THANKFUL FOR: HOME ALONE

Sometimes life is just funny…  I feel like it has been ages since I’ve written. Truthfully, I’ve been pretty busy, working hard on several projects. So, let me tell you all about them!!! (Sorry this is going to be a longer post)First, however, let me fill you in on a few things. Right after Thanksgiving, my AMAZING grandparents went with me to Fort Worth to clean out my storage unit.  Ever since I graduated in May, I have had my things like furniture, my bed, etc. in a storage unit there because at the time I didn’t know what my next move would be. So, It just made sense to leave things there until I knew. Flash forward to today, and I still don’t know— SHOCKING lol— but since my family owns some storage units in my hometown, it made the most sense now to stop paying for that one unit all the way in Texas. Plus, all my winter sweatpants and joggers were in my unit down in Texas and I was needing them to wear sooner rather than later. My grandparents, JanJan and Bia, love me with this unconditional love that is so special. They drove down with me one day, and back the next, without me, but with a u-haul containing all my things, ans driving in the pouring rain.  I needed to stay for a photoshoot and return to Arkansas the next day. I cannot thank them enough!!

It was also very bittersweet to be officially closing that TCU chapter in my life. In my mind, it wasn’t finished until I cleaned out that unit. Such a special place and time in my heart! However, it feels good to have all my things in one place making life a little more organized.

When I returned from Texas I actually flew in to Hot Springs because my car was there and I took this super small flight— Southern Air— into the Hot Springs airport. That week, my boss’s were out of town therefore, I got to work from wherever I wanted. I chose the Lake because in addition to work, i was launching some new things and this gave me the perfect place and peacefulness to get things done. I cannot tell you how I long for that week back. One of my favorite weeks post-grad thus far. And speaking of launching new things…

My new projects:

1. PODCAST
My darling friend, Grace Lamb, and I dropped our podcast called Saturation. We love pop culture, entertainment, celebrity news, and more. We constantly DM back and forth on Instagram about what’s going on in the world. Therefore, we decided to record a weekly podcast to share our thoughts and updates with YOU. I will put the links below on both Apple and Spotify.

Apple:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/saturation/id1445502971?fbclid=IwAR0KL8xhKoZ7kHdRDybEJvWM9VmFm4Cn3-mjjOZdimO2f2kDJXP8SSY0X2w

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26QNU7OR4QqNpRpMXlAqMq

This was a huge dream come true for me. It is a lot of work each week to edit, record, produce, and bring this to you, but it is so worth it. Also, we had to get the podcast approved after the first episode was recorded so that we could be on the primary streaming services. And we got approved!!  THAT WAS A MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT. I hope you will give it a listen and tell all your friends. Episode 4 comes out next week!! 2. THE 411
This is very similar to the podcast, but this one is just me each week. It’s my weekly newsletter that you receive to your e-mail after subscribing. I, in a very skimmed down fashion, update you on all things going on in pop culture + my life. I almost have 200 people that have subscribed which is crazy cool. To sign up, all you have to do is go to my homepage, follow the instructions, and you’ll get it every Tuesday!

Subscribe here

3. NEW WEBSITE
I am currently in the process of getting a makeover online. My new website is coming in early 2019 and I can’t wait for you to see it. It is going to be so wonderful and allow me to take my blogging to the next level as well as bring back the fashion blogging element. Stay tuned!!

I am continually praying for God to guide me in the right direction. Here’s to hard work and a little fun along the way!

I tell you all of this to also share a quick story. I really needed that time alone at the lake to wrap up and release these projects, but also to spend some time with myself reflecting on this year. I felt such peace and protection while I was there. I am so grateful for that. However, you know I have a funny story.

You are probably wondering why this is titled “HOME ALONE” just like the famous Christmas movie. When I realized I was going to be over there for a while, I knew I needed to go to the grocery store.  This is where my “Kevin McAllister from Home Alone” moment happened. I’m 23 years old. I’ve been to the grocery store alone, but I felt like everyone was looking at me the way they look at Kevin in the movie. I was buying the most random things… trying to be responsible, but also i’m a kid at heart. The check out person gave me that look like, where’s your Mom?” I spent the whole week Home Alone cooking mac and cheese like Kevin, putting up my small Christmas decorations like Kevin, and enjoying a little freedom like Kevin. When it came time to drive home to my family at the end of the week I found myself excited to see them like Kevin. I missed them like Kevin.

This Home Alone moment, this time of the year, made me feel extremely grateful for my family. After being in school a whole state away and not being able to see them as often, I’ve really enjoyed being around them.  I have never been more close with them.  It’s extremely unique, and one thing I am most thankful for this holiday season. Surround yourself with loved ones this Christmas. After all, they are the best gift. If you don’t have anyone or feel alone this Christmas, call me! You are always welcome to surround yourself with my loved ones.

Also, might I add…thank goodness I didn’t need two criminals breaking into my house to make me realize how much I loved my family!!

Merry Christmas y’all! Be thankful!

Yours Truly,
Southern and Thankful