What Would V Wear
Lifestyle

Sun Showers

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Last weekend my husband, son and I went to Garfield Park’s Conservatory to see the 2015 Spring Show, called “Sun Showers”. It truly is beautiful. More than 200 yellow umbrellas hang from the glass ceiling, celebrating both the rain and sun that bring us hopeful spring flowers.

I was so inspired after our visit, and it reminded me how beautiful life is in general. I did take a few pictures, and I initially wanted to share some on my Instagram but my husband and I have the rule not to be on our cell phone’s during the weekend so, we can spend more quality time together. It is very important to us. It’s funny how much beauty we’re surrounded with, and yet people prefer looking down on their cell phones. Technology is evolving so quickly that many of us are barely aware of how our behavior is changing and how our most important relationships are threatened. My family is my life, and I never ever want technology replace what is “real” in my life.

For instance, the other day my family and I walked into a restaurant and we noticed a couple seated near us. And we noticed that this couple did not really enjoy this opportunity to be together, because one was patiently waiting for the other to stop texting. Once finished, the food came, they ate and left. No word has come out of their mouths. Sad and scary – and yet we see it so often. People replaced conversation with connectivity.

I recently read this amazing quote: “Anything that becomes a necessity has the ability to become an idol”. In other words, you can become so attached to your smartphone that it basically becomes the most important thing in your life: “If you can’t live without a gadget … throw it away. If a gadget is absorbing most of your leisure time … throw it away! Life is too short. Let’s not invest what little time we have in meaningless endeavors.” And yet – I heavily rely on social media especially as a blogger and entrepreneur – but I do remind myself that it’s not the most important thing in life. Our family, and our relationship to our heavenly father is the most important gift we have in life.

As always, thanks much for reading & have a wonderful, and hopefully a ‘cell phone less’ weekend!

Much love!

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pink-lineDRESS: Chicnova c/o | SUNGLASSES: Illesteva via Neiman Marcus

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92 Comments

  1. Kathrine Eldridge
    March 13, 2015 / 6:30 AM

    Wow! Such a spot on post here Vanessa. Your quote is exactly what I needed to here. I sometimes struggle with the balance of the blog and family time but I completely agree with you 100%! My husband and I have an agreement that I need to stay from social media in the evenings when we are all together. It’s been a blessing. Thanks again for sharing your commitment to God. There is nothing more important in our lives. 🙂 Great pics by the way!

    http://www.kathrineeldridge1.wordpress.com

    Reply
    • WhatWouldVWear
      Author
      March 13, 2015 / 9:31 AM

      Thanks, for reading, love! I think we all need this reminder every once in a while! We need to present – life’s going by so fast! Hope you have a great weekend with your family! xoxo

      Reply
  2. Sukriti Dahiya
    March 13, 2015 / 7:35 AM

    Such a great post! I totally agree with you on this. Technology is consuming a major part of us everyday and we’re missing simple and beautiful things of life. I deliberately get away/switch off my off my phone for sometime during the day specially when I’m with my family. It took some effort but I’m glad to inculcate this habit in me.

    http://www.delhidaffodil.com

    Reply
    • WhatWouldVWear
      Author
      March 13, 2015 / 9:30 AM

      Thanks, love! Appreciate that you read your post and for your beautiful comment! Happy Weekend! xoxo

      Reply
  3. carolina ticala
    March 13, 2015 / 7:58 AM

    that good looking !!! you think if we continue down gfc, if you would let me know, kisses

    Reply
  4. Rach
    March 13, 2015 / 8:00 AM

    I’ve been meaning to go to the conservatory. It looks so beautiful! I also like how you guys have the no phone rule. It’s so true that we can get all caught up in technology that we forget to actually live in the moment! Thanks for sharing!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    Reply
  6. Alma Moda Aldia
    March 13, 2015 / 8:23 AM

    Quepreciosidad de fotos. El color amarillo me encanta. Bss guapísima.

    Reply
    • WhatWouldVWear
      Author
      March 13, 2015 / 9:29 AM

      Thanks, love! Happy Weekend! And yes, you should go! Such a fun place! xoxo

      Reply
    • WhatWouldVWear
      Author
      March 13, 2015 / 9:28 AM

      Thanks, Nina! Hope you have a great weekend! Thanks for reading! xoxo

      Reply
  11. Diana
    March 13, 2015 / 9:44 AM

    The pictures are stunning, wish I lived near by to see it myself. I completely agree with your post and feel awful to admit that I am the person who is on my phone during a meal while my husband waits angrily for me to finish. I have become far too attached to it and literally stay up all night on it which is not healthy and Im trying to ease up, especially after nearly getting run over! So silly! Maybe we need to adapt some sort of rule like no technology in the evenings xxx

    http://sweatshirtsanddresses.com

    Reply
  12. Ramy
    March 13, 2015 / 10:18 AM

    Love the umbrella pics! So stunning! You looking great as always! 🙂 And totally agree on the technology impacting relationships..I have observed many such silent couples around and it is sad. Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

    http://tickleyourvanity.com

    Reply
  13. Patricia Luiza
    March 13, 2015 / 10:45 AM

    Oh my gosh that place is so incredibly beautiful! I wish I could visit it too! Oh and I agree, I hate it when my boyfriend uses his phone when we’re out on a date, if he does it too often I just steal it and hide it in my purse until we’re done eating, haha 😀 He’s addicted!

