READING
One of the rules we have in our family is to write thank you notes for Christmas & birthday presents – our kids have come to expect this & they know it’s a non-negotiable task. It was something my parents placed a big emphasis on and it taught me a valuable lesson that I carried with me into adulthood. Lately I’ve been thinking about the importance of expressing thanks for less tangible things in my day-to-day life. This brief article is a great reminder that it only takes a few moments out of your busy schedule to practice gratitude. I want to be the kind of person who never takes kindness for granted & I’ve found that the more aware I am of the things that have been given to me or done for me, the easier it is to be joyful & content.
LOVING
I recently read a raving review of this dry shampoo in one of my fashion magazines, so when I came across a travel-size bottle during a trip to ULTA last month, I decided it was the perfect way to test it out (there’s nothing worse than buying a large amount of a new product to find out later you don’t love it). Not only does it work wonders to absorb oil, as promised, but it doesn’t leave that dry flaky residue like so many other formulas I’ve tried + the scent is heavenly! I’ve since gone back for the full size version & use it religiously every week. Though it is pricier than the drugstore brand I was previously using, it’s worth it to me to have found something that works so well to extend my blowouts.
THINKING
After 5 years of blogging, it’s natural to want to shake things up a bit. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the long-term vision I have for my site. So I’ve started brainstorming the direction I’d like to see PPF take. My dream is for it to continue for as long as possible, but to grow into a more interactive community and to showcase other women of different ages, shapes & styles. Some of these changes will be immediate (I’ll be introducing a new team member/contributor later this week) and some will be a longer, slower transition. I’d love to hear your feedback on what you find the most valuable & what types of features you are most interested in.
WEARING
I’m not sure how it is that I can own over 50 nail polishes and yet still manage to find new colors I don’t yet have. This rich camel shade (No More Drama) is such a gorgeous neutral that goes with everything – it’s become a new favorite of mine for fall because it has a subtle sparkle to it that catches the light in such a pretty way, but it still feels sophisticated. I can usually get my at-home manicures to last for 7-10 days using this bonding base coat & this dry-fast top coat.
MAKING
Over the last month, I’ve been dealing with a recurrence of some Lupus symptoms, so I’ve decided to work my way back to an AIP diet. This is basically a stricter version of the Paleo plan I’ve been following, but it helps to further eliminate inflammation & “reset” the body. Thankfully I’ve been able to find quite a few delicious recipes so it doesn’t feel like I’m depriving myself and, for the most part, I don’t miss the foods I’ve had to cut out. This creamy cauliflower soup has become a weekly staple for me – I’ve been having it for breakfast each morning because it’s so warm & soothing, plus it freezes very well so I can double the batch & pull out more as I need it.
Over the last month, I’ve been dealing with a recurrence of some Lupus symptoms, so I’ve decided to work my way back to an AIP diet. This is basically a stricter version of the Paleo plan I’ve been following, but it helps to further eliminate inflammation & “reset” the body. Thankfully I’ve been able to find quite a few delicious recipes so it doesn’t feel like I’m depriving myself and, for the most part, I don’t miss the foods I’ve had to cut out. This creamy cauliflower soup has become a weekly staple for me – I’ve been having it for breakfast each morning because it’s so warm & soothing, plus it freezes very well so I can double the batch & pull out more as I need it.
CRAVING
November is my birthday month, so I feel somewhat justified in wishing for things slightly out of my price range that I wouldn’t normally buy for myself. I’m in desperate need of a new wallet since mine is several years old and literally falling apart at the seams. I’ve never had a nice quality real leather style and ever since I came across this leopard calf hair wallet, I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s chic enough to carry on its own and, thanks to the neutral pattern, it will go nicely with any of the bags in my closet.
Weekly Top Finds
Deals Under $20
Shearling Chic
Old Meets New