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Family

Live Colorfully – Am I My Sister’s Keeper? #MyReelMoment

Live Colorfully - Am I My Sister's Keeper? #MyReelMoment

top c/o| jacket c/o| sunglasses| heels| bag (similar)| jeans| necklace c/o

“To live colorfully is to carry yourself with vibrancy and warmth, and to share it in your own unique way. Speak in shades of silver and ink, paint blues with a brush or a song. The pages of your life remain black and white only if you let them. Fill them in with whatever colors you choose, and maybe every once in a while, let someone else color outside the lines.”

When a friend of mine asked if I could write about the ReelAbilities Film Festival happening in Houston, I immediately said yes. Growing up with a sister with disabilities I knew the importance of an organization like this in helping raise awareness about people with disabilities, and to eliminate barriers to accessibility in all aspects of life. But when she asked me to share #MyReelMoment how a disability or mental health issue has impacted the life of you or a person you know, I didn’t know how emotional it would be for me to share my story until now. This post is in no way shape or form sponsored, but I want to share this story because this is a big part of me, a big reason why I am the person I am today, and why I stand up for protecting the basic rights for all, not just in our country but those who are facing persecution today. I am my sister’s keeper. This is #MyReelMoment.

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Blogging 101

Instagram Tips – The Ugly to Truth About Growing Your Instagram

Instagram Tips - The Ugly to Truth About Growing Your Instagram by Houston blogger Dawn P. Darnell

Hey guys,

This post is a post that is a long time coming. It is a subject that has gotten so much backlash, caused so much drama, and is also a mystery for many bloggers starting out. But now that I have interns who help me with my every day social media, I teach them everything I know about maintaining and growing my social media channels. There is so much that goes into growing your social media, and Instagram is a big part of it. For those starting out it might seem overwhelming when you are not growing at the rates some bigger bloggers are. But what most people don’t realize is there is a lot of back end people don’t tell you that goes into growing Instagram. And unfortunately it isn’t always fair and it isn’t always organic growth either. So this post isn’t your cookie cutter Instagram tips post you might read everywhere else. This post is the nitty gritty ugly truth about growing your Instagram.

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Fashion

How to Wear a Tweed Jacket

How to Wear a Tweed Jacket

jacket (similar)| jeans| top (similar)| hat| heels (similar)| bag

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Yesterday I just got back from my vacation, and I can’t wait to share all the details. If you followed along on snapchat then you got the first look on how amazing the resort was. But now I am home with my family, and I wanted to share with you an effortless way to wear a tweed jacket. Since Chanel made it a classic, it is one thing that will never go out of style. This tweed jacket is one of my favorite finds from a very unexpected place (read more here), and I wore it to my intern meeting last week. Check out my tips on how to wear a tweed jacket below.

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Fashion

Travel Fashion for Under $100

Travel Fashion for Under $100 by Houston fashion blogger Dawn P. Darnell

swimsuit c/o| sandals c/o| hat| glasses

TGIF everyone! I hope you are having a great week. I cannot wait to finally spill the beans on this amazing collaboration I am doing this weekend, plus a special travel fashion for under $100 feature.  Last year one of my dear friend decided to do a girl’s trip in Mexico. Having some experience with working with hotels in this country (view previous travel collaborations here) I thought I would give this international resort a shot. I was over the moon when they decided they wanted to work with me! So want to know where I am staying?
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Fashion

Seeing Red – Lace up Heels and Peacoats

Seeing Red - Lace ups Heels and Peacoats

jacket| hat| top| bag (similar)| shoes (similar)| sunglasses| pants

Happy Wednesday everyone!

This week has been a particularly busy week for me as I prepare for my first international blogger collaboration at this brand new resort in Mexico. I am finalizing last-minute details but I can’t wait to share this once in a lifetime opportunity with you all. Stay tuned on my snapchat, as I share bits and pieces of my planning and preparation for this trip. But even bigger than this trip is my son’s second birthday tomorrow. I have been so distracted lately just savoring every precious little moment with my little man. I am still in disbelief of how much my son has grown. Last night I should have been working on this blog post but instead found myself watching videos of my little guy when he was a baby. There’s been nothing but heart eyes for this mama. I guess you could say I am seeing red lol. Haha see what I did there? But in all fairness here is a fun cozy outfit that will have you seeing red aka “heart eyes” for these gorgeous lace up heels and peacoat jacket.

