Want to know how long this post has been sitting as a draft? Fifteen days. I’ve come back to it every other day or so, writing and deleting. I don’t know why this particular post is so hard to put together, but it has been. I think it has something to do with the very personal aspect of it.

It’s weird. I have no issue making recommendations about leggings, Instant Pot recipes, you name it. But when it comes to hats? Well, it’s not so easy and there’s a reason.

You see, I’ve been wearing hats since the end of November. I’ve gone without here and there with the help of some good hairspray and clever styling, but I really haven’t been able to the last month or so. Any time I’m out in public, I probably have a hat on my head.

And more than that, the hat is likely either this one stocking cap from Calia by Carrie Underwood or a beret from Hello Holiday. There’s a reason for this. Beyond being a massive fan of both brands…

I have a tissue expander under my scalp.

Typing that was weird. Anyway, I’ve shared this with people in real life but hardly over the Internet. However, the comments have become sort of endless. Facebook Lives almost always have a “Nice hat” comment that feels more like a dig and less like a compliment. People also ask why I’m wearing hats indoors, and I know they’re not intentionally trying to make me feel bad. They’re curious, but it gives me pause.

As I near the two year anniversary of the accident that changed my life, I’ve started procedures that are fixing things that were burned like my hairline. While it will never be exactly the same as it was before, I have an incredible doctor and many incredible nurses that are doing everything to get as close as possible.

With all that said, I wanted to share a little more about what has gotten me through these last three months (hence the name of this blog post!). Because I am so grateful to brands like Calia and Hello Holiday. I doubt I’d leave the house much outside of work reasons if it wasn’t for both, and their support has been really kind.

So, let me take a moment to sing their praises.

Calia by Carrie Underwood

I’m a big fan of Carrie Underwood. Anyone who follows me on Twitter knows this, especially because I tweet my excitement every Sunday night during football season about her song on NBC. And when she recently suffered an accident that affected her face, I related to her more than I ever have. Because I’ve been there. I still am.

And I’ve also been a long supporter and customer of Calia. Everything from leggings to swimsuits, I’ve bought it. I love the brand and that was only further confirmed when they sent me a package of hats and headbands to help through these last couple of months.

This package made me cry. It still makes me emotional, because it was so nice. They have a customer in me for life.

And if you’re curious about my favorite hat that I’m literally always wearing (I promise you’ve seen me in it), you can get the marled pom beanie right here. It’s even on sale.

Hello Holiday

I absolutely adore Hello Holiday. And it doesn’t hurt that their brick and mortar store is not far from where I live. However, they’re incredible for more than just their location.

Every single person that works at Hello Holiday is kind and fun to talk to. Their owners are the absolute #goals about being strong women in business and life. I’m going to start gushing, so I’ll cap it there but my love for Hello Holiday runs deep.

When I realized that I needed berets and that berets were really one of the only hats to cover my head at this point, I felt pretty helpless. I found an option here or there, but nothing where I could get a few colors to get me through winter. Enter Hello Holiday and the Paris beret.

The Paris beret is only $20 (much more reasonable than I found elsewhere) and they have it stocked in about every color imaginable. I think I nearly cried tears of joy when I found them in store, and I may or may not have freaked out the woman working that day just a little bit. It’s fine, we’re fine.

And it’s not just the hats. Hello Holiday has so many amazing things for women, and just like Calia – I’m a customer now for life.

***

My days of needing hats are coming to an end. It’s been a difficult few months, I won’t lie to you. I’ve struggled being out in public and have often preferred staying home as much as possible. This has been a really good learning lesson for me, though. We never know what others are going through, so it’s best to try and be kind. Or at least try to be more understanding.

With all that said, it hasn’t just been Calia and Hello Holiday to help me through these last few months. I’ve had the wonderful support of friends and family, and that’s truly everything. I know for a fact I wouldn’t be as strong as I am without the strength of those around me.

I started this blog over a year ago to be a place to share more about my life than just what I put on Twitter and Instagram. I’m grateful for this space, and grateful for those of you who read. It really means a lot. And I hope something I share, whether that’s recipes, a pair of leggings, or a life experience is helpful to someone somewhere.

Cheers,

Erin