growing up, our family did a huge cookout that lasted all day and well into the night - tons of games, food, bottle rockets, fireworks, just the best memory of celebrating our country and all she represents. Unfortunately as we all grew up and have moved to various states, our celebrations look a little different every year, but those huge family gatherings will always hold a tender place in my heart.
Y'all America is in desperate need of a big, family cookout. We might have had minor bickerings and disagreements but always came together at the end of the day as family and set differences aside for the much larger picture of our family heritage and legacy, and ultimately honoring God in that.
America has lost sight of her purpose - why she was founded and why she became great. We came to be the United States of America during the revival - The Great Awakening of the 1730's - 1770's that swept through the colonies and ultimately led to the Revolutionary War and our independence from Great Britain.
A couple of things that are encouraging to me, is firstly that things were bad, even that long ago. Division and immorality are nothing new in this nation. In May 1775, Harvard College President Samuel Langdon delivered a message to the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts - a portion of his message holds true today: "We have rebelled against God, we have lost the true spirit of Christianity, though we retain the outward profession and form of it. . . My brethren, let us repent and implore divine mercy. . . May the Lord hear us in this day of trouble. . . We will rejoice in His salvation, and in the name of our God, we will set up our banners!" A nation drifting from the principles of God is not new AND most importantly, what He has done before, He will do again. There have been waves of revival that have swept over our nation since our founding. Each one has left a significant mark on history. The call of America is to be a shining city on a hill to the world - bringing the light and hope of Jesus from sea to shining sea and beyond.
The second thing that gets me even more excited is that we are not talking about religion. Religion will get you nowhere but feeling frustrated and missing a real, deep relationship with Jesus. No one wants a religious guide of rules to follow and fall short every time. But a relationship with the Creator of the universe, for us to be so entwined in His heart, that our hearts break for what breaks His? A love, grace and mercy that our human minds can't comprehend because He is perfect and cannot make a mistake ever? Yes. Give us that. We aren't looking for religion in America, we are seeking the heart of the King of Kings, where true freedom and peace abound. That is what America was built on and all her founding documents written on - a Christian relationship with God. As Patrick Henry said: "This nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ."
We as a nation have lost our way - but we are never too far from the forgiveness and grace of God. I believe God has the best yet still ahead for our beautiful nation, but only if we turn to Him. "The good in the United States would never have come into being without the blessing and power of Jesus Christ . . . Whoever tries to conceive the American word without taking full account of the suffering and love and salvation of Christ is only dreaming. I know how embarrassing this matter is to politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen, and cynics; but, whatever these honored men think, the irrefutable truth is that the soul of America, at its best and highest, is Christian." - Charles Malik
What a privilege for us to be living in such a time as this - that we can partner with God to turn the tides of America, into the shining city on a hill. A testament of the grace and mercy of God, His power on display for all to know, it was none but God. "God governs the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?" - Benjamin Franklin
Y'all the directive to us is clear from 2 Chronicles 7:14 - "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." Won't He do it!!! God bless America!
August 2025
Welcome to the final dog days of summer!!!
School is starting back in a couple of weeks and if our temps would like to start an early fall, I think we would all be just fine with that!
Y'all my heart has been heavy lately with the state of the culture of our world. The culture of behavior that is over taking humanity is just not good. We are becoming the most disconnected, non-caring, unsympathetic generation yet. These are not characteristics to be proud of. There is nothing cool about not caring. It's not nice to not be nice. It's incredibly weak to not pay any mind to anyone but yourself. Our society is becoming overwhelmingly uncaring, an entire lack of common courtesy or basic decency towards one another. What are we doing? This is not how we were made to live. It doesn't feel good to live for ourselves - we might think in the moment it does, but let's take a step back and look at the larger picture. The times we feel most alive were when we helped someone who could never repay us or we did more than what was required of us, even if no one noticed. This whole me, me first, me only, my feelings, my truth - the list is exhausting and always expanding - isn't serving us at all. We are the most unhappy, depressed, digitally connected but socially disconnected, overly medicated, stressed to the max, high anxiety generation yet.
