It wasn’t always easy to love you.

When you first came home (against my wishes), you were a floppy mess of puppy breath, clumsiness, and poor manners. You jumped and chewed. You ruined my favorite shoes. You had accidents and popped a Coke can with your teeth, spraying sticky soda on the ceiling.

It wasn’t always easy to love you.
When I was trying to do work and you chewed on my pant leg, or when you peed on my lap in my favorite sweats. When it took hours and hours and hours to teach you how to listen, how to come, how to behave.

It wasn’t always easy to love you.

But through it all, you settled into my heart, and we settled into a routine of summers on the deck and ice cream and running through the sprinkler. Of nights on the couch cuddled up with Netflix, of too many cupcakes, of car rides, of walks through the neighbourhood. Of Pumpkinfest in our local town, of visiting family, of just being together.

It was easy to love you with those soulful brown eyes and that playful spirit.

Now, you’re getting more gray by the hour. Your hips don’t work like they used to, and age is creeping up on our time together.

It isn’t always easy to love you again.

When you get me up several times a night because you just can’t hold it anymore, and you still have more accidents than ever. When your bones don’t work like they should and you struggle to get up, to walk up stairs, to do basic things.

It isn’t always easy to love you.

When I look at you now and I see the playful spirit but an aging body that won’t let you have the fun you want. When I watch you struggle to stand, to walk, it isn’t easy. When I still sense your loving spirit but we can’t have the adventures we used to. When all days, now, our time is pretty much limited to the couch with Netflix.

It isn’t always easy to love you.

When I know that sooner rather than later, you’re going to shred my heart to pieces and gut me when you take your final breath. When I know we’re closer to goodbye than to hello now. When I know that eventually, I’m going to have to face this world without you.

It isn’t easy to love you.

But love you, I do.

Because through the puppy days and the angry days and the chewing days and the older days—through everything in between, you have shown me how to love not just you, but life itself. You’ve shown me what unconditional friendship and love looks like. You’ve changed me, helped me to grow into who I am. You’ve been beside me on my ugly days, on my tough days, on days with messy tears.

It isn’t easy to love anyone or anything in this world because we always know it’s temporary. But love you I have. Love you I do. Love you I will, even when you aren’t here.
To the love we have for our dogs….the love that isn’t always easy, but is always there.
​
Lindsay Detwiler

I LOVE getting new outfits. Who doesn't? I also love getting mail. So when a friend told me to try Stitch Fix, I signed up. 

I was skeptical. I'm a bit cheap when it comes to buying clothes. Clearance racks are my jam. But I gave it a try.

Stitch Fix is a Styling service that will send you a box of items picked for you from a stylist. It costs $20 to get it shipped to you, and there are five items per box. The $20 acts as a gift card towards anything you purchase, and you get a discount if you buy everything in the box. You fill out surveys that tell your stylists what you are looking for.

Here's the thing: Yes, some of the items are pricey. Jeans run between $45-88 on average. My shirts costs anywhere from $28-58. Dresses are around $50. That seems like a lot....but here's the other thing. Everything I've kept from Stitch Fix is my FAVORITE. Truly. When I go for my favorite jeans, shirts, dresses...It's always Stitch Fix.

My outfits from Stitch Fix make me feel so confident, from my work wear I've kept to my casual wear. And I love that my stylist really got to know me to the point that she would send stuff I wasn't sure about until I put it on.

The service has also pushed me outside of my comfort zone....and shown me new styles that I totally love that I would have never picked. Truly. I get soooo many compliments when I wear my outfits from them, it's absurd. 

So yes, it can be pricey. But it is soo worth it. Once you get a box, too, they have a shop page where you can just directly buy items that go with the items you kept from boxes.

​Right now, you can get $25 in credit when you sign up for your first box. If you've been thinking about it, give it a try. I love that you don't have to do it monthly. You can order a box on demand...so even just once! Try it and see what you think. I bet you'll fall in love like I did. Use this link to get your $25 in credit once you order your first box.

I LOVE getting new glasses. I love to have multiple pairs because 
1. I'm clumsy and break things
2. I love having some glasses to match my mood--serious, scholarly, wild, fun.

The only problem is glasses are so expensive. Like seriously. Even at the cheapest place in my hometown, they are over a $100 until you add on all of the coatings. Thankfully, though, a friend introduced me toZenni.com....and I'm obsessed.

Now, I've tried online glasses websites before and been disappointed. The quality was bad (you get what you pay for, right?) and I ended up finding them uncomfortable. I gave Zenni a try, though, and I'm in love!

First of all, every pair I have from Zenni are so comfortable. Truly. I wear them more than my glasses from the eye doctor. Also, I can SEE BETTER from them. Some  of my friends who have ordered said the same thing. The lenses are so clear. 

Most of all, they are so affordable that I can buy multiple pairs. The pairs pictured above cost me from $20-$30 with everything. That was with shipping, the fingerprint-free and anti-glare coating, and the prescription lens. EVERYTHING. I'm serious, they are so cheap.

