Women's Multivitamin Review: Ritual

|| Essential for Women || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

I do not consider myself to be a beauty guru by any means. With that said, over the past two years, I have found myself soaking up as much information about health, wellness and beauty products. I have been reading, researching and listening to podcasts, around-the-clock! Over the next few months, I will share my thoughts on a few of my favorite products. I hope that you find a new item or two to add to your lineup! If there is a product that you love that you think I should try, leave a comment below or send me a direct message on Instagram.

There is a current trend that we are going to see more of in 2019, and that's the idea of beauty from the inside out. I do believe that there is a direct correlation between what we put into our body and our appearance (hair, nails, skin and overall health). I find that when I am eating clean, my hair and nails grow faster and look healthier. One thing that has also been in my routine for years is a daily vitamin. As a kid of the '90s, Flintstones Complete Children's Multivitamin made their appearance each and every morning. I had some friends who would even beg their parents for these things, almost like candy. I can practically smell the orange and fruit punch flavors while writing this! Isn't so funny how we can take a journey back in time with something as simple that?

When I would return home from college on breaks, my nana would always send me back with a bottle of Women's One A Day. She would always make a point to ask me if I was taking them — she was worried about me. When I think about it now, it's kind of cute! After my wedding, I sort of fell of the daily vitamin train. In June 2017, I came across a new and innovative brand who was shaking stuff up! After seeing a sexy Instagram add (working in digital media marketing, I respect kick-ass creative) with a promo code, I decided to give Ritual Essential for Women a try. Since then, I have not turned back.

Let me tell you why I have incorporated Ritual into my daily routine. These see-through capsules are filled with nine essential nutrients: folate, omega-3, iron, boron, magnesium, vitamin D3, vitamin B12, vitamin E, and vitamin K2. I keep my jar on my nightstand and take two each night before bed. You don't have to worry about them upsetting your stomach, because of the no-nausea capsule design. This brand is vegan-friendly, gluten and allergen free, non-GMO and has no colorants or synthetic fillers! They are open and honest with everything on their website, they give you a lot of information for you to make the best choice for you. If you are serious about taking two each day, you will see results in as little as three months. If you are a mom-to-be, there is also something for you! Last October, they released an essential prenatal vitamin. Whatever stage of life you are in, there are things that we can do to help us keep our body healthy and happy.

If you are interested in trying Ritual for yourself, use this link to sign up, and you will receive $5. When you sign up, I will get $5 off of my next bottle! Hey, every little bit helps, right?

2019 Word of the Year

|| Aidan Sequin Dress (also available via Rent the Runway) || Heels (similar pair without the rhinestone bow) || Earrings (similar statement earring) || Three Stone Cuff || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

I have never been one to make a New Year's resolution. For some reason, it always seemed somewhat intimidating. I know myself well enough that I need to look at goal setting a different way rather than making a year-long commitment. For 2019, I am going to try something different. I am going to pick a word of the year. Instagram served as an inspiration, there were so many women talking about going through the process of finding their word or phrase. Over the past few days, I have been meditating and praying for a word to appear to me. There was one word that kept popping up.

Determination.

The determination to make my marriage a priority. Jered and I have been married for a little over five and a half years. Even with us not having children, it can be hard for us to juggle everything. I am going to be more intentional when we are spending time together. Between working in the digital media sector and blogging, I find myself always being on my phone, checking up on things. I need to do better and find ways to unplug and focus on connecting in-person.

The determination to take 15 Pure Barre classes each month. Pure Barre Edmond is kicking off something new today. The Black Belt Challenge is a 12-month challenge, where you take 15 classes per month. In the past year, there have been some months that I completed less than 15 in-studio workouts. However, I know change is best met with consistency. I am going to push myself to make this happen! I can't wait to see how my body gets stronger during this process.

The determination to give my best each day at work. I am a very competitive person, it has always shown up in my Strengths Quest insight report. I will be the first to say that this word often seems to have a pretty negative connotation. Here is how I see it: I treat each day like a livestock show/football game/band or cheerleading competition (pick whichever you can relate to). I try and leave it all on the field, giving it everything I had. After the holiday break, I am feeling renewed and refreshed. I am ready to get back and do big things in 2019!

I am determined to find the extraordinary in everyday moments, not just while traveling. When we were in Paris in October, I found myself looking at everything with awe and wonder. From the architecture to the wine lists, the street style, and bakery windows, I was noticing beauty in everyday things. Each day, I want to take a moment to appreciate the things around me. I know that there are beautiful things here in Oklahoma.

I want to hear from you! Are you making resolutions, picking a word or doing something different? I am here for you if you need encouragement!

