Goals for June

I mentioned on social media that I started a 40-day meditation on Monday. Four days in and I can already tell a huge difference. I always seek change and growth. They are two things that I believe to be good and extremely valuable in this life. I am so excited to continue to see the results in my life as I continue on with this daily meditation, among other things I will be learning and practicing. And after my post yesterday on how we have to love ourselves, I need to admit right now that I'm hard on myself. There are constantly twenty things I want to be improving on or remembering to do or trying to accomplish. But it's because life is short and there's only so much time...

June is a personally "busy" month for me because of my jewelry show on the 20th for After Sunset. I put busy in quotations because it's just wildly hectic. I will be obsessing over details until the day after that show is over. [Don't forget - you can buy tickets here!] But there are some other things I personally would like to accomplish this month, so I've decided to set some goals:

+ Take more pictures with my actual camera & not just my iPhone.

+ Post some of the recipes I've recently found and love.

+ Continue to purge my life [and house] of things that no longer strengthen me [more on this in another post.]

+ Take a moment every night before bed to either read a chapter in a book, write in my quote journal, or reflect.

+ Get California plates :) Had to throw this in here!

+ Pre-plan a few blog posts.

+ Don't let any of my veggies or fruit go bad for the rest of the month!

+ Set aside time to watch a movie with no interruptions.

+ M E D I T A T E every single morning.

Bam. Think I can do it all? What are your goals this month? Anything you want to join along with me on?

I still haven't filmed my Q&A vlog yet so there's still time if you have any questions you've been wanting to have answered by me :) Go ahead - don't be shy! Comment or email me.

Life Lessons and Birthdays in the Desert

This past Saturday, I had the chance to get away. I know... who would ever want to leave the San Diego coast, right? But I needed a change in perspective. Lucky for me, Ashley from House of Glass lives on a ranch out in the "desert" and had invited me a couple months ago to come hang out for a little fiesta. I'd be lying if I said we were counting down the days until we could see each other again. [Insert comment here about how much I adore the fact that my blog friends have become my best friends.]

I arrived at the Glass Ranch and beads of sweat immediately found their way onto my brow as I stepped out of my car into the 99 degree heat ;) But I couldn't have been happier when Ashley and her three pups ran out to greet me! Right away, I was refreshed. It felt so nice to see the house I had read about for months and months. And to feel the hospitality. Ashley gave me a tour of their house and their property. She showed me the amazing hawk's nest in their backyard and two of the beautiful hawks that called it home.

I met some of their friends and family and we all had a blast and enjoyed the breeze and warm June night as the sun started to disappear. We painted pretty little bird houses [I left mine at Ashley's] and had some really good cupcakes after Ashley blew out the candles. Those cupcakes were amazing. Like, really amazing. And this is also where I'll mention that ALL of the organic goodies we had to munch on [like lemon hummus!] were so very delish. Well done, Ashley, Justin, and the Farmers Market ;)

I had some special moments with RD and Outside Kitty too! There were lots of cuddles and I think it goes without saying that I will be going back soon due to separation anxiety!

Amidst the fun and pets and pretty sunsets, there was some good conversation as well. Ashley, Kelsey, and I had an insightful conversation about how important it is to love ourselves. Don't even ask me how this topic came up but I'm so glad that it did. Because it's not something I [or any of us probably] think about enough.

Love yourself.

First and foremost. Love yourself. Embrace being a woman. Embrace your health. Embrace your hardships. Embrace your triumphs. Just love yourself. Because life is so much better when you do. When you love yourself, you can conquer anything. You open yourself up to receive love from so many other sources when you love yourself. And you're able to close the doors where love cannot be found.

That night, on the way back to SD, I had the greatest drive I have ever had. Ever. It was just me, the breeze whispering through my hair through my sunroof, the beautiful California desert night sky, and the SoCal freeway. With no one else on it. I watched the white lines zoom past me. I listened to the lyrics of the songs I was dancing to. And in those moments, I loved myself and, boy, did I feel alive.

Thank you, Ashley for being such a beautiful person on the inside and out and for always reminding me, even if you don't realize it, what life is all about.

When Exciting Business Opportunities Arise

I'm sad the Blog Everyday in May Challenge is over but man, now that it's over, I sure have a lot to catch you up on! First things first: On Friday, I mentioned that I'll be doing a special little vlog for you all soon. It'll be a "You Asked, I Answered" vlog, so... ask away! What have you been wanting to know about me? Whether it's about my make-up routine, life in California, or something deeper, leave your questions in the comments :)

I have some pretty exciting news to share with you all. I have been selected to be a featured artist at a RAW Artists showcase this month in San Diego! RAW is a worldwide organization that helps get the word out about local artists within major cities. They reached out to me a few months ago after finding my jewelry line, After Sunset!

So, on June 20th, I will be all set up to publicly share my jewelry line with the San Diego community for the first time! If you are in Southern California and 21+, I am officially inviting you to this event at 7PM Downtown at Block No. 16! You can buy discounted tickets for $15 until June 17th, by clicking through to my RAW Profile here and clicking the "Buy a ticket for this artist" link at the top to help support me!


There will be local bands, a fashion show, and other artists who will be showcasing their work there that night! Block No. 16 is a fun, fresh, new venue and this event is going to be a blast! I am so honored and excited to be a part of this and to see After Sunset continue to grow. All of your support is greatly appreciated!

Aside from all the time I've been putting into After Sunset lately and getting everything ready for this showcase, I've been a busy bee. I've been going to baseball games, sitting by fires, antiquing, enjoying palm trees, and taking mini road trips for blogger birthday parties. I've been so busy, I don't even know which topic I'll write about first! Guess we'll find out tomorrow ;)

The month of May and getting ready for this experience has taught me a lot. About my work ethic and priorities. About my style. About my hopes for this company of mine. About being successful. About defining what "successful" means in my own mind. And about learning the different blessings and downfalls that can come after saying either "yes" or "no."

Time has flown by since this opportunity to be a part of the RAW showcase entered into my life and I said, "yes" to it. There will be many things I'll have to say "no" to as I get into crunch time before the 20th. I'm focused. I'm hopeful. I'm determined. I just want this to be a positive and memorable first event for After Sunset.

Here's hoping we all have a productive week and that you ask me the most stellar questions below :)

The Memories of Goodbye

It was a chilly Virginia day with the sun glistening through the clouds as we pulled up to the building in a pretty silver 3 series. I can still remember the effort it took to get out of the car that morning and the sound of the two doors as they slapped shut behind us. My heels clicked as I made my way into the building with my head tucked slightly downward toward my chest. I wasn't ready for this.

My eyes found the coat rack and I made my way over, trying not to be seen by others but it was too late. They all knew who I was as they looked at me with sad eyes. There were so many people here. I crept out of the hallway and back into the lobby where I was immediately greeted by the familiar faces of a good family friend, Tammie, and her sister. I remember the way Tammie's hug felt. It was one of the saddest, deepest hugs I had felt but somehow it brought me comfort all at the same time.

Seconds later, Brent, the director, approached me in his suit and walked me through what the remainder of the day looked like. With his trust in my approval, I was again calmed. We were moved into a side room and minutes started to pass as though they were seconds. The lobby emptied out, there was a deafening hush, and we were ushered out to the first two pews.

With my brother on one side of me and my dad on the other, I looked outward in front of me at my mom's rich, brown casket. The smell of lavender and pink flowers flooded the air. I stared into the picture at the front of the chapel of my mom's pretty blue eyes. I still couldn't believe this moment was existing. That it was happening.

There were tears. There was laughter. I remember the moment I went up to the podium. I looked out at the chapel and for the first time, I saw it. The entire chapel was full. With family members, with neighbors, with good family friends, with friends of mine, and with people who had never even met her but knew her through stories. My mom touched the lives of so many. And this was proof of it all.

The strength to speak in front of all these people about the loss of the greatest, most important figure in my life somehow found its way into my heart. But in that moment, it didn't feel as though she was gone. It felt like she was right there behind me, showing me the way. Showing me how to get up there and speak with courage. I didn't feel alone. It was the last time I really had her there with me. Physically. So close.

I have absolutely loved this opportunity and challenge to blog everyday in May. Thank you so much, Jenni! Now, I figured I'd try something new and ask YOU to ask me questions!
What do you want to know about me? Leave your questions in the comments below or email me at chelsea.lifeisasunset [at] gmail [dot] com. I'm thinking I'll have to vlog my answers ;) What do you say?

