Behind the Scenes: May

Summer habits, lack of control, body confidence, what we're wearing this summer, bathing suits to make you look and feel good, what I'm reordering and goals for June.

May, you were a quick one! As many of you with elementary school kids can probably relate, May is a doozy of a month. The end of school comes with a million school events, emotions, the end of spring sports, the panic of summer ahead and also, excitement. I felt like a chicken with my head cut off and struggled to find my focus. I also have a good sense of adapting when needed. I don’t feel guilty when I say no, for no particular reason other than, I just don’t want to. Or I don’t feel I have the bandwidth! A big part of my survival depends on recharging my batteries. That means less social gatherings and more staying home.

Something about me is that being in control makes me feel more at peace. I am hyper aware of my surroundings and how they affect my performance. This has become somewhat of a struggle as my kids get older and want more freedom. It has been a hard adjustment to either have kids flooding our house while I am still trying to get work done or worried about my kids while they are out and about. I feel like I am in the hardest season of motherhood thus far. Charlie is going into 5th grade and wants the world at his fingertips, Jack will be in 3rd grade and wants to do/have everything Charlie does and George is still hanging with Dave and I. It feels slightly paralyzing. Like I keep tripping and can’t catch my footing. The conversations with my kids are more intense, they aren’t as emotion based but more reality/facts. I don’t know how we got here and as much as I love it, it feels hard for me to show up for my creative corner. Obviously the jolt into summer is always a bit of a shock so reminding myself to take some deep breaths and ease in.

Habits aren’t necessarily my strong suit unless it comes to exercise. It is the one requirement to my day - I have to move my body. Especially when schedules are all over the place. Knowing that I can challenge my body and push myself to be stronger feels like a big tap on the back. I’ve been consistently doing Heather Robertson workouts for the past few months. I’m currently doing her Stride program and just hit the halfway mark. I’m doing the training for a half marathon but haven’t actually signed up for a race. I wanted a program that incorporated more cardio because my body responds well to weights/cardio. I feel really strong but for some reason my confidence has been lacking the past month! Which is not something I’m used to. You know those days where you feel frumpy but then it turns into weeks and then a month goes by and woof. I know social media is a big culprit. Seeing your peers in the same dress you’re wearing but 4 sizes smaller. Watching people’s waists and arms wither away while you’re literally working your ass off. It is kind of a mental fuck. I was actually talking to a friend who was feeling the same. She even asked her doctor if she could go on a GLP-1 to help her lose 10lbs. Her doctor refused and said the issue isn’t weight it is body dysmorphia. It sort of slapped me in the face because those same issues I remember dealing with in high school seem to be erupting again. The pressure to be thin. With no end in sight I need to figure out how to love my body, its softness and its curves a little more. The cycle never ends, does it?

My Favorite Products/What I Loved in May

Roz Scalp Scrub has been saving my hair right now. It gets all the summer gunk out of your hair.

Stylest DreamSculpt Swimsuit is like shape wear in a bathing suit. It smooths your tummy and makes you feel snatched!! I also have this one. LIZ15 for 15% off. Another new favorite swimsuit that made me look and feel great is this stripe swimsuit from Minnow.

Cadets Everyday Poplin Pants are a favorite in my closet. You can dress them up, pair them with a swimsuit, wear with a simple tee or a cool button down. THE BEST PANT.

This Vitamin C serum replaced one I’ve used for years. It is much more effective in penetrating your skin especially if your skin is dry! Super moisturizing, too.

This Ann Taylor gingham peplum top is the only going out top you need for summer.

My Rhone Saltair Button Down continues to be an MVP in my closet. You would never know it is sweat resistant/workout material! Perfect for hot summer days. LADAMS20 for 20% off your first purchase!

My fruit stand glassware elevates every beverage in my kitchen.

Shorts! Shorts are carrying me through summer. I love all the elevated styles that don’t feel as restricting as denim shorts. A few favorite styles here, here and here.

See more of what I loved in May right here.

Really leaning in to HERBS right now! All the fresh veggie combinations. I swear you don’t need to overthink it, just mix up all the fresh flavors, add olive oil, salt and a zip of lemon and everything will go together swimmingly! You can get inspired by my recipes right here.

May’s outfits felt very fitting for May! Colorful and effortless while still feeling styled. It’s funny, sometimes I get in a funk about my style and look back and think, “hey! You did good kid!” You can find links to all of my looks right here.

Here’s to June!