Oh heeeyyyy! Yes, I am still alive! Turns out this whole thing called life is SUPER hard to balance. I had no idea it was so hard to balance a demanding job, blogging, laundry, dishes and two glasses of sangria in one hand.
So what have I done all summer? Well, that’s for another post, but mostly these things have been on my brain.
P.S. IS EVERYONE IN THE WORLD PREGNANT? I swear every day I see like 16 pregnancy anouncement. Okay, the end.
1. How do I get my life sponsored? I would really like to figure this out because I keep on seeing people my age jet off to like Aruba and I’m like, how did I miss this Life Sponsorship 101 class in college? Seriously, I need to know the secret to this because clearly trying to earn money the classic American way is not working for me.
Also, all of these bloggers who are like, “BYE! I’m headed on a cruise!” and I know are single I’m like…. but who is taking these photos for you? I mean can you even be a blogger if you don’t have an #instagramhusband? I NEED ANSWERS! One does not simply just travel without thinking about the possible content that will be created while on a trip. It’s 2016. ALSO HOW DO THEY HAVE ALL THIS VACATION TIME????
2. To say that Hamilton has taken over my life is a understatement. I try to play games of working lyrics into everyday conversations. I get so caught up singing, “I’m not throwing my shot!” that I forget other people are around me seeing me some some air punches because I am so enthusiastic about it that I can’t help but punch the air in a vicious sort of stance. It’s all I listen to at work. In the past four days I’ve listened to the soundtrack six times and pretended I was every single one of the characters as I mouthed the words.
Thankfully my coworkers have also lost their mind and although they are much more low-key about their enthusiasm, can engage in a lively discussion about the history of Hamilton, the actual play, not throwing away their shot and also to make fun of me for my slightly over the top enthusiasm.
3. I moved into my place and threw absolutely all of my energy into decorating and setting up the living room and kitchen. Then I focused on the dining room and bathroom. For some reason I have put off dealing with my bedroom. Nothing about it has worked and one day at work I was sitting at my desk and I just suddenly decided that I hated absolutely every single thing in my bedroom and that night I started ordering stuff like crazy for my new room.
Crazy? Possibly. Worth it? I’ve only gotten as far as ordering a bedspread and curtains and it has already changed my mood 100%. This is now my summer project to perfect this area! I’m trying my luck again with Craigslist, so if you don’t hear from me for a few weeks on social media, call the police.
4. You know it’s summer TV when the most watched episode on Hulu for two weeks in a row is a 20/20 episode. So….I need your TV recommendations! I haven’t been watching as much TV but the weather here is already so suffocatingly hot that I have a feeling I’m going to be watching it more.
5. I legitimately wish someone would throw a Netflix party. A what? A party where we do nothing different than we normally would, but we all sit together and watch Netflix together and call it being social. Summer solstice party? Sure, if you’ve got your act together and want to plan for months and make people wear all white so you can see all their sweat.
But a Netflix party? You just show up with a bag of Cheetos, bring over your favorite drink and put zero effort into getting dressed on a Friday night after a week of work. I think I might have created someone thing brilliant so…..who is going to come over for a Netflix party?
Rachelle Pinksole
yay happy to see you, yea adult life is hard to juggle. Lol about the bloggers jet setting, I think that i what they do for a living hence all the free time and the picture taker is prob just a photographer. Sounds like a sweet life.
xo
PinkSole
Whitney Damrau
A netflix party sounds awesome! You have been doing a lot of adulting lately! So glad that you've gotten your bedroom in order, it's always so hard, but worth it!
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Abigail Castro
Love that top! Your sandals are perfect too!
Abby of Life in the Fash Lane
Jessica
If you can figure out the sponsored life aspect, let me know. π
http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/
Victoria Fox
Love this top! And I love this whole entire look! You look so chic and fab!
xoxo,Victoria
http://www.coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com
Gina Daily
Ah, LOVE these jean shorts and your whole outfit is summer perfection! There is SO much buzz about Hamilton! I'm a huge musical theater fan so I guess I need to download the soundtrack! And I hear you on the sponsored life…must be nice!
