Sweaty Betty Tights // Bra // Backpack // Sneakers // Jacket (Similar) // Glasses // Choker // Kylie Lip Kit
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When I started TWF I never dreamed of the plethora of opportunities it would bring my way. This fall, I will actually be working with Venus Williams as an ambassador for her fitness line EleVen by Venus Williams and will be hosting Wanderlust by Cottonelle in Miami in October. I started this site to positively fill time between gigs and castings, because well, modeling can be a bit monotonous. As my modeling career began to develop so did my relationship with this blog. Often times finding lack of energy and inspiration controlling my fingertips, but little by little my online diary has gained momentum and focus; as a resource to help weave health and fitness into a balanced lifestyle. Blogging has also been a way to keep me accountable! If I am feeling unhappy, I blog about, and find a way to fix it. If I overdo it on the pizza, I put myself back together and share it with you. I like to explore and try to all things health, wellness, fashion and beauty related! THIS…is what sets my soul on fire!
When Sweaty Betty [a London based athleisure brand] sent me these epic ‘Girl on Fire’ tights I started to think about what truly lights my soul on fire. As a woman in my thirties I have made mistakes, had epic highs, a few lows, and learned many lessons along the way. I am fueled by my love for my husband, my family, my job and my friends. Women are epic individuals that can make almost anything better. I read a quote the other day that went a little something like this: “Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she’ll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she’ll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she’ll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she’ll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit!” -Erick S. Gray I love the idea of multiplying and enlarging the lives around me. So today, I wanted to share a little of what enlarges my heart and feeds my fire with all of you.
My Husband & My Marriage
I knew Cory for about three years before we started dating. He was my older brothers roommate and wingman who drove a 1980’s BMW. Other than a few nights out together on the Jersey shore and a couple of tequila fueled rounds on the dance floor, followed by disco fries, he was nothing more than the guy who slept on a mattress with no sheets. Ten years later, my husband has filled a void in my heart I never thought would be possible. As two children of divorce, we truly work hard to put our marriage first, treat each other with the utmost respect, and find ways to laugh wherever and whenever we can. No, our life is not perfect. We bicker sometimes, and we spend way too many nights apart, but on our wedding day and every day since I wake up and make the decision to love him because he is my match and my person in every way. We have some differences, but our core values are the same. I cannot wait for the day that we get to create a human being because I know he is going to be the best role model and father to our little peanut, and yes, I took part in the full 7-days of the ‘Love Your Spouse Challenge’, because when all that is floating around our news feeds are negative political and racial posts lately; a celebration of love is a welcomed distraction!
Good Food
To me, food is memories. My mother’s Matzo Ball Soup, Tummy Tea and London Broil all remind me of the comfort of being a child. There is nothing that makes me happier than sharing food or cooking for people I love. My idea of a great night is a dinner party with incredible wine, games, laughter and all around ridiculous behavior. I live for food, and because of this blog and my job, I have learned to love and create healthy food, that is both comforting and delicious!
Laughter
There is something that happens to me when I crawl in bed at night with Cory. We may be crazy from our work day or finally relaxed, but whatever it is I tend get uncontrollable, belly hurting giggles that last until I can’t take it anymore. I never take myself too seriously and like to be a goofball around those that I am close with. Life is too short not to laugh! So find time to do it everyday.
Teaching
Before becoming a full-time model I was a high school PE teacher. Teaching feeds my soul in the most incredible way! Teachers have one of the hardest and most important job in this world. They are truly molding the next generation. I miss working in a school and coaching dance team, but I still have a teachers heart and will continue to teach for years to come. I am currently working on my personal training certification and teach barre classes in Miami! I love connecting with my clients and help them fall in love with the movement experience.
Friendship
I always say that I would be nowhere without my friends, and it is true. I have had many of the same friends my entire life, and have acquired some amazing new ones through work and travel. I do not have sisters, so, my girlfriends are the closest thing to me, and I do my best not to take their love and support for granted. If you aren’t a girls girl that is totally OK, but keep looking because friendships are the place you can go to feel save, to vent, to drink wine with, to cry with and to share special times with. So feed them and make the time to send a text or call to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while today.
Travel
Since my first trip to Costa Rica with Cory we have caught the travel bug BIG TIME! Since then, we have been far and wide traveling to Italy, Spain, France, Brasil, Austria, Switzerland and many other places around the US. We love experiencing the different food and culture of the world. One day, we want to show our children a bright big world, maybe a safari in Africa or where we used to live in Portland. Cory and I really wish we could be traveling gypsies, but until then, we can dream of our next big adventure!
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Today’s blog started as a simple outfit post thanks to Sweaty Betty, but then I went off on a tangent. I’m sorry…I was set on fire lol. I am a girly-girl, a wife, a sister, a daughter and a friend. I work my tush off to reach my goals, and I get frustrated when they seem out of reach. What I never realized when starting my blog is that I would make so many connections with other women, brands and bloggers around the world. I know blogs are a dime a dozen these days, so I just want to thank everyone who has ever read a post, liked a photo or left a sweet comment. Every single one of those small gestures have helped to propel me forward and strive harder to bring valuable content to my small corner the internet. I would love to hear what sets your soul on fire in the comments section below!
Comments 8
I love getting to know you more, Taylor! What a great post! And I loved that quote, it cracked me up!! XO ~Anna http://www.pepperedinstyle.com
Author
Thank you Anna! Likewise! Right?! How true is it though? xo
love the leggings, so interesting and unique!
http://layersofchic.com
Author
Thanks! I love the fit and quality. xo
Such an inspiring post! And congrats on working with Venus Williams! How exciting 🙂 Traveling sets my soul on fire. I love being able to see different parts of the world and even just our country! There is so much to explore! Thanks for your uplifting writing!
xxx
Marguerite Dunigan
theautumngirl.com
Author
Aw thank you so much! I agree with you there. Travel is of the most fulfilling and exciting things there is to do. I love your blog! Keep up the hard work. xo
Amazing blog Taylor! Love reading all your stories!
Love the quote about Women so true!
Yes I love my family, foods, and to travel! But the most important thing is to take care of yourself first to say healthy & happy. I love reading your posts because you help women and you keep it real! And you are beautiful inside & out! Your teaching is beyond words the best!
Xoxo
Dawn
Author
Aw Dawn!! You are the sweetest. I truly have loved working with and getting to know you. I am getting anxious to get back home and to the studio tomorrow. Thank you for your kind words. You are the best! xoxoxo