Through mosquitos, menopause and yoga pants…
So, this week didn’t exactly start out as planned.
It started with a walk I thought would clear my mind and get me in the writing zone. Instead? I got attacked by flies and mosquitos like I was the main course on their summer tasting menu. 😩
It actually took me back to a scarring college memory.
My friend and I were taking an afternoon walk just off campus—Sony Walkman radios in tow (if that doesn’t age me, I don’t know what does 😅).
Unbeknownst to us, we stepped right on top of an underground yellow jacket nest.
What began as a peaceful walk quickly turned into full-on sprinting, flailing, and—yes—stripping off clothing in public due to the sheer number of bees flying up underneath them.
We gave the neighborhood quite the show. No wonder no one came out to help. Oh, the memories… and the bee sting PTSD. 🐝
Anyway, there I was—swatting, speed-walking, and doing a full-body bug battle on a foot that’s still healing—thinking this was supposed to be my peaceful moment. The second I got back inside, I ordered a set of bug zapper rackets like a woman on a mission. I’m not big on bug spray, and I don’t like to kill anything if I can help it… but after these itchy welts? No regrets.
Even with the bug bites, the brain fog, and the ever-mysterious menopause weight shift (subject for another day), there have been little things pulling me back to myself. And I wanted to share them with you—just in case your week’s been a little off too.
🌿 A Walk (Even If It’s a Bug Battle)
Despite the mosquito mayhem, I got outside.
And even a short walk—noisy mind, swatting arms and all—still reminded me how healing movement can be. Sometimes joy sneaks in right after the chaos. My favorite sneakers for all-things walking and working out-related for wide feet and comfort are these Hokas. Also, I’ll be carrying the bug zapping rackets apparently. 🦟 I hope these tips help you avoid the bug fiasco in comfort and style. 🤣
🍫 Mid-Day Squares: My Chocolate Lifesaver
I don’t always make the best food choices when I’m overwhelmed (hi, chocolate and wine), but these Mid-Day Squares have been a genuine upgrade. I consider myself to be a chocolate snob an these taste amazing, have good ingredients, and totally save my 3PM “please feed me or I’ll cry” spiral. Try them with my discounted link here.
They feel like a treat but act like fuel. And I can get behind that.
👖 Yoga Pants + Linen Shorts = My Real Dress Code
Let’s not even pretend—jeans are in time out.
Right now it’s all about:
- Yoga pants for days when I want to feel comfortable, pulled in and confident.
- Lightweight linen shorts for the sticky summer afternoons
🌼 Style tip for the linen shorts:
Pair with a tank + cute layered necklace + flats = casual polish
Or just the ponytail + cute comfy sneakers vibe and call it a joy win either way.
📚 Summer Reading That Feels Like Home
I grew up spending summers on a lake—with boat days, campfire nights and friendships made to last a lifetime.
So when I find a book that brings me back there? I fall in, fast.
📚 This week’s pick: the Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy (boxed set) by Jenny Han.
Nostalgic, emotional, and perfect for beach reads or curled-up afternoons.
It’s also a show on Prime, but trust me—start with the books.
🐾 A Little Molly Joy
Even though Molly’s no longer here, she still shows up. In memories, in the soft parts of my heart, and in little things I know she would’ve loved. This week, it was a moment of stillness where I swore I felt her nearby at our favorite place on the lake. It reminded me that joy lingers—even after loss.
If you’ve ever loved a dog with your whole heart, you know they never really leave you. I still find joy in sharing the things she loved—and yes, I’ve kept a little corner of the blog dedicated to her favorites. You can find those in Molly’s Picks🐾 —still bringing smiles, one wag-worthy find at a time.
💛 Final Thoughts
This week (only one day in 😅) didn’t start off as planned. But it’s real.
And sometimes that’s enough.
So if you’re navigating your own buggy walk, chocolate phase, or yoga pants season—know you’re not alone. Joy is still here. In the tiny comforts. In the softness. In the showing up.
💌 If you need a reset, grab my free Joy Jumpstart Guide.
It’s simple, heart-led, and made for weeks like this.
Tell me—what’s saving you this week? I’d love to know.
