Just when you think you're getting back on top of things... Life happens.

Or, at least, that is what happened to me a few weeks ago. After taking a short break from my blog, I was ready to get back to a set schedule of creating and publishing content. On the side, I was working on my hand lettering-- something I'm thinking about doing as a side job in the near future. Like, I felt like I was really getting my shit together and working in a forward direction.

And then we got one of those phone calls that no one ever expects or wants to get. My grandmother had passed away. I don't want to go into a lot of detail about it because this is my blog, not something any of my family agreed to be a part of, and so I don't want to invade their privacy by talking about something so sensitive. But it hit me pretty hard and every time I have tried to write a post or take some pictures for the blog, I just haven't been able to.

But the new moon was last night and, thanks to it, I feel like I'm ready to pick myself back up and dust off. I think I'll be taking things a bit lighter for a while-- I'm not going to stress myself out about when or what I post. While I care about those of you who read this-- and I really do-- this is also my space, and I hope that whatever I fill this space with will be something you are interested in. But in the past few weeks, my priorities have shifted. And I don't mean this blog versus other things, but more that my life priorities and they way I see things has changed and I want this blog to reflect that.

I know, I know... I make these sorts of posts quite often. I go this way with my blog and then I go that way with it. But, hey, I'm just being honest with all of you. Sometimes it's a pull to be a more conventional blogger that makes those posts happen, but this one is coming from a place of pure authenticity.

On a (much) lighter note, the Sephora VIB Sale starts tomorrow so don't think this blog still won't have some beauty posts. And soon because, oh my gosh, I just remembered I have Flash shipping so whatever I buy should be here Monday-ish? When life gets tough, I get shopping. It's what I do. And also why my bank account cries itself to imaginary sleep at night.

This is, like, my fifth time writing this post. Fingers crossed, it will save and be published and not disappear like the last four times.

Y'all know I love fall. I like the pretty leaves and the crisp weather and the hella cute outfits... But what I really love about fall are the boots. I have loved boots for as long as I can remember. I was stomping around in platform boots (a la the Spice Girls) in the fourth grade, towering over my classmates who just didn't get it. Seriously, those things had about a 3-inch sole. And they were amazing.

I've toned down my taste a little since then, but my love for boots has never been stronger. So here are five pairs of boots that you need for autumn. Okay, I guess you don't absolutely need all five styles... But, let's be real, you'll want them in your life.

The first style is a total throwback to my fourth-grade self. Platform combat boots have made a slight comeback, thanks to this wave of nineties nostalgia we're experiencing. Seriously, imagine those boots with a black, floral print dress and a choker necklace.

But if you're looking for something a little more now, some little ankle booties are the way to go. They look good with literally anything and are available at just about any price point. You can get them in different materials and colors... I love burgundy and emerald green for fall, but you can wear black booties all of the time. I don't think you can go wrong with these boots.

Riding boots are another favorite of mine. They can really make a casual outfit look more finished. But, more than that, they keep your legs safe from those autumn puddles that always splash up and soak the hems of your pants. So you can totally justify purchasing a pair of these as useful and stylish.

Let me tell you a story about this next style. A few years ago, I bought a pair of motorcycle boots from Hot Topic on clearance for $17. They were beautiful and perfect and I wore them with everything. About a year ago, the sole started falling off. I even taped those suckers up and wore them after that, because I loved them so much. Eventually there was no saving them and I had to throw them away. It was a very sad moment in my life. So, in memory of my amazing boots (may they rest in peace... or pieces), you need to buy a pair of these.

Last, but not least, is another nineties throwback. Combat boots. See, part of the reason I love boots is because you can wear them with anything... I especially love wearing boots with daintier clothes to give them an edge. And these boots will do just that. They are so popular at the moment, too, so you can find them for any price range and in various colors and styles.

What boots will you be rocking this autumn? Or do you wear these babies year-round, like me?

Working from home sounds like a dream... And, let's be real, it pretty much is. I don't have to worry about whether I can make it to work in the winter, I can schedule projects on my own time and, if I'm organized enough, I can sometimes take an unplanned day off. But that doesn't mean that working from home is all sunshine and lollipops... whatever that means. Even some of the perks have their downsides.

Pro: Pajamas. They are comfy, but...

Con: Pajamas can lead to laziness. You definitely feel more motivated when you're in actual clothing. Of course, I say this as I sit in my really comfortable and warm pajamas.

Pro: Working from bed. But...

Con: Again, working from your bed can lead to a bit of laziness. Plus, it can just be really uncomfortable sometimes. A home office space is definitely a must, even if you still work from your bed occasionally (like I am right now).

Pro: You can work on your own time. That means you can easily find ways to fit in workouts, cooking, cleaning and other chores or errands. But...

Con: It's easy to procrastinate. Because you can do your work whenever you feel like it (within reason), it is easy to push projects to the back burner or leave them until the last minute.

Pro: Less gas money. I mean, hey, I don't usually have to leave the house. But...

Con: It can get a little lonely. I'm pretty introverted, but even us introverts need some time out and about. It is important to schedule time to spend with friends or family. You don't even have to schedule, just do.

Overall, I love working from home. I know how lucky I am to be able to do this at this stage in my life. There are just some tweaks you have to occasionally make to your daily routine to work to the best of your ability.

Because I don't have nearly enough books, right?

Sometimes I just get the urge to go into a bookstore. Sometimes it is because I'm looking for something specific, but sometimes it is just because I like to be surrounded by books. Maybe it's a writer thing, or a reader thing... Maybe it's an introvert thing? I don't know. All I know is that this weekend, I had the strong urge to be surrounded by paper and ink and binding.

Of course, you can't be surrounded by all of these amazing books and not buy one... or five. Or more. So I thought I would share what books I picked up on my little outing. Posts like these always inspire my to-read list and, maybe, you will be inspired to look into a couple of my picks.

The first three books were actually inspired by a fanfic... And, look, before you judge me for being a twenty-six year old who still occasionally indulges in fanfic, just know that I could go into a whole spiel on how fanfic is actually prevalent in classic literature and continues to be an important facet of current literature and can be an interesting writing exercise besides... But that would be my English major coming out.

Anyway, poetry is awesome and these are three of my favorite poets ever. All of them are so important to the genre and thinking about the contributions they made to poetry make me miss when it was considered a valid occupation. Seriously, everyone, read poetry. Write poetry. It's amazing.

How to Build a Girl has been on my to-read list for a while, and I'll admit that a big reason for that is because the cover is so nineties. Yes, I am riding that nostalgia train hard. Caitlin Moran has a history of being problematic, if I remember correctly, so we'll see if I actually enjoy this book or just get pissed off whilst reading it.

Do I really even need to tell you about #GirlBoss? I feel like I'm the last blogger to read this book.

As for the last book, I was a pretty big fan of Eat, Pray, Love. It spoke to the white girl in me and, yeah, inspired me quite a bit. I haven't really kept up with Elizabeth Gilbert's works since, but this one is all about living creatively which is just as perfect for me now as Eat, Pray, Love was for me years ago. Plus the cover is just stinkin' gorgeous.

What books have you picked up lately?