Chapter 33 is here šŸŽ‰ And today officially marks 2 Chapter 33 is here šŸŽ‰ 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 šŸ˜‚ 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 ā€œhappy 33rd birthdayā€ 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. šŸ’›

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/64pMr
I saw this ā€œTop 5 Horror Storiesā€ trend on Instagr I saw this ā€œTop 5 Horror Storiesā€ trend on Instagram and honestly… this one hit a little too close to home. šŸ’”

As many of you know, I’m now a little over 2 weeks post-op from my endometriosis excision surgery. While my surgery was successful and my surgeon did remove the endometriosis, I’m still dealing with many of the same symptoms I had before surgery. And if I’m being honest, that’s been really hard mentally and emotionally.

One of my biggest fears is that my endometriosis surgery won’t fully help and that the chronic pain, back pain, insomnia, and fatigue never truly go away. I’ve heard from so many women in the endometriosis community that healing after excision surgery can take anywhere from 2–6 months, sometimes even longer. And while that gives me hope, it’s also difficult knowing recovery and healing isn’t immediate.

Endometriosis has already taken so much from my life physically, mentally, and emotionally. I just want to feel like myself again someday. But for now, I’m continuing to trust God through this healing journey, stay consistent with pelvic floor physical therapy, listen to my body, and take recovery one day at a time. šŸ’›

I also wanted to share this because I know so many others silently struggle with chronic illness, chronic pain, endometriosis, fatigue, and invisible illnesses too. Healing is never linear, and every recovery journey looks different. If you’re going through something similar, please know you’re not alone. 🫶 #chronicillness #endometriosis #endometriosisawareness #chronicillnesswarrior #endometriosiswarrior
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 šŸ¤£šŸ“š

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 šŸ‘€ If you love dark thrillers, shocking endings, suspenseful books, and plot twists you NEVER see coming… add these to your TBR immediately!

šŸ“– My recent psychological thriller book recommendations:

1ļøāƒ£ Gray After Dark — ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø
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.

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

3ļøāƒ£ Her First Lie — ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø
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 🤣

4ļøāƒ£ The Bartender — ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø
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.

5ļøāƒ£ The Missing Ones — ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø
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 šŸ“šāœØ

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

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 šŸ˜‚ 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 šŸ–ļøāœØ

Comment ā€œHilton Headā€ below and I’ll send you the blog post link! šŸ’› #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 šŸ˜‚šŸ£ 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 šŸ˜‚ 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
POV: You’re a cat mom and Easter never actually en POV: You’re a cat mom and Easter never actually ends šŸ˜‚šŸ£ 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 šŸ˜‚ 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 šŸ™Œ 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:
āœ”ļø Front porch decor
āœ”ļø Back patio styling
āœ”ļø Low-maintenance outdoor plants
āœ”ļø Faux plant lovers

Comment ā€œSHOPā€ 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 šŸ™ŒšŸ»

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 šŸ’›

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 šŸ˜… 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 šŸ’« Thank you all so much for the love, prayers, and support… it truly means everything to me.

Happy Wednesday, friends šŸ¤

#endometriosis #endosurgery #endometriosissurgery #excisionsurgery

Hosts: 
@almost3acres
@farmgirlromance
@mymapleleafhome 
@seaside_cottage_couture
@touchesoftime_bydesign 
DM @flowerlovinfriends to join

Guest Hosts:

Amy @cloverhouse_vintage
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#flf7apr2
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 šŸ™Œ 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:
āœ”ļø Front porch decor
āœ”ļø Back patio styling
āœ”ļø Low-maintenance outdoor plants
āœ”ļø Faux plant lovers

Comment ā€œSHOPā€ and I’ll send you the link 🌿
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 šŸ™ŒšŸ¼ 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 šŸ’›

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 šŸ™ŒšŸ»), 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?! šŸ˜†

After a brutal pain flare last night, I am MORE than ready to kick endometriosis’ ass today and finally get some relief šŸ™ 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 šŸ‘€

I’m usually not a big breakfast girl, but you already know I made it count šŸ˜‚ 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 šŸ™ŒšŸ» 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 šŸ˜…

But surprisingly, I feel really calm and at peace heading into this. Just ready to get through surgery and start healing šŸ’› 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 šŸ™šŸ¼ #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 šŸ™Œ

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 šŸ™Œ 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 šŸ‘

Use my code ā€œcharity40ā€ to get 40% off your first box + a FREE gift šŸŽ

Comment ā€œHungryrootā€ 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 šŸ˜‚ 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 šŸ™ƒ

