In This Post: Even though I wear cute outfits (sometimes) and take pretty pictures, my Sunday Edit posts are all about connecting with you on the real, not so Instagram worthy moments that happen each week. I also include a few of my favorite things!
**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:
Life Update & Thoughts:
Happy Sunday Gems!
Does anyone else think that weeks when you get back from traveling always end up being the most challenging ones ever? I’m kind of bummed about that because I came back from my road trip feeling at easy, content, and refreshingly more motivated than usual. I had promised myself I was going to hold onto that state for as long as possible and well Gems, it did not last very long lol. Currently, I’m cranky, got way less accomplished this week than I had hoped, my anxiety is through the roof, and I haven’t been the most compassionate human the past few days.
A lot of my frustration this week is contributed to broken air conditioning. That sounds so stupid. Like, not only am I mad about the broken air conditioning but I’m mad that I’m so mad and frustrated about it. I’m mad that I’ve let it get in the way of so much of my life this week. I mean come on, I survived the heat in Ghana, I love the weather down South (hence why I’m planning my current move), and I’m a freaking hot yoga teacher. Why is this sauna of a house such a problem?!
I think the root of it is, it’s getting in the way of my ability to make progress this week (I’m going to rant, but I’m going to tie it all together and make it applicable to your life, promise). My acne is freaking out since my skin hasn’t stopped sweating. I haven’t been sleeping (one night I slept on the couch and my back is still regretting it). The beautiful peonies I bought at Trader Joe’s wilted the same day. My bananas are ripening faster than I can eat them. I can’t do anything photography related without sweating bullets. I can’t take any photos of myself without dripping sweat. Not to mention the days when I have to blow dry and curl my hair are pure torture. I’m livid that since I rent through a property management company everything takes a thousand years to take care of because I can’t ever just talk directly to my landlord. It smells like sweaty people and humidity when I walk in the door. My family was uncomfortable when they stopped over to visit. Spiders keep making their way into my house since the windows are open. I had to carve out time in my schedule twice for people to come look at it – neither of which led to it being fixed yet. It’s all making me so frustrated that I can’t think straight let alone be creative!
On their own, none of these things are really a big deal. But it’s truly mind-blowing how much impact all the little things have when they add up and how quickly they can take away our integrity without us even realizing it. Whenever I feel like this, whenever I’m ready to lose my mind, I try to pause to ask myself, “what is life trying to teach you here?” because I believe that we can always take something of value away from every struggle.
It’s making me realize that I really need to start leaving more room in my life for error and obstacles. I plan out my days in the most optimistic way, never taking into account that extra traffic, a weak wifi signal, uncooperative technology, or other inconveniences may very well set me back. So, when things come up, like having to take care of issues with the house, AT&T overcharging my bill, or a sister wants a last-minute ride somewhere, it instantly makes me SO stressed knowing I have one more thing I have to fit into the day.
The thing is, I don’t even feel like I have any extra time to cushion my days with. So much feels time-sensitive and priority. How do you determine what goes on your to-do list when everything is important? I don’t think it’s realistic to take anything away right now and I think the only direction left for me to explore is how to be more efficient with my time.
I just read somewhere, “track your time when you don’t feel like you have any”. It’s been a really really long time since I did any time tracking and I think I’m going to add that into my efforts this week – even though it feels like one more thing to do. Time tracking has always been really helpful for getting me back on track! It’s usually our not-so-great moments that push us towards making the changes we need to take to step forward, isn’t it?
Shines:
- Almost every person I’ve seen this week has been asking me about my trip and where I want to move to. I love having these kinds of conversations because it makes everything so real. I’m really doing this. I am really moving!
- My sweet friend Victoria from Victoria’s Mobile Flower Truck (probably my favorite business concept ever) asked me to take a few photos of their t-shirts and despite all of the challenges this week, I’m so happy with how the images turned out! Definitely, one thing I was able to accomplish!
- I binged watched season 3 of Stranger Things and if it wasn’t for this, I truly might have entirely lost my mind this week. It’s SO good! Shows like this always wrap me up in them and made me forget about life for a bit when I watch them.
- I spent some time at the wave pool on the Fourth of July and that was especially great with the current heat situation!
- I got to snuggle with my niece twice
- I haven’t been able to find Turkey Hill’s Party Cake ice cream in FOREVER and Walmart had it yesterday! So, I bought two cartons, but I probably should have purchased like 10 lol. It’s the little things in life, Gems.
Struggles:
- Well I don’t think that I need to repeat that the air conditioning problem belongs in this category
- My neighborhood is being real disrespectful about fireworks this year (maybe it just seems worse because I can’t close my windows). Last time – WHICH WAS JULY 6TH – someone was setting off fireworks on my street every few minutes from 10:30 pm – 12 am. Please remember to be respectful and considerate of other people around you.
- I really want to rename my blog. I have been thinking on this for MONTHS and I just cannot come up with anything that feels 100% right! If anyone wants to brainstorm this with me, let me know!
Currently Loving:
- I have never gotten more exciting feedback on a look before than with this outfit! I found my color blocked pleated skirt (pictures below) at a boutique in Virginia, but I’m pretty sure this is the same one and it’s under $40!
- This safari style wrap midi skirt
- I have worn these $12.99 scallop slides every day this week. They’re comfortable and are a cute alternative to your average flip-flop!
- I’m really tempted to buy a two piece skirt set and I haven’t made the commitment yet. I love love love this palm print set though (more sizes here)! Do I need it? Yes or yes?!
Sales:
- Aerie: EVERYTHING is 40-60% off and all undies are 10 for $30! I cannot believe these white cotton shorts are under $20 and this straw bag is $20, too. More favorites below:
- Check out what Gal Meets Glam Collection dresses are currently on sale here.
- Adding this party-ready jumpsuit to my cart because this price is such a steal!
- This is my absolute favorite pump because these shoes are unbelievably comfortable. They’re on sale for 30% off!
- All Summer must-haves are 25% at Madewell with code FIREWORK including this on-trend tie front shirt, this tie wrap tank that comes in 5 different colors, and these fantastic white wide-leg pants! Here’s more sale finds:
Asking for help on:
- I would really like to start expanding my blog in the travel space more! Pinning any of the images from my travel-related posts would be so wonderful of you. Thanks in advance!
- Please let me know if you ever see typos in my content! I’m a one-woman show and it’s always so helpful when people catch the mistakes a miss.