The other day I saw the phrase “Do One Thing Everyday That Scares You” printed on a notebook. While this isn’t a new phrase to me or probably anyone for that matter, it got me thinking: how hard of a task is this to actually accomplish? I mean it’s not like on a day-to-day basis we have the time or resources to conquer fears like jumping out of a plane or hiking Everest. Maybe on the smaller scale we are talking things like striking up a conversation with strangers or going a day without coffee (hey, this might be a real horror to some). So I tried to think of any little things that scare me and I came up with the following:
Wearing lipstick. Whenever I see people wearing lipstick I think it looks great but I have never been someone to wear a lot of makeup so whenever I wear stuff that’s more dramatic, I feel like I look silly. I can’t decide if its just not my style or if I just am not used to that look on me.
Taking my child out into public. At first it was because of germs but now that she’s 3 months it’s been more that I’m afraid of bothering others with the sound of a crying baby, not to mention the myriad of other obstacles (hello, dreaded blowout!). This is funny because while I have the desire to take her everywhere and I certainly want to her to expose her to new environments, the unpredictability of her mood and ordeal that comes with feeding/changing has kept me from venturing out into public for extended periods of time up to this point. I’ve taken her for short trips to places like the mall or Target during naps but I’ve always left and headed home at the first sign that she starts fussing.
Sparing the life of spiders that make their way into my house and releasing them back outdoors. I’m really big on respecting and preserving the life of living things but I usually draw the line at spiders in my living space. Every time I have spared a spiders life, I’m later left wondering if it has made its way into my bed to gnaw on me while I sleep. But what I need to do is face my fears by catching and releasing the little boogers back into their natural habitat unharmed.
I know the point that Eleanor Roosevelt was really trying to make was that you should strive to do things on a daily basis that push you out of your comfort zone and to stop avoiding situations simply because of fear because you are more than likely missing out on something much greater. Like her hubs FDR said, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”. So take risks, say yes, do stuff that maybe makes you a little uncomfortable (within reason of course) because fear is often what stands in the way of reaching ones potential badassness.
Shop the look – Shirt: similar | Vest: Pumps & Pushups (sold out), similar | Scarf: Pumps & Pushups (sold out), similar | Bracelet: Etsy
So it looks like its time I start taking baby girl out more, all while wearing lipstick.
xo, Erica
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You have to get into lipstick! It’s one of my beauty tricks.. No need to do your makeup when you can just brighten up your look with some lip color!
Christina :: Simple and Delish
That scarf and vest work so well together! 🙂
It’s definitely tricky getting out of the house with baby at first! We were laughing the other day with my sister in law who asked how much time it took to get out the house with a toddler involved….it’s not easy! Still, better than our first time we went out, it took us 3 hours as there were a few feeds, necessary outfit changes for both him and whoever had been holding him…ha! It does get easier with time though 🙂 You become more equipped at dealing with it all at home and then it’s easier to manage when you’re out and about too.
Thank you for the link up!
Away From The Blue Blog
I love the pattern mixing going on here! I remember with my sister when she had her first baby she was really nervous to go out of the house alone, but I think as she got more comfortable (as with anything) she began to fear it less…3 kids later she’s a rockstar! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Brilliant advice and proud of you for looking at your fears with optimism and positivity!! You look absolutely adorable in that vest, the mix a patterns works perfectly!!
That scarf is such a beauty! I have a similar vest and I wear it with plaid, but I need to try adding a neutral scarf to the mix! I used to be afraid to take my kids out when they were little (especially out for dinner, we just skipped that for a long time!), but my favorite place was to go to Target in the early morning! No one was there and it’d be right after they woke up, so good moods and before their nap!! Plus, Target is just always calming to me! lol! Also, a carrier (like baby bjorn or a sling if they can’t support their head yet) is great for wearing them at a park!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
You look so adorbs in this casual chic look!! Great message too, fear is definitely what holds us back so this is such a good reminder especially for starting off the year right!
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
I love plaid and herringbone! This is a fave look of mine. You’re super cute!
Love the plaid with this vest!!
