5 things I'm thinking about this week

I just had to google “what’s the opposite of daylight saving time?”. Standard time is only the time that more than 60% of the world uses. #facepalm

As I was leaving Sunday dinner last night, it dawned on me that this was the last time for awhile that I’ll be leaving in the dark. Six-thirty sunsets will soon become seven-thirty, and I’m excited to feel like I have more time in the day starting soon.

In case you’re (not) curious, I did not end up buying the necklace I had my eye on last week with my Jenny Bird coupon. I did stick with the mixed metals theme and picked up the 70’s Wave Hoops, above. They’re chunky, yet modern, and I love that you can choose between featuring gold or silver by switching up what ear you put them in. I’ve even seen Jenny herself wear them backwards, all these options make me pretty happy with my purchase.

Speaking of new things, here are 5 of them that I’m thinking about this week.

1. Onitsuka Tiger Shoes: I didn’t end up getting the Hoka’s I mentioned last week. The $10 shipping was a huge turnoff, and I found a pair of Nike’s on winter clearance from Dick’s that I splurged on. But speaking of sneakers, Meg Stratchan mentioned these Onituska ones in her Harper’s Bazaar profile, and consider me influenced. Given how quickly Adidas Samba’s are aging, these seem like the perfect, light summer sneaker. Now to choose, black or white?

2. Lancome Tonique Confort Re-Hydrating Comforting Toner: this has been on my vanity all winter, and I swear it’s one of the only things keeping my skin from drying out. A little goes a long way, this toner has a milky texture that instantly re-hydrates, without leaving skin icky, and I love that it’s alcohol-free. I pour a small drop in my hands and pat on my face, its the perfect start to my morning skincare routine.

3. Saarinen Dining Table: I am on an investment furniture buying freeze until I solidify a more permanent housing situation, but man if I had the space, I know exactly what I’d buy: a Saarinen Dining Table. I’ve been dreaming for years about one the smaller rounds in a sunny breakfast nook, or one of the oval shapes turning a formal dining room super modern. I blame DWR’s Semi-Annual Sale for reminding me of my wanderlust, they’re even offering free shipping! Someday….

4. West Elm Beatrix Table Lamp: while I can’t( won’t) splurge on furniture right now, I can continue to refine my entry way console and purchase decor and I think this lamp might make the shortlist. It’s footprint is super small, and I love how a super traditional linen shade looks modern with its smaller shape juxtaposed with the lamps slim profile. The height is perfect too, it’s tall enough to balance out a large piece of artwork on the other side of the console.

5. ela x Sasha Exeter Frame Clutch: ever since this collab dropped I’ve been eyeing this clutch. I love how oversized it is, it’s perfect. I don’t think I’d carry this with the shoulder strap, but love the option, instead I’m obsessed with the hinge and how much stuff this can hold. Even better? This is a Canadian brand and I love to buy Canadian whenever I can.

What I'm looking forward to this March

Looking back on February, it seemed a lot more eventful than I anticipated. At one point I found myself asking “is mercury in retrograde?” (it wasn’t), as February threw a bunch more curveballs my way than I expected. “Good” curveballs included some events at work and a surprisingly mild month (outdoor walks saved my anxiety), while some of the “bad” curveballs also included some work events and some unanticipated repairs needed to my home. I don’t know about you, but when my work life and home life are unstable at the same time, it throws me off my equilibrium. 

I’m looking ahead and putting this month behind me - and looking forward to all of these things for March.

1. The Killers Concert: I’m so freaking excited for this show this month. The Killers are one of my favourite bands and I can’t wait to dance and sing my face off at their concert later this month.

2. Daylight Savings: the daylight after I come home from work does wonders for my psyche, decompressing after I get home with a walk outside helps me reset my equilibrium. I’m so excited for this to be permanent in a week.

3. School Spring Breaks: everything slows down in our office during Spring Break season, and I’m excited to get some “heads down” time to tackle some of the big ideas I’m been brainstorming and plow through my to-do list. 

4. Ted Lasso Season 3: FINALLY my favourite tv show is back! I already have it on my calendar. 

5. Daffodils: my favourite flower starts blooming this month and Trader Joe’s has them for CHEAP. I love the pop of yellow they bring to my home, a true sign of spring. 

5 Things I'm thinking about this week

One of my favourite Sunday reads is “Hi Everyone with Hillary Kerr”. Hillary has been a trusted fashion editor for years, one whose recommendations I’ve grown to love and trust over the years. Her newsletter this past Sunday titled “5 Things You Should Read, Shop, Watch, Try, and Make Right Now” inspired me to write my own version this week.

My take is probably going to be a little more window shopping, and a little less buying and reviewing; I’m very much in a less-consumption, more-decluttering state right now. But sharing inspirations and ideas never hurt anyone, so lets see where this goes!

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1. Lawless Lip Plumping Line-Smoothing Tinted Lip Balm: in a world full of matte lipsticks, I’m a tinted lip balm. The colours on these new Lawless ones look gorgeous, I especially have my eye on Lover. And the lip-plumping benefits are chef’s kiss, who doesn’t love your lips but better? The best part? They’re a Hillary rec, so I might as well “add to cart” right now.