The Perfect Plaid Skirt for the Holidays

|| Tissue turtleneck || A-Line Skirt || Heels (available in a pointy-toe pump) || Earrings || Necklace (sold out) || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

You might not know this, but I am a sucker for loyalty and reward programs. I have a carrying case dedicated to all of my cards in my purse. I am almost embarrassed about how many cards I have when I whip one out at my favorite coffee shop. But hey, I love getting free stuff! One of my favorite perks to take advantage of each year is the Anthro Loyalty. If you are not a member, you can join online or in store. Take my word; it's worth it! In early November, I happened to pop into my local Oklahoma City store to check things out. This is one of the stores I love searching for inspiration, even if I don't purchase anything. When I saw this skirt on display, I knew it was meant for me. It is colorful, cheerful and gives off a retro vibe of sorts. I must say, I am glad I had the chance to see it in store versus ordering online. It did run small, so I had to go one size up. Next time you purchase something in your size, and it doesn't fit, don't be alarmed. Sizes of garments vary from brand to brand and style to style. Don't be discouraged!

Working retail throughout college gave me a certain empathy for sales associates. I go out of my way to be kind to them. I also always take the items with me out of the dressing room, on hangers, to the associate helping me. Heck, sometimes I even take them back out on the floor if they are okay with it. I knew that I missed my birthday month discount (by a few days). However, I really wanted this skirt, and it was full price. I went out on a limb explaining my situation and asked if there was any way they could find some wiggle room for me (you never know until you try). To my surprise, they were able to give me the birthday discount! I was so appreciative and thankful they did that for me.

One of my favorite months each year for putting together outfits has to be December. This month is filled with festive parties, get-togethers, and celebrations! It is a time where you can be bold with patterns, texture, and prints. December is a time to break out the red, green, plaids and sequins (if you are into that sort of thing). I don't want anything to feel like a costume, but I do like to play into the theme of this time of year. When I was working on styling this particular outfit, I tried numerous different necklaces before I landed on this one. Looking at it alone, you would think it was an odd choice. However, after I pulled it all together, I knew it was the finishing touch to tie together the colors in the skirt and the glittery shoes.

Whichever occasion you are dressing for this holiday season, I hope that you can find joy during this time. Here's to wishing your holiday is filled with love. I hope you get the chance to celebrate with family and friends — I know I look forward to doing that starting this weekend!

How to Go Grey Gracefully with Dark Hair

|| Wrap bodysuit (also available in dark seaweed) || Sequin Track Pants (also available via Rent the Runway) || Heels || Sequin flower earrings || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

This post is something that has been a long time coming. Six months ago, I embarked on a journey. In June, I decided to let my hair do its thing. You see, I started going grey at 22. At that time, it was not a big deal. There were just a few hairs here and there. My hairdresser (and friend, Jordan) and I decided we could manage it with semi-permanent hair color and cut appointments every six weeks. Until about a year ago, that was working fine. My hair has always been pretty healthy (minus the time I pretended to be blonde in college for a hot second) and grows like a weed. I honestly could color it every four weeks due to root growth alone. It just got to a point where it was unrealistic — I cannot spend that much time in a salon chair. I do not feel like that many hours in the salon chair is a good use of my time.

Here is the deal, you don't get an award for coloring your hair, and you sure do not get an anything special for embracing your natural color. It is just hair! If I get to a point and I do not like where I am at, I can change it. Since June, we haven't done a thing other than a cut and a trim. Most of the feedback has been positive. I found the first four months to be the hardest. Random people have made comments to me while grocery shopping, mostly thinking I highlighted it grey to be trendy and cool. Most of them are older men and women joking ‘look honey, she paid money to look like me.’ I politely inform them that this is my natural color and I am embracing it with open arms. It gets a little awkward sometimes, but I try to change the conversation and make them feel comfortable.

If you are considering going grey with grace, I want to extend my support to you! You will have some people in your life that don't understand your decision, and that's okay. All that matters is that you are happy with who you are! There is an inspiring community on Instagram that I have been leaning into. Grombre, going grey with (grohm)(bray), is a radical celebration of the natural phenomenon of grey hair. They spotlight different women and their self-love stories. I am telling you, this is one of the things that has given me permission to love my new normal. I must say, my husband has been supportive of this 100%. I told him I was considering it in May and he said go for it! He has the same thought; I could always go back to being a brunette if I wanted. Growing older, we are faced with decisions about how we want to handle the aging process, choose whatever makes you happy.

Pure Barre Edmond Promo Code July 2018

|| Top: Beyond Yoga (sold out) || Pants: lululemon || Flats: kate spade new york (from a few summers ago) || Earrings: Tiffany & Co. || Ring: Tiffany & Co. || Bracelets: Teleties || Water Bottle: Contigo [c/o] || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

Last July, I took a chance and made an investment in myself. I made a massive switch in my workout routine. I said goodbye to my personal trainer and hello to Pure Barre. If you have followed me on social media for some time now, you know my obsession with PB runs deep. Over the past 12 months, I have seen significant changes in my body but also my headspace. I have lost inches, gained muscle and found a productive way to let go of stress and tune out the world, one hour at a time.

