My Monthly Edit

BUYING
I did a massive closet clean-out after the holidays and one of the areas I took a hard look at was my sleepwear.  I had a pair of pajamas from Forever 21 that was over 6 years old and literally falling apart + several other mismatched separates that didn’t really go together.  So I donated a few, gave some to my daughter & got rid of those that were a bit too threadbare.  To replace them, I ordered this striped set & this polka dot set – both are so comfy & look much more expensive than their $35 price tag(s).  Other options worth checking out: this satin set (another option here), these lace trim pajamas, this cozy striped set & these knit pajamas (short version here).

USING
One of the items that’s been on on my wardrobe wish list for the past couple of years is a nude crossbody bag.  I searched all last spring/summer and never found quite what I was looking for.  So, when I came across this quilted bag, it was love at first sight.  The size & shape are exactly what I’ve been wanting + I love that I can wear it as a shoulder bag or a crossbody.  It also comes in black, but I think this pinkish nude is going to be so versatile for spring.  More bags that will transition well into next season: this taupe crossbody, this chain strap satchel, this neutral tote, this stirrup bag, and, if you’re looking for genuine leather, this bucket bag is a great buy!

PLANNING
In June, we will be moving into my parents’ house in Oregon – when we were there over Christmas, I realized how minimal the space is where we will be living.  Their guest room will become our bedroom and it’s pretty tiny with a very small closet.  So, between now & then, we have some major downsizing to do!  We will need to maximize every square inch of space & I’ve already begun planning how to organize our things so that everything fits.  I ordered these under-the-bed storage boxes (and these large baskets for shoes), these drawer dividers for our dresser, some space-saving hangers (here & here) and this garment rack (wood option here).  If you also live in a small space, I’d love to hear your tips for how to make the most of limited room!

LOVING
I have so much fun when I get the chance to test out new beauty products, especially when it’s a high-quality brand that’s on a mission to give back.  I was recently introduced to RealHer makeup & I’ve quickly become a huge fan of their cruelty & paraben free products.  Everything I’ve tried so far has blown me away – their eyeshadows are super pigmented & blendable and their lipsticks have serious staying power.  They also donate a portion of proceeds to non-profit organizations that help advance the lives of women & girls through scholarship programs, leadership, advocacy & education – love that!!  My current favorites from their line are this neutral eye shadow palette (in “Do Your Squats”), this lip set (a universally flattering red), this liquid eyeliner & this shimmery highlighter (the champagne color is perfect for fairer skin and the rose gold is great for those with warm undertones).

MAKING
You’d think because I work from home, it would be easy to get up from my desk and cook a delicious meal every day for lunch.  But the truth is I often get so focused on a project that I lose track of time and end up scrambling to throw something together as fast as I can (usually just a random mix of nuts, veggies & lunch meat).  So, one of my goals for the new year is to get back into cooking & meal-prepping so I have a variety of nutritious, well-balanced meals to eat each week.  I’ve already begun recipe testing & have found some excellent options that I’ll be working into my regular rotation, like this parsnip roasted garlic soup, these fish tacos (my dad’s favorite!), these cauliflower pitas (I top mine with grilled chicken & fresh spinach) and these Asian spaghetti squash noodles.

CRAVING
Mango has been one of my go-to brands for the last 10 years – I love that they create quality pieces that have a modern feel without being too trendy.  I own so many of their garments, shoes, bags & jewelry and they’ve held up so well.  Their new arrivals are no exception and I already have a long wish list for the coming season – at the top of my list: this faux leather skirt, this puff-sleeve sweater, these pearl earrings, this raffia bag, this open-knit cardigan, these crop flare jeans (love the sand hue!) & this embroidered dress.