the Awkward

{BONUS! NEW ON THE BLOG} All I Want for Christmas... 3 Tips to Survive the Holiday 💚 Christmas is such a magical time of year, but as we all know it can be immensely stressful as well. This year I made a plan for December. I know, me and my plans. Everyone makes fun of me a bit over my need for a plan, but you have anxiety and function without one! So, I decided to spend December making Santa letters, taking all other work obligations with ease, saying no to nearly all party invitations, frequently cooking for my family, power watching Hallmark and Marvel, wrapping gifts, and generally taking it easy. 🎄 Finish Reading here: https://www.rachel-harper.com/2018/12/20/all-i-want-for-christmas/ . . . #savvybusinessowner #creativeentrepreneur #creativepreneur #creativebusiness #creativebiz #createeveryday #mycreativecommunity #businesswithpurpose #businesswithheart #personalbranding #personalbrand #businessadvice #bizadvice #entrepreneurquotes #entrepreneurlife #entrpreneurproblems #freelancer #freelancerlife #freelancers #workforyourself #communityovercompetition #marketingstrategy #businessbydesign (at Whitefish, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/BroPh-6B5NC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1j6cbfd2a3arj

Well, it’s #topnine time! An adventure, some valuable words I should always remind myself of, and of course the kiddos! What an epic 2018. Looking forward to an even more adventurous 2019. . . . #savvybusinessowner #creativeentrepreneur #creativepreneur #creativebusiness #creativebiz #createeveryday #mycreativecommunity #businesswithpurpose #businesswithheart #personalbranding #personalbrand #businessadvice #bizadvice #entrepreneurquotes #entrepreneurlife #entrpreneurproblems #freelancer #freelancerlife #freelancers #workforyourself #communityovercompetition #marketingstrategy #businessbydesign (at Whitefish, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/Brl4-PYhoJ9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=fxpb3xiecpou

{NEW IN THE SHOP} DIY Instagram Stories Highlight Icons with @canva Template ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ BLOGGER/LIFESTYLE/PHOTOGRAPHER Theme Instagram Story Highlights Templates – set of over 80 icons in Black for your Instagram Story Highlights. This includes a Canva template to create your own on branded look for your Instagram account with a tutorial video to get you started: https://youtu.be/XoIesLEn-Pw. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Your Instagram profile is the first impression most people get of you nowadays – whether that’s a potential client, a new follower, or a brand you want to work with. Make sure your Instagram looks as sleek, professional and cohesive as possible. Shop link in bio. . . . #savvybusinessowner #creativeentrepreneur #creativepreneur #creativebusiness #creativebiz #createeveryday #mycreativecommunity #businesswithpurpose #businesswithheart #personalbranding #personalbrand #businessadvice #bizadvice #entrepreneurquotes #entrepreneurlife #entrpreneurproblems #freelancer #freelancerlife #freelancers #workforyourself #communityovercompetition #marketingstrategy #businessbydesign (at Whitefish, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/BritANVBaSh/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bp5gnlt2hbf2

🚨 5 Days Left to Guarantee Delivery Before Christmas - place your order no later December 17th! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ {FREE SHIPPING} Personalized Santa Letters 🎄 Bring the joy of Christmas to your little ones with a personalized letter from the North Pole. 🎅🏼 Children (and adults!) will love this personalized letter from Santa! Make your child feel so special with a custom letter from Santa’s workshop just for him or her. Santa will tell your child how proud he is of his or her accomplishments this year, and how excited he is to visit your child’s home. We can even add any special message from Santa that you would like. Just leave a note at checkout or message us with your special request. 📨 Order your's today! Link in bio. . . . #savvybusinessowner #creativeentrepreneur #creativepreneur #creativebusiness #creativebiz #createeveryday #mycreativecommunity #businesswithpurpose #businesswithheart #personalbranding #personalbrand #businessadvice #bizadvice #entrepreneurquotes #entrepreneurlife #entrpreneurproblems #freelancer #freelancerlife #freelancers #workforyourself #communityovercompetition #marketingstrategy #businessbydesign #christmas #santa #handmade #santaletter (at Whitefish, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrTTZXfhII7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=kosrugfupu1i

