2023 Vision Board Inspiration

It's just about that time of year where I start building my vision board for the year ahead. I'm signing up for Gabby Bernstein's manifestation challenge and a vision board feels like the perfect compliment to this. I typically focus my vision board on a three main aspects of my life - lifestyle, home, and relationships. This year I'm going to try something different and combine it all into one board! I may end up reverting back to my usual format, but why not try something new this year? Below are a few images inspiring me as I think about what I want for the year ahead. 

How is it only Wednesday?

ARS xx

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Tuesday Thought

 

"What better way to honor our loved ones, past and present, than to reach out and change a life for the better? And, the holidays are a perfect time to look outside of ourselves and be a true friend. A legacy of generosity can create memories that reverberate beyond the moment and outshine the brightest of heirloom ornaments." — Joanne Huist Smith

I hope this inspires you this Giving Tuesday,

ARS xx

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Pretty Pins for Holiday Season Scrambling

Was it just me or was anyone else overwhelmed by all of sales last week and what looks like this week? I scrambled to pull together gift ideas and place my orders. I'm a bit anxious because I should have gotten all of my shopping done, but I don't want to spend more than I can afford. I also want to be thoughtful about my gift giving and buy things everyone will want! This Christmas season is already a scramble and it isn't even December yet. Here's to hoping the big rush is over soon and I'll be able to celebrate the season with friends without the pressure of getting gifts together. Below are a few images inspiring me as I finish my shopping up.  

Ready for the week,

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Currently...

Scheduling all of my doctor appointments for December. Unlike almost anyone else I know, I love going to the doctor and catching up on all of my health questions and just getting a general check up. I'm planning on booking all of my doctor appointments for right after Christmas! 

Wishing I was spending time with family! As much of a drag traveling can be, family times makes it all worthwhile. Our family loves to play games together - we even had a weekly game night with all cousins who lived in the city! Unfortunately I didn't make it home this trip, but I'm eager for future celebrations where I can spend quality time with family. 

Focusing on my fitness game! I'm eager to get back to my old body and I'm definitely on track but it's going much slower than I thought. I'm planning on treating myself to some new workout clothes and carve out time to make healthy meal plans for the week. 

Shopping for Christmas gifts all weekend! I am hoping to get almost all of my shopping done this weekend. It's an ambitious goal, but I think it can be done! 

Missing my florist friends and the flower district this week! I realize now how spoiled I was by my access to the best florists in the city and how close I was to places like the Dutch Flower Line. After a frustrating last minute scramble to find flowers for my sad Thanksgiving I gave up and went with the flow. Noted for next time! 

TGIF,

ARS xx

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Thanksgiving Day

 

"Grateful for each hand we hold gathered round this table. From far and near we travel home, blessed that we are able. Grateful for this sheltered place with light in every window, saying, 'Welcome, welcome, share this feast, come in away from sorrow.' Father, mother, daughter, son, neighbor, friend and friendless; all together everyone in the gift of loving-kindness. Grateful for what's understood, and all that is forgiven; we try so hard to be good, to lead a life worth living. Father, mother, daughter, son, neighbor, friend, and friendless; all together everyone, let grateful days be endless. Grateful for each hand we hold gathered round this table." — Mary Chapin Carpenter

Thankful for so much,

ARS xx

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November Wishlist

Every year I complain about having to write a Christmas list, but my family demands it every year. I'm not complaining, but I never really know what I want and frankly I feel a little old to be asking for things. This week I'm rounding up what I want to buy on each of the dedicated shopping days! I'm always hesitant to write about post-holiday shopping, especially because I Christmas shop throughout the year, but I think it's worth sharing my ideas for each day. 

Black Friday: I hate black Friday. I feel like this should be a day dedicated to families and resting, not shopping. That being said, I do love that Barnes and Noble sells many signed books as their deal and it's just so great. I never know what books they will have on offer, but I would LOVE to get a signed copy of Ina Garten's newest book! 

Small Business Saturday: I don't know which small businesses will be participating this year, but I have a long long list of ones I would like to support. I personally would love to get something from Farmhouse Pottery or another chic made in America company. 

Cyber Monday: I'm so excited Molly Moorkamp is having a 30% off sale - you can bet I will be participating! I have shared my love for her clothes too many times to count. Regardless, I may just need to pick something up for my Mom or sister. 

Giving Tuesday: There are so many wonderful charities that I can't pick just one to highlight. I strongly encourage you to pick a charity and donate on Giving Tuesday, as a number of charities get a match! If you're looking for inspiration, I did a philanthropy spotlight with many wonderful charities, many of which I've been involved with personally, at the beginning of Covid and I encourage you to read about it here.  

