Oh, Hello Again!

I once read you should never apologize for a break in blogging — that you should just be like "hey this is what's on my mind today" without saying "so sorry I haven't posted in a while!"

Well, I haven't posted in a while, so here's what's on my mind today: Taking time to slooooow down.

Between leaving my job to go full-time freelance and planning a wedding, I've been a busy bee lately! Building a business (or two or three) and preparing for marriage are both huge life changes, and I've been adjusting to this new life of mine. I'm thankful — so thankful — and just a little overwhelmed at times!

I've been reading a book with a group of friends, Shauna Niequist's Present Over Perfect, and here's something she had to say:

“Many of us, myself, included, considered our souls necessary collateral damage to get done the things we felt we simply had to get get done - because of other people's expectations, because we want to be know as highly capable, because we're trying to outrun an inner emptiness. And for a while we don't even realize the compromise we've made. We're on autopilot, chugging through the day on fear and caffeine, checking things off the list, falling into bed without even a real thought or feeling or connection all day long, just a sense of having made it through.”

Maybe the "do or die" to-do list you've been carrying around is really just a "do or die trying" list?

So I'm putting less pressure on myself. Or at least I'm trying to!

Spending extra time on a fishtail braid because it makes me feel #fancy, wearing this fun picnic outfit from Modcloth, still knocking items off of my to-do list, but giving myself grace. And time to breathe. Breathing is important, you guys.

I also don't see self-care as a singularly woman's issue, though I notice more women writers talking about it. Food for thought.

Anyway, here are some other things I'm into right now:

- 6 peach desserts that are the definition of summer via Bon Appetit

- Dying to try Glossier's Cloud Paint

- Currently reading this book, which is super interesting

- Artificial light from digital devices lessens sleep quality, via Science Daily

What's on your brain lately? Let me know, either here, on Facebook or on Instagram!

Outfit details: dress c/o Modcloth, statement ring c/o Modcloth, shoes.

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5 Moving Tips

My roommate and I moved into a loft over the weekend! I've been simultaneously looking forward to and dreading this process. I'm so excited to be in a new place that fits our lifestyle better (we're much closer to everything, and I was going to go insane living another day in a beige-on-beige-on-beige apartment). On the other hand, moving is hard work and takes a lot of time! We moved from the third floor of our old building to the second floor in our new building, so let's just say I'm going to be avoiding stairs for a while. Anyway, here's some things I learned through the process:

1. Cover your shampoo lids with saran wrap — I read this tip on Buzzfeed and didn't use it. Long story short, my shampoo exploded all over everything, and I am full of regret. Moral of the short story: Always listen to Buzzfeed.

2. Pack the plants last — I actually made a final separate trip for the plants. Get a wide box to place them in so you don't have to worry about any delicate leaves getting damaged in the process. After all, they're living things, and you should treat living things nicely.

3. Invest in superglue — Y'know, just in case you accidentally broke the blind-twisty-wand-thing in your old apartment. You can probably just superglue it back on and pass your check out inspection without your former landlord asking any questions... Probably.

4. Rent a U-Haul — This was the single best thing we did, even though we were just moving across town. It made the day go by so much faster (which was great because we moved on one of the hottest days of the summer).

5. Get a good crew — Our moving "crew" included friends and family who helped us carry big boxes, little boxes, take apart furniture and put some together. A sweet friend dropped off daisies and another delivered the cutest housewarming gift. The best part about this crew is they'll stick with us after the move.

Let me know if you have any unpacking tips! I have a feeling I'll be pretty busy...

P.S. Photos of me and Merry by Austin Elliott of Locke + Stache Media. Photo of daisies by me. (Thanks, Megan, for our sweet move-in gift!)

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