A Stripey Valentine's Day

It's Valentine's Week, everyone! I am saying week because while I did not have enough time to do things like decorate my house, I was thinking about other ways to subtly celebrate and have fun, while doing my best to stick with No Shop February.

Valentine's Week is extra special for me because it is also the week of my dating anniversary with Mel - it will be twenty years on February 12!

Once January was over, I sat down to evaluate why it sucked. Like I said before, it can be sad coming down from the haze and sparkle and excitement of the holidays, and there is nothing on that level to look forward to in January. But February? Valentine's day.

This year, I am actually making Valentine's for Julian's class at playschool, Galentine's for a party I am attending on Saturday, date lunch with Mel on Valentine's Day, and then after mentally going through my closet, realized that I have Valentine's related outfits for the whole week!

Reflections on No Shop January

No Shop January is over and while I didn't quite go cold turkey, it definitely forced me to pause and think back on what I purchase, why I purchase it and what influences me to purchase things.

Wore this sweater to work, weekend and out with my sister to Death & Co. Long term style win, 

even though the purchase happened in January. Earrings are vintage (my mom's from the '80s!)

I am committing to a No Buy February along with some others to help continue developing the habit of not running to a store every time something goes on sale, and definitely trying to take stock of what I have already and coming up with new combinations.

That Colorado Life: Patagonia Jackets

By the end of my first winter in Colorado, I was sprinting across the parking lot at my school in the early mornings without a jacket when it was going to be in the 60s, but my first winter was a fluke. Subsequent winters have proved to be more "typical." It's why I traded in my Subaru Impreza for a Nissan Rogue - with all the snow especially in my neck of the woods, I needed more clearance.

I also needed a good jacket - one that can keep me warm, look stylish, and work with the crazy Colorado temperature swings. And work for outdoor activities as well.

Make it with Michaels: Classic Chinoiserie Style on a Budget

Michaels just came out with their Spring decor lines and one in particular caught my eye! The Indigo collection is blue and white and I am obsessed. What's great is that it makes this style of decor - that classic, preppy look with a bit of a modern twist that is popular these days - accessible and affordable!

Loving these cachepots, and the pricepoint is great. 

No Shop January: Style Update Week 1

I have a confession to make.

During the 75FLASH sale at J.Crew yesterday, I made a purchase. I bought the Beaded Clasp sweater.

But that was it. I was tempted by other things since the prices are so good, but I stuck to what was on my list.

No Shop January Update: Repurposing Decor

All the holiday decor is gone along with this amazing garland I made, and the house felt really empty after we packed it all up! My DIY hands were twitchy as well.

Thanks to Facebook Marketplace, Mel finally acquired the one tool he was eyeing: a table saw. I saw it as an opportunity to make a console/sofa table for our living room, particularly to house my mother's vintage Christmas village.

Mel did make the console table and it fit perfectly under the gallery wall that is between the living and the dining room - the problem was what to do after it once all the decorations were gone. The table was naked!

Holiday Recap: Use Your Fine China

These past two weeks of Winter Break were such a blur! I cannot believe it is the New Year already. I talked the other day about what my theme for the New Year is, but still thinking back to the fun we had over the holidays.

Two out of the three siblings-in-law (and my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who is awesome) came and we had a ski trip planned; since we planned on going up to the mountains for a ski trip on Christmas day, we had Christmas Eve dinner the night before and opened presents then.

I set the table earlier in the day, using the ginger jars for inspiration. Using my ginger jars as part of the holiday decor was so much fun this season, so I definitely wanted to continue that trend, and also use our fine china.

Fancy Feet: Birdies Songbird Slippers

Every year since I was about 29, I have always treated myself to something special for my birthday. The first time I did it was when Kate Spade just came out with their collaboration with Keds, and I got myself some special gold glitter sneakers. Since then, they have come out with so many other colors! I have my eyes on the navy glitter ones in particular.

I love those shoes because they are fun but comfy; I do not wear them on a regular basis, but rather on special occasions: the first day of school (makes me stand out a bit amongst the other teachers since we all have to wear our school shirt), the holidays and when I go out. It's definitely a great alternative to heels, for sure!

 This year, I totally went extra and got myself a pair of the Birdies Songbird Slides in blush velvet with the pom-pom. My friend in the Netherlands gave me a referral code for $20 off and I had heard of them through her and because Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex wore them for a walk in the woods.

Black Friday: For What You Were Planning Already

Black Friday/Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday all run up on my birthday this year, so I stocked up on long-eyed for essentials, but also treated myself a bit too. I mainly was at J.Crew because I've been shopping there for 20 years - I know the fit, the style and with only one J.Crew in my area now, I need to be a bit more watchful with what I purchase. Plus, 50% off regular prices and 60% off sale was such a good deal.

Outside my local JCrew the morning of the Pre-Black Friday event. I LOVE the outfit on the mannequin
(leopard and camel and fun details, oh my!), but had to pass on it, unfortunately. Next time!