A few years ago I started the Sunday Spotlights series as a way to capture moments of my week and reflect. Along the way life became busy and I stopped. Today, the Sunday Spotlights series returns!
Sunday Spotlights 17: Return Of The Series &
Reviving My Blog
A lot has changed since the last Sunday Spotlights post. I obtained a certification from The University of Cambridge’s Institute of Sustainability Leadership. I changed literary agencies and signed with the wonderful Olga Filina of 5 Otter Literary. I went back to my favorite place in the world, Jersey, Channel Islands — twice. And, most recently I went to Australia to visit my friend, Molly. I’ll write more on that in another post. In the meantime, enjoy a sneak peek of the content via the photo of me and a Koala, below! While there were so many wonderful things between now and my last post in this series, there were also low moments. I went to three funerals, parted ways with a friend I thought would be in my life forever, mourned the loss of two incredible pets, and was laid off from a full-time job. It’s crazy to look back and see how much happened in three years.
When I was in Australia I realized how much I missed blogging. Since 2019, nearly all of the writing projects I’ve worked on are exactly that… work-related. I missed writing on my blog and discovering what aspects of my life connect with a reader. I started my blog in 2014 when I was struggling to find a group of friends with whom I could share my passion for learning about social justice and what I could do to make a difference. I remember thinking there had to be other people out there with similar interests. And so, I started on blogger (iykyk) and wrote about what I wanted to talk to someone about. Some weeks that was a post about budget-friendly lipstick. Other weeks it was about the injustice I was choosing to learn about, what exactly that issue was, and what can be done about it.
Now, I’m going back to my writing roots and making it a personal goal to have space in my life for blogging again. Not because I “have” to do it or “need” to, but because I love it and miss it. Whether you’ve been here since 2014 or you subscribe today, thank you for supporting my blog and for reading my words. It truly means a lot to me. Now, let’s dive into the Sunday Spotlights post!
A Recap Of Last Week & The Weekend:
Last week was a whirlwind! Some personal things happened at work that I don’t feel comfortable writing about, but oof was it tough! Thankfully I had a wonderful new experience to help keep my mind off of it. I was accepted into the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s Spring Co-Hort. Essentially, what this means is that I am a part of their local sustainability leadership program, where I attend classes this spring to deepen my knowledge of Chicago’s environmental issues, impact, solutions, and more.
Last Week’s Favorites:
What I’m Watching:
I’ve been watching Gina Rodriguez’s (new-ish) comedy, Not Dead Yet. It’s cute! I like having a weekly show to look forward to. Below is the season one trailer. The show is currently on season two. It’s worth catching up on, if you’re looking for a lighthearted, community-oriented, show that doesn’t chase perfection and feels like real life.
What I’m Reading:
Last week I finished two audiobooks! I’m buddy-reading One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid. While Vampire Academy ( book 1) by Richelle Mead is a YA-fantasy favorite.
One True Loves By Taylor Jenkins Reed
“In her twenties, Emma Blair marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse. They build a life for themselves, far away from the expectations of their parents and the people of their hometown in Massachusetts. They travel the world together, living life to the fullest and seizing every opportunity for adventure.
On their first wedding anniversary, Jesse is on a helicopter over the Pacific when it goes missing. Just like that, Jesse is gone forever.
Emma quits her job and moves home in an effort to put her life back together. Years later, now in her thirties, Emma runs into an old friend, Sam, and finds herself falling in love again. When Emma and Sam get engaged, it feels like Emma’s second chance at happiness.
That is, until Jesse is found. He’s alive, and he’s been trying all these years to come home to her. With a husband and a fiancé, Emma has to now figure out who she is and what she wants, while trying to protect the ones she loves.”
Vampire Academy By Richelle Mead
“Love and loyalty run deeper than blood. St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school–it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s–the very place where they’re most in danger. . . . Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi–the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires–make Lissa one of them forever.”
What I’m Listening To:
I’ve been back on a country music kick lately. Recently I listened to Gabby Barrett’s album, Goldmine. I’ve heard a few of her songs before but I never made time to sit down and listen to anything other than what played on the radio. One song in particular jumped out to me. Footprints On The Moon. It’s a beautiful message about perseverance, possibility, and trying again. Plus, I like the instrumentals with it. There’s lots of guitar. The song gives me more pop-rock vibes blended with country. Needless to say, I’m a fan and it’s been on repeat all weekend.
You Might Like:
- How To Get & Read Books For Free (Legally)
- I Challenged Myself To Live Sustainably For One Month – Here’s How It Went
Household Favorites:
My Mom had the brilliant idea (as Moms tend to have) that I need to invest in a better at-home coffee setup. While I love coffee shop hopping, I knew she was right. A few cups out each week adds up and I’d much rather go on another international trip and discover somewhere new — like a quaint spot at a beachside café where I can drink espresso and watch the sunrise. But until then, I’ll enjoy sunrise lattes from the machine Mom ended up buying me. The Breville Barista Express Machine was on sale and I’ve spent the past few days learning how to make my perfect oat milk latte.
What I’m Using & Loving:
The two items I’ve been loving the most are hair-related. I’ve been on a hair journey to grow out my natural color while repairing it from highlight/bleach damage. The two items that I’ve always appreciated, but especially love are the OWAY hair oil and the silk bonnet, shown below.
OWAY Nurturing Drops
When I was in the Channel Islands at the beginning of the year I saw my friend’s hairstylist. She used the OWAY brand on me, which I had never heard of before. Bleue introduced me to the Hair Oil and I liked it so much, I went back the day after my salon appointment and bought a bottle to take back home. I’ve been using the hair oil every week since January. I can honestly say I’ve noticed a difference. Which, I was surprised about because my hair doesn’t usually like or respond well to oils. I think because this oil is more thick, it works for my hair type.
Kitsch Silk Bonnet
I’ve been using a silk bonnet for two-ish years now. However, I switched back to this one a few months ago after using one that was more like a shower cap. I like this extra large-sized one because I can put my hair up in a loose bun and then put the bonnet over. The fold around my head doesn’t have a tight elastic, so it’s comfortable to sleep in. Plus I can adjust the tightness with the ties at the back. Overall it’s much more comfy and it doesn’t fall off in the middle of the night.
Looking To The Week Ahead:
As we enter a new week, I encourage you to stop and reflect. You can write this down on a piece of paper, use these as discussion points with friends/family/loved ones, think about this independently, or with your therapist. I’m trying to get better at carving out intentional space each week. This is my reminder to pause and think about what worked, what didn’t, and to set intentions for the days ahead.
This Week’s Intention/Mantra/Encouragement:
“You can do anything. Anything you want to. Thеre’s footprints on the moon.” – Gabby Barret, Footprints On The Moon.
Challenge:
Connect to breath. Taylor Swift has great lyrics that parallel this. “Breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out.” – Labyrinth.
I think so often we can clench our jaws, hold our breath, or forget to take big deep breaths during the day. Stressful things happen. Busy things occur. But, there’s something refreshing and clarifying about taking up more space with our breath and filling up our lungs more intentionally.
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