I have received numerous direct messages and in-person questions about Pure Barre Edmond. I thought I would take a moment to answer a few of them. 

Q: I wasn't on the pom or cheerleading squad, can I figure this out?

A: Absolutely! There is no reason for you to feel nervous, anyone can do this workout. Before your first class, you will arrive 15 minutes early to get a one-on-one session with the instructor. You will need to come with socks (you could borrow sticky socks from a friend or purchase some) and a bottle of water. You will take your shoes off and put on your socks before you enter the studio. There are lockers in the back where you can place your personal items. She will walk you through terminology and give you a rundown of class. There is usually another instructor taking the class, they are great to keep an eye on as well. Try to be in the front row so you can get a good view and hear the instructions clearly. Don't be scared, the class is a bit fast paced at times (you gotta get your heart rate up).

Q: What if I haven't worked out in years?

A: That's okay! Pure Barre is a place that all ages, body types and skill level are welcome. I kid you not when I say this is a place of zero judgment! The women surrounding you in class will become some of your greatest cheerleaders and friends. The Pure Barre studio is not only a place to work out, but to also grow your community of supportive and encouraging women. We celebrate the small and big victories! If you remember, when I started class, I did all of my pushups on my knees. One day, one of the instructors pushed me to stay on my toes the entire time. Honestly, I didn't think I could do it! I was so shocked and proud of myself, I was beaming the whole 55 minutes! You will learn that you are so much stronger than what you think you are!

Q: Pure Barre seems expensive, can I afford it?

A: I look at classes as an investment. Since this is the only gym and membership I have, I consider it worth it. I have the monthly unlimited option, when I did the math and cost breakdown per class, this option made the most sense for me. Pure Barre Edmond is currently running a promotion for new clients (until July 31, 2018)! You can save $30 off your first month of classes. Instead of $99, you pay $69 for a month of unlimited classes! If you (or know someone who would be) are interested, you can purchase a membership online, here. When you check out, use promo code: lindseypb30 to save.

I hope to see you soon! Before you know it, you will be signing your name to the 100th class bar in the lobby.

Best Paper Planner for Work

|| Top: J.Crew (from about five years ago) || Pants: J.Crew (also available in navy and charcoal) || Heels: kate spade new york (sold out in black, available in silver glitter) || Earrings: J.Crew (spring 2018) || Ring: Tiffany & Co. || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

I have worked in the digital media sector now for a little over five years. That being said, almost all aspects of my life are on the computer. Since leaving my hometown, I also have turned into a tiny environmentalist (I like to limit my paper waste). However, two things in my life are paper constants: a yearly planner and greeting cards. I am a digital girl who loves a paper planner.

Last month, I wrapped up my fourth consecutive year of using a Day Designer. I started using this planner a few years ago when I was working at Koch Communications. I have yet to find something better that meets my needs as a millennial girl-on-the-go. I find that this daily agenda helps set up my day for success! Before my day gets too crazy, I like to take about five to ten minutes to map out my day. It gives me a moment to prioritize and set the mood.

Here are the main reasons why I keep coming back to this planner year to year. First and foremost, each weekday has a workspace page. There you will see: today's top three, due, dollars, dinner, don't forget, today schedule (5:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.), 17 individual lines for you to write in to-dos, a small note section and daily gratitude. You will find that these pages have so much meat to them! I have had some friends find it overwhelming. As someone who schedules out her day meticulously, this helps me feel put together and organized.

If you choose to adopt this planner, you can find a system that works for you. On the month-at-a-glance, I love to add a little flair and fun. This is where I note birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, coffee dates, Barklynn's grooming appointments, manicures/pedicures and haircuts. When we get an invitation to attend an event or someone wants to hang out, this is the page I flip to. I can easily see if I am out of pocket or make plans accordingly. Last year, I found an Etsy shop with darling gold foil stickers to add some flair to my stark white pages. For three years, I had a pretty intense color-coding system where I used different colors of washi tape. Over the past year, I have been a little more relaxed and not as structured in that way.

My planner goes everywhere with me, we are attached at the hip! Last year, I made the splurge and treated myself to the spotty dot planner cover. I did this for two reasons, to give me more space and to keep my planner from getting scratched. In the inside of the cover, I can place mail and other essential items. There is a zipper compartment, that's where I keep my gold foil stickers and forever stamps. There is also a place for a pen, but I do not use it. Speaking of pens, I am a big fan of the Pilot Precise V7 RT. My husband introduced me to them, and I haven't put one down since. They are so smooth and dry quickly for an ink pen.

