Sponsored by knack bags

Working

It’s amazing to say, for the last 15 years I have had the privilege of being a stay at home mom. Spending every day with my kids has been a dream come true.

Last year, when my youngest baby was in first grade, I realized being a housewife was not something I wanted to do. I needed more.

However, finding that magical job that still allowed me to be a stay at home mom, seemed impossible.

I discovered substitute teaching and knew it was the perfect fit.

Modeling

May of this year, I was invited to participate in a Lilly Pulitzer for Target relaunch. A whole New World was opened up for me.

You can read about the trip to New York here.

I was never the girl who dreamed about being a model. I knew no one would EVER cast me.

I’m only 5 foot 4 1/2 and my features are far from symmetrical. My neurofibromatosis makes me far from perfect. There’s all sorts of reasons no one would choose me.

I am not the model brands usually want, but I love clothes and I love sharing my clothes.

That’s why I’ve been sharing my outfits on the blog and in instagram for so many years.

When I was invited to take part in this campaign, it finally hit me that there is a huge population of people under represented.

I have always known this but I thought sharing on my social media was enough for me. I was doing my part to show women they have more options and they realize.

Now, my goal is to not just share on social media, but I want to reach out to brands and hope they feel the same way.

Traveling

When more brands start responding, (crossing my crossables) I will start to travel more regularly.

I am an independent paraplegic and my husband has his own full time job, so I won’t have someone with me for every trip.

I will have to carry my own luggage.

When Knack Bags reached out to me about reviewing their expandable backpack, I was thrilled.

This is the perfect solution to traveling independently, and it looks great!

What Fit in my Knack Bag

I managed to fit the following:

• 3 outfits (pants/shirt)
• One cardigan
• One blazer
• 2 dresses
• 2 pairs of size 8.5 shoes
• One jewelry pouch
• Lingerie
• Toiletries

I was able to successfully use the bag on my own and it fit everything I needed plus a little more. I’m not a big over-packer so that helps.

It’s almost too big for The back of my 14″ chair and I was a little worried about tipping over backwards.

I insisted on not letting my husband carry my luggage. I had to make sure it would work.

Knack bags will be a great addition to my new modeling career. I look forward to using it on future trips.

Let’s just hope my husband doesn’t steal it from me.