7.26.2019

"Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road"
Jack Kerouac


To say that this month has been the best I've had all year would be a serious understatement. Our big road trip was the highlight, but spending more time at the beach has been a huge mood lifter as well. At this point, access to the ocean is the main reason Nate and I still live in California. When we've talked about moving, "but what about the beach?" always comes up and then we drop the subject entirely.

When we were on the road - sometimes for 8, 10 hours a day - I had a lot of time to reflect. Some thoughts were lighthearted (for example, why do I get better cell service in the middle of nowhere than I do at home in the suburbs?) while others (the meaning of life, marriage, children, etc.) went a bit deeper. I felt grateful that I was reconnecting with one of my closest friends in a way I never really have before. Nicole and I have been friends since high school, experienced a lot together, but you learn a ton about people when you're on the road. Her family made for ideal travel buddies! They drove separately, but we basically did a caravan with them most of the way. Nicole and her husband have two small twin boys. They are the sweetest kids, and it was really exciting to see things through their eyes. Since Nate and I aren't parents to humans (yet), I was slightly worried before the trip that plans wouldn't mesh but I was dead wrong. Instead, Nate became their "uncle", I found out I'm cool at collecting rocks, and Nettie wants to be chased around by little people every damn day now.

I kept a journal too. The things I wrote (verbatim) included:
I wish I felt like this at home -  freedom from routine...

The feeling like I can try new things and actually be good at them, or at the very least, enjoy myself.

While I genuinely love clothes and cosmetics, it's SO important to take a break from consumption. I love camping because there's something liberating about it. You realize how much "stuff" you really don't need.
Edit: I came home and wanted to throw everything away (a fleeting thought of course). Still, it's good to keep in mind as someone who blogs about clothes.

Forgive me, I legitimately wrote this after a few drinks late one night ----> F*%$ the #nsale!

You get the point. All this to say that we created memories that will last a lifetime. If you ever get the chance, take a drive and explore more of the country, whichever country you're reading this from :)


And with that, here is my monthly edit for July:

Shopping at the Revolve x Palms Casino pop-up shop while we were in Las Vegas. The store's selection is limited and it definitely caters to a more stereotypical "Vegas" clientele (think lots of form fitting dresses and skirts, crop tops) than I've come to expect from Revolve, but it was still worth a look! The store itself is visually stunning with an entire wall made of flowers. That in itself was worth the stop. I ended up buying this wave spray from the Ouai and I really love it.


Wearing my hair naturally, thanks to aforementioned salt spray and my tried and true John Frieda foam. I also got a fresh trim this month, which always feels amazing in the dead of Summer!

Excited to celebrate Nicole's 35th birthday at the river in Arizona in a couple weeks. God, mid-way through our thirties already!

Photographing Nettie every chance I get, especially with her adorable life vest on at the pool.

Working out with a personal trainer became a thing again this month. Nate has been taking morning group classes at a gym near our house, and he somehow convinced me to take private classes with a trainer for a few weeks. The plan is to get more comfortable with working out again, and then I'll begin taking the group classes with him. So far I'm sore as can be, but I feel more mentally focused overall.


Things I liked in July: E V E R Y T H I N G

Things I did not like in July: See Above
Okay, I'm sure I disliked some things in July but let's just keep the positive vibes flowing! If only for this month.


I hope you have a great weekend! I'm off to Ohio for a few days but I'll be back around this time next week.

4 comments:

  1. Aw, I'm glad you had such a great month! I loved reading your journal entries! Also didn't know Revolve had a pop up shop in Vegas. How cool! And great job on starting on your routine with a personal trainer! Hope you are able to segue nicely to group classes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Gina! So far, I think I'm on my way! The sore muscles are a killer though ;/
      I need an epsom salt bath stat!

      Delete
  2. Sounds like a truly amazing trip! I'm glad you were able to take the time and focus on life away from 'life'. I think we get so hung up on trivial things ruining our days that we aren't taking in the big picture.
    Chic on the Cheap

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lydia, I couldn't agree more. Taking a break from everyday life as you said is so important in reconnecting with parts of ourselves that we may have been neglecting.

      Delete

Thank you for commenting! I read each and every one, and do my best to answer questions or return the favor on your blog.