Is it spring yet? I know I know... I live in Florida, and it's actually been gorgeous out lately. But we have another cold front moving through soon, and I'm kind of ready for those groundbreaking florals Miranda Priestly was talking about.
I'm also ready for some bold brights again, and fell in love with the sweet peplum ruffles on this dress. It was a total impulse buy while submitting my recent Target Drive-Up order, and I'm not upset about it. At all. I mean it was only $15. We've had some warmer days recently, but with the temps dipping back down again soon I decided to also style it with a denim jacket when it's chillier.
We had a quiet weekend, and tackled some "spring cleaning". We painted the downstairs bathroom a shade of light blue called Seaside to bring some fun colors back into the house (is anyone else over all the white and gray everything?), and I even cleaned the microwave - the microwave guys! Maybe it was the leftover buffalo chicken dip from the Super Bowl that exploded in there or maybe it was because I was "spring cleaning". Either way - it's clean and I'm proud of myself.
I also made heart shaped pancakes for Valentine's Day breakfast, and Lil' Miss and I baked a heart shaped cake for dessert that evening. Strawberry with extra sprinkles of course!
I may be a little late to the game because hello 2nd week of February, but I thought I'd share some of my favorite purchases from January. Some have been total game changers, and others I wonder where they were all my life.
Can we first talk about how much I want this virus that shall not be named to go away and never come back, yet I love love LOVE working from home every day. It's been amazing not rushing out the door each morning, working in loungewear, and having more time with my family. It has been absolutely priceless. Why some people are trying to rush going back into the office is beyond me. It's working so well, and so many people are much happier without the commute and are more productive at home. The fluorescent lighting and incessant chit chat at the office is for the birds! Why it took me over 10 months of working from home to finally purchase a new office chair is another question. Insert this beauty, and yes she's rose gold. I almost went with the chrome, but then realized I would have regretted not going with the rose gold.
This dress which was perfect for brunch al fresco. It was made for french toast and mimosas - if not then it should have been! Now I'm just waiting for another excuse to wear it.
The perfect basic tee and jeans. It had been a WHILE since I picked up a pair of jeans that weren't distressed or had holes in them. As much as I still love my distressed denim, I am also loving the sleek look and fit of this new pair. Plus, they're comfy which is key because other than a dinner out here and there I'm living in athleisure.
New sneaks for Lil' Miss - girlfriend tears up her school sneakers on the playground - she seriously has a talent for it. So a new pair were in order, and she loved that these were sparkly. Another Prime win!
Whenever the day comes again where we hop on a plane and go somewhere fun, I'll be ready with a spinner luggage set in rose gold of course. My husband and I hadn't purchased new luggage since our first big trip together in 2009. It was time. Our old sets racked up a lot of mileage and saw some incredible places around the world, and I can't wait for the new pieces to see even more.
I used to brag about how much an amazing sleeper Lil' Miss was. Other than the first several weeks when she was a newborn which are ROUGH with a capital WOOF - she's been an angel. She started sleeping through the night around 8 weeks, and had been a trooper ever since. She always went to bed and down for a nap without a fight. Fast forward to a few months ago where she started resisting bedtime, and getting up earlier and earlier. Showing up at our door crying or slamming things around in her room. We finally caved, and are trying one of theok to wake clocks. She's excited about it, but still left her room to play in her playroom along with some loud (yet adorable) singing before it was "ok to wake" errrr leave her room. Hoping it begins working better soon. If you've tried this method - has it worked?
Luna (the new pup) has been growing so fast, and she has snapped not 1 but 2 retractable leashes so far. I decided to try out a more heavy duty retractable leash, and I could immediately tell it would hold up better. So far so good! Plus it was $10 off and free shipping on Prime. Another win-win!
Current Score: Luna 2 and Us 1
What were some of your favorite January purchases?
It's no joke out there! I've always been a self-proclaimed germaphob, so this pandemic just furthered my vitamin taking and over zealous handwashing habits - ha! Every little bit helps, and I was excited to try out Rae Immunity Dropswhich have a great blend of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Zinc - three of our best friends forever and always. I add a dropper into some sparkling water, and enjoy a glass mid-afternoon before cooking dinner.
Convenience is key - I happily added the drops to my recent Target Drive-Up order and was also able to apply a 15% off Cartwheel discount. Not only did I not have to go inside the store, but also enjoyed some extra savings.
Hello February! January felt like the longest yet quickest month ever, if that makes any sense. It dragged on for what seemed like forever, but I'm also astonished that we are entering a new month. I met up with a few girlfriends at a new to us brunch spot downtown, and we enjoyed amazing bites, mimosas, live music, and fresh air on their gorgeous outdoor terrace. Have I mentioned lately how much I love living in Florida? The weather was perfection in the low 70's and not a cloud in the sky - perfect day for brunch al fresco.
It was the first time in a looooong time that I got dressed up, and it was the perfect excuse to break out this pretty number(which is Prime eligible!) for brunch with the girls. I have a feeling it'll be seeing more brunches and dinners in the future.
I mentioned in Monday's post how I've been close to burnout mode, which is why I'm just catching up on recapping the whirlwind event weekend that was almost two weeks ago now. Just as we did last fall, we were on site at a venue, shot the event on a pretty epic looking stage, but streamed it virtually around the globe instead of having a live audience. These events are so much fun to work at, but they are usually throughout the weekend which takes me away from my little family.
My days usually start pretty early, I eat breakfast and have coffee while trying to get work done in my hotel room before running over to the venue to work all day. When I return to my hotel in the evening, I'm sifting through content and working on posts for the evening and the next morning. I literally am working from the moment I get up until my head hits the pillow, and even then messages may come through that I need to attend to. It's A LOT, but call me strange - I love it.
This time, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency across from the convention center, and I enjoyed the brisk walk back and forth even though it was super chilly. As beautiful as their pools are, I was dumbfounded by the tourists swimming in the pool at night. It dropped to 39 one night, and even though the pools are heated it was NOT swimming weather. The hot tub would be the more optimal choice - ha!
Wearing all black from head to toe with coffee in hand is my work event uniform. The Spanx Faux Leather Leggings truly are a holy grail item, and are insanely comfy to run around in all day.
The Marc Jacobs Luggage Tote bag I treated myself to at the beginning of the pandemic (you know - back when we all thought we would be home for a couple weeks) comes in handy. I fit everything I need in there for the day including my laptop, mouse, and charger.
I went live on Instagram for the first time ever on my personal page, and as nerve-wracking as it was I now don't know why I haven't done it more. It was a great glimpse into what I do, and part of who I really am since I truly enjoy it. It took a lot of crappy jobs to get to doing what I love and it was worth it.
I took everyone behind the scenes, and explained what it's like to work at one of these events especially during COVID. The biggest difference is we are no longer flying all over the world, and working in arenas with thousands of people in the crowd. Instead, we are filming on a stage and streaming it globally with simultaneous translations in other languages. Everyone on-site has to submit a negative COVID test, wear a mask, and we have daily temperature checks and other various protocols in place to keep us all safe.
Did you like this small glimpse into what I do for work? I try to keep details off the internet and social media, but think it's fun to take a peak behind the curtain. We spend so much time working and thinking about work that it truly is a huge part of who we are. Which is why it's so important to be happy - never ever settle. The right fit is out there, I promise!
I'm a huge fan of basic pieces that are dressed up a little by a fun pair of heels or pretty accessories. I recently paired my white tee and jeans look with a leopard clutch and stackable rings, and may just need to make it my new weekend uniform. Also, I think this is the first pair of jeans I've purchased in a very long time that didn't have holes in them. I still love my distressed denim, but it was refreshing to whip out a new pair that has more of a finished look.
We headed over to F&D Kitchenfor dinner and bottomless mimosas - I'm always won over by a place that offers this option aside from just at brunch. We sat outside on their beautiful patio with views of the nearby fountain and lush vegetation (have I mentioned lately how much I love living in Florida?!), and I only needed a light sweater.
After working all last weekend on site for a virtual event, it was nice to relax and spend time with those who matter most. Add fresh air and bubbles, and it was just what I needed to unplug. I truly love what I do, but have been feeling lately like my brain is always ON. Between my full time career, a freelance side hustle, being a momma to my sweet girl, a wife, a good friend, sister, daughter, etc... and then add on this blog on my tiny slice of the internet and I get burnt out. Unplugging is necessary and good for the soul.
After dinner, we went for a nice walk and headed home to relax with Disney+. Have you heard? We finally joined 2020... errr in 2021 and signed up for Disney+. We are 3 episodes into The Mandalorian, and I have Hamilton and all the old Mickey cartoons on my list. I am all about the old Disney movies and cartoon shorts. Bring on the nostalgia!
