GRATITUDES + BREAKTHROUGHS 10.01.19

Gratitudes
Leah + CJ got married on his families property, Legacy Farm. These high school sweethearts exchanged their vows with their family and friends near a pond tucked away on the property. How baller is this 1970s Oldsmobile Cutlass?! They didn’t officially say it, but I think it was their “something blue.” Near the main house they had a white sailtop tent for their reception with an raw oyster bar, live band and a taco + mac n’ cheese bar!

I finally took my first Orange Theory Fitness class last Wednesday and I’m a fan! It really reminded me of my sports days doing circuit workouts to stay fit. The gym was super clean and organized – amazing – and the music + coach were so energetic and supportive! I decided to join as a member and I’ll be going 2 times a week. I’ve been really missing having a solid fitness routine and I like that for me, I can show up, get a full body workout including cardio and I’m out in an hour. I will say though I wasn’t jazzed to drop $115 on a heart rate monitor but, I guess that’s part of the program. I’ll report back in November and let you know how I’m feeling!

Which reminds me, I’m one retainer away from completing my Smile Direct Club journey! I started last October with a 5 month plan and needed two refinements which added about 5-7 months to my treatment. I am pleased with my results and I have recommended them to two friends who’ve recently started. I will say this program is for someone who is dedicated to keeping their aligners in and following the program without guidance.
There were a few things that I feel like you should be aware of if you choose to go forward with it:

Anticipate needing at least one refinement.
Commit to go into the Smile Shop because their 3D scan is so accurate
Customer service is easier to access through Facebook Messanger
Refinement aligners or retainers can take weeks to be delivered – be patient
The chapstick they give you is the best I’ve ever had – ask for extra!!!

There are so many negative reviews and “horror stories” but if you actually read through I feel like a lot of the mishaps could have been avoided with better dental health, advocating for yourself and common sense. I really have liked the program and feel like for the price and time it was 100% worth it for me to straighten up my front teeth. I have a referral code if you’re interested in setting up an appointment! I’ve shared it below:

SMILE DIRECT CLUB REFERRAL CODE

The internet is a weird place, but it’s also such a cool way to meet new people. I met Lindsay Silberman via Instagram through Ayla. She’s a beauty obsessed travel blogger who’s feed is swoon worthy! Oddly enough she was taking a girls trip with her Mom for the weekend to Middleburg! I slid into her DMs with my favorite recommendations and we ended up working together on Friday! I showed her some of my favorite places like Middleburg Common Grounds, Red Fox Inn, Cuppa Giddy-Up, Nature Composed and a few nooks and crannies! I’m excited to hear her recommendations and how she enjoyed her time in hunt country!

Agape Beauty Studio had an open house and I was so excited to go and support my friend Amanda. Her studio serves so many brides, bridal parties and those interested in skin care. Her space in Haymarket is BEAUTIFUL, modern and so chic! She did my make-up and I grabbed a blush and a lip gloss. I’m so surprised I liked the lipgloss because it wasn’t sticky at all and felt super hydrating. I wore it all day on Monday and lips didn’t get peely! If you need make-up, skin care or a spray tan she’s the best!

After the party I went to Field + Main with Rachel and friends for dinner! If you haven’t been there before, put it on your to-do list right now and go! They have a dry rosé that is a pretty good house wine, but my favorite thing they do is the Mystery Wine. They pour your a glass of white or red and if you guess the grape it it’s 1/2 off! So, I tried last night and I guessed right! It was a pinot noir! I’m basically a sommelier!

Breakthroughs
I’m putting this here to remind me to take a break and relax in October. If you don’t know October for anyone in the wedding industry is insane. I am shooting 2 weddings every weekend into November.

And as a Enneagram Type 3 I struggle with true relaxation. I know it’s important to ward off burnout and exhaustion, but it’s so hard when you have a to-do list a mile long. So here is my annual reminder to create some space for myself.

As always, thanks for reading! xo.