Gina || On the Daily Express
Alyson Seligman
I swear I adore you even more with each word you write — yes, everyone is pregnant and SERIOUSLY on the insta husband, except I have a husband who cannot take a freaking photo. SO frustrating. Like, what do I have him for?>! π
YES on the Netflix party — if only we were closer….
Closet Fashionista
Haha, yea, I definitely need a sponsored life too! Although I do take plenty of trips, yay for freelance design letting me take as many days off as I want/work from anywhere! Ha ha.
I'm sure you'll find the perfect things for your bedroom too! Always the hardest to decorate.
And hmmm, as for new TV shows. I like Young & Hungry on FreeForm (I know…I know…but it's the only actual show I watch on there besides Gilmore reruns) and I just started watching a new show on Hallmark – Chesapeake Shores – because the guy from John Tucker Must Die is in it, haha!
http://www.closet-fashionista.com
Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
Welcome back girl! Doesn't adulting suck sometimes? And yes, it really does seem like EVERYONE is pregnant! Love this entire look. Can we talk about how much I need those sandals? <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Straight A Style
Welcome back! A sponsored life sounds pretty good to me along with a Netflix party. π Love that top on you!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Rachel Heffington
You're back and better than ever and NOW YOU KNOW HAMILTON SO THAT HAPPENED. <3333333 All these questions (especially the HOW TO GET SPONSORED ones) have been on my brain too. BUT REALLY – how?!
Ashley
Girl I feel like everyone around me is pregnant too! I saw four separate families have babies over the weekend! And yes to wanting a sponsored life!! If you figure out how to do it let me know! Also I LOVE your outfit! So adorable!
xox
Ashley
http://www.lifeandreactions.com
Rachel Lynne
You look BEAUTIFUL! Love this top and those shorts look amazing on you too!
BLackey
You are the cutest! I would totally love to know some of these things too! I'm all about that life sponsor!! How do we get one?! xo bryn http://www.waketonroad.com
LyddieGal
I too am wondering why everyone is suddenly pregnant, and also how to get my life sponsored? Because this work, life, blog balance thing is just failing in every way for me right now.
Good luck with the rest of your bedroom redecorating!
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/
Rose Nika
the first one had me LOLing because I swear girl I have thought that many many many many times esp 6am Monday morning getting ready to go to work instead of Dubai hahaha
Life is just Rosie
Lily A.
Girl…I'm SO with you on almost all of this! Especially the bloggers that travel all the dang time…how do they do it? I'm so jealous of the beauty YouTubers that get flown off to launch parties…they are living the life!
You look so cute in this outfit, and I adore your hair! Hope you have a great Monday!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lilyο»Ώ
Laura Scott
Some great thoughts here and I'm with you on the bloggers who travel and have questioned that also, I always assume it's a husband taking the photographs π
My partner takes lots of photos for me when I'm shooting and sometimes hire a photographer, and my dad also! My blog is supported by a team of loved ones that's for sure π
Laura xo
http://www.shehearts.net
Kierra Makayla
That thought out the bloggers on vacay is so accurate. I'm way too nervous to ask any random person to take my photos lol!! You look too cute in this outfit, love it.!
xx, lavishingg
Karly @ Miss in the Midwest
You know I'd be over in a heartbeat for a Netflix party! Okay, so TV recommendations – we just finished Outlander (Starz), and it was amazing. We only have a couple episodes left of Stranger Things (Netflix), and that also is awesome. Glad you're doing well, friend! Life the summer definitely is hectic and busy, so if you find a way to balance it all, let me know. π
Kate at Green Fashionista
A Netflix party sounds like a fabulous idea, and loving this top on you! LOL at everyone being pregnant, I feel like ever since I announced that we were expecting the other announcements have been popping up all over the place!
