My Insta-versary!

roll neck sweater, jeans (regular and plus), shoes, tote – see giveaway!

Today is @simply_elsa ‘s 1 year anniversary on Instagram! It has been a wild ride. None of this would be possible without each and every one of you. Firstly, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to even be writing this post. I am beyond thankful to be part of such a strong, immersive, and colorful community, it truly means more to me than I can put into words. At times, I’ll be honest, it is really hard, yet I am constantly reminded of the good in this through all of you, and it is what keeps me going. I started simply elsa as a way to fill a gap I saw in the influencer landscape. All of the preppy and classic bloggers I turned to were straight sized, so I took a leap of faith and decided I would become the inspiration I was waiting to see. I like to keep things lighthearted and fun, whether it is a set of monogram napkins, a cheerful top, or the latest book I’m reading that week, I just love to put it out there for colorful inspiration. But I knew I still had to share my greater story. A body positive journey that started with years of an eating disorder, to a major weight gain, and path to inner peace, ending at acceptance and self-love. I opened up about my miscarriages and their aftermaths, and you all have been so kind and supportive. I have been blown away by this community and, needless to say, my heart is full. From happy times to hard times, I wanted to share it all, but share it my way. And boy, I am so glad I have.

When Nora and I made the decision to start blogging and doin’ the whole Instagram thing, we never would have guessed it would have resulted in all of this! I have a larger post for later on, where I am going to share my goals and all that this blogging life really means to me. But before I can do that, I want to thank some people.

To my followers, without you guys, @simply_elsa would be simply non-existent. You guys are my everything! While I still have a ways to go in terms of achieving my goals, I am where I am because of you. There is no doubt about it. I am humbled, honored, and grateful you trust me and view me as a resource or inspiration in one way or another. Every like, comment, and message are important to me. I am here to lift you up, inspire you to live your life beyond size, and be a friend and real person, too. This experience has been truly life changing, and I am a better person for having seen the impact a little inspiration holds, and for e-meeting all of you. So before I start to cry, thank you, all. 

To the brands I have the privilege of working with, thank you. Thank you for giving me a chance and for seeing something in me. It means the world to me that you believed in me enough to represent your brand’s vision through my own lens- a dream come true. 

To Nora, thank you for being my business-partner-in-crime and my bestie. You are always in my corner with a smile and a hug. We have our individual rhythms and styles, but it is our mutual love of stripes, shared compassion, support for one another, and desire to help others, that will always be our bond and foundation.

To my husband, thank you for believing in me when I couldn’t. Thank you for trusting my business acumen and crazy vision in all of this. Thank you for your endless love and support, no matter the meltdown and no matter the celebration. When I said I think I can do this, you told me “I know you can.”

To my mom, thank you for being my best friend and cheerleader. No matter the task, you have always been there to help me. You are my confidant and rock, I don’t know how I would pull off a lot of what I do without you.

To Megan, thank you for sharing in my joys and successes as if they were your own. You are the best PR person / MIL two gals could ask for. Thank you for sending our blog to everyone you know and for always rooting for me.

To my family and friends, thank you for rallying around me and celebrating this weird life I have chosen to lead. You all spread the word and show me the best love and support a girl could ask for.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST I AM DOING A FUN GIVEAWAY! As a thank you, I am giving one follower a $100 gift card to J.Crew and the L.L. Bean Hunter’s Medium Tote complete with a personal monogram! I chose J. Crew because I feel like it best represents what I stand for: size-inclusivity, classic style, and something for everyone. I chose the L.L. Bean bag because it represents my preppy panache and desire for practicality. The winner will get to select the monogram style and color! Head on over to my Instagram page to enter!

XOXO