I seriously can’t believe how fast May has flown b I seriously can’t believe how fast May has flown by! And the fact that it’s already Memorial Day weekend coming up!! I had a feeling it would since I’ve been on surgery leave and recovering this month 😜 But one thing I’m SO glad I did before surgery was get all of my patriotic summer decor put out early because I definitely wouldn’t have felt like decorating afterward.

Now I actually get to sit back, relax, and enjoy all the cozy red, white, and blue vibes around the house all summer long ❤️ There’s just something about patriotic home decor, American flag accents, and a festive coffee bar that makes everything feel like summertime is officially here!

So here’s a little peek at my patriotic coffee bar setup in all its red, white, and blue glory today 🇺🇸☕️ And honestly? I’ll probably leave it up all summer because I love it that much 😂
#patrioticvibes #patrioticdecor #coffeebar #vintagepatriotic #americandecor
AD If you’re looking for the ultimate easy summer AD If you’re looking for the ultimate easy summer grilling recipe, you’ve got to try the @juicy_lucyburger burgers from @harristeeter 🍔 These frozen cheese-stuffed burger patties are packed with melty cheese inside, so every bite tastes like a gourmet restaurant-style cheeseburger right at home!

One of my favorite things about these burgers is how quick and easy they are to make. There’s no need to thaw them first, just take the patties straight from the freezer, throw them on the grill for about 6 minutes per side, and dinner is ready in under 15 minutes! Perfect for summer cookouts, busy weeknights, backyard BBQs, and weekend grilling with family and friends.

If you love juicy cheeseburgers, easy grilling ideas, and simple summer dinner recipes, definitely head to your local Harris Teeter and grab these Juicy Lucy Burgers to try this summer too! 🍔☀️
Chapter 33 is here 🎉 And today officially marks 2 Chapter 33 is here 🎉 And today officially marks 2 weeks post-op from my endometriosis excision surgery! Honestly, the best birthday gift I could ask for is finally being cleared to soak in the hot tub and take my scalding hot baths again 😂 If you know me, then you know how much I’ve missed my hot baths during recovery these past two weeks!

At first, I was told no soaking for 4 weeks, so finding out it was only 2 weeks truly felt like a win  So today’s plans include lots of relaxing, healing, hot tub time, hanging out with my hubby, and continuing to take it easy while my body recovers from surgery.

And because life has a sense of humor, I also have pelvic floor physical therapy today too… nothing says “happy 33rd birthday” quite like a PT appointment 🤣 But honestly, I’m just thankful to be healing, feeling better, and moving forward in my endometriosis recovery journey one day at a time. 💛

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/64pMr
POV: You’re stuck recovering in bed so you cope by POV: You’re stuck recovering in bed so you cope by binge reading psychological thriller books 🤣📚

Since I’ve been laying around recovering with not much to do, I’ve spent most of my time completely hooked on some of the best psychological thriller books I’ve read in a while. Honestly, these twisty thriller novels have been the perfect distraction and now I need everyone to read them with me 👀 If you love dark thrillers, shocking endings, suspenseful books, and plot twists you NEVER see coming… add these to your TBR immediately!

📖 My recent psychological thriller book recommendations:

1️⃣ Gray After Dark — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I could NOT put this one down. Definitely my favorite thriller out of all of them! It had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end and the twists were insane. Dark, suspenseful, creepy, and so addictive. If you love fast-paced psychological thrillers, this one is a MUST READ.

2️⃣ Drowning in Paper Flowers — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another thriller that completely consumed me. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story surprised me again. The ending?! Absolutely wild.

3️⃣ Her First Lie — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a fun and twisty thriller read! Plus there was briefly a character named Charity in it which made me weirdly excited because I NEVER find my name in books 🤣

4️⃣ The Bartender — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Loved this easy thriller read! It has multiple POVs which can sometimes lose me, but this one was done really well and kept me hooked the whole time.

5️⃣ The Missing Ones — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Probably my least favorite of the bunch, mainly because the multiple POVs got a little confusing for me. BUT the storyline was super dark, twisty, and entertaining the entire time.

If you’re into thriller books, psychological suspense novels, mystery books with shocking twists, or binge-worthy reads that keep you up way too late… save this list for later 📚✨

Now tell me your favorite psychological thriller book because apparently this is my entire personality while I’m recovering 😂 

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/ #tbrlist #thrillerbooks #psycologicalthriller #bookstagrammer #thrillerbook
Just reminiscing about our trip to Hilton Head Isl Just reminiscing about our trip to Hilton Head Island last month and already wishing we could go back! 🌴 Even though the weather didn’t exactly cooperate with us 😂 we still found SO many fun things to do around the island and honestly had the best time exploring. From beautiful beaches and cozy restaurants to shopping, sightseeing, and hidden gems, there’s so much to experience on Hilton Head Island, even on chilly or rainy days!

