The Wrap Up Vol 13
The Wrap Up Vol 13
Learning to celebrating our successes professionally and personally, coyote sightings, reluctantly vegetarian and the best parental visit ever all in this month’s the Wrap Up Vol 13
So I’ve really been working on celebrating my successes and giving myself credit for things that I do and accomplish. As someone who is a constant over-achiever and perfectionist, this was very hard to do. In fact, it was a daily struggle. Working in a traditional setting, I became used to getting “pats on the back” and “atta girls” and it became my measurement of the success of my work. Well, working alone has taught me that I shouldn’t rely on anyone’s approval of my work. In fact, I should clap for my own damn self (and you should too!) when a job is well done. So with the help of my new 90 Day Progress Journal, I’m learning to give myself a standing ovation and to truly appreciate and acknowledge when I’ve completed a job well done.
So here are my MAJOR “UPS” from the last 30 days:
Ups Downs and All Arounds
Ups
Wow! So many major ups, I don’t even know where to begin.
A Few Blog Related Successes!
My Pageviews on www.Thisismeldrake.com hit an all-time 30 day high!!! So far this month we are at 49,811 (and counting!!!)
Found out that I’m ranking on page 1 of Google “spicy margarita recipe”. WHOA!!!
Annnnnnnd I’m ranking at the top on Pinterest for “spicy margarita recipe” too!
Finally finished my automated email Welcome Series (it’s full of sass and guaranteed to get you motivated). Check it out for yourself and “Let’s make it email official!”
I created 2 (pretty badass) beautiful full-color Opt-ins that I really proud and excited about.
Home Bar Essentials Checklist + Alcohol Buying Guide (see below)
Wardrobe Essentials Checklist + Brand Guide (see below)
I was accepted to Mediavine. Which as a blogger, this is a HUGE deal!!! and was one of my goals that I wrote down but wasn’t quite sure when or how I would accomplish it. WOW!
A Few Non Blog Related Successes!
I learned how to drill a proper pilot hole -> Thanks Mom and Dad!
I learned how to successfully transfer information from an old laptop to a new laptop without any issues. Good thing because I was MAJORLY nervous!!!
Downs
With all of this backend foundational work for the blog, I didn’t produce as much new content as I would’ve liked too. But at the end of the day, I have to remind myself that “it’s ok” because we are laying a strong foundation to continue to propel us ahead.
All Arounds
Since moving to my new home there’s been a bit of National Geographic activity in my neighborhood. Meaning the wildlife are making their presence known.
Starting with snakes. Snakes in my neighbor’s yards. Snakes in my neighbor’s homes 😲. There have also been scorpions, large spiders and what not. I even had a cute adorable baby turtle come pay me a visit on my back patio. But the one that takes the cake are the coyote sightings. Yes you read right, “coyote sightings”. WTH?
Quote of the Month:
Here’s What You Missed on ThisIsMelDrake.com
Here are 21 of THE BEST tequila drinks you can make today. Cheers!
This easy yummy oven roasted brussels sprouts recipe is sure to impress you and your dinner guests.
Get ready for Summer with the best damn good spicy margarita recipe!
A Little This & That
Wearing
The online shopping continues. Despite places slowly beginning to open back up, I’m still avoiding stores and opting for home delivery and curbside pick-up.
Here are some of my latest acquisitions:
Clothing
Around the House
Electronics
Watching
With my parents here, they tend to lean on me when it comes to suggestions for their next tv binge. And I was happy to oblige by introducing them to HBO’s Vice Principals and The Righteous Gemstones.
Other Binge-worthy Notables:
if you don’t know, I LOVE my reality tv. Here’s what I’ve been watching (in no particular order):
The Masked Singer: To be honest, a season that runs from Feb to the middle of May is entirely too long. Buuuuut, I did guess the identities of the final 3 correctly. Did you guess right too????
This season of RuPaul’s Drag Race is probably “the best” season ever. Can’t wait too see who takes the crown tonight. And for the first time in history, I wouldn’t be mad if any of the final 3 took the crown. They are all deserving.
Selling Sunset is back and I binge watched the hell out of it in roughly 36 hours. I LOVE newcomer Amanza’s energy and I still wanna know why Davina is on the show? Tea and all shade: She sucks!
Married At First Sight is my new (on-going) addiction. I just wrapped up the Washington DC season. If you haven't watched this show yet, catch it on Netflix.
Married to Medicine LA -> Team Dr. Britten and Team Dr. Imani all day.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Beverly Hills NEVER disappoints.
Listening
Savage Remix with Beyonce and Meghan the Stallion is on heavy repeat. Beyonce’s verse is EVERYTHING!!! H-Town repping #girlpower
Reading
Still over here reading manuals. But this month, my manuals and research are more smart home focused on my Google Home system and it’s components. Technology today is soooooo amazing!
Eating + Drinking
A funny thing happened last week. . . due to a food shortage, Blue Apron sent me 3 vegetarian meals. I’ve been known on occasion to opt for a vegetarian meal here and there, but definitely not a whole week’s worth of non-meat options. I’m not gonna lie, at first I felt some kind of way about the substitutions . Buuuuuut lemme tell you, those vegetarian meals were SLAMMING! Annnnd looking back now, overall I think I physically felt better last week too.
With all this said, I’m considering infusing more plant-based options into my diet.
Visiting
As a sufferer of asthma, Operation Stay at Home or Stay Pretty Close to Home during this COVID-19 pandemic has been and is still in effect. However, after 3 months or so of not seeing my parents, they came down from Tulsa to visit me. And boy did I miss them!!! They stayed for 7 (whole) days and by something short of a miracle, we didn’t kill each other #LookatGod #WontHeDoIt
In fact, it was one of (if not “the best”) the best visits I’ve had with my parents. Aside from just hanging out, they really came in clutch helping me get my home set up with changing out switches, wiring things, moving items into the attic and other home improvements.
Which proves that you are NEVER TOO OLD for the help of your parents. I really ❤️ those 2 crazy “kids”.
Continue to stay safe and love to you all. Annnnnnnd that’s a wrap!
-XOXO Melissa
Let’s Be Social
Where you can find me
@ThisIsMelDrake
THE ‘GRAM (the pretty pictures): https://www.instagram.com/thisismeldrake
PINTEREST (the inspiration): https://www.pinterest.com/thisismeldrake