Loving Lately - Ep. 1 for SRW!
Hello there!
It’s a beautiful late spring day here in Raleigh, where I’ve found myself for work on a hair/makeup job, and now I’m cozied up in one of my favorite downtown coffee shops.
Every once in a while I like to do a little roundup of things I’ve been enjoying in the season I’m in (remember those from the LULA Journal?) From products to books to activities, I’ll share little bits of joy from my life.
I’d love to hear what you’ve been loving lately, too!
Skin Owl Geranium Beauty Drops
I snagged this in-store from Trellis Beauty (if you’re local, please go check out this adorable and well-stocked clean beauty/self-care shop in Lafayette Village!) after running out of my BeautyCounter #3 facial oil. I have been totally loving it! I use it in the morning, and only apply 3 drops instead of the recommended 10, since I have naturally oily skin. I apply after washing my face and applying serum, then follow with foundation. It adds a bouncy, luminousness to my skin that I just love!
Image courtesy @cultivatewhatmatters
Powersheets by Cultivate What Matters
I’ve used this goal planner off-and-on for several years now, and I just want to express my love for it once more. I’m a paper and pen kinda gal, and I’ve found it exceedingly helpful to be prompted in such a way that my most meaningful goals come to the surface, and then to check in on them and adjust regularly. I also appreciate that it’s very grace-oriented, so there’s no shame or guilt if something doesn’t get done like you hoped or thought. Progress, not perfection!
My morning & nighttime routines.
It sounds lame, but I have enjoyed having small things to do each morning and night to help ease me into and out of the day with a sense of grace and purpose. It’s not extensive, and as someone prone to depression and melancholy, it helps to have a bit of regularity to my self-care.
Morning: wake up as John leaves for work, make the bed, go outside and do what we call the “farm chores” (feeding the cats and chickens, and watering the garden) come in and grab a cup of coffee or tea, sit down on the couch and have quiet time, make & eat breakfast while watching a fun show (usually Gilmore Girls) before working
Evening: tidy kitchen, get a fresh cup of water, get in PJs, wash face, get in bed while John finishes his down time in the living room (he works a ton so I give him some alone chill time), read in bed
All-black & all-white outfits
Our clothing budget has never been priority, and while I can of course buy something I need, I don’t go shopping for clothes willy-nilly. If I’m inspired with a specific look or style, I’ll go to Goodwill first to see what treasures I can find! Pinterest helps me visualize looks I’m feeling, and I am really enjoying monochrome outfits! My friend Melissa of Melissa de Leon Styling recently suggested figuring out the most flattering colors for your skin/hair tones, and then shopping by color. That has really helped me filter through options for my clothes! (Bonus: Goodwill organizes their clothes by color!)
Enjoying THE weekends!
Having spent the last 6 years as a full-time hair and makeup artist, I worked most weekends throughout the year, unless I specifically planned otherwise (usually for big holidays or birthdays!) In the spring, it was common for me to work as many as 3 weddings on the weekends, frequently missing family members birthdays, church events, or just time with John. I am so thankful to have had that work experience! Now that I’m entering a new season, I’m getting a taste of the joy of a weekly pace that involves rest, fun, and family at the week’s end. We’ve gone to the nearby Farmer’s Market, swimming at the lake and the pool, worked around the house, or just out to the coffee shop together.