Pretty Pins for Camaraderie

If I was asked to describe the past few months in the city with just one word I would use the "alone". Most of my closest friends moved out of the city and it's been hard to connect with my friends that are still in the city. I'm lucky to have close family living here now and as winter approaches I know what to expect, so I'm making small changes to my apartment to amp up the cozy at-home host factor. One thing that has made all the difference though i getting out of the city to visit my good friends and also connecting with my friends who are not-so-cloes on a daily basis. I'm so excited to start a 30-day fitness challenge with Britney, I covet my morning and afternoon facetimes with Cait, and my mid-week lunches with Charlotte have totally boosted my spirits. I'm realizing that I got through one year "alone" but this remote camaraderie is making all of the difference and gives me faith that this year will be different. 

Happy Monday from NY,

ARS xx,

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Three Budget Friendly Workouts I Love

Two years ago I was gifted a book that changed the course of my financial mindset for the better. I knew I had to make some big lifestyle changes and the easiest thing to do was to cut out most frivolous costs, including the gym. While I was still able to squeeze in cardio each day during my walks outside, I missed the focus and guidance classes brought to the table (as well as the toned arms). I looked for alternative classes and found about a million free classes on youtube, which is a great resource, but can also be time consuming to sift through. Lucky for me I quickly found three channels I love that offer classes that are both challenging and approachable. I recently splurged and joined The Sculpt Society, I still regularly do workouts on youtube to spice it up. Below are links to the channels and a little bit why I love them. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! 

Yoga With Adrienne

Every year I start out with a month of yoga, guided by Adrienne and her dog Benji. It's a great start way to begin a new year off with intention. Additionally, every month there is a new calendar and youtube playlist if you're into that, which I am. 

Pamela Reif Workouts

These are quick workouts that pack a punch! I love the mix of toning and cardio workouts and the fun music to work out to. I'm also a fan of videos where there isn't much talking - these just have a countdown! 

Grow With Jo

This is another channel that offers a good mix of toning and cardio with great music and minimal talking! I love the positive vibe the instructor has as well as the "walking" workouts. 

Are there any channels I should add to my list?

ARS xx

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Tuesday Thought

 

“I'm not living in the shadows anymore. I want to walk in the sun. But I can't do that without you.”

― Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Glitter Baby

ARS xx

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Pretty Pins for A Good Mood

It's been an especially stressful time in my life, so I was pleasantly surprised by this weekend's positive and relaxing vibe. I did all of my favorite things - shop, have a mini spa night, and just walked about the city. Walking New York is my favorite thing to do and I admit that the pandemic combined with major uptick in crime totally derailed my walking routine. Fall in the city is such a great walking season and I'm determined to enjoy it while I can, because it really does make all the difference for me personally and reminds me why I love the city. I'm trying to take advantage of the weather and time outside while I can because I know winter is coming and I will be bundled up inside for quite a few months. Below are a few pins reminding me to enjoy the brief amount of normalcy while I can. 

Ready for a sunny week,

ARS xx

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Currently...

Making a bunch of freezer meals for the winter. I am a big fan of homemade freezer meals and now is a great time to get a few different soups cooking so I have some hearty winter foods on the ready. This year is supposed to be particularly brutal, so I think I'll be relying on my freezer go-tos more than ever. 

Resigning my lease. I'm not sure what my future in New York looks like, so I'm still holding off on buying property. Resigning my lease feels right for the moment until I'm more confident in what the future holds for me. 

Ordering my Christmas cards early. Last year I missed out on sending out my cards because I procrastinated until it was too late. This year I'm determined to get my cards out and on time. If that means planning months in advance that's fine by me. 

Focusing on my 101 in 1001 list. I am pretty far behind on my list and I want to try to make a big push this fall to get back on track. I'm eager to make some progress on the home front and the professional front. I'm hoping to knock a few of my longer terms goals off my list and want to get in a few quick wins too. Stay tuned for hopefully more updates! 

Taking stock of what I have, what I need, and what I don't need in my apartment. I'm feeling the urge to clean out my apartment in a big way. I started the project a few weeks ago, but this might just be the weekend to finish it!

Taking it one day at a time, 

ARS xx

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Thursday Wisdom

“A well-read woman is a dangerous creature.”

-- Lisa Kleypas

Designer Love: Daphne Wilde

Last year was the year of the housedress (aka the instagram famous "nap dress") and as someone who has been a housedress advocate for quite some time I hopes this trend keeps chugging along. There is something so easy about tossing on a dress and heading out the door. The extra bonus of the housedress is that they can be washed at home - no dry cleaner needed! That being said I'm always on the hunt for a chic new dress to add to my roster and when I recently discovered the company Daphne Wilde I fell in love. Designed to be a house dress, but heavy enough to run and errand or two sans bra, the different silhouettes Daphne Wilde offers has something for everyone. 

Pretty Pins for A September Refresh

This was a blink and you missed it kind of summer, but I'm oddly ok with it. Although summer is my favorite season this one was a bit of a wash. While there were a few highlights, it was too quick and I didn't accomplish a fraction of what I wanted to. I used to dread the "back to school" vibe of late August / early September, but this year I'm excited to start off fresh this fall. I'm talking some small wardrobe and apartment decor upgrades that I've been wanting to make and taking a fresh look at my 101 in 1001 list to help set my intentions and goals for fall. Below are a few pictures inspiring me this week! 

Anyone else ready for a new season?

ARS xx

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Currently...

Trying to get over the news Inslee Farris won't be doing the agenda for Neely and Chloe this year. After Kate Spade stopped producing the adorable artist ones it took years to find a replacement - only for that to disappear as well. 

Waiting for the last season of Lucifer to come out on Netflix! I have mixed feelings about it being the last season, but nevertheless I'm excited for it all the same. 

Taking advantage of the Labor Day sales to stock up all the things I've been meaning to purchase. I completely blew my budget this summer but I am being gentle on myself and preparing for a very frugal fall/winter to get me back on track and set to finish my 101 in 1001 list's emergency fund goal. 

Continuing to organize my apartment. It looks like I am going to resign my lease again, as the apartment search has been unsuccessful so far. Staying in my apartment means I need to organize and edit down a good amount. It's definitely needed and a good project for the fall. 

Working on myself and getting back to "me".  I touched briefly on it in previous posts, but somewhere along the line I feel like I lost the plot in my life. I've slowly but surely been getting back to myself and my roots but it's been a journey and I'm still feeling a bit lost. I know I'll eventually find myself again but it's definitely been a journey. 

Bonne Weekend!

ARS xx

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Staycation Shopping List

This year we have an extended Labor Day weekend and I'm so grateful for it. As I prepare for the busy fall ahead I realize that what I need is not a vacation, but a staycation. I initially was hoping to make it out to Arizona to visit family or down to Palm Beach for a second trip, but ultimately felt staying local was the right thing to do for myself. Even though I just got back from Palm Beach, I'm exhausted and really excited to enjoy a few extra days off at home. I'm already planning treating myself to a few things that will make my staycation feel more luxurious (and cozy for the cooler months that are around the corner). While I wish I could do a staycation on a bigger scale, like at a hotel, I'm just going to savor the time off and make the extra effort to treat myself for the first time in awhile. Below are a few things on my staycation wish list that you might also take some inspiration from. 

Jenni Kayne Throw Blanket + Pillow

(Casual luxe in the best neutrals!)

Eberjey Softest Sweats

(Trooper ate my first pair and I am in dire need of replacing these!)

Oversized Diptyque Candle

(A forever favorite that will last all winter)  

Sakara Life 5 Day Meal Service

(Why not treat yourself to this healthy and delicious meal delivery service so you don't have to cook!?)

Fresh Flowers from Raul Avila

(Pardon me while I jump on any excuse to order flowers from my favorite florist)

Ready for the long weekend,

ARS xx

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