![BIRTHDAY VIBES ☼ i don’t think i need to preface this by saying that these aren’t pictures of me today… they are however pictures of me only a few weeks after i found out i was pregnant with my little isla girl. i was scrambling to finish contracts before i started showing, my mind was trying to comprehend how i was going to be able to take on this new role as a mama & panicking how i’d still be able to give the business that i love so much 110%. needless to say, this year has been one of great change & for a self-proclaimed control freak change, even when wanted, can be really scary. whether it’s a new job, new city, new baby, new business, although exciting, it can feel like your world is spinning out of control. however, stevie & i just had a long conversation [one of thousands] agreeing that if we always got what we wanted, we’d be living such a different life right now. i’d still be a hairstylist in a salon, we’d probably still live in louisiana, he’d most likely be working at a university, etc… & the life we were meant to lead would have never come to fruition. a life that has given us more opportunities than we could have ever thought possible but it took letting go, taking risks & trusting our instincts for it to happen. so while pregnancy has been a rollercoaster of thoughts, emotions & hesitations, i know this is right where i’m meant to be. the most magical things in life are usually a little bit scary but sometimes having total control is even more scary because you may end up missing out on one of the universe’s beautiful plans for you. going into this next year i welcome all the uncertainty & while i’m still a control freak, i’m going to lean into the wonder of the unknown & my birthday wish is that you do, too. 12.3.21](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/263168896_103362585491331_4944294000086260342_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=3retGRvPzB0AX-tTvkh&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=4e8239b157c30dfab84d9efabeff44cb&oe=61B05677)
![BIRTHDAY VIBES ☼ i don’t think i need to preface this by saying that these aren’t pictures of me today… they are however pictures of me only a few weeks after i found out i was pregnant with my little isla girl. i was scrambling to finish contracts before i started showing, my mind was trying to comprehend how i was going to be able to take on this new role as a mama & panicking how i’d still be able to give the business that i love so much 110%. needless to say, this year has been one of great change & for a self-proclaimed control freak change, even when wanted, can be really scary. whether it’s a new job, new city, new baby, new business, although exciting, it can feel like your world is spinning out of control. however, stevie & i just had a long conversation [one of thousands] agreeing that if we always got what we wanted, we’d be living such a different life right now. i’d still be a hairstylist in a salon, we’d probably still live in louisiana, he’d most likely be working at a university, etc… & the life we were meant to lead would have never come to fruition. a life that has given us more opportunities than we could have ever thought possible but it took letting go, taking risks & trusting our instincts for it to happen. so while pregnancy has been a rollercoaster of thoughts, emotions & hesitations, i know this is right where i’m meant to be. the most magical things in life are usually a little bit scary but sometimes having total control is even more scary because you may end up missing out on one of the universe’s beautiful plans for you. going into this next year i welcome all the uncertainty & while i’m still a control freak, i’m going to lean into the wonder of the unknown & my birthday wish is that you do, too. 12.3.21](https://scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/262830447_336174891192956_5493474459147911630_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=XjnukOOBEF0AX9PXvEY&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=3b872870d2cc1e2b6b102df9e1f5338f&oe=61AFF339)
![BIRTHDAY VIBES ☼ i don’t think i need to preface this by saying that these aren’t pictures of me today… they are however pictures of me only a few weeks after i found out i was pregnant with my little isla girl. i was scrambling to finish contracts before i started showing, my mind was trying to comprehend how i was going to be able to take on this new role as a mama & panicking how i’d still be able to give the business that i love so much 110%. needless to say, this year has been one of great change & for a self-proclaimed control freak change, even when wanted, can be really scary. whether it’s a new job, new city, new baby, new business, although exciting, it can feel like your world is spinning out of control. however, stevie & i just had a long conversation [one of thousands] agreeing that if we always got what we wanted, we’d be living such a different life right now. i’d still be a hairstylist in a salon, we’d probably still live in louisiana, he’d most likely be working at a university, etc… & the life we were meant to lead would have never come to fruition. a life that has given us more opportunities than we could have ever thought possible but it took letting go, taking risks & trusting our instincts for it to happen. so while pregnancy has been a rollercoaster of thoughts, emotions & hesitations, i know this is right where i’m meant to be. the most magical things in life are usually a little bit scary but sometimes having total control is even more scary because you may end up missing out on one of the universe’s beautiful plans for you. going into this next year i welcome all the uncertainty & while i’m still a control freak, i’m going to lean into the wonder of the unknown & my birthday wish is that you do, too. 12.3.21](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/263374039_623476152402821_5484975529277392073_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=rZBN1LSdjVYAX8-mLte&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=ea1ebdf11a4e7041e55103a9d4019244&oe=61B0B202)
