So, I'm Turning 30

(I wouldn't necessarily say I'm happy, but I'm getting there.)

So I'm turning thirty in three days and even though it is just a number there are so many feelings about turning a year older this year. Not that it's my 'scary age' but I am definitely having a hard time grasping that A. I'll be 30 and B. I'm nowhere near where I thought I'd be at this age. I remember around February of last year I was in the shower contemplating every life choice I'd ever made, which is somewhat normal and regular for me. It usually leads to panic and anxiety but then is usually calmed with a glass of wine. Normally, I have music or the television playing in the background but I was so consumed in all these thoughts that I broke down crying, alone in my shower. I felt alone, unaccomplished and weak, I had just found out I didn't get a job I really wanted. It went to someone who had two masters degrees instead of just one.

 I beat myself to death over this, I'll never be good enough. I'll never be enough, period! Someone is always better than me. There's a lot of pent up frustration and anxiety when it comes to my work life and that rage turns into self criticism and destruction. I wanted more out of my life and I expected so much from myself, I didn't understand why I wasn't where I wanted to be. And even though I'm still waiting for that dream job, I realize now I could shake my 28 year old self. There were so many great things that happened to me in the last two years but I was so blinded by fear, anger and anxiety that I couldn't see all the wonderful things that were happening in my life at the time. 

 So with all these pent up emotions, I'm trying to accept my 30th birthday and start this new chapter with a new appreciation for life and lots of self care (and no it is not selfish, we'll talk about at length in upcoming posts). Besides, 30 is the new 20 - haven't you heard?

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Life Lately

Last month I picked up this book thinking what a great cover, little did I know it would become my adult version of Eat, Pray, Love. And I only say that because I was introduced to Liz Gilbert's book as sophomore in high school. My copy of Material Girl, Mystical World is already dogeared and filled with post-its! What are you reading? 

When I got back from Europe, I went through Madeline phase and came across this collectible item. As I started searching deeper, I found a treasure trove of storybook characters and found another childhood favorite. 

Anyone who knows me well, knows I'm a Kate Spade addict. I own everything from stationary to books, plates, mugs and bags. These mugs are everything and I pretty much transport them from work to home on the regular! 

When I'm searching for new beats to listen too, I turn to Sarah Tolzmann. We speak the same language when it comes to music :)

If you were a fan of The Toast and own your copy of Texts from Jane Eyre, then you need to check out Mallory's latest endeavor, Dear Prudence. A somewhat new podcast that I've just been introduced too. I think you'll be pretty happy with this podcast. 

When it comes to Mexican Food, nowhere in the desert beats Taqueria Sinaloense. Whenever you're in Palm Desert just look for this small hole in wall place. I've been eating here for years, literally nothing compares to the authentic food and the incredibly sweet staff at this restaurant. 

I started paying attention to H&M bralettes a few weeks ago and now I want them all! 

A highlighter and gel cream that is a must for dewy healthy looking skin. 

My cousin got me on this ice cream months ago, I don't feel so bad indulging in this soy goodness! 

 

Things I'm Into This Week...

If you didn't know that I was a nerd already, I've come across this website twice in the last couple weeks because of books I've read or for researching purposes to expand the juvenile geography collection we have here at the library. Needless to say, it may or may not be a surprise that I became a member.

I've been a long time follower of  31 Bits, I love what they stand for! When I started following Dallas Shaw's career seven years ago, she was wearing earrings that I had to have and I eventually wound up on what was then just a jewelry brand. I haven't purchased anything in awhile and when I saw the latest bag collection which launched earlier this summer, I had to get myself a straw bag.

I came across Overdue, at least two years ago. I'm pretty sure I was looking for bookish podcasts but I never listened to it because my my list of shows was growing and I couldn't (and still can't) keep up with everything on my list. For whatever reason, I started listening to them a few months ago and I cannot stop. I seriously wish I were friends with these guys. Seriously the best episode is their conversation on the movie, Hook.

I started reading this book of essays at last month's Silent Book Club and I couldn't wait so I finished it later that evening. This essay is everything! A beautiful writer, a hilarious twitter feed, this girl is basically the voice of my generation. Move on over Lena Dunham, Scaachi is my girl!!! 

