Trip to France

Earlier this summer I was excited to be able to check off visiting France for Oliver's wedding from my 101 in 1001 list. Like most of the world I adore France. For many reasons Paris holds a special place in my heart and I was thrilled to go back there before going to Oliver's wedding in Provence. I had a list a mile long of things I wanted to do and I was so happy to check off almost all of them off my list! 

When I plan trips I prefer to focus on visiting museums, galleries, gardens and boutique shops. Paris has an overwhelming amount of each. I fully enjoyed going to both the Musee Marmottan Monet and the Musee Rodin.  I also couldn't resist stopping by two of my favorite french boutiques, Vanessa Bruno and Cire Trudon. No trip to Paris would be complete without a stop at Le Bon Marche, the second best department store in the world (Bergdorfs is number one, obviously). 

A special treat was booking a photographer to take pictures of my family in Luxembourg Gardens. I realized we haven't had any pictures taken of us in years and why not change it up and take some fmaily photos abroad. We always take pictures and never print them out, so I wanted to make sure we had an extra special treat. Shoutout to Courtney for being such a great photographer and putting usu all at ease! 

Post Paris we went to Oliver and Lily's wedding, in Provence which was beautiful and just so much fun! There was a fabulous costume party, a gorgeous mass, a dreamy reception and the most fun dance party. I was really excited to explore Provence for a bit and while I didn't feel like we got enough time there, we got a good enough taste to know I want to go back.  

A bientot, 

ARS xx

F O L L O W

First 101 in 1001 Six Month Check In

Whoops! It's bee awhile since I last posted - life has been a whirlwind and I'm finally coming up from air. Between two trips abroad, work, too many trips up north and a renovation it's safe to say life completely got away from me. It's not really slowing down, but I'm making a point to make time for myself. I've fallen off my normal routine and I feel it both mentally and physically. That being said, I missed my first 101 in 1001 six month progress report by five days. I'm a firm believer in better late than never, so I'm hitting publish now! You may just forgive me once you see what I've been up to this summer and fall.

Completed: 

This summer I celebrated Ian's wedding to Amy in England last June and cheered to Oliver and Lily at their wedding in France last October. Their weddings may have eaten up all of my vacation days, but I'm so happy I made it abroad not once, but twice! 

At the same time as Oliver's wedding, I was thrilled to finish my first full Sculpt Society challenge - a little personal win! Yes, I can work out while on vacation. 

I also took the time to take new headshots for LinkedIn and other uses. I honestly love my old ones so much that I'm hesitant to change. I'll keep you posted on what I end up officially doing. 

Between Oliver and Ian's weddings I took a moment to take the Brightline to Miami with a good friend of mine! I had so much fun and remembered why I'm team train travel every day of the week. 

I think my biggest accomplishment was buying a condo. This was major for so many reasons, but long story short I'm excited, grateful, and proud! In order to prepare for renovations and decorating I finished the Amanda Lindroth Create Academy class. I'm officially inspired! 

Given all of the travel I led with this year, I decided it was time to replace my old Nook with a new one. I'll be setting it all up this weekend and I'm excited to dive into a few new books! 

In Progress:

Trying new restaurants! I made it to two so far, so I have eight more to try (and maybe a few more..)

I'm working my way through visiting five museums. I've made it to one of them already and hope to visit one or two when I'm next in NY. 

Cooking is also at the top of my project list. I'm cooking a lot more and I'm happy to say I've already cooked three new recipes! All are from Skinnytaste and all were delicious. Trying out new recipes was so fun for me and my dad to do together - who would have thought?

I'm also actively working on growing my instagram audience in a way that is true to me. I'm shamelessly asking for help reaching my goal of 1000 followers!

Stitching new needlepoint projects is also something I'm working on. I finished one, so I have four more to go! I luckily have a few projects on hand and this is a fun project to do when I'm on the go, traveling, and want a break from reading!  

Up Next:

Anything having to do with the condo is next - I have a lot to get done in a short period of time and can't wait to check off almost this entire section! I'm trying out paints this weekend, finalizing my tiles, floors, and plumbing orders. Then I get to design the closets and kitchen before getting to the decorating stage. While I wish I was further along with my 101 in 1001 list, I'm still chugging along and enjoying any progress I've been making. As my Dad told me the other week - progress over perfection! I'm taking that to heart and can't wait for the next six months. 

Thank you for always following along! 

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Miami Trip

Since returning from London I've been leaning into my self-care routine and savoring my down time. I've also been taking the time to explore and shake up my usual routine. One of my favorite days of the summer was taking the Brightline to Miami - not only did I get to spend a fun day with a good friend, but I checked off some of my 101 in 1001 list! 

