(Photo: IG/diaryofdays)

If I could go in-depth with what life has been like for the past 8 months, I don't think you would truly believe me. It's odd putting this out there as I haven't really sat down and typed (or written) any of my thoughts or feelings on what has been going on. The ups have been majorly rewarding, however, the downs have been absolutely debilitating and have made me analyze my life like I've never done before. I almost feel like I've molded into this shell of a different person, someone I honestly don't know, and I am not sure when I'll go back to who I really was just 3 months ago. Maybe I never will? If you follow me on other social media platforms you'll know what's been going on, so I'm not going to go into detail with what exactly has been going on but just know that I'm trying to work through all of it and come out on the other side a lot stronger than I was before. I will say though, turning 30 is not what I thought it would be.

A weird transition, I know, but to try and get back some of what I lost.. I figured I'd return to something I know and love - this blog. So let's start out slow with a Monday Link-Up and a few things that have caught my attention lately. I have a lot of time on my hands right now, so you'll hopefully hear from me more often with posts like this. Enjoy!

MUSIC

• I love, love, LOVE covers of songs that you come across from the original artist, especially when the cover is even better than the original. If you didn't already know, Pink has some amazing fans that have unique and insane talent so it was only a matter of time before she found Allie Sherlock perform this gorgeous "Hurts To Be Human" rendition online. I've listened to it about 10 times already and have gone down a rabbit hole of listening to all of her other covers that she does while street performing in Cork, Ireland. Go listen! You will not be disappointed. 
• "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi is a huge hit over in the U.K. and I'm so happy with the fact that it's slowly growing speed here in the States. He just announced that it's in the top 100 in his IG Stories (which are hilarious by the way) and it only keeps going up. It's heartbreaking, soulful and filled with passion. -swoon-
• Joy Williams talent and voice just hits me differently. The ache and longing in most of her new songs reaches in and yanks out my heart in one swift motion. I put myself through this every time I listen to "The Trouble With Wanting", especially with this live performance version. If you need a masterpiece to cry to, this would be it. 

SHOPPING

• This is entirely biased, however, I have a strong sense to appreciate anything that a fellow Lisa can create. We are few and far between! There are a couple well-known Lisa's out there and I am currently appreciating both of them as they are creating fantastic products. PRO Makeup Artist Lisa Eldridge just came out with her own line of lipsticks and they're so popular that they've been sold out for weeks! Plush red velvet lipsticks that look so luxe, I do not mind the price tag - an individual tube goes up to $30 USD - as I believe it will last a long time. Here's hoping they all get restocked soon. 
• Is it really a surprise that Lisa Frank had to be included in this link-up? Especially during this resurgence of her products on the market? All of this has my 9-year-old self giddy with excitement but to be honest, this could also just be my 30-year-old self as well! She's currently selling notebooks at Target and Wal-Mart. Did anyone else obviously go to their local Target the minute they found out they were available? No, just me? Oh well, grab yours today before they also sell out!
• Because I've been so stressed and anxious lately, I wanted to find something that would help calm my nerves, would be easy to use and that would give me immediate results. Luckily I found just the thing! Nothing But Hemp just opened up a block away from my apartment and they sell CBD products, organic hemp oil and legal hemp flowers. The store was super clean and the representative was knowledgeable and approachable, so I felt comfortable going in and asking the right questions. I left the store with this great hybrid called "Chardonnay" and it is made to help you focus and be creative, which it had done the few times I've smoked it. They have several locations around the MN, however, I highly recommend going to the one in St. Paul. 

READING

• I'm all about creating a space that flows well and can create harmony, mostly because life for me right now is chaotic. If a small part of my life can be cohesive, I'll take it! This article from The Coveteur talks all about how to "Feng Shui" your vanity and is a great read. Super easy to do and lays it out simply for first-time users. 
• I go to TheEveryGirl now and then to read their articles on various aspects of career, personal motivation, fashion, beauty and so much more. I luckily came across this one article right after my position ended and it truly helped me get through that first week. It's so comforting to know that you're not alone and that a lot of people have gone through a similar situation, but most importantly, they've kept going afterwards. 
• Oh my god, LOOK! Another Lisa who is successful! I see your signs universe, and I hope this can happen to me soon.