![BIRTHDAY VIBES ☼ i don’t think i need to preface this by saying that these aren’t pictures of me today… they are however pictures of me only a few weeks after i found out i was pregnant with my little isla girl. i was scrambling to finish contracts before i started showing, my mind was trying to comprehend how i was going to be able to take on this new role as a mama & panicking how i’d still be able to give the business that i love so much 110%. needless to say, this year has been one of great change & for a self-proclaimed control freak change, even when wanted, can be really scary. whether it’s a new job, new city, new baby, new business, although exciting, it can feel like your world is spinning out of control. however, stevie & i just had a long conversation [one of thousands] agreeing that if we always got what we wanted, we’d be living such a different life right now. i’d still be a hairstylist in a salon, we’d probably still live in louisiana, he’d most likely be working at a university, etc… & the life we were meant to lead would have never come to fruition. a life that has given us more opportunities than we could have ever thought possible but it took letting go, taking risks & trusting our instincts for it to happen. so while pregnancy has been a rollercoaster of thoughts, emotions & hesitations, i know this is right where i’m meant to be. the most magical things in life are usually a little bit scary but sometimes having total control is even more scary because you may end up missing out on one of the universe’s beautiful plans for you. going into this next year i welcome all the uncertainty & while i’m still a control freak, i’m going to lean into the wonder of the unknown & my birthday wish is that you do, too. 12.3.21](https://scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/262848478_862263777783047_5723526032403387195_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=2kd9NxQB_P4AX-tCmAm&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=8b8dc0c897b684df9181e2017d87c8b6&oe=61B1169A)
![an appreciation post for my two current favorite custom sneakers that i designed [swipe to see the nikes] thank you to all the brands who let my inner control freak thrive… i’ll happily give you an extra $40+ per pair to have them mY wAyYy. 11.8.21](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/254849749_418364346408400_1625082825413775637_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=KBPR1yO9dNQAX_pHXRR&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=3c98261124902d9e949f66f82c89e8eb&oe=61B0D835)
![an appreciation post for my two current favorite custom sneakers that i designed [swipe to see the nikes] thank you to all the brands who let my inner control freak thrive… i’ll happily give you an extra $40+ per pair to have them mY wAyYy. 11.8.21](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/253905268_6301977686543878_5025454833320300292_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=b6HMqPqonw0AX-TXf7J&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=6b05364302ea3636fb0488dd705215d0&oe=61AFAC4A)
![an appreciation post for my two current favorite custom sneakers that i designed [swipe to see the nikes] thank you to all the brands who let my inner control freak thrive… i’ll happily give you an extra $40+ per pair to have them mY wAyYy. 11.8.21](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/253689201_231504025741324_2215177583748309986_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=9rGl7PlCHtoAX8JHj7Y&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=ebff9950d831bb3a8809b8db1d9f6b47&oe=61AFB690)
![happy salty & surfy sun ☼ day. might have been in the 70s [which is painfully cold for miami] but it was such a beautiful day & the surf watching was unreal in the neighborhood. i hope your sunday was just as rad, xx. 11.7.21 #36weekspregnant #beachbaby](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/253429673_580076469868489_6719730554532092007_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=vM2LaFcuvyUAX_en1PB&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=46628ef8c385a0361861d83b2417967c&oe=61B0A8A1)
![happy salty & surfy sun ☼ day. might have been in the 70s [which is painfully cold for miami] but it was such a beautiful day & the surf watching was unreal in the neighborhood. i hope your sunday was just as rad, xx. 11.7.21 #36weekspregnant #beachbaby](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/253233914_439166661067210_2419158070162815195_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=1SsJqCRgbk8AX9r0RsR&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=eb0e24500bcddae0fb0d3d04d7f887cd&oe=61B01B39)
![happy salty & surfy sun ☼ day. might have been in the 70s [which is painfully cold for miami] but it was such a beautiful day & the surf watching was unreal in the neighborhood. i hope your sunday was just as rad, xx. 11.7.21 #36weekspregnant #beachbaby](https://scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/252975211_398022882055032_4713974394086861190_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=ahpaOv4Tu08AX-4sEMf&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=378105595dc779e00d1c5cd517e6de88&oe=61B120F7)
![happy salty & surfy sun ☼ day. might have been in the 70s [which is painfully cold for miami] but it was such a beautiful day & the surf watching was unreal in the neighborhood. i hope your sunday was just as rad, xx. 11.7.21 #36weekspregnant #beachbaby](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/253824461_377141454197470_98549125739544390_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=-s81jD2MTh4AX9JMtjJ&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=f86cc68ca31d200867f56d2703f30f6b&oe=61B02F9E)
