Me in Melange

Thankfulness

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love the simple message of thankfulness, and the focus on family and friends that make your life special. I love the focus on food, and the deeply satisfying aspect of dining with people you love. I spend the whole month of November forcing my kids to write a "thankful" each day (we read them all at the end of the month), and I personally love the ritual of focusing in on the things you are truly grateful, however small.

I digress though. Really, the purpose of this post was that I went to snap a picture of my thanksgiving table and the finished product of my creative vision (this is a picture of one of the
two tables - 20 people in total). I immediately wanted to share the picture with someone, and the first person that popped into my mind was Amanda. She's been my creative partner for so many years, and the fact that she can hear me talking about painting acorns and making hand made placemats and NOT think I'm nearly as annoying as most people do, is an amazing gift. She's a super artistic and creative person, so she is totally fine geeking out with me on colors, fabric, pinterest ideas, pretty much any art or design project. Anyway, this is all to say that today i took more than a moment to reflect on my gratitude for Amanda, and our friendship and partnership through the years on so many different creative projects. 

Hope everyone out there is taking time to love on all the people in their life to be thankful for! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

OXOX

Signed, LV

Eileen Fisher Cashmere Silk Boucle Bliss

Yes, yes this is a blog post about her amazing sweater. Because it's that good. I know you probably think I'm just saying that because I'm supposed to, but it really is true! I know exactly what you're feeling and thinking because when the Eileen Fisher rep told me how amazing it was, and it was "on every order" and "you'll be sad if you miss out on this", I kind of rolled my eyes and shrugged it off. But then I felt it in person, and let me tell you, you will be sad if you miss out on this. The Eileen Fisher Cashmere Silk Boucle Bliss is something you need. Its the hug you deserve after the last year+ of crazy. Its the happiness you need in your life. Its the treat you give to yourself to get thru all the family gatherings with the in laws in the coming months. Its your new favorite sweater. I didn't know cashmere needed to be any softer, and then silk got added into the mix, and OMG! It is blissful, to say the least. The color is perfection, too. First of all, the name is just pretty. Delphine. I like that. Second, its the perfect color/neutral. Not too plain, not to punchy. It almost has an ethereal glow to it, and brings to much light to your face. Wear it as a neutral, or wear it as the color in your outfit, you can't go wrong!  

But really, this shipment is beautiful. As we were pulling it out of the box, we were wowed more and more with each style. For the first time, in a long time, things felt "normal" in the world. Unpacking beautiful cashmere and boiled wool from Eileen Fisher, on a wonderful fall day, things just felt right. I'm very excited for this season, and all the lovely things to come. Of course we have many more sweaters and fall fashions to come, but this one is one of the more special ones. ;) I mean, I'm pretty sure the Cozy Wool Knit Knee Length Boucle Jacket is the jacket all other jackets wish they could be. I'm excited to wear these pieces as much as possible. Elevate the everyday, and make the most of every second. I used to save special pieces for special occasions, but as a dear customer always says, "everyday is a special occasion", and I think that is a perfectly good reason to wear cashmere silk, great fitting pants, and a killer jacket while you knock out your to do list around town IN STYLE. 

So cheers to Eileen Fisher, and cheers to fall! It's going to be good!

oxox

AT

The Speed of Time

I had a thought today as I looked at my calendar thru the end of the year, and was filling in one thing after another, that time was just speeding by. It's mid September, yet it feels like it's going to be January in a blink of an eye. It's not like that for Romeo. He's 10, and each day seems to last forever, and when he has to wait for something (like Christmas), a month feels like it might as well be a year. I remember days feeling like forever when I was little too. The sensation that summer was a lifetime of time, a weekend stretched on forever.

