September Recap
Y’all how in the world is it already October?? I swear just yesterday it was August and I was in residence life training. It feels like I blink and three months have gone by. The days seem like they last forever but the weeks are flashing by. I’m sad to see the summer end, but I’m pumped for cold mornings, blanket scarves, and everything pumpkin.
*This post contains affiliate links. Ready my disclosure.
LIFE UPDATE
September. What a month. It was probably the best month of the year so far. I love my job, I love my co-workers, and I love college. Honestly, I don’t remember a time in my life where I’m this happy. I love waking up in the morning and seeing what the day has to offer. Anyways, September was full of lots of stress and lots of fun. I’m so busy that I never really have time to stress out about how much stuff I have to do. I had a few tests this month and they all went really well. Mid-month, I drove home to surprise my dad for his 50th birthday. We spent the weekend in Chattanooga, drinking tons of coffee and watching the newest Star Wars movie that I still hadn’t seen. The month concluded with a few nights of being on duty, hanging out with all of my amazing fellow staff members, and watching UT beat Florida and Georgia. Ok yeah I don’t go to UT, but I’ve supported them for over 18 years and that’s not stopping any time soon.
Kavu Rope Bag
Okay, so I’m starting to embrace my inner Knoxvillian because I’ve realized I can’t live without being somewhat outdoorsy at all times. I’ve got the Chacos, the relaxed Knoxville style, and to top it all off, I needed the perfect purse to compliment my Knoxvillian look.
I’ve wanted one of these Kavu bags for forever, and after my purse started falling apart, I decided it was time. Looking to get one? Check it out on Amazon!
Protein Bars
Y’all know that I’m big into fitness and staying healthy. In order to achieve my fitness goals, there are certain macronutrient goals that I need to hit on a daily basis. I always struggle with getting enough protein in for the day, and these bars are super helpful with that!
At around 200 calories each, they’re a perfect snack or meal replacement if I don’t have the time to have a proper meal. Of course I’m not suggesting to eat these all day every day because whole foods are going to be much better than processed bars. But, in a crunch, these are great! You can find them at Costco for around $14 for 18 bars.
Protein powder
In continuation with my obsession with protein (it’s essential for those muscle gains), this protein powder gets me through. It’s 100 calories for 20 grams of protein. Doubling the serving is a great way to get in 40 grams of protein with not a lot of calories. I usually have one “protein shake” a day to help me get in about 120 grams of protein each and every day. My protein shakes are usually one serving (two scoops of this powder) of protein powder and 8 fluid ounces of unsweetened almond milk.
On my workout days, I through the almond milk, protein powder, and one frozen banana into a blender for the perfect post-workout shake. This powder is about $30 at Target. If you’re a fan of strawberry ice cream and strawberry milk, highly suggest checking out the strawberry flavor. I’ll be repurchasing this many times in the future.
Whitney Simmons
I’m big into fitness YouTubers right now. It’s where I get a majority of my workouts and fitness inspiration from, but a lot of them aren’t super relatable. Working out is typically their full-time job, making it seem like a piece of cake to achieve the fitness goals they want. Whitney is not like that at all.
She’s down to earth, real, and supportive of any fitness goal. It’s easy to get down on myself about not progressing as fast as I’d like, but Whitney is a great reminder that you can eat In-N-Out once a week and still achieve your fitness goals.
Jimmy Case
I won this case from Gabby & Hannah of The Swirl Blog back in the beginning of September. I put it on my phone and haven’t take it off since. I love the durability of the case. Trust me, I’ve dropped it several times and it still looks as good as new!
The pocket on the back is super convenient, especially for a college student. I keep my student ID in there at all times, and if I’m heading to the store or going to dinner, I’ll slide in my ID and my debit card. The cards are super secure, and I have zero fears of them somehow slipping out. Honestly, this case has made my life so much easier. If you’re wanting to pick one up, check out their website! You can also purchase it from Amazon. (I’m not sponsored by them or anything. I just really love the case that much.)
MONTHLY STATS
Okay I’ll be the first to admit that September was a below average month for the blog. I’m still getting used to the work load of the semester, the spontaneity of my job, and going to the gym multiple times a week. I slacked way off on promoting on social media which showed.
But, that doesn’t mean I’m down and sad about how my blog did. It’s a learning process and now I know what I need to do to improve. I’ve already decided October is going to be the month of the blog. I’ve got a daily to-do list set up of exactly what I need to do for each day. From writing a newsletter (trying to get that back up) to writing and scheduling tweets, it’s all there and I’m determined to keep it up.
I’m so excited for October and all of the stuff I have planned! It may or may not include a cookie baking collaboration with another blogger…
What was your September highlight? Did you do anything fun? Let me know in the comments below!
~abigail gray