Green Fashionista
Alyssa
Annnnndd as a follow up to everyone being pregnant, what about all the "my kid is going into____ grade this year and it's his/her first day" pictures?! Not necessary! Also that life sponsorship class is something I would be all about…if you find anyone offering it let me know π lol
Kathrine Eldridge
Love this cute top and entire casual look! Your smile in these photos is infectious. π Love that you are all about Hamilton. I'm in Chicago and the show is coming here soon. Can't wait to see it!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Unknown
You crack me up ever time! First off, how did I miss your adorable place??? I love it! I can't wait to see your bedroom! So cute.
Next, you MUST watch Supernatural on Netflix. SOOOOOO GOOD.
Last, I will surely have you over for a Netflix party when I move to STL. We can watch TV all night, order pizza and drink sangria! So perfect! The next morning we can feast on gooey butter cake! Yum!!!
Unknown
And apparently I'm unknown to your blog, but this is Katie of Twin Stripe! π
carmitive
Such a cute post! I love to read such facts π Maybe you wanna watch some Modern Family? It's such a funny series – I hope you'll like it!
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com
Marg B
OMG, YES! The blogger retreats or vacays. Who is taking the photos? Sometimes they are soooo staged. Like who honestly goes to Greece and spends vacation time co-ordinating outfits. I'd be much too busy eating and taking photos of the scenery. Girl, once you figure out how they take sponsored trips, let us know.
effortlesscool
oh what a lovely outfit; you're so cute!
RE #1 I know some bloggers who will literally ask strangers to take photos of them!
Also, a Netflix party YES PLEASE!
XO Sahra
Que Sera Sahra
Shannon Jenkins
Yay!! I've missed you!!! Omg for realllllll EVERYONE is preggo!!! I feel like I see someone on FB like everyday announce a pregnancy and I'm over here like (Insert girl with crossed arms emoji) haha! Also looking fabulous as always! In love with that top!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Kelsey Bang
loving those shoes! such a darling look!
kelseybang.com
Alecia Mariana
Love love this top!!
xx,
Alecia – La Joie de Vivre
Sauniya
first you have pretty awesome sense of humor!
On bloggers taking vacations, I was just thinking the same about some youtubers I was watching going on their 4th holiday this year.. sounds like fun. Well, no sponsor for me so I guess I'll just have to work real hard π π
Point 5, omg such a great idea.. it would be like a get together movie/tv show night π
xo
Sauniya | Find Your Bliss
Sauniya
Oh and I forgot, Nice pictures!! I love your hair!! π
xo
Sauniya | Find Your Bliss
Imogen Allen
Great post, Love your blog!! x
http://pyrramidblog.blogspot.com/
Keri H
You are so cute!! Good luck getting situated in your new place π
Enclothed Cognition
Laura Bambrick
Getting everything situated in your new place is always hard! Love that cute top on you!
Alyssa Gap
You are the cutest. Do you ever wish all of the cool people you meet in the blog/social media world could just teleport to one spot every once and awhile? Is it just me? haha
Simply Alexandra // My Favorite Things
The netflix party sounds GREAT. And I agree, everyone is reproducing. π I have definitely been traveling a lot, but trust me… not in a sponsored way. I definitely need some tips from folks! Seriously! I have half a media kit.. and that's definitely not enough. I need to be focusing more no the travel blogger life I guess. I mean have you watched Gilmore Girls? If not, now's the time. HELLO REVIVAL! π A few others on Netflix that I love… (depending on mood) : Hart of Dixie, Reign, iZombie (which sounds awful, but is freakin' fabulous), Jane the Virgin (HILARIOUS!), When Calls the Heart (when I'm feeling a lot like an old lady… shhh… a lot!), and New Girl and Parks and Rec when I need a 30 min laugh! π XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Head to Toe Chic
Such a cute top! and a Netflix part sounds amazing! I definitely need that in my life.
xo,
Angela
Priya
Oh it's so good to read an update from you!! I hope things are busy AND great! I love that bedding you got- I've been debating getting new bedding for my room and you sent me down a serious rabbit hole. You look great (and so tan!!)
