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Hey fam!  Welcome back to the AB blog!! I'm Atoya Burleson and I have missed you all. I had to take a summer hiatus (more on that below). Since it's been awhile, it's important to welcome my new subscribers and tell them a little bit about me. Who is Atoya Burleson:  Most of you readers know who I am! I am a wife and mother of 3 active student athletes (plus all of their friends that are always over), so really a mother of 10! Haha! I also host insideLINES Podcast which celebrates women in and around sports. We love to highlight amazing NFL wives and girlfriends who support their husbands while still doing their own thing. You know what they say, behind every good man is an AMAZING woman. I can confirm that this is definitely true! Background: I have a Psychology degree (which was the perfect focus while competing in sports) and a Master's degree in Education with a business minor. I am also a collegiate track champion in the 100 meter hurdles and collegiate team champion as well. I love flexing my championship ring on my hubby because it's probably the only leg up that I have on him in the sports world ;). Love: My husband Nate Burleson and I met in college. He played football and I ran track. Nate's career took off in 2003 and we spent 11 years total in the NFL playing for 4 teams; The Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, and briefly the Cleveland Browns. We love traveling, exploring, and trying new food. Yes, we are foodies, and I make it a point to share my favorite places to eat and visit while traveling the world! Atoya, where have you been? Okay, let's talk about it. I've had a super emotional year. Burn out is real!! My favorite saying is, "Well, who else is going to do it?" Do not be this person, I repeat, do NOT be this person!! Lol. If you're wondering what I am talking about, here we go: My oldest son, Nate, graduated from high school and received a scholarship to play football at Nevada (where Nate and I met!) Because of his football commitment this meant I had to host his graduation party on graduation day- while hosting family and friends- so I could then fly him across the country two days later to start school/football at Nevada. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I've ever done and I miss him more than I could have ever imagined. It didn't really sink in until after I dropped him at college that I didn't even get to enjoy the summer with him before he left. Talk about pulling the bandaid off. It was rough! With my eldest at college- my younger two still kept me busy. My daughter had a birthday a few days later that I had to prepare for only to turn around and travel daily to non-stop volleyball camps while my other son had football training all summer. It was a whirlwind! During that time, my mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and almost a few weeks later my father fractured his back. Let's just say we went from being the children of our parents to becoming the parents to our parents. That alone happened overnight and I pray for all those who understand how difficult those conversations and decisions can be. Prayer was in non-stop full effect! I had to move on from some friendships in my life. It happened suddenly and unexpectedly. It was a very hurtful and difficult decision, however, I did what was best for myself and I wish them well. I realized I had to find a way to slow down and focus on my family because if I didn't, we would have probably fell apart. That's how fast life came at me this summer! With life moving so fast, I had to be intentional about decelerating and focusing on what matters most. So here I am, in a new season, of not always depending on myself but instead, trusting God's miracles to answer, heal and restore. I'm sharing this journey here to be transparent and intentional about what I've been going through with the hope that my experience can help others who may be facing similar challenges. A few realizations that helped me get through the rough months: There will be some days where you only have 25% to give and if you give that 25% you have given 100%. Be kind to yourself and proud that you gave your all. My burnout came from pushing myself to perform at a high level regardless of the situations I was dealing with. When your mind and body ask for a break, listen and comply. There has to be a healthy balance of busy days and down days. When you honor both and trust the higher power, you develop the best version of yourself. At times, emotions can feel overwhelming. They definitely were for me. Find someone you trust to talk to and find a licensed therapist. We are human. It's pertinent to process our feelings with a professional so that we can heal properly and see clearly moving forward. My top five faves that helped me through a tough time: What I am reading: The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson Get ready to learn and grow! What I am drinking: I love a good Chai Tea Latte with almond milk and pumpkin froth! So calming and yummy! Favorite sneakers: Nike Air Vapor Max Plus Running Shoes I have to be fresh when working out! Flex on em! Favorite Light Foundation: Trish McEvoy's Gorgeous Foundation (applies light with even coverage, minus the heaviness on the skin). That foundation w/ a pop of lipstick always makes me smile! I use shade 9. My favorite Fall Sweats: Essentials I just started wearing these this past week as the temperature has cooled off. I forgot how thick and soft they are. They will also last me all fall and winter! In closing, what I've learned about burn out is once you hit rock bottom you can only go up, therapy is key to renewing the mind, and God is the ultimate restorer. I see proof of the latter because my mother's numbers are decreasing and she is doing much better, and my father is on the mend with the help of a walker and lots of physical therapy. And my family and life is slowly getting back on track. It has taken months of prayer, commitment and intentionality but anything and anyone you love is worth fighting for. With love, Atoya P.S. Please leave me a note if you enjoyed reading this. <3 Also, feel free to tell a friend about my blog and insideLINES Podcast!! Follow us on instagram as well @insidelinespodcast. I promise you will love it! Women supporting women is truly my life's passion!

Spring is one of my favorite seasons to style! In both spring and fall, I feel like I am able to show more of my personality through my outfits and there is something about transitional seasons that connect me back to myself, allow me to reflect and give myself the space to grow into a new season! My fashion philosophy is that you look best in what you feel good in. Don't get me wrong, I love Spring fashion week and seeing how the runway makes it's way into every day fashion but if you don't feel comfortable in it, then it's not worth it. Instead, invest in a few base pieces you will have for years (jackets, bags) and then explore and experiment with pops of color, trends, etc from there. Here's a peak at what's in my cart this spring! Happy styling, AB

WE are OVER winter! Whether it's planning for spring break, a weekend getaway, or a full on much needed vacation, what you travel with matters! Here are some of my must-have travel essentials when I am on the go. First things first, luggage. Beis has been my go-to for the last few years. It's practical, durable and love how it looks. Shop my favs here: Just because you are on vacation, do not neglect your skin! Being in the sun after those long winter months can cause major damage and a little SPF can save major $$ down the line trying to reverse that damage. I always travel with my fav lotion, SPF and a vitamin C! Last, but definitely not least... The clothes! Your choices are definitely going to be weather and location dependent but you can never go wrong with a pair of sunglasses and a few outfit staples.

Welcome! Hi! I'm Atoya Burleson and welcome to my world! I'm a wife, mom, entrepreneur, athlete, influencer and/or fashionista. Cheers to bringing you my favorite finds so you don't have to do all the work. Let's have some fun shall we?! And, if you enjoy girlfriend time, check out my podcast where we discuss life, love, sports and all the moments in between! Just click the link above. Enjoy! Daily Self Care View More Posts Fashion Trends I’m loving this Spring Fashion is a Feeling See More Lifestyle Getaway with Bae! Why It's Crucial To Support Black-Owned Businesses How to Travel Like a Pro Travel See More Top 5 Tips for traveling to Paris Getaway with Bae! How to Travel Like a Pro @AtoyaBurleson See More

Lifestyle Mar 20 3 min Getaway with Bae! Feb 20 2 min Why It's Crucial To Support Black-Owned Businesses Feb 6 3 min How to Travel Like a Pro Jan 30 1 min Love Is All You Need Jan 23 3 min The Art of Getting Cozy Jan 2 3 min Here’s To New Beginnings Dec 26, 2021 2 min The Christmas Burnout Oct 7, 2021 1 min Crockpot Chicken Chili Sep 12, 2021 2 min Daily Self Care Sep 1, 2021 2 min 12 Lessons I've Learned this Year Jul 11, 2021 5 min Spiritual Self Care May 31, 2021 3 min 43 Birthday Lessons Feb 2, 2021 1 min Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Feb 1, 2021 2 min Winter Faves That Make Me Happy Jan 10, 2021 3 min Self Care New Year Oct 19, 2020 2 min Fall Chili Recipe Sep 28, 2020 2 min Self Care Sundays Aug 27, 2020 3 min Nate & Atoya Aug 3, 2020 1 min Smoothies Please Aug 3, 2020 1 min I Like Your Coconuts Aug 3, 2020 1 min Moisturize Jul 25, 2020 2 min Breakfast Recipe Idea Jul 2, 2020 1 min Skincare Secrets Jun 30, 2020 1 min Hummus Wraps Apr 5, 2020 2 min Chicken Fettucine Recipe Mar 7, 2020 1 min Never Enough Pillows Mar 5, 2020 1 min Q & A with Nate and Atoya