31 March 2021

Wednesday Motivation

“When opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare.” - John Wooden

Closing out this month on a high note, 

ARS xx



 


29 March 2021

Pretty Pins for Almost April

Last week I took a much needed break, but I'm back and I can't believe April is around the corner! I don't know where time goes, but it's flying by somewhere. March was a wash for me, so  I'm designating April as my new "reset" month. It feels right - there is a positive energy floating around the city, streets are busier, people are coming back to their apartments, and everyone feels just a little less on edge. There is just so much to look forward to, that I can't help but be optimistic. I'm looking forward to setting myself up for success this month and check a few things off my 101 in 1001 list, before I fall too far behind! Below is a mix of things inspiring me this week, as we close out March and move onto April. 






No Monday blues allowed here, 

ARS xx

S U B S C R I B E

19 March 2021

Currently...


 Heading out to Long Island for the weekend. I'm so excited to see my parents and to breathe in some of the fresh country air! I'm hopeful I'll be able to do some window shopping and go for a long walk outside. 


Trying out a few new samples I got at Blue Mercury. I love going to Blue Mercury because they are happy to give out samples for products that you are on the fence about - I always have the confidence to buy after that. 

Shopping for my parent's Easter baskets. A few years ago I had a few small "thinking of you" gifts for my Dad that I opted to hold onto until Easter and bundled them all up under the guise of an Easter basket. He loved it so much that I'm going to surprise him and my mom with one again this year! 

Working a full week in the office for the first time in months! I forgot how exhausting it can be when we all go into the office every day. It's seems so silly, but I didn't realize how much I cherished my remote work days and getting the little tasks done. 


Cleaning my apartment! It's been awhile since my apartment has ben deep cleaned and honestly, it needs it. That's going to be my big project this weekend!

TGIF (and then some!)

ARS xx

S U B S C R I B E

18 March 2021

Thursday Note to Self

 


“I love sleep. My life has the tendency to fall apart when I’m awake, you know?” – Ernest Hemingway

16 March 2021

"Almost Spring" Outfit Inspiration

Between a full year of lockdowns, limited socializing, and wild winter weather I think it's safe to say we're all eager for the happiness and optimism of Spring. I don't know about you, but I'm already mentally planning my weather appropriate, transitional outfits. The tricky part about early spring dressing, at least in NY, is getting the right mix of practical for the weather but bright seasonal style balance. No one wants to be the person in shorts, pastels, and sandals way too early! As we approach spring I have been drawn to navy over black, my lighter wash jeans, and I've found myself relying heavily on my lighter jackets for those chilly mornings but warm afternoons. I've also found my accessories, like scarves and shoes, make the transitional styling a bit easier. Below are a few looks that will take me through the unpredictable early spring weather through to late spring. 





Marching on into spring,

ARS xx

S U B S C R I B E

15 March 2021

Pretty Pins for Feeling Stalled

This week marks the one year anniversary of when the world stopped. I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to reflect on the past year and where we were then vs. where we are now. A year ago there were toilet paper shortages, the stock market crashed, my friends were fleeing the city, and there were hourly updates with panic-inducing headlines about the coronavirus entering the US. Everything felt so uncertain! After a year of chaos the world sort of found a groove, but is still nowhere close to normal - everything feels like it's on hold. This March is supposed to be a jump-start month for me, where I'm focusing on getting my life back on track, so why do I feel like I'm still stalled? Last year I was panicked about the immediate future, this year I'm worried about where I am in my life, to a point where I'm paralyzed. It feels like the world is starting to move forward, but I'm still feeling frozen. Below are a few pins to snap me out of the funk I'm in and bring back a sense of normalcy. 








12 March 2021

Currently...

Using my Inslee day planner consistently for the first time in a long time. My first agenda I was in love with was a Kate Spade one. My Dad got it for me at the Kate spade outlet over 10 years ago and I loved the illustrations and notes sprinkled throughout that I became a devotee. When the company retired their artist collaborations I was at a bit of a loss and fell off the agenda wagon. I'm back with the Inslee X Neely and Chloe one and while it's a bit...large I am so excited to use it. 

Meditating at the end of each night. I used to go to a guided meditation class once a week at Naturopathica and it really changed my life and put me in such a positive head space. I'm trying to get back to that place and found that ending the day with meditation is really helping. Body scans are my favorite, but there are so many great options out there! 


Hoping to make it out to Long Island soon. I haven't been home in three months, which feels like forever. I'm eager to see my parents and there are a few things at the house I'd love to bring into the city. 

Planning another no spend weekend! Last weekend was my first attempt and it went really well overall. I realize the only rule breaker I had was the grocery store, but I'm ok with that one - I need to eat and meal prep for the week and Sunday is the best day to do that. 


Visiting with my good friend Dana! I haven't seen her since Christmas so I'm excited to finally catch up in person. Now that the weather is nicer, it will be easier to catch up with friends in person. We're planning to go for a walk on Sunday, weather permitting!

Hoping for a calm weekend!

ARS xx

S U B S C R I B E


10 March 2021

March Wish List

Yesterday New York got a glimpse of Spring and I felt both rejuvenated and hopeful. March always has the strangest weather, but yesterday put me in such a good mood! If I'm being honest, when I'm feeling inspired or stressed I usual go shopping, but the next two months are dedicated to getting back on track so I'm doing the next best thing: wish list roundups. As someone who has a tiny apartment and a plethora of clothes, shoes, and accessories I don't really need anything, but there is a ton I want!  I shop much more thoughtfully now and I really only plan on buying something if I need an upgrade or to replace something. To scratch my shopping itch, below I'm rounding up a few things I would love to treat myself to this month. 



Ann Mashburn Navy Buckle Slides


Smythson Stationary

Blackberry Farm Room Spray





Happy mid-week!

ARS xx

09 March 2021

My March Minimalist Challenge


This month I'm doing two things to shake up my normal routine - I planned "no spend" weekends (four total) and I'm doing a month-long minimalist challenge, where I throw out/donate/sell a number of items that corresponds with the date. For example, on March 1st I got rid of one thing. Today I'm supposed to weed out nine things (eek!), and so on and so forth. Getting rid of my belongings doesn't come naturally to me, so this is a particularly difficult challenge. I'm very sentimental, which doesn't help this cause, but I am feeling overloaded with stuff that something needed to be done and, honestly, I have loved seeing a space look just a tad bit tidier. I'll keep you posted about the results at the end of the month, but maybe this will inspire you to do your own mini-challenge! 

Pray for me on March 31st,

ARS xx

S U B S C R I B E

08 March 2021

Pretty Pins for Mini Accomplishments

It feels like forever since I made any strides in my 101 in 1001 list. I keep reminding myself that right now I'm focusing on a few of my longer term goals, not the quick wins. I started out strong with a few easy things to check off, but now it's time to make some headway with the bigger goals (i.e. buy a house and build my emergency fund). I get distracted easily so working on these larger goals in small bursts works out a lot better overall- I actually have a chance of finishing! I'm hoping that, as I build momentum, I knock a few more goals off my list I'll feel more inspired in my personal life because right now I'm less than inspired. Below are a few pretty pins inspiring me to start fresh and work on some of those long term goals. 






Happy Monday, better weather is right around the corner!

ARS xx 

05 March 2021

Currently...

Reading Norma Kamali's new book I Am Invincible. Norma Kamali is someone I always admired and when I learned my boss at the time used to work for her I just about fell out of my chair. Hearing her stories about working for Norma was always such a treat so I was especially excited when I heard about her book. I'm so excited to be diving into this - I know it will be such an inspiration on "aging with power". 


Ordering my favorite M-61 Power Glow Peel pads. My skin is finally a bit clear (courtesy of my mask-free work days at home) and now that I can see the state my skin is in for the first time since June I realize I have acne scars. In the past I've had success with these pads bringing my skin back to life, so praying it works the second time around. 

Loving Hill House Home's new Botanical Bedding collection. I was introduced to the brand years ago, when my friend-cousin worked for the company and it was love at first sight. I'm a bit of a linens nerd and was  drawn to the chic, simple designs. While they are probably most famous of their nap dresses, I'm especially enamored with their home goods. This floral pattern is reminiscent of their old West Village store's decor and I loved that too! 


Restarting my Contentment Journal by Rachel Cruze. When I started this journal last year, I had the full intention of finishing it but then 2020 took a turn and I was in crisis mode. Now that I'm back on track-ish I want to continue the work I was doing before. This week I restarted my journal and as always it's so thought provoking - it's so important to me that I added it to my 101 in 1001 list!

Enjoying my new workout routine. It's great to get my body moving again, even if it's only for 30 minutes a day. I really do miss walking around the city, but I struggle with breathing after a certain amount of time. Until I can get out and walk the sidewalk again without a mask I'll just have to stick with this. 

What are your weekend plans?

ARS xx

S U B S C R I B E


04 March 2021

Thursday Thought

 


"My thing was always about individuality and about creating a world - because you don't just wear clothes, you live a life. You have style. You project who you are."  - Ralph Lauren

Almost TGIF!

ARS xx

03 March 2021

Wanderlust: Blackberry Farm


When I think of Blackberry Farm I think of my Dad and Billy Reid of all things. It's a place I've longing to go to for what seems like forever (but in reality has probably been about 5 years or so). Given the state of the world right now, I have a feeling I'll be traveling the US a lot more and my dream trip is Blackberry Farm. My Dad and I have been talking about going for years and when we dropped my brother off at school, I thought we'd be making a weekend stop to the farm, but it didn't work out. I didn't think I would love Tennessee, but I felt at home in Nashville, fell in love with the mountains near my brother's school, and have a pretty good feeling Blackberry Farm will knock it out of the park. How can I not love a place with so many fabulous activities, a full roster of events, a beautiful setting, and award-winning food? 


One of the biggest draws to the farm is the world renowned food! With three different restaurants for guests to choose from, there is something for everyone. I love that they focus on local cuisine and even have their own brewery. I bought my Dad the Blackberry Farm cookbooks one year, to give us a taste until we can go visit the farm ourselves. 


Although most famous for their food (at least in my friend group) I can't help but be most tempted by all of the different retreats and activities they offer. From yoga, to hikes, to horseback riding there is something for everyone to do. There are even daily cooking demonstrations, photography lessons, and a "Spring Tour de Smokies". Looking at all of the different events they have planned this year has me longing for my own Blackberry Farm adventure. 


While I still have yet to book a trip (will take awhile to save up!) it doesn't stop me from browsing their well curated store. I am so eager to try a few different products out, I may just need to order a few products from their shower collection to tide me over until I get to visit the farm itself. I love the idea of creating a spa experience at home, but they even have gourmet goodies you can order to your home! 


It's always hard to plan outfits until I get to the destination (or know the season) but I know I'd want to go with a pretty casual attire overall. Think: jeans, button downs, clothing for hiking and yoga, and boots in case of bad weather. If I'm being honest, casual is not a look that is natural to me but if this year has taught me anything it's the importance of comfort and I'd probably want all of my bases covered here. 

Where's your mind wandering this week?

ARS xx



02 March 2021

Pretty Pins for Being in Control

My mantra for 2020 was "control the controllables". I kept repeating this to myself whenever I began to panic about anything job or money related. I couldn't control the outside forces, but I could control how I behaved and handled all of the challenges thrown my way. I was able to scrape by, but admittedly I've allowed things to slide a bit now that I'm in a bit more of a stable place. Luckily I caught myself before I got into any more trouble, but I need to rein it in a bit this month and get back in control of my life. This week kicks of a month of resetting and I'm looking forward to it. Like most of the world I like being in control of my life and I'm taking that control back this month. Below are a few pins I found that are inspiring me this week. 






Is it Friday yet?

ARS xx