Hi, I’m Liz! I am a craft coffee-loving, travel-seeking, style-watching dog mom who just so happens to be a whopping height of 5’0 and HALF of an inch (so, let’s just round up and say 5’1, ok? Ok.) As I first mentioned – I am obsessed with coffee – but not just any coffee. I have humbly labeled myself as a “coffee snob” – sounds rude, but I promise, I’m not! ;-) I love traveling around to local, craft roasters who dedicate their lives to roasting and brewing the perfect cup. I am also very fond of traveling – and I have everywhere on my list! But when I’m not drinking coffee or day-dreaming of my next venture, I’m typically kissing and photographing my dog and mentally planning what I am going to wear tomorrow. Yes, my mind NEVER sleeps! But I wouldn’t have it any other way :)
How do you take care of yourself so that you’re physically and mentally prepared to be your best self for others?
To take care of myself, I run marathons – NETFLIX marathons that is. I was born and raised in Florida, so while most people relax laying on the beach, I consider that a “normal” thing – I don’t relate it with relaxation. To me, the perfect way to relax is to lie on the couch for hours at a time and binge on one of my favorite comedies. Other than that, I am very passionate about exercising regularly & eating healthy and whole foods. Staying in shape and engaging in a regular cardio routine not only makes you look better, but it truly brings out your best self! And then when you add a routine of healthy meals, your body is the ultimate form of happiness – I promise!
What’s your favorite beauty secret?
My favorite beauty secret is to apply my foundation with both a sponge AND my fingers. I grew up with some pretty bad acne, and my friends could never understand how I covered it up so well. I still have a few acne scars on my face, and the best way to cover them up is to blend one to two coats of “cream to powder” foundation over your skin and then use your index finger to blend more foundation onto the problem areas. I then always seal my foundation with a translucent powder and then add my bronzer, blush and powder highlighter!
What’s your favorite go-to outfit for a quick polished look?
My signature look is a graphic tee, blue or black jeans and some cute pointed-toe flats. I love to dress up and wear dresses and skirts, but there is nothing quite like a polished, yet slouchy, casual look. The pointed-toe flat makes the look appear to be more put together and chic, and when it is cooler out, I go for a blazer or leather jacket on top!
What’s your favorite quick-prep dinner for your family?
Can you say TACOS?!?! Tacos are, by far, my favorite meal to have at home. I like to keep red meat for special occasions, so I always make turkey tacos – and I am obsessed! I also substitute sour cream for plain (must be plain and not flavored), non-fat greek yogurt. I add some taco seasoning to it and it tastes even better than sour cream in my book. Plus, it is MUCH healthier!
Tell us your favorite Instagram account to follow, and why?
My favorite Instagram account to follow is @thiswildidea – If you have not heard of Maddie the Coonhound, then you will thank me later. Theron, the man who runs the account, owns a coonhound named Maddie and she is absolutely amazing. Maddie is famous for “standing on things” – She even has her own book called, “Maddie on Things” – and yes, I own it! haha! Theron is so creative with his dog in the photos he takes with her, and she is just the CUTEST!
What tradition or routine is important to you?
The routine that is most important to me is my workout routine! Like I said before, exercise is so important and it truly makes me feel so better. I recently broke my foot and I couldn’t work out for almost 10 weeks. I was dead inside. I felt bloated and sluggish and I was, generally, so lazy! Working out is not only good for your body, but it strengthens your brain and helps you be more productive! :) But of course, the routine I also CAN’T live without is my morning coffee – it is honestly, the only reason I get out of bed in the mornings ;-)
What’s in your purse?
A Pamela Barsky pouch filled with 17 different lip colors!! I need my options. haha! Headphones wrapped in a gold “cord taco”, a bottle of Advil for those caffeine headaches, Two pairs of sunglasses – Like I said, I need my options. Back up battery for my iPhone (I’m on Instagram…a lot!), Tweezers & Nail clippers for that stray hair between my brows I didn’t see until I got in the car and the inevitable hang-nail. Countless receipts and a Victorias Secret Free Panty coupon! WooHoo!!
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find photo inspiration just simply, by walking and driving around town! I like to look around and find new, colorful walls, buildings, and unique photo ops.
How do you balance a busy work life along with your personal life? Any tips for our readers?
I am fortunate to work from home, however, that can get a bit messy when trying to separate work from pleasure! This may sound odd, but while I am working, I sit on a different end of the couch than the end I lay on when watching TV at night. I feel like this helps me mentally separate “work” from “relaxation mode”. It is also very tough to not think about work after hours – especially when I know I have photos I need to take for work or when my boss emails me after hours and I see the notification on my phone. I never answer an email after my allotted hours for the day, unless it is an emergency. The emails will still be there tomorrow & personal time is SO important for your mental health!
What’s your favorite app (or other tool) for helping you do life?
The BEST app ever in the whole world is “Planogram” !!!!! This is the only app that lets you plan your Instagram feed and lets you drag and drop your planned photos!! I am SO particular about the aesthetic of my instagram page, so this app is a life saver!!!
Follow along with Liz:
Instagram: @elizaellen
Snapchat: elizaellen
Twitter: @Lizcolburn