So it made me wonder, what is it about getting older that makes time feel like it goes faster? Is it that we are busier? Is it that everything is no longer "new"? I decided to do a little digging, because I'm not down with this warp speed time thing.  Here's what I found out. In a Harvard University article, scientists postulate that in fact time DOES speed up as you age. "...Bejan posits that slower processing times result in us perceiving fewer ‘frames-per-second’ – more actual time passes between the perception of each new mental image. This is what leads to time passing more rapidly.When we are young, each second of actual time is packed with many more mental images. Like a slow-motion camera that captures thousands of images per second, time appears to pass more slowly." Basically, we process things slower, whereas when we were little our brains were working at lightening speed.

As if I didn't need more evidence that I've officially crossed the 50 year old mark, now there is a scientific reason behind why my days feel like minutes, and it's that my brain is working slower.  Not even sure how to wrap my brain around that, it's taking me too long AND I'm getting too depressed.

So is there hope? I googled that question too. Apparently meditation and mindfulness is the key. Breathing techniques help, focusing on little things helps too. The other advice was to expose yourself to as many NEW things and experiences as possible. This makes a lot of sense to me, because one thing I know is that as you get older your days can take on a very structured, regulated and monotonous tone. You pick the kids up at the same time, you do the house chores the same way, you eat the same foods. Basically you have your ruts and you stick to them.  

So here's to getting out of ruts, doing new things, being mindful, and slowing down so that we can hold onto time, and literally make it slow down.

Signed, ME {lv}

EASY Baked Gnocchi Dinner

There is this amazing account on Instagram you need to be following. Her name is Lindsey and her Instagram is @pinchofyum, and every recipe I have made of
hers is SO good. I have been making her Raspberry Bar recipe for years, and bring it to any event in the summer I can. Last night for dinner, I made her Three-Cheese Baked Gnocchi with Spinach, and it was incredible...and EASY! One pot, like 30 minutes or less, lots of cheese...what can be better? I had some Italian sausage on hand, so I added that in and use it up, and it still turned out perfectly. I should also note I didn't have mascaropne, and just used a jar of Vodka Sauce I had in the pantry, and while I want to try it following her directions 100%, these changes still made a 5 start dish.  I'm excited about leftovers, and I rarely ever say those words. If you don't know what to make for dinner, make this. Even if you do know what to make for dinner, make this. ;) It's safe to say I'm in full on fall comfort food mode. And plan on making this dish serval times in the next few months. 

That's all I have to say for today. This dish deserves its own post, and I didn't want you to miss out on these cheesy pan of deliciousness as the weather is changing into perfect comfort food weather.

Bon Appetit!

AT

 

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Ruana Explained

Here's the truth. We've been carrying the Ruana cashmere poncho/wrap for years now. Like a lot of years. When you are in retail, sometimes that can translate to "style overload". Where you just get sick of something because you've seen it so much. I think Amanda might say that. I definitely would say that. But here's the annoying thing, I STILL go to grab my Ruanas ALL the time--every year. So there you go. It's as useful in my wardrobe as it was 5 years ago when we first got it in. If anything, I've come to rely on it more because now I see the versatility tried and true.

Why is it is so useful you ask? Well, let me tell you. It's a great weight, not too heavy, and not too sheer. It's the perfect transitional piece from summer to fall, but it also stands up thru Winter and then is totally essential as we merge into spring. I wear it as a scarf (I'm a huge scarf person in the winter, I always have one handy), but I love that I can convert it into a poncho so easily which is great when you are out  in the evening and wearing a dress for example or a lighter top. I speak from experience on this one....you get cold, and this is the perfect pull over piece to pop on. I've worn it over my shoulders like a shawl, and there are a couple of different ways you can drape it as a poncho as well (diagonal or even across the front). 

Basically, what I'm saying is that as annoyed as I want to be with this style that has literally been in my retail vision non-stop for five years, I can't help but still love it, and each year I want another cool color. I have all the basic colors by now which always come in handy, but I will throw on boyfriend jeans, a white tank, and a Ruana in a pop color for fun. Throw on a tangle of necklaces and it could be a uniform for me. I wash these on delicate and let it dry on a rack. The cashmere stays soft and it's easy.

So there you go, Ruana, deconstructed for you. You can grab one now and get a complimentary tank or cami by Tees by Tina.  Who doesn't love free stuff?

Signed, ME {lv}

Ode to Margaret

I've been wearing Margaret O'Leary for probably close to 25 years. Which is pretty amazing to be honest, because I don't think I've loved anything except my husband for that long. I remember buying a Margaret sweater when I lived in Seattle, I was barely 26 years old, just married, no kids. She had a little store near Pike's market that sold her sweaters, and they were the chunky knit, authentic looking Irish cardigans that I will always identify with her.

Of course over the years she's grown, become more refined, fancier maybe, but all without losing her roots. The fact that she is still in the industry after all these years itself is a testament to the quality of her work, and to the timelessness of her designs. I have sweaters that have held up for so long that I ended up giving them away simply because there is a point after 10 or so years that you just need something new because you've worn the sweater SO many times no one wants to see you in it again. 

I know there are some people that were really upset with her decision to have some of her line produced in China. I think you have to remember though, she's an international person. She's Irish, and yes, she's been in the U.S. forever, but she's got a global mindset. What's most important to her is the working conditions, the fair labor aspect, and above all, the quality. You can protect those things anywhere in the world, and I think she does that.

Her pieces are spendy, but I don't think I've ever regretted making the investment, even when the investment felt huge (like at 26 when a the reality of school loans were hitting).  Her pieces are indulges, but the best kind of indulgences because they are useful, last forever, and make you happy.  

There are so many pretty pieces in this new group, that I'm going to have a horrible time controlling myself. This one to the left is a favorite. I feel like I would live in this, my favorite jeans, and my new moto boots.

Basically, I love you Margaret, and I thank you for your years of fabulous work because they have contributed to my happy closet in all the best ways!

Signed, ME {lv}

LOVE a good sale!

It's hard to beat a good sale. I mean, everyone loves a deal! Some more than others, but I haven't met anyone who will turn down paying less for something they need or want. I have some customers who won't even look at the sale rack, and others who only look at the sale rack - so there are the extremes on both ends of the spectrum, but over all, no one is going to turn down a deal. Personally, I get extra excited when I can get a deal on something I'm buying anyways, even if its just 25 cents at the grocery store on an avocado, it feels super good!

Lately, I've been totally hooked on the "just for you" app thru our grocery store Albertsons. It does specific deals for you, based on the things you buy and how you shop. And then as you spend more and more money, you can collect rewards and get products for free. Its like collecting tokens at the arcade! They have different categories, and some things cost more than others, but I love saving up my points, and then picking out free things. A couple of weeks ago I cashed in all of my rewards to get some cheese and ice cream (you know, the must haves) FOR FREE! I also love looking at my receipt when it breaks down how much you saved and what percent that was and all of that. Its a rush! My biggest savings so far was 65% at the beginning of the summer when we only needed a few things, but got our first watermelon of the season, and with my specialized savings, I ended up saving over $15 on this watermelon. That really increased my stats! 

Side note, I don't know why the watermelons were so crazy expensive. Maybe it was the first of the season and so there weren't a ton, and they were charging an arm and a leg for them?? I'm not sure. It was seedless, but not even organic. Just your plain old watermelon. I saved $15, but I won't tell you how much I actually did pay. All I will say is that it was incredible, and worth every penny, but I am not planning on spending that much on a watermelon ever again.

Okay, so the ONESIE SALE today - there are some must haves for sure! Some good things got marked down that are totally wearable for now and well into the fall weeks ahead. I love getting things when they first come in (I am currently wearing my Citizens of Humanity Kayla Shirt for the 3rd time this week), but also love a good sale, and even more when its on sale! ;) LV and I always laugh about how some of our most treasured pieces or most complimented items over the years, have been sale finds. Isn't that funny how that works out? I'll wait months and months for something to come in (currently writing orders for Velvet spring right now, and its CUTE! very excited!), and that's fun, and super special, but there is also something really amazing about getting a good deal and loving something even more than you imagined. 

