It’s almost summer, baby!! I’m getting so excited for the warmer weather, late sunsets, and flowy dresses that categorize the season. And between a wedding, a weekend away with my friend, and a trip home to Boise, my calendar is already filling up! I do still really miss the days of a three-month summer break and that anticipation at the end of the school year, so I’m considering just taking a few days off work to do nothing as a mini vacation. I’ve only ever taken off work when I go out of town—but why not spend a few days sleeping in and being lazy around the house as if I were a kid again?
What’s New?
- April was my no spend and no alcohol month, aside from the one weekend where my friend visited me (I knew going into the month that I would cheat for that visit because it wasn’t worth missing out on anything fun!). I’ve never done either and have some thoughts on both. Even though I only spent $100 on nonessential things during that weekend with my friend—which I am very happy with—April was still the worst month for me finances-wise in 2024 because I had to pay my car insurance and registration fees. So, unfortunately, I was trying to save money but didn’t save any at all! In terms of the no alcohol, I can’t say I experienced the boost in energy or significant weight loss that others, including my boyfriend, have reported. But I did still drop a few pounds and decided I should continue the momentum by drinking less in general.
- I never understood the term spring cleaning as a kid—what made spring a better time to clean than any other season?—but for whatever reason, I finally get it. I’ve been going on a rampage the last couple of weeks, from reorganizing my bathroom to going through all my files and deleting unnecessary ones, and I still have several projects to go. I’m usually a very sentimental person, which makes it difficult for me to get rid of stuff, but right now I’m just in the mood to clean my life and lighten it of things.
- Reorganizing my old blogging files, along with lots of conversations I’ve been reading on Threads about the TikTok ban and the future of the influencer industry in general, has got me thinking a lot about my blog. I used to spend a ton of time researching engagement strategies, coming up with target audience personas, working on a business plan, etc. But I’ve realized, like so many entrepreneurs, that I’ve been so zoomed into the day-to-day operations of keeping my blog running that I have completely lost sight of the big picture. Why do I have this blog? What would I need to achieve in order to feel successful? What strategies are and are not working? I don’t think I could answer a single one of those questions. I’ve decided I’m in desperate need of a one-woman retreat to do some strategic planning for Graceful Rags, especially during a time where so much is changing in the industry. I’m not sure when or what that will look like yet, but I’m beyond excited to get back to the entrepreneurial and creative mindset that made me so interested in starting a blog in the first place.
Today’s Outfit
I wore this outfit to Easter brunch back at the beginning of April, but I think the dress would make such a great wedding guest outfit (or could even be worn to a Derby party!). The white sweater, on the other hand… What do you think, is even a white cardigan off-limits at a wedding? The dress is thrifted and my sweater and vintage clutch are both hand-me-downs—only the shoes were purchased new. I think the purple and sage green together is such a pretty combo!
Top Performing April Blog Posts
Top Performing Social Media Posts
Favorite Outfits from April
- The summery look on the left is by far my favorite from the month. I haven’t worn this hat in years—literally, according to my cost per wear spreadsheet—but I love how it paired with my new black tee from Old Navy and my very old brown sandals.
- I finally had a chance to wear this brown pleather crop top out when my friend and I went to a nearby country bar while she was visiting. Aside from being SO hot while dancing, it was a very cute going out outfit, and I love the color combo of the brown and peachy tones together.
What I Watched
- “How I Met Your Mother”—My boyfriend and I have been making our way through this New York sitcom (he’s seen it several times and quotes it constantly). Originally we had planned to watch it in between other shows and movies as a sort of “filler,” but I’ve been enjoying it so much that now we sit down to watch while we eat dinner.
- “Sex and the City”—I started this show to throw on in the background while scrapbooking and now watch it while I’m working on blog posts, folding laundry, etc. I think it’s so funny! And I love seeing the fashion—sometimes it’s rather hideous and other times I feel inspired by the girls’ funky and unique styles.
What I Read
- The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom—My mom recommended this book to me, which is about a group of people stranded on a lifeboat with a man who claims to be the Lord. It was an extremely quick read and I found it really interesting, making me ponder some of the big questions in life. I ultimately wouldn’t recommend though if you aren’t religious.
- Say Nothing by Brad Parks—I haven’t finished this thriller quite yet, but it’s about a federal judge whose children get kidnapped. For the most part I think the writing is excellent and have really enjoyed reading it, even though it’s been taking me a long time to get through. I would recommend it.
April Spotify Playlist
This month’s playlist, unsurprisingly, consists mostly of songs from Taylor Swift’s new album. Admittedly it’s not my favorite of her work, but there are a few songs in there that I like. I still have my Sirius XM radio free trial in my new car and they had a Taylor Swift-only channel this month. I discovered a new-to-me song, “You’re On Your Own, Kid” from her Midnights album, that I’ve been listening to on repeat.
What I’m Looking Forward to in May
- May’s going to be a very busy month! Next weekend, I’m heading to Minneapolis for my brother’s graduation and for a camping trip to the Boundary Waters, a nature preserve near the Canadian border that’s accessible primarily by canoe. It’s going to be a ton of fun, but I’m also strangely nervous!
- The weekend after that, I am going to Blackhawk for one of my friend’s bachelorette party. We all rented a cabin and will be relaxing and going to the casinos. I’ve only been to one bachelorette for my sister-in-law, so I’m excited to see what this one will be like.
- At the end of the month, I’m going to Keystone again for another conference (I also attended a conference there last September). Lots of my coworkers are going this time, so I think it will be really fun to hang out and grab dinner together in the evenings.
This Month on Graceful Rags
- March 2024 Month in Review
- Sometimes I Wanna Dress Like This
- Closet Clean-Out Part 16
- Weekly Recap #14, 2024
- Outfit Repeater
- Closet Clean-Out Part 17
- Weekly Recap #15, 2024
- Springtime Denim
- Cost Per Wear of My Old School Uniform
- Men I May Not Know
- Initial Thoughts on Parade
- Olivia Rodrigo Concert Outfits
- Weekly Recap #16, 2024
- Feeling Peachy
- Derby Day Outfits
- Weekly Recap #17, 2024
- Closet Clean-Out Part 18
What are you looking forward to in May? I know this is always such a busy time for everyone, with school ending, graduations, Mother’s Day, etc. I’m already kind of expecting not to get much done, ha!
Miles of smiles,
Grace
Dress: Thrifted, $40 ($40 per wear) | White Cardigan: Hand-me-down | Nude Heels: Amazon, $46 ($3.29 per wear), last worn here | Green Clutch: Vintage, from my grandma, last worn here