Bloggers: Here's What I Really Think About You

Like I said yesterday, most of the posts this week were inspired by recent posts I've seen from other blogging ladies. This one, I saw on Elizabeth of Undeniably, Me. And it's about, obviously, how I really feel about certain bloggers. In this community of bloggers, you really start to favor some and get to know the ladies behind the blog more than you would think. So specific things tend to stick out about those women and I want to share this list of favorites today! Enjoy & go make some friends!

Made with Polyvore.

Comes Up With The Most Unique Ways to Have Fun: Jessica of Midwest Muse. Whether it's planning a city-wide clothing swap, attending local concerts, being a thrifting pro and showing off her looks on the runway, or hosting her own party, Jessica has got it going on. I'm always so impressed (and jealous) of her adventures! She makes Ohio actually seem cool ;)

Prettiest Smile: Sarah of Coming Unstitched. You've seen Sarah around here before and I'm sure you'd agree that this lady has got a pretty smile. I love that you can tell how genuine it is in her daily outfit posts too.

Never Fails to Leave Me Hungry: Setarra of Quaintrelle. First of all, I should mention that I feel like if Setarra and I ever met in real life, we'd be besties. We have too much in common, literally right down to when we tore our ACL's, that it's hard for me not to want to be her real-life friend. But her blog talks a lot of her travels and restaurant reviews. And she takes such gorgeous pictures of her meals and describes them in such detail that I cannot help but leave her blog drooling and heading to my refrigerator.

Most Gorgeous Home: Maddie of Maddie Richardson - A Lifestyle Blog. Every post that has a picture of her home makes me swoon. The space just looks so bright, airy, comfortable and not overly styled. Gorgeous space. Plus she shares it with a cute puppy...and hubby.

My Favorite Hair Color: Robyn of Cleverly, Yours. You have more than likely seen Robyn if you are a fan of Pinterest. I'm pretty sure that her outfits are pinned more than anything else on that site. But she also has the greatest hair ever. Super long and dark brown. All kinds of jealousy running through my veins when I visit her blog haha

Crazy Cat Lady: Elizabeth of Undeniably, Me. You know this is out of love! The girl who inspired this post and the girl who is the mommy to Khalifa's brother, Oliver. What a great name he has! My whole family approves haha Anyway, Elizabeth posts hilarious stories about Oliver and he's even guest-posted on her blog before, so there's that.

What do you really think of some bloggers? Tell me who you'd name for these!

Pinspiration Station

Remember when I told you guys that I would have some big news for you soon? Well, it's still a secret and it's still on it's way, but right now I'm in the middle of it and just want to launch. But I cannot because it's not perfect and not ready and not enough. Why do we put ourselves down so much? I know that this project is going to take a lot out of me for quite a while, but every time I get to work on it, I'm in heaven, so why don't I focus on that instead of the nitpicking of the tiniest details?

Easier said than done. I know that this will be a huge endeavor, that I really want it to be long-term and successful. I know that this takes time and energy and that it's not going to be exactly what I want right from the get-go, but instead of letting that fuel me, I sometimes let it be a block in my path. Why? Do any of you do this too? I  feel like this is where Pinterest becomes a problem because we so easily get trapped in comparing ourselves to others, but I've been trying to use it as a motivator. Beautiful designs and inspirational words. Trying to help it fuel me today, and hopefully it'll help you guys out too. I don't feel like I'm in a rut, which is a great. But I just feel like I'm right on the edge of where I want to be before launch and it's killing me to keep pushing to get there. I know all of what I have to do before then and I know things will fall into place and happen as long as I keep guiding it and working hard. Blood, sweat, and tears pay off, right?

Blossoming Women Conference: Coming in April to Pittsburgh

I am excited to share with you ladies today about an opportunity coming to Pittsburgh that is sure to benefit some of us, the Blossoming Women Conference! On April 18th, the conference will take place at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott Hotel in Coraopolis, Pa. The Blossoming Women Conference is hosted by LaTersa Blakely, an author, speaker and life coach for women and at risk girls. While LaTersa is the main contact person for this event, as well as one of the speakers, she will join three other women, Michelle Gill Newton, Tamara C. Gooch, and Leslie Reichert, in the hopes of helping to empower professional women, entrepreneurial women and mothers to realize their potential and know that they are enough to turn that potential into a positive career move.

I Am Enough is the theme for this event which plans to promote the skills needed to balance work and family life, the tools needed to grow as an entrepreneur, and live a more healthy lifestyle all around. This seems like a lot to take on, but based on the histories of the four women speakers it sounds like this is shaping up to be an exciting and transforming event. There will also be a vendors area where attendees can browse for inspirational books and CD's, and snag some relaxing goodies for themselves.  For more information, to read up on the speakers backgrounds, and to see what all is in store for the Blossoming Women's Conference, feel free to browse the event's website.

