This & That for February
I absolutely love to create a βThis & Thatβ post because it gives me time to really look around and find things that Iβm interested in and share them with you! I have been so wrapped up in our little Archie and in the renovation thatβs going on that I really havenβt taken much time to do anything but that and work. No time to fill my cup really but I know we all go through seasons like that.
Iβve had my nose to the grindstone just trying to stay sane because everything I own is scattered about and doesnβt have a home right now. Weβve been living like this since August and itβs probably gotten to me more than I have let on. I have to stop periodically and realize that there is an end in sight and I am so blessed to be able to renovate, but itβs been hard.
Having an organized home is very important for my mental health and I feel as if I havenβt really been myself for a little while. I havenβt been meditating as much or reading or working out for that matter and Iβm really trying to get back to it.
βClutter and mess in your home can trigger your brain to feel unsafe, pushing your body into a chronic fight or flight mode, leading to unnecessary emotional responses and increased stress levels. Organizing your space can signal to your brain that your environment is safe, which allows your body to rest and restore.β ~From Flourish
If you want to read more about the importance of an organized homeβ¦this is one of the best articles Iβve ever read.
In anticipation of my closet being finished, Iβve just ordered these items so that Iβll have a place for everything! Iβve decided Iβm going through every single thing I own and not keeping anything thatβs not useful or that I love. Iβll be doing a huge blog post as soon as possible as well as a YouTube video so stay tuned!
Iβm so ready for summer and warmer weather so I can take the dogs on long walks and just meander and think along the way. Iβm not a winter time girl, especially when I canβt cozy up and rest andβ¦between working and trying to keep the house somewhat clean, resting hasnβt been much of an option!
I have a night time routineβ¦clean the floors from all the dust and mess and then fall into bed exhausted. I just have to tell myself that it will all be over soon and find daily gratitude for the small things!
Speaking of gratitude and long walks, have you seen the Instagram account This Morning Walk? It goes along with the This Morning Walk Podcast. Itβs an inspiring account that I think you would truly enjoy!
This & That
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This & That γ°οΈ
Youβll enjoy this recipe for Valentineβs Day Ganache Chocolate Truffles from Her Modern Kitchenβ¦theyβre so pretty and the recipe sounds very easy! Maybe Iβll find time to make a few tomorrow!
And if youβre feeling a little more adventurous, this Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry Swirl looks absolutely scrumptuous!
My mind has definitely been thinking about faraway destinations because getting out of town and away from the clutter seems like a good idea right now. Last night I discovered a blog about everything French and went down a rabbit holeβ¦itβs called Frenchly and if you love the French culture, youβll love it. It probably wonβt surprise you that I particularly loved the food section! Baldy and I have been talking about taking a trip to France for several years now because heβs never been, but itβs been so hard to get away between his job and family obligationsβ¦but weβll get there! Below is a picture of me taken in Provence in October 2019β¦just before the pandemic (I still have and wear that blouse)!
When we do finally make it to France and spend a little time in Parisβ¦I want to stay here!
The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy (Christina also wrote The Last Thing He Told Me which I loved) is an engrossing story of a couple who flee winter in the Midwest for Palm Springs, where they find their relationship at a crossroads. Sounds like a good book to get lost in!
The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy
Amazon $26
Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors and Magic Hour is said to be one of her most compelling novelsβ¦an incandescent story about the resilience of the human spirit, the triumph of hope, and the meaning of home.
Amazon $10
These items from Amazon are things Iβve ordered, or things that are in my shopping cart! Iβm finding that with the way my life is right now (Iβm constantly taking out a dog or cleaning the floor), I just need inexpensive and comfortable, yet still stylish items to wear everyday. It feels good to look nice and not have to worry too much about what Iβm wearing.
I ordered the brown sweater (pictured) in grey and love it so much that Iβm ordering it the brown as well. The color of the blue sweater pictured is so beautiful and it would be great to brighten up a dreary February day! The jeans are Leviβs that Iβve had my eye on for a while and I own the gold earrings and wear them often. The fitted tank is a great layering piece for now and will also be good on its own as the weather gets warmer. I love the length of the Chanel(ish) blazer and how can I resist the cozy cream henley sweater. And lastly, I own the Mary Janes in brown and am trying to decide which color to order nextβ¦there are so many to choose from! You can shop all of these items here!
And finally, you might enjoy this article on Jenna Lyonsβ¦such an interesting woman and fashion icon!
J. Crew New Arrivals!
Let me know what you think of this postβ¦more like this? Leave a comment in the comment box!
Thanks so much for reading today!
~XOXO Suzanne