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:
- How To Make Time For Cozy Living
- What to Wear to a Winter Wedding
- The Sunday Edit – Volume 13
- Exploring Accra, Ghana | West Africa
Life Update & Thoughts:
One thing I’ve been talking to my therapist about is that I have absolutely no idea how to listen to my gut. There are so so so many thoughts swirling around my head all the time that I have no clue which ones to listen to and which ones to let go of when I’m trying to make a decision. To be honest, I started off the week really off. I was cranky without reason, irritable without cause, anxious beyond my control. My typical modes of bringing myself back down to earth and emotional stability were anything but working. On Thursday, however, I think I got a little glimpse of what listening to your gut sounds like. That morning, something inside of my softly and reasonably kept saying, “go to Barnes & Noble and get The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck.” I’ve known about this book for a while and even though I really didn’t have any spare moments on Thursday to be adding an extra stop on to my day, it just felt like I should be listening to that voice. I’m so glad I did. I’m only about 30 pages in, but it’s everything me and my constantly overthinking self needs to be reading right now. It’s been giving me a lot of insight into how to better emotionally handle (and accept) all of the challenges I’m currently being faced with. I highly recommend you grab yourself a copy! It’s a straightforward, easy, refreshing read!
Shines:
- Yesterday, I took my sister to see The Nutcracker! Not the ballet, but the new movie that’s in theaters. It was great. I was so so so excited because growing up, I danced in The Nutcracker every year. I couldn’t even believe my sister wanted to go with me because she sat through a ridiculous amount of Nutcracker performances (bless her heart). The movie definitely diverts from the ballet quite a bit in some ways to add more intensity, but still keeps much of the traditional plotline intact. I definitely recommend taking the family to see it this holiday season!
- CALIA, Carrie Underwood’s activewear brand (aka my favorite brand ever by my favorite human), followed me on Instagram. That might seem like something silly to get excited about, but to have a brand I hold such high regards for acknowledging that I exist feels like I might just be doing a few things right along the blogging journey.
- After realizing that I went like 4 weeks without going to yoga, I made it to 3 classes this week!
Struggles:
- We’re inching closer to the anniversary of my dad’s death, which is on November 20th. I remember the days leading up to it like it was yesterday – not being able to get a hold of him on the phone, the strange letter I got in the mail that I knew in my gut was a suicide note – which makes this a very rocky period of time for me.
- As always, there’s just never enough hours in the day or days in the week for me to get everything I want to accomplished!
- I HATE THE COLD. Bring back weather that’s over 50 degrees, please.
Currently Loving:
- For the month of November, Urbanfitco is donating 50% of the proceeds from their ‘burgh-inspired collection (images throughout this post, which were taken by Bokeh Boutique and Studio) to the Tree of Life Synagogue – that’s where the recent, devastating shooting in Pittsburgh occurred. I bought this Dahnward Dog tank (it’s so comfy!), but there’s also a Yinz n’ Yoga crop, and a PGH hat!
- My FAVORITE pair of yoga pants now come in the prettiest icey purple shade and even though I own them in another color already, I think I NEED these (there are dark grey, crimson, and blue options, too!). You can never have too many pairs of top-notch yoga pants, right?!
Current Sales:
- Nordstrom: Take up to 40% off of select fall styles including the coziest wubby fleece pullover, hunter rain boots, and this beautifully versatile peacoat (it even comes in a super pretty pink!).
- Barneys New York: From now until 11/17 take 15% off when you spend $150 on beauty, fragrance, men’s grooming, and home fragrance with code BNYBEAUTY.
- Ralph Lauren: Save 30% on 11/11
- TATCHA: If nothing else, you have to snatch up the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist. It’s the best way to fake looking like you’ve had a good night’s sleep!
- Ulta: Take $3.50 off your $15 purchase with code 651168. Now is the perfect time to stock up on beauty sets like the ones below because they make amazing holiday gifts!