About last night... . . . #savvybusinessowner #creativeentrepreneur #creativepreneur #creativebusiness #creativebiz #createeveryday #mycreativecommunity #businesswithpurpose #businesswithheart #personalbranding #personalbrand #whitefish #whitefishmontana #montana #montanamoment #sunset (at Whitefish, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqpb-SZBxhS/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2y46255xq7qk

8 years ago this day was so sad 😞 for our family. I was naïve to think I could fly home and “save” Thanksgiving, get you well, and home to share in our favorite holiday together. Instead you left me that Thanksgiving morning. It took me a few years to bounce back and make Thanksgiving what you would expect from me, but don’t worry - I would have made you proud with my feast this year. 😉 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This day is always a bit of a challenge. I obviously miss you everyday. I still want to call and tell you about what the kids are doing and how much we are enjoying our days. I also surely want to call you on my sad days because I think the hardest part about you being gone from me is that you understood me and loved me all the same. Which, no one besides you has. You knew when to let me cry, to rant, to celebrate, or to just leave me alone, and you showed me love that I sometimes don’t think I deserved. ❤️ So today I’m teaching the kids how to make pineapple upside down cake. You’re favorite! I’m also going to buy you a lottery ticket, sorry it will have to be the Montana lottery, because I’m still in Montana and I thank you everyday for encouraging me to come here when everyone around me thought I was 😜 crazy. Ok, it was a little crazy and I still question the decision. Hahaha. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I love and miss you Pappy! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ PS. Yes, I was a cute little blond thing with bad bangs when I was young. . . . #brandstylist #smallbiz #theeverygirl #theeverydaygirl #glitterguide #momtog #flashesofdelight #livethelittlethings #beingboss #thatsdarling #bossladies #mompreneur #fashionblogger #blogger #lifestyleblogger #girlboss #bosslady #entrepreneurlife #entrepeneur #savvybusinessowner #darlingweekend #onmydesk #butfirstcoffee #workfromwherever #womeninbiz⠀ (at Ashland, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqm595ghPWy/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1b903bg3a2tyt

#Repost @thegreatbluesongproject ・・・ Are you a #photographer? A #blogger? When you donate $50, *TODAY ONLY*, you will receive a Canva Bundle from Rachel Harper. This is a bundle of beautifully-designed templates to make your job a whole lot easier. She doesn't have it available anywhere else right now. Thanks for helping us out Rachel! You can find Rachel @iamrachelharper and her website - www.rachel-harper.com. Head over to our website to donate and download the bundle. ⠀ ⠀ We pair songwriters with people who are coping with illness. We are having a kickstart fundraiser between November 18th-27th. When you donate $10 or more, you will receive a digital download of our breast cancer album when it is created AND be entered to win a ukulele. This is in addition to your Canva Bundle perk!⠀ ⠀ Find out more and donate on our website: www.TheGreatBlueSongProject.org (link in bio)⠀ ⠀ #smallbiz #smallbusiness #sharktank #photos #photographyislife #photographysouls #girlboss #canva #canvatemplate #canvabundle #easydesign #socialmediaguru #socialmedia #beautifuldesign #imakethingspretty #designhelp #startup #kickstart #healingmusic #pink #sprinkles #cupcakes #graphicdesign #FindYourSong #breastcancer #breastcancersucks #shareyourvoice #ukulele (at Whitefish, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqXWzaFhurc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=w7skzf4mg3mi

Nothing like a brisk walk to the lake after a stressful Buckeye game! What a chilly but stunning afternoon! (at Whitefish City Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqS9x1JhzUl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bisrub47fdl0

