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. 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 (which means I make a small commission when you shop from them) and sponsored links (gifted items are indicated with a [c/o] and sponsored links with a [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.**
Last Two Weeks on The Gem:
- Items to Buy Right Now On Sale
- 4 Types of Thoughts That Are Depleting Your Mental Energy
- The “Windows Down” Playlist
- The Sunday Edit – Volume 3
- Use These Products for Sweat-Proof Summer Makeup
- 7 Outdoor Activities You Need to Try This Summer
- Easy Breezy Summer Pants
Coming This Week:
- He Said, She Said: The Pittsburgh Zoo
- Exploring New Hope, PA
Life Stuff:
First of all, I’m really, really sorry I left you hanging for The Sunday Edit last week. It was Father’s Day and while I put on a front in person for the day, inside I was a mess. Every year, I tell myself I’m going to be strong enough… Strong enough to keep my momentum when Father’s Day comes around. But, every year, the day is so much harder than I think it’s going to be.
It’s been almost 10 years since I lost my dad and I keep holding out for the day when carrying that around is going to get an ounce lighter. I’m not sure it’s ever going to happen. This week especially (on top of a crazy business schedule), it’s a reminder that I can’t, nor do I have to, hold everything up all at once. I can’t keep myself emotionally stable and keep scrolling through social media seeing everyone else’s messages about how grateful they are for their dads (and I’m so happy for you and I’m not saying don’t post it, I just can’t handle reading it). So, I just needed the day to stay away from my computer. Please still love me. <3
Anyway, the day after Father’s Day, I went road trippin’ with my family off the New Jersey. We had the best time visiting with friends and exploring some of the charming little towns around the area like New Hope and Princeton (blog posts and photos coming soon, of course!). Shout out to my little sister, Lexi, for continuing to take my blog photos even when she was SO over it – I do bribe her with money. For so long, I felt like my family just didn’t understand what I do or why I needed to get my computer out when we got back at the end of the night. I’ve been working hard on not letting my business rule my entire life and they’ve come along was in understand that this is my life, which I’m really appreciated of. My mom even paid extra for wifi in her car so that I could get some work out of the way on the drive there and back – thank you, mom! Even though this part of family travels has started to smooth out, with 4 women, there’s still fights over who gets to shower first and what music we’re going to listen to!
I’m not sure what’s going on. I didn’t get a ton down this week while I was away but somehow, I don’t feel overly anxious about catching up this coming week. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME? I’m sure the overwhelm will set in on Monday morning, but for now, I’m definitely going to hold on to this feeling.
Tell me something about your week in the comments!
Products Making Life Easier:
- My most worn item them week has been this breezy button down that I found on clearance for $13.98 (it’s now $9.98!!!!). I wore it for an Instagram campaign photo, filming last week’s YouTube video (that just so happens to be on awesome sale finds from Target!), and in numerous instagram stories… all of these things happens on different days, haha.
- While I am still obsessed with my $14 flats that I find myself wearing at least once a day lately, I recently picked up a pair of Me Too flats that are crazy comfy. The have an almond shaped toe that makes my legs look longer, which makes me very happy. The pair I got is in cream white, but I’m adoring the elegant pattern on this pair.
- With the temperature really starting to warm up, it’s that time of year when I have to combat oily summer skin. I’ve been using Clinique’s Moisture Surge™ Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator everyday. It’s a skim plumping, oil-free cream-gel that hydrates without the oily residue a traditional moisturizer leaves. I also find that this matte primer really goes a long way in preventing my skin from getting oily throughout the day when I put it on before my makeup.
- I also felt a little guilty for spending too much money on this Milk Chocolate Toffee & Sea Salt bar (I guess what’s what happens when you go to Whole Foods hungry) until I realized it’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted.
Latest Finds & Sales:
- When we were chatting in the Gem Nation Facebook Group, Chelsey (of Cricket Lane Studio) told us all about the best dresses at Old Navy! So good that she has about 10 of them in different prints and I’m thinking I need 10 of them as well. They’re perfect for a comfy and put-together look! Aside from the print choices, there’s a regular version (on sale right now!), and one with an adorable ruffle bottom (a few of the prints are on sale!).
- My wide-leg summer pants from Onia have been such a hit that I’ve rounded up a bunch of different similar styles. There’s a pair that is friendly for every budget!
