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Hot Toddy—it’s whiskey business 😂 . . . . . Hot Toddy—it’s whiskey business 😂 .
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. It may be 75 degrees here in NC, but I’m decorating for Christmas! Hot Toddy’s give me all the Christmas feels! 🎄 I ‘spruced’ up our original Hot Toddy recipe on the blog just for you. 😌 You’re welcome. #thatsdarling #wsnc
Mon cœur 🖤 Mon cœur 🖤
I 🖤 mimosas on the weekend, but hold the OJ. 👌🏻
Autumn cozy vibes. ✨ These gold planters are sup Autumn cozy vibes. ✨ These gold planters are super easy + cheap to make yourself. There’s a quick DIY tutorial on the blog. 

#thatsdarling #wsnc #magreadyforlife #thedecorsocial #areyoufauxreal #theeverygirlathome #currentdesignsituation #myhousebeautiful #midcenturystyle #styleithappy #societyofdesign #mycuratedaesthetic #homeandliving #lovewhereyoudwell #stellarspaces #home #decor #apartmenttherapy #athome #homedecor #interiordesign

Mrs. Amber Apple

Lifestyle

Why I Disconnected from Social Media in 2019

I enjoy change.

It’s weird because I’m not adventurous in most things, however, in early 2019 I began to make a lot of changes. Specifically, in the way I approach social media.

Other than a couple of book reviews, and my Bee Stamped Wallpaper blog post I backed away almost completely from social media. In 2019, I posted 35 photos to Instagram and published only 10 blog posts. Coming from someone who has been blogging since 2009, that’s nuts.

One of my favorite bloggers, who I’m honored to call a friend, is Chelsea Sobolik. After reading her thoughts of her social media sabbatical in 2018, I knew I had to give it a try (you can read about her experience here).

Following her example in late 2018, I took a month-long sabbatical from social media. At first, it was difficult. Like most, I had developed “muscle memory” for opening intriguing apps such as Twitter and Instagram. I would open these apps without even thinking about it, however, after a week it became easier. I began to divert my attention by picking up a book instead, baking something sweet in the kitchen or finishing a sewing project, etc.

My experience in 2018 was so great, I naturally found myself gradually disconnecting from social media in 2019. There were several months where I completely forgot to open some of the most popular apps.

This is what I’ve learned since disconnecting from social media:

✶Instagram takes up too much time:
In 2019 I read over 200 books, I went for a mile run every day (and still do!), I penned 30,000 words for my novel, I made better connections with friends, I met a new penpal, began studying French and much more. My point is, for years I was losing time by getting caught up scrolling through Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

✶There is constant pressure to be perfect & creative all the damn time:
This is ridiculous. As a blogger, it was, and still is, so easy to get wrapped up in the like/heart/follower game. Your content must be visually appealing and cohesive. And don’t bother posting if you can’t include a witty description. Also, you must do this several times during the day. Instagram had evolved into a “what do people want to see” etc, instead of what it should be: my account—whatever I want it to be.

Watch this clip of Black Mirror —I think they did a great job describing this issue.

✶Personal connections & friendships take a hit:
I mentioned earlier that by stepping away from social media I was able to make better connections with my friends who are local and it’s been one of the greatest gifts. Rather than feeling connected through an app, it’s so much more personal when you actually text a friend, or write a letter—or better yet, set up an evening out with a friend.

Making these changes led me to do something magical that has changed the way I use Instagram. Brace yourself: I unfollowed accounts who I have no connection with (business accounts, influencers, etc). Suddenly, Instagram became something entirely different. My account is purely friend-based now and I really enjoy it.

✶ So what’s in store for 2020?
Believe me, I realize it’s not social media’s fault that I was so caught up in it—the fault is entirely my own. That’s why reflection and then change, is so good. I’m certain I would not have found my creativity again if I hadn’t disconnected last year. Perspective is everything. I’m grateful I chose to take a step back.

Obviously, I’m no longer disconnected. I’m looking forward to sharing personal style posts, apartment DIY’s and making more 30 second videos. Speaking of videos, I think it would be fun to make baking videos—I’m by no means an expert, but it would be fun to share what I’ve learned. It’s going to be a great year!


Do you find it difficult to find balance while juggling social media?

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January 28, 2020

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Hi, I'm Amber.
I’m a wife, Catholic convert, lover of færie tales and wine. I live in the charming city of Winston-Salem with my high school sweetheart, Stephen, and fluffy Pomeranian, Molly. This is my small corner of the internet to savor life in the moment and retrospectively.

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Let’s be friends!

Hot Toddy—it’s whiskey business 😂 . . . . . Hot Toddy—it’s whiskey business 😂 .
.
.
.
. It may be 75 degrees here in NC, but I’m decorating for Christmas! Hot Toddy’s give me all the Christmas feels! 🎄 I ‘spruced’ up our original Hot Toddy recipe on the blog just for you. 😌 You’re welcome. #thatsdarling #wsnc
Mon cœur 🖤 Mon cœur 🖤
I 🖤 mimosas on the weekend, but hold the OJ. 👌🏻
Autumn cozy vibes. ✨ These gold planters are sup Autumn cozy vibes. ✨ These gold planters are super easy + cheap to make yourself. There’s a quick DIY tutorial on the blog. 

#thatsdarling #wsnc #magreadyforlife #thedecorsocial #areyoufauxreal #theeverygirlathome #currentdesignsituation #myhousebeautiful #midcenturystyle #styleithappy #societyofdesign #mycuratedaesthetic #homeandliving #lovewhereyoudwell #stellarspaces #home #decor #apartmenttherapy #athome #homedecor #interiordesign
😳Our Halloween decorations have been out for th 😳Our Halloween decorations have been out for three hours and then this happens...👻🎃
This weekend I learned how to not freak out and ju This weekend I learned how to not freak out and just breathe when @stephenapple needed stitches. 😌 “Everything will be fine” was my mantra. To decompress + relax I rearranged!! And it’s the best. 

#thatsdarling #wsnc #magreadyforlife #thedecorsocial #areyoufauxreal #theeverygirlathome #currentdesignsituation #myhousebeautiful #midcenturystyle #styleithappy #societyofdesign #mycuratedaesthetic #homeandliving #lovewhereyoudwell #stellarspaces #home #decor #apartmenttherapy #athome  #homedecor #interiordesign
Whats your favorite Oscar Wilde book, essay, poem, Whats your favorite Oscar Wilde book, essay, poem, etc?? .
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“Yes: I am a dreamer. For a dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” // Oscar Wilde .
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#thatsdarling #wsnc
Aren’t Aviation’s pretty?! Thanks, @stephenapp Aren’t Aviation’s pretty?! Thanks, @stephenapple 💜 Also, it’s too bad Molly isn’t into Hamlet—it’s one of my favorites! 

“Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice; Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment.” // William Shakespeare, Hamlet .
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#wsnc #cocktails #thatsdarling
Oh hey, 33. I like you already. ☺️ Oh hey, 33. I like you already. ☺️
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