I finally finished my full Hilton Head Island travel blog post too, and it’s packed with all of our favorite spots, things to do, where to eat, and tips for first-time visitors! If you’re planning a Hilton Head vacation, family beach trip, or weekend getaway to South Carolina, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip 🏖️✨

Comment “Hilton Head” below and I’ll send you the blog post link! 💛 #hiltonhead #hiltonheadisland #hiltonheadsc #hiltonheadvacation #explorehiltonhead
Fresh cut peonies in a mason jar might just be my Fresh cut peonies in a mason jar might just be my favorite simple summer decor 🌸 There’s truly nothing prettier than fresh peony blooms brightening up the kitchen and making the whole house feel cozy, cottagecore, and cheerful. I only wish peony season lasted longer because these gorgeous flowers bloom way too fast! 🩷 Wishing you all a slow, happy Saturday filled with sunshine, fresh flowers, and little moments that make home feel special! #peonies #peoniesbouquet #peoniesofinstagram #peoniesaremyfavorite #peonieseason
POV: You’re a cat mom and Easter never actually en POV: You’re a cat mom and Easter never actually ends 😂🐣 Months later and I’m STILL finding plastic Easter eggs hidden all over my house thanks to my cats. Apparently seasonal home decor is way more exciting than the basket full of actual cat toys I bought them 😹

At this point, my cats have turned my home into a year-round Easter egg hunt. One day it’s Easter eggs under the couch, the next it’s Christmas ornaments rolling down the hallway, and somehow little pumpkins disappear every fall too 🤣 If you have indoor cats, you already know that no cute decor is ever truly safe.

Honestly though, finding random Easter eggs around the house months later has become one of my favorite funny cat mom moments 😂 I just wish my cats would at least start hiding money or candy inside them to make this surprise treasure hunt a little more rewarding next time 😜 #catmomlife #catmom #funnycat #funnycats #catmomproblems
I loved these faux ferns on my front porch so much I loved these faux ferns on my front porch so much that I immediately ordered them for the back porch too 🙌 and honestly… best decision ever.

No watering. No dying plants. No stress.
Especially while I’m still recovering from surgery—because let’s be real, plant care is not happening right now 🤣

These look SO real, add the perfect cozy touch to any outdoor space, and are completely maintenance-free. If you’ve been wanting that lush, green porch vibe without the upkeep… these are it.

Perfect for:
✔️ Front porch decor
✔️ Back patio styling
✔️ Low-maintenance outdoor plants
✔️ Faux plant lovers

Comment “SHOP” and I’ll send you the link 🌿 #porchdecor #ferns #fern #hangingbaskets #hangingbasket
Flower Lovin’ Friends! One week post-op from end Flower Lovin’ Friends! 

One week post-op from endometriosis excision surgery and finally starting to feel a little like myself again 🙌🏻

This past weekend was rough. Lots of pain and very little energy, but I’m happy to say I think I’m finally turning a corner. The intense pain has eased, and now it’s more soreness and discomfort (which I will gladly take over that pain any day!).

I also got my pathology report back and everything came back non-cancerous, just endometriosis, which is such a huge relief 💛

The biggest struggle right now? Post-surgery fatigue is no joke. I’ll think I have enough energy to do something simple like water my flowers, and my body immediately humbles me 😅 So I’m learning (slowly lol) to rest, listen to my body, and take recovery one day at a time.

Healing isn’t linear, but we’re getting there, slow and steady 💫 Thank you all so much for the love, prayers, and support… it truly means everything to me.

Happy Wednesday, friends 🤍

#endometriosis #endosurgery #endometriosissurgery #excisionsurgery

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Do you really wanna know where I was April 29th?! Do you really wanna know where I was April 29th?! In surgery actually!! 🤣

I’ve been meaning to share an update since my surgery on Wednesday, but honestly, this recovery has been way harder than I expected. This was my second endometriosis surgery, but my first was just an ablation… and this time I had excision surgery. And when I say it feels like my insides went through a cheese grater… I wish I was kidding 🫠

But I have to take a moment to say how incredibly grateful I am for the team at UNC Hillsborough. From the moment I arrived, every single person who was in the OR came in, introduced themselves, reassured me, and truly cared. That kind of compassion in healthcare is rare, and I felt so at peace going into surgery.

My surgeon was absolutely amazing and believes she was able to remove all of my endometriosis 🙌🏼 We were really concerned it had spread to my bowels based on my symptoms, but thankfully it hadn’t. There was a nodule just millimeters away (which was likely causing so much of my pain), but she was able to remove it safely, meaning I don’t need another surgery with a colorectal specialist, which was my biggest fear.

