Life Update + Things I’m Loving + Reflection of the Month

What’s up guys? I feel like it’s been forever since we just caught UP. Hope everyone’s March is off to a great start and spring is on its way wherever you are… We finally are being blessed with a week of mid 50’s in Chicago and its put me in the best mood— the kinda mood where I just want to do all the things and resume the productivity I somehow lost for the tail end of this winter… Thus why I have headed out with my laptop into the city and intend on making this a get-shit-done kind of day! I’m currently writing this at a little market on Southport that I have become absolutely obsessed with, for once did my hair and makeup (I’m normally definition grunge baby during the work week), am wearing an outfit I love, and it’s raining but just feels like the perfect day. After a long winter, it’s crazy what that first above 50 degree day will do for you ha.

Sherpa Lined Denim Jacket (Levi’s) / Leggings (Aritzia) / Bag (Chloe)

I’ll be honest, between how cold and grey its been outside, and the fact that I’ve been in this period of transition while I wait to hear back from grad school— more on that in a sec— it’s just been a weird time for me. Don’t get me wrong, I have been having a ton of fun and have been so, so happy, but I’m still figuring out how to integrate all the different pieces in my life right now. For one (here’s the first big life update lol), I have a new boyfriend! His name is Alex; you might have caught a couple glimpses of him in my IG stories and he’s actually taken a few of my recently posted photos (he’s a total natural, might I add). He is without a doubt 100% cooler than I am and I’m pretty smitten. I’m sure he will make a more formal appearance at some point, so I’ll leave it at that for now 🙂 Anyway, as of late we’ve been hanging out a lot over the weekends, sooooo I’m essentially still trying to figure out how to prioritize getting in #ootd shots for the gram, as the weekends are typically when I shoot my content for the week… I’ve been very in the moment and just enjoying my “real” life instead of being focused on taking pictures, if that makes sense. I’ve also been going out a ton more than I used to, which means that I’m also spending more of my weekend days in a slightly hungover state, which doesn’t exactly make for ideal photo taking conditions. Like I said, I’m going to figure out a system and reprioritize, especially since the weekends have always been when I get the majority of my content to post for the week.

He lives in Lakeview, right by Southport, so I’ve been spending a ton of time in the neighborhood— which I’m totally new to! I had no idea how boppin’ it is over here; there are so many restaurants, coffee shops, stores… and good ones too, I’m talking Free People, Kendra Scott, Blue Mercury, Lou & Grey, Splendid… There’s a Pure Barre, a SoulCycle, Whole Foods, Real Good Juice Co… Yeaaaah, you could say I’m a fan. It’s been really nice to feel like I have a home base in the city; I’ve been spending so much time downtown again, which makes me very, very happy. Moving back to the suburbs and changing my life path ultimately has been the best decision I’ve ever made for myself, but I miss the hustle and bustle and energy. So, the current arrangement feels perfect.

Foxtrot Market is right on Southport and has become my latest and greatest obsession when it comes to snacks, candles, CBD drinks, overall interior aesthetics. The decor is adorable and the lighting is bomb; they have rattan chairs, leather couches, hanging wicker light fixtures… Perfect place to grab some lunch, coffee, work, take outfit pictures in their full length mirror if your name is Meghan Wainwright. My favorite part about the store is their assortment of absolutely random shit. They have all these boujee candles, hand drawn greeting cards, city travel guides, beauty products, coffee table books… It’s really fun to browse!

I mentioned that I’m still waiting to hear back from grad school… I was pretty open about studying and taking the GRE, but I haven’t spoken a ton about the specifics, including where I’m applying to, just out of fear of jinxing it… I only applied to one school, to this one specific program that is absolutely perfect for what I want to do. So whether or not I get in obviously dictates what happens next for me. I supposedly will be hearing back very soon, so once it’s confirmed either way I’ll spill more deets! Taking the GRE, scoring above my goal, and submitting my application was one of my year’s biggest accomplishments. So much is riding on this decision and I’m just so fucking ready to know at this point. My plan is to transition out of my current job in the next coming months, be “FUNemployed” over the summer (so I guess I’ll get a little taste of that full-time-blogger life!) and then start school in the fall… I’m looking to do an entire industry change and really start carving out my ultimate career path, and I’m just so ready for it. Whether I get into my program or not, I’m ready to start working in an industry and space where my natural skill-set and interests align, and I can do something creative and that I’m passionate about. That’s the dream.

In the meantime, I’m just trying to be present in the moment, which, happens to be my Intention of the Month. There have been so many seasons in my life where I haven’t found the good in the present, and have been so focused on getting through time just so I could start a new chapter. Graduating college, my senior year, was one of these times, and I definitely have a lot of regrets for how I treated that time. My job (I work in tech consulting full time) has been less than fab for the last few months. I can’t say too much for obvious reasons, but I’m on a virtual project, so working 100% from home, not interacting with people or being challenged or even really utilized… Given the timing of everything, in the grande scheme of things, it’s probably an ideal situation… But I’m definitely bored and ready to be challenged and feel like I’m doing things for my career. Despite feeling unsatisfied, and going through this phase of checking my email every hour to see if my admission decision has been posted, there is a real simplicity and calmness if my life right now. I’m living at home, spending so much time with my family, which I view as such a gift, feeling really good and excited about this new relationship, feeling like my relationships with my friends are better than ever… No drama, no hardships, just simple but meaningful things to be happy about in the now. These are the times that don’t last forever, so March feels like the perfect month to make being present my main intention.

That being said, there are so many things I 100% am looking forward to! I’m so pumped about this— Alex and I just booked flights to go to LA in April. I’m sadly missing Coachella this year (didn’t get tickets during the pre-sale in June or in the general sale in January + realized I wouldn’t have enough PTO accrued from work), so was feeling in need of my springtime Cali fix… It’ll be his first time to LA, and first time to California EVER, so we’re gonna do all the things. Mainly going out for vacation/travel purposes of course, but it’s also going to be his first time meeting my sister Kate! Very big deal, very exciting stuff. Also will get to spend some time with her new boyfriend which is just as exciting; we are definition package deal haha, so you kinda need to experience the “Meghan and Kate show” (an expression coined by others, I’ll add) if you’re gonna date us. We’re going to spend a few days up near my sister’s school, all do Disney together one day, and then head into LA for the rest of the trip. Ahh!

I also wanted to let you all know that starting this afternoon actually, I will be working with SpaDerma in Chicago! They are a med spa with locations in West Loop and Lincoln Park. My skin has been a total nightmare to deal with since the summer; I was having these consistent, huge, nasty breakouts for a while, and I finally got those under control since switching to the Epionce skincare line. Still working on clearing up some stubborn areas, improve my overall texture, etc, so I’m hoping my friends at SpaDerma will be able to help! I’m going in for a consultation and will get my skin evaluated to come up with a customized treatment plan. I will do either a video or full blog post documenting the process as well as share all the details about what products I’m using. Just want to make sure my skin is actually in a good place before I start giving you guys advice!

Another bit of news I’m thrilled to announce… I’ve signed with a management team! Your girl got a manager people loooool (but also who am I). I ended up taking an impromptu meeting with the team when I was out in Scottsdale last month (their office is headquartered out there), and it just felt like a perfect fit. I was so fired up after our conversation; it was one of those moments where I was just feeeeling deep in the industry, re-remembering that this is a real career path that people are carving out for themselves, and feeling inspired to take my brand and business to the next level. My team will be helping out with overall strategy as well as handle all of my contract and brand negotiations (which is not my fave part of the job, sooo it works out perfectly). I’m also going to have access to a suite of services, including graphic and web design to name a few, so I’m hoping to do some updates to my logos and overall blog layout!

Ok apologies for the very discombobulated nature of this post… Wanted to end with a few more things I’ve been loving lately! 

NARS Climax Mascara

Holy shit people. This mascara is life changing. Like, without a doubt the best mascara I have ever used. It’s not clumpy, the formula is long lasting and non drying or flaky, and it gives your lashes this insane curve and volume. I’ve heard this particular product has a cult following and I can see why— this is officially the mascara I will use forever. It’s literally perfect.

Ash Addict Trainer Sneakers

 

 

After almost 6 months of coming very close to buying the Balenciaga Triple S sneakers… I came across these and thought they were a nice compromise ($275 vs $895 at least lol). I got a pair in white, but they comes in a ton of cool color combos… I hadn’t heard of this brand before but I’m so happy I stumbled across them; they got some FUNKY styles. In a good way. There’s a pastel purple and pink pair of dad sneaks that are calling my name. They are very comfortable, not too heavy, and I’ve been getting so much wear from them. So here’s hoping this ugly dad sneaker trend stays around a while.

Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist

Fact: face mists are the best. I like to keep mini size ones in my purses, I always travel with them, use them to prep my beauty blender, set and refresh my makeup… So many uses. I got this one as part of a set for Christmas and it has been my fave go to— it smells incredible and makes your skin feel instantly soft and hydrated. This one is packed with lots of goods: coconut water to hydrate and give you a nice glow, hibiscus flower for natural exfoliation and to speed up cell turnover, rose for hydration and reducing inflammation and puffiness, and aloe very for overall healing. I’m a big fan and highly recommend!

Wooo! Ok that was a long one. Thanks for reading and catching up with me; love ya!