    Fashionably,
    Patricia
    http://www.wingsforliberty.com/

    Reply
  18. Kara Krittenbrink
    March 13, 2015 / 11:23 AM

    I love this post!!! What a great reminder to have before the weekend starts.I think technology makes it hard for everyone to live “in the moment”. We want to take the perfect pic to share on social media or tell people what we are doing. Or we try to see what everyone else is sharing. There is a time and place for this and its great to see everyone’s life and creativity bu we need to remember to take everything in thru our eyes and not our camera lens!

    -Kara
    http://www.everydayk.com

    Reply
  22. Tanya
    March 13, 2015 / 12:35 PM

    What a beautiful pictures, so sunny and warm!
    It’s hard to be without a smartphone, specially due to my husband’s work, but I always insist not to use the gadgets on our “together” time, it really helps))
    Wishing you great weekend!

    http://www.stripesnvibes.com
    BlogLovin

    Reply
  25. Cora
    March 13, 2015 / 12:53 PM

    That’s realy good, no technology in the weekend esp. when you have a family and children,..Time flies children are growing, and I think must have much time for the family and God.. Have a blessed weekend..

    Reply
  26. Monika
    March 13, 2015 / 1:02 PM

    I totally agree with you! I’ve been to so many events or concerts where people are all on their phones snapping pictures or posting on social media rather than truly being immersed in the moment they’re currently in and the people who are there with them. I’m fine with snapping some pics but I try not to let it take over the moment.

    -M
    http://www.violetroots.com

    Reply
  28. Jess
    March 13, 2015 / 1:11 PM

    …and this is why I LOVE you! You are not only stunning but you have such rich wisdom and intellect! A lot of bloggers just post outfit posts which gets SO dull after a while – but you entertain us, and even give us valuable thoughts, and lessons to be learned. I admire you and I couldn’t agree with you more: We all need to step back every once in a while and just turn off our damn phones. xoxo

    Reply
  30. Jess and Tonic
    March 13, 2015 / 2:17 PM

    that picture of the umbrellas is stunning! I love the rule you have about cellphones over the weekend. I always tell my husband we have to make an effort to not be glued to our phones 24/7. If you really think about it, half the time you are messing with your phone it’s not important, it’s purely out of boredom and habit!

    Reply
  32. Pam
    March 13, 2015 / 3:47 PM

    You are so right! I loved reading your message. As bloggers we do depend on social media, but it’s important to look around and enjoy the moment with your loved ones.

    Hope you have a great weekend babe!

    xoxo Pam
    http://www.thegirlfrompanama.com

    Reply
  36. Deedee
    March 13, 2015 / 6:14 PM

    What an interesting exhibit. I love all the yellows in your post. So springy. I agree I am guilty myself of spending too much time on computers and phones. I think it leads to a lot of unhappiness in peoples lives. Got to have balance.

    Deedee

    http://madeupgirl-madeupgirl.blogspot.com

    Reply
  38. Camilla
    March 13, 2015 / 7:08 PM

    These pictures make me smile! They are so happy and you look beautiful as always! Always such a joy visiting your blog 😀

    xxx
    Camilla
    http://avenuecamilla.com

    Reply
  39. Mel
    March 13, 2015 / 8:28 PM

    Beautiful post! I totally agree I try to use my phone less especially on the weekends to give my family the attention they deserve. Hope you have a great weekend

    http://www.girlandthepolkadot.com/

    Reply
  43. glamdevils
    March 14, 2015 / 2:51 AM

    Wow amazing pics. Looks like you had a lot of fun. Would have loved to see the Spring Show too 🙂

    xx

    Reply
  45. Naomi
    March 14, 2015 / 4:54 AM

    Oh wow, you’ve shared so many incredible photos! The last one with all the yellow umbrella’s reminds me of How I Met Your Mother (now I hope you’ve seen the show so you know what I’m talking about haha) xo Naomi in Wonderland

    Reply
  46. Rachel Holliday
    March 14, 2015 / 8:41 AM

    This exhibition looks incredible! So sunny and bright 🙂 I agree it’s important to take time away from technology every once and a while and appreciate the world around us

    Rachel xx
    http://www.thedailyluxe.net

    Reply
  47. McKenna
    March 14, 2015 / 9:36 AM

    Gorgeous! Loving all the yellow in these pics!! xo
    McKenna
    stylewaltz.com

    Reply
  50. 365hangers
    March 14, 2015 / 12:36 PM

    All of these photos make us yearn for summer, so bright and gorgeous!! It’s so hard to stay off our phones these days but we love how much of an effort you’re putting in, we really need to try harder!!

    xx 365Hangers

    Reply
  52. Steffy
    March 14, 2015 / 2:02 PM

    Such gorgeous photos Vanessa! I find it awesome that both you and husband have cellphone free weekends and choose to actually enjoy the time together, life is too short to not spend it with the ones we love.

