Page 36 of The Funnel to You

Iced Chai Latte, with pumpkin creme

Social Post: There’s something about the quiet of the mornings when there isn’t all the city noise in the background. It’s so beautiful up in the mountains. And I slept so well last night! Anyone else sleep better in the mountains? #sashaloveslipstick #mountainretreat #weekendgetaway #nocogirl #estespark

Image Description: Coffee cup in my hand while I’m bundled in a blanket on the porch.

It is so quiet out here and I wish I could be up here for another week. I have my laptop out so I can check on the October campaign and respond to a few emails with the brands I am collaborating with for the donations and product highlights this month. Everything we have been doing has been keeping me busy, and I am loving it. Especially with the new campaigns to help women owned brands with more sustainable and user-friendly packaging as well as supporting local resources. I get to do what I love with those that need help and resources. And being the person to connect them, it makes me so incredibly happy.

I’m still sharing a bunch of makeup tutorials and skincare tips. But it’s also become a lot more than that in the background. Working with a few local businesses has been new too.

There is a spa that is adding in “girls’ night in” events and is wanting to use these as a way for local women to connect with each other and also get resources they may need. We helped a single mom with things she needed for her son for the upcoming colder weather last month. She got so many things as hand me downs and brand new while we all got mini facial samples from the spa. And I got to do a tutorial on how to prepare skin for colder weather and what products to switch out over the coming months. It’s been a great collaborative effort and is so incredibly rewarding.

There’s another new skincare and makeup brand looking to launch in the area early next year and they have been talking to me quite a bit about options for their first launch and what would be most beneficial for their target demographic. Part of me really hopes that one turns into a job offer. Working with a startup company, especially one that is already jumping into the campaigns that I am running for the October Women’s Health Initiative, is something that I could absolutely get behind.

Before long, Kylie comes and joins me on the porch, two cups of coffee in hand.

“Figured you would be ready for a second cup pretty soon.” She hands it over to me and sits next to me on the couch. “How’s it all coming?”

“Really well. I’m excited for how things are going and working with a few of these brands and companies is going really well. They’re seeing good growth and new business partners and I’m hoping this brand that’s launching next year will have some good momentum going into their launch. Most of my content is set through the end of the month so I’m able to spend more time working with them and the spa for next month’s event.”

“And how did everything go last night?” She asks suggestively. She wiggles her eyebrows at me and we both start giggling.

“It was actually really nice. We cuddled and I slept so well. I hope he did too. He woke up and went for a run while I got some work done. He should be back soon so we can go explore the town.”

“Have you guys done more than cuddle yet?”

“A bit. We are taking things slow and honestly, I’m okay with that. I don’t want to rush into things with him, especially because we work together. I’m just enjoying where we are right now and he is taking this whole dating me thing very seriously. I’m not mad about it.”

“And he’s someone you don’t wear makeup in front of, which isn’t normal for you. I mean, how long was I dating Carter before you came out of your room without a full face on?” She laughs at me a little, but it’s true. I’m a full face of makeup girl. I like the way I look without makeup too, but it’s a confidence thing for me. That’s what I need every day to be ready for what’s coming and show up my best.

“I don’t feel like I have to ‘get ready’ to see him. I’m ready just as I am. And he looks at me like I’m the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen whether I’m all done up or not. He saw me in my coffee jammies last night and this morning and I still got a reaction out of him.” And with that, I’m remembering just how big his reaction was this morning. It wasn’t a verbal one, but his body definitely did the talking.

“And with the way you are blushing, that reaction must have been a good one.” Kylie responds. “Why don’t we head inside so we can start getting ready, the guys should be back from their run soon and I want to braid your hair today.” Bringing our coffee mugs to the sink and the blankets to the couch inside, we start getting ready.

The weather is cool today, so I grab my favorite pair of dark wash skinny jeans and another blush pink sweater. My wardrobe is pretty simple once it gets colder outside. I do a simple makeup look that plays with the pink of my sweater and will pop a bit against my brown eyes. Then Kylie comes in to braid my hair. I can do it myself, but it’s a calming thing for her and I can tell she needs a little bit of normalcy before we head out to go be tourists. Her hair matches mine with the braid, but the color, texture, and what we are wearing are very different. She is in a pair of black leather like pants and a bright red oversize tank with a grey blazer over it.

“Going for biker chic today?” I ask her. It’s outside of her normal look and I’m curious.

“Trying something different. I wore these pants a few weeks ago and Carter about choked on his drink, so wanted to see what happens when I push it a bit. Plus, I feel amazing in this slouchy blazer. Definitely think I need more of these – or at least an excuse to wear it more often. It’s not exactly waitress approved.” She smiles at me as she pulls out a tube of red lipstick. Oh, she is going hard today and I am absolutely here for it.

Walking out of the bedroom, I can hear the guys talking and I peek around Kylie so I can get a look at Carter’s reaction. And I am not disappointed. The man is absolutely speechless as he takes her in. Matt chuckles a bit as he watches the scene unfold too. Carter walks closer to Kylie and reaches out to play with the blazer a bit.

“This needs to be a date night outfit at some point when we aren’t doubling with those two.”

“‘Those two’ have names, Carter.” I playfully remind him.

“Don’t care at the moment.” He replies as he leans in to kiss her.

“Do not mess up my lipstick, Carter.” She warns him.

“Oh babe, let’s go set that so you don’t have that problem.” And I grab her hand to bring her to the bathroom to set her lips. Red lipstick stains are great when you want them, but horrid when you don’t. And Carter is one of those guys that hates lipstick stains on his skin or his clothes – one reason why Kylie doesn’t wear it very often. I’m glad she tried today though, but I would hate it if Carter bugs her about wearing it after today.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Matt

London Fog Latte

Social Post: Halloween is being hosted by me this year – do I need to decorate or can we keep it simple?

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