![happy salty & surfy sun ☼ day. might have been in the 70s [which is painfully cold for miami] but it was such a beautiful day & the surf watching was unreal in the neighborhood. i hope your sunday was just as rad, xx. 11.7.21 #36weekspregnant #beachbaby](https://scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/253879904_583165142770509_3982905239277213733_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=Uqn9VIWto20AX_cPU9K&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=471b688b23a8749cca87a94554121269&oe=61AFF6F3)
![happy salty & surfy sun ☼ day. might have been in the 70s [which is painfully cold for miami] but it was such a beautiful day & the surf watching was unreal in the neighborhood. i hope your sunday was just as rad, xx. 11.7.21 #36weekspregnant #beachbaby](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/254062798_4584829754912411_1586411038114810593_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=5XQSnUgCJtYAX86zQU-&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=83e7f9d54612e838a4d01b1339f3915b&oe=61B0CCD3)
![happy salty & surfy sun ☼ day. might have been in the 70s [which is painfully cold for miami] but it was such a beautiful day & the surf watching was unreal in the neighborhood. i hope your sunday was just as rad, xx. 11.7.21 #36weekspregnant #beachbaby](https://scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/253414084_285262546817259_5980414992400508899_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=73UdaO3Uok4AX9ylI4K&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=934e5ac08cb68d89c3fa9985babef57e&oe=61AF8A1F)
![happy salty & surfy sun ☼ day. might have been in the 70s [which is painfully cold for miami] but it was such a beautiful day & the surf watching was unreal in the neighborhood. i hope your sunday was just as rad, xx. 11.7.21 #36weekspregnant #beachbaby](https://scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/253394611_648474592841754_8922448900332126092_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=snpBAJY_dm0AX-DNJ2V&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=969e8933dad0bcb044fb35aa874d2af9&oe=61B05581)
![happy salty & surfy sun ☼ day. might have been in the 70s [which is painfully cold for miami] but it was such a beautiful day & the surf watching was unreal in the neighborhood. i hope your sunday was just as rad, xx. 11.7.21 #36weekspregnant #beachbaby](https://scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/253397558_1267660360340989_1757438441386318444_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=o6n9gkmSGVIAX9Lz-0T&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=91bee73dce979ac6f6087b44957d23e6&oe=61B01FF6)
![happy salty & surfy sun ☼ day. might have been in the 70s [which is painfully cold for miami] but it was such a beautiful day & the surf watching was unreal in the neighborhood. i hope your sunday was just as rad, xx. 11.7.21 #36weekspregnant #beachbaby](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/253905748_190846783206286_6489746199445749988_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=8znAzVCLg3YAX8cxiJG&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=c7958d724fdb5a43785fb3027647c84a&oe=61B00688)
In my humble opinion, there are few things better than a day spent on an island beach. The Florida Keys are my go-to island destination when I want to chill out, wind down, & get out of the city for a little bit. So when I first got some beautiful new pieces from TAVIK Swimwear, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to pack up a little picnic for one & take off to clear my mind.
SHOP MY STYLE: TAVIK Zepplin Top | TAVIK Vine Bottom | TAVIK Bambi Skirt | Le Specs Sunglasses | Kaanas Bellem Slides | The Beach People Nomad Towel | The Beach People Macrame Tote | Van Palma Hat via Bohemian Groove
JEWELRY: Kate Davis Jewelry – Micro Bar Choker | KDJ Indo Crescent Mother of Pearl Necklace | KDJ Travelers Medallion | KDJ Eye Studs | KDJ North Star Studs | KDJ Santana Cuff | KDJ Stacking Rings – “Beaded” / “Small Beaded” / “Twist”
I discovered TAVIK a couple years ago during Miami Swim Week and the brand immediately pulled me in. Their patterns, prints, & designs are classic yet modern, which I think makes their brand wonderfully timeless. As someone who typically favors neutrals, TAVIK manages to create colorways that I can’t help but be drawn to. Warm earth tones accompanied by pops of bright hues evoke an effortless laid back feeling. TAVIK is the ultimate cool-girl swimwear brand to me, but above all else the quality of their apparel & swimwear is impeccable.
I have even more on the way from TAVIK, so keep a lookout in the near future! I’m head-over-heels for this brand and if you aren’t already, I know you will be soon! Also, if you ever have any questions for me [e.g., sizing, locating items online] please always feel free to ask away in the comments! As always, sending lots of tropical vibes your way!
Xx – Rachael
[Photography & Honeydew Consumption: Christine Michelle Photography ]
You tan is so beautiful, what do you use for body lotion, tanning lotion.. What did you use to get that beautiful tan? You were a smal in most clothes? If you don’t find how tall are you and what do you weigh that might help out for sizing with clothes. Thank You. I love your site💗
Hey Sheila!
Thank you so much! My tan is natural and I give all the credit to the Miami sun for keeping me golden year round. But I use Kopari Beauty products religiously to keep my skin hydrated & glowing, which helps prolong my tan stay while spending less time in the sin. I usually wear an XS-S because I’m very petite at 4’11 and at this point in my life my weight is usually around 90 lbs, give or take a few. I tailor a lot of my clothing to fit how it’s intended to look though! Hope that helps & thank you so so much for all your support, it means the world! Xx
Beautiful photos!