Day 11: This furry guy is 9 today! To celebrate here are 5 fun facts about Harper. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1. He thinks he’s actually a cat 🐱or at the very least must have lived with one before coming to us. He perches himself on top of the couch, bed, et. to sleep the days away. He also utilizes a cat door to go outside. Shh, don’t tell him. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2. He is a descendent of the first Yorkie. He is missing one rib on his right side because he obviously sacrificed it for the creation of a Harperet out there. He’s very giving. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 3. He’s been described as “extra”. And that’s pretty accurate because he is “extra”. Just like guacamole. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 4. He’s been known to choose strangers over me. So, maybe loyalty isn’t the best description of him. 🤔 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 5. He fake sneezes to get carrots 🥕 and even though I always tell him “no” I still give him a carrot 🥕 every time because I’m a push over. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Happy Birthday 🎈 Harper! We couldn’t imagine a life without you and I am so happy you are part of our family. xoxo  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ P.S. Bella is throwing him a birthday party 🥳 today and is making him a “carrot cake”. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📷: Kelly Kirksey Photographer . . #brandstylist #smallbiz #theeverygirl #theeverydaygirl #glitterguide #momtog #flashesofdelight #livethelittlethings #beingboss #thatsdarling #bossladies #mompreneur #fashionblogger #blogger #lifestyleblogger #girlboss #bosslady #entrepreneurlife #entrepeneur #savvybusinessowner #darlingweekend #onmydesk #butfirstcoffee #workfromwherever #womeninbiz⠀#yorkie #yorkiesofinstagram (at Whitefish, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqCsblchA8U/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bk32f8ncgg7r

Day 9: I am #grateful for the gym. It’s my haven. I need movement in my life. I need to push my body. Nothing a great playlist and a little sweat can’t fix! ☕️ Don’t forget to tag us with what you are grateful for to be entered to win a free $50 gift card from Starbucks! . . #smallbiz #theeverygirl #theeverydaygirl #glitterguide #momtog #flashesofdelight #livethelittlethings #beingboss #thatsdarling #bossladies #mompreneur #fashionblogger #blogger #lifestyleblogger #girlboss #bosslady #entrepreneurlife #entrepeneur #savvybusinessowner #darlingweekend #onmydesk #butfirstcoffee #workfromwherever #womeninbiz #momlife #singlemom #mommybloggers #thedarlingmama (at Whitefish, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp9oiRnhMZs/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dhwoh4jdc6v4

Day 8: Coffee ☕️! Yes, I am incredibly #grateful for the brown liquid found in my mug every morning. It helps me to the things. It warms my soul and generally makes me a better person. . . #brandstylist #smallbiz #theeverygirl #theeverydaygirl #glitterguide #momtog #flashesofdelight #livethelittlethings #beingboss #thatsdarling #bossladies #mompreneur #fashionblogger #blogger #lifestyleblogger #girlboss #bosslady #entrepreneurlife #entrepeneur #savvybusinessowner #darlingweekend #onmydesk #butfirstcoffee #workfromwherever #womeninbiz⠀ (at Whitefish, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp68etShrpB/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17yw47vrclnn7

Day 7: I am #grateful for this body and the surgeons that put it back together. I put my body through the ringer most days. At the gym I push it to preform because I want to be stronger and back on skis 🎿 this winter. 🙌🏼 I immediately need to go for a walk or run 🏃🏻‍♀️ when I get overwhelmed or stressed. Pushing myself to the point of exhaustion. 🙌🏼 This body survived arthritis as a child and carried two babies 👶 without a break. It will carry me into my 40’s in a few months and through countless adventures to come. #thebestisyettocome . . #savvybusinessowner #creativeentrepreneur #creativepreneur #creativebusiness #creativebiz #createeveryday #mycreativecommunity #businesswithpurpose #businesswithheart #personalbranding #personalbrand #businessadvice #bizadvice #entrepreneurquotes #entrepreneurlife #entrpreneurproblems #freelancer #freelancerlife #freelancers #workforyourself #communityovercompetition #marketingstrategy #businessbydesign (at Whitefish, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp4aVsWBbZc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12lk30q1qnxjj

Day 6: Grateful for these two for sure. They have left their mark on my life in so many ways. ❤️ Thankful for the example of what love looks like and feels like. Thank you for preparing me to be a better parent, partner, and friend. Miss you like crazy but eternally #grateful for all of your unconditional love! . . #grateful #iamgratefulfor #distinctdarlings #thankful #smallbiz #theeverygirl #theeverydaygirl #glitterguide #momtog #flashesofdelight #livethelittlethings #beingboss #bossladies #mompreneur #fashionblogger #blogger #lifestyleblogger #girlboss #butfirstcoffee #workfromwherever #womeninbiz #momlife #singlemom #mommybloggers (at Whitefish, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp12yY-hhX7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ca1ag3mhfcpn

Day 5: I am #grateful for the couch. I spent the better part of the weekend it. Watching TV 📺. Napping with Harper 🐶. Eating chili and corn pudding. I didn’t go to the gym and I didn’t wear a bra. It was amazing!!!! 🥰 Sometimes you need a couple days to recharge the batteries. I wasn’t a total waste of space over the weekend. Bella and I made cookies 🍪 I organized my Christmas 🎄 decorations and I finished an interesting book. So happy Monday and don’t forget to tag me @iamrachelharper with what you are grateful for to be entered to win a $50 Starbucks gift card just in time for all of your holiday shopping 🛍. . . #brandstylist #smallbiz #theeverygirl #theeverydaygirl #glitterguide #momtog #flashesofdelight #livethelittlethings #beingboss #thatsdarling #bossladies #mompreneur #fashionblogger #blogger #lifestyleblogger #girlboss #bosslady #entrepreneurlife #entrepeneur #savvybusinessowner #darlingweekend #onmydesk #butfirstcoffee #thegratefulchallenge (at Whitefish, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpzTcsTB8TZ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=t10abefgyd56

Day 4: I am so #grateful for this woman! Jamie has a heart of gold. Is wicked smart and may be the coolest person I know! She lets me call her, at any time of the day, to figure out my life (mainly she listens to me whine). She deserves far more than this post. She deserves a million thank you's and hugs!! 🌟 She is also the brains and heart behind the @thegreatbluesongproject and she is leaving her imprint on the world in a big way. I am eternally #grateful to call you my friend and support group member. . . #savvybusinessowner #creativeentrepreneur #creativebusiness #businesswithpurpose #businesswithheart #personalbranding #personalbrand #entrepreneurquotes #entrepreneurlife #communityovercompetition #podcast #rachelsrules #theawkward #bestlife #gratefulchallenge (at Whitefish, Montana) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpwtIOOBJLA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1nlf00r0941zz

Day 3: Grateful for Buckeye football games. 🏈 I know that may not sound like something to be all that thankful for but it's been a constant for the last 12 years. I mean obviously longer, but since moving it's the one piece of home that hasn't changed. ❤️ So, as I watch the game this morning. Decked out in my gear. I am happily reminded of so many game days. In particular, this one from earlier this year. While it was holy shit hot - it was also a blast. Spending time with an old friend and remembering why I like watching games at home better. Yikes. I think I'm getting old. Happy Saturday! OH! xoxo . . #savvybusinessowner #creativeentrepreneur #creativepreneur #creativebusiness #creativebiz #createeveryday #mycreativecommunity #businesswithpurpose #businesswithheart #personalbranding #personalbrand #businessadvice #bizadvice #entrepreneurquotes #entrepreneurlife #entrpreneurproblems #freelancer #freelancerlife #freelancers #workforyourself #communityovercompetition #marketingstrategy #businessbydesign #gameday #buckeyes (at Ohio Stadium) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpuCrHvBHFT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1wux88fxzfuk4

Day 2: I am crazy 😜 grateful for this day! I hiked all the miles. I laughed until I cried. I smiled until my face hurt. I moved outside my boundaries and I survived and even better - felt more confident in myself. 🐿 Grateful for making a new friend. Grateful for learning what my body is capable of. Grateful to call the mountains 🏔 my home. Grateful to feel taken care of and safe - even if only for a couple of days. 🥰 Don’t forget to tag us @iamrachelharper with what you are #grateful for to be entered to win a $50 Starbucks Gift card. . . #smallbiz #theeverygirl #theeverydaygirl #momtog #flashesofdelight #livethelittlethings #beingboss #bossladies #mompreneur #fashionblogger #blogger #lifestyleblogger #girlboss #bosslady #entrepreneurlife #entrepeneur #savvybusinessowner #butfirstcoffee #workfromwherever #womeninbiz #glaciernationalpark #hiking #hikingadventures (at Grinell Glacier Lake) https://www.instagram.com/p/BprYwEcBJKx/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1jyy0qks5ozvl