Author: Angela Thomas

Inspired by my name and the meaning of it, I chose to create a space where I could freely and creatively express the thoughts and ideas that run through my mind. It’s not just a blog, but a lifestyle. Choose Joy. Seek Joy. Share Joy.
Life Seasons, The Monthly Tea, What's New

The Monthly Tea — July 2020

Featuredby Angela ThomasLeave a Comment on The Monthly Tea — July 2020

I have seen people on Twitter talking about how August equals fall, cooler weather, and pumpkin decor. Well, in the south that is definitely not true! It just keeps getting hotter here and I can’t even imagine shopping for a sweater right now 🙅🏼‍♀️

The turn of the month does mean something over here at Choose Joy though! It’s time for another edition of the “The Monthly Tea.” So grab a glass of tea (or cup if hot is more your style) and let’s get started!

Dress: This chambray shirt dress is on SALE! Woohoo! Lips: Liquid Matte Lipstick in “Berry Sorbet”(Only $6!!)

Products I Am Loving & Loathing

  • In case you couldn’t tell, I am a fair-skinned gal and while I love spending my entire day on the beach, my skin does not. I am also not interested in aging my skin any faster or having that worn-in vintage leather look with premature wrinkles. Instead, I self-tan! Self-tanner has come a long way from that orange glow streaky look. Bondi Sands gives you the perfect golden brown color and the application is effortless. Take my word for it and order a bottle today. You will be amazed.
  • I don’t self tan my face, so I have to make sure my make-up matches up with the rest of my body 🤪 I use this bronzer for a warm glow. When I’m going for a lazy but pulled-together look, I also use it as eyeshadow and give it a quick swipe it in the crease to pull the look together.
  • I think I’ve mentioned this before, but podcasts are one of the best things on earth 🙌 . I either listen to sermons or true crime, there really is no in-between lol! After receiving a recommendation for Wine & Crime, I was initially thinking, I am not sure I am going to like this. I could tell by the description it was much different than my normal Criminology or Dateline episodes. But I was dead wrong! These gals are hilarious and they cover crimes weekly based on topics while also recommending some really great wines. 10/10 would recommend.
  • While I do love listening to a good pod, I also enjoy sitting down with an old fashioned hardback book! Right now I am reading The Wife Between Us and my lord! I made it all the way through part one thinking I knew what was going on and then I flipped the page and I was mind-blown! 🤯

What’s In My Cart Right Now

  • Oversized Studded Sunglasses. Hello Louis dupe 😎
  • Velvet Hangers. I have to swap all the hangers in my closet over to velvet, I just haven’t committed the time to it. P.S. these often go on sale, add them to your Honey droplist so you will get an alert when they do!
  • Gold Silverware Set. I have these already, but another set would be nice to cut back on how often I wash dishes! Great quality and make you feel fancy when eating! 💅🏼

Going Green Necessities

  • This month I decided to try a new non-toxic all-purpose cleaner from Better Life. So far it works great and smells amazing. If you normally have a sensitivity or dislike the smell of “natural” cleaners, this one is very light and won’t overwhelm you. It’s also on sale right now!
  • Having a night routine is very critical to how well I sleep! I was using Bath&Body Works sleep spray, but we all know their ingredients aren’t the best! I made the swap to this relaxing spray and I look forward to spritzing it on my pillow at night because it calms my mind and helps me fall asleep faster.

In true “tea” fashion, I want to take a moment to talk about our ~feelings~. Life is pretty hard right now for everyone. Really difficult for others. Everything is uncertain and a lot of us are faced with doubt, weariness, and fear. So I want to leave you with two Bible verses that I have been praying over and believing in. John 12:26 and Mark 10:50. Read over these words and cast aside these unhealthy mindsets. May you be consumed with His love and unexpected blessings. There will be favor everywhere you go and if you have been waiting on a break-through, even for a prolonged period of time, don’t give up. Before you even see the manifestation of your prayers and answers, begin to walk toward the life you’ve been believing for!

I am believing in blessings for you as well! Can’t wait to chat again soon, but in the meantime, choose joy.

Beauty, What's New

How I Keep My Blonde Hair Healthy and Toned

Featuredby Angela Thomas2 Comments on How I Keep My Blonde Hair Healthy and Toned

Do y’all remember the days of waking up before school, showering and washing your hair, blow drying it, AND THEN also straightening it?! Every single day! Please tell me I am not the only one who did this!

I have no clue how my hair survived those times but now that I have a bit more knowledge, I make sure to treat my blonde locks much nicer!

Today is all about my favorite hair products that keep my hair looking and feeling healthy! My hair is naturally a sandy blonde/dishwater blonde color. I get balayage to lighten things up because that’s what I prefer. These are all products I use and have not damaged my color treated hair.

  1. Shampoo & Conditioner: I discovered the Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s line through my hair stylist and have continued using it for years. It is truly a multi-tasking line of products that makes your hair so soft and moisturized without weighing it down. Plus the fragrance is so good! Because my hair can get used to products quickly and stop working as effectively, I rotate this line with the Bumble & Bumble thickening products to keep body in my hair.
  2. Oil: This may not come as a surprise considering what I just said above, but the Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil is the bomb. I put it on my ends after showering while it air dries as well on the ends of dry, styled hair.
  3. Heat Protectant/Hair Primer: If you’re looking to simplify your hair routine with one great miracle worker, this is it! The EVA NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer detangles, softens, protects against heat damage — you name it, this stuff does it! The smell is also heavenly!!
  4. Air Dry Creme: I have become a BIG fan of Kristen Ess products. Her line really brings salon quality with an accessible price at a place we are all already shopping! I rarely blow dry my hair. I prefer night showers, so when I do wash my hair, I want to be able to throw some products in and go to bed. But I also need to wake up with hair that isn’t all over the place! The Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Air Dry Crème smooths everything out and gives you natural texture. Just wash-and-go (to bed in my case)!
  5. Dry Shampoo: I am what you call a dry shampoo connoisseur. You name it, I have probably tried it. This dry shampoo is one of the bests! I also recommend this one as well, specifically in the “wild” scent. If you are a fan of the Diva laundry detergent you will LOVE it.
  6. Texturizing: This could really be classified above with the dry shampoos, but I think it is so good it deserves an individual mention! This is a dry shampoo in a fine powder form. It will reallyyyy absorb some oil but I love it to add texture and volume to my hair! Highly recommend adding this product to your line-up if you don’t currently use it.
  7. Scalp Scrub: Now this is something I have recently discovered and I wish I had known about it sooner. During the summer, my scalp can get irritated and itchy sometimes — probably from the mixture of Alabama sweat and dry shampoo lol. While it may sound strange, I urge you to give it a chance! This exfoliating scalp scrub soothes your scalp and removes build-up, but is gentle on the scalp. Don’t knock it until you try it!

Other honorable mentions:

Hair Ties

Silk Scrunchies

Purple Shampoo

Pillowcases

Curling Iron

That’s it! I hope this post was helpful! Please let me know if you have any recommendations or products you swear by. Make sure to visit my “Blog” page to read other recent posts!

Style, What's New, Work Wear

Comfy Work From Home Wear + Tips for Productivity

Featuredby Angela Thomas2 Comments on Comfy Work From Home Wear + Tips for Productivity
Comfy, knit romper that is perfect for working from home linked here! Other casual options here!

Thinking back on my day-to-day life now versus just a few months ago, I sometimes can’t believe how things have changed! I am thankful that my job was able to adjust to remote work fairly easily, I know that is not the case for everyone for various reasons. Prior to COVID-19, I was working from home at least once a week so I already had an idea of what works best for me. Today, I am going to share a few tips to maximize your productivity when working from home!

Continue to Have a Morning Routine

I know how easy it is to feel like you have all the freedom and you can just jump out of bed at 7:45 and somehow magically start your work day in your pajamas. I promise it will not work and you will be dragging. Waking up and going through a more “normal” get ready for work routine will help you get in a mental space that is prepared to work! You can change into your favorite athleisure look or a flowy summer sundress, put on a full face of makeup or go natural, drink coffee, do yoga —whatever works best for you! Just make sure you create a routine and stick to it before you sit down in front of your computer.

Designate a Space

When you first start working remotely, you will want to lounge in your bed or on your couch with Netflix on in the background. Rookie mistake my friends. You will be distracted and it is terrible for your back and neck. On top of that, it brings work (and the stress of it) into a space that is normally meant for relaxing. So then your body learns those emotions and it will make it hard to unwind after work hours. You don’t have to purchase a fancy desk and a massaging chair, just designate a space in your house meant for work. Even if you have to pop up a card table and put a kitchen chair with it!

Put Your Phone Away

This one can be difficult for me because I do run my organization’s social media accounts. When I am planning content or interacting with users, it sits right next to my computer. To ensure I don’t pick it up too often, I will go put it across the room or set aside time for a “phone break.” To see if you’re improving on your personal phone usage, check your screen time metrics on your iPhone!

Plan Your Day/Week

Depending on your organization’s structure, you may have less check-in or staff meetings. Because of this, it is easy to forget tasks and projects when your team isn’t reminding you and you aren’t discussing it in person. Whether you use a physical planner, your Google calendar, or just a trusty ole to-do list, make sure you are collecting your thoughts and goals for the day/week somewhere you can see it! I always love checking things off my to-do list!

Build in Breaks

Just like you probably don’t sit at your desk 24/7 at work, get up and move around! Take the dog for a short walk, tidy up the snacks sitting at your work station, or do a quick standing stretch. Never taking breaks will wear you out quickly. You need (and deserve!) a quick refresh. I still try to take 30 minutes-hour for a lunch break and read a current paperback book. Another way to cut down on that screen time!

When all of the above doesn’t work or you just need a break, put on your favorite empowering song and move around or move your work station outdoors! Also, take advantage of your new flexibility and enjoy it. Without my commute time I am able to move a little slower in my morning and enjoy coffee on my porch. Maybe you will have time to do a load of laundry that has been sitting around or tidy up your room. Find joy in these small and seemingly insignificant things. It will help you mentally during these otherwise troubling times!

I hope you find these tips helpful! Please leave any advice you have for work from home life in the comments!

Work from home casual wear || ByAngelaJoy
Health, Home, What's New

The Monthly Tea — June 2020

Featuredby Angela Thomas3 Comments on The Monthly Tea — June 2020

Whew, honeyyyy. I know you have already asked yourself this, but how are we already halfway through the year?! It really seems like yesterday was the beginning of quarantine and we all thought it wouldn’t last that long. 2020 has really been putting us through it!

Today kicks off a new series on the blog called “The Monthly Tea.” This will be a round-up/recap/rundown where I take a second to share about what’s going on in my life, reviews of products I did or did not like, and other info from the past month I want to chat about! So grab your favorite glass of tea — sweet, unsweet, hot, or iced (I prefer mine to be diabetes sweet) — and catch up with me. 🥤

Products I Am Loving & Loathing

  • If you follow me on Instagram, you have seen this hat. I purchased it for the beach, but I have worn it so much more than I anticipated! It is seriously that good! It is outside of my normal style comfort zone, but I wish I had discovered it sooner. Very affordable and UPF50+. A win-win! (It’s $10 off today, so run over to Amazon & add it to your cart!)
  • At-home manicures are becoming the new normal for a lot of people! I have always been more into doing my nails at home versus spending a ton of time at the nail salon. The Essie Gel Couture line is a gel mani without the trouble of the light and it only takes two steps! Plus to remove, it only takes the swipe of nail polish remover and doesn’t ruin your nails the way salon gel polish does. I think I am going to pick up the color “Sunset Soiree” next! 💅
  • I ordered this cover-up via Prime before my recent beach trip because I desperately needed a new one. I was very excited to find a simple and chic look, but it didn’t come in time. Once I tried it on, I was honestly glad it didn’t! It just didn’t do anything amazing for me and is sheerer than I wanted. However, I did find this replacement one on accident and I am so glad I did! It says in-store availability only, so if you can’t make it to your nearest Walmart, I am linking this one as an alternative.
  • Last, but certainly might be my favorite are these raffia sandals. You seriously can’t beat this deal for such a trendy summer shoe! Plus, they’re less than $20 today! 👡

What’s In My Cart Right Now

  • No Touch Tool. Not much explanation needed here other than germs are literally everywhere and we all need one of these! 😷
  • 3-in-1 Home Air Purifier. I live in an older home where the dust collects in corners faster than you can clean it. Plus with Finn shedding everywhere, I think it is time I add one to my bedroom!
  • This tee and this dress from Z Clothing. This boutique is owned by a fellow Alabama gal and I can’t wait to support her business!
  • New slippers. Mine have been chewed on quite a few times by a sweet little pup so I think it’s time I pick up a replacement. 🐶