Jaymie
I love your list… I’ve never been a lipstick wearer either. I’m such a fan of your mixed prints. The plaid shirt looks great with the vest and scarf. Werk it, girl!
Great message! We need to step out of our comfort zones to grow as a person! I love this relaxed look on you! Perfect pattern mixing!
Jill
Doused in Pink
Love how you mixed prints for this look! You look so cozy and stylish!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
I think those are great words of wisdom, even if you can’t really do one thing like that every day. I’m with you on both lipstick and spiders… although with lipstick I have gotten braver in the past year. (Spiders, not so much.) I love this fun mix of prints and textures you have going on–you look cozy and cute!
I loved reading this- you are so right on! One of my big fears was starting my blog (mostly because of my profession), but I am so glad I did and I have never looked back! xx
Brittany,
http://www.lawyerlookbook.com
love this cozy cute outfit!!!!
I have the same fears!! lipstick is a challenge for me to!
I dread leaving the house in the winter with two kids, so much to get together.. and spiders, don’t get me started!
Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy
Loving the mix of prints! That vest looks so cozy and cute. Love reading this! It’s hard to face some fears, but it’s really important to do it for ourselves. Great post!
-Tatiana
We Shop in Heels
You look great!
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
Great mix of prints and textures! I think I look strange with a lot of makeup, but I do love a bold lip. you should give it a try. 🙂
Loving the print mixing! That vest and plaid shirt were made for each other! I love the idea of pushing ourselves out of the dreaded comfort zone. I need to think about that more throughout each day. Love the heart idea! How cute!
I love this list! I’ve been try the spider thing too lately. I feel bad killing them, so it feels kind of good to let then run free 🙂
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Those are great insights – thanks for sharing! And love how adorable you look bundled up – Stay pretty!!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Thanks for sharing some things that scare you – I love wearing lipstick but finding the perfect red shade is tough and I don’t like wearing a bold lipstick. Love your great bundled up look!
Thank you for hosting and hope you are having a fab week!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
The topic of fear seems to be coming up a lot in my life lately. I’ve had to deal with people this past week who suffer from panic attacks, and now I’ve been noticing a lot of posts on this topic. This was very helpful. I love that quote. As for lipstick, I feel odd in a bold color, but I couldn’t imagine not wearing anything on my lips at all. They would feel to dry to me. Start with a subtle pink or beige shade. I LOVE your outfit! So cute!
Obsessing over this look on you! You look so fantastic and so chic! I love how you shared some things that scare you! Love your honesty!
xoxo,Victoria
http://www.coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com
Such a great post. It makes me want to sit down and think of the things I need to start doing. Love it!!
– xox Mary
http://www.marymurnane.com
You look amazing as usual! I can totally recreate this look! And I love that quote “do something that scares you.” It’s hard to go outside your comfort zone but I am 99% ALWAYS glad I did!!! XOXOXO
You look wonderful, Erica! I love the vest and patterns, which all blend together so effortlessly; great styling!
I literally laughed aloud while reading not drinking coffee in the morning because my husband cannot do this, aside from being sick! Literally, he will make us late for whatever morning commitment we have, so that he can enjoy his fresh Starbucks cup. I love my coffee, but I’m nowhere near a coffee lover as him! I say don’t be worried about taking your baby out in fear of disturbing people, of course depending on where. If it’s strolling in the mall or store or other daily activities, enjoy life! If people don’t like it, too bad. Of course we all get a little annoyed when a baby continues to cry in a public place, but most people understand that it’s often uncontrollable, especially at such a young age and they get over it. So don’t worry about it 🙂 As for the makeup, it sounds as though you just may not be used to wearing it because you have such a beautiful face that I highly doubt you look silly!
Thanks so much for sharing, I really enjoyed this post! I hope you have an amazing day and thanks so much for the inspiration!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Looks like great minds think alike….I was stepping out of my comfort zone by finally wearing the herringbone vest which I also posted about today!! I can totally relate on the lipstick…I love to have color on my lips but typically stick with very neutral tones.
