We can all agree this fall is going to be very different than what we've experienced previously, right? Everything feels delayed and I'm mentally still in winter mode from March, so it's insane that it's already the third week of September. Seriously though, what is time? Can someone tell me? While I've decorated my apartment to feel a tiny inch of excitement for the new season upon us, especially Halloween, it's definitely muted than years past. That being said, I'm hoping to get out on walks and see the color changing leaves around my neighborhood, grab a Salted Caramel Mocha from Starbucks, eat those pumpkin Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and hopefully see some friends while social distancing. So there's definitely some silver lining in that we have some more time on our hands to truly prepare for the changing of so many various things! 

Even though we're not doing a whole lot this year, I still wanted to share some things that are getting me in the mood for autumn and I hope they will for you too. Let me know in the comments below what is on your fall shopping list.

Colorblocked Dress

 Long Tailored Blazer

 

Rivulets Quilt

 a playlist for when you need a boost of serotonin and you want to sing out loud in your pajamas to songs you've memorized since they first graced your eardrums. hold that pretend microphone and belt your heart out to some happy songs that can personally turn around my mood, even if just for a few minutes, and make me feel like I'm holding a concert for my neighbors. turn your speakers up and sing with me! fyi, I'll be adding songs to this list whenever I come across one that puts a smile on my face. feel free to add to it and let me know which songs you're listening to right now! 

Finding joy or happiness right now is something I cherish with every fiber of my being because, look, it's really hard to want to appreciate anything positive in the current state we're in every single day. I don't know about you. but the minute I get up in the morning I find myself going through a barrage of endless scrolling to make sure I'm updated on what has happened in the last 24 hours. A constant wheel of emotions take over; anger, frustration, sadness, loneliness, desperation, and my day is off to just a great start! I think I do this because I'm trying to find a glimpse of some type of hope that things will change for the better and maybe, just maybe, this particular day won't end on a bad note. Luckily, I have found a few things here and there that have made living in quarantine bearable and have made me feel slightly less alone than I was this time last year, you know when I was also unemployed. Everyone is going through this and we're all trying to survive and be human beings during such a odd and uncomfortable time. So for anyone who is feeling the same way, please know you're not alone and that I hope you're finding something that can make you smile.

All of that being said, I'm not sure what makes today different than any other (maybe it's the fact that it's September and there is a cool breeze in the air) but I've found a fleeting sense of normalcy in coming back to this blog and writing about how I'm feeling. Today, I wanted to share with you five random things that have brought me joy over the past several months. Please enjoy and let me know what has made you feel this tender emotion. 

1. floral getaway: Quarantine has brought about the desire to start a small business. A new revelation that I've never thought I could be remotely interested in, mostly because I've always thought I wouldn't be smart enough to start one, but it has piqued my curiosity as I've been obsessed with learning about flowers and reveling in thoughts of growing (and dying), being planted with roots and other various analogies. THE PLAN: open a flower business that is a brick and mortar here in the Twin Cities, with an added bonus of a traveling truck that goes to street events and other various parties where flowers might be needed. THE GOAL: to start working on this once I'm out of debt and have a solid income, as well as possibly having a partner. Hopefully within 2-3 years, so wish me luck!

2. serendipitous project: What an absolute treasure of a find back in June when everyone was showcasing Black-owned businesses. I came across Serendipitous Project, founded by the lovely Sydney Ziems, and it's very quickly become one of my favorite jewelry brands. It's so aesthetically pleasing, romantic and you can tell there is a lot of love put into the content that is produced. The brand also just came out with a F/W '20 collection inspired by Versailles and I'm definitely eying these gorgeous 'Chateaux' Earrings! 

3. mostra di moda resort: The absence of fashion shows has definitely been prevalent for me the past few months as I regularly enjoy 'reporting' on my favorite looks that go down the runway. However, Vogue has been great and uploaded quite a few collections for Resort 2021. Christian Dior is always a must-see and this season was very special as Chiuri "spotlighted the region’s native crafts and craftspeople." This finale dress made my jaw drop!

4. roseway island: Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been my saving grace for quarantine. I've logged about 300 hours on this game and I have absolutely no regrets. It has been so much fun being able to create something that is my own and to take my mind off of everything. The creativity flows and I can't wait to see what the fall updates bring to the table. Anyone else playing?

5. ask tough questions: We're Not Really Strangers has some really thought provoking prompts to ask yourself and others. It's been a source of inspiration to sit back and dig deeper into how to talk to yourself, how you see yourself and how to be yourself with others. Truly appreciate this being around and to read others responses in their comment sections. Feel free to answer the question above for me and I'll do the same for you!

What a time to be a human being right now. Life has thrown us all into a weird, confusing, scary and emotional alternate dimension and I am completely lost as to where life will be after it's over with. Maybe because it might never be over with? There's so much unknown at this time and we're all trying to get through each day and I hope you're all staying safe and well. I also hope that you're trying to find some positive aspects of being quarantined, whether it's talking through a screen with loved ones, snail mail, going on walks with social distancing in mind or supporting small businesses around your area. I've been doing most all of this, however, I wanted to touch on the last aspect as it's something that is important to so many people's well being.

A lot of these companies are supporting their employees the best they can and are trying to go that extra step to retain financial stability. The best way, obviously, for consumers to support these businesses is to shop them, but I think they also truly appreciate shout-outs that their customers give. Since I am not financially able to spend money right now, I wanted to put together something a little more tangible for people to read through and to have the ability to give back to local brands that make the Twin Cities area what it is.