Some other nice features:

• They have a fancy try-on tool where you can upload the glasses with one click to your own photo.
• They have tons of choices. Like any pair that you desire...you can find.
• Frames run as low as $6.95. You can just get the plain coating (I did that with the gray pair) and leave the site paying around $12.95 with shipping. That's it!! 
• They do offer other lens features, such as the autotint, bifocal, progressives. They are more expensive, but about the third of the price of an eye doctor's prices. 
• They also have sunglasses. A pair costs around $20-$25 with your prescription.
• You simply upload your prescription (You can request it from your eye doctor. It's so simple!

The best part, too, is that you can get $5 off if you use this link. No catch. $5 off your order just for trying it out.

If you have questions, drop them below. Let me know if you try them...I want to know if you love them as much as I do.

​This book is an adorable, witty, and completely unique chick lit read that really does have it all.

When Paige moves to DC from New York because her life has essentially fallen apart, she needs to reinvent herself. But starting over in your 30s...not easy. Thanks to a wonderful cast of characters she meets at the dog park and her brother, she'll find a new version of happily-ever-after.

I loved the quirks added to all of the characters in this book. Paige, for example, goes to the dog park every day even though she doesn't  have a dog. These details really add personality to the novel. This isn't your typical "meet cute" chick lit read. There is depth and so many unique events that happen. That's what I really loved... it isn't predictable.

There are also heavy moments as her brother deals with some situations. I liked that this book had an honest portrayal of what it's like to start over in your thirties while showing that there is hope. I loved everything about this book and would recommend it to fans of Sophie Kinsella. 

I will definitely look for more works from this amazing, talented author.

L.A. Detwiler, USA Today Bestselling author of The Widow Next Door

Hey, everyone!

I've recently come across a great site with lots of cute, affordable options to add to your wardrobe. If you're looking to spice up your style, Look-Fly.Ca has a lot of options for men and women!

How cute is this amazing dress up above? I love it for a formal event or a night out when you just want to look and feel your best. Isn't it stunning?? That glitter....<3 <3

They definitely have some looks to shake up your wardrobe and to spice up your routine. I love that they have some fun, sexy pieces to push you out of your comfort zone, but they also have pieces that would really work with any style.

Check out their Facebook or Instagram for more looks and to learn more about their amazing company.  You can also head over to their site and use coupon code LINDSAYDETWILER to get 10% off your purchase!!

I'm so excited to announce that the sixth book in my Lines in the Sand series is coming this June!!

The Lines in the Sand series is a romantic comedy series set in Ocean City, Maryland. It follows eight different couples in their friends-to-lovers journey. It's sweet with a touch of sexy, and includes a m/m couple. 

Lone Hearts, book six in the series, is super exciting because it's my first alpha-alpha novel. Cash Creed never plays for keeps....but when he meets Sage Everling, a businesswoman who is known as a player, he might just change his mind.

Check out the blurb below and let me know if it sounds like your kind of read in the comments.

Xoxo,

Lindsay Detwiler

Two can play... but can two win when it comes to love?

A lawyer by day and a player by night, Cash Creed’s life in Texas is about one thing—living it up. When a tragedy in the family summons Cash to Ocean City for the summer, he’s excited about the possibility for hot new conquests and a no-rules kind of fun.
Sage Everling, a self-made successful entrepreneur, is strong, sassy, and okay with loving them and leaving them. Too busy for serious love, her focus is on success… but that doesn’t mean she can’t have some fun from time to time.
Two players spend the summer in a town focused on freedom and passion. When Sage and Cash’s paths cross, however, they both meet their match. As the summer progresses and their feelings intensify, both learn that playing for fun and playing for keeps are two very different games.
Who will be conquered?

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2FCbg0P
Amazon UK:  https://amzn.to/2sbHNaR 
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2sdn1b1 
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2Na1sze 
iTunes: https://apple.co/2t4iGas 
Nook: http://bit.ly/2Nb5Oq0 
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2QFwn8D 

​

If you're like me, you sometimes struggle to find that perfect gift for the people in your lives. Luckily, this week, I got to try a really, really unique snack food that would be a PERFECT gift for those in your life who are health conscientious.

Laumiere Gourmet Fruits is very unique because it combines gourmet foods, fruit, and superfoods together into a nutritious snack that is packaged so cute. It looks like a box of chocolates (so perfect for Valentine's Day) but is very nutritious; it is sugar free, lactose free, and gluten free, so it can be gifted to anyone on your list, even if they have food allergies or intolerances. 

I did receive this product for free, but it did not impact my review. I was very impressed by how cute the packaging was. It really would be a perfect gift for anyone in your life, but especially those who are health conscientious or have dietary needs.

Find out more about Laumiere Gourmet Fruits here. You can also use code LINDSAY5 for a 5% discount on your order.

Over the past decade, a new facet of the beauty industry has exploded onto the scene: the presence and impact of the beauty influencer. The hottest beauty brands know that in order to reach target consumers, the beauty influencer is now one of the most pivotal elements of the marketing equation.