I go back on May 22 for my post-op appointment to talk about next steps and treatment options. Unfortunately, endometriosis has no cure… and it can come back. There’s still such a lack of research and funding for women dealing with this disease, and that’s something that needs to change.

It’s also heartbreaking that we had to travel 3.5 hours just to receive this level of care. After years of being dismissed and gaslit by doctors, I finally feel like I’m on the right path.

I’m so thankful for my husband and my family who have been by my side through all of this. I’m praying this surgery gives me years of relief and a chance to live more pain-free 💛

If you’re struggling with endometriosis, I see you. You’re not alone. Please reach out to me if you are suffering too, I’d love to share more of my experience with you and help you the best way I can as well! #surgeryrecovery #endometriosis #endometriosissurgery #endometriosissupport #endowarrior
Alright y’all, I’ve officially checked in at UNC a Alright y’all, I’ve officially checked in at UNC and I’m just waiting to be called back! They even moved up my arrival time (bless 🙌🏻), but I’ve still got a couple hours to sit here and let the nerves + hanger kick in. And also how sexy does this surgical cap look on me?! 😆

After a brutal pain flare last night, I am MORE than ready to kick endometriosis’ ass today and finally get some relief 🙏 Time to evict everything that’s been causing all this chaos 😜

So help a girl out: drop your favorite distractions, funny stories, or literally anything to pass the time while I wait! Let’s do this!🫶 #endometriosis #endometriosiswarrior #endometriosissurgery #chronicillnesswarrior #excisionsurgery
Final meal, last hot bath, last hot tub soak, and Final meal, last hot bath, last hot tub soak, and ALL the feels before surgery tomorrow 🥹✨

Just soaking in every little moment today before my endometriosis surgery tomorrow. Started the morning with a cozy breakfast + cappuccino date with my sweet mama at @yellowmugcoffeelounge - aka my last meal before surgery 👀

I’m usually not a big breakfast girl, but you already know I made it count 😂 because pre-surgery rules = no food after 9 am this morning. Then I got the call that my arrival time moved up from 3:30 PM to 2:00 PM 🙌🏻 and honestly… I’ll take that win. The sooner it starts, the sooner recovery begins.

Today is all about the little things I won’t be able to do for a few weeks; long, scalding hot baths, hot tub soaks, and just slowing down. If you know me, you know hot baths are my daily therapy, so not having them for 4 weeks might be the real challenge 😅

But surprisingly, I feel really calm and at peace heading into this. Just ready to get through surgery and start healing 💛 And I feel all the prayers coming through, so thank you guys so much for all your support and love!

If you’ve had endometriosis surgery, hysterectomy, or any abdominal surgery, drop your recovery tips below. I’m all ears 🙏🏼 #daybeforesurgery #endometriosis #endometriosissurgery #surgeryprep #abdominalsurgery
If quick, easy dinners are your love language righ If quick, easy dinners are your love language right now, this one’s for you 🙌

I’ve been OBSESSED with @hungryroot lately for simple, healthy meals, especially this chicken BBQ flatbread 🤤 With surgery coming up (and recovery after), I need meals that are fast, low-effort, and still taste amazing… and this checks every box.

Everything gets delivered straight to your door, and most meals are ready in 15 minutes or less 🙌 No stress, no extra planning, just easy weeknight dinners you’ll actually look forward to.

If you’re looking for:
✨ quick dinner ideas
✨ easy weeknight meals
✨ healthy meal delivery
✨ low-effort recipes during busy seasons

…this is it 👏

Use my code “charity40” to get 40% off your first box + a FREE gift 🎁

Comment “Hungryroot” and I’ll send you the link! #hungryroot #hungryrootrecipes #hungryroot #postopmeals #postopmealideas
Instagram turned my last surgery prep video into A Instagram turned my last surgery prep video into Alvin & the Chipmunks 😭🤣

So if you saw my endometriosis surgery packing reel sounding like I inhaled helium all day… no you didn’t 😂 I have NO idea what happened, but we’re rolling with it lol.

Since that was a fail, I put together a hospital bag essentials carousel for endometriosis surgery / laparoscopy / hysterectomy prep so you can actually hear (and see) everything clearly this time 🙃

If you have endometriosis excision surgery or any kind of abdominal surgery coming up, this is everything I’m bringing to stay comfortable, prepared, and (hopefully) make recovery a little easier 🤍

We do have a 3.5 hour drive home after surgery, which honestly makes me a little nervous 😅 so I’m trying to be extra prepared this time around.

If you’ve had endometriosis surgery before, what am I missing?!
What helped you the MOST during recovery?
Any must-have items for a long car ride home post-op?