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Fashion

Gold Studs + Leopard Print

Gold Studs + Leopard Print sweater c/o| jacket| jeans| booties c/o| scarf| clutchsunglasses c/o

| watch c/o (15% off with code DAWN)

Happy Monday everyone!

This week is an exciting week because this weekend I head off to my first ever international collaboration at a brand new resort. If you watched my Snapchat then you might know more where I am headed. Don’t worry I’ll talk a little more about it throughout the week, so make sure you are following along for the latest. Plus I want to share with you all the cute outfits I will be bringing on my trip. Now back to this outfit I wore last week when it actually felt cold down here in Texas.  These gold studs plus the leopard print can really spice up an outfit. Check out the full look below.

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Fashion

The Best Rain Boots + Everyday Chambray

The Best Rain Boots + Everyday Chambray

top| leggings| bag| boots| necklace

It’s Friday! Woot! Woot! Today I’m headed to my dear friend’s book signing. Her book is currently number one in inspirational fitness books on Amazon. If you didn’t catch my recent review of her book check it out here. You can download your free copy today! This week with the forecasted rain I wanted to share some of my favorite rain boots for summer! If you live in Texas, there’s one thing you always need year around and that is rain boots. I’m sharing my favorite rain boots to fit everyone’s budget!

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Fashion

Eyelet Lace Top – Hungry’s Upstair Brunch

Eyelet Lace Top

top c/o| jeans| heels| bag (similar) c/o| jacket (similar)| shades c/o| necklace c/o

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend an exclusive brunch in honor of the grand opening of Hungry’s newest addition of their upstairs brunch and bar area. If you haven’t been to Hungry’s in Rice Village, they have amazing food and drinks. You should definitely go. You won’t be disappointed. For this event I wore all neutral whites and grey this gorgeous eyelet lace top from Chicwish. I love the dainty lace details. It is a true statement piece and one that you can transition into spring. This eyelet lace top is one of those pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Check out how I styled this top below.

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Fitness

The Skinny Truth About Weight Loss – LMSO

THE SKINNY TRUTH ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS

top| jacket| shoes| leggings| water bottle

Can you believe 2016 has come and gone and now we are in the new year? This past year has been a rollercoaster when it came to my fitness goals. Looking back to 2015 and my post on 10 Habits to Ditch this New Year, I realized I let a couple of those bad habits linger through the year. This year I have so much to be thankful for, I had the opportunity to pursue my passion of blogging into a business while juggling my life as a mom and wife. But with all things said and done, I put my fitness goals on the back burner and I realized by doing so I put a huge part of me aside. I lost all of my muscles I had worked so hard for, and suddenly I became SKINNY. The type of skinny that is a result of not eating regularly, the type of skinny that is the result of not sleeping enough, and the stress of always being “too busy”. This is the skinny truth about weight loss.

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Fashion

The Cat’s Meow – New Year Trend Alert

top| jacket| pants| clutch| booties

Who is loving the colder weather? I know I am. This has probably been the warmest winter in Houston, so it’s a nice relief to finally get some colder weather. Yesterday as I was looking through one of my fashion magazine for latest new year trends, I saw an article on the pussy-bow blouse and how it’s making a statement this year. I love this style because of the  bow detail which works perfectly dressed up with my favorite winter jacket. Here is a cute winter outfit that will make you the cat’s meow for the New Year!

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Fashion

Mixing Old with New

Mixing Old with New by Houston fashion blogger Dawn P. Darnell

skirt c/o| heels c/o | beanie| top c/o| jacket

Happy New Year!

Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year! Jayden and I spent it with my family, and had a big traditional Filipino celebration for New Years Eve. My husband had to work, but we were able to spend New Years day with him when he came home from work so we were thankful for that. This week is a busy week for me, as I have big plans for this blog. I just hired three interns for this year to work along side me to taking this blog to next level, and this is the first official week of business. So today I am going to leave you with this fun outfit, mixing old with new for my first official 2017 fashion post.

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