Hello Saturday, Volume 2
Hi friends, Happy Saturday & Happy Labor Day Weekend!
Now that we’ve turned the calendar page from August to September, the days of pumpkin spice everything are officially upon us, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. Though I’ve never had THE pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, one of my favorite local coffee shops just announced this week that their pumpkin pie latte (made with fresh local pumpkin) is back for the season. My weekend plans now include driving 30 minutes out of town to pick one up, what a shame…
Obviously we’re still a few weeks away from the official start of fall, but to me there’s something magical about the early days of September — the rusty fall colors make their return, Octoberfest beers come back into rotation, and store shelves turn over to lovely arrays of all things pumpkin, fall decor, and cozy cool weather attire. Though September is still bloody hot here in North Carolina, I never let the heat stop me from indulging in some of my fall favorites. I will happily begin to wear my oversized sweatshirts and leggings while drinking a hot pumpkin coffee, even on a 90 degree day.
In general, it’s been a busy, hectic week, so I don’t have too many exciting life things to share. Aside from working extremely long hours at work this past week, I’ve been working hard on some new blog content, watching Season 4 of Gilmore Girls, and drinking excessive amounts of coffee (nothing new here). Temperature-wise, it looks like it’s going to be a nice long weekend, so hopefully Alex and I can get the dog out to a park or two for some fresh air and a change of scenery.
Highlight of the Week: I published Our Wrightsville Beach Engagement Story on my blog.
As much as I love to write short, sweet posts about life, I love writing long form posts that have a greater, deeper meaning. In my opinion, Our Wrightsville Beach Engagement Story is one of my best written stories and I’m so happy it’s live for all the world to read. It’s a personal story unique to Alex and me, but it shares a message of life, love, learning, and growth that I think a lot of other people can resonate with. I’ve been overwhelmed by the love and support my social media communities have given it. I sincerely feel so much gratitude for those of you who choose to spend your time reading my words, my stories, and my heart. It took a lot of hard work to piece together my words to capture and recreate the memories associated with our love story, but in the end, I’m so proud of the way it turned out. Let my story teach you this if nothing else: love isn’t easy, but it’s the most fun, rewarding, and uplifting challenge of life.
What I've Been Listening to - Music & Podcasts
The Other Side by Eloise Alterman. A couple months ago, I stumbled upon her song “What I Thought It Was” via Instagram Stories and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since.
EOM - EP by Ryan Hurd. This EP has been out since June, I don’t know how the heck I missed it. I love the versions of “What If I Never Get Over You” and “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” (songs he wrote and gave to big names Lady A and Luke Bryan) and his cover of Taylor Swift’s “False God” (my personal favorite).
Unapologetically and kelsea by Kelsea Ballerini. One of my favorite artists right now!
club — ballerini album version by Kelsea Ballerini. Earlier this week, Kelsea announced she’s releasing “ballerini”, the stripped, rerecorded, and remastered side to her latest album “kelsea”, on 9/11/20. I’m so excited about it!
7 Summers by Morgan Wallen. Makes me feel so nostalgic.
Good Enough by Carlie Hanson. I’ve been obsessed with this song all week.
Chromatica by Lady Gaga. Finally got around to listening to this one — figured it was fitting after Lady Gaga’s big night at the VMAs last weekend. Overall, I thought it was pretty good project, a definite pivot from her last album “Joanna” but more in line with the old “Born This Way” Gaga.
It’s Only A Heartbreak by Dagny. Love this artist! Great new single.
10 Ways to De-Stress Your Life. This Deliciously Ella podcast episode really spoke to me. The episode covers the benefits of having a morning routine, waking up without hitting snooze, the importance of getting fresh air in the morning, creating a positive WFH space, overcoming mountains of work emails, and more. Times are so stressful right now, I need all the de-stress tips I can get (full disclosure, I’m so bad at managing stress).
From Around the Web
Fall seasonal coffee is back at Door County Coffee & Tea Co. Shop here! Door County Maple, Pumpkin Spice, and Wisconsin Harvest Blend were some of my favorites from last year.
For you news lovers, a blog called Fifteen on Friday. The idea behind the site is to cumulate and share various news articles each week aimed to help you be well-informed of topics happening in all walks of life: business, culture, tech, finance, entertainment, and more. Read this week’s issue here.
I’m a lover of good news and I share it as often as I possibly can. Read The week's good news: September 3, 2020 for a dose of things that prove it’s not all bad out there.
In the spirit of good news: Dream come true? ECU student wakes up, buys scratch-off ticket — and wins $100,000. The student plans to invest some of the money and save the rest to help pay off her education.
11 Incredibly Nostalgic Things That Happened This Week In Pop Culture History. First of all, how has it been 18 years since Kelly Clarkson won American Idol? Second, I still need to watch La La Land.
And last but certainly not least: After record-setting hurricane damage, Louisiana town struggles to rebuild. This National Geographic article is a huge reminder that Louisiana needs our help. As residents struggle to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives, they are also battling high temperatures and a global pandemic. The whole scenario is absolutely devastating.
Enjoy the weekend ahead!
JB