If you are feeling disorganized or frustrated with your current planner, I hope you look into the Day Designer.

Spring Fever Feelings

|| Shirt: J.Crew || Button-down: J.Crew || Skirt: J.Crew || Heels: kate spade new york (from a few years ago) || Earrings: Target || Bracelets: Kendra Scott || Handbag: ZAC POSEN (purchase or rent) || Ring: Tiffany & Co. || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

When the seasons change, I have to fight back the urge to purchase an entirely new wardrobe. The feeling is even more significant when spring rolls around. I don't know what it is about this type of year, but man, it's tough right now. Besides wanting every dress and skirt on the market, I also have an undiagnosed case of puppy fever! I have been visiting pet adoption sites daily looking for a cute little fluff nugget to add to our family. We have a four-year-old Bichon Frise, and she is the love of my life, right behind Jered. Each spring I have this overwhelming puppy mom guilt wash over me. Here is an example of the thoughts I have been having:

Is Barklynn happy?

Am I giving her enough attention?

Does she need a puppy brother?

Do I need to arrange puppy play dates?

Seriously, I cannot make this stuff up. Jered tells me I am crazy and that she is one happy pup, so I am trying to give myself some grace and let it go. I do think she is pleased with her living arrangements and I am just overlooking this situation. Heck, I would trade places with her any day!

Another hard question I have been asking myself the last few months: as a fashion and style blogger, how can I cut down on shopping but still remain relevant? On Sassy Southern Lindsey, I only share items that I have paid for myself, unless something was gifted (and I am very transparent about that topic). This spring, I have decided to purchase only a few statement pieces and try to work with items that I already have. Take this outfit for example. There are three new things added to this lineup, the earrings, skirt, and handbag (and one of these items is rented). I am so glad they decided to bring back this elastic pull-on skirt back! For whatever reason, it just works for me. It makes me feel put together, confident and polished. Truth be told, that's how I want to feel each day when I leave my house and go out into the world. Even with a basic tee, this look is elevated. If you remember, last year I brought it home in that darling pineapple print and navy and blue dot print.

The unexpected winner of this outfit is these Tiered Tassel Drop Earrings. This mint color is the real MVP in my eyes. They are such a great pop of color! Each time that I wear them, people always want to know where they can get a pair of their own. For the price point, you can buy a pair for yourself and your BFF. Seriously, they are that inexpensive and come in multiple colors. I am thinking about getting black or white to wear with all of my Oklahoma State University gear. Here's to the darling accessories that tie an outfit together, cheers!

Goals: 100th Pure Barre Class

|| Top: Koral [c/o Pure Barre Edmond] || Pants: Beyond Yoga || Shoes: Nike (old, similar pair) || Earrings: Tiffany & Co. || Ring: Tiffany & Co. || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

This morning at 10 a.m. I checked something off of my goal list: take 100 Pure Barre classes! This took a little longer than what I originally had planned, but I am cutting myself some slack and extending some grace. I started unlimited PB back in June 2017. I am going to outline some of the things that I have experienced since then.

My weight hasn't really changed (and that's okay). I didn't join PB to lose weight; I did it to become stronger and more confident in my own skin. You also have to remember that muscle weighs more than fat. If there is one part of my body that has changed the most, it's my legs. Growing up, I showed lambs in 4-H and was a cheerleader in high school. These two things helped me gain muscle mass in my legs. Some of those muscles have been deep down waiting to be used again. Let's just say that the thigh sprints in class have worked their magic. My legs are as hard as rocks!

My clothes are fitting better (praise the sweet baby Jesus). I can tell that I have slimmed down in my hips and thighs. Let's be real, that needed to happen! I was getting to the point where I was having a hard time with dresses and pants fitting correctly. My waist is somewhat small, and my hips/butt do not match. The struggle is real, y'all! Things are not as tight as they once were and that gives me such peace of mind, I think it's so important to celebrate things like this. Non-scale victories are a huge accomplishment and should not be forgotten about.

I am way stronger now than when I started this journey. This time last year, I was doing pushups on my knees with my personal trainer. Yes, I could do 50, but I wasn't pushing myself. Two months into PB, one of my instructors told me to try doing a few regular pushups. I took a deep breath and went for it. Now, I don't look back! I try to stay on my toes as long as possible. Recently, I started using the three-pound weights in the arm section of the class. Never in a million years did I see that coming! You learn so much about yourself on your PB journey. Your body and mind continue to grow stronger.

I have a community. The thing I love most about PB in Edmond is the tribe of women that I have around me. It's more than just a gym. PB is a place where we come together to lift one another up. We celebrate the big things and encourage each other not to give up! Like the instructors say over the microphone, you can do anything for ten seconds. I am so thankful to have friends in my life holding me accountable. My next goal: 250 Pure Barre classes. Let's do this!