My Monthly Edit

PLANNING
Many of you have asked if I’ll be doing another shopping freeze this winter and I’ve decided that rather than halting all purchases completely, I plan to only allow myself to buy items that I know will carry me into next season.  Even though spring is a long way off, I’m starting to look for soft neutrals & lighter hues that I can wear in February & March when burgundy & tartan plaids tend to feel out of place.  I’ve currently got my eye on this tweed jacket, this bobble sweater, this striped pullover & these twill pants.

TRYING
I’m always hesitant to try new skincare products due to my sensitive skin…but I kept hearing such amazing things about this brand, so I was thrilled when they reached out & offered to send me some samples from their line.  They use probiotics as the foundation for all their products & everything is free from phthalates, parabens, petroleum, gluten & mineral oil.  I’m still in the process of testing out what they sent me, but this exfoliating mask was an instant favorite – you only have to leave it on for 5 minutes and the results are incredible!  They’ve graciously offered a 20% off discount for my readers – just use code PPF20 at checkout (excludes sale & auto-delivery items).

LOVING
When my parents were staying with us, I enlisted my mom to help me do some updating around our house.  She has an incredible eye for home decorating and we desperately needed to make a few changes.  I chose to focus on swapping out dated accessories for more modern pieces, adding new wall decor & bulking up our storage solutions.  I still have more to do, but I’ll be sharing a sneak peek of my progress on Instastories soon!  I bought these textured throw pillows, this knit blanket, this wall organizer & these woven baskets – love that there’s a lid so you don’t have to see the contents (great for kids’ toys, pet accessories or winter gear).

CRAVING
Pink is one of the hottest colors for spring and I couldn’t be happier about it – I plan on incorporating it into my wardrobe by adding a few key pieces & toning down the girly factor by pairing it with moody grays & warm taupes.  Not a fan of this ultra-feminine hue?  Try adding it in the form of accessories like these blush loafers or this cylinder bag.  More pink accessories to try: here, here, here & here.

MAKING
For the last two months, when my parents were staying with us, I pretty much threw my regular routine out the window completely.  I skipped the gym, drank wine with my mom & indulged in a few too many holiday treats – as a result, I gained some unwanted pounds, which was totally worth it…but I also started noticing my Lupus symptoms getting worse.  Now that it’s a new year, I’m anxious to get back to my healthy habits & I’m starting by taking a collagen supplement daily – this one is on the pricey side, but it helps my joint pain so much.  I like to add it to a smoothie (great for breakfast or as a post-workout snack).  This blueberry layered smoothie is a new favorite and, thanks to the healthy fats, it keeps me full for hours!

WEARING
Living in upstate New York, gloves are an essential winter accessory – but, up until now, I’ve really only bought knit or cashmere options, which are more for style than they are for warmth.  So, I was in need of a substantial pair that would actually protect my hands from the subzero temperatures we’ve been experiencing.  One of my girlfriends told me about these gloves and, even though they are more than I’d normally spend, I’ve found them to be worth every penny!  I like that they have a knit back & leather front (perfect for driving) and that they have touch technology built in so I don’t have to take them off to use my phone.  I loved them so much that I ended up buying a black pair too – see similar affordable options here, here & here.