The Sunday Edit – Volume 28

In The Sunday Edit, we talk about two things: 1) Struggles – real moments that happened from my week that were not so great and 2) Shines – awesome things that happened along with 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 gifted items 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 27
• Gal Meets Glam Dresses on Sale

Life Update & Thoughts:

Hi Gems,

It’s hard to believe I started out this week in another state. I feel like so much as happened this week that it went by so fast but also my little weekend getaway feels like it was so long ago. In last week’s Sunday Edit (in case you didn’t realize, this is my third week writing one in a row!!), we were in New Jersey. Then, on Monday, my baby niece had her first trip to Hershey’s Chocolate World, which is a big deal because my family loves it there. We stop almost every time we’re on our way to or from New Jersey.

After that, it was a week of teaching yoga, babysitting, and working without much time to blog, unfortunately. I did fit outfit photos in on Friday thought (previews below!). I’m really glad I have the chance right now to sit down and write. Although I am surprised I even have it in me at the moment. Already today I’ve photographed a mini session, attended an event, and went to a yoga training, which is already a lot for one day! I loved every minute of all of those things though.

I wasn’t able to book any photography sessions the last two weeks in May with how packed my schedule has been, so I was very happy to be in my element behind the camera this morning shooting something a bit outside of my usual style. Take a look at the edgy moody shoot with Laroy Grayson below:

Then, I headed to grlpwrpgh’s Self Love Sunday event at Bay 41. I’ve been trying to attend a grlpwrpgh event for forever, so I’m beyond happy this one worked in my schedule! grlpwrpgh is a Pittsburgh based collaborative for women to connect, network, and collaborate with each other. I’ve been hearing the most amazing things about the community for months! Unfortunately, I just didn’t have it in me today network and mingle, but I’m still really proud of myself for going (I normally back away from social events when I’m feeling overwhelmed). If you’re in Pittsburgh, check out grlpwrpgh’s upcoming event schedule here! I was very impressed with the turnout, organization, and overall quality of the event. Everyone working the event was relaxed and so happy to be there (I think that’s really the truest sign of a well-planned affair)!

I was especially excited to be there for Victoria’s Mobile Flower Shop’s very first event. Back in the beginning of March, I took a few photos of Victoria for her to start promoting her brand. She was actually my first official photo session! I was in love with her business from the moment she told me she was starting a mobile flower truck. After following along with her journey for the past few months, it was delightful to see the truck in action! She helped me make a gorgeous little bouquet that will make me smile every time I look at it on my desk this week.

She even gave me a few pointers for getting flowers to last longer! I learned to pick flowers that haven’t fully opened yet so that you can watch them open throughout the week, to only put enough water into the vase so that the stems are all getting a little drink (that prevents the stems from getting mushy), and to keep cutting the ends of the stems on an angle throughout the week.

Shines:

• I went to Buti Yoga twice this week at Amarah Studio and Boutique (one of them was even a 6 am class!). I love Power Yoga, obviously since I’m an instructor and all, but there’s also a different kind of incredible that I feel when I come out of a Buti class. If you’re in Pittsburgh, I definitely recommend checking out Amarah Studio and Boutique. They have so many different types of class on their schedule.
• I got an iPhone Xs Max! It takes way better pictures than the iPhone 7 Max I’m upgrading from – better pictures in any capacity always make me happy. I’m especially impressed with how much better the camera on the front is.

Struggles:

• Life has aligned for me to get lots of outfit photos shot recently (I’m especially thankful for my sister who has been up for taking them), but I haven’t had any time to sit down and edit them or write the posts. Ugh.
• I’m planning on driving down to Virginia and North Carolina the third week of June to look for potential places to live but I have literally nothing planned for the trip. Not sure what areas I’m going to visit, not one hotel booked, not even 100% sure on the dates. Whoops.
• In more ways and in more situations than one, I definitely let other people’s emotions take away from my energy this week. Maintaining my own energy while allowing other people to show up exactly as they are around me is a skill that I have worked hard to acquire and something I think the people in my life appreciate. However, I’ve noticed when my plate is overflowing and my energy is already pulling in a ton of different directions, the harder this gets for me. I was extra exhausted this week and I think this is why. It’s hard when you see people you love struggling but yet their actions don’t line up with the changes they want to see in their lives. There’s something okay about feeling what someone is feeling in the moment they’re with you to support them, but I keep reminding myself how important it is to leave those emotions there and not to carry them with me.
• I haven’t posted on Instagram in 6 days. Who am I?

Currently Loving: