This month, I did a lot of dreaming.
Dreaming about what I want and desire.
Dreaming about God’s calling for me and Cary.
Dreaming about the future.
Dreaming sometimes feels frivolous in the moment, but I think it’s a terrific way to rally for hope. This past year has been one of the most challenging mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And dreaming has proven to be a great coping strategy to get through the trenches. I don’t know about you, but I’m weary. But dreaming helps to keep the weariness at bay at least for a short while. If you feel weary or overwhelmed in this season, take some time to dream. Dream with yourself. Dream with you partner. Dream with your creator. You may find renewed hope and fervor for the future. All will be well, my friend. All will be well!
BOOKS I READ
The Vanishing Half
This book details a multi-generational family saga set between the 1940-1990s centering around two black identical twins, Desiree and Stella Vignes. Born and raised in Mallard, LA, a small town where everyone knows everyone. But wanting more for themselves, the twins run away to New Orleans without telling a soul, not even their mother. However, Stella disappears shortly thereafter. In 1968, Desiree leaves an abusive marriage in Washington, D.C. and returns to Mallard with her eight-year-old daughter, Jude. Jude grows up, graduates high school, and moves to L.A. Meanwhile, Stella disappears and creates a whole new life without her sister posing to be white. She falls in love with a white man, bears a white child, and disowns her past and family. This book is a striking portrayal of the complexity of race, family structures, and coming of age. I thoroughly enjoyed this read especially in light of #BlackHistoryMonth. Brit Bennett did a phenomenal job bringing each multi-faceted, tortured character to life.
WHAT I BOUGHT
Bebo Family Smart Scale
tula Toner Pads
tula Face Filter
tula Gel Sunscreen
Pavoi Diamond Huggie
Evolve Chocolate Protein Powder
Lumineux Whitening Strips
The Vanishing Half
BC Mattifying Powder
Beautycounter Deodorant
MOVIES/TV SHOWS WATCHED
Firefly Lane
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Jumanji: The Next Level
Emma
To All the Boys: Always and Forever
New Girl
The Wilds
PLACES I TRAVELLED
Charleston, SC: Had a quick visit to see my parents and grandparents, eat a delicious dinner at Fat Hen on Johns Island, and swing on my parents swing. I love going home, because it feels like a retreat now as an adult. It’s a safe place to rest, relax, and escape. Cary and I love taking a walk out on the dock, sitting and watching the birds while we drink our morning coffee, and having cocktails on the porch. It’s an oasis, and the company makes it that much sweeter!
ONE FEAR I CONQUERED
I talked about my counseling experience on the blog! When I started counseling summer of last year, I was initially scared to talk about it with anyone except for friends and family. I knew it was what I needed in that season, but I felt like if I shared it with the world, then people would think of me differently. The perfect self I upheld on social media would crumble. My followers wouldn’t trust me anymore. Counseling made me broken and in need of fixing, but in all honestly, we are ALL broken and in need fixing. It was truly FREEING to share my counseling experience, and I hope that by sharing someone out there takes the leap to see a counselor for whatever struggles they are facing. It takes boldness and courage to say “yes” to see a counselor, but I know that for me, it’s helped me walk through a dark and difficult season with hope.
FAVORITE POSTS ON KITCHY LIVING
My favorite: Why Counseling Could Be One of the Best Decisions You Make This Year
Reader’s favorite: Chicken Pot Pie
FAVORITE SONGS
Gasoline – HAIM (feat. Taylor Swift)
We’re Good – Dua Lipa
Beginning Middle End – The Greeting Committee
Save Your Tears – The Weeknd
FITNESS UPDATE
This month, my goal was to try a new fitness program. And..I DID! It’s far too easy for me to get into a rote routine and not want to try new things. But when I push myself to try, I often find that I love it. The newness is refreshing and it pushes me in ways I might not have with other workouts. So this month I tried Muscle Burns Fat on Beachbody. The instructor, Megan Davies, uses targeted movements to ignite your metabolism and incinerate fat. I’m not expecting any major changes in my body composition, but I’m enjoying these new upbeat workouts. If you feel stuck in a rut, consider this your sign to try something new! Here’s a video preview of the workout program in case you’re interested.
kitchyliving.com 