Great post and link up. I’m not certain if I will catch and release every spider that I see but I understand your point, hehe. We should face our fears indeed, because sometimes the only thing holding us back is our fear. I love the herringbone vest and such a lovely winter outfit. <3 /Madison
Travel Inspiration
I love this!! I am definitely going to try and do something like this every day!
Great post!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
I absolutely agree with you if you let fear get in the way you might never get anything so I say. put one foot in front of the other and go get it. great post hon I think the prints goes together great love!
I’m new to blogging please check out my blog and tell me what you think… thanks
http://www.itsshania.com/2016/01/20/eyebrows-check/
I loved reading this. We should do something we are afraid of, every day. I love your cozy patterned look. Wish I had the vest to re-create it. Glad you and the baby are doing well, Erica.
I see the heart in the second picture 🙂 I feel the same way about lipstick! I always get compliments when I wear red on a night out or to an event but inside I feel kind of like a clown!
Traci
waltzmetoheaven.com
You mixed those prints so well! It looks great and so do you!
~~Megan~~
http://www.poshprime.com
Love that you’re embracing some of your fears! Something that always bothered me was wearing lipstick, too! But now that I’ve started, I realized it’s not that bad, and actually makes me feel good 🙂 As for the spiders… I’m still working on that!
Lauren
http://oliverstwistblog.com
Love your mixed prints & especially loving that vest! One of 2016 goals is to try something new or something that scares me once a month!
michellespaige.com
You guys are such the sweethearts! Great advice! Such one that I don’t follow. There are so many things that I “fear” and they definitely hold me back from perhaps realizing my full potential. For example, I have a love for writing but I’m too fearful to pursue publishing. I definitely let fear of failure paralyze me. Thanks for the words of encouragement girl!
http://www.dressed2dnines.com
I love the mix of prints and your scarf looks so soft and comfy!
I’m with you on spiders, terrified of them but I’m trying to make peace with them. lol See, I’m scared that while I’m sleeping they will crawl into my mouth…which is why I have a hard time with catch and release. But I’m trying 🙂
xo, Jackie
stylemydreams.com
Such a great scarf! I just want to be wrapped up in it! Looks so cozy.
XO Chelsea http://www.shesaidhesaidfashion.com
I faced my fears today and it was not as scary as I thought it would be. I also love your look and how you mixed prints.
Pretty look! Love it
kisses Adela Acanski
I don’t usually mix prints but I love the way you’ve done it! xx
http://www.adaliascloset.blogspot.co.uk
I love yout shirt and that vest combo hun. & I also agree, we should step out of our element every once it a while and face our fears… we might actually like what we think we dont like.
>.< Raven
http://simplesassysultry.com
I always let spiders back outside. I freak out a lot but I put them where they belong haha. I understand your fear! Also, wearing lipstick, it’s all about the confidence behind it. I didn’t wear lipstick for a while and would have NEVER reached for a darker color and now my favorite colors are my darker reds that almost look black. Thanks for linking up with me today and I’ll be pinning this to the link up board. Hope to see you back next week!
http://www.jerseygirltexanheart.com
Love your shirt so much!! U look comfy and stylish~ xo
http://www.sweetsimpleday.com
I love how you mixed those too patterns! Plaid is one of my all time favorites!
Mary Kate
http://www.mynewchicagolife.com
I usually wear pretty basic outfits, but I also love mixing patterns from time to time!
Paulina
shenanigan-ska.blogspot.com
I used to fear lipstick too, but I think you just have to get used to wearing it. Love your cozy look!
Annessa
http://www.seekingsunshine.com
Love this look! You shouldn’t fear lipstick since it can really enhance your already natural features. I just love your blog and this was a great post! 🙂 http://www.bauchlefashion.com
I love this pretty outfit! It was a pleasure to discover your beautiful blog, girls! Can’t wait for the next post! 🙂
xx Sindi | http://www.karvain.com
Looks great!
http://www.hotdecades.com
This is such a great outfit with the mixed prints. As far as the baby goes, no one cares if they cry when you are out in public. My kids are now teenagers and I realize now that no one cares and I used to stress out over it for no reason. I was just talking to some other moms about this very topic at Christmas. We all look back and realize how we really should not have cared back then. If I could go back I would have been out somewhere every day with them. When they get to be toddlers it is so much more difficult because they won’t stay still. You will find it harder to go out then so go out now and enjoy it. Also, thanks so much for the linkup. Have a wonderful day!