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 šŸ¤

We do have a 3.5 hour drive home after surgery, which honestly makes me a little nervous šŸ˜… 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 šŸ™ŒšŸ» 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 ā€œendoā€ below and I’ll send them straight to you! šŸ˜‰ #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 šŸ˜…

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 šŸ˜…). 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 šŸ™

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

#endometriosis #endometriosissurgery #surgeryprep #minimallyinvasivesurgery #endometriosiswarrior
Still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Stop scrolling, you just found it šŸ’›

@MinkyCouture has the softest, coziest luxury blankets and today is the BEST time to shop because my code CHARITYG gets you 60% OFF + FREE shipping on orders $100+ šŸ™Œ

Whether you’re shopping for your mom, a new mom, or treating yourself (because you deserve it too šŸ˜‰), these blankets are seriously unmatched. I grabbed this gorgeous butter yellow blanket for myself. Yellow is the official color for endometriosis, so it feels extra special šŸ’› and you already know it’s coming with me for my hospital stay next week.

If you or someone you love is going through surgery or recovery, these also make the perfect recovery gift: soft, comforting, and something they’ll use every single

Don’t wait, this sale is TODAY ONLY, so now’s the time to stock up and check Mother’s Day gifts off your list early! 

Still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Stop scrolling—you just found it šŸ’›

@MinkyCouture has the softest, coziest luxury blankets and today is the BEST time to shop because my code CHARITYG gets you 60% OFF + FREE shipping on orders $100+ šŸ™Œ

Whether you’re shopping for your mom, a new mom, or treating yourself (because you deserve it too šŸ˜‰), these blankets are seriously unmatched. I grabbed this gorgeous butter yellow blanket for myself—yellow is the official color for endometriosis, so it feels extra special šŸ’› and you already know it’s coming with me for my hospital stay next week.

If you or someone you love is going through surgery or recovery, these also make the perfect recovery gift—soft, comforting, and something they’ll use every single day.

Don’t wait—this sale is TODAY ONLY, so now’s the time to stock up and check Mother’s Day gifts off your list early ✨
Flower Lovin’ Friends! Spring gardening is offici Flower Lovin’ Friends! 
Spring gardening is officially underway 🌸 and this past weekend turned into the best little dose of gardening therapy I didn’t know I needed šŸ’š With everything going on lately, getting outside, planting flowers, and soaking up that sunshine was exactly what my mind needed.

We may have gotten a little too confident with those 85° temps though… because just days later, the cold snap hit hard šŸ™„ (tell me why spring weather is like this??). But somehow, my flowers are still thriving 🌼✨

My garden seedlings on the other hand… not so much 🄲 BUT my sweet peppers are holding on strong and currently the real MVPs of the garden šŸŒ±šŸ‘

Gardening is definitely a learning process, especially with unpredictable spring weather, but I’m not giving up, just replanting and trying again (and maybe checking the forecast a little better next time šŸ˜‚)

If you’re starting your spring garden, let this be your reminder: be patient, expect a few setbacks, and celebrate the little wins šŸŒæšŸ’›

Hosts: 
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@farmgirlromance
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Patty pattys_old_stuff

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I wanted to give you all an update on my pre-surge I wanted to give you all an update on my pre-surgery appointment at UNC šŸ¤

If I’m being honest… I woke up feeling really heavy today. Not because the appointment went badly, it actually went so well. The doctors were incredibly kind, compassionate, and for the first time, I truly felt seen, heard, and validated in my pain. I could’ve cried happy tears.

But after going over all my symptoms, they told me something that honestly shook me, but didn’t surprise me because this is what I feared all along. There’s a strong possibility my endometriosis has spread to my bowels.

And that’s where the emotions hit.

I’m angry.
Angry that I had to drive 3.5 hours just to receive proper care.
Angry that when I first brought up these symptoms, I was dismissed and told it was ā€œrare.ā€
Angry that I lost months trying to find someone who would actually listen.
Angry that I wasn’t fully informed after my last surgery, that I didn’t even know endometriosis could spread to organs like the bladder… or beyond.

I had to fight for my own medical records.
I had to advocate for myself every step of the way.
And that shouldn’t be the reality for women’s healthcare.

So here’s where things stand: my surgery is scheduled for the 29th. During surgery, they’ll check my bowels. If the endometriosis is superficial, they can shave it off then. But if it’s deeper, I may need a second, more serious surgery with a colorectal specialist.

And yes… that possibility is scary. Because with that kind of surgery, you could end up with a colostomy bag which is my worst nightmare. 

But I’m also proud of myself for trusting my body and refusing to stay silent.

Endometriosis is not ā€œjust a bad period.ā€
It’s a full-body disease.
And more women need to know that.

I’m sharing this because I never want another woman to feel dismissed, unheard, or alone in this. Please listen to your body. Advocate for yourself. Keep pushing until someone listens.

Right now, I’m choosing faith over fear and trusting God that I’m in the right hands šŸ™šŸ¼ 

Thank you all so much for your constant love, prayers, and support. It truly means everything to me! šŸ’› #endometriosis #endometriosiswarrior #endometriosisawareness
If you’re tired of asking ā€œwhat’s for dinner?ā€ eve If you’re tired of asking ā€œwhat’s for dinner?ā€ every night… this is your sign to try Blue Apron šŸ‘€šŸ½ļø

I LOVE cooking, but planning meals and grocery shopping? Not so much šŸ˜… That’s why this has been a game changer for my weekly dinner routine. Everything shows up portioned and ready to go, with super easy step-by-step recipe cards you can keep (so if you find a favorite, you can remake it anytime šŸ™Œ).

I just made their spicy orange shrimp noodle dish and it was SO good 🤤 The flavors were perfectly balanced, the shrimp tasted incredibly fresh, and the crunchy cashews on top were the best finishing touch!

If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, quick weeknight meals, or a way to simplify meal planning, this is 100% worth trying.

Use my code CHARITY to get 50% off your first 3 boxes + free shipping 🚨
Comment ā€œBLUE APRONā€ below and I’ll send you the link directly! #blueapron #blueapronmeals #blueapronrecipe #mealkit #mealdelivery
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Mornings on Macedonia

DIY, Decor, & More

Lifestyle · February 28, 2020

How I am Celebrating After Hitting 10K on Instagram

Y’all, I cannot believe it! I finally hit over 10K on Instagram a few weeks ago and I could not be more excited! If you remember, I shared in my 2019 Year in Review post, that I was hoping to hit 10K by the end of February and I am so happy that I accomplished my goal before then!

I know it’s not all about the numbers, but it feels so good when you reach a goal you have been waiting for after a long time of aiming towards it! So today I thought I would share with you all how I am celebrating after hitting 10K on Instagram.

I was most excited to hit 10K because now in my Instagram stories, I am able to use the swipe up feature which I think will help my blog views tremendously. It’s so much easier to share a new post when you can link it directly!

So you may be asking how exactly am I celebrating after hitting such a milestone? Well, the answer is simple, I am celebrating by giving back to you- my wonderful subscribers and followers!

I have teamed up with some of my favorite small shops and we are all working together to bring you an ultimate giveaway full of goodies. And I have worked with all these shops in the past so I know their quality of products are amazing.

I would not want to give away anything less to y’all! So you may be wondering how can I be entered into winning this so called amazing giveaway?? Keep on reading because I will give you all the details below. But you better hurry because it is only open for a short period of time!!

Celebrating hitting 10K on Instagram
Here’s a little vignette of goodies that you could win if you help me celebrate with my giveaway!

What You Will Win:

If you’re chosen as my lucky winner, here is everything that you will receive:

  • $30 shop credit to Ebenezer Markets (they make some high-quality and beautiful farmhouse signs!)
  • $25 shop credit to Crafty Home by Missy (she makes the cutest little decor items, perfect for vignettes and tiered trays!)
  • $25 shop credit to Modern Forestry Candles (Y’all have heard me talk about these amazing candles before, and I always recommend the Coffeehouse scent because it is to die for!)
  • Shop credit to Hidden Valley Farmhouse for one FREE handmade felt garland of your choice (I was a brand rep for her last year and received so many beautiful garlands. They are perfect for styling anywhere in your home!)
  • Starbucks gift card from yours truly!

Basically, this giveaway is the perfect start for you to create a beautiful vignette or tiered tray in your home! It will give you everything you need and plus since it’s all store credit, you can shop for exactly what you want!

Ebenezer Market Giveaway
This sign is from Ebenezer Market and I absolutely love it!

How Do I Win??

The rules of this giveaway are so simple. All you have to do is follow all of us on Instagram. I will include all of our links here below:

  • @mornings_on_macedonia
  • @ebenzer_market
  • @real_honeybrook
  • @hiddenvalleyfarmhouse
  • @modernforestry

After you have given us a follow, tag three friends on the giveaway picture on my feed.

Also, be sure to subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss out on any more fun news and giveaways I may have coming up in the future!

Then, if you want even more entries, share my giveaway photo in your stories on Instagram and tag me so I am sure to see it. Also, if you give me a follow on my other social media sites below I will give you even more entries as well!

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Modern Forestry Candle Giveaway
I always love to style a tray with one of my favorite Modern Forestry candles!

Technicalities

This giveaway will run from 2/28/20 until 3/1/20 at 8:00 pm EST. This giveaway is not associated with Instagram or Starbucks. Must be following all hosts to be qualified and subscribed to my blog. I will be checking! Winner will be chosen at random once giveaway is over. Open to US residents only.

Hidden Valley Farmhouse Felt Garland Giveaway
You can see my cute felt garland from Hidden Valley Farmhouse on the top shelf. So much fun to style her handmade garlands around the house!

So What Are You Waiting On??

Go ahead and enter now so you can win all the goodies above! I can’t wait to spoil one lucky subscriber with this amazing giveaway! So what do you think about how I am celebrating hitting 10K on Instagram?? I think it is a pretty fun way to do so if I do say so myself.

And also, even if you don’t win or don’t want to enter, please check out all these amazing small shops.

I always try to support our small shops when I can and the quality of products that I have received from these companies have all blown me away!

I shared all of the above shops, plus a few more back on my post about my Favorite Small Shops on Instagram so be sure to check that out too if you haven’t yet.

How I Am Celebrating After Hitting 10K on Instagram

And I just also want to say, thank you so much for all of your support and love on my Instagram. I really appreciate all the follows, comments, and likes; and I really do read each one and try to respond to everything.

It really makes my day when you take the time to leave me a sweet message and/or compliment and I just wanted to celebrate by giving back to my tribe! Now, if I could only grow my blog as well as my Instagram, I’d be all set!

Maybe one of these days I’ll be able to celebrate hitting 10K followers on my blog too. That would be a major celebration! Well, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and again, I am so thankful for each and every one of you!

See More Lifestyle Posts Like This Here!

In: Lifestyle · Tagged: crafty home by missy, ebenezer market, Giveaway, hidden valley farmhouse, modern forestry

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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Comments

  1. Maria says

    February 28, 2020 at 1:15 pm

    Congrats to you!!!! Your hard work has paid off and I am so happy for you. Be proud of yourself and let it continue:)

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 28, 2020 at 4:39 pm

      Awe thank you Maria. I always appreciate your kind words and support!

      Reply
  2. Shana says

    February 28, 2020 at 2:24 pm

    Congratulations to you! I am inspired.

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 28, 2020 at 4:39 pm

      Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

      Reply
  3. Cassie says

    February 28, 2020 at 4:56 pm

    Congrats on 10k! That is quite a feat!

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 28, 2020 at 5:36 pm

      Thank you so much! I am happy to have finally hit it!

      Reply
  4. Adam says

    February 28, 2020 at 5:42 pm

    Cool giveaway. I’ve only got as far as downloading the instagram app, I really should get around to sorting it out.

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 28, 2020 at 6:15 pm

      You should! It’s been really fun for me. I actually started out on Instagram first though and then decided to do a blog later.

      Reply
  5. Daisy says

    February 28, 2020 at 6:05 pm

    WOO!! Congrats, lovely!! That’s such a massive goal! I’m not even at my first 1K yet. Any tips? Haha!

    Daisy xoxo | TheDeeWhoLived

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 28, 2020 at 6:17 pm

      Awe you will get there too! It just takes time. My tips are to always engage and figure out the best hashtags to use for your niche. Use some large and small hashtags that way your picture has a higher chance of being seen. And follow people similar to your niche and comment on their photos too. I try to share at least 5 times a week too so I try to stay pretty consistent with it. But, I started off on Instagram first before my blog so Instagram comes much more easily to me than my blog does. I am still pretty confused when it comes to the blogging world lol

      Reply
  6. Tiffany says

    February 28, 2020 at 6:31 pm

    Oh my gosh! Congrats on hitting 10k! I sure hope one day I can reach that milestone too! And oh my gosh all this decor! 😱😱 I want it all! That coffee sign is my favorite though! Definitely going to have get one of those soon!

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 28, 2020 at 7:31 pm

      I am sure you will hit it soon too! It just takes some time! And thank you! I love that coffee sign too. It’s so true!

      Reply
  7. Freya says

    February 28, 2020 at 7:58 pm

    Hi this is amazing, well done! I am a very new blogger and that milestone seems very very far away lol. When did you start your blog? It looks really amazing. I love your colors.

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 28, 2020 at 8:00 pm

      Thank you so much! I actually started my Instagram first and then decided to do a blog. I have been on Instagram for a little over a year now and I just started my blog back in the Fall of last year. I am still pretty new to blogging myself and I am trying to learn it as I go!

      Reply
  8. Sophie says

    February 28, 2020 at 9:23 pm

    Massive congratulations on reaching such a big milestone! I haven’t posted on Instagram since September so I’ve lost quite a few followers (understandably) in the last few months. I should really start posting again soon. Enjoy the swipe up feature!! x

    Sophie

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 28, 2020 at 11:05 pm

      Thank you! I’ve been loving the swipe up feature to share my blog posts more easily!

      Reply
  9. Nancy says

    February 29, 2020 at 7:04 am

    Congratulations on hitting 10k on IG! It is exciting to see your hard work paying off. It is great that you’re hosting a giveaway as well! Love the setup of the goodies you’re giving out. Good luck to everyone! Looking forward to your continued success.

    Nancy ♄ exquisitely.me

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 29, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      Awe thank you so much Nancy! I really appreciate that!

      Reply
  10. Ashley says

    February 29, 2020 at 9:38 am

    Wow what an accomplishment- congratulations on reaching 10k. I always really struggle with instagram. It can be so hard to reach a goal xxx

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 29, 2020 at 3:27 pm

      Thank you so much! I actually started Instagram first before starting a blog and I gotta say Instagram comes more easily to me than blogging does. I am still trying to figure it all out!

      Reply
  11. That Travel Blogger says

    February 29, 2020 at 1:14 pm

    Huge congratulations on making that milestone on Instagram! Hard work pays off!

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 29, 2020 at 3:28 pm

      Thank you so much! Hard work really does pay off for sure!

      Reply
  12. Lisa says

    February 29, 2020 at 2:45 pm

    Congratulations – that is quite the accomplishment!

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 29, 2020 at 3:28 pm

      Thank you, I appreciate it!

      Reply
  13. Lauren says

    February 29, 2020 at 2:51 pm

    What an awesome achievement on your follower count. What an awesome giveaway too. Thank you for sharing xxx

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 29, 2020 at 3:29 pm

      Thank you so much Lauren. I am so excited about the giveaway too!

      Reply
  14. Cassie says

    February 29, 2020 at 3:51 pm

    This is wonderful! Congratulations on reaching such a momentous milestone! 🄳

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 29, 2020 at 6:23 pm

      Thank you so much Cassie! I really appreciate it!

      Reply
  15. Bryony Baker says

    February 29, 2020 at 5:27 pm

    Congrats for hitting 10k that’s amazing girl x

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 29, 2020 at 6:25 pm

      Awe thank you! I am very excited!

      Reply
  16. Beka says

    February 29, 2020 at 6:57 pm

    Well done for hitting 10k, that’s amazing! I’m so far away from hitting that in Instagram (I haven’t even reached 1k yet lol). Gutted that I can’t enter your giveaway, but best of luck to everybody else who enters!

    Beka | http://www.bekadaisies.com

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      February 29, 2020 at 11:34 pm

      I am sorry you can’t enter. Some of the shops unfortunately can’t ship to the UK at this time. But thank you so much for the compliment! And you will get there soon too- it just takes time!

      Reply
  17. Jenny in Neverland says

    March 1, 2020 at 4:32 pm

    Ah such a shame this is only open to US residents! But HUGE congrats on hitting 10k on Instagram, that’s an amazing achievement. I can only dream of that at the moment! x

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      March 1, 2020 at 6:58 pm

      Thank you so much Jenny! And I know, I wish I could have opened it up to the UK too, but a lot of these small shops only ship to the US right now unfortunately. But maybe I will do another one in the future sometime!

      Reply
  18. Rhiannon says

    March 1, 2020 at 4:40 pm

    Congrats girl sooo happy for you!! You need to do a UK give away haha.. my goal is to hit my first 1k on insta by end of april xx

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      March 1, 2020 at 7:02 pm

      I know right! A lot of my Twitter followers are from the UK so if I ever reach 10K there I will have to do another giveaway. Although I am not even near 1K there at the moment lol but thank you so much!!

      Reply
  19. Jess says

    March 1, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    Congrats! So amazing that you’ve reached this goal!

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      March 1, 2020 at 7:04 pm

      Thank you so much Jess. I really appreciate that!

      Reply
  20. Quinn says

    March 1, 2020 at 8:06 pm

    This is so wonderful, congratulations hun!! I’m going to make sure I follow you on Instagram too. I know I’m late to the party on your blog, but I’m very glad that it found me as it’s such a pleasure to read.

    Quinn x

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      March 1, 2020 at 8:13 pm

      Awe you are too sweet! I really appreciate it! And I love reading your blog too my friend!

      Reply
  21. Jupiter says

    March 1, 2020 at 8:24 pm

    Congratulations! It always feels good achieving a goal. Those giveaway items look so cute too.

