A Real Life Update... Because It's Been A While

It feels like it has been an eternity since I've been here with you. I mean, it kind of has, yeah?

Let me just say that life has been BUSY, but in the best way possible. I know that I've been a bit M.I.A. lately, so I just wanted to get real and tell you all what I've been up to, how the new job is going, purchases I'm loving right now, and even a little about the most recent trip I took. I guess the photo is a dead giveaway, yeah?

This post is probably going to be EVERYWHERE, which is probably a blogger faux pas, but oh well. It is my corner of the internet and I'll do what I want.

I guess we'll start with my new job! I'm loving it so much. I'm working in news and it has been such an incredible move for me. My schedule is a bit crazy with the hours I am working there, but I truly am loving every bit of it. I think balancing this new job with this little hobby here has been the biggest struggle and I just wanted to give myself some time to dive fully into my work. I think I've found a good balance and ready to finally get back here and hang out with you.

Next up... I guess my living situation? I moved back home after college and honestly, I'll be here for a little while. Everyone is different, but for me, paying off some debt that I've accumulated is really important and living at home is the best financial option for me right now so I can really tackle this debt. I know that isn't always the best for everyone, but for me, it works and keeps my living expenses lower than it would be living on my own in the heart of Atlanta. I also love that I get to see my nephew so much. When I do move, leaving him will be the hardest part. We are besties... most of the time. He gets mad at me when I don't let him eat 1846579 Dum Dums.

I want to take a minute and talk to you guys about some purchases I've made and loving! I've bought a couple different little things that I'm excited to share with you and could do like a designated post, but I think I just want to share it here first.

Cool Sneakers

I love a good sneaker. Honestly, I would wear a sneaker over a heel any day. I'm 5'7" so I feel like I don't really need added height anyway. I recently bought these Steve Madden sneakers from Saks Off 5th and I love them! I wore them to work the other day and they made my outfit look cool, but best of all... my feet were SO comfortable.

Tinted Moisturizer 

I've been looking for a good tinted moisturizer for some time now. I don't wear a full face of makeup very often, but I like some coverage during the work week. Whitney Lyn, a sweet friend of mine thanks to Instagram, pointed me in the right direction and helped me find a great tinted moisturizer from Beautycounter. I don't think I'll ever get another product.

Facial Oils

While we're talking about Beautycounter, I also picked up some facial oils. I am big on skincare and while I don't know everything, I'm constantly researching and trying out new products. The Skinny Confidential is a wonderful resource. Lauryn is the coolest and shares all the best tips. Anyway... hearing her talk about oils got me interested in trying out some facial oils. Beautycounter has a mini oils set with all their oils to try, so I picked this up while I was shopping. I was looking for something with vitamin C and Whitney recommended the No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil and the little set if I wanted to try them all. Of course, I wanted to try them all! 

If you want to know what Beautycounter products will work for you, definitely reach out to Whitney!

Leggings

I live in leggings when I'm not at work. Well, I wear Betabrand dress pants quite a bit, so I feel like I'm in leggings like all the time if I'm being honest. Anyway, I was wearing some leggings while out with my mom and I look between my thighs and I see a hole. All my ladies with thick thighs know exactly what I'm talking about here. I had a coupon for Aerie and I've heard some really great things about their leggings, so I picked up the Play High Waisted 7/8 Legging to wear during my P.volve workouts and the Chill High Waisted Legging to wear when I'm on the go. I'm never wearing another legging again. These leggings are incredible. I love how light the Play leggings are and the Chill leggings are perfect to wear with an oversized sweater and an over-the-knee boot or sneakers. 

Lastly, I'll give a quick little recap of my trip to Orlando! We were given some tickets to Disney World and spent Sunday there. We split our time between Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. It was my first time and I definitely want to go back, but do an entire park a day. I loved the safari ride at Animal Kingdom and sipped on a Rum Blossom in Pandora. At Magic Kingdom, making sure my 2-year-old nephew, Bentley, met Mickey, Goofy (his hero), and Donald was the priority and we made it happen. We watched some of the parades and the fireworks at the end. I ate the most delicious lobster roll, Dole Whip, and a Mickey ice cream bar. 

Oh... actually, one more thing. I just want to talk to you all about anxiety. I've talked about it before, but I get anxiety and it can be debilitating. Thankfully, I've found that changing my mindset really helps and I'm currently doing some inner work but focusing on gratitude and putting my energy into positivity. Meditation is something I need to really make part of my daily routine, but I find that helps me so much. I know that doesn't work for everyone, but I wanted to briefly share how I'm working on myself. Anna Wood is a beautiful soul and inspired me. I think my point here is that your life is your own journey and you have to find what works for you. We are all different. We have different stories and perspectives. You must do what makes you happy and sparks true joy in your life. 

I think that brings us to the end of this little life update. I tried to keep it to the point and I really just want to thank you for being here. You are a light in my life. 

xx,

Amanda