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Happy July!!! Is everyone getting ready for the fourth tomorrow?! I plan to just sit on the beach, relaxing with the hubs and pup! If you’re new around here, at the start of each month I do a little round up of my favorite posts, trends, or products from the previous month! Catch up on past “10 Things I Love” if you have some extra time!
My Birthday
ICYMI, last month I officially hit a decade of adulting! These last ten years have been a rollercoaster. While I am beyond grateful for where I am today, and wouldn’t necessarily have wanted a “crystal ball” I did write a post on what advice I would’ve told my 18 year-old self, which I think is applicable to most stages of life.
Reading
Summer is always my favorite time to settle into a good book. It’s a great time to slow down, reflect, and grow. Here are some of my favorite memoirs by women I think everyone should read.
Orange Is The New Black
Since you already read about the memoirs I recommend, it should probably come as no surprise that I am a huge Orange Is The New Black fan, even before the show. These last two seasons keep getting better in my opinion. I love how they are tackling real issues that our countries criminal justice system faces. There’s the obvious more talked about: police brutality; but the not so obvious which I hope people don’t over look during this season: felons and inmates are treated like animals, less than animals, they are treated like they don’t exist (in my opinion, thats worse than being treated like dirt). You see, our criminal justice system is built around punishment. It’s designed to increase recidivism back into the system.
This season of OITNB happens over the course of four or five days during the riot, and I know some people on twitter were super pissed about that, but they clearly had their eyes closed! This season maintained the typical comedic relief in such a desperate situation, which maybe led people to overlook the amount of truth and reality on critical issues they shined a light on in those few days. Inmates can’t get access to basic things like adequate health care (imagine if you were totally cut off from credible doctors who can actually make a diagnosis, help you get the appropriate medications, or even from something as small as tampons). Or, imagine being cut off from humanity, and in turn losing your own.
If that’s not good enough reasoning to look at how we are doing things, then ask yourself why was President Obama the first ever sitting President to visit a federal prison? *cough* not wanting to face guilt and shame at the system? *cough* This is something that’s ignored in our country and then we wonder why crime rates are so high. I hope this show continues down this road. Jenji Kohan said that while the show is contracted for 7 seasons currently, in theory could go on forever. I hope she extends it!
Understanding Health Insurance
Health insurance has always been something that totally confuses me or overwhelms me. I spent some time getting all the terms down, I called my doctors to make sure I understood what was going to be covered and shared it all with you guys in my post on understanding health insurance.
Sharing My Heart
June also marked seven years since my dad passed away. The year he past away Father’s Day happened to fall on my birthday. This year I decided to open up about him in my post, A Fatherless Father’s Day.
My Office
Did you catch my official Jungalow inspired boho office reveal last month?!? Ugh, it feels SO good to have my office done! I spend so much time in here each day that I needed a bright and clean space to really get the creative and productive juices flowing. This was the first room I have ever decorated 100% by myself in my life! It felt so good to see my vision come to life and can’t wait to share the other rooms with you as they come together the next few months!
Conference-ing
I attended my first every blog conference this year!! I had so much fun meeting other bloggers, drawing some inspiration and motivation from the energy, and of course, learning how to improve! Honestly, blogging is one of those things thats always evolving and changing, I feel like the potential and things to learn are limitless! As an introvert attending a conference can be tough, so I share my 10 tips for making the most out of a conference as an introvert.
Shop this dress (it’s only $13!!!)
Mindset Shifts
I don’t know about you, but it seems like all the negativity in the world has been rearing it’s ugly head and impacting the conversations coming into my life. Without even realizing, I started to give into it, gossiping a little more, being a little more passive aggressive, and just generally throwin’ shade. I noticed it was a lot of other people’s energy around me that I was feeding off of. So I decided to cut out the toxicity, excuse myself from those conversations, and keep peoples names or topics out of my mouth that don’t serve me. I also loved this guest post on understanding health insurance which gives actionable advice on shifting your mindset.
Summer Dates
Summer has so many options of things to do! But sometimes, summer dates can feel a little played out. I shared some of my favorite summer date ideas for when your broke, that are a little more unique than “watch a sunset!”
Noosa
I know I worked with Noosa on Instagram, and this part is not sponsored, but just SO dang good! You guys, if you’re looking for a delicious yogurt and over the boring flavors, you have to try out Noosa! They use natural and non-GMO ingredients (yes even their milk is tested for non-gmo’s and if you know about the dairy industry, you know what a big deal that is). I am loving the coconut and strawberry rhubarb. My friend Michelle from She’s Not So Basic recommends “the coconut yogurt with berries, almond butter, cacao nibs, flax seeds, and chia seeds” – which legit sounds UH-mazing and I am totally trying it ASAP!
Shop this dress (it’s only $13!!!)