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      March 1, 2020 at 8:52 pm

      Thank you so much! It is a great feeling for sure!

      Reply
  22. Holly says

    March 1, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    Such a great giveaway to mark an amazing milestone! Congrats on 10k, that is such an achievement!

    Holly x
    http://www.adailydoseofholly.com

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      March 1, 2020 at 8:53 pm

      Thank you so much Holly. I really appreciate it!

      Reply
  23. Giulia says

    March 1, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    Wow, congratulations to you on hitting 10k! That’s awesome! Keep up the great work. x

    Reply
  24. Giulia says

    March 1, 2020 at 8:40 pm

    Wow, congratulations to you on hitting the 10k! That’s awesome, keep up the great work! x

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      March 1, 2020 at 8:53 pm

      Thank you! I was very excited to hit it finally!

      Reply
  25. Eena says

    March 2, 2020 at 3:00 am

    That is awesome! Congratulations on reaching your 10k goal on Instagram! šŸ™‚

    ☼ cabin twenty-four

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      March 2, 2020 at 11:24 pm

      Thank you so much my friend! I appreciate it!

      Reply
  26. Pooja Garg says

    March 2, 2020 at 9:59 am

    Lots of congratulations on hitting 10k..Keep growing more..

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      March 2, 2020 at 11:27 pm

      Thank you so much! I plan on it!

      Reply
  27. Loren says

    March 2, 2020 at 2:58 pm

    Congratulations on 10k!! I’m still a long ways from reaching that (at 1k), but I’m super happy you reached it.

    Loren | Plaid + Sugar

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      March 2, 2020 at 11:35 pm

      Thank you Loren! You will get there too! It just takes some time!

      Reply
  28. Bexa says

    March 2, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    Huge congrats on hitting 10K followers on Instagram, that is amazing and so well deserved – your photography is beautiful! It sounds like an awesome giveaway too, good luck to those who enter (would love to but based in the UK). Keep up the fab work and here’s to many more followers! <3 xx

    Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      March 2, 2020 at 11:39 pm

      Awe thank you so much Bexa! I appreciate it! It was a fun giveaway and maybe I can do another one in the future that could be open to the UK as well!

      Reply
  29. Ran | Travel & Lifestyle says

    March 3, 2020 at 11:10 am

    Oh my gosh, congratulations! I didn’t realize that 10k was required to be able to use the Swipe Up feature, haha. But anyway, you definitely deserve this, you’ve got amazing photos girl! It was super nice of you to hold a giveaway too!

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      March 4, 2020 at 12:06 am

      Awe thank you so much! I really appreciate your sweet words! And I honestly didn’t know you needed 10K for the swipe up feature at first either. I had to Google why I didn’t have it lol

      Reply
  30. Alison Kelly says

    March 15, 2020 at 9:26 pm

    Congratulations on making your goal! I followed your Insta and Pinterest! Your photography is great, keep up the good work!

    Reply
    • Charity Gentry says

      March 15, 2020 at 10:45 pm

      Awe thank you so much Alison. I really appreciate that!

      Reply

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Chapter 33 is here šŸŽ‰ And today officially marks 2 Chapter 33 is here šŸŽ‰ 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 šŸ˜‚ 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 ā€œhappy 33rd birthdayā€ 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. šŸ’›

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/64pMr
I saw this ā€œTop 5 Horror Storiesā€ trend on Instagr I saw this ā€œTop 5 Horror Storiesā€ trend on Instagram and honestly… this one hit a little too close to home. šŸ’”

As many of you know, I’m now a little over 2 weeks post-op from my endometriosis excision surgery. While my surgery was successful and my surgeon did remove the endometriosis, I’m still dealing with many of the same symptoms I had before surgery. And if I’m being honest, that’s been really hard mentally and emotionally.

One of my biggest fears is that my endometriosis surgery won’t fully help and that the chronic pain, back pain, insomnia, and fatigue never truly go away. I’ve heard from so many women in the endometriosis community that healing after excision surgery can take anywhere from 2–6 months, sometimes even longer. And while that gives me hope, it’s also difficult knowing recovery and healing isn’t immediate.

Endometriosis has already taken so much from my life physically, mentally, and emotionally. I just want to feel like myself again someday. But for now, I’m continuing to trust God through this healing journey, stay consistent with pelvic floor physical therapy, listen to my body, and take recovery one day at a time. šŸ’›

I also wanted to share this because I know so many others silently struggle with chronic illness, chronic pain, endometriosis, fatigue, and invisible illnesses too. Healing is never linear, and every recovery journey looks different. If you’re going through something similar, please know you’re not alone. 🫶 #chronicillness #endometriosis #endometriosisawareness #chronicillnesswarrior #endometriosiswarrior
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 šŸ¤£šŸ“š

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 šŸ‘€ If you love dark thrillers, shocking endings, suspenseful books, and plot twists you NEVER see coming… add these to your TBR immediately!