And...piggybacking on what LV said yesterday about getting in the gift giving mindset, I love finding things on sale, and stockpiling gifts for people as I see them. That way, I'm not left in a bind, and am not just buying something to have something to give, even if its not perfect. PJ sets are always my go to, but I also have my sights set on a few other pieces. Gotta keep people on their toes! :)

Cheers to the Onesie sale - Lets shop!

ox

AT

 

Too early to start buying gifts?

I'm very aware of how annoying I am probably going to sound in this post, so let me preface it with saying I have had MANY years when I haven't put away my flip flops until the end of October, when I haven't shopped for Christmas until after 12/20, and when I have only checked off about 1/2 the people on my list. I get it, sometimes you just can't even wrap your head around it. 

However, I've also lived the flip side. Which is the über prepared fall where you nest like crazy, linens are pressed and packed away by 9/15, and enjoyed the "I'm done early" holidays where I'm drinking whisky by the fire on 12/20 with all my wrapping done.

So what I'm saying is that there is no judgment, you are where you are any given year, and in the end the only thing that matters is that you try not to drive yourself nutty.  This year however, I'm feeling especially "nesty". I think it's because I also feel easily overwhelmed. I'll blame that on the covid year (because let's face it, we blame everything on covid so it feels appropriate). School started this week, and it's a lot of commotion. I'm very glad the kids get to go back, but I'm also hyper aware of the intensity of the energy of a "regular" schedule. My first thought was, "wow, did I really use to do this?"  All the driving and all the coordinating--it's a lot.

So to combat my sense of overwhelmed-mania, I tend to get all crazy OCD, I nest, and I organize. I need the next 4 months to NOT feel out of control, so I project manage like an insane person.

Which all leads me to the question of thinking gifts in September. Truth is, and prepared to be annoyed, I've already started collecting gifts for the fall and holidays (and yes, I actually started in July). I have 3 kids with late fall birthdays (horrible time--it's the worst thing ever to have to do a birthday and then Christmas a month later). Then of course Christmas, which this year will include my inlaws so I want it to be extra special. My father-in-law has been battling cancer and I'm very keenly aware of the brevity of these family holidays together, and I want this one to be extra special.

So my strategy has been simple. I'm thinking about it early. When I see something, I get it. I picked up the BKR water bottle when it was on special last week (this will make a great tutor gift--who doesn't love a cool water bottle?) I've grabbed socks as stocking stuffers, a vibe necklace that i know one of my girls will love. It feels good to start thinking about it early because I love giving gifts, but I hate the pressure of giving gifts when I don't have enough time to do it right. If you start thinking early it's so easy to get things done without even noticing it.

I know I sound ancient saying this, but you really can't beat a well stocked gift drawer (darn it mother, you were right), and you can't beat spreading the joy of gift giving over several months instead of a fevered one month. Amanda agrees, and she decided to do a Gifting Saturday section, with everything 40% off so it kind of makes it SO easy to grab a few things and tuck them away.  Here's the link (if you are one of "those" people like me who wants to get on it this year :-) ..... GIFTING SATURDAY section!

Here's to a low stress gift giving season!

Signed, ME {lv}

HELLOOOO SEPTEMBER!

It's September!! It's here! September has always been one of my favorite months, and as the years go by, I find myself looking forward to it more and more. Especially here in Oregon, I would go as far as to say it's the most popular month. The weather is so beautiful, and with perfect temps in the 70's, it's easy to enjoy the crisp, sunny days and clean air. Plus the leaves start changing colors, and it's absolutely stunning. The farmers market produce is still incredible and going strong, but you get to start switching to more comfort food dishes with all the fresh ingredients. SO good!