My Forbes Articles On Work-Life Balance From June:
How To Achieve Work-Life Balance Before 9 AM Every Day
5 Entrepreneurs Share Advice For Working From Home
How This Millennial CEO Integrates Work & Life To Create The Ultimate Workplace
Digital Nomads Living The Vanlife Share Challenges & Work-Life Balance Tips
CEO Of Mindbodygreen Shares How He Encourages Work-Life Balance
Tanvi
July 3, 2017 at 8:11 amLooks like you have head quite a productive month. I was great to go and read your previous posts. Followed you on Twitter.
❥ tanvii.com
Chelsea
July 3, 2017 at 8:18 amYour office is just the cutest!! And yay for summer birthdays! I feel like no matter how old you get, birthdays will always be special. It’s my fiance’s 30th today!
Cassie Arenz
July 3, 2017 at 8:53 amSounds like you had an awesome month! I can’t wait to go back and read some of these! I understand the pain of losing a parent. I lost my mother last year. Thank you for sharing your story 🙂
Cassie
Cassie’s Big Adventure
Jessica Lam
July 3, 2017 at 9:40 amI wasn’t a huge fan of the latest OITNB season, but I really liked the last episode! PS your office is so adorable!
Alissa Carpenter
July 3, 2017 at 9:55 amI still can’t decide if I liked this season of OITNB… some aspects I did but still so mad about Poussey!
Kristen Jones
July 3, 2017 at 10:10 amYou had such a great month! I absolutely love your office –and too funny, I figured out all the ins and outs of my health insurance this month, too!
Lecy | A Simpler Grace
July 3, 2017 at 10:17 amI watched OITNB for the first two seasons then gave up my Netflix account, so I’ve missed it so much. I need to resubscribe so I can catch up!
Divya Budhraja
July 3, 2017 at 10:24 amI love Noosa! The coconut flavor is my favorite, but I’ll only buy it when it’s on sale! It can get pricey!
Michelle @ And Then We Tried
July 3, 2017 at 10:28 amI love the pumpkin Noosa that they have at Target!
http://www.andthenwetried.com
Kait
July 3, 2017 at 10:51 amYay I am going to the beach today, too! So excited. The weather is so freakin beautiful. I was just in fL last week, but I came back to similar weather here in NY, so I’m pumppppped. Loved how you wrote about mindset in this post a few times. It really changes your life when you choose to rid of the negative & sprinkle positivity into the world xx
Lily Ayala
July 3, 2017 at 10:53 amHappy Belated Birthday! So glad you had a great birthday month!
I am off to see your office, it looks so darn cute!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Jill @ RunEatSnap
July 3, 2017 at 10:56 amSo many great links I need to visit and read now. Thanks for sharing!
Marcie
July 3, 2017 at 11:35 amHappy Birthday! I love that you figured out your health insurance! It’s so important to understand what’s covered now because you just never know…
Melissa Cruz
July 3, 2017 at 12:13 pmJune was a great month! I will have to Noosa. I’m always looking for new yogurts to try since I get bored really easily with their taste or flavors.
xx, Melissa
http://elephantontheroad.com
Renee || Getting Fit Fab
July 3, 2017 at 12:27 pmHappy Birthday! It sounds like you had a wonderful June! June was a great month for me too! So awesome that you got to to go BlogHer!
Shi Hui
July 3, 2017 at 1:02 pmOMG anything related to insurance also confuse me! It’s like why is aduling so difficult! Haha
Neely
July 3, 2017 at 2:21 pmOITNB was really good. I loved Taystee and Allison this season. Her backstory especially was fantastic.
Olivia Stacey
July 3, 2017 at 2:29 pmYes girl– way to make such meaningful strides in June. Health insurance has always overwhelmed me too. I really appreciate your post on it– so helpful!
xoxo,
Liv
http://www.livslookbook.com
Helen @ Hel On Heels
July 3, 2017 at 3:16 pmYou have a great list! I loved your list of memoirs and your birthday post. Hope you had a wonderful birthday month!
Lynn White
July 3, 2017 at 3:32 pmGreat list. My birthday is in June also. Happy belated birthday!
Felicia Renee
July 3, 2017 at 3:34 pmI definitely want to go to a conference, but I’m an introvert too, so I’ve been apprehensive. This is a great list!
Courtney Connolly
July 3, 2017 at 3:56 pmYour office looks like an absolute dream!!
Mom Noms
July 3, 2017 at 4:35 pmIt seems like you had a great June. I haven’t seen the new OITNB yet, but it’s on my list right now. I’ve been meaning to try Noosa, but never really think about it when I go to the store. I’m definitely putting it on my list.
Elizabeth Johnson
July 3, 2017 at 5:02 pmY’all the cutest! Date nights are the best! Love the new office space and getting a glimpse into your heart. Really really great posts last month!