If you're already sold on this Conference and ready to go, follow along with the ladies on Twitter with #IAMENOUGH2014 and sign up by registering online with the link below. As a Chels & the City reader, you will be given a special discount offer for the conference with the code latersa at checkout. Hoping that this is a beneficial event for the women of Pittsburgh and to see some of you there!

Blossoming Women Conference | Registration | Volunteer | Sponsor | Vendors

Discount code: latersa

This is a partnered post, I was contacted to promote this event, but all opinions are my own.

The Times They Are A-Changin'

After taking a long break from blogging to reevaluate whether or not to stick with this or not, I've come to the conclusion that instead of giving up this space, it just needs a change. Since moving away from the city I love it has been rather hard to keep up with trying to be a "Pittsburgh-based" blogger. Which, more recently, has made me feel limited in the kind of content I should share. But today, that's changing.

At this point in my life, with the possibility of moving back to the city, but also possibly moving further away for a career opportunity, I can no longer make this blog simply about Pittsburgh. From here on out, Chels & the City will be a lifestyle or life and style or, what I like best, a "styled life" blog. What you will find here will still be adventures in the city (whatever city I may be in) but you can look forward to A LOT more fashion. Which, I don't think the bulk of my readers will be upset with hearing.

Now I understand that by making this change I open up my content areas, while also making me a small fish in a huge pond. There are millions of fashion blogs authored by twenty-something women. I get that, but there are not millions of fashion blogs by twenty-something women, who are considered plus-size. I know that there are plenty out there, trust me I follow a good bit of them, but I know that there is room for more. Especially in a world where women are still judged for being any size at all, let alone "plus" size.

And just so we have this all clear, I love my curves. I know I have "problem areas" but I honestly know very few women with more confidence than I have, across different sizes. Seriously, if you need some, just ask, I've got plenty to share. I'm hoping that this will become a space that allows women to see that having style has nothing to do with the size you're wearing. Just because you're above a certain size or not within your goal weight, that does not mean that you are unworthy of looking and feeling amazing. And while it might seem superficial, how you dress does make you feel a certain way, so why not always dress your best? I'm hoping this blog becomes a space to talk fashion, life, and still occasionally showcase fun things to do in the city, but mostly, I want this to be a place for inspiration. And while getting that inspiration through looking at outfits might seem weird, I hope you'll go on this new path with me and enjoy it. Style is not a luxury just for the rich and skinny - I'm hoping you agree with that, and if not, I hope this blog will prove it to you.

"Clothes aren't going to change the world, the women who wear them will." - Anne Klein

Read What I'm Pinning

Hey everyone! Just taking a page out of Nicole's (of Writes Like A Girl) book today and posting somethings that I have been pinning on Pinterest lately. I love that Nicole lets her readers into her mindset so much, at least once a week, so I'm doing the same. Mostly what I've been pinning has been inspirational quotes, because who doesn't love a great quote to come back to every once in a while. These are mostly about goals and career moves and just loving life, and soon I will be able to tell you some BIG news that is in the works for me, that I am over the moon about. So for today, enjoy these and follow me on Pinterest to see more!

Who's That Girl?

via

Being tender and open is beautiful. 

As a woman, I feel continually shhh’ed. Too sensitive. 

Too mushy. Too wishy washy. Blah blah. 

Don’t let someone steal your tenderness. 

Don’t allow the coldness and fear of others to tarnish your perfectly vulnerable beating heart. 

Nothing is more powerful than allowing yourself to truly be affected by things. 

 Whether it’s a song, a stranger, a mountain, a rain drop, a tea kettle, an article, a sentence, a footstep, feel it all 

– look around you. All of this is for you. 

Take it and have gratitude. Give it and feel love.

— Zooey Deschanel

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Just kinda feeling these words today. Zooey is one of my all time favorite women, especially in TV world. She just seems so real and someone you'd actually be able to hold a conversation with, unlike some celebrities who seem very much about themselves and about the fame. I appreciate these words from her because I feel like women are "getting shhh'ed" a lot in today's society. Like we're not allowed to be emotional now that we're playing in "a man's world." Suck it, to that. Clearly, Zooey is putting things in better sentence structure today. Hope you all are having an inspiring day and enjoying every minute. I'm heading to the 'burgh to work my last two shows of the season at the Public, today. What's on your agenda for this Thursday?