Hey, friends! Happy Friday! I'm so glad I'm getting back into the routine of Friday Five's, they're such a great way to wrap up the week! I saw that I have some new subscribers and readers, so welcome! Let's get started.
This week my husband and I are celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary!
Our actual anniversary is on September 26th, but since the weekdays are pretty hectic with our jobs, we are celebrating this weekend together, and I can't wait!
It's hard to believe that three years ago was our wedding! In some ways it's gone by so fast, and in others it feels like we've been together for decades. It was truly the best day of my life, and I thank God for my husband every single day. Being married to him is truly the greatest blessing. Here are a few photos to reminisce on the day.
2. If you're a book lover like me, support small businesses while you're shopping your favorite titles!
Bookshop.org is an amazing way to shop for books, and give back at the same time! They have a HUGE online inventory of titles, and the best part is that 75% of all proceeds go to local and independent bookstores and publishing houses. Big Box companies like Amazon and Target make plenty of money, and independent bookstores need our help to stay afloat. Click here to shop my personal storefront with Bookshop, and browse some of my favorite titles. Save the link to your bookmarks so that next time you're browsing for a new book, you know exactly where to shop.
3. I have to share these Loeffler Randall dupes for a fraction of the price!
I am literally obsessed with the knotted bow heels from Loeffler Randall, but can't afford the designer price tag. I was on the hunt for a pair of shoes for my anniversary celebration this weekend, and found these ones for a fraction of the price! I'm personally a gold lover, but they have tons of other options - I think I might snag a pair in the floral pattern and blue, too!
They're around the $50 price point, which is a steal compared to the designer version. Click here to shop them for yourself!
4. A size-inclusive blazer for this fall!
I was browsing Old Navy's website, and came across this adorable plaid blazer for fall that's size-inclusive up to 4X, and is a great price point! If you're not a fan of the plaid, it comes in black and a classic navy look as well, but I personally think the plaid is perfect for the fall season. You can style it a million different ways, and it's one of those timeless pieces that you can keep around for years to come. Click here to snag this adorable blazer for your closet!
5. Remember how much your time is worth.
Life as a content creator is a wild ride, and this week was a huge lesson in remembering my time and how much it's worth. And while this may sound corny, it's something to always remind yourself.
After being completely ghosted mid-deal by one brand, I had another brand reach out after working with them a few months ago. I was super flattered because they told me how much they loved working with me in the past, and wanted to collaborate together again. Hell yes!
After a bit of communication back and forth, I was ready to negotiate to the rate and close the deal. However, they went on to inform me that they were working with even less of a budget than last time, and could only pay me an extremely measly fee for 2 separate videos, fully edited and posted on multiple of my social media channels, AND give them the rights to use it as they wanted for their channels.
No ma'am.
I didn't even have to give it a second thought before I sent a reply back saying that I would have to walk away from the deal. My time and my work is worth a hell of a lot more than that, and I wasn't going to let the allure of a few free pieces of clothes distract me from that. As much as I would love it, I can't pay my rent in free clothes.
Use this as an example to remember your worth. Your time and your work matters, and you absolutely reserve the right to walk away and move on if you feel you need to. You'll make the money up some other way. It's not worth it.
And on that note, I'm going to sign off for the weekend and try my best to stay present with my husband as we celebrate this weekend.
Have a great weekend, my friends!
XO
Megan
I will never be over his suit!! You guys were literal royalty. 😍 Also, so glad you wrote #5. I also have to remember this daily. It's so important to hone in on what really matters and the things that will be of actual value to your career. Letting go of all the little things that don't serve us frees us up for the bigger things that will. Keep chasing those dreams and fighting for what you deserve. ❤️