Cayla Daniels
July 3, 2017 at 5:16 pmYour office is beautiful!! And I feel like “mindset shifts” have been ongoing all year for me…ha! But the Summer has definitely provided chances to practice positivity.
Crystal @ Dreams, etc.
July 3, 2017 at 5:39 pmYour office is so pretty! I totally forgot that OINTB released it’s new season in June… last month was a tad crazy for me with some really stressful stuff going on, but also some really good stuff. And Noosa! It’s one of my favorite yogurt brands. I love it so much!
Rachel G
July 3, 2017 at 5:53 pmYou had a very full June! Birthday months are always a little extra-exciting–July is my birthday month!
Jenny
July 3, 2017 at 7:08 pmStill obsessed with your office. Can’t wait to decorate mine.
She's Not So Basic
July 3, 2017 at 8:46 pmI loved all of these things in June toooooo!!! I loved that you got a little more personal and I also loooved your office reveal! I can’t wait to see what you do with the rest of the house! Alsoooooo thanks for sharing my yogurt concoction! I highly recommend getting the fresh ground almond butter from either Fresh Market or Whole Foods before you try it lol it makes a huge difference!
Allison Ellzey
July 3, 2017 at 9:26 pmI love this! Happy belated bday! I feel like I spent all of June understanding health care/insurance too and boy is it frustrating!
Samantha Bender
July 3, 2017 at 9:37 pmI’ve got a lot of your posts to catch up on! Thanks so much for opening up and talking to us about such important things in your personal life, like your father and your birthday. And thank you for also talking about super important current issues like the health care and penal systems.
Jiawun
July 3, 2017 at 9:54 pmSounds like such a productive month! I haven’t gotten around to watching OITNB but now I want to. Heading over to your post to see your office now!
Molly Moon
July 4, 2017 at 12:08 am1. I’m still obsessed with your office.
2. I wish we’d had a chance to meet at BlogHer! Let’s grab a coffee the next time we’re at the same conference.
Molly // Miss Molly Moon
Desiree
July 4, 2017 at 2:26 amSounds like a great month!! Happy belated Birthday! Also your office, omg. I love.
Johanne
July 4, 2017 at 5:20 amYep, your office. #goals. Sounds like you’ve had a good month. I’ve just started watching the new season of OINTB (ep 1, check), but I’m going to binge watch it next week.
Kaylee
July 4, 2017 at 7:47 amI love your office! I find anything involving insurance to be super complicated and hard to understand.
Harmony at Momma To Go
July 4, 2017 at 8:08 amHappy birthday! I need to redo my office too! I skipped over then oitnb recap bc I’m still on season 4!!!
Kallie
July 4, 2017 at 8:30 amyay for monthly roundups. You looked like you had such a great time at the conference this past month (and a great birthday!)
Kara
July 4, 2017 at 9:33 amI love this post! 1) yes to Orange is the New Black on binge lol and 2) I wish I went to that conference! It looked like such a great experience.
Katherine @ Slightly Savvy
July 4, 2017 at 10:13 amGirl I love your Forbes pieces! So thorough and informative.
Taylor Smith
July 4, 2017 at 10:13 amI love monthly reviews!!! I also love OITNB.
Lizzie McCulla
July 4, 2017 at 10:39 amThis is such a great post! I’m going back and reading all of these. I definitely want to attend a blog conference at some point. Also, I need to finish watching Orange is the New Black. I keep skipping around on Netflix shows because there are way too many good ones!
Sara Giboney
July 4, 2017 at 10:41 amSuch a great list. I’m also on an OITNB binge and I love a negativity detox! Also, your office is amazing ; )
Patricia Conte
July 4, 2017 at 12:29 pmGreat post! I love memoirs, so looking forward to adding a few from your list, onto mine! I haven’t started the new season of OITNB yet, but cannot wait!
Sharon Glascoe
July 4, 2017 at 12:41 pmI did my first ever conference this year too! I had such a blast networking with bloggers and learning a TON! So glad you got to enjoy one too 🙂
Corey Wheeland
July 4, 2017 at 6:47 pmNoosa is the best!! I know the people who provide them with their honey, and it’s just the best. I’m a big fan of the raspberry. It’s like dessert!
Bailey
July 4, 2017 at 7:58 pmUnderstanding health insurance has been a recent goal of mine as well!
Seersucker Sass
July 4, 2017 at 11:11 pmSo much yes to the mindset shift! I cannot tell you how many conversations I’ve excused myself from lately. I’ve also felt like I’ve had to stand up for myself a bit more.
You’ve had so much amazing content this month. Your content is always great, but I love how much you’ve shared your heart with us lately.
