Here we are, y’all. Now that #gradweekend is over for me, I can finally get back to writing the content I want! Before I share any new tips and tricks, I thought I’d just tell you about what’s been going on in my life since I totally went MIA. I’m also going to be sharing some exciting blog updates that are coming soon and where I would like to see it go in the next few years! Alright, alright, alright: let’s get to it!
What’s the Roast: Life Things
So, those post-grad plans though?
I’m very thankful that I’ve known my post-grad plans for a couple months now. You should totally follow me on social media: @theswirlblog and @gabbywhiten on Twitter and Instagram; I posted my big news there first. But…. drum roll, please…..
I’M MOVING TO NEW YORK CITY.
Yep, and you better bet your bottom dollar that I’m really ~hecking~ excited! What will I be doing there to be productive and make money, you ask? I’m on the road to become Dr. Whiten! I’ll be starting a Ph.D. program in the fall and I’m living in the city for the next 5 years while I complete the program. Ever since I took that wonderful trip over fall break, I’ve been dreaming of living in the city. All I talked about in the weeks following my travels was how I was going to live in the city that never sleeps at some point in my life.
It seems that there’s no better time than the present after all.
So yeah, if you have any tips or tricks—or food recommendations {I’m worried about the important things clearly!}—that you’d like to share about moving to and living in the city, pass ‘em along!
What are you up to in the meantime?
I move to the city in August, so I have a couple of months to just hang back and relax. But you all know I’m not capable of that so I have a super packed summer. In the next few weeks, I’ll technically be on break from any true responsibilities, but I’ll be working super hard on rebranding this site and working on my new photography website. Let’s just say that my web development class is gonna come in handy in the next few weeks!
Hannah and I will both be working on the new direction of the site and while we’ve talked about it a lot over the web, it’ll be nice to iron out all the details in person. YAY. Personally, I really love our blog and don’t want much to change. However, we probably have to change our tagline and description {cue post-graduation tears}.
I’ll also be fine tuning my photography style and releasing a new set of presets. I got so much great feedback on my last set and I’m pumped to send some more out! **I worked on them this morning and they are so fun! The black and white set is a homage to my love of coffee!*
I was so blessed with such an incredible graduation season and I really want to put some money back in to help my business grow! I think I’m finally going to go ahead and purchase the 50mm that I’ve talked about since I first started shooting with a DSLR.
At the end of June, I’m headed back to Chapel Hill to work with my scholarship program and their new set of first-year students. I’ll basically be a glorified RA, but I’ll also be making a little bit of money and giving back to a program and team that have given me so much!
What’s the Roast: Current Loves
Entertainment
In the past couple of months, I’ve been all over the place with entertainment. From binge-watching the new seasons of Jane the Virgin and New Girl on Netflix to obsessing over all of Khalid’s new music! I’ve been pretty extremely happy with music and TV. ALSO, Infinity War was amazing and I’m looking forward to the slew of movies coming out soon. Like, can we talk about the cast of OCEAN’S 8?!?!
Style & Beauty
Y’all know I love my Fit Me Foundation from Maybelline, but I recently got into their new 24-Hour Foundation. While the product itself smells slightly off, I love that it comes with a pump. I can’t tell you how amazing a pump is for liquid foundation. 7/10 would recommend this product.
Within the past two weeks, I’ve picked up some amazing pieces {read as: had a shopping spree in Old Navy and Steve Madden}. I’m also linking similar styles to my three graduation dresses {here, here, and here} in case you need some last minute style inspiration! Platform shoes are my trend of the summer and I’ve picked up three pairs of platform sandals to prove it. Those will be coming to a post near you v. soon!
Health & Fitness
Yeah, I have been slacking in the gym like high key. Luckily, my girl Abigail was a smart gal and made a fitness plan to help get me back into the routine that I miss a lot. You can view her guide here. I’m also pretty pumped to start cooking again because it’s been awhile since I pulled out a new recipe!
What’s the Roast: From My Lens
*cue all the grad pics*
Grad season was SO GOOD and I’m so full of happiness. The confidence that I’ve gained has shown in the quality of my work which is so wonderful. I can’t wait to collaborate with some new photographers and bloggers in the city. So, get ready for that!
keep on keepin’ on.