On Letting Go

Letting go. I've learned more about letting go during the past year and a half of my life than I've learned about anything else. Letting go means releasing all control to the Universe. It means abandoning your own power, hopes, and expectations and surrendering to the outcome, whatever and whenever it may be.

I am horrible at letting go. Especially when I still feel like there is something I can do. In some cases, like when I was faced with my mom's prognosis, you have two choices: I could accept that she would die soon or I could have denied it. I chose to accept it. Which, I didn't realize until now meant that I let go. I let go of the outcome. I knew that God was going to take her and that there was nothing I could do to change that. I had to let go and accept the fact that I'd never hug her again, hear her voice again, or kiss her on the cheek.

And whether it's a life or a relationship or a job - whatever it may be - sometimes we just have to accept that, much to our dismay, it is gone. For the past couple months since I moved to San Diego, I've struggled with love. With finding the right person and not the wrong person again. And I've met someone whom, over time, I have developed feelings for but we're both kind of in this weird phase. As exciting as it has been, it's terrifying. It's exhausting and discouraging and sometimes painful to go through this process again, especially after how things ended for me the last time I fell head over heels. But, time and time again, I've been on the phone with my dad and he reminds me that I must take it one day at a time and that everything will work out.

It sounds so cliche but I know how right he is. He reminds me that I am powerless. That the Universe knows the life for me and everything will happen when it is meant to but that I have to let go. Every aspect of my life is in Limbo right now and it's a very unsettling feeling, especially for a perfectionist like me. I like planning. I like details. I like being prepared. So, when life is like it has been lately, there are some very tough days.

I am learning what it truly means to be patient. And I am learning even more so how difficult it is to be content in these phases of our life when all we can do is let go, be patient, and surrender to the outcome.

Music of My Life

Music is and has always been a vital part of my life. I am constantly listening to music. I can't get over the vivid memories that come back just by listening to a certain song. This was very difficult to narrow it down so, without over-thinking things, here are some of the songs that really take me back:

1. Under My Tree by *NSync



That entire album is my childhood. My tween years. And yes, in my mid to late twenties, I still listen to it year-round. Every time I listen to that album, I am taken back to when I was twelve years old, celebrating Christmas with my awesome family. Back when it actually used to snow in the DC area around Christmastime. It takes me back to the Christmas tree all lit up, the eggnog in Santa mugs, and lying in bed, wondering when I'd hear hooves on my roof. It was exciting. We were all a family, still all living under that roof.

2. Dirt Road by Sawyer Brown



Back in the day of Brooks and Dunn, my family actually used to listen to a little country. This song would play on a cassette in my dad's car when I was a little girl. We would all sing along but I never paid attention to the meaning of the lyrics until now. What a beautiful song about something my dad always taught me...
"Daddy worked hard for his dollarHe said some folks don't but that's okayWell, they won't know which road to followBecause an easy street might lead you astray
I'll take the dirt road it's all I knowI've been walking it for yearsIt's gone where I need to go."

3. City Love by John Mayer

This entire album was the soundtrack to the first time I fell in love. It reminds me of how hopeless, innocent, and naive love once was before heartbreak hit.

4. Kiss From A Rose by Seal



This song immediately takes me back to the Summer of 1995. A big Summer for me. The first time I left my parents for an extended period of time. To go to acting school in New York. This song will forever be a huge part of my life. Listening to it, I can still feel the hot, humid air of those Summer nights as a kid.

5. Leavin' by Jag Star



I listened to this song on repeat when I made the decision nearly nine years ago that I would be moving to California one day. It is so bittersweet to listen again today, now that I am finally here.

And here are some that I just couldn't leave off the list:


I Want You Back by *NSync


What? Are we surprised there are multiple *NSync songs on my list? This song deserves its own post. It's that crucial in my life. Let's just say every time I listen to this song, I am immediately taken back to the best year of my life [until now]... 6th grade :)

What If You by Joshua Radin



I'm including this song because one day, looking back, it will remind me of this time I'm going through now. This song was playing during a defining moment recently. A moment of realizing for the first time since my last heartbreak, that I was falling again... deeply.

And that's it! I'll have to keep track of the soundtrack of my life more often. It's always fun to go back and reminisce :)

Some Snapshots of May