The Sunday Edit is where I stop by to share with you a few raw and real stories from my week. 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!
Outfit photos by Alex Barone
**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:
- The Sunday Edit – Volume 19
- The Winner of Game Day Snacks
- Vitamin C Serum Benefits for Your Skin + GIVEAWAY
- Everyday Outfit: Black Distressed Boyfriend Jeans
- How to Keep New Year’s Resolutions (and Reset Them)
- Setting Realistic Fitness & Wellness Goals for 2019
Life Update & Thoughts:
Hi Gems! Happy February!
I’m sitting here writing this while the Super Bowl is on in the background, which tells you how much I care about football. I’m honestly just watching for the commercials (which I’m not impressed by at this time).
It looks like I may have spoken too soon about having my act together content-wise, lol. In last week’s Sunday Edit, I talked about having my groove back and then I went a whole week without publishing a blog post and definitely wasn’t on my Instagram game. Whoops. Some weeks you win and some weeks you lose!
So what did I actually do with myself this week? Hmmm. I taught some extra yoga classes, which seemed like a great idea at the time, but I kind of regretted it later. I really do love teaching, but it always takes more out of me than I anticipate, and it’s hard to switch gears back into business mode after. However, I am so grateful to have something in my life that not only gets me away from my computer but also get to instantly have an impact on someone’s day being calmer and centered. I also took a lot of pictures over the past few days! From product photos to finally getting two new outfits shot (thanks to my girl, Alex – she took all the photos of me in this post), it was definitely a photography heavy week and I was totally okay with that. I’ve also been spending a lot of time preparing, planning, and coordinating everything for my sister’s baby shower!
Shines:
- Someone bought an item that I linked to and the commission was $10! I think there’s a misconception that bloggers make a ton of money from affiliate sales, but on average you only make pennies and dollars each time someone buys something. So, I was so excited to see a $10 commission! It was this Patagonia pull-over (which is one of my favorite things in my entire closet).
- It is definitely hard for me to get on board with thinking about getting a job because I LOVE LOVE LOVE what I do now (but after thinking long and hard, it might be the best direction for me and what I can offer the world right now) – we’ll unpack this in later posts. HOWEVER, I applied for what would be my dream job with the company (and person) that inspires me the most in the entire world. We’ll see what happens, but I’m really proud of myself of taking the leap and applying.
- I got to spend time with another creative. It made me so excited to book Alex for a photoshoot yesterday! We work so well together and always have a blast – it literally doesn’t even feel like working. The photos in this post are a preview of what we shot and I cannot wait to share the whole project(s)!
- All of you that entered our current giveaway! It means the world to me when I ask you guys to take an action and you show up for it! Blogging is hard sometimes because no matter how many people are reading and watching, not everyone engages, so anything that you gems participate in makes me so giddy. Thank you so much! If you haven’t entered yet, leave a comment on this post for a chance to win an incredible Vitamin C serum that I’m obsessed with at the moment!
- I realized my friend that I babysit for has this season’s episodes of Arrow recorded on her DVR and it made my life (to watch when the kids go to bed, obviously). You can only watch the last 5 for free on demand and on the CW app, so I have been kicking myself for being so far behind!
- GIRL SCOUT COOKIES ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE.
Struggles:
- I have had lots of really big, well-known brands reach out to me lately and send me products (which is amazing and totally a SHINE!). But, it’s so tricky because many of them don’t pay bloggers/influencers. I’m always so excited that they’ve noticed me and to try the products to report my experiences back to you, so I say “yes!” and then I end up putting a lot of work into the content that I don’t get paid for. So, I need to do a better job of finding balance there. I don’t need to get paid for everything, but I also shouldn’t be stressed about how much is on my plate for hard work that isn’t being compensated for, you know? The struggle is real. Every0ne wonders how much bloggers actually make and let me tell you, I make enough money to pay my bills and that’s about it – I am not swimming in cash over here, Gems – lol!
- STILL cannot believe that I’m moving so soon (and no, I don’t have any of the logistics of that figure out yet) and super stressed about how fast time is going.
- It was soooo cold this week. I am not the best version of myself when I’m cold!
Currently Loving:
- The goodies I picked up at LOFT this week – marled tie back sweater, flounce skirt, and smocked mixed media blouse. Use code LOVE right now for 40% off your order at LOFT!
- These heart-shaped sunglasses [c/o] that are making me feel so festive!
- My Sam Edelman Hazel nude pumps. I wore them to yesterday’s photoshoot and was reminded of just how ridiculously comfortable they are. I seriously don’t know how they did it but it makes me never want to wear my other heels again!
- This Too Faced Soul Mates Bronzer is heart-shaped and just too cute!
- Almay’s Lip Vibes lipstick in “Get Crazy” [c/o]. It’s a bit of a deeper (but still wearable!) red for when you want to wear red lipstick but don’t want that super bold pop that normally comes with it. I also really love how it doesn’t look overpowering on my fair skin tone! It’s under $10 and SO worth every penny.
- Facebook keeps showing me these pink New Balance sneakers and I loveeee them. I click on them every time it shows me the ad and I’m trying to resist, but I’m certain I’m going to cave very soon.
- This scratch-off travel map is just beyond beautiful!
Current Sales:
- Ralph Lauren: Enjoy an extra 40% off select sale styles until 2/19 (discount automatically applied at checkout) – my picks are this silk floral blouse (can you tell I’m anxious for Spring??), these suede slip-on sneakers, and this star print one-piece bathing suit.
- LOFT: 40% off your purchase using code LOVE. This one ends on 2/4 at 3 am EST, so don’t wait to shop!
- Kay Jewelers: Get 25% off personalized jewelry with code PJ25
- Fete Home: Get 20% off with code FEBSTYLE19 until 2/28. I just came across this company and I have NO IDEA why I didn’t know about it sooner – they have incredible and affordable home decor pieces.
- June & January: New customers get 20% off the entire month of February with code RSFEB20 – Ends 2/28. If I had kiddos, I’d totally dress them in these fun clothes!