My Monthly Edit

THINKING
2018 was a rough year for my health – I had shingles, then pertussis (which lasted for 5 long months) and then a Lupus flare.  I couldn’t exercise and had to go on & off of steroids to heal, which left me with some unwanted pounds that I’ve honestly been struggling to lose.  I was having a hard time staying consistent with my workouts and finally realized that I needed some help.  So, last week, I reached out to my friend Alyson and asked if she would hold me accountable to regular exercise (she agreed & has been a HUGE help).  It got me thinking about the benefits of accountability and how having a partner to spur you on & encourage you can lead to greater success than simply going it alone.  We weren’t meant for isolation & the more willing we are to admit our need for help, the better off we will be.  This can apply to any area of life where you’re needing a push to make positive changes – maybe you have a tendency to complain frequently or talk negatively about your spouse or maybe you struggle with impulse purchases and saving to pay off debt.  Whatever the case may be, there’s no shame in reaching out to someone you trust & putting into place the support system you need – sometimes we simply need a hand up to keep climbing.

WEARING
I’m a big fan of all the marbled & resin jewelry that’s out right now – I think they look so fresh for the coming season & it’s a fun break from my heavier gold & statement pieces.  My husband bought me these earrings for Valentine’s Day and I love how unique they are – the smaller chunky shape makes them wearable for every day and they also come in a sleek black & the prettiest shade of green (so gorgeous for spring!).  Other budget-friendly pairs I’m loving now: these tapered hoops, these marbelized drops, these tortoise earrings, this chandelier style (under $10!) & these drop earrings.

LOVING
The snake print trend is huge for spring 2019 and even though I currently don’t own any, I plan on embracing it in small doses this season.  I think this particular pattern looks so chic paired with soft neutrals & pastels.  Try swapping out your usual shoes for a pair like these Free People look-alikes, these pointed flats or these mules.  Or you can opt for a sleek bag like this, this or this.  If you’re feeling a little more bold, try a patterned skirt (options here and here), a button down blouse paired with white trousers or a camisole layered under an open-front cardigan.  Want just a little pop of this print?  Try a silky scarf tied around your neck, in your hair or around the handle of your favorite bag.

USING
I love the idea of clear pouches for organizing cosmetics, first aid, vitamins and toiletries because they lay flat, they’re easy to wash/rinse out & it makes everything easy to see at a glance.  So, I was thrilled when I came across these – these are just as sturdy & well-made as the popular Truffle bags, but for a fraction of the price!  I purchased the large for my totes & travel bags and the small for my crossbodies & clutches (use this coupon to get $3.50 off your purchase of $15).  I also located some other affordable options at The Container Store (here & here), at Target (here & here) and this 6-pack set on Amazon.

CRAVING
Realistically, I know we still have another month of winter left, but that doesn’t keep me from dreaming about the day when I can finally pack away my boots & wool socks in exchange for sandals, espadrilles & flats (free the ankles!).  I’m on a shopping freeze until the end of the month, but I’ve been bookmarking things I’m interested in purchasing once it’s over and spring footwear is at the top of my list.  If you’re also looking for some new pairs for the warmer weather, DSW is having a great sale this week where you can get $10 off $49, $20 off $99 or $60 off $199 with code REFRESH.  I’ve got my eye on these wedges, these leather slides, these blush flats & these scalloped espadrilles (seen in the photo above) are under $35 (another option here).  See more of my top picks in the scrolling bar below!

TESTING
I’ve noticed a big change in my skin in the last couple years & I’ve realized that I need to start getting a little more aggressive with treating the signs of aging I’m experiencing now.  I received a sample of this serum a couple months ago and, since the reviews were so good, I decided to test it out.  If you’ve done any kind of research, you know that vitamin C & hyaluronic acid are essential for improving radiance & smoothing skin, so this packs a double punch!  There’s a slight tingling when you first apply it, but it didn’t cause any irritation for me (I started with just using at night until my skin adjusted).  I love the citrus scent & was happy to see an instant improvement in the horizontal lines across my forehead (one of my biggest complaints).  Now that I’m almost through the sample tube, I plan on purchasing the larger size bottle & I’m hoping for continued results!