Hey friends, happy Monday! I’m doing things a little differently around here today on account of the fact that I’ve got a hodgepodge of things on my mind and I want to share them with you here.
This weekend we made our way to Manhattan to love on our baby niece, Camilla, catch up with the rest of the fam and eat our weight in donuts and home cooked meals. In turn, I made it a point to get back into my typical workout routine and was able to try a few new classes – thanks to my renewed membership with ClassPass.
Two things are certain about the fall we’re having. Number one: The leaves are brighter than they’ve ever been and I catch myself looking up more often than not. Number two: The time change has never taken such a toll on my body in my 28 years of life. I’ve been getting a crazy amount of sleep, but I’m still dragging by 8:30 each night! Has anyone else been feeling this way?
You know that unmistakable feeling you get when you meet someone for the first time and are positive there’s a reason your paths crossed? Every seemingly ridiculous sentence rolling off your tongue is met with, “I totally get it,” followed by, “Yes, we can make that happen!” That’s how I felt when I met up with Kyndall (thanks for connecting us, Jenny!) to talk about my long-term plans for the blog and my practically nonexistent photography skills. I’ve got some homework to do this week, but I’m feeling reinvigorated after what felt like the never-ending slump/roller coaster of a summer.
I’m sure by now you’ve all heard about the girl who quit social media. I hadn’t given much thought to the handful of articles I’d read on her situation until Lauren shared a rebuttal to the whole ordeal. I look at it this way, at the end of the day we’re all responsible for our own actions and the choices we make on social media – much like living in the real world, right? It’s my responsibility to keep myself in check and handle whatever issues might come up. If something isn’t working for you, change it. But don’t assume whatever you’re kicking to the curb isn’t going to work/isn’t working for other people, either. What are your thoughts?
I told you…brain dump. What have you been reading/working on lately? I’d love to hear from you down in the comments!
I’ll see you back here on Wednesday for the first gift guide of the season!
Photo by Alissa | Similar silver oxfords seen here (and on sale, I might add)
I totally rolled my eyes at Essena’s story, there’s tons more like her on social media. The problem has never been or will it ever be social media, it is within us to be responsible and honest about what we post. If I take a pic that I think is not flattering guess what? I’m not posting but also I will never alter my pics to make myself look skinnier or whatnot. it bothered me that she seems to blame instagram, when it’s just a platform. The problem is with people and how they choose to use social media. Lauren’s response is spot on.
I can only imagine how many others there are out there. There are so many ways to look at it! It’s easy for me to say, at my age, that I’ve got it under control and being comfortable in my own skin helps. I’ve got younger brothers and sisters who aren’t obsessed with making their lives look picture perfect on social media. They’re just sharing bits and pieces of their life with friends and that’s it.
I loved your weekend snaps, and your little niece is sooooo cute!! I hope you had a good weekend with your family!
I’ve read about the girl that quit social media, I feel like my viewpoint goes back and forth. Some day’s I totally get it and some days I just dont… but then I remember she is young! Now that I’m a little older it makes it easier to step back and keep in touch with reality. But that just my opinion…. Anyway, come visit sooooon!! 🙂
xo, Sarah
Thank you! She’s such a doll 🙂 Mine definitely wavers, too. She is very, very young and I think there are a lot of contributing factors that led to her breaking point.
I need to plan something stat!
JESS! Yes I was just telling my co-worker how crazy tired I’ve been EVERY night by 9. I literally have gone to bed by 9 the past four nights. The darkness and time change is really taking a toll on me!
It’s INSANE! I guess hibernation mode is out in full force 😉
I’m so glad you talked about Essena! When I read her story I felt bad for her. She was so so young when she started. It’s easy to step back and say that she’s blowing it out of proportion because we didn’t have such crazy unrealistic social media standards when we were in middle school and high school. I can only hope that someday she doesn’t hate the world for taking advantage of her and her social media fame. Being able to step back and look at the platforms strategically I go to Instagram and other platforms for inspiration. While I enjoy seeing someones behind the scenes and mess ups I also want to be inspired. I don’t think it’s fake or wrong to put our best foot forward on social media. It has actually helped me to step up my appearance and keep an eye out for opportunities. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. But i’ve had a few more years under my belt to get into my own skin without the harsh social media work critiquing my every move and outfit choice.
Don’t get me wrong, I definitely feel sympathy towards her. I think there are a lot of factors that went into her reaching her breaking point. Should she have even been on social media at such a young age? Probably not. Was there any monitoring going on from her parents? Who knows.
I don’t think it’s fake or wrong, either 🙂 It’s what keeps me coming back for more!
I’m 100% with you, girlfriend. Last night I was in bed at 9 p.m. But the reality of the situation was I wanted to be in bed at 7:30. #grandmalife
xo,
Natalie | Natalie Was Here
Lucky for me I’ve got a few books on my nightstand that have been neglected, so I’m playing catch up!
I came from Twitter thinking that you were quitting social media too! I was like, “NO, SHE CAN’T!”
Anyway, I totally understand where that girl who quit social media is coming from and I have mixed feelings – more so because all of my siblings grew up in the technology era – and I see them struggle with wanting the most likes, buying followers, etc. And a part of me wishes they would quit too, but what does that teach them?
For me, posting overly contrasted photos taps into my creative side. I get to curate all of these nice, pretty photos not because I want people to think that I live in an overly contrasted world, but because 1) I like holding mini photoshoots with inanimate objects and 2) I know that my real life isn’t all sprinkles and glitter. Do I wish people interacted more with my social media posts? OF COURSE! But, I don’t obsess over it.
I love what everyone else is thinking! Happy Tuesday!
Oh my word, definitely not! Haha. There’s a very fine line, that’s for sure 🙂 p.s. you are hilarious.
I hope your week is off to a great start!
Cute shoes! 🙂
i agree with you 100%! also, p.s. i’m loving those silver shoes! so cute. xx
Thanks, Caitlin!