It's been a difficult week for me. I had emergency surgery a few weeks ago for a hernia that developed over night and it got aggravated last weekend--swollen, red, so painful. I was worried I was going to have surgery again. I spent Sunday and Monday mostly in bed, but Tuesday we had to travel back to Des Moines to finish filming a fun project with BHG. Fortunately, I am doing a lot better. (must be that humid Des Moines air! haha) But I kind of feel like I am walking on eggshells trying to avoid lifting anything until I am fully healed--the doctor told me it would likely be another 4 weeks.
In turn, I have noticed a depression sinking in the past couple weeks and I think it is due to not being able to exercise, not being able to pick up Polly is surely not helping either. And having to travel so much for work has likely been the cherry on top. I am cleared for walking and light elliptical training, so I am going to try to incorporate that for my mental well-being. The whole situation has definitely opened my eyes to how much I value my health and well-being. And how much I take it for granted day to day.
Some fun things from this week!
We moved our weekly CLJ Q&A to IGTV this week and are so overwhelmed with the positive response on the platform. Thank you for watching!
This Aframe renovation is so cool! Very contemporary, and yet still rustic.
Target's Made By Design line is gonna give Ikea and The Container Store a run for their money! Such clean, practical, beautiful decor and storage pieces at insane prices. I'm a fan.
I just got these jeans last week and I just want to wear them every single day! They fit like a dream! Stretchy enough to move around in, but stay put all day long. I also am a super fan of the high-waist. (The longs made the knee holes hit at just the right spot on me!)
My new favorite instagram account for comic relief.
Just ordered the very last thing we need to complete the bathroom renovation--towel hooks! We wanted three for the side of the linen cabinet and I found this beautiful multi-towel hook on Etsy and it was love at first sight. (Hopefully it doesn't take a year to get here from Turkey).
Last week, we had a meet-up in Austin and we were able to meet so many of your wonderful faces. It's odd sometimes, talking (or typing) to a screen and you see numbers that people are reading and people are watching and liking and commenting, but it can still, at times, feel so...not real. Like, is anyone really out there? But then to meet some of you and pick up on conversations we started right here, like I would any real life friend was a truly beautiful thing. It's so good to know you're really out there. Thank you for being there and here.
Hope you have a great weekend!
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Thank you so much for the tip on the new jeans! Tried them on and bought them! Love! Except... did yours smell like mothballs when you bought them? I love the way they fit (the holes hit perfectly at the knee!), but all I can smell is mothballs when I put them on! Did you find a way to get the smell out?
Hi Julia, I hope you can take it a bit easier and feel better soon. I know that is hard with three young children and a business to run!!!! Hate that you're feeling down.
Sending you healing vibes! Have a great and rejuvenating weekend!
Thanks for being willing to be vulnerable and honest. I hope adding a little light activity to your routine helps - it is so hard to be restricted from the things that make you feel whole.
I hope you have the energy, time, and weather on your next visit to Des Moines to explore. We’ve been here about 7 years and are still making new discoveries. The Sculpture Park is one of our favorite places to go as a family.
Hope you feel better soon. As a doctor I can’t help but be concerned for infection if your surgical site is red and swollen and painful. Please call your surgeon if you haven’t already to have it re-evaluated! It might be an easy fix with antibiotics but left untreated can be somewhat dangerous! Sorry to butt in with unsolicited advice!
Hey it’s my cute family!
It was really great to meet you guys! I love reading your posts and following along on Instagram. I love your style and how down to earth you two are. You’re relatable and kind.
I’m sorry life has thrown you for a loop right now. Mamas shouldn’t be able to get sick or injured, we’ve got too much to do. I hope you’re able to get some rest soon to fully recover.
Much love!
Hey look, it’s my cute family! It was so great to meet you guys! I hope you can get the rest you need soon. Mamas shouldn’t be able to get sick or injured, we’ve got too much to do!
**hugs**
I understand how you feel and I hope you recover quickly! I was bedridden with my pregnancy for 19 weeks until I miscarried the baby. The depression I felt being so sick and stuck in bed is lifting, even as I am grieving my baby. I feel so much more "normal" and am getting my energy back to care for my two little boys. It's been a mixed bag of emotions, obviously. I will not be taking it for granted again, being able to engage with my boys!
Thanks for sharing your struggles as well as your victories...especially with mental health. It’s helpful for me and for others, I imagine.
I broke my foot two years ago and struggled with depression. It dawned on me how much I took for granted the ability to walk to help a toddler off a toilet, to put my baby to bed, or to simply do the dishes. Plus, having to put our house projects on hold was tough since I am such a task oriented person. I hope you heal quickly and are able to get back to your normal again. ❤️