β₯ perfectly Priya
Missy MacKenzie
Love how true your words are. I just started a blog, but it's so hot to take pics. It's like 115 degrees. π I can't deal with transition pieces because it's hot in FL! My husband has a full time job, not as a photographer.
Thank you for being real. I thought I was the only one feeling this way. Also, I just finished Animal Kingdom on TNT. It was great! Binge-worthy! Season 2 comes out in January. Have a great day!
Missymackenzie.com
BLovedBoston
Oh girl welcome back!! Whatever it is that you're doing – keep it up because you look happy! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Manda Lee
The blogging struggle is all too real. I have a husband and he's not about that blog life. lol. Your post seriously cracked me up and I so needed that today! Also, your outfit is great and I LOVE your shorts. Perfect length! Hope you have a great week babe!
Amanda | https://ASparklingStickyStyle.com
Instagram | Manda_Lee_Smith
Beautygirl 24
Adulting sucks! Seriously though. I get excited just going to the beach, I went camping in a tent this weekend and peed in a bucket…that's my vacation! I get so jealous when I see all these people younger than me AND single jetting off every other week to a country I probably won't visit in this lifetime unless I get a life sponsorship too. Oh social media. Making people question their existence one post at a time.
But anyway, I do have an Instagram hubby. Don't hate me. He's totally normal and doesn't even know what the help he's doing half the time! I just tell him to make me look thinner which is hard π
I'm happy I read this as I always am! Oh and by the way, you aren't weird for not knowing about jo Malone until blogging! I live in SoCal where I am surrounded by people with money so that's why I know about it. Oh yeah and blogging too π
Kristina
Lol to all of this!! I have been Hamilton obsessed lately but am somehow managing to restrain myself at work, where my coworkers are like "Is that the musical where people rap? I saw a musical once and HATED IT." So you know, no air punching for me. Love this top!
Kristina does the Internets
Audrey P.
Hey! Just found your blog and I love the blue top, so cute and girly.
Audrey, http://www.frenchallure.ca/
Tamara Farhat
hahahaha! I absolutely love reading this post, you;re just hilarious! Why have a netflix party when yiou just can watch netflix at home… am I right?
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com
Jasmine RabuΓ±al Barrientos
Life is fun, so let's go a bit crazy. Btw, love your look. The top is fabulous.
Jasmine x
Jas Claire
Heidi Colourvibes
You are so funny!! Love point one! I always ask myself the same!!haha! thank God I have an #instagramhusband I just don't have all those holidays!! π You look great and love your smile!!
Xo
http://www.colourvibes.com
Elle Sees
So great to see you back around these parts!! It is definitely a struggle trying to balance life/blogging/and the glasses of wine! π
Tara | The Mix
Your top is so cute! And yeah, how do we take a sponsored trip lol?
Liza Wibisono
You look so beautiful, dear. Love your gorgeous hair and that Kate Spade bag is so pretty.
xoxo
Liza
Liza Corner o Instagram o Facebook
jess
It's great to see you blogging again! I've been listening to Hamilton Non-Stop. I've been thinking about changing my decor too.
http://tresfly.blogspot.com/2016/08/thredup-review.html
Carmen Varner
It's true. Pretty much everyone is pregnant! Haha. I love the details of the top. :]
// β² itsCarmen.com β²
Jeans and a Teacup
Yep – everyone IS pregnant…haha. That's definitely how I felt browsing instagram this summer. And I totally need to get my life sponsored too. When you figure out how to do it let me know! I'm loving your cute summer outfit and glad to see you back in the blogging world!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
Maya McDonald
Everyone is pregnant and married, and I'm just over here thinking about when I'll have my next glass of wine….dear lord, haha. Also, I love your love of Hamilton – musical buddies 4lyfe! xx
Nicole Layne
Welcome back! I'v took a quick break also. All of my friends are obsessed with Hamilton. It is soo good!! And I totally get you on all of those sponsored trips! If you figure it out let, me know. I would love to blog about one! I'm glad to see your summer is going well!