You should just go ahead and subscribe to Anne Shocket's Badass Babes newsletter!

The Librarian Suggests...

A new weekend series that will alternate every other Friday throughout the month. Since my coworker and I love creating lists of all kinds and chatting with our followers over on our Facebook page, I figured I'd post the librarian suggests content to the blog, what do you think? Hope you enjoy and have an excellent weekend!

The Librarian Suggests

What  I am reading at the moment: I just barely finished school and I have already read through three books on my list of juvenile fiction. The Letterford Mysteries written by Deron R. Hicks are simply divine. Meet the Raymond Khoury for children, the first in the series, Secrets of Shakespeare's Grave starts the series off and takes place all over Europe, where Colophon Letterford the young female protagonist takes you on an adventure out to discover family secrets and treasure. An excellent historical adventure novel for kids! Buy it or check it out from the library, your kids will surely love it. I'm trying to take my time reading the last of my Anthology subscription since the magazine will be over later this year. When I read the editor's letter regarding the end of Anthology, I was seriously upset. It was my favorite print magazine. At least I saved my entire collection of the magazine. What I watching and listening too at the moment: As far as music, I have been listening to Ciara's latest single, Dance Like We're Making Love way too much. I've been a long time fan and her latest album is pretty fantastic. I am also quite addicted to the ABC show, Pretty Little Liars. Every episode, I feel like I have 'A' figured out and then I'm just completely wrong. What are you reading, listening too and watching?

(image via buzzfeed)

Melinda's Golden Rules

Melinda Gates 10 Golden Rules for Life: 

1. Trust yourself. This is the most important thing. Everybody has an inner truth and if your learn how to listen to it, you'll be happier in everything you do.

2. Make time for quiet self reflection. You need to connect with nature and quiet truths to live a meaningful, balanced life. 

3. Cultivate great friends and keep them close. Tell them what you're learning and what you're excited about, and they will do the same for you.

4. Be a lifelong learner. Learn new topics, take up new hobbies. You will be amazed at what you don't know and what the world holds in store.

5. Broaden your worldviews. 

6. Connect deeply with others. Our humanity is the one thing we all have in common. 

7. Get a good night's sleep! Your mind and body need it.

8. Laugh aloud as often as possible. Laugh with others, Laugh at yourself. However you laugh, do it with abandon. 

9. Teach your children your values - don't just teach them how to tie their shoes and do multiplication tables. Teach them how to think about the important things in life. 

10. Read books with your friends and family and talk about them. You learn and grow more when you do it within a community. 

(text via porter magazine, image via one)

Girl Talk

 

In hopes of getting a little more personal with my readers, (over the last four years of writing this blog) I’ve slowly opened up about my own life, nervous and a little unsure if it’s the right thing to do. In the world of blogs, I often come across sites with glossy pages, endless wish-lists of the latest beauty buys, the best shoes for summer and the perfect LBD as well as a handful of talented writers. However, behind that perfect layout (because they all catch our eye and you can’t help to check it out), I constantly question the reality behind some of my favorite blogs and bloggers!! Are these people really who they say they are, and their lives, are they really that fabulous?  I’ve had the pleasure to meet a few bloggers, some who are truly awesome women and genuine about their product and content. I have also met others who have unfortunately disappointed me, the blog goes straight to their head. It is one thing to be proud of your success but it’s quite another when you become arrogant and or fake.

Here, at Sit and Stay A While, I want my readers to know who I really am. I try to be real, honest and genuine with my content, I put my heart and soul into all my work. Being the passionate and enthusiastic person I am, when I graduated college I really wanted to create a safe space, a forum to discuss important (and maybe not so important) topics that revolve around what it means to be a modern woman in the most casual and comfortable way possible. With a degree in general history, women’s history and anthropology, I love the idea of creating table discussion with all of you.  Having been in the blogging game for nearly four years, I find that the more intimate and relatable writers engage more and create a very trusting dialogue and relationship with their audience. So in an effort to get know each other a little better, I want to start this hopeful series about being truthful and having a place for girl talk. So please, feel free to email or message me here or in social media, about what kind of things you would like to see here on my blog in Girl Talk. Our next discussion is all about the relationship you have with yourself  :)

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