Every Sunday, I stop by to share with you a few raw and real stories from my week in The Sunday Edit. Stories where I edited struggles into strengths and found Gem moments when shining seemed impossible. In a world where everyone filters what they share online, I want you to see you’re not alone and I want to inspire you to have more good days. You’ll also find what products have been making my life easier, what new Gem finds I’ve come across, and the best sales going on right now!
**This post may contain affiliate links (which means I make a small commission when you shop from them) and sponsored items (gifted items are indicated with a [c/o] and sponsored links with a [sp]) because we all have to pay our bills, and I’d rather keep creating awesome content for you than get a real job. All opinions are my own.**
New Posts on The Gem:
- Exploring Accra, Ghana | West Africa
- Shades of Change (eco-friendly sunglasses UNDER $60 that are helping bring sight to those in need!)
- An Effortless Velvet Hoodie + Breakup Stuff
- The Sunday Edit – Volume 12
Life Update & Thoughts:
Another crazy week in the books! I hope your week was filled with memory making and countless amounts of fun-sized candy bars. I didn’t do anything too fun or exciting for Halloween – just watched Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again with my mom and helped eat (I mean pass out) all the candy.
I have to thank all of you so so so much for your love and support around the news I shared with you last week about my sister. I was even more blown away by how many of you shared a piece of your hearts with me in my Instagram post. I know it’s scary to hop online and be vulnerable, but I never ever regret it when I post something raw and real because I love when people share their similar stories with me (and the insight that come along with them).
Shines:
- I had the best time at a wedding over the weekend and finally got to wear this lace sheath dress that I got a few weeks ago!
- Video chatting with my delightful new intern, Leah! It’s been so long since someone other than Shaun has been involved with the blog/business and I’m excited for the freshness a new dynamic will bring. She’s so full of brightness and energy that I can’t wait to introduce you to her (she’s got a blog post for you tomorrow on how to make time for cozy living!).
- I was able to go for 2 runs outside. I hate running as it gets colder and colder, so around this time of year, I’m always super appreciative of time that’s able to be spent comfortably outdoors.
- I’m putting together our holiday gift guides right now and there will be more this year than ever before! They’re always so much fun to put together. I love gifting and the smile you find on someone’s face when you give them something that you know is just going to be perfect!
Struggles:
- I was really looking forward to watching The Walking Dead tonight. Apparently I forgot though because it’s 9:49 pm as I’m finishing this post and now I’m so sad I didn’t watch it!
- I’m so terrible at communicating and staying in touch with people. I have texts of people wishing me “Happy Birthday!” on October 24th that I still haven’t responded to. Oooops. I can still respond, right? Better late than never?
- I’m struggling to create content on my own. When Shaun and I broke up, I knew I was going to have to figure out how to run my business on my own (he helped me with a number of things). I feel like I’m getting there, but taking photos has been a major struggle and stressor. Sometimes I literally only need to get one usable shot, so I have to fight with my tripod and do it on my own with a remote. For more elaborate, editorial-like content, I need photos that tell a story. This worked out SO well with Shaun because we’d go someone fun (like apple picking last year) and capture authentic moments. I feel like using a photographer takes away from the concept of showcasing real-life moments. Plus, I really like editing my photos and most photographers take care of that part for you. Sometimes I can bribe my younger sisters, but they’re unreliable and I never know if they’ll say yes or no. It’s hard feeling like my hands are tied and that I can’t create my favorite type of blog posts!
- Now that it seems like everything has turned into Christmas overnight, I’m definitely having anxiety over 2018 practically being over. I have no idea where I want to go or what I want to do when our lease is up in April. On one hand, it seems like I have a lot of time to decide, but on the other, I feel like April will be here in .5 seconds!
Currently Loving:
- At the wedding I went to, someone wore this floral full midi skirt from White House Black Market and it looked beyond gorgeous on her! I loved it so much that I couldn’t wait to go find it online today. Floral prints make me happy and this one is oh so winter appropriate with its berry shades. OH, and it HAS POCKETS!
- I have to give another shout out to my nude Sam Edelman pumps that again, got me through this weekend’s rehearsal dinner and wedding with happy feet! These babies are seriously GOLD when it comes to comfortable heels and they will be a life savor throughout the holiday season.
Current Sales:
- The cozy, elegant cream sweatshirt I wore in this post is currently on sale for $22!
- Save 20% off at Macy’s during the Daylight Savings Sale with code FALLBACK. Valid 11/1-11/6.