tote: c/o fashion & compassion // bracelet: c/o fashion & compassion // jacket: ciao milano via the finicky filly // tee: j.crew {last seen here and here} // jeans: nordstrom // sneaks: old navy

Photos by: Corbin Tate

Today I’m partnering up with Fashion & Compassion to share how my mom has taught me about beauty and dignity. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s the best time to tell my mom just how much she’s done for me and how thankful I am for that {and her}. Be sure to follow along via instagram today for an extra surprise from Fashion & Compassion and myself.

My mom is the strongest person I know! I’m sure a lot of you feel that way about your mothers as well. Mom’s have this super human power where they can concur all, know exactly what you’re up to at any given moment, and can find ANYTHING in the pantry, even after you’ve spent 15+ minutes looking for it {please tell me this happens with you and your mom too}.

Through my mom’s strength and love I have learned so much about her, myself, and life. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her and I absolutely would not have this blog. She has spent hours on hours taking my photos, going to events with me, helping me prep for events, and most appreciated – doing everything around the house to allow me the time to work on Louella Reese.

I looked up tons of quotes about moms and while basically every single one of them fit our relationship perfectly, this one is my favorite: “You’ll be her first role model, her first friend, her first love.” All of this is so true. My mom has always been someone I’ve looked up to and gone to when in a time of need or when I didn’t know what the right thing to do was exactly. She has never steered me wrong and has always taught to me to do what is right.

She’s been my best friend from the beginning. I couldn’t possibly count the number of times we’ve fallen over laughing together {aka the almost pee your pants kind of laughing!} or danced the night away to our favorites songs, singing them at the top of our lungs. Or the times I’ve called her crying because a friend or old boyfriend broke my heart. She’s always fixed it, she’s always been there. She’s my bestie for life!

My mom was absolutely my first love. I think that goes right along with being my best friend. Also with everything she taught me and the things we learned along the way together. Our bond is so strong and our love is so deep! She’s the most beautiful person I know and she has taught me to find beauty in everything. Myself, others, nature, God’s grace and love. She’s been the best teacher and the best friend I could ever ask for!

I love you mom!