Pop Fizz Clink is the official sound of the weekend!
**This blog post is in collaboration with Responsival, however all opinions are my own.
I'm VERY much looking forward to yoga with the work fam over Zoom tomorrow. It's time to step back, take a deep breath, and set new intentions. Last week was a rough one folks - on top of the awful acts that went down at our nation's capitol I was also insanely stressed at work and in my personal life as we await some test results on a family member. Social media has become such a place of hate and judgement. I saw a lot of polls that people held where people felt they were damned if they do and damned if they don't. It's incredibly important to get the word out for real change and healing in our beautiful nation. However, I do not for one second judge those who choose to sign off for a while and not fill up their cup with stress and hate. We all cope in different ways, and need this time to heal. I do judge those who act as if nothing is happening and continue posting about $500 dresses that you just "have to have" right now. Yep... major side-eye. Read the room people.
Let's try to start this fresh new week feeling a little less anxious, and filled with hope. Thankfully, a small handful of our population does not represent the majority of us. Most people are saddened by last week's events and ready to move forward towards much needed healing. No matter what side you are on, we are all looking forward to much needed peace. And I'd like to take a look at the good things that have happened so far in this brand new year.
But first coffee is always my motto (unless it's Champs of course), and when I tried to spread some positivity on the 'gram the other day I asked people to tell me something GOOD. Christine responded saying she just tried the new Pistachio Latte at Starbucks and it was amazing. I of course, picked one up the next morning before tackling housework and it was delish! So good, my bestie decided to cash in her birthday reward on one and loved it too.
I've been self-isolating at home as we prepare for a big work event this weekend. We are filming it on a stage, but streaming it around the world since we won't have a live physical audience. With all the time at home means all the comfort. Ain't nobody got time for jeans or bras... or makeup for that matter - ha! Other than walks outside with Lil' Miss and the pup, I've been cozied up inside in these slippers which keep my notoriously cold feet nice and toasty.
And alas - the lighting in my room just is what it is. These were taken when the sun was shining bright outside, both bedside table lamps on AND using the ring light tripod my mom sent me for Christmas. I'm a dunce at photo editing (everything you always see is un-touched), so this is life. Along with cords hanging from the tv on the wall, and paint chips in the background as we prepare to re-paint and brighten up our space.
Slippers and good coffee, a negative COVID test for above mentioned work event, re-organizing closets as we put away the Christmas decor, and tomorrow's Zoom yoga class. All very good things in addition to the obvious amazing things like family, friends, remaining employed with the ability to work from home during this time, and our sweet girl. I'm focusing on that, cheers to a great week!
After ringing in 2021, we headed out last weekend to enjoy the remnants of the holiday season by taking Lil' Miss to see the Christmas lights on the town green before they're taken down. We both sported some of our new pieces from our shopping trip to Nordstrom Rack, and she was a dancing machine to the music that was set to the lights. I'm truly going to miss this magical time of year, but am ready for what 2021 is going to bring.
Happy New Year! As busy as I was during my staycation between Christmas and New Year's Day, I am happy to report that I feel refreshed and ready to head into the new year. I do not believe that all our problems from 2020 will magically go away, not even anytime soon but there is hope. I do believe that things will gradually get better, and we will get through this.
I have a positive spirit, as we head into another big work event in a few weeks. This one will also be filmed on a stage, and streamed to everyone around the world instead of an actual live audience. I'm really hoping that by the time we get to our annual world tour in the fall, that things will be much better. Always be positive.
Staycation consisted of brunch with "framily", margaritas on the patio of our favorite local spot, eating leftover Christmas cookies, starting Bloodline on Netflix (already hooked - SO good!), and we rang in the New Year outside by the firepit with one of H's friends who lives nearby over drinks and games. The free firework displays from neighbors were also an invited bonus.
We had a jam-packed staycation week with a trip to the playground, a mommy and me shopping trip, lots of bike rides around the neighborhood on her new big girl bike from Santa, and a cleaning at the dentist for Lil' Miss. She was a trooper, and was super excited for her new Mickey toothbrush and toothpaste.
We headed to Nordstrom Rack armed with a gift card, and she picked out a new top and I also chose the most darling chambray ruffled dress for her while treating myself to new Zella athleisure pieces and a reversible belt. After our shopping trip, we stopped for a donut which I think was the highlight of her day! Mine too if we're being honest - ha!