Nicole
Nicole to the Nines
Beka @ Sunshine to the Square Inch
I've never heard of Hamilton =) #winner???
Okay, the sponsored life does look good but you'd have to be on the road all the time and I bet that is wearing after a while. You'd never have a home to come home to. I like traveling but I think that would be too much for me. However, I know a few people that have done that and they enjoyed it.
You should host that Netflix party =)
Sister Tales
Lol, girly I am SO glad I stumbled across your blog, it truly was such an entertaining read….and as far as pictures go, if I don't have my sister to take them for me I am royally SCREWED! But when she doesn't have me, sure enough her husband takes them! I am investing in a tripod to make my camera stand on its own lol, is my suggestion! BEautiful blog π
xoxo, simona and indre
http://www.sistertalessite.com
Rachel Emma
Dude, right? Like 80% of bloggers I follow got pregnant in the past year… it's crazy!! And idk how girls without an #insagramhusband do it when they're constantly on vacation… I couldn't take ANY nice photos of me while I was in Europe! Guess I should have hired a professional photographer to follow me around, LOL π
laurensparkle
netflix party sounds revolutionary. I would come! you wouldn't even really have to talk to people if you didn't want to haha! I've been watching the night of lately, which is good -slightly violent- but good.
Grace Anne
I just landed on your blog through Madison's, and I AM IN LOVE. Girl, you rock.
I literally wonder the exact same thing about bloggers who are always off jet setting. How. Just how. Also glad that I'm not the only one obsessed with Hamilton. Don't throw away your shot, girl;)
Irene Thayer
This is so inspiring! I love the post:)
irenethayer.com
Pat
My dear Alissa, I can not tell you how happy I am to see you and to read a new post! You sure have a knack for picking awesome topics to write about! This one especially, it's so entertaining! You look beautiful as always my love. So darn gorgeous! You know how to pick your outfits, this one is so classic, yet romantic. Simple yet a little bit of fun with the top. ahh…perfection! I feel so old because when you said "Hamilton" I immediately thought it was a boyfriend? a new friend, a cute house boy, an old maid. Just goes to show it is possible to learn something new every day! Are you going to show photos of your newly designed bedroom? Your whole house is pure perfection. Straight out of a magazine, I just love it! So, tv shows? here's just a small sampling of what we watch….."he Night of" on HBO, (be careful with this one. It's gets addicting quick!) "Homeland" on Hulu, "supernatural"on Netflix, "Orange Is The New Black", on Netflix, "Wentworth" on ?, "The 100". ta da!! now get busy <3
Writing Monique
Loved reading this! I share your love for Hamilton SO much!
WritingMonique
Cindy McFarland
Welcome back!!! I have been checking your blog every day since June hoping you hadn't given up blogging forever. Whew!!! As long as there was queso, I'd TOTALLY do a Netflix party. Great idea π
Kylie Mavrakis
This post had me laughing out loud! I am SUCH a Hamilton freak! Seriously. Wearing a Hamilton shirt as I sit here and type.
I always love seeing new posts on your page <3
xo Kylie
http://www.dressinsparkles.com
viv
Welcome back! And if you find that Life Sponsorship class anywhere please let me know π
http://www.fashiontruffles.com
Alissa Kelly
Shoot – I've been wondering all the SAME things about bloggers traveling. Like, HOW?! And where do I sign up?! So glad you're back to blogging!
Alissa
NaturallyMeBlog.com
Argan Oil Home
As always i like to see in your face with this beautiful outfits.
Argan Oil Wholesale
Reshma
Totally on board with a Netflix Party! And I could help but actually laugh out loud about jetsetting bloggers!