I first have to say, my Brightline trip could not have been easier. It's so easy to book a ticket and the train is so easy! Maybe it's just that I'm still used to the LIRR, but this train is so clean and organized. It makes a day trip so much easier. (And no, this is not sponsored - none of my posts are! - in case anyone is wondering.)

My friend graciously planned the day out for us and started with booking us a lunch at Mandolin Agean Bistro, which was delicious! I'm an avid fan of Greek food and trying new restaurants, so this was a major highlight for me. The restaurant itself was chic and was in a chic area, although we went on a Sunday so the surrounding stores were mostly closed. If you're in the area and craving Greek I totally recommend! 

After lunch we zipped over to the Perez Art Museum Miami, which was an experience! I love going to museums and the PAMM museum is in a beautiful spot, right on the water. The works of are also didn't disappoint - I saw a fabulous Frank Stella painting and even experienced a Yayoi Kusama exhibit first hand! There is a restaurant attached and if we had planned it out a bit more, I would have loved to have had a glass of wine outside, overlooking the water. Just something to think about if you're going yourself. 

We ended the trip on a high note - walking around Wynwood! I loved looking at all of the graffiti and street art. It was so colorful and fun. I actually wish we spent more time here, but I'll save it for the next trip. 

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Postcards from London

When we moved back into Towerhouse I found a stack of old letters and postcards my grandparents sent me over the years. They were charming, so fun and brought such a smile to my face even all of these years later. Given that almost all of them were sent during trips and I'm inspired to send a few of my own out from London! I have a lofty goal of mailing out 100 letters as part of my 101 in 1001 list and hopefully this will knock out a few of them. Snail mail for the win! 

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Currently...

Enjoying the extra-long weekend! I have lots of R&R in my future and I'm looking forward to prioritizing myself this weekend. I may even book a massage and a facial! 

Working on my next 101 in 1001 list! I'm determined to get more accomplished on this list than I did the last one and I'm going to try to knock a few off my list this weekend. I'll keep you posted on any progress. 

Dreaming about the recipes from this Julie Blanner post! These Cheddar cheese tarts look amazing and are just the tip of the iceberg in this entertaining round up. When I move into my own kitchen you can bet I'll be using a few of these recipes at my first party! 

Treating myself to a mani/pedi! I'm really trying to cut all costs while I save up for a renovation and weddings abroad butI think I can justify treating myself to a mani/pedi, right?

Window-shopping all of the sales! Speaking of budgeting...while I wish I could go wild during these memorial day sales I'll do my best to stay content while just "adding to cart" and not checking out. I'm itching to buy something from Red Land Cotton, Molly Moorkamp, Farmhouse Pottery and Jenni Kayne. I'm staying the course but definitely tempted! 

Cheers to an extra-extra long weekend,

ARS xx

F O L L O W

My Second 101 in 1001 List

I'm broken. I love to do lists and get a thrill at starting each week with a new list. Last week I gleefully made a new list of 101 things I wanted to get done in 1001 days. I'm determined to accomplish more with this list than I did my last one, especially now that we are out of the pandemic. My last list gave me a sense of purpose when I was struggling and now that I'm in a much better head space I'm excited to see where this list will take me! I invite you to join along and start your own list - or you can just follow me as I bumble along. Either way, you will have fun, which all of us needs more of in our life! Without further ado here is my second 101 in 1001 list. 

Cheers to the next 1001 days,

ARS xx

F O L L O W

101 in 1001 Review & What's Next

It's official - time has flown by. I can't believe it's been 1001 days since I started my first 101 in 1001 list! When I made my list of things I wanted to accomplish, I thought it would be much easier than I thought it would be. I was definitely ambitious and very optimistic despite starting my challenge during such an uncertain time! I loved how it gave me a sense of purpose when I needed something positive to focus on. While I only checked off 28 things, I'm proud of every single one I checked off. Next week I'll be sharing my next list, because you can believe I'm going to give it a try again (and hopefully check off significantly more this time around!). I really do recommend doing a version of this and encourage you to also try it! 

Brainstorming things to add,

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Thursday Goal Check In

While I wish I could have accomplished more on my first 101 in 1001 list, I'm proud that I even tried to do one and I'm actually looking forward to finalizing my next one. Spoiler alert: this will be one of the last things I check off my first list! I'm going to spend a good amount of time thinking on what worked, what didn't work, and what I want to accomplish when I write out my next one. While I don't have anything new report this week, I'm sure I'll have a few updates for next week. 

My weight loss has completely stalled, but I think once I get back to my regular diet and meal planning I'll get back to a more comfortable weight. I had a slight ankle injury so I haven't made it to the gym yet but I'm hoping to start going next week! I need to amp up my cardio and try a few classes. 

I'm just about there with my down payment for my condo! As I mentioned yesterday, I'm going to be buying a condo soon. While I won't be closing this week, it's happening in the very near future and I'm SO excited! All of my hard work and saving paid off and I'm ready for this next chapter. 

Feeling good about the summer,

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Thursday Goals Check-In

I surprised my college friends to brunch out! I was so bummed to have missed my good friend Holly's bachelorette, but I was there is spirit and opted to treat my college friends to brunch. Funny enough I remembered that I added surprising friends to dinner to my 101 in 1001 list, but I think brunch is the perfect substitute. I also have a few more tricks up my sleeve and will be hopefully crossing one or two most things off my 101 in 1001 list before it's over! Stay tuned for more. 

Despite last month's budget surprise, which took away from my down payment bucket, I'm pleased with the progress I've been making. I'm getting closer to my goals and can't wait to hit them! 

I'm thrilled I joined a gym. I'm eager to drop a few more pounds before all of the family weddings begin and I hope that the boost in cardio will help! It's too early to tell, but I took the first step and will keep you all posted on progress. 

Ready for the next check-in,

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Thursday Goal Check In

It's been awhile (months) since I've done one of these check-ins and unfortunately it will be lacking! I'm trying to get back into the blogging swing of thing after a month of haphazardly posting so I'm just blazing forward - sharing the good, bad, and the ugly.  Below are a few updates for your pleasure and I just know next week will be better! 

I've stayed the same weight since I last checked in and I'm pretty bummed about it. I was hoping to be further along in my weight loss than I am. I have no one to blame but myself - I need to be stricter with my diet and up my cardio. This next month will be dedicated to getting myself into top shape for Ian's wedding at the end of June! 

I'm really pleased with my down payment progress, but I hit a small set-back involving taxes this year. Yikes! I'll quickly get back on track, but I was reminded of the importance of an emergency fund and will be boosting that for sure. I was just shy of my goal so I'm feeling extra motivated to get back on track ASAP. 

I've also had no progress in my 101 in 1001 list. I hope I'll be able to check a few more items off my list before my final check in, but it's been a whirlwind past couple of months and I won't be slowing down until October.  I don't know how much I will be able to accomplish in a month, but I'm going to do my best to check a few things off!  

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Thursday Goal Check In

 

I don't have many updates this week, but I'm happy to say I'm getting back on track. My stomach feels a bit flatter, I'm slowly chipping away at my down payment goal, and I'm planning a few things for my 101 in 1001 list. While I wish I had major progress to report, I'm confident my next check in will be a bit more robust and  I'll have some exciting updated. 

Almost TGIF time,

ARS xx

F O L L O W

My Fifth 101 in 1001 Progress Report

How is this for timing? My fifth 101 in 1001 list sixth month check in lands on my usual Thursday check in! I weirdly love it when things like this work out. My weekly check-ins usually feel like downers, because there is typically minimal progress to report, but today's 101 in 1001 list update had a lot more checked off than I realized. Below you'll see everything I checked off in the last six months and what's next for my 101 in 1001 list! 

Completed: 

Visiting Tammy Fender - Tammy Fender is pure luxury and visiting the spa again was a true treat your self moment. I can't wait to go back!  

Enjoying a Birthday Spa Day - I combined two with one and had my birthday spa day at my favorite spa -Tammy Fender! While I'm sad I missed my first birthday spa day (stupid covid!!), this more than made up for it. 

Mailing Out 50 Handwritten Letters - This was one of my longterm goals that I particularly loved, especially when friends and family wrote back! There is nothing better than getting snail mail and I look forward to continuing writing letters. 

Subscribing to the Magnolia Channel - This one feels like I cheated a bit, because the Magnolia Channel was built into our cable package! I really enjoy Chip & Jo's style so this was really fun for me. 

Organizing My PB Closet - I live for an organized closet. While it still needs to be edited, I have my shoes and clothes all in order by type and color. This makes me SO happy because before it was pure chaos. 

Making Palm Beach Friends - This was another longterm goal that I felt like I never would accomplish, and while it took a full year I feel like I've started making quality friends down here! 

Writing a Palm Beach Guide - Over the summer I wrote my first Palm Beach guide and while it's a work in progress (I'm sure there will be many updates to come!) it's still a start! 

Obtaining a Real ID - I needed to get a Florida license and turns out I was easily able to obtain a Real ID down here! One of the easier things to check off my list.

In Progress: 

Writing my next 101 in 1001 list - I have six months to check off a number of items on my to-do list and one of them is making another! I found this to be super fun and my next list is going to be much more intentional. 