Kathy
http://www.glamsimplified.com
Love your mixed prints. I think it’s so natural to have fears like this. It’s easy to let them win too. Good for you for wearing lipstick and venturing out, even if it’s a more neutral color and a short trip. Maybe next time it will be a bolder color and a longer time. 🙂 I always feel like small changes feel way more manageable and eventually I’ll see bigger change.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
I love the pattern mixing you did! That would be something that scares me. I definitely need to take more fashion risks so thanks for inspiring me to do it 😀
stop by and chat with me ♥ http://storybookapothecary.com
I love the pattern mixing you do, and can’t wait to see you try out wearing lipstick! It will look SO darling on you, and I find that as long as you feel confident in anything..even a paper bag..everyone else will see it too! Have a great day! XO
We are all afraid of trying things we are not confident, because it is kinda scary! With small steps, I am sure you can do all these things. I can understand you being scared of taking your baby out, especially when she’s that tiny but there are so many out there and people don’t really care if they cry 🙂 Your outfit is pretty, I really like the mixed prints!
ps. Seriously… where’s the heart?
Ela BellaWorld
You are amazing and I love that you shared this story with us! We all have our fears and I’m so glad to read about someone else being brave and conquering them!
In addition, you look adorable and your pattern mixing is on point!
The Adored Life
Love this post and your story! I am sure lipstick will look great on you! 🙂
Love your look and the pattern mixing!
Rita | http://styleroundtheclock.com
Such an awesome message in this post–thanks for sharing! And I LOVE the way you mixed the different prints here. Super cute!
http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com
I’m a big big big fan of flanell shirts and therefore just LOVE your look, so pretty, so casual 🙂
xo,
Louisa
http://www.theurbanslang.com
What a chic everyday look. I would have never thought to mix a flannel shirt with a print, but it looks amazing on you – I may have to try it myself sometime!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
You look gorgeous!!
http://www.blossomikebana.com
I totally know how you feel! I used to be so afraid of wearing lipstick (and when I don’t wear it for a while it happens again), but just bite the bullet and you will see how many compliments you’ll get!
Also, I love your style, you look very pretty 🙂
Come and check my blog out, I have a new post 😉
Clarissa
blondeleve.blogspot.com
You look amazing! Love the vest.
Obsessed Fashion Blog
Herringbone, checks I love it all!
Thestyletune.blogspot.com
Thanks girl!! I agree – otherwise we become complacent. 🙂
So true!! I’m going to give it a go! 🙂
Thanks doll! It’s so true that it takes less and less time to do things as you get a better hang of things. 🙂
I have decided that I just have to do it because whatever happens won’t be the end of the world and even more so won’t be anything I can’t handle. Thank you for the encouragement! 🙂
Thank you so much! 🙂
A Target morning run has definitely been one of my baby step trips! I literally was in and out of there in under 10 minutes, lol. Next time I plan to stay longer…because lets be honest..its Target and it deserves my time. hehe I agree that her mood is consistently best during the first half of the day so I’ll be making that work for me for sure. I have been working on putting her in the Moby wrap so I can “wear” her out hehe She wasn’t a huge fan at first but seems to be getting more comfortable in it…I also need to try the Ergo out again (I have been putting this off because the first time I tried it she was so upset that she kept slamming her head into my clavicle – traumatizing!). But I love seeing moms wearing their babies so I’m determined to wear mine 🙂
Thank you Marta! 🙂
Thank you so much! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
Thanks girl! 🙂
Thanks Jill! I’m glad you enjoyed today’s post. 🙂
Thank you! I was determined to find a fun way to wear this vest. 🙂
Thank you Shea, haha I’m glad to hear someone else can relate 😉
Thats awesome to hear Brittany! And its a great thing you did because your blog is so awesome 🙂
Thank you Shaunacey! I love hearing that people can relate to simple fears like these. lol
Thank you! 🙂
I agree – you can have a bold lip without a lot of other makeup. I’m going to! 🙂 I actually tried bright pink once for some pics last year. I thought it looked so weird on me but could have been that I wasn’t used to it (OR that it wasn’t the right shade because I now remember that I wore red lipstick once on Halloween as part of my costume and I kinda liked it).