Here are just some local Twin Cities companies I wanted to highlight:

golden rule gallery: a beautiful shop in Excelsior, MN that features regional and national artwork, various gift ideas and a thoughtful owner. they've been hosting sales throughout the past few weeks to support artists in their gallery, giving gift cards out when you spend a certain amount. I truly admire this place and what it's doing for its employees and community right now.

runi.clay.studios: i have gotten to know Corin (owner) over the past several years and she is a kindred spirit. she has inspired me to pursue my passions, as she has turned herself into a jewelry maker extraordinaire located in Minneapolis, after being an insanely unique cookie creator. i truly recommend checking out her earrings as she puts her energy and talent into each pair.

sweet b design: need to see what your sign says during this time? you've got to pick up a custom birth chart filled with positive vibes from my friend, Brittany! in her St. Paul, MN workspace she creates items for your astrological needs, that are all hand-made with materials locally sourced and from small businesses. she also has a  Moon Gathering virtual event for the New Moon in Taurus, coming up on April 22, if you're interested. i'll be there!

spruce flowers: a beautiful floral shop in Minneapolis that is slowly becoming a favorite florist here. they create stunning bouquets that are organic and are giving back to the community by still creating designs to surprise and delight people. their team is pretty small, so they're able to work individually pretty easily to make sure that everyone is staying safe. i can't wait to get a spread from them soon.

lab mpls: creative agency based in Minneapolis that has made quarantine a little bit easier with fun templates, suggestions on where to support local businesses, and they also have free digital downloads right now that feature some gorgeous prints to decorate your space.

blncd: health and beauty company that offers CBD wellness products! 20% of all online sales donated to Meals on Wheels through 4/30!

thumbs cookies: literally the tiniest cookies that pack a delicious punch. i could eat a whole box in one sitting and you know what? i'd be extremely content doing so. they are giving back by offering a MN hero snack pack promotion that is $25 and feeds 8- 10 frontline workers here in MN. it's a fantastic way to give back to essential workers and a local business.

salt salon spa cafe: i adore this salon, it's fairly new here in Minneapolis and is an extremely relaxing experience. right now for their customers, when you purchase an online SALT gift card of $100, SALT will add $20. Purchase $200, they'll add $50 Purchase $300, they'll add $90.

carousel and folk: a gem of a small business featuring various vintage goods and all the house plants your heart could desire. Lindsey is the sweetest owner and i'm thrilled that she's getting so much recognition here. they are always open online!

moody hues floral: another favorite floral shop. delivering around the Twin Cities, as well as leaving flowers on your doorstep for a nice surprise. i love the thought of coming home or waking up to a fresh bouquet of flowers at my front door. such a thoughtful gesture too.

I would also recommend supporting local restaurants by doing curbside delivery, pick up or non-contact delivery. red cown mn, cafe latte, black sheep pizza, marc heu patisserie, glam doll donuts and so much more! However you are getting through this time, please know that you're not alone and that someone out there cares about you.

Today's Thursday Finds is all about being comfortable in your underwear, undergarments, lingerie - whatever you want to call it. Who doesn't love coming home from work and taking off all the layers to settle into something soft and cozy? Sometimes you may even feel a little, dare I say, sexy when shedding off your work clothes and slipping into something a little more revealing. Ooh lalala! I've rounded up a few cozy undergarments ideas to get you in the mood to lay in bed and feel relaxed. And because I've got your back, these are all budget-friendly and size inclusive!

hannalee unlined plus bra + underwear: I figured why not start with a matching bra and underwear set from AdoreMe to ease the transition from work clothes to something more intimate. The variety will make it easy to choose the color of your liking and the comfort-ability comes from no lining in the bra!

cotton skin bikini: These SKIMS cotton underwear are so comfortable and flattering. I couldn't believe it! Mostly because I have never found a pair of underwear that so simply fit my silhouette and the shape of my butt as nicely as these do. They lift and fit and leave no lines, so I'll definitely be wearing them a lot.

reversible seamless tank: This just screams luxe, mostly because it's from Anthorpologie, but I can't get enough of it and it's reversible! I'll take one in every color, please.

contrast embroidered mesh bralette: I'm pretty basic when it comes to bras, however, I do love adding a little color now and then. This bralette from AdditionElle is the perfect cut and has added support that won't be uncomfortable while wearing.

women's cotton hipster: FYI, these underwear are on super clearance and range in a variety of colors and patterns. I'd highly recommend grabbing as many as you can before they sell out.

See below for more options!

I worked really, REALLY hard to get to where I was at the beginning of 2019. I busted my ass to truly figure out where I wanted my future to go at the company I was working at, took the leap, and started working in a role that was essentially what I had been working towards since I graduated college. It was my dream career. Five months into the position, not even a real chance to show what I could do, it was snatched away from me. I'm not going to go into details with what happened, however, my life was flipped upside down. It felt like all the hard work I had done up to this point was for nothing, the belief in myself was shattered and I felt like I had no purpose anymore. Not to play the tiny violin on me though, because life moves on, doesn't it? As the trauma has moved further and further away from my present self, I've gained clarity from the people around me and am now looking to the future. I have now decided that the event doesn't define me anymore and I'm ready for a new adventure, a better one, that will lead me into even greater opportunities. This leads me into the first thing I'd like to do in 2020 - find a new job. Let's do it!