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Is it just me or do the months feel like they are flying by? Like where did May just go?!? I literally can't even… Before I look back on all the things I loved in May, I want to take a minute. June is a big month for me. It always has been (since it's my birthday month!), but it's also the month I lost my dad. I won't get into everything today, stay tuned to June 16th though!, but wanted to acknowledge his passing. Yesterday marked eight years without him. June 1st is a day I will always remember. I can't think back on it without tears welling up in my eyes. So, here's to you dad ? .
Eating Healthy
I am actually a major foodie. If I had the patience I would totally be a food blogger. I tip my hat to that group of people, because you want to talk about hard work, planning, and a money pit, it's that niche. I love food. Not in the way other people say they “love” food. But in the way that I will literally take 3 days to eat a truffle because I want to savor every. single. morsel. of it. Or will drive 90 minutes out of my way to get the best chicken and waffles in Florida. I'm that kind of foodie. Would you guys want to see more food stuff on my Instagram or the blog?
With BlogHer coming up this month (who else is going?!?) and our long over due honeymoon later this year, the hubs and I are getting into shape! A big part of getting into shape for us has to do with diet. When I am on a health kick, I'm on a health kick. I'm talking probiotics, raw, organic, vegan, juicing, the works. When I'm not on a health kick, I'm all about ice cream, cookies, brisket nachos, New York Company grilled cheeses, and the like. Typically, I'm pretty good at balancing the two conflicting sides of me. I truly enjoy eating healthy and cooking. But with the stress of the move, getting a new puppy, and work, it became a lot easier to order in every night. I'm officially back to balancing what I am eating and getting on the workout band wagon once again.
My “go-to's” right now include: green smoothie for breakfast, yogurt and muesli for lunch or leftovers from dinner, and chicken in salad for dinner or my new favorite: mixing chicken, black beans, trader joe's corn salsa, pico de gallo, and avocado, topped with trader joe's chili lime spice! YUM!
Revamping Blog Graphics
I switched things up a couple of months ago and am slowlyyyy making my way through all the old blog posts to re-do them! Boy is this a huge task *phew*! Learning how to get started with graphic design was one of the biggest and best things I've done for my blog. It's hella time consuming, but so worth it. I put a lot of pressure on myself to have clean, crisp, and color images which have taken a lot of time to practice and refine.
However, it's the best feeling when people compliment my branding or say how recognizable my content is. I do a silent happy dance inside each time! Or when I speak with graphic designers of major companies who give me a funny look when I say my brand colors are green and yellow. Then I show it, and they're like “oh that actually works well!” #winning
Staying Motivated
Historically, the start of summer rolls around and my brain turns to mush. I don't know if it's the heat, or spending countless hours in the ocean, but I struggle to get things done. Oddly, May has been my most productive month both on professionally and personally. I reached a couple of financial milestones with the blog AND was able to get a few rooms in our home 90% of the way done! Can't wait to do the first room reveal this month! A lot of how I stay motivated and on top of all the things has to do with how I schedule my day which I wrote about in May. I like to have a healthy mix of gritty and soul rejuvenating tasks, as well as find extra hours in the day by thinking creatively about how I'm already spending my time.
Talking Credit
From 2014 to 2015 I went to local substance abuse treatment center to teach the life skills curriculum I wrote. The groups covered vocational topics, wellness, and finance primarily. Credit scores were always my favorite topic to get into! It felt so good to share just a little bit of my knowledge with you all on how to get started with repairing your credit scores. I know a lot of you are in the process of getting those babies up, so if you have any additional questions don't hesitate to ask!
DIY Home Decor
I am just starting to get into some DIY fun on the blog! Growing up I loved DIY projects! However as #adulting took over my life, I found myself with a lot of half finished projects shoved into a closet. I shared my first completed DIY Pom Pom Lamp on the blog in May and am so pleased with how it ties everything together in my office. Are you guys into the DIY stuff? Should I add some other projects I am working on?
Saying “No”
Saying “no” is something I am really good at. However, saying it nicely is something I have always struggled with. Not only do I struggle with resting b*tch face, I also have resting b*tch voice! You could say I'm #blessed, or that I'm a condescending b*tch. It really depends on the perspective people ?. Typically though, it's been a curse. Something that deeply hurt me at times when working a 9-5, which was why I loved this guest post from my friends at Bullit on 5 Times To Say “No” At Work & 3 Ways To Do It!
It's tricky balance to figure out if you are saying “no” out of fear of the unknown (which is not okay) or you're saying it to protec your time and productivity (which is totally okay). This month, I've turned down countless projects and meetings simply because I don't have the time and it really helped me stay motivated (re: #1).