Going Green Necessities

Because of my health condition and the desire to improve my overall well-being, over the last two years, I have slowly started making the transitioning to a cleaner, greener, and more non-toxic lifestyle. It is a switch that can not be done overnight. After reading about all the chemicals and harmful ingredients in products we use every day, you will be tempted to throw it all away at once. But the best way to do it is to start with small changes, like swapping dryer sheets for wool dryer balls. Read more about switching over on my favorite blog by Amanda Scott. Two products I purchased recently include:

  • Reusable makeup remover pads. These are just like the cotton rounds for removing your makeup, but reusable and more earth friendly! Just toss them in the washing machine when you’re done and they’re ready to be used again.
  • Paperless paper towels. These super absorbent cloth towels are perfect for replacing you paper towel habit! I still use traditional ole’ paper towels for big messes and whatnot. But these are perfect for using as a cloth napkin, to wipe up a quick spill, and can even be used to make a mask during the pandemic because the fabric is so breathable. These are great quality and the seller had super fast shipping. I will definitely be purchasing more of these!

I know this post is getting mighty long, but I thought I would mention a few other noteworthy things from the month of June before I go! Last month I had my post-op appointment from my surgery in May. It was a lot of information to take in, but I was able to hear about all of the endometriosis my doctor found and removed which was a huge relief! Because my illness is not physically seen, you would be shocked at how many people brush it off. And honestly, it has made me doubt myself in the past. Like, am I making all this up? Is it all in my head?? Am I actually insane?! So hearing that my doctor did physically see what has been causing me so much pain was the affirmation I needed. Even though my body is continuing to heal and I am learning more about navigating another condition they discovered, it was a moment of happiness for me. On top of that, I got to introduce Tom (the cute boy in this picture) to my favorite place ever — Florida beaches! We had a wonderful time and I am hoping I can convince him to go back sooner rather than later. 🌴

Dress: L’ABEYE | Earrings: Kathryn Stallworth Designs

Now that I’ve spilled, I want to hear more about you! Share some happiness during these dark times and tell me what the best part of June was in your world!

 I am wishing you a week filled with joy and peace. I am off to refill my tea glass!

fashion, Travel, What's New

Best Swimsuits EVER!

Featuredby Angela ThomasLeave a Comment on Best Swimsuits EVER!

Every single time I go to the beach I look at houses for sale because I never want to leave! Any one else do this too?! 😂 It is the best form of self-care for me. I am working on a travel guide for 30A and that should be up in the next few weeks. But, until then, I wanted to talk about the best swimsuits ever! P.S. they’re on sale!

If you haven’t tried anything from Aerie, you are seriously missing out. I haven’t tried anything from them I haven’t loved. Once I discovered how amazing their swimwear is, I knew I had to share it with you all!

The Aerie brand is built on celebrating and advocating for body positivity and the empowerment of all women. Their clothing is meant to inspire customers to love their real selves, inside and out. Personally, I think their swimsuits do just that! They make me feel the most comfortable and confident I have ever been in a swimsuit.

Pictured above is what I like to call my “Carole Baskin” swimsuit 🐆 ! It is seriously the cutest thing and it is so on trend right now. I don’t normally purchase printed swimwear, but I am so glad I got this one. This style is the Wide Strap Scoop Bikini Top paired with the High Cut Cheeky Bikini Bottom. The top gives the perfect amount of support and has no padding in it, which I love! It also doesn’t dig into my skin and didn’t move around and leave me with weird tan (ahem, sunburn) lines. Let’s talk about the high-waisted bottoms for a second. Y’all, these are not the normal high-waisted diaper/grandma look. They are high cut on the leg (without showing anything you don’t want to) and the backside is just cheeky enough to keep things fun! 🍑 🍑 🍑 They also suck you in a little but definitely don’t feel constraining so you can eat as manyyy beach snacks as you like!

For this next suit, I opted for something I typically never do — strapless. I normally loathe anything strapless because more often than not you see people constantly tugging and pulling up anything without straps. It is just never a good look. But this top, the Ribbed Longline Bandeau, stays right where you put that thing on! I absolutely adore it and the bright color of this suit.

Aerie make it easy to mix and match different styles of tops and bottoms as well as prints. I recommend their suits to all of my friends and I know you won’t be disappointed if you pick some up for yourself. They also offer a great rewards program, so get to shopping today and start earning some points!

Let me know if you find one you love by leaving a comment below! Can’t wait to share more about my mini-vacay with you!