Behind the Curtain: August 2016

I’ve come to look forward to these monthly posts about what I’m into beyond travel because there’s so much more to my life than where I go, despite the fact that it’s something I love. It’s funny how many people respond with their obsessions or agree with mine! As with last month, I’m sharing the things I’m obsessed with at the moment. Thanks for following along! Be sure to share what you’re loving this month below!

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Reading

Is there anything better than a discount bookstore down the street from my house? I think not. I recently discovered it after all of the magazine recycling places stopped accepting them. My mom mentioned that this store buys used books and even magazines so I took them over there.

I only got about $1.50 for a whole box, but I just wanted to get rid of them. I took my small credit and bought myself a used copy of Lonely Planet’s South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland guide. The information is mostly the same and I didn’t have to spend so much! Win-win.

I’ve finally made a dent in All the Light We Cannot See, partially because my sister Sammi is also reading it right now and wants to talk about it. My mom quickly read First Comes Love by Emily Giffin, also from the discount bookstore, so I’ve been reading it as well. It’s not really my type of book, as I find her characters unrealistic, but it is fun that it’s set in Atlanta. To see what else I’m reading, check out my Goodreads Profile here.

Listening

All my podcasts are back! I’ve been listening to the new season of Undisclosed, which I listened to last month, and one of the creators of the show responded to me on Twitter! Total fangirl moment. This month I’ve been digging into the new season of Magic Lessons, a great podcast about creative living from Elizabeth Gilbert.

And if you’re as into true crime podcasts as I am, you’ll love Up and Vanished, created by my childhood friend Payne Lindsey (also a director and filmmaker) about a beauty queen in south Georgia who disappeared without a trace, even a decade later. The first episode is available on iTunes now!

Watching

All of my biggest addictions are on break, apart from Mr. Robot, so I’m still alternating between Gossip Girl and The Walking Dead (a little light with the dark!). I’ve heard so many things about the Georgia-filmed Stranger Things but I haven’t been ready to get into it yet.

I know that once I do, I won’t be able to stop! I’m also counting down the days until the launch of Netflix series like Gilmore Girls and Luke Cage. Any other release dates I should be adding to my planner? Let me know!

Loving

This month has been about finding calm in my chaotic life. I’ve recently downloaded the Zen app, which has daily words of affirmation, calming background tunes, and guided meditations. It’s the perfect way to start the day. I’ve also had a few things recommended for my social anxiety, including Joyable and Talkspace.

I’m testing out both this week to identify patterns in my behavior. When I was in Las Vegas last month, one of the companies sells gratitude jars, so my boss brought around the jar every day to really set us up for a positive work day. It put my priorities in order, especially as I was struggling with health issues. I made my own at home for when I’m feeling sad or annoyed.

In the more materialistic side, I’m loving Simply Ground peanut butter, a new addition to Peter Pan’s line of treats that combines creamy and crunchy. I may have eaten half of the jar with a spoon. Get $1 off your own jar! I also got a crate of South Carolina peaches sent to me that I’ve been finding recipes to use in just about every way: drinks, pies, salads and more! The TOMS Warehouse sale also came through Atlanta last week, so I bought myself 4 pairs of shoes and one pair of sunglasses for $100. I’m in love with my new Toms Oxfords!

Working

This month has been steady in terms of work, continuing my ongoing content for The Knot and Her Packing List. I’ll soon be working on more for The Knot and have been pitching stories to new clients recently. Fingers crossed that at least one pans out!

And as much as I’m afraid to say it, I’ve been working on my book. I started it a while ago but decided to just write and see how far I get before stressing about how certain people are portrayed in it or why it doesn’t have the right ending. Going through my journals from my year in Australia, as well as this blog, has made me feel a range of emotions including nostalgia and sadness. But perhaps one day you’ll get to read it for yourself! See what else I’m working on via my Contently profile.

Traveling

What a crazy month. After going to LaGrange, Helen and Birmingham in early July, I spent a week in Las Vegas working a trade show for my former boss. The work itself was fine and I had lots of fun in my time off, but I had an allergic reaction that brought me to an urgent care for a cortisone shot.

Not exactly how I wanted to spend my time there! Immediately upon returning home, I went to my 10-year high school reunion. I felt a lot of anxiety about whether or not I should go and didn’t actually decide until an hour beforehand, but I’m glad I went. I also spoke on a panel about travel blogging and the future of travel and technology, which was quite an honor!

Next up is a week in New York City, where I’ll be working most of the time but have a few days to see friends and catch up. Then I’ll have a whirlwind month of travels around the South. More on that soon!