07.31
2015

SO random…

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

This morning I had a dentist appointment with a new dentist. I ALWAYS dread seeing a new dentist because EVERY time…the new dentist tells me how terrible of a job the last dentist did. Which may be partially true but I genetically have horrible teeth and gums. But for this appointment, I went specifically to look into invisalign. Which then turned into…you need this, that and the other done before you can get to any cosmetic stuff. And then by the time I do this, that and the other…new problems arise. So I never get to the cosmetic stuff I wanted done in the first place. You can’t tell in pictures but I have a HUGE overbite and my front tooth is slowly but surely overlapping the other one. I could go on and on…but I don’t think any of you are interested in my dental problems.

Which brings me to this article. A mom blogger group that I belong to on Facebook shared this article and it REALLY hit home for me. I started The Stylish Housewife close to five years ago, but I’ve been blogging since 2008. Things have changed SOOOOOO much since then. I started out as an open book (which I am in real life) and then you realize that there are crazies out there (seriously). And then you realize you’ve set yourself up for people to openly criticize you. I’ve had emails just to tell me my eyebrows are ugly. And another didn’t get my sense of humor so wrote me a several paragraph email about how we all have veins so I shouldn’t complain that my veins were showing in a picture. It was a HOT day and I jokingly apologized about them bulging in my hands. Oh, but my favorite was the girl who made fun of the “cheap fake stone pillar” I used to take all of my pics in front of. Um, my whole house is made out of that “cheap fake stone” (it’s not, but thanks!). And the reason I took all of my pics there was because my son was an infant and I was trying to take all of my outfit pics on our front doorstep so I could hear his monitor if he woke up crying. Thankfully, I am not easily offended and have pretty thick skin. Social media has changed/progressed so much too! I can barely tolerate Facebook anymore. My feed is littered with political opinions, vaccination wars, etc. Sifting through all of that to see what my friends/family are actually up to is exhausting.

BTW…after typing all of this and coming back to read it later, my first instinct was to delete it and talk about the weather or something less personal. But instead…I’m pushing publish.

A FEW MORE THINGS INSPIRING ME ON THE WEB:

1. I’ve been obsessed with skincare for probably the last five years. If it has anti-aging anything in it, I will try it. I came across this beauty blogger probably about a year ago and I LOVE her product reviews.

2. Did you know that you can create albums in your iphone camera roll?!? HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS?!?! Read more here. But seriously, how did I not know this?

3. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ends Aug 2nd! Hurry and shop the new Fall arrivals before the prices go back up on the 3rd! I snagged these fringe heels (and this hat) and they are even better in person! You can shop my faves from the sale here.

categories: more about me7 comments

7 Comments ( Reply )

  1. Jen Grano
    Jul 31, 2015 @ 6:09 am

    Jenn –

    I hear you loud & clear. Blogging can be so rewarding and online communities and friends can be great. Since we were created for community (and especially being women, we crave real relationships), we want to know and be known. But, when we open ourselves up to be known critical and mean people tend to get some kind of satisfaction by telling us the bad things about ourselves when – HELLO – we’re taking pictures of ourselves with a good camera that shows EVERYTHING, so I think we’re aware, thank you very much! 😉 At any rate, I would encourage you to remember where your strength and comfort and identity come from. I don’t know your beliefs but I can tell you that when we seek those from other flawed humans, we’ll always be let down.
    So here’s the funny part – I’ve always thought your smile is beautiful! And trust, me I notice teeth. Mine were quite crooked, as I was supposed to have braces and never did. I’m actually doing Invisalign now and love it. However, you do have to be careful about your “why”; oftentimes I fret that my pricey choice could’ve been used for something else and worry that I made a vain decision. Everyone’s “whys” are different and everyone’s choices are different. I haven’t been blogging long enough to receive the critical comments but I’m sure they’ll come. In the meantime, know that you have a cheerleader in NC, your true friends know who you are and God sees and knows the real you.

    XO,
    Jen (aka CharlotteShopGirl)

  2. Kimberly
    Jul 31, 2015 @ 6:50 am

    People on the internet are so strange…I find it odd how they feel safe behind their computer screen so they type things that they would never actually say to your face. It’s an interesting business we’re in, but I understand that it comes with the territory of choosing to put our pictures all over the internet and social media. Loved that article and totally agreed with what she wrote about feeling like we have to be more cautious to avoid criticism. It’s definitely a fine line.

    http://www.pennypincherfashion.com

  3. Alyssa
    Jul 31, 2015 @ 8:45 am

    It’s so easy to hide behind your computer screen and be so cruel! The good thing that I always try to remember is how many people there are out there that leave you the best and most lovely comments! I always try to remember that even when I get something nasty.

    Thank you for posting this!

    Alyssa | glitterandgrey.wordpress.com

  4. Jill
    Jul 31, 2015 @ 9:27 am

    Jen,
    I love this post! There are true “haters” or negative people out there. I admire you for you for being who you are and not being easily offended. I agree with everything you said. Keep on blogging! xoxo

  5. megan@No Small Life
    Jul 31, 2015 @ 11:01 am

    Well, I for one am glad you pushed publish! 😀 Don’t let the crazies stop you. There are some of us who have been long time fans of your blog and will continue to be fans no matter what kind of eye brows (Seriously!?) or stone pillars show up in posts. 😉 Cheers to thick skin and not letting the haters get in your head. And BTW Thanks so much for the feature!! Super honored 🙂

  6. Heidi
    Jul 31, 2015 @ 12:14 pm

    For the record, I love your sense of humor and enjoyed reading about you experience with blogging! Some people just have too much time on their hands! Thanks for the introduction to Hot and Flashy too:)

    Wishes & Reality

  7. Ann
    Aug 01, 2015 @ 8:52 am

    So you’re a vein complainer, have off putting eyebrows (wth?), and stone pillars that strongly offend. How DARE you, my gosh? I can’t believe how polarizing you are! Lol. Blogging does require such a thick skin…and I’m glad to read that you do *not* internalize what these nutties are saying to you bc it’s so not worth it.

    As an artist/painter, I too put myself out there for public consumption, so I know how it can feel. I think it’s particularly difficult, though, for fashion bloggers bc they’re putting themselves out there w/ clothes and makeup etcetera and for some reason, this can really trigger some ugly stuff in some people. It’s just weird.

    You’re awesome. Just keep doin’ what you’re doin’. :)))