I’m so ready to finally get this done and hopefully get some relief from endo pain 🙌🏻 counting down the days!! And if you have a surgery like this coming up too and want my list of essentials sent your way, just comment “endo” below and I’ll send them straight to you! 😉 #minimallyinvasivesurgery #surgeryessentials #surgeryprep #endometriosissurgery #endometriosisexcision
POV: You realize you have to remove your dip nails POV: You realize you have to remove your dip nails AND fast for 32+ hours before surgery 😅

I was honestly so sad taking off my dip powder nails for my upcoming endometriosis surgery next week. My natural nails have grown SO well with dip, but the second it comes off, they go right back to being super thin and fragile… and yep, one already broke 😭

But let’s be real… that’s not even the hardest part of surgery prep. I can’t eat anything after 9:00 AM the day before, and my surgery isn’t until late the NEXT day (arrival at 3:30 PM 😅). So we’re talking about a full 30+ hour fast before surgery… and I already know I’m about to be HANGRY 🫠

If you’ve had endometriosis surgery, hysterectomy, or any major surgery, tell me, how did you survive the fasting?! Drop your tips below because I need them 🙏

Just Trying to stay calm, trust God, and remind myself this is one step closer to answers + healing 💛

#endometriosis #endometriosissurgery #surgeryprep #minimallyinvasivesurgery #endometriosiswarrior
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Mornings on Macedonia

DIY, Decor, & More

Lifestyle · November 2, 2024

8th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas For Him

Well, y’all I can’t believe it, but my husband and I just celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary! Time sure has flown by and I can’t believe we have already spent that many years of marriage together already. And I know 8 years isn’t really considered a huge milestone, which can make it hard to determine what gifts you should give each other. So I thought it would be fun today to share all my 8th wedding anniversary gift ideas for him with you today.

That way, if you’re looking for some fun and unique gifts for your hubby on your anniversary too, I’ll be able to give you some ideas. And I think every year is an important milestone and should be celebrated as well! We don’t really do a “traditional gift” for our anniversaries.

I know there is a specific list of things you’re supposed to give each other each anniversary. And supposedly for 8 years it should be a bronze anniversary gift or some pottery items. But, like I said, I don’t really do the traditional eighth anniversary gift and would rather give him something more practical and something he would enjoy more instead.

Not even sure what bronze item I could get him this year that he would even like! I always love to come up with a thoughtful gift that he could use everyday instead. And usually, we just enjoy spending good, quality time together.

Traditionally, we always go away on our anniversary and take a little trip. Like to Charleston, South Carolina; or even Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. However, this year we are having to take it a little later this month due to our work schedules.

So we will actually have a low key anniversary at home on our actual wedding date, October 1st. But even still, you can always make it a special day even if you’re at home. So keep on reading just to see what I got him for this special occasion!

8th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas For Him

This post also contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission off anything you purchase through here, at no additional cost to you. Please read my full privacy policy for more details.

DIY 8-Year Anniversary Gift Tags

Before I talk about the actual 8th wedding anniversary gifts I got him, I wanted to showcase something special. I decided to up the ante a little and make my own anniversary gift tags using my amazing xTool P2 machine!

Making Anniversary Gift Tags

You may remember I did something similar at Christmastime making my own gift tags then too. So I figured why not make some for our anniversary too?! I just used some 3 mm basswood plywood and cut out a gift tag shape.

Painting Gift Tags

Then, I cut out the wording of “Happy Anniversary” to put on top of the tags. Before glueing the words on though, I decided to spruce it up even more. I guess I kinda still went with the whole traditional 8th anniversary color, because I painted the words a pretty gold/coppery color.

Staining Gift Tags

I used my favorite acrylic paint pens to do this. And, I decided to add a little wood stain to the actual gift tags themselves too. The stain I used was Minwax Early American, and if you’ve been around here long enough, then you know I love to use that stain color for pretty much anything!

8th Wedding Anniversary Gift Tags

Once everything was dry, I used my favorite B-7000 glue to attach the wording to the gift tags. Then, I let the glue sit for a few minutes before attaching them to the wrapped present. How cute did they turn out to be?! It’s such a unique design with a modern theme.

I also love the wrapping paper theme I used too. If you remember, it was very similar to my Christmas gift wrapping too! And I even had some wrapping supplies leftover from last year so this was a great way to reuse them. 

8th Anniversary Gift Ideas

Now, for the main part, the gifts I actually wrapped up for him! Now, if you want more of a traditional 8th wedding anniversary gift idea, I think you will have to go somewhere else for that.

But, if your hubby is anything like mine is, maybe these gift ideas will help you out too! I usually don’t have a hard time shopping for him because I love to buy him gifts that he is least expecting.

He doesn’t buy much for himself, so I love to spoil him occasionally because he works so hard for us and takes such great care of us. He deserves to be spoiled and celebrated a little bit I think!

So if you’re looking for a more modern gift idea, I got you covered with some ideas below!

Cologne 

I think a perfect 8th anniversary gift would be some new cologne. Personally, I love getting new perfume, so I thought why not get my hubby some new cologne.

I like the fact that a new scent will help bring new and beautiful memories throughout the coming year. Scents always are strongly associated with memories so I think cologne is a perfect present when it comes to a good 8th year anniversary gift.

In fact, I’ve always heard that for your actual wedding day, you should wear a brand new perfume/cologne. That way, when you smell it in the future, it will always remind you of that special milestone! It’s kinda like when your favorite song comes on and brings back all the memories for you.

I also did something similar to that for our first wedding anniversary. I wrote down all the lyrics to our first dance on the backing of a picture frame.

And then I placed a picture of our first dance inside! It was a perfect fit and a super special gift. My husband still has it on his office desk to this day! 

Leather Wallet

Another perfect gift idea would be a nice leather wallet. In fact, I got my husband an Andar Leather Wallet several years ago for Christmas I believe.

He loved it so much I decided I should get him another one in a different color. That way he has options to choose from! Andar’s leather products are made with long-lasting materials and any of their items would make for a great eighth-anniversary gift.

They have more than just wallets, including phone cases and bags too. I even have an Andar wallet myself and love it! So definitely check them out, especially if you’re going the traditional route and it’s your 3rd wedding anniversary!

Candles

Okay, now hear me out. I know candles aren’t really the first idea when it comes to manly gifts. But, my hubby recently built a separate garage from our house and he loves my Antique Candle Co Candles inside.

So, he wanted some candles for his garage. He has a sitting area with a TV and coffee table in there too so it makes sense to have a cozy candle lit in there. That way, it smells way better than a traditional garage!

So I would definitely say candles are a more modern choice, but you could always look for a more manly scent like a “mandle”!

And, Antique Candle Co has several to choose from. Plus, you can use my code “Macedonia20” to get 20% off any candle as well! 

Candle In Garage

Blanket

And again speaking of his brand new garage, he had to have him some of my favorite Minky Couture Blankets for his couch and chair in there.

Once you cuddle up with a Minky Blanket, you won’t want another brand! So I got him a set to match his couch and chair as well.

Again, definitely not in the traditional theme of wedding anniversary gifts, but it was something I knew he would love and use time and time again!

Minky Couture Blanket.png
You can see the blanket draped over his leather couches in the garage here!

Enjoy These Unique 8th Anniversary Gifts!

Well, I know all these gift themes were very unique and not traditional in any sense. But, I love to spend my money on something my husband would actually use and enjoy.

I also love to surprise him with things I know he wants, but doesn’t really want to spend the money on it himself. So I think I did a pretty good job on this eighth year of marriage!

So I can’t wait for our ninth anniversary next year and seeing what this year has in hold for us! Basically, I am sure your significant other would love anything you give them that has a special meaning! No matter if it’s traditional or not.

Hopefully, these eight-year anniversary gift ideas give you a little inspiration too. And if you’re celebrating 8 years of marriage this year as well, happy anniversary to y’all! 

8th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas For Him
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About Charity Gentry

I love Jesus, coffee, and home decor. I also love to cook and bake as well as read in my spare time! Follow along with me for all my latest DIY projects and ideas!

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I seriously can’t believe how fast May has flown b I seriously can’t believe how fast May has flown by! And the fact that it’s already Memorial Day weekend coming up!! I had a feeling it would since I’ve been on surgery leave and recovering this month 😜 But one thing I’m SO glad I did before surgery was get all of my patriotic summer decor put out early because I definitely wouldn’t have felt like decorating afterward.

Now I actually get to sit back, relax, and enjoy all the cozy red, white, and blue vibes around the house all summer long ❤️ There’s just something about patriotic home decor, American flag accents, and a festive coffee bar that makes everything feel like summertime is officially here!

So here’s a little peek at my patriotic coffee bar setup in all its red, white, and blue glory today 🇺🇸☕️ And honestly? I’ll probably leave it up all summer because I love it that much 😂
#patrioticvibes #patrioticdecor #coffeebar #vintagepatriotic #americandecor
AD If you’re looking for the ultimate easy summer AD If you’re looking for the ultimate easy summer grilling recipe, you’ve got to try the @juicy_lucyburger burgers from @harristeeter 🍔 These frozen cheese-stuffed burger patties are packed with melty cheese inside, so every bite tastes like a gourmet restaurant-style cheeseburger right at home!

One of my favorite things about these burgers is how quick and easy they are to make. There’s no need to thaw them first, just take the patties straight from the freezer, throw them on the grill for about 6 minutes per side, and dinner is ready in under 15 minutes! Perfect for summer cookouts, busy weeknights, backyard BBQs, and weekend grilling with family and friends.

If you love juicy cheeseburgers, easy grilling ideas, and simple summer dinner recipes, definitely head to your local Harris Teeter and grab these Juicy Lucy Burgers to try this summer too! 🍔☀️
Chapter 33 is here 🎉 And today officially marks 2 Chapter 33 is here 🎉 And today officially marks 2 weeks post-op from my endometriosis excision surgery! Honestly, the best birthday gift I could ask for is finally being cleared to soak in the hot tub and take my scalding hot baths again 😂 If you know me, then you know how much I’ve missed my hot baths during recovery these past two weeks!

At first, I was told no soaking for 4 weeks, so finding out it was only 2 weeks truly felt like a win  So today’s plans include lots of relaxing, healing, hot tub time, hanging out with my hubby, and continuing to take it easy while my body recovers from surgery.

And because life has a sense of humor, I also have pelvic floor physical therapy today too… nothing says “happy 33rd birthday” quite like a PT appointment 🤣 But honestly, I’m just thankful to be healing, feeling better, and moving forward in my endometriosis recovery journey one day at a time. 💛

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/64pMr
POV: You’re stuck recovering in bed so you cope by POV: You’re stuck recovering in bed so you cope by binge reading psychological thriller books 🤣📚

Since I’ve been laying around recovering with not much to do, I’ve spent most of my time completely hooked on some of the best psychological thriller books I’ve read in a while. Honestly, these twisty thriller novels have been the perfect distraction and now I need everyone to read them with me 👀 If you love dark thrillers, shocking endings, suspenseful books, and plot twists you NEVER see coming… add these to your TBR immediately!

📖 My recent psychological thriller book recommendations:

1️⃣ Gray After Dark — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I could NOT put this one down. Definitely my favorite thriller out of all of them! It had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end and the twists were insane. Dark, suspenseful, creepy, and so addictive. If you love fast-paced psychological thrillers, this one is a MUST READ.

2️⃣ Drowning in Paper Flowers — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another thriller that completely consumed me. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story surprised me again. The ending?! Absolutely wild.

3️⃣ Her First Lie — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a fun and twisty thriller read! Plus there was briefly a character named Charity in it which made me weirdly excited because I NEVER find my name in books 🤣

4️⃣ The Bartender — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Loved this easy thriller read! It has multiple POVs which can sometimes lose me, but this one was done really well and kept me hooked the whole time.

5️⃣ The Missing Ones — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Probably my least favorite of the bunch, mainly because the multiple POVs got a little confusing for me. BUT the storyline was super dark, twisty, and entertaining the entire time.

If you’re into thriller books, psychological suspense novels, mystery books with shocking twists, or binge-worthy reads that keep you up way too late… save this list for later 📚✨

Now tell me your favorite psychological thriller book because apparently this is my entire personality while I’m recovering 😂 

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/ #tbrlist #thrillerbooks #psycologicalthriller #bookstagrammer #thrillerbook
Just reminiscing about our trip to Hilton Head Isl Just reminiscing about our trip to Hilton Head Island last month and already wishing we could go back! 🌴 Even though the weather didn’t exactly cooperate with us 😂 we still found SO many fun things to do around the island and honestly had the best time exploring. From beautiful beaches and cozy restaurants to shopping, sightseeing, and hidden gems, there’s so much to experience on Hilton Head Island, even on chilly or rainy days!

I finally finished my full Hilton Head Island travel blog post too, and it’s packed with all of our favorite spots, things to do, where to eat, and tips for first-time visitors! If you’re planning a Hilton Head vacation, family beach trip, or weekend getaway to South Carolina, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip 🏖️✨

Comment “Hilton Head” below and I’ll send you the blog post link! 💛 #hiltonhead #hiltonheadisland #hiltonheadsc #hiltonheadvacation #explorehiltonhead
Fresh cut peonies in a mason jar might just be my Fresh cut peonies in a mason jar might just be my favorite simple summer decor 🌸 There’s truly nothing prettier than fresh peony blooms brightening up the kitchen and making the whole house feel cozy, cottagecore, and cheerful. I only wish peony season lasted longer because these gorgeous flowers bloom way too fast! 🩷 Wishing you all a slow, happy Saturday filled with sunshine, fresh flowers, and little moments that make home feel special! #peonies #peoniesbouquet #peoniesofinstagram #peoniesaremyfavorite #peonieseason
POV: You’re a cat mom and Easter never actually en POV: You’re a cat mom and Easter never actually ends 😂🐣 Months later and I’m STILL finding plastic Easter eggs hidden all over my house thanks to my cats. Apparently seasonal home decor is way more exciting than the basket full of actual cat toys I bought them 😹

At this point, my cats have turned my home into a year-round Easter egg hunt. One day it’s Easter eggs under the couch, the next it’s Christmas ornaments rolling down the hallway, and somehow little pumpkins disappear every fall too 🤣 If you have indoor cats, you already know that no cute decor is ever truly safe.

Honestly though, finding random Easter eggs around the house months later has become one of my favorite funny cat mom moments 😂 I just wish my cats would at least start hiding money or candy inside them to make this surprise treasure hunt a little more rewarding next time 😜 #catmomlife #catmom #funnycat #funnycats #catmomproblems
I loved these faux ferns on my front porch so much I loved these faux ferns on my front porch so much that I immediately ordered them for the back porch too 🙌 and honestly… best decision ever.

No watering. No dying plants. No stress.
Especially while I’m still recovering from surgery—because let’s be real, plant care is not happening right now 🤣

These look SO real, add the perfect cozy touch to any outdoor space, and are completely maintenance-free. If you’ve been wanting that lush, green porch vibe without the upkeep… these are it.

Perfect for:
✔️ Front porch decor
✔️ Back patio styling
✔️ Low-maintenance outdoor plants
✔️ Faux plant lovers

Comment “SHOP” and I’ll send you the link 🌿 #porchdecor #ferns #fern #hangingbaskets #hangingbasket
Flower Lovin’ Friends! One week post-op from end Flower Lovin’ Friends! 

One week post-op from endometriosis excision surgery and finally starting to feel a little like myself again 🙌🏻

This past weekend was rough. Lots of pain and very little energy, but I’m happy to say I think I’m finally turning a corner. The intense pain has eased, and now it’s more soreness and discomfort (which I will gladly take over that pain any day!).

I also got my pathology report back and everything came back non-cancerous, just endometriosis, which is such a huge relief 💛

The biggest struggle right now? Post-surgery fatigue is no joke. I’ll think I have enough energy to do something simple like water my flowers, and my body immediately humbles me 😅 So I’m learning (slowly lol) to rest, listen to my body, and take recovery one day at a time.

Healing isn’t linear, but we’re getting there, slow and steady 💫 Thank you all so much for the love, prayers, and support… it truly means everything to me.

Happy Wednesday, friends 🤍

#endometriosis #endosurgery #endometriosissurgery #excisionsurgery

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Do you really wanna know where I was April 29th?! Do you really wanna know where I was April 29th?! In surgery actually!! 🤣

I’ve been meaning to share an update since my surgery on Wednesday, but honestly, this recovery has been way harder than I expected. This was my second endometriosis surgery, but my first was just an ablation… and this time I had excision surgery. And when I say it feels like my insides went through a cheese grater… I wish I was kidding 🫠

But I have to take a moment to say how incredibly grateful I am for the team at UNC Hillsborough. From the moment I arrived, every single person who was in the OR came in, introduced themselves, reassured me, and truly cared. That kind of compassion in healthcare is rare, and I felt so at peace going into surgery.

My surgeon was absolutely amazing and believes she was able to remove all of my endometriosis 🙌🏼 We were really concerned it had spread to my bowels based on my symptoms, but thankfully it hadn’t. There was a nodule just millimeters away (which was likely causing so much of my pain), but she was able to remove it safely, meaning I don’t need another surgery with a colorectal specialist, which was my biggest fear.

I go back on May 22 for my post-op appointment to talk about next steps and treatment options. Unfortunately, endometriosis has no cure… and it can come back. There’s still such a lack of research and funding for women dealing with this disease, and that’s something that needs to change.

It’s also heartbreaking that we had to travel 3.5 hours just to receive this level of care. After years of being dismissed and gaslit by doctors, I finally feel like I’m on the right path.

I’m so thankful for my husband and my family who have been by my side through all of this. I’m praying this surgery gives me years of relief and a chance to live more pain-free 💛

If you’re struggling with endometriosis, I see you. You’re not alone. Please reach out to me if you are suffering too, I’d love to share more of my experience with you and help you the best way I can as well! #surgeryrecovery #endometriosis #endometriosissurgery #endometriosissupport #endowarrior
Alright y’all, I’ve officially checked in at UNC a Alright y’all, I’ve officially checked in at UNC and I’m just waiting to be called back! They even moved up my arrival time (bless 🙌🏻), but I’ve still got a couple hours to sit here and let the nerves + hanger kick in. And also how sexy does this surgical cap look on me?! 😆

After a brutal pain flare last night, I am MORE than ready to kick endometriosis’ ass today and finally get some relief 🙏 Time to evict everything that’s been causing all this chaos 😜

So help a girl out: drop your favorite distractions, funny stories, or literally anything to pass the time while I wait! Let’s do this!🫶 #endometriosis #endometriosiswarrior #endometriosissurgery #chronicillnesswarrior #excisionsurgery
Final meal, last hot bath, last hot tub soak, and Final meal, last hot bath, last hot tub soak, and ALL the feels before surgery tomorrow 🥹✨

Just soaking in every little moment today before my endometriosis surgery tomorrow. Started the morning with a cozy breakfast + cappuccino date with my sweet mama at @yellowmugcoffeelounge - aka my last meal before surgery 👀

I’m usually not a big breakfast girl, but you already know I made it count 😂 because pre-surgery rules = no food after 9 am this morning. Then I got the call that my arrival time moved up from 3:30 PM to 2:00 PM 🙌🏻 and honestly… I’ll take that win. The sooner it starts, the sooner recovery begins.

Today is all about the little things I won’t be able to do for a few weeks; long, scalding hot baths, hot tub soaks, and just slowing down. If you know me, you know hot baths are my daily therapy, so not having them for 4 weeks might be the real challenge 😅

But surprisingly, I feel really calm and at peace heading into this. Just ready to get through surgery and start healing 💛 And I feel all the prayers coming through, so thank you guys so much for all your support and love!

If you’ve had endometriosis surgery, hysterectomy, or any abdominal surgery, drop your recovery tips below. I’m all ears 🙏🏼 #daybeforesurgery #endometriosis #endometriosissurgery #surgeryprep #abdominalsurgery
If quick, easy dinners are your love language righ If quick, easy dinners are your love language right now, this one’s for you 🙌

I’ve been OBSESSED with @hungryroot lately for simple, healthy meals, especially this chicken BBQ flatbread 🤤 With surgery coming up (and recovery after), I need meals that are fast, low-effort, and still taste amazing… and this checks every box.

Everything gets delivered straight to your door, and most meals are ready in 15 minutes or less 🙌 No stress, no extra planning, just easy weeknight dinners you’ll actually look forward to.

If you’re looking for:
✨ quick dinner ideas
✨ easy weeknight meals
✨ healthy meal delivery
✨ low-effort recipes during busy seasons

…this is it 👏

Use my code “charity40” to get 40% off your first box + a FREE gift 🎁

Comment “Hungryroot” and I’ll send you the link! #hungryroot #hungryrootrecipes #hungryroot #postopmeals #postopmealideas
Instagram turned my last surgery prep video into A Instagram turned my last surgery prep video into Alvin & the Chipmunks 😭🤣

So if you saw my endometriosis surgery packing reel sounding like I inhaled helium all day… no you didn’t 😂 I have NO idea what happened, but we’re rolling with it lol.

Since that was a fail, I put together a hospital bag essentials carousel for endometriosis surgery / laparoscopy / hysterectomy prep so you can actually hear (and see) everything clearly this time 🙃

If you have endometriosis excision surgery or any kind of abdominal surgery coming up, this is everything I’m bringing to stay comfortable, prepared, and (hopefully) make recovery a little easier 🤍

We do have a 3.5 hour drive home after surgery, which honestly makes me a little nervous 😅 so I’m trying to be extra prepared this time around.

If you’ve had endometriosis surgery before, what am I missing?!
What helped you the MOST during recovery?
Any must-have items for a long car ride home post-op?

I’m so ready to finally get this done and hopefully get some relief from endo pain 🙌🏻 counting down the days!! And if you have a surgery like this coming up too and want my list of essentials sent your way, just comment “endo” below and I’ll send them straight to you! 😉 #minimallyinvasivesurgery #surgeryessentials #surgeryprep #endometriosissurgery #endometriosisexcision
POV: You realize you have to remove your dip nails POV: You realize you have to remove your dip nails AND fast for 32+ hours before surgery 😅

I was honestly so sad taking off my dip powder nails for my upcoming endometriosis surgery next week. My natural nails have grown SO well with dip, but the second it comes off, they go right back to being super thin and fragile… and yep, one already broke 😭

But let’s be real… that’s not even the hardest part of surgery prep. I can’t eat anything after 9:00 AM the day before, and my surgery isn’t until late the NEXT day (arrival at 3:30 PM 😅). So we’re talking about a full 30+ hour fast before surgery… and I already know I’m about to be HANGRY 🫠

If you’ve had endometriosis surgery, hysterectomy, or any major surgery, tell me, how did you survive the fasting?! Drop your tips below because I need them 🙏

Just Trying to stay calm, trust God, and remind myself this is one step closer to answers + healing 💛

#endometriosis #endometriosissurgery #surgeryprep #minimallyinvasivesurgery #endometriosiswarrior

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