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Tomorrow is the the last day of May, & it marks four solid months of blogging for me, which is kind of a record. I’ve started blogs before, but nothing has ever stuck; that is, until this one. There is something very special & fulfilling about finally having a place to share my thoughts, projects & ideas- and I’m extremely thankful for my loyal readers who have supported me thus far!
I mentioned in my very first introductory post last January (here) that I wanted to do some sort of monthly favorites post for you where i’d share things I found & enjoyed that month, whether it be related to DIY, food, reading or home decor. I’ve finally decided that I’m instead going to broaden it up & incorporate this into a monthly recap post where I give you general updates on my personal life & the blog, as well as a few of my recent favorite pins, products & websites!
For starters on the personal update, we flew out to Iowa last weekend to visit extended family & celebrate my youngest cousin’s high school graduation. I enjoyed the slower pace of life there, as well as the abundance of nature & old houses [oh, you know I spied some beauties while I was there. I’m always on the hunt for inspiration!] Also, let me just say that being around so much family is so wonderful, and it’s always sad to leave. But I take back home with me the many inside jokes from our multiple games of Fishbowl (if you haven’t played it, you should- it’s great for big groups!)
I wish that there was such a thing as $10 flights around the US, because then I’d be able to see family a whole lot more. Can any of you relate?!
There are a few more exciting life updates in the works for the husband & I which will get announced in next month’s recap, and will definitely become a part of the blog going forward! I can’t wait to share everything with you. (And no, it’s not a baby).
On to other things…
TOP POSTS THIS MONTH
- In early May, I wrote about my thrifted oil lamps & my mission to go unplugged from electronics a little bit more often. Read it here!
- My favorite post of all this month was entitled The Essential Elements of a Bookish Bridal Shower. If you love books as much as I do, you will love this one ♥ Plus, I have a bunch of book-themed puns in it of which I am very proud.
- I also am super excited about my most recent post which highlights my DIY Entry Stand & includes tips on creating an organized “mudroom” when you live in an apartment.
FAVORITES THIS MONTH
- I finally finished reading The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah*. If you enjoy historical fiction, I would highly recommend it! And yes, it totally made me cry towards the end ♥ Have you read this book? What did you think of it?
- Husband & I had to go to the mall on some errands a few weeks ago & ended up seeing the new version of The Jungle Book. I was wowed! Can I have a Bagheera as a pet, pretty please? Okay, I know it’s not happening, but a girl can wish.
- My friend Harmony started a handmade cosmetics business not too long ago, & I love her products. Check out her website! Earl Grey chapstick, yes please ♥
PINNED THIS MONTH
I’ve been furiously pinning away & getting inspired on Pinterest. I’m up to 24 boards and 312 pins & counting… follow me here if you’re not already! These are a few of my favorite pins:
- This old blog post is still the most adorable idea ever, on making candles in vintage tins. Read it here!
- I loved reading through this post from Unexpected Elegance with 7 Ideas for a Farmhouse Inspired Kitchen {on a budget}! I am allllll about this.
- And let’s finish it up with another oldie-but-a-goodie which I recently discovered: a blog post on how to make DIY Plaster-Dipped Flower Votives by Design Mom.
I have so many more pins from this month, so head on over to my Pinterest boards & have at it!
Are there any types of posts you’d like me to incorporate more into my blogging routine with CPL? What have been YOUR favorite new discoveries this month? Read any good books lately? Share in the comments below!
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Bryan
May 30, 2016 at 11:01 pmMaybe you should think about taking up travel hacking. It involves a lot of manipulation of credit cards, so you have to be super disciplined with your spending and watch your credit scores like a hawk. But those are things I suspect you’d be very good at. It’s possible to travel for very little by taking advantage of credit card sign-up bonuses. Plus, if you document what you learn here, you’d have the opportunity to get a little bit of affiliate marketing income from the cards.
http://www.travelmiles101.com/
Keep writing!
Create Pray Love
June 5, 2016 at 12:39 pmGreat idea, and thank you for the website recommendation! 🙂 Michael & I currently use the United Mileage Plus card and from our signup bonus our trip to Boston was pretty much covered. I almost forgot about that while writing this post. Heh. Thank you for the encouragement! 🙂
Sarah V.
June 1, 2016 at 9:19 pmThanks for the summary! I especially enjoyed checking out Harmony’s blog and Etsy store… the beard oil is the best… for all y’all in ultra hipster LA 🙂 the descriptions made me laugh! –but seriously it sounds amazing. I miss both of you! The style, the creativity, the fun! Keep up the good work.
Create Pray Love
June 5, 2016 at 12:46 pmHaha, hipster LA is right! Harmony makes great stuff, glad you liked her store! We miss you too! 🙂 Thank you for the kind words! Hope all is well!