For many of us who are in love with all things beauty, the idea of becoming a beauty influencer is a big, wild dream. The ability to combine a passion for cosmetics with the exciting possibilities of social media and branding makes these dreams seem truly possible--and with the right tools, they are.

With the beauty industry turning to influencers now more than ever, the question arise: How can you become one of the successful influencers that brands beg to work with and consumers love to listen to? How can you take your passion for beauty to the next level?

With so much competition in the field online, it can seem like a daunting task. However, let's make 2020 the year that you make your dreams come true. Here are three must-read tips for anyone wanting to become a beauty influencer this year and build a successful following.
​

Just like with any career field, you have to turn to those who have been successful in order to learn what works and what doesn't. Following other successful beauty influencers can help you figure out what followers want and what makes you different. Finding your niche can come from seeing what others are doing.

Realize, too, that the beauty influencer industry isn't a female-dominated space. Many male beauty influencers have really set the bar high in the influencer field. There are so many things you can learn from their social media channels.

Copying is not the goal with this step. The goal is to get inspired, to learn the market, and also to learn what could make you stand out.

Be who you are.

It's advice that can really lead to success in any industry but especially in the beauty influencer industry. Followers want to know you, the genuine you. Don't try to be someone you aren't. Don't feel like you have to be an expert at eye liner or copy all of the things everyone else is doing.

Be you, completely you. Let your passion for the subject shine through and the followers will recognize that. Influencers need to believe in their subject, their brands, and their own social media presence in order to be successful. 

As an influencer, you do need to stay informed about what consumers are interested in. Follow the latest beauty trends so you know what content and information your followers are craving. This helps you stay relevant for your followers but also to the brands who may want to work with you.

Being an influencer means you are committing to a journey of continual self-improvement and learning. Be sure that you don't stagnate in your comfort zone. Always stay in-the-know about what's coming next so you can adapt and deliver the content your market wants.

Living in a big city is an amazing experience. They are centers of civilization, each with unique and interesting features. Thinking about moving to a new city? Whether it's for the vast amount of career opportunities or a craving for pizza, thousands of people move to cities every year. If every trip you take to the city with friends is a memorable one, maybe it's time to consider relocation. The good and bad experiences will make you fall in love with it even more.

Below are 5 reasons why city living is right for you.

​

Compared to the opportunities in small towns, the job market in a city is nothing to gloss over. With new start-ups forming every day, there are jobs that need to be filled. Cities are filled with endless opportunities for thriving entrepreneurs or young professionals looking to explore a bigger market. The great part about this is that you have access to many people who have probably been in your position before and were able to succeed. This allows you to network and ultimately build connections that will help you achieve your goals in the long run.

There's always something to do when living in a city. You should never be bored. You're given the opportunity to try new things every single day. Concerts, museums, theatrical productions, and festivals are just a few of the many entertainment options for the public. All ranging in different prices, it's guaranteed you can find various ways to enjoy a night out.

Access can be considered the main perk of living in an urban center. While the cost of parking can be expensive in the city, many urban dwellers ditch the cars and high gas, insurance and maintenance prices for traveling by foot, bike or public transit. Most large cities boast bus or train systems that run regularly and offer affordable rates that allow residents the opportunity to be mobile. This can make traveling from one location to another much more convenient and cost-effective.

Philadelphia, for example, offers both colonial charm and modern attractions. As far as the cost of living, Homes for sale in Philadelphia isn’t as expensive as bigger cities like New York or San Francisco. There are also relative bargains to be had in the housing market for both renters and home buyers. For a better estimate of how much you'll need to earn to maintain the same standard of living, use a cost of living calculator. Once you enter your current income, where you currently live, and where you would like to move, you can see a side-by-side comparison of what it will cost to live in both cities.

One of the biggest benefits of living in a city? The walkability. Considering that just 21.7 percent of Americans get the recommended amount of combined aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises, living somewhere walkable can significantly reduce your risk of health issues like obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease. ​

The holidays are here, the most wonderful time of the year....but it can also be a stressful time. So many of us are wrapped up in the struggle of finding THE perfect gift for everyone on our list. Year after year, this can be a struggle. It doesn't have to be, though. Really, it's just about finding unique, one-of-a-kind items that show you care and bring some cheer to the holiday season for both you and the person you're giving to.

There are plenty of ideas out there, especially for those people on your list who are tricky to buy for. One really great idea? Christmas socks are always a fun, colorful, versatile go-to for those tough-to-buy-for women on your holiday shopping list. They're something that go with every outfit and every personality. Right now, they're one of the trendy items you can grab. 

I always add in a pair with my gifts for friends and the females in my family because honestly, you can never have enough socks....and these colorful Christmas patterns will certainly bring a smile to everyone on your gift list's face. 

Check out the full selection by clicking the link above. You'll find various patterns to choose from, all at a great price. 

Do you love getting fun socks as a gift? Tell me in the comments!

Disclosure: This article was written as a part of Intellinfluence. I do receive payment in exchange for this piece <3