I need to try Noosa! I have eliminated all of the fun things out of my diet, and this sounds like a good way to get some calcium and enjoy a sweet treat 🙂
XO, SS || Seersucker Sass
Sydney Power
July 4, 2017 at 11:18 pmI have been working on watching orange is the new black, I was really shocked by how intense this season has been!
brittany
July 4, 2017 at 11:51 pmI LOVE all of your favorites on this list! And NOOSA… It’s so yummy!
Hannah Palamara
July 5, 2017 at 12:35 amI love the way your office turned out! And happy belated birthday 🙂
Shani Ogden
July 5, 2017 at 12:42 amSounds like a great month! I can’t believe how quickly June passed by!
sandsunandmessybuns
July 5, 2017 at 1:42 amYour office looks really cute! I need to read up on health insurance instead of avoiding the topic at all costs. 🙂 And good for you regarding the mindshift. I always try to surround myself with positivity and get such an icky feeling when someone or something too negative starts to creep into my life!
Laura
July 5, 2017 at 8:03 amWow girl!!! You had a BUSY month! You packed so much into 30 days!
I’m still loving the office, and I enjoyed reading your vulnerable posts this month. You’re a beautiful woman inside and out <3
Xxox
Laura @ http://www.cookwineandthinker.com
Joy Lynn
July 5, 2017 at 8:25 amYour summer dates look so fun! We need to get to a waterpark – that looks amazing! And I adore your office makeover – that couch gives me all the heart eyes! And yesss to letting go of toxicity. This week has felt so negative and I’m trying to shift it!
Kristen @ TheSophisticatedGal
July 5, 2017 at 8:55 amLoved all your posts in June, as per usual! I especially loved your post about attending a conference as an introvert. It’s perfect timing, I’m going to a conference this weekend and will be using your tips! 🙂
Kaitlyn Fickle Killebrew
July 5, 2017 at 9:02 amWow! I loved these posts from June! Especially the birthday one since mine is next week!
Erica @ Coming up Roses
July 5, 2017 at 9:17 amYour post on understanding health insurance was SO SO SO GOOD. Also OITNB. <3333333
Coming Up Roses
Oyinkan Ogunleye
July 5, 2017 at 9:38 amHappy belated birthday! So glad you self reflected to keep negativity away!
Lacey- The Glitter Gospel
July 5, 2017 at 9:53 amLoved meeting you at BlogHer! I love OITNB too! This season was intense to say the least!
xx,
Lacey//theglittergospelblog.com
Tilley
July 5, 2017 at 9:55 amAll such good posts! I especially loved the one on your new office and the conference you attended!
Miss ALK
July 5, 2017 at 11:01 amYou had some great blog content this month. Happy belated birthday to you! I hope the rest of your summer is wonderful!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
katie Mondulick
July 5, 2017 at 11:18 amLooks like it was quite the month! 🙂 Loved your office reveal + Noosa is the best!!
XO, Katie from http://www.meshkomoments.com
Janie
July 5, 2017 at 12:21 pmI also had to deal with health insurance during the month of June. It can definitely be very confusing! I absolutely love attending conferences and meeting other bloggers and learning so much that you probably never considered before.
Dara @ The Southern Thing
July 5, 2017 at 2:41 pmLooks like June was a great month for you!!
Makaela Premont
July 5, 2017 at 5:31 pmThis month was crazy good! I wish my month was just as entertaining but I was on rotation for the month for pharmacy school!
I would love to guest post sometime!
-xo, Makaela
http://www.uniquelymickie.com
Jordyn Upchurch
July 5, 2017 at 5:37 pmI so want to get into OITNB (I’ve watched all seasons except for the one that just released) but after having read the book, it’s hard to connect to the show because they’re so different!
xoxo, SS
Southern And Style
Bella B @ xoxoBella
July 5, 2017 at 6:20 pmAll such good posts!!! Your june seems awesome!
Paula
July 5, 2017 at 7:53 pmWhat a great list. I am especially excited about your tips for a conference-going introvert. I’m also looking for a new book when I leave on vacation next week – I can’t wait to check out some of your favorite memoirs!
Kristine Circenis
July 5, 2017 at 9:17 pmI loved the content you cranked out in June and I loved following along with your Conference journey! Can’t wait to see what July holds!
Suzanne
July 5, 2017 at 9:27 pmHow have I never seen OITNB?! LOVED the pics of your office. Gorgeous!
Kate Simpson
July 6, 2017 at 7:35 amThat yogurt does sound really good! Also your dog is super cute (but what dog isn’t?)
Carly Ned
July 6, 2017 at 8:30 pmI thought this season of OITNB was excellent! They definitely covered some very important topics.
Greta Hollar
July 7, 2017 at 3:40 pmYou had such a busy June! I’m also obsessed with noosa yogurt and need to buy it by the gallon!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com