Thanks girl! I think its a great thing for all of us to keep in mind on a daily basis – I’m trying to make it an active part of my daily decision making.
lol that’s awesome girlie! I feel horrible killing them too but they can’t be in my house so that has to be the happy middle ground.
Thank you Rebecca! It was nice and toasty – especially with this scarf 🙂 xo
I’m glad you enjoyed this post!! I think red or like a salmony pink would be the two shades I need to look into.
Oh I’m sure! Especially as people examine their lives with it being a new year. Me too! I think both quotes serve as a great reminder to live without fear. I actually wear color tinted lip glosses of sorts and love those because they add a little color to my smile and keep my lips from looking dry. Its just the more solid stuff that I have been apprehensive about wearing. I agree though, I should try a subtle shade like a pale pink – its a nice transitional color! 🙂
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed this topic! 🙂
Thank you so much! Yay, I’m so happy to hear it provided some inspiration! 🙂
Aw, thank you so much Casey! I agree – its like that quote “in the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take” and I think this kind of relates with that. 🙂
Thank you so much, you are so so so sweet, you literally made me smile when I read this. That’s funny about your husband. I agree, I’m not that hardcore about coffee but I’m close lol (sometimes its a real struggle if I have to go without it). Thank you so much for your words of encouragement about taking out the baby – this meant so much to me and has truly motivated me even more to get out there. You are right! If she cries, people will get over it, and if they don’t then I’m not going to sweat it – I’ve got a tiny human in training here. hehe
Oh hey thats awesome! I saw your pic – I love how you styled it with that cute little animal print cuff and that sweet little canine. hehe 🙂
Thanks girl! I’m glad to hear you liked the message of this post 🙂
Thats so great! Thanks doll 🙂
That is so right!! Thanks girl! I’ll definitely check it out – welcome to blogging!! 🙂
Yes, we should! You could totally do it with a solid colored vest or maybe a different pattern? Thanks girl, we are doing great – she’s developing so much every day 🙂
Yay, you got it, great job!! It’s nice to hear I’m not the only one who feels that way. hehe
Thank you darling! 🙂
Thats great to hear about the lipstick – I definitely need to try it more. Maybe I’ll start by doing it more in my posts 🙂
That is such a great goal! I actually have that same unofficial goal as well! I think its a great way to constantly challenge ourselves as well as make sure life stays interesting. 🙂
Awww Daphnee, thank you!! You should totally try to pursue publishing of your writings! Hey you already write on your blog, which is great and always feels effortless. 🙂 Do you have actual stories that you have written?
Fear has held me back from many things. One of my goals for the year is to do one thing a week that scares me – so far so good. I’m with you on the lipstick – I always feel like I look silly in it. Love this outfit on you!
Thanks girlie. I totally understand about the mouth thing – I’ve also worried about that (eeeek)!!
It is sooooooo soft and cozy
Thank you and good job facing your fears! 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Thank you!
For sure! 🙂
That’s so awesome of you, Monica! You are so right, anything looks better with confidence 🙂
It is so soft! You gotta love flannel 🙂
Thanks girl! Yea we definitely like plaid a little bit around here too (just check out our recent Instagram feed lol)
Me too!!
True that girl!
Awww thanks Heather! I’ll definitely give it more of a try. I’m so glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
Thank you! I’m so glad you found us!! Thank you so much for stopping by 😀
Thank you!
Great advice Kathy! This totally helps me feel so much better and that was such a great reminder that I better enjoy her staying put while I can.