šŸ“– My recent psychological thriller book recommendations:

1ļøāƒ£ Gray After Dark — ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø
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.

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

3ļøāƒ£ Her First Lie — ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø
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 🤣

4ļøāƒ£ The Bartender — ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø
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.

5ļøāƒ£ The Missing Ones — ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø
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 šŸ“šāœØ

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

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 šŸ˜‚ 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 šŸ–ļøāœØ

Comment ā€œHilton Headā€ below and I’ll send you the blog post link! šŸ’› #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 šŸ˜‚šŸ£ 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 šŸ˜‚ 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
POV: You’re a cat mom and Easter never actually en POV: You’re a cat mom and Easter never actually ends šŸ˜‚šŸ£ 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 šŸ˜‚ 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 šŸ™Œ 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:
āœ”ļø Front porch decor
āœ”ļø Back patio styling
āœ”ļø Low-maintenance outdoor plants
āœ”ļø Faux plant lovers

Comment ā€œSHOPā€ 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 šŸ™ŒšŸ»

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 šŸ’›

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 šŸ˜… 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 šŸ’« Thank you all so much for the love, prayers, and support… it truly means everything to me.

Happy Wednesday, friends šŸ¤

#endometriosis #endosurgery #endometriosissurgery #excisionsurgery

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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 šŸ™Œ 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:
āœ”ļø Front porch decor
āœ”ļø Back patio styling
āœ”ļø Low-maintenance outdoor plants
āœ”ļø Faux plant lovers

Comment ā€œSHOPā€ and I’ll send you the link 🌿
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 šŸ™ŒšŸ¼ 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 šŸ’›

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 šŸ™ŒšŸ»), 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?! šŸ˜†

After a brutal pain flare last night, I am MORE than ready to kick endometriosis’ ass today and finally get some relief šŸ™ 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 šŸ‘€

I’m usually not a big breakfast girl, but you already know I made it count šŸ˜‚ 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 šŸ™ŒšŸ» 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 šŸ˜…

But surprisingly, I feel really calm and at peace heading into this. Just ready to get through surgery and start healing šŸ’› 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 šŸ™šŸ¼ #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 šŸ™Œ

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 šŸ™Œ No stress, no extra planning, just easy weeknight dinners you’ll actually look forward to.

If you’re looking for:
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✨ healthy meal delivery
✨ low-effort recipes during busy seasons

…this is it šŸ‘

Use my code ā€œcharity40ā€ to get 40% off your first box + a FREE gift šŸŽ

Comment ā€œHungryrootā€ 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 šŸ˜‚ 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 šŸ™ƒ

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 šŸ¤

We do have a 3.5 hour drive home after surgery, which honestly makes me a little nervous šŸ˜… 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 šŸ™ŒšŸ» 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 ā€œendoā€ below and I’ll send them straight to you! šŸ˜‰ #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 šŸ˜…

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 šŸ˜…). 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 šŸ™

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

#endometriosis #endometriosissurgery #surgeryprep #minimallyinvasivesurgery #endometriosiswarrior
Still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Stop scrolling, you just found it šŸ’›

@MinkyCouture has the softest, coziest luxury blankets and today is the BEST time to shop because my code CHARITYG gets you 60% OFF + FREE shipping on orders $100+ šŸ™Œ

Whether you’re shopping for your mom, a new mom, or treating yourself (because you deserve it too šŸ˜‰), these blankets are seriously unmatched. I grabbed this gorgeous butter yellow blanket for myself. Yellow is the official color for endometriosis, so it feels extra special šŸ’› and you already know it’s coming with me for my hospital stay next week.

If you or someone you love is going through surgery or recovery, these also make the perfect recovery gift: soft, comforting, and something they’ll use every single

Don’t wait, this sale is TODAY ONLY, so now’s the time to stock up and check Mother’s Day gifts off your list early! 

Still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Stop scrolling—you just found it šŸ’›

@MinkyCouture has the softest, coziest luxury blankets and today is the BEST time to shop because my code CHARITYG gets you 60% OFF + FREE shipping on orders $100+ šŸ™Œ

Whether you’re shopping for your mom, a new mom, or treating yourself (because you deserve it too šŸ˜‰), these blankets are seriously unmatched. I grabbed this gorgeous butter yellow blanket for myself—yellow is the official color for endometriosis, so it feels extra special šŸ’› and you already know it’s coming with me for my hospital stay next week.