How is everyone feeling about August? Hanging on to summer? Ready for fall? Ready for school? I've always loved the going back to school energy. Feel like no one wants to go back to school, but there is something about getting all your supplies ready - at any age. Friday night football games always have such a special feeling, too! So many good things to love!

Fall fashions are getting into full swing, also. YAY! Today we had a great day in the low 70's, and everyone was already wearing their transitional fall pieces, cozy pre fall sweaters and all the brilliant hues of fall. It was so cool to see, and another one of my favorite parts of fall. Really, anytime the seasons change and you get to switch out your wardrobe, it is exciting. Everything feels new again! I love all of my clothes equally - I try not to play favorites. haha. But there is just something about pulling out that first Margaret O'Leary sweater of the season (also, side note, Margaret O'Leary ships today - stay tuned! It should be here soon!).

August was a great month to enjoy summer, but start thinking about fall, easing into fall styles, and planning for a season ahead. But September is here, and it's full on fall to me. I made the most of summer, and while I'm sad to see it go (mostly because I know the rain and cold that's ahead for winter is that much closer), but I'm jumping with both feet into fall, and embracing all that season has to offer. 

Completely unrelated, but speaking of fashion...haha...a few weeks ago I hit my 100 workout iFit milestone, and got a free tee shirt as a prize. Never EVER did I think that would be something I would be excited about, let alone wear. All of my old Hard Tail and retired Velvet tees that are too worn to be worn in public are my workout clothes. But now I have this iFit tee, and I'm actually kind of proud of it. :) I do NOT plan on stepping foot outside of the house in it, but I do have fun wearing it around the house and nonchalantly rubbing it in Todd's face. He has recently started running again (not on the treadmill, I don't know what he has against it, but it's like the more I love it, the more he has to hate it), and I can't help but think it is directly related to the amount of times I wear my iFit shirt in a week. It's starting to rub off on him. But what can I say? I'm officially a runner now, and I guess its inspiring to other people (mostly, and limited to, Todd). hahaha. :)

So cheers to September, and the beautiful month ahead of us in so many ways!

oxox

AT

Ice Cream for Breakfast

A dear customer came in on Friday, and totally changed my mood for the better. It had been quite a while since I had gotten to see her, and we spent a few minutes catching up (more like venting, ranting, and complaining. MUCH needed). Then we talked about fashion - always a favorite. We're going along, hanging out, shopping, soaking in the nice, pre fall day, and then she tells me, she had ice cream for breakfast. What?! That's allowed?? Why I have I not been doing this?? Not that I felt like this decision needed any justification, but she said she was just tired, in a funk, and had to have ice cream for breakfast. What a good idea! I laughed when she told me she put some granola on it to make it "healthy". hahaha. 

Then, today, this woman came in to shop with this HUGE floral arrangement she had gotten at the florist in the market. Like the gigantic ones they always have in the cases on display but I always wonder if they actually ever get purchased because they're so expensive and if I'm shelling that much out on flowers, I want them to be exactly what I want, and put in a custom order. She could hardly see around the flowers as she moved around the store. They were STUNNING! Of course we comment on them, and she said she bought them "just because". She has always wanted a big, dramatic floral arrangement because it just makes her happy, and that's exactly what she did. Today was the day! How awesome is that?

So now I'm inspired. Tomorrow I'm doing something - big or small, doesn't matter. But I'm doing something for me. Maybe ice cream for breakfast. Maybe and over the top floral arrangement. Maybe take out from a fancy restaurant in PJ's at home. I haven't really decided what its going to be, but I have a little time. The world is heavy right now, I know we all feel it. I wish I could give everyone an hug, and a big bowl of ice cream for breakfast and it would all be okay. But unfortunately that won't fix it all. In the meantime, doing something nice for yourself will give you some of the energy and peace to keep going on and the motivation to spread more good to your friends, family, neighbors, and the the world. 

Sending a big hug to everyone, with extra sprinkles on top.

oxox

AT