    Reply
  54. Gabrielle
    March 14, 2015 / 5:06 PM

    What an utterly beautiful installation and perfect start to a fresh new season! Your words about increasing attachments to gadgets and such are so accurate and I love that you and your husband have the rule of not being on your phones on weekends 🙂

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice

    x

    Reply
  55. Cara Sivara
    March 14, 2015 / 5:11 PM

    Amazing colors! I love how bright and Springy these pictures are. This conservatory sounds like an amazing place, I love the umbrellas! Hope you have a great rest of your weekend lovely! <3
    xx Cara
    http://www.mylifeandmywardrobe.com

    Reply
  57. Imogen
    March 14, 2015 / 8:25 PM

    Absolutely stunning. I adore yellow right now.

    Reply
  58. Denise
    March 14, 2015 / 10:02 PM

    These photos are so gorgeous, Vanessa! I love all of the colors and pops of yellow! Those photos of you are seriously stunning!!! I hope you are having an incredible weekend. I love that black and white striped dress with the yellow bottom that you linked!

    Denise | Fashion Love Letters

    Reply
  59. Jeannette
    March 14, 2015 / 10:11 PM

    Hello Vanessa! I first want to say that I love all the pictures you shared especially the one you are laying on the floor wearing that beautiful printed yellow dress. I am so happy you got to enjoy a wonderful weekend with your family and that you and your husband opted to stay away from smartphones. It amazes me how attached we have become to those little gadgets. Everywhere I look, I see people staring at their phones browsing through social media and their emails. I have to force myself not to look at mine when I am with my family. Having a full time job and running a blog at the same time makes it very challenging for me as I don’t have a lot of spare time to take care of my social media platforms, write comments, etc. but I am doing the best I can. I believe that life is all about balance and living in the moment is what connect us with the true happiness with all have within. Thanks for sharing such wonderful post. Have a wonderful Sunday Fun-day! XOXO, Jeannette

    http://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com

    Reply
  63. Brighton Hill
    March 15, 2015 / 12:02 PM

    This is a gorgeous post! You are so right about getting to attached to things that they become like an idol. It’s really true. Have a great week:)
    xo Bry
    BrightonHillNaughtyandNice

    Reply
  65. Vivian
    March 15, 2015 / 12:22 PM

    What a lovely post, V! This is exactly what I’m doing now for the past weeks! I’m not too active on Instagram anymore as I want to spend more time with my loved ones 😉 Wai and I have the same thought about this: weekend means quality time 🙂 We basically will turn off our mobile data all day long so we can spend more time together:) Love your pictures btw! The yellow umbrellas and your smile make me so happy! Hope you enjoyed your cell phone less weekend! xo Vivian

    http://twoward.com

    Reply
  66. Safiya
    March 15, 2015 / 12:43 PM

    That installation looks incredible, I’m not surprised it left you feeling inspired. I couldn’t agree more about your thoughts on technology. I always make a point of leaving my phone in my bag when hanging out with friends and not listening to music when travelling ect so that I can hear other people instead. I find listening to others’ conversations far more interesting and nosy, haha.

    Cats In Crop Tops

    Reply
  67. Melanie
    March 15, 2015 / 3:31 PM

    I love those umbrellas!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

    Reply
  72. Mel
    March 15, 2015 / 10:15 PM

    This was a beautiful post and so true we become consumed with frivolity that we often neglect what is truly important our time with loved ones. The umbrellas are amazing and deserve undivided attention. Have a beautiful Monday! http://lachiquitamissi.com

    Reply
  73. Carrie
    March 16, 2015 / 1:40 AM

    I love it! Amazing Pics!

    Check out my new post on my Travel and Fashion Blog about “The Pink Coat”.
    http://carrieslifestyle.wordpress.com

    New Posts online about Military Style, London, Beijing, Hollywood, the Provence…

    Reply
  75. tara belle
    March 16, 2015 / 6:17 AM

    the umbrellas are beautiful!! I love all the yellow, so cheery! you have such a positive outlook on life! its truly refreshing!

    xoxo,
    Tara Belle
    Northern Lights – Southern Belles

    Reply
    • WhatWouldVWear
      Author
      March 16, 2015 / 9:26 AM

      Thanks much, babe! Means so much to me! XOXO

      Reply
  77. Ashley
    March 16, 2015 / 12:07 PM

    Doesn’t get anymore splendid than those gorgeous yellow umbrellas!? I could spend all year here and never tire of it!

    Sed Bona

    Reply
  78. Jenn
    March 16, 2015 / 1:02 PM

    That’s awesome! Glad you guys just relax and get off your phones:) Xo

    Reply
  81. Elizabeth
    March 17, 2015 / 3:37 PM

    Those are such beautiful photographs! xx
    fashionismyfirstlanguage.blogspot.ie

    Reply
  82. Asa
    March 19, 2015 / 7:27 PM

    Beautiful post Vanessa! So inspirational and heartfelt. I couldn’t have said it better. Wise words and so true.

    Your trip to the conservatory looked amazing! I love how you were able to capture the moment. I’m obsessed with the yellow color palette. You look stunning!

    http://laceandpearlsblog.com

    Reply

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