Why I Needed a Blogging & Social Media Break…

I swear I never thought I’d get back to the point of being excited about blogging again. Quite frankly, blogging had become more of a chore and pretty much a bore…no “bars” intended lol.

If you’re a blogger of any kind, I think you can probably relate to how ruthless the blogging world can be. Since I hate drama and am content in my own little bubble, putting myself “out there” got me more than I bargained for. I expected more comraderary from fellow bloggers but ya’ll competition is real out here…even if you’re not competing. I won’t spend much more time on that negativity but to say with real things going on in life, I couldn’t fathom letting trivial bits of pettiness and mean girl personas to move me in any way. I had to focus on getting me back to my best self.

In the midst of blogging, I think I neglected myself more than I realized. Truth is, I neglected myself a ton! I spent a lot of time researching info, growing my Instagram and social media influence and that left little time to really take care of me. I’ve talked about some health issues I have before and not putting myself first was having a negative effect on those pre-existing issues. The oxymoron of it all is that all you saw was me writing about what I was wearing, my skin, my self care solutions. Sadly, I let…myself…go.

As if my own self sabatoge wasn’t enough, our family suffered a few losses last year. One loss this year. Yes I said a few and then one. Mentally, everyone who loses a loved one needs time to reflect and gather themselves to be emotionally fit to move forward. That’s just reality. When you have children, you need more time because children need consoling and nurturing. Ours (hubby’s and mine) are at the age where they are “aware” and have questions, legit ones, about the situation surrounding the death. After they are “okay”, us parents need to usher into self care.

I’m currently on that journey of self care. I suffered extreme hair loss, skin flare ups of all kinds including hives, acne and eczema, headaches, joint and muscle pain and more things that I’ll not have to mention because the above is enough. I had to get these things in order and fast! To resolve these issues calls for more than just some sort of salve or serum. Deep research, medical help and just re-acquainting myself with my body again was essential. Now while I am still in process, I am discovering other fruits that need pruning or plucking from my life. Not that they’re necessarily bad but they provide no enrichment or “nutrition” to me as a person or to my life.

Folks…rid yourself of people, habits, so called goals, mindsets, platforms, loves and hates that don’t help you to be a better person. We grow physically but mental health and growth is just as important…actually more important. Social media is social. It’s not essential in order for us to survive. If IG was shut down for good, if YouTube was outlawed, where would that leave you? I had to ask myself if I was too deeply enthralled with something that encourages faux realities. I actually became a part of it. I looked like I took better care of myself that I actually did. That’s the long and short of it. And look, we all neglect ourselves from time to time but I was extreme. I saw problems and put them off making excuses of not having time. Buy out time. (I got that straight from the Bible lol.) It will cost time from something else but its worth it.

Where am I now? Well I am still a blogger and I have some posts that will be coming out but I am pacing myself. I don’t have to post a new look every day or every three days. I’ve decided on once per week. Maybe a lookbook in between. I’m working on my social media plan but it can not overtake my life. Perspective is important and I’ve put things in perspective.

That being said, I am working on some things that I will share a little later. Hopefully, you guys will be as excited as I am about them!

Lazy Days 2016

Yep! Lazy days again. It’s the middle of summer and I celebrated my anniversary this past weekend. Last year, I had my lazy day very late into summer, in August. The day we shot that, a small tragedy struck. This year, after celebrating, I just wanted to relax and look good while doing it. I bought a coral maxi dress a few years back and I’m just getting around to wearing it. I thought it would be the perfect piece in my wardrobe to wear for a day to relax. 

It’s that girly “time” for me, that all of us girls love (shameless sarcasm) and I didn’t feel like heels or a lot of extra details. Usually, I like to do more reading for some reason. I chose to grab my large straw bag for dumping comfort and essentials in. This bag is so roomy I can just load up on healthy snacks, water and the rest of my reading materials. I tied a scarf around my high bun for an extra touch. My accessories are pretty simple, hoop earrings and charm bracelets inspired by the ones you see at Alex and Ani. I’m wearing simple black flat sandals for another layer of comfort. You can literally do so many things with this look. I ran errands, got some work done and relaxed the rest of the day (with some more working in between of course lol). How do you dress on lazy days? 

Happy Friday Cupcakes!!! 🎉

Dress: Intimint, similar. Shoes, Bag & Scarf: Target (sold out). Bracelet: Jewelmint (sold out). Charm Bracelets: eBay. 



@Influenster: #TreatVoxBox Review (#yogiteamom) (#YumVs) (#CozyCapp) (#LoveWeleda) (#MakeItYours)

So I am FINALLY doing my review of the Treat Vox Box from Influenster. Let’s jump right into it!

My favorite of the teas that I got was the Cinnamon Vanilla Healthy Skin. The taste! Omg!! It tasted sooooo good!! I am a real fan of Yogi teas so of course I was too excited to try more flavors that boast the ability to help solve a beauty problem like flawed skin. Because I only had one packet, I can’t say for sure that this did much for my skin but I am definitely willing to try more an entire pack because I loved the flavor! 

Next, while on the subject of beverages, I’ll let you know about Hills Bros. Cappuccino I received. I loved the cappuccino pods! They were so good and a nice substitute for grabbing a latte or capp out at your local coffee shop! I also received the packets which I didn’t like as much. I shared one of my pods with my hubby (who frequents the coffee shop) and he really liked it! Definitely something I would grab on my future grocery trips. All of the flavors were yummy! 

Next, I got the Weleda products which I liked. I love trying new products. There wasn’t much product to try but I would buy a a larger amount to try again. These products smell amazing! 

On to one of my favorite things in this box: Yum•Vs!! Yum•Vs are so chocolaty and yummy!!! My children (and I) loved them and let me tell you, they did what they were supposed to do. Just the sample made a difference with my tummy! I couldn’t recommend these products more! You guys HAVE to try them! I will be grabbing them for my children, my hubby AND myself. They don’t have a medicine taste. So worth a buy!! 

Lastly, I was able to try Country Crock by way of a coupon sent to me. I must say I was very hesitant to try this product because I am a organic butter consumer. For review, I decided to give it a try. My honest opinion is “eh”. While I admit that the Country Crock product was creamy, I will gladly stick with my love for butter lol.