God didn't create us for this, or anything that remotely resembles this. He created us for His glory and to build His kingdom. Do y'all realize the pressure this takes off us? And what is even more freeing - He gave us His Word for us to have an answer to every question and problem that we might ever have. How loving is this? Y'all don't miss this, this is so incredibly uplifting. Every stress, every need, every problem - it's all right there in the Bible. Our entire purpose is clearly stated in Matthew 22:37-40 "Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Can y'all imagine if we started living like this - how our world would begin to shift. Anxiety melts, peace increases, self-preservation fades, service to each other increases. The focus on ourselves becomes a focus on God. And this is where His will becomes the perfect dance of our purpose partnering to build His Kingdom. This just fills me with the deepest peace and joy. We already have the answers we're all so desperately seeking.
Administrations will come and go but the real and lasting change we are all hoping for is a cultural change and that starts with us. Just like everything it starts small and then becomes all at once. Culture drives social and government standards - so if we don't like the direction things are going, it is entirely up to us to collectively decide that it ends with us. If we each started putting God first and then serving each other - what a beautiful peace and atmosphere of servanthood would cover our homes and communities. Less social media, more dinner parties, less complaining, more gratefulness, less "my truth", more God's truth, less what we want, more of what God wants, less "I'm so stressed", more "I'm so blessed", less us, more Jesus.
The future generations are counting on us for a cultural shift to get life back to the perfect plan that God has had for us since the beginning of time. We have His playbook - it's up to us to enact it - I'll look out for you, you look out for me, and we both look up to Jesus. The triangle change of culture if you will - we look side to side to care for each other, as we're both looking up to God for all our answers. This is the way. Let's go hand in hand to expand our triangles, and bring everyone along with us - we have a culture to change and future generations to protect!
September 2025
Y'all Thanksgiving and Christmas season is so close I can't even stand it - I think I love fall so much because it means the holiday season is coming heehee! I actually really do love fall, it's cozy, it's football season and down here in South Florida it means full on "season" which is my favorite - the weddings, the galas, the fundraising events - all the fun things happen in season!!!
As we are gearing up for season and all the other things we are cooking up over here for Tanlines Optional, I have really taken a step back in my planning to evaluate exactly who we are, what we stand for and who we want to be for you. With growth comes change and responsibility and it is imperative to me that what got us here, doesn't get diluted or watered down as we grow, but actually gets stronger. A culture within our company that is so grounded, that expansion is not just surface level, but that our roots are digging down deeper to hold us firm in integrity, core values and unadulterated brand recognition.
This weighs heavy on my heart as I hear it all around - "oh they got too big, oh they're corporate now, oh they are too big to care about people now" all the sayings that are said as companies expand. However, if the culture of integrity and core values and a larger goal of building up both employee and client drives the company, not allowing growth to drive the bottom line, then is the company actually able to grow without sacrificing what matters? Can we maintain the connection and values that got us here while simultaneously expanding the company? While "experts" might say otherwise, I truly believe that if we uphold our values, lead with integrity and put people first, the growth and money will follow. I actually believe it so much that I think it is impossible to have long term growth any other way.
I have been putting our values and goals in writing for future owners and employees and the thing that has kept coming to the forefront is that we need to be the third space. What is the third space? Back before social media, when we were all happier and had real connections, everyone had a third space that they went to, to exhale, let it all out and connect on a real level - a space that wasn't home or church, the third space. The beauty parlor, the barbershop, the golf course, the diner, the coffee shop, the park, the ball field - you name it - a place where people congregated, talked through life's ups and downs and walked away with full hearts. The issues at hand might have not changed, but outlooks were changed because human connections were made. This is my dream for Tanlines Optional. That we are your third space in the midst of all of life's ups and downs, hopes, dreams, heartaches, tears and laughs - you always walk away lighter in your heart because of your time with us.
Your family and your church are spaces one and two, although I will tell you - if your name is on our schedule - you are being prayed over. I take our schedule every day and as I pray for my girls taking care of you and our company, I pray for each and every one of you - you're getting prayed up and sprayed up!!!
As we enter into South Florida busy season and this new season of growth for us, I pray that we are able to light y'all up as much as you do us every week. We love our 20 minutes of girl time with you and sending you out with a glow and confidence boost - we are and always will be your biggest cheerleaders. Thank you endlessly for helping me build and live this dream - it's been 11 years this month and I am beyond humbled by your support and God's faithfulness. As incredible as the last 11 years have been, I absolutely cannot wait to see what God is going to do with the next 11. All glory and honor to Him - here's to changing the culture of how a company grows and knowing that the best is always yet to come! Let's build this thing y'all!!!