I’m totally with you – small changes are a LOT less intimidating. I am all about easing into and out of things that I am more apprehensive to do because its better I ease in than avoid something all together.
Thank you Tianna!! 🙂
You are so right Natasha! Thank you for the encouragement – I’ll definitely share some pictures when I do!
Thanks girl! Definitely, since this post I’ve taken her out a few more places and if it hadn’t snowed this weekend had a plan to take her out to a restaurant for breakfast with my hubby. Oh and check the second pic for the heart 😉
Well thank you doll! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I think everyone has something small that they may avoid doing out of fear. My personal goal is to live a little more fearlessly everyday. 🙂
Thanks girl! We shall see – I’ll definitely share pics and we can all take a vote lol
Thank you sugar!! 🙂
Thank you! I love flannel too – so warm!!
Thank you! You should totally do it 😉
Thank you 🙂
Thanks girl, I’m gunna do it hehe
Thank you! I’ve never been a big vest person until this year but I love them!
Thanks girl! 🙂
I agree with you on the lipstick. I love a soft pink. Brighter colors are always fun, but I feel like when I apply it I look like a clown. It looks much better on me when a professional does it because he/she mixes like four things to get the right look. It’s always more complicated than you think!
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
Oh I remember being so nervous taking my daughter out at that age! It does get easier… but remember people totally understand if she gets a little fussy!! Love your look XX
Hannah
http://www.notmycircusblog.com/love-you-knot/
That’s great! I love being cognizant of the things that kinda scare me and making the decision to do them because I feel so good about myself when I do. 🙂
See that’s what I think – its an art. I mean I remember my mom using lip liner when I was a kid…I mean is that a thing anymore? lol I’m so novice when it comes to makeup. I’m a fan of soft colors too!
Thanks girl! I definitely appreciate the support from fellow moms who have been through the same thing and really helps me feel better about getting out with her! 🙂
Love your print mixing! You look so cute. Love how you’re facing your fears, too. I have anxiety so I’m constantly leaping over some hurdle. I can totally understand the baby trip one! I don’t have a baby but I think I would feel the same way. I’m not shy at all but I feel awkward being noisy in a quiet setting… even a bathroom lol Your tactic of taking small trips is a great idea! Ease into it. I’m sure it will get easier but definitely no need to rush it.
Christie
The Closet by Christie
I love the different textures and colors you combined!
Looks chic and comfy at once 🙂
xx Kathi
http://www.theycallmekitten.com
I agree with the whole ‘lipstick’ thing too-so I go for the gloss- fun read!–Katelyn. xoxo
The Yellow Spectacles
Thank you sweetie! It’s funny because I’m not exactly a quiet person and sometimes I’m sure pollute the air way too much with my gabbing when I’m not conscious of my noise level but I guess because pre-baby I would cringe a little whenever I heard babies screaming while I was out, I was kinda nervous about being on the other end of that situation. I have decided that its not that big of a deal and people will get over it (hopefully, hehe). 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
Yea, I’m currently a total gloss girl!
When my daughter was little, I too was afraid of taking her out for the very same reason you shared. But after a while, I decided that I would (1) go to less public places in the beginning as I realised Eve acted out because she was afraid of crowds/loud noises, and (2) I tried to develop a slightly thicker skin in not really caring what other people thought when Eve was finicky. Over time, she grew accustomed to being in public and I grew less concerned with public opinion (this bit took a lot longer than the other GRIN).
My other phobias. Sigh. Being photographed in public. Yeah. And I blog. I know. This Friday, I will be venturing out of my front, back and side yards for a proper photo shoot, and I am PETRIFIED. In fact, I’ve postponed it several times already. Pray for me 🙂 xoxo
Nice scarf & vest!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
Awww I totally get that! I used to be sooooo self conscious in the beginning when we would take pics of the blog I would think people would think we looked stupid but overtime I grew to care less. Just recently we took pics on a really busy intersection in our town, there were cars sitting at the light, people sitting in nearby restaurants and I just was like whaaaatever. lol Hope your shoot went well!!!
Thank you!