I swear August went by faster than a bolt of lightning. Anyone with me on that?
I can’t believe that as I write this blog today, I only have ONE WEEK LEFT at the RV. While most people might start packing the night before a trip, I have to start a little early because I won’t be home for 6 straight months.
That means this week is packed with running errands around town, grabbing any clothing or beauty items I’ll need on my trip, organizing the RV into what needs to be packed away for winter, packing for a full 6 months, and saying GOODBYE to friends and family out here.
It’s MADNESS!
I already have butterflies that are a mix of excitement and nerves. Even though I travel a lot, I always get super restless a few days before a trip. It must be because that means I’m not coming home for a while, so I had better not forget anything important!
Talking about madness, that is how I feel about the entire month of August.
August Highlights
Filming a Segment on “The Doctors” TV Show
Hey look ma! I’m on TV!
Definitely the highlight of my year was flying down to LA and filming a segment for the insanely popular TV show ‘The Doctors’.
I was invited by the show to come on and speak on a topic I am really passionate about, but the craziest part is…. I don’t remember a word I said. It all happened so fast that I literally ‘blacked out’. The lights, the audience, the hosts… it all just took me over.
So believe me when I say that when the episode airs this month, I will be watching it for the first time like everyone else! (Oh god, I hope I did well…)
I can’t tell you what the segment is about yet, or even any of my behind the scenes experiences on set in Hollywood… but I am bursting at the seams wishing I could! Thankfully the episode will be airing soon, so I don’t have to be so tight-lipped about it for much longer!
Completed ONE YEAR Sober
On August 31st I rang in one full year without booze.
Not even one little drop.
This came as a surprise to a lot of people because if you know me personally, you would have most likely seen me in my natural habitat, which is with a glass of wine in hand.
I realize that this part of my story is a touchy (yet very important) subject, so I went ahead and dedicated an entire blog post to it.
→ Read: “I Quit Alcohol For One Year, Here's What Happened…”
I talk about what happened in my life that led me to not drinking for an entire year, the good parts, the bad parts, and what’s next for me.
Things I Loved in August
Cleaning Out My Closet
Even though I am a minimalist and I own less shoes/clothes than I ever have in my adult life – that doesn’t mean crap doesn’t start to accumulate anyway.
In August I ripped every article of clothing out of my closet and drawers in the RV and threw it all on the bed. From there I sorted through each item individually to see if I actually still needed it.
I have done this process so many times during my transition into minimalism, so I knew exactly what questions to ask.
- “Do I wear this?” followed up by “Okay then, when was the last time I wore it?”
- “Am I only holding onto this for those ‘just in case’ moments?” (spoiler alert – they never happen)
- “Could I sell this item for money?”
- “Could I give this item to a friend who would like it/benefit from it?”
- “Would this be something nice to donate to someone in need?”
- “Do I even like this, or am I just hanging onto it because I spent good money on it?”
When I asked those 6 questions HONESTLY to the clothes on my bed, about 30% of them got the cut. I ended up having enough clothes to donate a bag to those in need and gift a bag to a friend who would love the items. And guess what… it felt SO GOOD.
I love having a stream-lined closet because it makes my life so much easier. I don’t have to sift through all the crap I don’t wear to find the things I do wear. Getting rid of all the items that just take up space has this amazing therapeutic effect on me. It just makes my soul feel at ease.
You should 100% do a similar fall clean-out, whether it’s the clothes in your closet, the makeup in your bathroom, or junk in your cupboards and drawers. Here is the key – to physically take every item OUT. You have to remove it from its place for this to work. If you just glanced inside your closet and thought “hmm.. now which clothes should I get rid of?”, you’ll take out two tops and be done with it.
Yank every single item off their hangers and start putting things into 4 piles:
- Keep
- Donate
- Sell
- Go Over/Maybe
Anti-Theft Bags
Over the last 3 years I have used ONE purse exclusively for any occasion, my Arden Cove anti-theft bag. This thing has been on every flight, cruise, train, bus, and car with me – not to mention has come with me to 5 continents. To say I used the crap out of it is an understatement.
The reason I was so obsessed with it is because it’s always kept my stuff safe, especially when traveling. Arden Cove’s bags are anti-theft, which means they have features like locking zippers to prevent pick-pockets, slash and stab proof material to keep contents safe, waterproof bags to keep phones and cameras protected, and even RFID blockers so thieves can’t steal credit card info from the chip.
After 3 years I needed to replace my old bag and there was NO way I was going to buy some expensive ‘brand name’ purse that had ZERO safety features. So I went back to Arden Cove again.
This time I went crazy and got 2 of their products (what a wild child) that I will use daily for the next 3 or so years!
Anti-Theft Backpack
This backpack is so freaking CUTE I can’t even.
I am loving the whole backpack trend going on right now, but I wasn’t about to buy one that didn’t have anti-theft features. Because a backpack is worn out of sight, having it come with safety features is a must for me.
I can fit a LOT into this bag, even though it’s super compact. Sunglasses, makeup, phone, headphones, notebook, tablet, charger, etc.
What I really love about it is that is goes with everything. It’s casual enough that I can wear it with jeans and a tee, but it’s also sleek enough that I can pair it with a dress. It’s truly versatile. I need that in a bag because as a minimalist this backpack and the wallet will be the only bags I use for the next few years!
