September Goals
September Quote Desktop.png

Well hey there! These little updates seem like they're few and far between these days, don't they? Did I set goals for August? I'm not even sure. To say it's been a whirlwind lately would be putting it mildly but that's what it feels like around here... a big swirl of activities and downtime and adjustment and ideas.  I thought a little check-in post with a few life updates and my goals for September would be a good way to catch up so here goes nothing:

Island life is magical but it leaves a lot to be desired and to be completely honest, I've been in pretty rough shape lately. There's something about having the option to get out of town or having a whole city of distractions ripped away that really does a number on a girl and her psyche. Ainsworth was off-island for more than a week and is headed back in a couple of days to spend some overnights working on a project. Spending so much time alone with my thoughts has made me focus in on the not-so-pleasant parts of the tropical life like the fact that we failed to receive veggies last week and pretty much developed scurvy coupled with things like being homesick for my family andmissing out the convenience of stateside living. Don't get me wrong, it's awesome here too but the negatives have taken up residence in the forefront of my mind for the time being. I'm sure that'll wax and wane the longer we live the expat life.

Exciting things are on the horizon too! Did I tell you I'm going back to school? It's taken me way longer than I would have liked (eight years and whole six year old girl longer) but I'm finally signing up for some courses and will be pursuing a Liberal Arts degree online. I'm really looking forward to having somewhere else to pour all of my energy into (especially since there's not a ton to do here) but the thought of being a student in my late twenties is also kind of terrifying. I'm off to find the cutest planner and hopefully conquer the whole scenario... wish me luck!

Aside from school, I've picked up the work load at Ritual Bride and it's starting to take shape into something that I really love. Wedding and bridal content never seemed like the right fit for this space and I'm ecstatic to have somewhere for all of the pretties to live. If you're getting married sometime soon (or just love the world of weddings like I do), head over to that site or follow along with @ritualbride and stay a while.

p.s. I'm also gearing up to become a contributor at one of my favorite sites... stay tuned!

As far as goals for the new month / season go, I'm trying to keep them very approachable and totally achievable. The short list looks like this:

- As our two year wedding anniversary approaches, channel more time and energy into making our marriage the most loving it can be and weather this big transition together gracefully.
- Adequately prepare for a new adventure and head back to school.
- Work on adjusting to island life a bit more and get comfortable in the new normal. This means "saying yes" to more Friday morning coffees and trips to the beach. How good is that The Everygirl image up top?
- & Put more effort into creating content.

What is your month shaping up to be? Have you made a list of goals?

 

LifestyleChelsea Jackson
Weekend Wishlist
591fbdccc5b11ff77813b79fcfb7c673.jpg

Because my husband is away on another island for work, this week has been a little slower than most. I blame the extra downtime for all of the hours I've spent browsing my list of must-read blogs and favorite online shops, dreaming of all the pretty Fall things I'd scoop up if the weather here would ever get cooler (hint: it won't). I've rounded up a few of the best new arrivals from my favorite places to online window shop. What's on your wishlist this weekend?

free people

urban outfitters

asos

shopbop

I was scrolling through Ashley from Brunch on Chestnut's blog when I discovered that Shopbop is looking all shiny and new lately. Maybe it's in honor of the shift of seasons but it's a change I can totally get behind! There's just something about a site's styling that plays a big role in whether or not the pieces catch my eye and Shopbop is totally nailing it.

StyleChelsea Jackson
September Mood + Soundtrack
september-mood-hazel-and-scout.jpg

September already?! The months are passing just as quickly as they always do during the second half of the year (aka whizzing by) and I'm feeling a little blue about it. I'm not the biggest fan of Summer and I'm usually quite eager to welcome Fall but something's different this year. Since we now live in a place that stays warm and tropical year round (think no crisp leaves or cool air to greet you on the first of September), I've starting feeling a little listless and stuck. Lately everything seems stagnant and I'm figuring out ways to escape the feeling that everyone back at home is passing us by. I'm working hard on embracing endless summer and while I do I'm listening to these tunes.

Fret not, there are some really exciting things coming up soon and I can't wait to tell you more in the following weeks! Stay tuned for my September goals and a few updates as well.

Listen to the September Soundtrack here.

images via

LifestyleChelsea Jackson