Connecting With Brands
Y'all I've been having SO much fun working with brands lately! I am getting to really tap into my creativity and push my knowledge on some of my recent and upcoming collaborations. It feels so good to push myself in the content I am creating for you all and the pitches I am sending brands. My confidence has sky rocketed and I loved sharing how you can connect with brands for sponsored posts too last month!
Neutrals
As much as I love color, I love a good neutral. We've been making some serious progress on our bedroom (which I am so excited to share with y'all in *hopefully* July!) and it's truly a neutral urban oasis! Aside from neutral home decor, if you open up my t-shirt drawer all you will find are black, white, and gray Emi Jay tanks! I seriously LOL'ed a couple of days ago at the sight!
Blogging
This may sound cliche, but I truly fell back in love with blogging in May. I'm not going to lie, I closed out April and started May in a total angsty tailspin when it came to my blog. I've been experiencing my first ever “blogger plateau.” While I didn't have writer's block per se, I certainly struggled with what to write next. I love having sponsored content or a launch period since it gives me some structure when planning my editorial calendar. I cover so many topics on here (and am not willing to give a single one up), but it can feel confusing and overwhelming about what category needs a post and when.
Towards the end of May, I went full tilt on writing about blogging for a course launch promotion, and that actually gave me some time to shut my brain off and focus on June's editorial calendar and how to balance that out. I'm happy to say that I'm actually ahead on content for the first time in what feels like forever. I feel re-connected to my audience. I feel re-invigorated! I'll be sending out a reader survey officially later this month, but if you're an eager beaver and want to share your thoughts on how I'm doing right now, click here.
[RELATED] 7 Biggest Blogging Mistakes
My dress is linked first below. I couldn't find it in white, so I linked it in grey. Plus some cheaper off the shoulder options:
Forbes Articles From May:
3 Digital Nomads Share Their Greatest Challenges & Advice
This Company's Hawaiian Getaway Encourages Work-Life Balance For Employees
The Millennial ‘Try Before You Buy' Job Hunt Boosts Work-Life Balance
29-Year-Old CEO Who Sold $1B In Luxury Cars Shares His Secrets To Work-Life Balance
Work-Life Balance Defined By 5 Work From Home Female Entrepreneurs
Wow. This is a really great post. Actually opened my eyes to a few extra things I could be doing each month to make the most out of my days. Thank you 🙂
You’re welcome!
This is such a cool, creative type of post! I think it’s always really great to take time and reflect on not only every year, but every month! Can’t wait to read another post from you like this!
http://www.marahfrank.com
Thank you! I do them every month now 🙂 after struggling with “goal” posts and all the standard stuff, I finally landed on this style the last couple of months and am so happy with it!
First off, Happy Bday month! =) I’m sorry about your father and I love the picture you added. I loved the whole blog! Thank you ♥
Ahhh thank you!!
Rachel, I love your honesty with this post! You have a strong mindset, and a great head on your shoulders. I’m excited to see what you accomplish this month!
Thank you so much!
#1 I’m so glad you fell in love with blogging again! I absolutely love it, too, but it is super easy to get discouraged.
#2 If you love Emi Jay tanks, I HAVE to try them about. Any soft, comfy, neutral tank that fits well is a must have for me.
Also, I have 0 patience, so I took your reader survey lol. Love your posts as always!
xx
I love it too! It’s not that I fell out of it, but I was definitely freaking out about what to do next! haha and Emi Jay tanks are literally LIFE! I basically only wear those! I get them for cheap on ebay sometimes too if they don’t have a print I want anymore!
I’m sorry about your father. I don’t know what it is like to lose a parent and can only imagine the feelings you experience every June 1st. On a lighter note – I too struggle with RBF. My husband calls me out on it all the time. I love hearing your heart friend!
Thanks girl <3 RBF is so real! haha
I would love to see more food content on your Instagram! I’m so sorry about the loss of your dad… this must be a hard upcoming month. <3
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Thank you!! I’ll definitely start adding more! It’s so much of my heart but then the perfectionist in me takes over when it comes to lighting said food haha!
I love reading what others are loving and doing. Love the look back and then the inspiration for the future!
Thank you!
I am so sorry to hear about losing your father, I know it was eight years ago but that sort of grief never really goes away. I am looking forward to your tribute to him and maybe some content to celebrate your birthday? Also I don’t know if you have a post in credit already but I would TOTALLY love to read it. I made a few mistakes when I was 18/19 and though I’ve been a good girl for the past 6 years I still feel like so much about credit is a mystery.
Oh oh and I really cannot wait to see a bit more of your house. I love interior design content and home tours<3
Thank you <3 It really never goes away, and in some ways its gotten worse of the years with life milestones. I'm excited to share that post! and my intern and I were just brainstorming what to do for my birthday! I think we landed on a topic that you're going to like! It's a heart centered post for sure. – I actually have 2 posts on credit and a whole financial sections! The credit repair one which explains a lot about how credit works (and is probably the most helpful) is linked in this one! Let me know if you have any additional questions on top of it! I held a lot of info back because I didn't want to overwhelm people haha!
I’m looking into starting with brands this upcoming month. I’ll have to read up some more info from your site!
The connect with brands post linked in this one should totally help!
I revamped some of my older blog posts this month too. I added new and better graphics. Going to check out your getting started with graphics post!
Hope its helpful!
ooo! I’m going to Blogher!!! 🙂
Also – one, I love that dress, and two, you’re ahead! Whohoo! Balancing a baby, a full time job, and blogging means I think I will never feel ahead. So please enjoy ti for both of us!
Yay! It’s a lot to juggle!
So sorry for the loss of your father but glad you are remembering him! I too need to update some old blog posts but gosh it takes so much time. I am trying to eat healthier too because my wedding is 1.5 years away. I too can be at the opposite extremes of eating really healthy and then not so healthy. Oh and as far as resting b*tch face and tone….that’s so me!
Thank you Mistle <3 It really takes SO much time! that's good that you are starting now! I waited to work out until like 2 weeks before haha
I’m a graphic designer by trade and I love your use of green and yellow together 🙂 It’s so fun and happy!
Awe thank you!!
I’ve been rediscovering neutrals lately myself! While a bold pop of color is fun, softer and muted palettes are always classic.
YES! I’ve been toying with what bold pop of color I want to do in our living room actually! Do you do any home decor posts?
I love thhose dresses! I’ve been trying to revamp old posts too. Here is my may list!!!! http://www.mommatogo.com/stuff-i-love-may-2017/
Thank you!
All great things to love! I lvoed that saying no post!
Thank you! It was an awesome guest post! Bullit is such a great resource!
Rachel, I’m so sorry about the loss of your father. He would be so proud of you and your blog. All the hard work you’ve been pouring into it really shows. The yellow and green colors, the crisp clean lines – so beautiful! And like you’ve been doing, I need to refresh old posts and replace old images with much better ones. It’s a growing process, and so much fun along the way. 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words <3 It really is so much fun! I couldn't dream up a better job!
Cheers to your daddy! I lost mine in 2012 and I still cry for him often. Sending hugs to you!! Loving those dresses, by the way!
Awe thank you Carly! Hugs to you too <3
This sounds as a pretty interesting month, i am loving the home decor xo
http://www.theninebyivana.blogspot.com
Thank you
It is so crazy how fast may have gone by, I also have been saying no and connecting with lots of great bands!
Right?!? It feels like time is flying!
Sorry about you dad but cheers to him and the life he lived.
I feel like May has been the month of blogging too. I updated my blog and in returned nearly tripled my page views. May was a hectic life changing month for me personally and professionally.
(ps I love your green and yellow theme. But probably because Im a Packers fan)
You sound like my kind of foodie. I love to go to where ever I think is the best at making a certain dish. But lately I have also been on the health kick. Blame summer, I swear swimsuit season sneaks up on us.
Jenn
joyfuliowan.com
Thank you! And that’s AMAZING! Congrats! Haha it really does! FL is always swimsuit season, but we have a lot of trips coming up so I feel like a new layer of pressure haha!
I appreciate you being so honest about what June 1st means to you! I am the same about September 13th, which is the date that my dad passed away 12 years ago. Sending you lots of hugs!
It sounds like May was a great month and that there are so many things to look forward to in June 🙂
Thank you! Sending hugs right back! So many exciting things for June!
I love this! I am going to read that last article now! And I love your hat!!
Thank you so much! It’s from urban outfitters but it’s like a year or two old haha
I feel like I totally fell back in love with blogging last month too! I think it is because it was my first month being full time, and I could dedicate all my time to it. 😀
Yeah, it’s a lot easier when there aren’t other distractions and drama happening 😉
Aww I love your May list, the months keep flying just right past us every time!!
I have started my eating healthy campaign in June and hopefully I’ll complete it.
And I love the saying no part a lot!
Ash | http://www.theashtreejournal.com
RIGHT?!? Like time, slow down!
Loved this! What a great round up <3
Thank you!
I’m so sorry about your dad. I cannot imagine how tough that must be, and especially during the “anniversary” time. I hope you are doing okay!
Also, what the heck is Muesli? lol
haha it’s a mix of stuff, typically used as cereal or as a low sugar granola alternative – basically most have a base of raw rolled oats, then some sort of seed or nut, dried fruit, and other grains. It’s delicious! There are tons of different flavors and options out there!
That sounds right up my ally! I love stuff like that (I just had no idea it was called that. HA)!
First, I’m so sorry about your father! <3
It seems like your blog is doing amazing and happy birthday!
Great post. 🙂
Thank you <3
I do a little happy dance when someone compliments me on my brand also haha.
-Alix
Haha it’s the best feeling!
I am so sorry for your loss! sending you big warm hugs!!! I am so glad you are staying motivated 🙂
Thanks Bella <3 Seeing all your workout videos on instastories are definitely inspiring me too!
I love how you do your graphics, so that was time well spent 🙂 Now you have me wanting to go back and fix all of my old ones!
Thank you! It’s definitely worth it!
I’m loving your pom pom lamp! I love to DIY (it’s one of the thongs I blog about) so would love to see more projects!
Lianne | Makes, Bakes and Decor
Thank you!!
I’ve been eying the chili lime spice the last few times I’ve been in TJ’s. Do you think it’d be good on beans/veggies, too? I’m not really eating meat right now.
Definitely! When we went today they had samples of it on watermelon! It totally worked weirdly! Haha but i throw it on my steamed veggies now too! Definitely worth it! (TJ’s will also let you try anything before you buy if you’re still not convinced 😉 )
The pom pom lamp is so cute!
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Thanks so much!
I also had a big project revamping the images in old blog posts. I learned how to edit photos in Photoshop to brighten them up. It makes such a difference! It’s very time consuming work but totally worth it 🙂
Gennifer Rose | http://www.GenniferRose.com
Yay! It really is totally worth it!
Sending good vibes to you this month! I’ve been absolutely loving your posts lately and I can’t wait to see more content!
Thank you Anna!
Happy birthday month! And I also have serious RBF haha – to the point here I look like I’m glaring at my computer all day. I definitely need to get back on my health kick – I haven’t been able to make it to the gym in over a month! And love the revamps – I’m working on tweaking a few things here and there on my own blog site, and it’s hard for just the few things I have to do so I couldn’t imagine doing that amount of old content too!
Haha it’s such a struggle! It’s hard to just do a few at a time, I want to forget all my other responsibilities and just fix stuff haha
Love this post! You look absolutely stunning in that white striped dress. I’m so sorry about your dad. I hope your June is full of blessings!
xo // http://www.thematerialgirl.co
Thank you so much!
Sounds like you were so productive and on top of things in May! Also, I really love your blog colors, they work together so well!
Thank you Shannon!
I’m proud of you for saying no. Loving your graphics! Hugs to you as you remember your sweet Dad!
Thanks so much Kelsie <3
Girl, I am THE SAME kind of foodie! LOL! I’ve totally gone out of my way for food. Like, wayyyy out of my way! 😛 😛
Yasss!! It’s just SO worth it! haha
Sounds like May was a busy month for you! I’m also working on blog graphics and it seems like the process will never end! Here’s to an awesome June!
It really feels like a never ending process haha! Here’s to june!
I lost my Mom in June too, in 2011. I can understand, trust me. On a more cheerful note, congrats on all your recent endeavors! I hope to feel as confident about my blogging one day! Cheers!
Thank you! And I’m sorry for your loss too <3
You’re so inspiring, every time I read your posts I feel empower and motivated to keep going 🙂 Cheers to May, bring on June! <3
Awe thank you so much Brittany!!
Neutrals are my new obsession!
I can’t get enough!!
It sounds like you had an amazing month! I can’t wait to see what you have planned for June and yes to more food on Instagram and yes to more DIYs! Also if you are sharing recipes YES to food on the blog! 🙂
Haha I would love to do food on the blog, but like seriously, that ish is SO much work! Eventually its something I REALLY want to add (I used to teach a cooking class actually haha!). So I’ll just start adding more to Insta for now 😉 how is whole30 going?? I am heavily considering it…
Your dad would be really freaking proud of you, Rach. You’re a superstar.
Also you’re getting over any “plateau” like a champ. KEEP GOING!
Thank you! The pinterest book definitely lit a fire under my ass haha
I always love readings about your month’s achievements and happenings! Looks like you’ve had a great May 🙂 I’m glad you fell back in love with blogging – you’re amazing at it.
xx Carly | http://www.thecarlycollective.com
I love that May was such a productive month for you! I’m totally the same way when summer comes around – haha!!! Also, yay for revamping your blog graphics – everything is looking great!
– Kaitlin
kedgotwed.com
I wish my diet was on point this past month, but I’ve been eating so bad!! Hopfully mine will be better this month. Sounds like you had a good May!
xoxo,
Amy | Pastel N Pink
This is such a cool post! Just thinking what I loved in May…. definitely cocktails outside in the sunshine 🙂
As much work as it is, I enjoy the end result of revamping my blog graphics. It always feels amazing!!!