Anti-Theft Wallet
I love this wallet because it actually turns into a little purse by adding a strap. There are so many times I just want to take my credit cards and my phone out with me and I don’t need an entire purse. This is what this wallet is perfect for.
I can fit car keys, my phone, a new items of makeup, credit cards, money, passport and voila.. I’m good to go. It actually also turns into a bum-bag (aka fanny pack) if you’re into that sort of thing.
I like knowing that my phone will be safe if it starts to rain, and that my money and credit cards of safe from theft. Way better than putting my cards into my pocket and hoping for the best.
What I Wrote in August
Most of my August was spent recording podcast interviews (for other people’s shows which will come out late Sept/Oct) so I didn’t get a record number of blogs done, but here are some highlights:
A New ABOUT KASHLEE Page
What I Read in August
Why We Sleep – Matthew Walker
Hmmm. A bunch of people I follow plus a few of my close friends recommended I read “Why We Sleep” and now I am wondering if I am missing something. While it was very interesting, I found it super hard to actually read. Don’t get me wrong, it was full of scientific facts, case studies, and data… but I felt like I was studying instead of curling up with a good book.
If you have a super scientific mind, you might LOVE this book, but if you are ravenous for a satisfying non-fiction read, this might not be your best bet.
Yes I did learn a few things, but I found it a little dry.
Spoiler Alert: Sleep is important y’all. Get more of it.
Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert
Thankfully I had a much better book on hand after my disappointment with ‘Why We Sleep'.
I already own and had read Big Magic before, but I think in every season of life a book will mean something different. When I re-read this book in August I took so many different things away from it than the first time.
Big Magic is perfect for anyone who is struggling to be more creative, being hindered with writers block, or who needs a little push to make an idea come to life.
What I Listened To in August
Beyond Influential – Dr. Joan Rosenburg Episode
I love listening to Brittany Krystal’s show Beyond Influential for a swift kick in the business ass, but I particularly loved the episode she did with Dr. Joan Rosenburg.
Whether you are an entrepreneur or not, this episode has SO MUCH VALUE for anyone that wants to cultivate more confidence and bravery. She breaks down why we avoid doing things that might embarrass us or scare us and how to overcome those impulses that make us want to curl up in a ball and hide. I found it so fascinating and have it downloaded so I can listen to it a few more times.
I have been trying to push myself out of my comfort zone lately and this was content I desperately needed to hear.
Melissa Ambrosini – How To Manifest Anything With Lacy Phillips
My friend Victoria suggested Iisten to this podcast and I am so glad I did.
Years ago I read the book ‘The Secret’ and it literally changed my life forever. Since that day I have been a firm believer in the law of attraction and manifesting great things in my life. I have some spooky stories that make my hair stand on end about just how much the law of attraction can work.
This episode takes an entirely different spin on manifestation and attraction in a way I never considered it. The different angle to getting what you want was really eye-opening to learn about. I found it very refreshing and I’m so glad I could add the techniques to my bag of arsenal.
What I Watched in August
August was not a ‘deep’ month for me in terms of media. I strayed from any kind of documentary or serious show and just put on something light. In between my fun (yet incredible stressful) trip to LA to film ‘The Doctors’ and getting ready to leave the RV, I just wanted to zone out!
Schitt’s Creek
My sister in law told me to watch this show because I reminded her of Alexis J (which I take as a compliment!), and now I am hooked. At first, I wasn’t so sure but then I got totally caught up in the characters and now I am a believer. Canadian comedy at its finest!
Great News
It’s like 30 Rock, but for millennials. I really don’t have anything of value to say about it other than I thinks it’s hilarious and I love Nicole Ritchie.
Looking Forward…
As of today, I have ONE WEEK left in Kelowna at the RV. I am going to try and make the most out of this week, all while getting packed up for a 6-month trip.
That means extra walks in the woods, spending as much time on the lake as I can, and just feeling grateful for the amazing summer I had here.
Plans/Goals For September
More Podcast Interviews
I am scheduled to be a guest on 11 different podcasts this month. My goal with being on any podcast show is to give as much value and share as many tips and tricks as I possibly can.
Some of the shows are entrepreneurial and business based, where I'll be sharing tips for running a profitable blog, traffic, SEO and other biz hacks.
Others are shows about mindset or lifestyle, where I'll be sharing tips on minimalism, being a digital nomad, and social media mental wellness.
I love how I can get so much deeper on a podcast then I can on social media or even on a blog. Until the day comes when I have my own show, I will continue to provide as much value as I can on other people’s amazing shows.
I will share the shows once they are released! I can't wait for you to hear these episodes!
Winnipeg – Nova Scotia – New York City – TRIP
Starting on the 18th I will be spending 2 weeks traveling to Winnipeg, Nova Scotia and NYC before heading to Mazatlan!
I will be seeing family and friends and just having a mini-adventure before settling down in Mexico.
My parents have organized a book signing in Annapolis Royal at their art gallery for my book The High Maintenance Minimalist, so I’m really looking forward to that!
Thanks so much for reading my August Lifestyle Round-up! If you have a suggestion or a question for next month's post, please msg me here.
Incase you missed them, here are June & July's posts and my 1 Year Sober article