If you or someone you love is going through surgery or recovery, these also make the perfect recovery gift—soft, comforting, and something they’ll use every single day.

Don’t wait—this sale is TODAY ONLY, so now’s the time to stock up and check Mother’s Day gifts off your list early ✨
Flower Lovin’ Friends! Spring gardening is offici Flower Lovin’ Friends! 
Spring gardening is officially underway 🌸 and this past weekend turned into the best little dose of gardening therapy I didn’t know I needed šŸ’š With everything going on lately, getting outside, planting flowers, and soaking up that sunshine was exactly what my mind needed.

We may have gotten a little too confident with those 85° temps though… because just days later, the cold snap hit hard šŸ™„ (tell me why spring weather is like this??). But somehow, my flowers are still thriving 🌼✨

My garden seedlings on the other hand… not so much 🄲 BUT my sweet peppers are holding on strong and currently the real MVPs of the garden šŸŒ±šŸ‘

Gardening is definitely a learning process, especially with unpredictable spring weather, but I’m not giving up, just replanting and trying again (and maybe checking the forecast a little better next time šŸ˜‚)

If you’re starting your spring garden, let this be your reminder: be patient, expect a few setbacks, and celebrate the little wins šŸŒæšŸ’›

Hosts: 
@almost3acres
@farmgirlromance
@mymapleleafhome 
@seaside_cottage_couture
@touchesoftime_bydesign 
DM @flowerlovinfriends to join

Guest Hosts:

Julie @saltbox_treasures
Marit @viivillavogn
Patty pattys_old_stuff

#flf7apr1
I wanted to give you all an update on my pre-surge I wanted to give you all an update on my pre-surgery appointment at UNC šŸ¤

If I’m being honest… I woke up feeling really heavy today. Not because the appointment went badly, it actually went so well. The doctors were incredibly kind, compassionate, and for the first time, I truly felt seen, heard, and validated in my pain. I could’ve cried happy tears.

But after going over all my symptoms, they told me something that honestly shook me, but didn’t surprise me because this is what I feared all along. There’s a strong possibility my endometriosis has spread to my bowels.

And that’s where the emotions hit.

I’m angry.
Angry that I had to drive 3.5 hours just to receive proper care.
Angry that when I first brought up these symptoms, I was dismissed and told it was ā€œrare.ā€
Angry that I lost months trying to find someone who would actually listen.
Angry that I wasn’t fully informed after my last surgery, that I didn’t even know endometriosis could spread to organs like the bladder… or beyond.

I had to fight for my own medical records.
I had to advocate for myself every step of the way.
And that shouldn’t be the reality for women’s healthcare.

So here’s where things stand: my surgery is scheduled for the 29th. During surgery, they’ll check my bowels. If the endometriosis is superficial, they can shave it off then. But if it’s deeper, I may need a second, more serious surgery with a colorectal specialist.

And yes… that possibility is scary. Because with that kind of surgery, you could end up with a colostomy bag which is my worst nightmare. 

But I’m also proud of myself for trusting my body and refusing to stay silent.

Endometriosis is not ā€œjust a bad period.ā€
It’s a full-body disease.
And more women need to know that.

I’m sharing this because I never want another woman to feel dismissed, unheard, or alone in this. Please listen to your body. Advocate for yourself. Keep pushing until someone listens.

Right now, I’m choosing faith over fear and trusting God that I’m in the right hands šŸ™šŸ¼ 

Thank you all so much for your constant love, prayers, and support. It truly means everything to me! šŸ’› #endometriosis #endometriosiswarrior #endometriosisawareness
If you’re tired of asking ā€œwhat’s for dinner?ā€ eve If you’re tired of asking ā€œwhat’s for dinner?ā€ every night… this is your sign to try Blue Apron šŸ‘€šŸ½ļø

I LOVE cooking, but planning meals and grocery shopping? Not so much šŸ˜… That’s why this has been a game changer for my weekly dinner routine. Everything shows up portioned and ready to go, with super easy step-by-step recipe cards you can keep (so if you find a favorite, you can remake it anytime šŸ™Œ).

I just made their spicy orange shrimp noodle dish and it was SO good 🤤 The flavors were perfectly balanced, the shrimp tasted incredibly fresh, and the crunchy cashews on top were the best finishing touch!

If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, quick weeknight meals, or a way to simplify meal planning, this is 100% worth trying.

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Comment ā€œBLUE APRONā€ below and I’ll send you the link directly! #blueapron #blueapronmeals #blueapronrecipe #mealkit #mealdelivery

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