Reaching 1000 followers on Instagram - I'm not sure if this is something I want to do or even will do, but I'll see where my goal will take me. I'm not aspiring to become an influencer and honestly the thought of that many eyes on me is a bit intimidating. We'll see if I organically hit that number, but I won't be upset if I don't. 

Up Next: 

Getting things done! I recognize I won't be able to check off everything on my list, but I'm going to get as much done as I possibly can. I'm especially eager to check off more in my Florida section, as well as a few things in my friends + family list! While this was supposed to be my final progress report, I realize that I still have six months left - that will be my last report! 

See you in six months with hopefully a lot more to report,

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Thursday Goal Check-In

Once again I find myself lacking in all parts of my goals section. I didn't make any progress in my 101 in 1001 list and I put on two pounds. On the plus side, I was able to put a minimal amount into my mortgage fund, so not all hope is lost. I know 2023 will be better, but it will be a full on sprint to the finish line. I'm ok with where I am because it's the holiday season, but it's game on in the new year. 

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Thursday Goal Check In

 

Every time I decide I'm going to do goals for the season and write about them here I start off strong and then it all falls apart. This season was maybe my worst on record - I even lost ground on a goal! This week there are no major updates and I still made no progress on my 101 in 1001 list, did not save any money towards a down payment, or lose any weight. On the plus side, I didn't gain any weight either! Once again I find myself promising I will get more done next week, but realistically I don't have time to get much done but maybe I will lose a pound or two.

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Fall Goals Check-In

 

These goal check ins were much more fun when I actually had something positive to report. I officially have regressed in almost all of my goals except for my 101 in 1001 list - that has stayed the same! I gained some of the weight I lost back, likely due to my lackluster workout routine the past two weeks. I'm also far behind on my mortgage fund goal! Christmas has completely gotten away from me and I definitely have overspent since I opened up my budget a bit. You can be assured that I will tighten everything up post-Christmas and get back into a routine that works for me. As I hit peak holiday season I'm going to just go with the flow and do my best to get through the holidays with minimal negative changes (and maybe even a few positives!) 

Almost Friday,

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Fall Goal Check-In

 

The last two weeks are what I would consider maintenance weeks across all boards. I gave myself a break on all fronts - my 101 in 1001 list, my weight loss journey, and my mortgage fund. With the holiday season starting up I need to be mindful of where I'm focusing my time, energy, and money. Christmas presents take priority, but I'm hoping in the next week I knock a thing or two off my 101 in 1001 list and maybe a pound or two! 

Weekend ready,

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Thursday Fall Goal Check-In

 

It seems like my mantra for my goals, but there has been minimal progress across the board. I didn't check off any of my 101 in 1001 goals. Post-Thanksgiving I will make this a priority! I definitely want to check a few things off my list before the holidays. I'm plateauing with my weight loss goal, which is ok! That is healthy and so far I'm down 12 pounds since I started my summer goal. I'm going to have to be mindful of what I eat when I go home next week to make sure I don't regress. I have chipped away slowly at my mortgage fund - I still have a long way to go but I'm building it back. 

Hopefully there will be more to report next time! 

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Fall Goal Check-In

 

We are only two weeks into November but it's been a month! I'm sad to report I haven't made any progress in my 101 in 1001 list. Maybe this weekend I'll be able to check something off. I am beyond thrilled to report I've lost some additional weight. As my coworker so eloquently said - I'm in the next decade! It feels so good to see a number I haven't seen in almost a year. I'm also happy to say that I have made some progress in my mortgage fund goal. I had a set-back last month but I'm hoping to quickly recoup my losses and forge ahead. 

Almost end of the week,

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Thursday Fall Goal Check-In

 

I've been trending with a strong start to my goals and lose momentum quickly. Unfortunately I didn't check anything off my 101 in 1001 list this week. I had a setback in my mortgage fund goal but I'm hopeful that I can make a bit of progress soon! On the plus side I started incorporating more workouts into my week and hopefully I will start to see even more results soon. I've plateaued a bit but I'm optimistic that my luck in this department will turn around quickly. 

Next week there will be progress - I promise! 

ARS xx

F O L L O W

First Autumnal Goal Check In

These mini updates are the best way to keep myself on track for my fall goals! This week I don't have too much to report, but there is some reporting that needs to be done! I'm so happy to say I got my real ID before the 2023 deadline - and it's a Florida one! Being able to check more and more off my 101 in 1001 list feels so good. I also lost two pounds last week (nine pounds since summer!) so I' finally starting to see some progress. Unfortunately I've had a small setback with my mortgage fund, but pressing matters came up that needed to be taken care of. Overall I would say it was a solid start to the fall and I'm eager for more updates next week. 

Ready for more success,

ARS xx

F O L L O W