October 2025
It's finally October - which means officially all things fall, Thanksgiving and most importantly Christmas!!! Basically this is how the rest of the year breaks down for me: October 1 - 30: fall. October 31 - November 23: Christmas. November 24 - 27: Thanksgiving. November 28 - whenever I feel: Christmas. Who can relate?! It's my absolute favorite and for all of us South Florida people, how ready are we for some cooler weather?!
Y'all I have started and re-started this, I don't even know how many times. The events and emotions from the past month have me all over the place. My heart is heavy but hopeful, my spirit is crushed but full of expectation and my soul is weary but strengthened by God's unfailing promises.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk shook me to my core. I grieved for him more than I grieved for people that I know that have passed away. After much prayer and reflection, I believe that it was a two-fold grief. One for the country I love, that would not only think the action of ending another person's life because of a differing of beliefs is ok, but to go so far as to celebrate it. Second, the life of a young husband and father, who only wanted people to walk in the freedom of a relationship with Jesus, get married, have kids and contribute to the community you live in, was cut so short, so violently. That is what stings for me - a man that wanted us to focus on the truth above feelings, unity over division and reminding us that this is not our home. We are here to fulfill our God-given mission and make Heaven crowded along the way. Charlie Kirk is living in victory with our God that he so faithfully served - "to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21. What a beautiful promise for us - no matter what we are going through in our time here, our eternity is with Jesus and we are fighting our battles from a place of victory in Him.
It reminds me also of my best friend Jenn. She got a diagnosis back in April for her daughter that no parent ever wants to hear. And while it is not my story to share, I will share of her unwavering faith. She never once questioned God or the circumstances - from day one, she praised Him for His faithfulness. No, I did not write that incorrectly, she PRAISED Him in her storm. Her situation and the diagnosis hadn't changed (yet) but the way that God held her heart, her mind and her daughter through the storm was nothing short of a modern day miracle. His faithfulness to her obedience and complete surrender to Him was the most beautiful example of our Father's love, poured out, pressed down and overflowing. The strength that she showed in giving it all back to Him and watching Him write a story of complete healing has been one of the most humbling and faith building experiences of my life. I can only pray that when I am tested, I can praise God the way I was able to witness Jenn do. Life will drive us to our knees, but our God will never leave us there.
Y'all life is hard and heavy sometimes but just like God's Word says in John 16:33 - "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
So here's to Charlie and Jenn - two people, two very different stories, but one Everlasting Father, Great Healer, King of Kings. Our world is hurting and hungry for the truth, peace and hope that can only be found in our Creator - and He is waiting for us with open arms. Let's pick up the torch Charlie left, draw from Jenn's example of full surrender to God's plan for our lives and let's go make Heaven crowded!!!
November 2025
It's Thanksgiving Month!!!
We have arrived at the two best months of the year!!! The ways in which I love the final wrap up of the year is unmatched. I just live for the joys and magic of the season. The decorations, the traditions, the food, the sense of expectation and excitement that hangs in the air - it is the best of the best and I love kicking off the season every November!!!
How do we define "thankful"? The dictionary defines thankful as "pleased and relieved. expressing gratitude and relief". That's nice. Nothing too inspiring or life changing about that. It sounds pleasant. Really doesn't make me want to change anything about how I live. How does God define thankful? "Biblical thankfulness is a daily worship acknowledging our salvation and expressing deep gratitude for His character, mercy and grace towards us, in all circumstances." It goes beyond a feeling to a lifestyle that glorifies God, guards against self-love and motivates a person to be generous and serve others. There it is. That gets my heart charging and my soul engaged.
Be thankful. Not the world's thankful, but God's thankful. God's thankfulness will change lives - ours and others. It is so easy to get caught up in ourselves and our own comfort, while missing that it's all about serving God and putting others first. We are naturally inclined to only think about ourselves, making ourselves simultaneously the star and victim of our own movie and this never works. Ever. I know from experience lol. When our focus shifts from God led thankfulness to ourselves, our circumstances or heaven forbid, both - y'all - that is a fast train to Sucksville. Which is why we're all so stressed, depressed and not living up to our God given potential. We are called to be more than conquerors - we are not supposed to just be barely getting by. God has a huge call on each of our lives, for a beautiful, full life. To experience all He has for us, it will require us following His plan and not going our own self-centered ways.
