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 an [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:
- Holiday Gift Guide: Gift Ideas for Her
- The Easiest Way to Style an Outfit
- 3 Essentials to Add to Your Routine for Dry Skin <<<< be sure to enter the GIVEAWAY in this post!
- The Sunday Edit – Volume 16
Life Update & Thoughts:
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
I almost pulled my hair out a few times this week while taking photos. Nothing wanted to work. My house is far from instagrammable (and the lighting sucks at most hours of the day). Plus, now that Shaun and I aren’t together, I spend a lot of time fighting with the tripod. All of this adds a lot of challenges to creating content. It’s especially frustrating when I have a glorious idea in my head that I can’t realistically achieve in real life because of the limitations of my current situation.
Every day, I use what I have and I do what I can. It’s not always a bad thing because when I deliver images to a client or brand and get the feedback that they adore them, I know the obstacles I had to overcome to create that content and it fills me up with pride. There’s nothing like that empowered feeling of being faced with a challenge and knowing you didn’t let it stop you. ⠀
So start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. In the end, you’re always going to make it work because that’s the Gem that you are! ⠀
I’m also sending some extra love to anyone who has lost a parent or a loved one. The holidays are such a wonderful time of the year that when you have lost someone close to you, it really hits hard that you can’t share these special moments with them. I made this video last year to encourage you to be more aware of those around you who might need a little extra love and support this time of year.
Shines:
- I got my hair done on Wednesday and I FINALLY got to see the brand new Swank Hair Studio! Every time I go to get my hair done, when Melissa (the most talented hair stylist ever) askes me what we’re doing, I’m like, “I don’t know. Do whatever you want. I want something different, but I still want it to be blonde… and long. So keep in the same, but do something different.” In the end, she never ever lets me down! We did a darker root this time (which was new and scary for me) that I ended up loving! Here are few snaps of the gorgeous new space:
- My favorite brand ever reached out to me on Instagram! In fact, a lot of big brands have been reaching out to me lately to send their latest products. I have been at this for so many years and a lot of the opportunities I’ve had so far have come from me networking my butt off and continuing to reach out on my end. So, the fact that people are starting to find my platform without me having to start that communication feels huge!
- I was selected for a really big brand campaign in January that I’m beyond excited to work on!
- I went to Target – that always makes me happy 😉
Struggles:
- I feel like the worst daughter ever today. My family went to get their tree today and I wanted to go with them. Not only did I show up to my mom’s house late, but when I was putting my stuff in the car, I also put a coffee in the cup holder. I ran inside to go to the bathroom and somehow within that time, my coffee spilled and ended up all over the inside of my mom’s brand new car. Plus, when I got to my mom’s house, I went in through the garage. Apparently, her trunk was open and the garage door opening scratched it. I feel so bad about both of these things and my stomach has been in knots all day over it. Oh, and I made my family stand outside in the cold to be a photo for a brand campaign, so I’m really daughter/sister of the year over here.
Currently Loving:
- The smell of pine. While I didn’t get my own tree at the tree farm, I am sitting here right now soaking in the scent of my mom’s and it smells heavenly.
- Sherpa everything. It’s like being cuddled by a teddy bear. This oversized sherpa pullover looks so dreamy and comes in both pink and navy!
- Speaking of comfort, this Cashmere Sweater Room & Linen Spray from Pure Placid made its way into my life this week and it makes every space in my life smell so cozy!
- My friend Meghan is a travel agent and she has been posting about the most AMAZING deals and destinations on her page lately. I SO wish it was in my ability to escape somewhere tropical right now, but if that’s realistic for you, get in touch with her to make travel planning super easy (meghan@litterinitravel.net)!
- This playlist of non-traditional Christmas songs that we put together last year
- The dainty personalized necklaces from Tiny Tags are just the cutest
- I feel like I’d wear this long-sleeve sweater dress every day if it was in my closet
- It’s so cold in my mom’s house as a write this that I wish I had something blanket-esque on like this ribbed poncho
- Blush tassel loafers?! *instantly adds to shopping cart*
- I’ve spent far too much time outside braving the cold this week and it’s really making me wish I owned something like this faux fur lined parka!
Current Sales:
- J. Crew: They has been having UNREAL sales lately, so if you’re not checking their website daily, you’re seriously missing out. Right now, select sale styles are an extra 50% off and you can save an extra 40% with code SALELOVE at checkout! My picks are this supersoft turtleneck, this half-zip fleece, and this adorable velour sweatshirt.
- Express: Get 15% off with code 6463 (exclusions apply) until 12/31
- Sephora: Take up to $25 off your purchase of $75 or more with code 2018HOORAY. Valid through 12/12. This is a perfect time to stock up on more splurge-worthy products like Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial (I LOVE what this does to the texture of my skin!)
- CALIA by Carrie Underwood: Select fitness tops, bottoms, and jackets are still 25% off!
- LOFT: Save 50% off your purchase of select items with code NEWNOW! I’m loving this stitched sleeve sweater, these jeweled bow flats, and this chenille open cardigan that I’m just positive is the softest!
