The Classic Brunette

Hey everyone! I took a little hiatus last week while I was in Atlanta, but I'm so glad to be back sharing my trip with you all today. I was there for four days, and although I did do a number of fun things, I also spent a lot of time just inside my own hotel. I say that because I was actually there for a conference being held at the hotel. I'll be sharing a little guide of all the things I got up to while in Atlanta and my thoughts on the city and all the things to do, eat, and see there!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DineALaCat #CollectiveBias  Thank you for supporting the brands that support The Classic Brunette


I recently shared a little glimpse of Henry in last Monday's post, and you all were so excited to see him! I wanted to share a little more about him because he's such a huge part of my life, and I know a lot of you all have kitties of your own! I adopted Henry last June when he was 5 weeks old and now he's SO BIG. Honestly, I think he's a mix of one of the bigger breeds of cats and will end up being 15+ pounds! But he's such a friendly giant, and makes me incredibly happy. I love cuddling up with him in the mornings, watching him play with his little catnip mice, and hearing his little meowing chirps whenever he wants food, haha. In all seriousness though Henry is such a little bundle of light and keeps me entertained and feeling loved all the time. He gives me so much, so I definitely spoil him back to make sure he's living his best life! Here are a few tips that make me a crazy cat lady and Henry the happiest little cat.

Happy Labor Day everyone! I hope you were lucky enough to get a long weekend, but if you weren't I hope you got to at least enjoy some time with family and friends! I decided to take a little time off since posting my hugely personal post last Monday, but I did want to give a big THANK YOU to all of you who read it, commented, and reached out to me. It was a slightly terrifying post to write and share, but I already know that it's making the impact I wanted it to which is a great feeling! So thank you again to everyone! Now onto today's post. I recognize that the labor day sales have been up and running for a few days now, but there's really only one I'm interested in this year, and that's the Sephora sale! Today is the last day to shop, but I wanted to share my last minute picks from the sale. These are items I've either tried out myself, am repurchasing, or are on my personal wishlist. All VIBRouge members get 20% off (code:YESROUGE), VIB get 15% (code:YESVIB) and everyone else gets 10% off with code YESINSIDER.

This past year has been absolutely insane with everything that has happened. I have definitely had a lot of ups and downs what with graduating college, my parents passing, and moving to a new city and state, it's no wonder that my mental health has been going through an absolute loop. This post is definitely going to be the most 'real' and personal thing that I have written. I'm going to be open and honest, because mental health isn't something that a lot of people talk about openly. In more recent years it has definitely been discussed more, but there are still a lot of things that people keep hush-hush. I completely understand since it's deeply personal, but if I have the platform to talk about my own journey and give someone else the opportunity to maybe understand a bit more, then I will. I always try to treat everyone who reads my blog like a friend, and so I'm opening up the conversation just in case anyone else wants to discuss it as well.

Happy Monday! Can you believe that we're already past the half point of August? These next few weeks are going to be busy for me what with a few trips coming up and a few sponsorships here and there. September especially is going to be absolutely crazy, so I'll be trying to get a lot done these next few days! In the meantime I wanted to share this pretty maxi dress I picked up a few weeks ago. Obviously these photos were taken before I cut my hair but why reshoot when these photos are perfectly fine, haha!

This post was sponsored by Basic Invite, as always all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support The Classic Brunette!

Thank you all for understanding my little hiatus this past week, with my stomach flu and the one year anniversary of my dad's passing it's been a little rough to say the least. But I'm back and ready to share something that I'm so excited about...my business cards! I've actually been in the process of designing and making these for around a year now, but couldn't find a site that helped me create the exact vision I had in mind. It wasn't anything too crazy, but it seemed that nothing was working how it wanted to with these, that is until I stumbled upon Basic Invite! I think they perfectly represent my brand, even down to the same font I use for Pinterest graphics.

It's always interesting to me to watch another year of blogging go by, because I honestly can't remember life without it. How did I spend my time? What made me get into blogging in the first place, and can I turn back the clock to make me get here sooner? One thing for sure is that my blog isn't going anywhere soon, and I can't wait to embark on another year! I've learned quite a few things from full time blogging, but there are a few life lessons that blogging has taught me that I thought I would share today.

Passion Makes For Better Work

I don't think I could ever be one of those people who works a job just to have a job. And I KNOW that comes off as kind of pretentious and 'first world problem-y' but it's true. I'm not motivated to work unless I'm passionate about what I do, which is why I love that blogging is my career. I have this passion to create, share, and communicate, and I can do that all through my blog. And it doesn't hurt that I have a passion for all the things I blog about (fashion, beauty, skincare, lifestyle habits, travel, etc.) as well. All I know is that I'm best when there's a passionate fire under my butt getting me to work, and I'm so glad that I have and love this blog.


Kindness Is Never Underated

It always always always pays to be kind. And even if people aren't kind back, it didn't cost you anything to offer up your own kindness. You never know what someone is going through, or what they're dealing with on the other end of that email you're sending. Blogging is a never-ending stream of communicating, whether it's through your peers, your readers, or brands wanting to sponsor. The saying is there for a reason, and it rings true when I say you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. Kindness can never do you wrong, but that doesn't mean that you don't fight or stand up for yourself. There's a difference between coming off as aggressive rather than firm, and a real difference in severing ties with someone than amicably letting go of a bond. The latter will always lead to better results.

Always Stay True To Yourself

Once again for life and for blogging, it's important to be yourself. Now I'll be honest I'm sure 25% of my personality is reflected in the last movie I watched (anyone else always start saying "I could totally be a spy" after watching a spy movie?) but that other 75% is where I try to whole-heartedly be myself. There are times when I try to branch out for sure, but my roots are the same. Can I be inspired by others? OF COURSE! But just because I love someone's style, mannerisms, or just literally want their life (I'm talking to you, Blake Lively!) you can't just go out and decide to be them. You'll fall apart trying to maintain a life that isn't authentic to you. Blogging has made me realize that it's okay to both stand out and fall inside the crowd. Everyone is a bit in between, and that's why we're all unique.


There Are No Shortcuts

Sure some people are born a little extra lucky or with a little extra somethin' than others, but most of us are just trying our best out there. Hard work is what brings success, and if you aren't putting in the work, it's likely that nothing will come of it. There are no real "get rich quick" schemes and buying followers won't really get you anywhere, it's your actual effort that will get you somewhere. As frustrating as it is to see others rise to the top when you're still at square one, know that you're the only one who can change that. Depending on others, complaining, and just plain laziness are only going to be detrimental to your success in the long run. If you want something bad enough, you'll find a way to work towards it. I promise the long grueling work will be worth it in the end when you achieve those goals!

Obviously I've learned much more than these four things, and blogging continues to open up new lessons as the years go by, but these are the ones that have been standing out to me lately! I can't wait to see what this next year of blogging takes me. I've already learned so much and continue to grow both mentally and as a brand/business these past 4 years, so it will be amazing to see what comes next! And as always, thank YOU for being here and supporting me along the way. Every comment, like, email, DM, etc is exciting and I love knowing that what I write or post resonates with you all. So thank you thank you thank you!!