Currently...

 

Finishing Yoga With Adrienne's 30 days of yoga. This is always such a great way to start the year and I'm excited to continue my yoga practice this year. The slow, grounding movements really are so great for my mental being, as well as getting in some much needed activity. 

Visiting Charlotte and officially meeting her daughter, Harper! I haven't seen her in almost a year so this visit is very long overdue and probably the highlight of my year so far. As a bonus, she moved to a town close to my heart, so I get to visit somewhere I love but haven't been in years. 

Dreaming of New Orleans. It's a city that I absolutely love visiting and maybe in a different life could see myself living there. This week I definitely indulged my dream of living there and peeked at real estate listings, antique shops, scoped out the Julia Reed auction that is coming up, and even contemplated ordering a Cafe du Monde beinet mix.  

Checking a few more things off my January "To Do" list. I got a bunch checked off at the beginning of the month but I do have a lot to make my way through. Unfortunately I'm going to have to roll over a few of my bullet points, but I'm at peace with it. Stay tuned! 

Planning out a new challenge - no spend weekends in February. I haven't really done a challenge like this, but I feel like it's manageable and a fun way to try something new that is in line with my financial goals, so why not? 

Stay warm this weekend - it's freezing today and only getting worse!

ARS xx

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Wednesday Thought

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

Optimistic this week!

ARS xx 

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End of January Wishlist

I admittedly strayed from my budget a bit this month - Molly Moorkamp's Daphne sweater drop was way too tempting (especially after the first order mishap)! Other than that one little blip I stayed the course and stuck to virtual window shopping. That being said, my wishlist grew exponentially and I'd love to share a few things that caught my eye this month. While I wish I could treat myself to a few more things, I'm truly staying focused on building up my emergency fund. Below are a few highlights from the month that are at the top of my future shopping list! 

BeoPlay A1 2nd Generation Speaker, Gray

Ralph Lauren Long-sleeve Mockneck Dress

Cashmere Eye Pillow

Glass Herb Preserver 

Jennifer Behr Large Hair Bow

Hope for a calm, restful Tuesday!

ARS xx

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Pretty Pins for Winter Weather

I was recently reminded that we were lucky to only get one snow storm in January, so I really shouldn't be complaining about this week's cold weather and what looks to be a rainy, snowy mess next week! It's this time of year that really has me craving the warmth of Palm Beach, but it's not very easy to travel right now, so I can't make it south. A girl can still dream about the warmer days ahead, right? In the meantime I'll keep trucking along and push through the gloominess that cold, grey weather seems to inspire. Below are a few images inspiring my warm weather dreams and boosting my mood. 

No Monday Blues here, 

ARS xx

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Currently...

Reorganizing my kitchen cabinets. I realized I haven't organized my kitchen since moving into the apartment 3 years ago. While the setup works out well enough, it could be a lot more efficient so I'm planning to organize so I don't have exploding cabinets and drawers. 

Catching up on my backlog of books to read! I have a million and one things to catch up on (like The Crown) but my focus right now is reading. There are a few books I can't wait to dive into!

Revisiting my 101 in 1001 list. There need to be a few updates, not because I don't want to do them, but because restaurant's went out of business and people moved. I'm ok with it all but am kind of bummed my original list isn't going to be fulfilled. Stay tuned for my updates!

Shopping the Ann Mashburn sale! There are a few things on my list and I'm lucky enough to have a few gift cards to enable my mini shopping spree.

Wishing that my fridge looked this organized (and well stocked). I know I'll eventually get my kitchen under control, but pictures like this get me more motivated than ever. 

TGIF! How are you celebrating?

ARS xx

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Wednesday Thought

 

"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it." - Margaret Thatcher

Is it Friday yet?

ARS xx

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How Charming!

Growing up I would always look at my Mom's charm bracelet in awe. I loved hearing the stories of each charm, but I never wanted a charm bracelet of my own. I found the sound they make to be irritating and, frankly, I didn't have an interest in jewelry until later in life. Now that I'm a bit older and a bit more sentimental, I see the magic in charm bracelets and want to start my own. This Christmas I asked for a bracelet and I'm eager to start adding on my charms. I already have a slew of charms earmarked for when I hit certain goals like saving up my 6 month emergency fund, buying my first home, go on a certain trip, and the list could go on. Below are three iconic charm bracelets that are inspiring my own!

Jackie Kennedy (you can read more about her jewelry collection here)

Elizabeth Taylor (sold at Christie's!)

Grace Kelly (charm bracelet in Rear View Window)

Is there anything you plan on collecting?

ARS xx

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Pretty Pins for Contemplation

It's no secret that I've been thinking a lot about my live and what needs to change. This weekend I really did spend what felt like hours just contemplating exactly what I want and how to get it. Spending so much time alone with my thoughts has been a blessing and a curse. To be honest, I was overwhelmed this weekend. There are three major things I want to change in my life and I feel a bit at a loss on where to start and put my focus. All three are measurable and I know that they are doable, but I need to be consistent  and focus on one at a time - not exactly where I excel. For me, sometimes contemplating does the opposite so I think I just need to dive in and focus on my first goal, relationships. I've really let those slide since lockdown and they are the most important to focus back on. Below are a few images inspiring me heading into this week. 

Ready or not, Monday is here!

ARS xx 

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Three Housewarming Gift Ideas

A bunch of friends and family are moving into new houses (or back to NY!) so I have housewarming gifts on my mind. Moving can be daunting in the best of times and what better than to treat a friend once they are done? I already know I'll be inviting myself over to my family and friend's who moved closer to me and I obviously can't come empty handed. Given the trend of everyone moving out of New York, this makes me especially happy but I'm assuming you all also have some housewarming gifts to give. Below is a roundup of a few gift ideas I love to give and are planing to give to my new neighbors. Bonus: two ideas support small, local businesses!

When I first moved into my apartment my building gave me a welcome basket with a local restaurant's cookbook. It was so thoughtful and I loved the idea so much that I started making my own adaptation for any new friend's moving into the neighborhood. I also like to include a gift card to a restaurant, so their dinner is covered - who doesn't want a treat like that after a long moving day?

For the new homeowner, why not treat them to Rita Konig's Create Academy Course? I've shared my love for it a few times, so I can personally recommend. It's thoughtful because Rita talks about logistical things, such as budgets, that might seem a bit daunting to a new homeowner and also provides beautiful inspiration for all.  

Another go to gift of mine happens to be flowers from my local flower shop. The also carry fun gifts that also fit the bill, which is why I prefer going to flower shops in person or calling out of town ones directly. This ensures the flowers are to a friend's taste and I like having input in what the flowers look like. While websites are great in a time crunch, trust me, you won't regret developing a relationship with a local flower shop! 

Do you have any go to housewarming gifts? Let's discuss in the comments. 

ARS xx

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Home Projects to Tackle This Winter

I finished my Create Academy course with Rita Konig a few weeks ago and I'm so sad it's over. I'll probably re-watch the class again when I buy a home of my own, but I'm still inspired to make a few changes in my current apartment. Learning the ins and outs of decorating from someone you have admired for awhile is such a treat and very valuable. I knew I had the right course when I realized almost every inspiration picture I have saved is a Rita Konig design. Below is a roundup of things I want to do to upgrade my apartment, inspired by the Create Academy course.

I really want a table skirt to cover up my unsightly wires, cable box, and pajama basket. This is actually something that made it onto my 101 in 1001 list - it just so happens that the Create Academy class motivated me to make the change a priority!

I'm thinking a fabulous Persian rug would be the perfect replacement to my current antelope rug. I still love my antelope rug, but my apartment feels just a tad too neutral. It will take awhile to find one that's perfect but I'm on officially the hunt!

A coffee table is another piece I'm looking for (also made it to my 101 in 1001 list!). I actually know the exact one that I want, but am hesitant to buy it until I purchase a home or apartment. I don't know what size I'll need and would hate to make the big investment and the size not be right in a more permanent home.

Switching out my desk is another major task that needs to happen. I already have the desk at my parent's house but haven't had the time to bring it into the city. It's a favorite Hayloft purchase and for $25 the desk as a total steal. It probably helps that I am one of the few that loves brown furniture and would not even consider paintings it (unless the condition was that bad). 

There are a few small miscellaneous tasks that I need to get done this winter. I've been putting them off, but it's officially time to get the ball rolling and do the little things replace the lightbulb in the bathroom, get the windows professionally cleaned, and reseal the bathtub. This winter is the one I get it all done!

Do you have a lot of projects you want ot get done?

ARS xx

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Pretty Pins for A Reset

I've been saying for a few months now that I've lost the plot of my life. I almost want to say I took a few steps backwards prior to 2020 and found myself coasting and accepting the status quo. At the peak of lockdown it really hit me that I've totally lost who I was and what I wanted out of life. Towards the end of 2020 my goal was to just survive and to take 2021 as a "reset" year. My 2021 vision board acknowledges the three parts of my life that I want to focus on: relationships, home, and my lifestyle. I'm inspired now more than ever to take back control of my life and come up with a plan that works. Last week was a discovery time, where I evaluated how I can reach my goals and this week will be more of the same. Below are a few pins inspiring me this week as I do some housekeeping. 

Ready for an inspired week,

ARS xx

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Currently...

Reading Dave Ramsey's tips for setting goals for 2021 and signing up for the Ramsey Reset, a livestream taking place on January 12th. While I don't typically partake in resolutions, I did commit to my first 101 in 1001 list back in August. There are a bunch of measurable goals on the list and I absolutely intend to check most of them off and I know Dave Ramsey and his team will have inspiration galore.

Wishing I had the immediate funds to buy the Molly Moorkamp dress I've been dying for the past few seasons. It went on sale last week for 40% off, but even with that kind of a discount I couldn't afford it. The current focus of my financial journey is building a 6 month emergency fund, so until that is done I don't really have room in the budget to make major splurge purchases. I'm proud of myself for saying no, but also a bit sad because it's something I've wanted to buy for SO long. Progress! 

Subscribing to a few different magazines I regularly buy! This actually made my 101 in 1001 list for a few reasons, but the two biggest motivators were that subscriptions are more budget friendly and if there is another lockdown, I'll still be able to have easy access to my favorite magazines.

Looking for possible side hustles that are realistic for my schedule. I don't have much of a social life these days and I think having a side hustle with some income would be a great way to spend my time right now, as I'm definitely feeling the budget crunch now more than ever. This article has some great ideas and inspiration for all of us to think about! 

Dreaming about Palm Beach. I really missed my annual New Year trip this time around and am hoping to get back down this year for a bit more of an extended stay so I can catch up with friends, explore the new places on my list and relax in the sun. Hopefully I can make this happen sooner rather than later. 

Week one is done!

ARS xx

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Pretty Pins for the New Year

I'm switching up the post schedule this week to accommodate my first philanthropy post of 2021 and my 101 in 1001 six month update. I felt it was best to start out on a positive and giving note - exactly how I want 2021 to go. This New Year's Eve was very different for me in a few ways. I stayed in New York for the first time in over 10 years (I'm usually in Palm Beach), my sister, our good friend and I stayed up until midnight and launched some fireworks after watching Harry Potter! Whether this year brings more of the same or takes a very positive turn, I'm focused on reaching my goals and am excited for what this year will bring. Below are a few images inspiring me for a hopeful and bright 2021. 

Ready for what this new year brings,

ARS xx

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