2. Daisy Jones & The Six: the hype on this show seems to be everywhere, so I really hope that it’s good. From fashion, to beauty, to music, it seems everyone has thier eye on this miniseries to shape our tastes and culture this Spring. I do love me a musical tv show, so I think I’m going to have to check this one out this Friday.

3. By Malene Birger Vannah Scarf: I can NOT get this scarf out of my head. I’ve been eyeing since the after-Christmas sales and I just might have to pull the trigger. I love how long and cozy it is, and it’s got a substantial weight to it too. I’m also not convinced that we’re not done with winter here, and I want to upgrade my scarf game, so maybe its time to make her mine?

4. HOKA Clifton 8 Running Shoe: I think I really need a new pair of running shoes. Achy knees after longer walks on the weekend sure aren’t sexy, so I think I might be time to upgrade my shoe game. I’ve heard great things about HOKA’s and these are on sale

5. Jenny Bird Sofia Choker: I have a 20% off coupon to JB that expires at the end of the month, and I really think I might use it on this necklace. I’ve been mixing metals in my outfits a lot more lately, and I love how this choker lets you choose one metal or the other, or both! Stay tuned.

What I'm looking forward to this February

I’m a few days late on here, but I’m holding myself accountable to look towards the positive for our new month. Reflecting back for a moment on January…

Six on Tour was AMAZING. Full of girl power and cast that oozed charisma, it was 80 minutes of fun, and the soundtrack is constantly streaming in my home. My Apple watch challenge for January was 17 outdoor walks and I managed to complete it! The fresh air and sunshine was a godsend for my mental health to kick off the new year. And we really lucked out with some mild weather (which I never thought I’d be grateful for!). I know we won’t get this lucky in February. The one thing I didn’t get to in January was soup! But I’m looking forward to digging into my cookbooks this month, or maybe try one of these.

1. Our Blooming Youth. I’ll always make time for a new Park Hyung-Sik drama, especially if its a romance! This will be the perfect cozy treat during the week.

2. All the rom coms! I’m not as pumped for the Superbowl or the Grammy’s as I have been in years past, but what I am pumped for is all the rom-coms that release this month. I love the frothy escape they provide and I’m especially excited for the Reese/Ashton one.

3. 6pm sunsets. Give me all the daylight! The perks of being on the west side of EST is our late sunsets. Soon I’ll be able to get in more walks after work as the sun sets later, and I can’t wait. soon i’ll get more walk after works.

4. Retreat Fashion. It’s corporate retreat month at my job. These days have a tendency to be a lot for my introverted self, but the one positive they do offer is a chance to play with fashion. Playing with a more relaxed silhouette sounds fund, and I’m excited to see what I come up with.

5. A day off! Speaking of said retreats - I’m treating myself to a day off shortly after one of them. I’m excited to decompress, maybe catch up with a friend, and have a well-deserved ME day.

6. Valentine’s Day Candy - on my unofficial candy rankings, Valentine’s Day candy comes in at a solid #2. Easter, of course, is number one, (mini-eggs, DUH), but the plethora of dark chocolate the Valentine’s Day brings to the table is second to none. Isn’t dark chocolate the kind that’s good for you too?

What I'm looking forward to this January

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Intentions. Resolutions. Goals. Whatever.

In year’s past I’ve waltzed into the New Year with grandiose plans to try new things. Sometimes these things have worked, other times they’ve been derailed by me, by external forces, and even a global pandemic.

This year I’m taking a new approach. Instead of tackling a year full of (unattainable) goals, instead I’m going to attempt something much more positive. Writing down a handful of things I’m looking forward to monthly. From upcoming events, to new tv shows, to even rest and relaxation, creating the habit of a monthly check-in sounds a lot more feasible to me, and a lot less stressful.

Here’s what I’m looking forward to this January:

• SIX! I wavered this year on getting Broadway in Columbus season tickets again, but this is the show that ultimately triggered my renewal. I can’t wait to finally see it.

• A Haircut. I was lucky enough to snag a hair appointment with my stylist for early January during my Boxing Week Break and I couldn’t be more exited. There’s nothing like starting the new year with a fresh trim.

• Winter Outdoor Walks. I love cold weather walks. The crisp air and frigid temps put a huge spring in my step, and the faster pace puts a huge smile on my face. As good as these walks are for my physical health, these winter ones are even better for my mental health.

• Fresh planners and calendars. I love the smell of fresh school supplies - new notebooks and planners were one of my favourite things about going back to school each fall. The New Year is now my return to school, and I’m looking forward to the blank slate new planners and calendars provide.

• Sunsets Getting Later. I’ve never been an early riser, I’ve tried and failed miserably 700 bazillion times to be one. But the one thing I do look forward to every January is the sun setting later. The race to get home before its dark isn’t as rushed, and often gives me the opportunity to spend a little bit more time outside.

• Soup Season! I love soup. It’s cozy, filling and warm and the perfect meal when its cold. I’m excited dig out my dutch over and cook some of my old faves (this one, this one) and try out a few new recipes as well.

• No-pressure evenings. After the craziness of the holiday season, I’m looking forward to cozy evenings on the couch this month. A cup of tea, a warm blanket, and a good book or tv show sound like the perfect low-key evening for this month.