So, we’re starting something new here at The Gem this week – The Sunday Edit. It might change names to something more gem-like, but I can’t think of anything creative (suggestions welcome!), so that’s what we’re going to roll with for now.
Each week, I’m going to pop in to share some stories or life lessons from my week, along with telling you about my most used products and latest finds – stuff like that! That way you can follow along with my smaller, in-between adventures, too. It will be more journaly and informal than regular blog posts. Sound good? Shaun may or may not have time to edit these since I’ll be writing them in the moment, so I apologize now for any typos!
This week, I’m writing you from Cedar Point where my family (well some of us – we miss you, Alyssa!) and I are celebrating my 14 year old sister’s birthday. It’s a really great break away from life because my car, our air conditioning, and our dryer all decided to kick the bucket within days of each other and my head (and my wallet) just cannot compute how to deal with all of that.
I’m enjoying that it’s far more picturesque here than I remembered (since that last time I was out here was so long ago). There’s a beach to stroll down, pretty flowers everywhere, and our hotel itself looks kind of like a sandcastle! The creative in me is having mixed feelings because I didn’t bring my camera. When I travel with my family, my sister normally takes my blog photos but I figured I wouldn’t bug her since it is her birthday and all (but seriously guys, never let me travel without it again!). I’m sure my sister appreciates that I’m not asking her to take photos, but I so badly want to grab some great shots at the beach and around the park. I’d also be equally happy if my family would just let me take photos of them, but they are not about that “capture the moment” life and it drives me nuts! Sometimes, I suppose we have to put our passions down for our loved ones, right (insert eye roll here)? It might be the “right” thing to do, but there’s still that part of me that’s yearning for the DSLR – my iPhone is just not the same.
I also discovered that my new favorite thing is riding roller coasters right when the sun is setting. It’s spectacular to be up in the air when the skies look like glowing cotton candy. But, no matter how pretty the skies are, there are these massive swings here that go up real high that my family wanted to ride and I’m sitting here feeling bad for not going on them with everyone else. I do know that I wouldn’t have enjoyed them, though. I like to go up high and come right back down, but I do not like rides that go up and stay up. The lesson here is: don’t let anyone (including your family) give you fear of missing out. If you know in your gut you won’t like to do something, you don’t have to do it!
Side note – I think amusement parks are proof that there’s always more in us than we think. We keep saying “we’ll get a drink” or “we’ll take a break after this ride”… and then we find something cool and decide to do that instead.
It’s always a bummer to come home from a trip (we leave tomorrow), but I’m so excited about everything we’re working on for The Gem right now that I truly am looking forward to getting back to work!
Most Used Products:
- These cute flats have been a lifesaver! I wore them all around Cedar Point (and also Universal when we went in April). They’re so comfy and I’ve never gotten any blisters. They’re on sale right now for only $10.50 but even at regular price they’re still only $14! BEST DEAL EVER.
- I’ve been loving the MatteLast Liquid Lips from Pixi. They’re great for long days because they really do last forever. And even when the color starts to fade, it’s still even and still looks gorgeous! I’ve been wearing “Really Rose” all weekend.
- I’ve realized the best way to get voluminous, wind-swept hair is via roller coaster, so someone please bottle that up ASAP!
Latest Finds:
- Be sure to check out all of the Memorial Day sales going on this weekend! I’ve rounded up a bunch of summer staples that are currently on sale in this post.
Have a great week, Gems!