31 March 2021
Wednesday Motivation
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
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
18 March 2021
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
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.
Hoping for a calm weekend!
ARS xx
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
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
08 March 2021
Pretty Pins for Mini Accomplishments
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
04 March 2021
Thursday Thought