Enjoy your Thanksgiving,

ARS xx

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Tuesday Thought

 

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” —Anthony Robbins

Celebrating and showing my gratitude as best I can,

ARS xx

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Pretty Pins for Gratitude

This year I have a lot to be thankful for. I have my health, a loyal family, wonderful friends, the best followers, and I'm living in paradise doing what I love. As we kickoff this holiday season with Thanksgiving I wanted to take a moment to express the gratitude I have for everything in my life. I've always felt grateful and lucky, but this year I'm feeling it more than ever! When I get back to Palm Beach I plan to re-starting my gratitude journal and really celebrate everything happening in my life. Below are a few pins inspiring me as I share my gratitude with everyone!

Thankful for you all,

ARS xx

F O L L O W 

Currently...

 

Figuring out my trip home! I was supposed to fly home Sunday morning, but in true classic fashion I was exposed to covid. I'm not making it out Sunday, but I'm hoping I will be able to fly out by Thanksgiving. 

Missing my reformer pilates sessions already! I'm taking a short break regardless if I head up North or not, but I'll be doing The Sculpt Society while on the go. I don't want to lose momentum and frankly, I really value my time working out. 

Collecting reusable cleaning supplies. I'm gravitating more and more towards old fashioned supplies that is reusable. With prices rising everywhere all I can thing of is quality over quantity and to learn from what worked in the past - a lot of it is surprisingly cost effective too!  

Brushing off my party dresses! I'm so excited to start socializing again. It means making more friends, dressing up and fun-filled weekends. 

Searching for the perfect Christmas card! Last year I fell behind and missed the boat on Christmas cards, but this year I'm determined to get them out. I'm officially on the hunt and ordering them early. 

Weekend ready,

ARS xx

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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

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My Thoughts on Hot Yoga

When I took my first hot yoga class a month ago I had no idea what I was getting into. I was nervous, excited and just a bit intimidated. Luckily I had a great friend by my side and the courage to just go for it - worst case I would just lie there, right? After that class I was addicted. I felt energized and inspired and ultimately signed up for a full month of classes. Since starting, I'm able to get deeper into poses and work up a sweat that I didn't realize my body craved. I'm really enjoying my reformer pilates classes, so I may not do a full monthly signup again, but I'll definitely be continuing the classes I liked. My advice to anyone wanting to try it is bring water, a towel for your mat, and a can-do attitude! 

See you on the mat,

ARS xx

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Tuesday Thought

 

“Without a mission statement, you may get to the top of the ladder and then realize it was leaning against the wrong building!” ― Dave Ramsey

ARS xx

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Pretty Pins for Busy Season

The end of the year always feels like a marathon and this year feels especially chaotic. This is the last week before the holiday storm hits! I'm heading home to celebrate Thanksgiving, but I'm also squeezing in doctor appointments, catch ups with friends, and coordinating two moves - yikes! When I get back to Palm Beach I'll be hitting the ground running at work and won't stop until a well earned Christmas break. It's all good things that are happening, but even good things can be tiresome. I'll need to prioritize self care and make sure I pencil in time for myself. 

Hitting the ground running this week,

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Currently...

Trying not to cry over the destruction of my favorite Molly Moorkamp wool Daphne sweater. I should have known not to have a wool sweater dry cleaned in Florida, but I did and am suffering the consequences! It was an expensive lesson to learn, but I learned it and that is that. 

Starting to budget for the holidays! I have a long list of people to shop for and a very small budget. This means I'll be thinking out of the box for different gifts and will hopefully be all squared away well before Christmas! 

Pulling outfit inspiration for the next few months! There is nothing more fun than festive outfits and this year has me craving all things slinky and sparkly. 

Praying for anyone impacted by Hurricane Nicole! I'm feeling very fortunate that it was a minor hurricane with minimal impact in my neighborhood. This was my first true hurricane as a Floridian and while I felt prepared from the last false alarm, I still was very uneasy leading up to it. Turns out I slept through the whole storm! 

Getting the house ready for guests! Next week I have a few friends flying into town, sadly for a funeral, but I'm going to try to make the stay as comfortable and as possible. 

Weekend ready after this week!

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

Hurricane Prep Round 2!

 

Maybe I spoke too soon after I said I wouldn't be taking a pause from blogging! I didn't realize until yesterday evening we were under hurricane watch. Needless to say, it's been a mad scramble to get ready for the impending storm. I'm lucky that I still have most of my supplies from the last scare so it was just a matter of picking up some fresh food and moving some furniture around. I'm praying for anyone impacted by the storm and am hoping everyone stays safe.

Why does it feel like Friday already?

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Tuesday Thought

 

"Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters." - Abraham Lincoln

ARS xx

F O L L O W

Pretty Pins for A Busy Month Ahead

When I wrote about taking a pause last week, I didn't mean a pause from blogging but the internet providers had another thought! Taking a writing break worked out for the best, but I am eager to get back on track. The next month is going to be a whirlwind, so I need to plan out days to relax and recharge. I've never been a social butterfly so as season ramps up it's important to make sure I don't burn out. It's easy for me to get anxious and freeze up, so I'm trying to balance out my social life with times of peace. Below are a few pins inspiring me to prioritize myself in these busy moments. 

Already counting the days down to Friday,

ARS xx

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