As we prepare for Thanksgiving - let's center ourselves in God's way of thankfulness. Let's take the focus off of us and our circumstances, stop the chaos train and start serving others. Serving those that can't do anything in return for us, serving those that perhaps caused their own mess and hardest of all, serving those that don't deserve it. We might not want to, or might not feel like it, but God calls us to it and the real growth and lasting joy is found in the momentary discomfort of denying our wants and being obedient to God.
Think about the last time you served someone ahead of yourself and how relaxed you became - there is a shift in our nervous system when we surrender to God. He calms, comforts and fills us up with His love so we can overflow to those around us. Y'all I have never once regretted giving to someone or even something as simple as just being kind. Tons of times I have regretted not doing that. The right thing will always be the right thing. As we enter this holiday time, remember, we shouldn't barely be getting by, stressed to the max, struggling or dreading this season. We are to seek the things of God for as He tells us in John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; but I have come that they may have life and it to the full abundance."
Amen to that!!! Let's not just say we're thankful - let's live out God's thankfulness that we may share and experience His full abundance. Let's never forget - we could never count all our blessings - we always have something to give to someone else. God met the physical need first - THEN He saved their souls - let's go be the hands and feet of Jesus so He can fill His kingdom. Happiest Thanksgiving!!!
December 2025
Merry Merry Christmas!!!
The best month ever is upon us!!! Y'all I just love everything about Christmas - it is the most magical time ever - everyone seems lighter in spirit and just a bit more joyous. Enjoy the lights, the decorations, the treats, the shopping, the family time, the traditions, the gift giving, the memories and most important of all - the greatest gift of love we will ever receive.
"Light and life to all He brings.
Born that we no more may die.
Glory to the newborn King."
I love the Christmas season like nothing else - I go fully overboard in decorating, celebrating - all of it - if it's Christmas themed, I will be there - fully engaged. My sweet husband deals with our home looking like an actual Christmas store with other worldly patience haha. I love the traditions I grew up with, and miss being able to go home every year (what I would give to be at my parents house singing Amy Grant Christmas, baking and being together) but my heart is so full in recreating those traditions and also making new ones with my husband. As I am relishing in all the beauty and magic of the season and the joy it brings, life has been a little heavy the past couple of weeks. My parents' close friend suddenly lost his wife of over 40 years, my best friend lost her dad and one of our couple friends is walking through a devastating diagnosis. Heavy, sad things to navigate at any time, but especially during the Christmas season.
As I have been praying for them and over them God keeps reminding me that His perfect gift of love to us has already covered all of this current pain. In John 16:33 He tells us: "... In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Not that we might have trouble, but that we will. We live in an imperfect and fallen world - BUT GOD. He sent His only Son to earth, knowing He would ultimately be crucified but still willing did it to save you and me. The greatest gift. A King, sent from the perfection of heaven, as a baby, born in dirt and straw - the Savior of the World. Hope had begun in that moment. As we experience the inevitable heartache and trouble of the world, we also know that He is not surprised by anything that is happening, He holds the victory, we are more than conquerors and this earth is not our home. Jesus gave us the perfect example - live in this world, come what may, but know that the joy of heaven is waiting on us on the other side.
That's what Christmas really is - the promise of hope, sent down in perfect love. The greatest gift the world will ever know - sent during political chaos and violence when all hope seemed lost - BUT GOD. He is forever faithful - He always provides and even if things are heavy and seem hopeless - He has promised us the hope of eternal life in paradise with Him. Because of that, no matter our circumstance, we can say that we have seen the goodness of God and it is well with my soul.
No matter what your Christmas season looks like - full of joy and hope or if you're desperately seeking even a shred of hope - know that Jesus is all you need. He is the source of hope and came to earth over 2,000 years ago to give hope and life to our hurting souls. He left the throne, came to set us free, died with the weight of all of our sin and shame, conquered death and hell and three days later shattered the silence of the grave as the roaring Lion of Judah emerged victorious - All Hail King Jesus!!!