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:
- Trend to Try On: A Faux Fur Coat
- How to Navigate Awkward Family Conversations
- What to Wear to a Holiday Party
Life Update & Thoughts:
I seriously cannot believe that I’m writing this on the second to last day of 2018! You’ve been a doozy, 2018. I can’t say that I’ve hit any big milestones or knocked out any big goals. But honestly, I gained a very important skill over the past 12 months and that has been becoming proficient at being uncomfortable. I’ve always been willing to step outside of my comfort zone and try new things (except for when it comes to food and vegetables, lol, just give me the buttered noodles). I’ve never been afraid of uncharted situations, but this kind of discomfort has been radically different and shook me in a way discomfort hasn’t done before. My limits have been tested. I’ve encountered one situation after another that I truly didn’t know if I would make it through. I’ve had to navigate many odd, uncommon situations that did not come with roadmaps (like how to live with my ex-boyfriend and how to accept my much younger sister being pregnant). I’ve been knocked down only to be knocked down again before I could even stand back up. I’ve questioned and doubted everything and still had to dig out the strength to keep on keeping on. So thank you 2018. Thank you for showing me that the only comforts I actually need in life are iced coffee, yoga pants, and glasses of wine with friends. Thank you for teaching me how essential a willingness to be uncomfortable is on this journey to becoming the me I want to be.
Shines:
- My amazing mom got me a new camera for Christmas. Up until now, I’ve still been using Shaun’s camera (even though we broke up) since we’re still living together and I wasn’t really financially prepared to invest in a new one over the next few months. She helped me out with my ticket to Africa back in September and we decided that was my Christmas present, so I wasn’t expecting this what so ever! Love you so much, mom!
- I became really aware this week of how much my product photography skills have improved this year and I’m so proud of myself. Not to toot my own horn, but I’m just obsessed with this photo I took for a campaign with Mac Cosmetics!
- One of my good friends is in town from DC and I got to take her yoga class on Thursday. She said a lot of things I needed to hear (like how peace comes in pieces) and that filled me up so much!
- Did I mention that I got a new camera? Hehe.
Struggles:
- I was rear-ended back in September in my mom’s old car that she’s been letting me borrow (gosh my mom is amazing, isn’t she?). The car was still driveable, so I didn’t rush to get it fixed. Now that I’ve started that process, I found out that there’s a good chance it’s going to be totaled, which means I won’t have a vehicle to drive and might need to figure out how to work a car payment into my budget. I also feel terrible because my mom really likes the car and definitely could have gotten quite a few more years out of it. It sucks that this is such a pain in the butt for something that wasn’t even my fault. Ugh!
- With a move inevitably on the horizon, I’ve started going through all my stuff in an attempt to declutter as much as possible over the next few months. This process is not fun.
- Getting back into a regular workout routine after all of those Christmas cookies and holiday treats is a bit rough, but I know I’ll feel so much better once I get myself back on track with working out almost every day.
Currently Loving:
- I recently picked up this cuffed tunic sweater from LOFT and I have been LIVING in it! It’s 60% off right now – no code needed.
- I have been wearing these dainty, meaningful necklaces from Alexys Ryan Jewelry (pictured above – that’s the LOFT sweater in the photo, too!) almost every single day. Every one of their affordable pieces is designed for the woman who balances everything. The bar shaped necklace I’m wearing is the grown-up version of a friendship necklace and the little star one is a reminder to always find the shine in whatever dark moments the day throws my way. Both are only $28 each!
- The Mineralize Time Check Lotion from Mac Cosmetics [c/o] – a miracle product that instantly mattifies skin AND blurs lines.
Current Sales:
- LOFT: There are literally THOUSANDS of new markdowns and lots of cozy things are 60% off! Use code LOVEIT for 50% off full-price styles!
- J. Crew: Use code BIGGERSALE for 50% off final sale styles like this velvet wrap dress, these fancy metallic pumps, and this drapey velvet top.
- Nordstrom: It’s the half yearly sales! So many amazing finds are up to 50% off!
- Ann Taylor: Take an extra 60% off sale styles through 1/7
- Here are some of my favorite finds on sale right now:
