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

Women Helping Women

Women Helping Women.  It's my favorite event of the entire year, and we decided not to wait until we could do it in both the store AND the website.  We'll hopefully be doing it in the store soon enough, but we thought kicking it off now when there is so much need, makes sense.

It's an event we've done for the past 20 years.  The entire thing is focused around all of us doing our Spring cleaning and pulling from our closets the items that we no longer wear, that perhaps don't fit, or maybe we are just not loving anymore.  We gather all those things, and we take them to the nearest domestic violence shelter.  In return we give everyone a nice discount so they can shop for something fun.

This year, we are asking everyone to do their annual clean out.  Many of us have extra time (even if only on the weekends), so it's the perfect time.  Clean out those closets, don't hold on to things you aren't wearing, and know that everything you give away can be used and loved by someone who really, really needs it.  Most donation centers aren't open under the quarantine rules, so you'll need to hold on to the items for a bit longer, but having them ready and waiting to drop off will allow those organization to get the influx of clothing they will desperately need when things reopen.

Given the current state of quarantine and "lock-down life", women suffering in domestic violence relationships (and their children) are in even a more heightened danger.  Domestic violence thrives on isolation.  Abuse is about power and control.  Women force to be home with their abusers feel even more isolated and scared, and that is where organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline becomes so important.  It's a place where women can reach out 24/7 for support on phone lines and via text messaging.  That is why this year we are donating 5% of each sale to NDVH to help with the immediate and growing need.  

We are going to make each day this week fun, with extra little perks for each order placed.  We hope you'll find time to spring clean your closet, and support this cause.

Our new challenge this week has to do with reaching out to new people each day.  Old friends, new friends, your mailman, the UPS driver (how about a sticky note on the door that says "hope you are having a good day)! The focus is really about reaching out, beyond the little circle you've created, and finding opportunities to connect with different people.   I'm gong to kick it off today by calling my youngest sister.  Oddly, I haven't talked to her in weeks and weeks and WEEKS--we've exchanged brief texts, but I think a proper call is in order. I adore her of course, but for whatever reason we just don't talk as much as I'd like.  It seems easy enough, but I guess it hasn't been in the past since clearly I haven't talked to her recently.  This week's challenge will feel good!

Happy Monday wonderful people!

Signed, ME {lv}

Tired Dog, Hu Chocolates, and Easter Bunny Mask

Our fattie dog gets tired quickly.  He's rippin' to go on a walk each and every time, but he only has to go  a few blocks before he slows down and starts panting.  The quarantine routine includes at least one walk from Romeo and I, but most often includes at least one or two other walks from other family members. Ava took him out yesterday for his second walk and he sat down at one point and stuck his tongue out at her.   He was saying, "stop, you are killin' me with all this exercise, I'm so OVER this quarantine".

Have I told you about my latest chocolate obsession?  It's called Hu Kitchen Chocolates, and a good friend of mine put it in a gift basic she made for me because it's both vegan AND gluten free.  It's also free of all kinds of other stuff you don't want to eat, and all I know is the hazelnut butter kind is so, SO good.  It's also so healthy that you feel like you aren't eating chocolate at all, which is why I polished off an entire bar in one day. If it's one thing this quarantine has done, it's brought me closer to foods I love.

When I asked Romeo how the Easter Bunny was going to make it this year with the coronavirus issues, he said, deadpan, "mom, he's got a mask you know".  Bunny is no dummy.  The kids get so excited for Easter, and it seemed like a good time to keep as many of our traditions as we could.  We'll still have "Easter Bunny basket delivery" from the mask clad bunny, then a big breakfast (Gia is making crepes this year), and then an egg hunt which will be way too easy for all of them because how tricky can you get?  Then a big classic ham dinner.  We make it every year although it's questionable how many of us like it.

Lastly, has anyone had any frightening urges to cut off their hair?  I am so starved for a haircut and a color that I considered if it would be possible for me to cut my OWN hair?  I more than considered it, I had an urge to just DO IT (as in, it's really fortunate there were no scissors handy). My hair is long right now, and I've been debating cutting it for months but haven't come up with exactly what my short hair vision was.  But yesterday as I was staring into the mirror, checking out my scary roots and my hair that now is pulled back most days because it just doesn't look good, I was fantasizing about just chopping it off. Like right then and there.  There's a phrase for that feeling of standing on the end of a cliff and fantasizing about jumping off, it's a French phrase, L’appel du vide (which literally translate to "the call of the void").  Do you think there is a word out there for staring into the mirror and fantasizing about grabbing scissors and cutting off your hair?   Other than crazy?

I also read today that you should never make any permanent decisions based on temporary feelings.  I'm not sure cutting hair can be categorized as "permanent" but it would sure be semi-permanent.   I'm going to try and control my urge until I'm safely seated in my hair dresser's chair.  I really think cutting own hair with super dull scissors from the office store that are sticky with glue seems like a bad idea. Quaranti-crazy idea.   

Instead I might just shop the sale section and find something satisfying.  Like this PJ Salvage set, because I could spend all day AND all night in this thing (and it's a steal)!

Get ready,  tomorrow is Monday and it's a new week and we're going to kick off   a new goal.  The goals is to reach out to someone new each day.  Someone you don't reach out to every day (I'm shooting for anyone I haven't talked to in at least 7 days).  I've noticed in the tightening of my physical circle, I've actually tightened my outer circle too.  The people that I talk to, I talk to ALL the time (like daily or every other day).  I think it's time to reach out a little further though, and the goal is to connect with someone every day, either via phone, text, letter or email, and check in on them, say hello, send some love....that type of thing.  I have lots of people that I adore, but don't talk to regularly and I mostly blame lack of time.  Since I've got a bit more, I feel like it's a good time NOT to use that as an excuse.  Bring on the challenge!

Signed, ME {lv}

 

Summer Is Coming

We had GORGEOUS weather today....pretty much perfect weather as far as I'm concerned.  Blue skies, crisp morning, warm day (well, warm for April that is), everything is blooming, and it feels fresh and amazing outside.  It's a reminder that this is SPRING, which means Summer is literally right around the corner.  Can you even believe that?  It feels like we just were in Winter with only the dream of Spring and there was a blur of commotion, and then suddenly it was almost mid-April, full on Springtime, and right at the time we start realizing, SUMMER is coming!

Still no idea what will happen this Summer. Whether we'll be able to travel. Whether there will be big group activities allowed.  I'm guessing we might be spending a lot of time in our back yard, and hosting dinner parties for our friends and family as the highlight.  There are certainly worse things.  

We had fun today with our Fun-NESS section for some Friday festivities, so we decided to swap up the styles and bring the fun-ness to Saturday!  Any reason to make Saturday special right?

Check out this this youtube of John Krasinski's SGN (some good news) broadcast: SGN Broadcast

It's funny (I love him), and if you stick it out you'll love the end (especially if you are a Hamilton fan)!!

Lastly, I have loved keeping my gratitude journal this week.  I mostly stuck with it too, and it felt like when I did my mood was better, and maybe it also felt like when I was in a bad mood, it helped pull me up.  It's hard to stay in a bad mood when you are forced to write down something good.  I'm sticking with the habit for sure!

Signed, ME {lv}

Cake Headquarters

Cake headquarters sounds like a good thing.  Who doesn't love cake, and wherever cake is "headquartered" has to be equally awesome, right? 

The answer is, not so much.  I will literally go CRAZY if Gia keeps baking as much as she has been.  I know it's a good activity, I know she's bored, but seriously, ANOTHER cake?  I can't deal.  She makes a huge mess, which she diligently tries to clean up, but let's face it, no 12 year old is going to clean up the way I'd want it cleaned up.  She tries super hard, but literally ever time there is something wonky going on.  Like today's cake, she only noticed half-way thru that she didn't actually have enough eggs because this cake called for 8 eggs.  Yes, you heard right, EIGHT!  I can't keep up with the flour, sugar, butter and eggs demand.  It's impossible.  So then she had to "half" the recipes, but since the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients had all been assembled already, she had to then measure out equal portions and the whole thing was chaos.  Just so you can visualize, she's making a sprinkle, 5 layer cake.  So 5 little 6 inch round pans, loads and loads of sprinkles, and more cake then anyone can realistically eat.

I'm really trying to channel my gratitude here, and stop complaining....but aaaaahhhhhhhh, it's going to send me over the edge.  All I do is clean the kitchen, buy groceries, and oh yeah, cook real food (i.e. anything without sugar) that most of them complain about.   When you can just fill up on sprinkle cake, why bother eating real food? I have more time, but not more patience.  When she asks me, "what do they mean by 4 eggs and 4 egg yokes?"  I want to snap, because not only does it seem self explanatory, I am just tired of answering baking questions (there are SO many).  How's that for being a bad mommy?  In case you are wondering, YES, I did do yoga today, and YES, I do seem strung a little tight despite's that fact...I see it too.

Other than that bit of complaining, I AM excited for Friday.  Why you ask?  Because, Friday is just suppose to be more special (quarantine or no quarantine), and even thought the schedule isn't changing all that much on the weekends, at least there are a few things I'm excited about.  One of them is that my yoga studio is doing a live class on Saturday night AND on Sunday morning.  The Saturday night class (Saturday Night Soul) is a musician playing a cello, and a teacher named Tony who has the most meditative and relaxing voice ever.  Sunday is my favorite guru teacher Alex that I rave about all the time. He's amazing and is doing his Soul Shakin' class.  The classes are free, so I'm going to post the link here: YoYo Yogi Studio  I know Sunday is Easter and the class is at 10:30 a.m. so it might be tricky for a lot of us, but trust me when I say, his classes are inspiring, so if you can swing it, fit it in.

Meanwhile back at Melange :-), we are doing a "fun-ness" Friday section, because funness isn't a word, it made us laugh, and we thought it would be well,....drumroll please.....FUN!!  So check out the section, there are some fantastic styles at 50% off that you can't resist: Friday Funness Section

Have a happy Friday, we made it thru another week of quarantine, and hopefully some of you are still drinking water, AND writing in your gratitude journal.  Any little bit is a win as far as I'm concerned!!  

Signed, ME {lv}

5 Things, Summer Excitement & Early Wake Up Call

Do you want to know how I woke up this morning?  I'll tell you right now, it wasn't in a relaxing manner.  I woke up to the sound of my phone vibrating on my side table.  My phone sound is shut off between 11-6, but it does vibrate from 6:00 a.m. onward.  So at 6:04 a.m. the phone starts vibrating, which immediately woke me up, much the way you can be dead asleep and your kid barely says your name all the way in the next room and immediately you are up.  No one calls this early, I knew it had to be something bad. 

My unconscious brain immediately feared something must be wrong.  I looked down at the phone and it was my dad's number.  So instantly I'm thinking, "oh crap, what is wrong?"  I tried to answer but no one was there.  I then texted, "are you ok??"  The response?  "Oh yeah, how are you?  Good morning."  Huh?  Turns out, my dad had butt dialed me.  Not emergency at all.  I did my sun salutations after that but it didn't quite get me in the zone like it should have.

On a totally other note, Amanda told me a great idea that I started to use today.  Her idea (which isn't her idea at all, she read it somewhere, so it's really someone else's good idea), is to go thru each room of your house and write down 5 things you could do to improve it.   I started that today, and it's sort of brilliant because I regularly walk into rooms in my house and think, "Oh, I need to do that", but then walk out and  promptly forget.  So now you have a list of things you could do, or that you might need, that will improve a room.  Thinks like "wash walls", "need new trash can", or "need bath caddy".  I don't know why this silly exercise was so useful to me, but it was.  I think because I just lack the organization or memory to actually follow thru with any of the things I need to do around the house.  I have a weekend coming up that is going to have some free time in it, and while I don't want to pressure myself with anything hugely ambitious, it would be nice to at least knock a few things off of my "room improvement" list.

Lastly, I felt such a rush of summer optimism with the new Siganka shipment that arrived today!  I absolutely love the airy cotton, and the easy styles...it just feels like sun to me!!  I love this line, and I love it because the styles are easy and I've worn them to death (some of my favorite summer travel pieces), but also because I love the designer. She's  a wonderful soul, loves what she does, and has this beautiful hybrid of a spirit....she lives in both Hawaii and Vermont (although I think more Vermont now) , and there is something about her balance that just comes across in everything she does.   It's exactly the zen, relaxed vibe you'd expect.   Anyway, it makes me feel even better supporting the line.  Bring. On. The. Sun.

Signed, ME {lv}

It Could Be Worse

In keeping with my goal of gratitude, I started out the day with three things in my journal I was grateful for.  I have to say, it set a good tone for my whole day which turned out to NOT be the easiest day.

The kids all started their respect official "on-line" schooling thru the public school districts.  The teens were annoying because as much as we bugged them to be ready for today, they weren't.  We got no less than 50 emails over the last week from each of their teachers.  I've never been bombarded with so many "urgent" emails.  All of which the girls assured me that they were also getting AND reading.  Yet somehow this morning Lucia was baffled about how to get online and what time it all started.

Annoying.  Really annoying.  Still, I let it roll off my back.  

Then John went downstairs to find the toilet overflowing in the lower bathroom.  Just when you think coronavirus is the worst thing you have to worry about, then you realize no, in fact there is something more pressing to worry about--like water rushing out off a toilet and flooding the bathroom.  It was the perfect reminder that things could be worse.  I mean yes, the toilet overflowed and it was a huge mess, BUT on the positive note, our piping system wasn't shot, there were no tree roots in our pipes (that happened once), and the mess only took about 30 minutes to clean up.  So, I was grateful that all it was at the end of the day was your pedestrian clogged toilet.  You can't complain about your problems or you just might get bigger ones right?

I think my gratitude goal is working wonders already.

I did my first group Zoom happy hour tonight, with a whole big group of friends (and their kids), and it was SO MUCH fun! I think Zoom might just save me from sliding into a full blown sloppy dressing slump.  Having Zoom dates forces you to get dressed, maybe put on a little makeup, and otherwise enjoy seeing and being seen.  Amanda has been telling me how great they are the last couple weeks, but I had yet to really see the benefit.  It sounded like a lot of work to pull myself together and I wasn't sure if it was really all that much better than just a phone date.  But it really is, SO much more fun.  It makes you feel half-way normal again. Also gives you a reason to wear something cute!! 

Signed, ME {lv}

Gratitude

I'm super excited about my pick for this weeks goal/challenge.  Gratitude.  The goal is to wake up, and before you start your day, write three things you are grateful for.  Then at night, before you fall asleep, three more things you are grateful for.

I use to do this when I was using the Best Self calendaring system which is fantastic, BUT also really involved so I would use it when I had a particularly busy 3 month period, or if I had a lot of things I had to get done in a short period of time.  It's amazing for keeping track of your time and making sure you are intentional with it.

Anyway, in that system you write your gratitudes daily, morning and night.  The theory being, the psychological benefits were BIG, and it put you in the right mindset to get things done, and be positive.  I loved that part of the system, and since I'm not using the system now, I decided I'd like to take that one habit and reinstate it.

So that's our goal this week.  Wake up, write three things you are grateful for, and then do three things right before you go to bed.  It can be anything...your soft sheets, your morning coffee, your cat, the fact that you have eyeballs!   I'm excited.  It's a stressful time, and it's so easy to see the stuff that is scary, or that is going wrong.  We need a structured plan to remember the things we are grateful for.

We're due to get some sun this week and I'm so grateful for that.  I'm also grateful for pretty new necklaces, dresses on sale, and the new Siganka that has arrived (and will be up on the site soon)!  

Happy Monday!

Signed, ME {lv}

Gen X & Hearty Flowers

First, if you aren't Gen X, then this isn't going to matter much to you, but if you ARE a Gen X'er (that's 1965-1980 babies), then you will find this article entitled "It Took A Global Pandemic, But Generation X is Finally Getting Love", quite hysterical.  Two people sent it to me before I finally read it, and I laughed out loud...it pretty much nails our generation and also makes it clear why and how we are ruling this quarantine situation.

Secondly, my flower of the day picture is of these little beauties that are outside in my front yard.  You want to know the crazy thing?  I planted those bad boys LAST September.  They survived the winter and are still going strong.  They survived some snow, some dark days, some hail, some real cold temps, but they stayed tough against the world trying to kill them and decided they'd thrive anyway.  I feel like there is a lesson there somewhere.

Signed, ME {lv}

Weren't We Just Here?

I woke up this morning thinking, "wasn't it JUST Friday?"  Actually, last Friday, I woke up thinking it was Thursday, so at least I didn't do that this week.  In so many ways the week went by in a flash, and in so many ways it felt like it was slow like molasses.  I can't figure out the dissonance.  I think the days feel long, but the week didn't I guess.

Then I asked myself what I did this week, did I do anything?  I was pleasantly surprised when I tallied up in my head what I did.  

I drank a LOT of water, much more than in any other week for as long as I can remember.  I think I also cemented down a darn good habit.  I also cooked a lot of veggies, and I'm happy to say, my fridge has no dead, wilting veggies in it anymore.  Thanks to Amanda's challenge -- it kickstarted me!

Romeo finished his 4th grade flashcards, which means we went on a lot of walks and did a lot of spelling words.  I got him to do online school every day this week, and at least got the other kids ready to start next week.

I made a gluten free banana bread and ate the whole thing. I went to the grocery store twice. I cooked most nights....except for one night of take out (plus, I think I'm doing take out tonight too).  We're doing our part to help restaurants!

I worked a considerable amount (albeit way, way less than this time last year).  

I called a lot of friends.  Drank a good deal of wine (for medicinal purposes).  Read the book, The World That We Know (by Alice Hoffman...it's great). I watched a little t.v. with John at night--eventually we'll get thru Killing Eve.  I regulated my media, and didn't let too much in.

I finished ordering things for the kids' Easter baskets.  Apparently the Easter Bunny doesn't get a quarantine hiatus, she's still expected to deliver the baskets.  

I did a reasonable amount of housework (not amazing, but respectable amount).  I kept up with the laundry, and that's always a feat unto itself.

I did yoga every day (it's a highlight of every day).

I don't know people, I think that's pretty good actually right?!  I mean, my bar is pretty low right now, but I think I cleared it without any problem.  Overall, pretty stellar week....hope you all feel the same about your first days of April. 

Signed, ME {lv}

Pet Peeves, Learning New Things & Perspective

I've got a lot of "mom pet peeves", but probably my biggest is when the kids call out "mom, come here"...and I respond "what is it?" and they respond, "just come here".  Then we go round and round....me: "no, tell me what you need first", them: "I just need you, it's an emergency".  From experience I know, it's not an emergency.  If they can stop the flow of blood with a bandaid, definitely not an emergency.

Me: "if it's important tell me what it is?" them: "no, just come here, HURRRRYYYYY".   Me: "I'm not coming unless you tell me what you want."   Them:  "mom you have to come NOW, just come, I can't explain it." Sometimes all they "can't explain" is that they spilled smoothie on their bed even though they aren't suppose to have smoothies in their bedrooms.  This interchange, happens via shouting from different rooms or different floors of the house, OR via text, which is especially annoying....and it happens ALL the time.

I haven't figured out how to eliminate this type of interchange.  It seems like it should be easy enough, but somehow it keeps happening.  And no, it's not like I actually "jump to" and validate their request by ultimately going to see what they want in person.  I don't (at least anymore).  However, that doesn't seem to dissuade them from doing it again, and again, and again.  Just saying, it's annoying, and because they are home ALL the time now, it seems to happen ALL the time.  

On another note, I learned today that "mantra" is a Sanskrit word that means "instrument of thought".  Just in case you didn't know that either, now you know.  Cool right?  

It was yet another weird weather day today here, with bursts of sunshine and brilliant blue skies (note the cherry blossom tree in my flower of the day pic--it looked like an enormous pink cloud it was so beautiful, especially against the intense blue sky).  It went from bright and sunny, to windy and rainy within the span of a walk, and dang, it was COLD when the sun disappeared.  It was a reminder that yes, Spring is here and Summer is going to come soon but, it's definitely still quite chilly.

Lastly, I woke up this morning, and stuck with my routine of sun salutations and media restrictions.  I allow myself to read a choice few articles each morning.  One such article was from New York Times (I tried to go back and find it on my news feed but couldn't), and it was editorial on why we should stop trying to be so productive during quarantine.  The upshot was that we should stop pressuring ourselves to try to be super productive and "get lots done" during this time and just give ourselves a break. Dealing with the basics is a lot right now. Maintaining a semblance of a routine (that is new, that you had to come up with on the fly), keeping your spirits up, and picking a couple of things to do is plenty. Trying to learn a language or paint the entire inside of your house, well, that might just be too much pressure.  Luckily I was never planning on doing anything quite that grand in scale, but I like the overall perspective which was to remind us to be gentle with ourselves and our expectations during this time.  There's a fine line between being motivated to do things that are good for you and you will feel good doing, and then pressuring yourself and feeling guilty for not doing stuff constantly.  So I'm not going to cross the line, and I'm going to remind myself that there is no pressure.

OH, and my water intake yesterday...well, I did get to 64 ounces, but I told Amanda that any ounces after that would be in the form of grape water (aka, wine).  Today, I did slightly better, I'd say a solid 72 ounces, which is progress.  Not sure I can reach the 100 ounces goal, but I'm at least sticking with a minimum of 64.  I also made a cabbage and apple slaw to utilize the two kinds of cabbage that came in my boxes over the last couple of weeks.  As a side note, cabbage lasts forever.  I was sort of hoping it would have gone bad so I was off the hook, but no, it was still super fresh looking.  Anyway, I made a good slaw with purple and green cabbage and a diced apple, and then used some vegan slaw dressing that was quite tasty.  I don't think any of the kids liked it, but I ate a ton so at least I stuck with my veggie goal. 

Starting to get excited....Siganka is officially on the horizon, and that will bring some clothing sunshine our way!  My Siganka pieces that I wore last spring/summer got SO much use it was ridiculous!!

Happy Friday!

Signed, ME {lv}

Little Things & Leeks

If it's one thing yoga has taught me since I began the practice, it's that you have to honor where you're at.  Some days you bust out of the gate with enthusiasm, other days you simply don't.  There's no judgment either way (or so the practice goes), you accept where you are, and honor that place.  Not an easy thing to do, but at least thru the practice I'm now willing to look at how I'm feeling, acknowledge it with honesty, and then I struggle to not judge it (still very hard for me).  

Today I didn't jump out of bed with the same enthusiasm as I had hoped to.  I was more enthusiastic on 3/31 for the start of April, then it turns out I actually WAS on 4/1.  It's ok though, these are rough times all around, and we strive to move forward but we accept that sometimes it's by millimeters. 

On a bright note though, I drank 32 ounces of water before 11 a.m. and that felt like a little accomplishment right there.  I'm shooting for a second 32 ounces before 3 p.m.  It's such a silly thing, I'm not sure WHY it's so hard for me to drink water, but it just is.  I know it's so good for me though, and it's an easy enough thing to change (and I need things I can control and change right now that are positive for me). Don't we all?

My second goal for this week is to eat more greens on a daily basis.  I have this damn organic farm box that comes every Friday and I've tried to get on board with cooking more of the greens, but truth be told I had to throw out two lifeless and limp bunches of greens last week.  Shame on me.  So, this should be an easy goal (theoretically) and I can control it (I sure have the time), plus it's really good for us.  So to that end, I looked up recipes for leeks.  I've only ever cooked leeks with potatoes in a soup.  That's it, that's my leek experience.  I've eaten plenty, but it's always been prepared by chiefs far more creative than myself.

Here's the recipe I made, Chickpeas With Leeks & Lemons, it was pretty darn tasty.  I happen to have a lot of canned chickpeas for some reason so this was perfect.  I think part of my barrier to cooking more greens thing is that I fear the kids won't eat it and it'll just be me.  The truth is at least 2 of the kids are pretty adventuresome green eaters, and 2 out of 4 is the best odds I can hope for in cooking anything for them, green or otherwise.  So, add extra greens to my challenge this week, we might as well round out the healthy stuff.

My highlight today was a comment Romeo made.  We had gone on our daily spelling walk.  It was rainy and cold, and he was under dressed as usual (shorts, teeshirt and a sleeveless vest).  He was carrying a kid's umbrella in one hand, and trying to control Milo in the other hand (which is no easy feat because Milo's pre- quarantine weight was probably 95 lbs, and despite the extra walks, it's probably now 100 lbs).  The dog is CHUNK-Y.  Anyway, it was wet, I'm trying to quiz him on flashcards, we are both cold, and so we came back home and Romeo declared he's "taking a shower."  I come upstairs 30 minutes later and Romeo says to me with all the earnesty and sweetness that only a 9 year old boy can have, "that was the BEST shower ever, it was so nice I can't believe how nice it was."  It was such a simple thing, a shower, but his appreciation for it was so deep in that moment, and so happy.  The tone of his voice had so much gratitude for having that wonderful, simple shower.

I tried to grab some of that gratitude during the rest of my day, and appreciate the simple little things, like my lemon and ginger tea, and my fuzzy socks that I put on when my feet got cold.  

Every day, we do what we can do, no matter how simple or little, and we appreciate how lucky we are to do it.  That's my mantra to myself.  That's our mantra in our business.  

I'm ok with the fact that I was the tortoise today, not the hare.  Tomorrow, we shall see (maybe all the water and extra greens will give me superpowers).  

Signed, ME {lv}

Hysterical Video, First Day Of Water & Window of Opportunity

I don't want to jump ahead, but Amanda's water challenge is HARD.  We decided that we needed to set a list of goals and challenges we wanted to meet each week in April.  Amanda has been talking about her increased water consumption for a couple of weeks (her lemon water specifically), and I've half listened.  I did notice however, how BAD I am at drinking water.  I just never do.  Then I read if you aren't going to the bathroom at least once an hour, you aren't drinking enough water.  Uh-oh, not good news for me.  I've also noticed my skin is dry, even with my bad ass Augustinus Bader moisturizer which is the mother of all heavy moisturizing creams.  Maybe I need to drink water?

So Amanda's challenge/goal for the first week of April (to get us all in on her new healthy habit) is to drink 100 ounces of water  a day.  I started today, filled up a carafe that was 32 ounces, and set it on my desk.  By 3 p.m. I had drank one full carafe, but that meant two more to go??  Seems impossible.  So then I googled what a safe amount of water to drink was, just in case Amanda was trying to do us in.  I found conflicting data, everywhere from 64 ounces to 100 ounces.  She's at the top of her game clearly. I'm not going to get plumped hydrated skin and increased mental performance (yes, I actually read that) unless I step up my game too. Sign up to do these challenges with us, we're going to be each other's cheer leaders, and we get treats at the end!

I started the challenge on the last day of March as a test run, and I only got to about 68-70 ounces of water.  Tomorrow I'll try for 75, but honestly today was tough enough.  I told Amanda it felt like I was being waterboarded.  Too. Much. Water.  She said that it does feel like a lot in the beginning but that when she drinks the full amount she feels less irritated, less hungry, less bloated, and has less headaches.  Jury is out for me but I'm going to stick to the goal.

I also am going to post this hysterical video (NY Post Video) for anyone out there dealing with online learning for their kids.  It pretty much sums up the experience.  For the last two weeks our high school has been saying they were going to issue assignments but basically they wouldn't be graded or counted.  To which the response from the teens was pretty predictable,  "Yeah, right, sure we'll do them" (insert smirk).  Just found out this morning though that they will start REAL graded lessons on 4/13, so that's progress.  Romeo is knee deep in Time4Learning online, and Gia has online meetings each day with her class but so far they are just talking about feelings and introducing house pets.  Not sure when the "real work" will start. Once it all starts I imagine the above video will sum up all my feelings.

I'm excited for this month, and seizing the day.  Today was a random mix of beautiful bursts of sunshine and then crazy rain (and even hail).  I missed several opportunities to take walks in the sun, and got stuck in the rain.  I am treating it as a reminder that we need to grab what we can from life as we can.  Moments of sunshine, of laughter, of fun.  Yes, I realize that sounds a little "Deep Thoughts" from retro Saturday Night Live
episodes, but it's also true right?  On my daily walk with Romeo we snapped this pic of a beautiful flower and we're finding a new one each day to appreciate because after all, it's one of the best things about April, all the beautiful blooms bursting forth!

I will end with one note. The water drinking thing...It really has to all happen before 6 p.m. because all I know is I'll be getting up to go to the bathroom all night.  Is that an age thing?  Or did I have too many kids and ruin my blatter?  Don't know, all I know is that I have another 50 ounces to drink in an hour and a half.  Is that even safe?  Can't you die from too much water? 

Here's to hoping I make it.

Signed, ME {lv}

ps.  I plan to come out of this quarantine with all kinds of things done, muscles strengthened, and good habits cemented down.  I will however, also be coming out of quarantine with some BAD hair.  Serious roots, split ends, bad highlights.  It's not going to be pretty.  Until then, it's hair ties, clips, scrunchies, hats, and hair masks.  You do what you can with what you have.

Time For Everything

My goal was to hit the ground running today since it was Monday.  Never mind that there wasn't anywhere to go really, my goal was to be productive because I've had many-o-many relaxed and drifting days of doing zippo--or worse, doing stuff that I barely remember.

So, I got myself up at the not so early time of 7 a.m. (which ridiculously HAS become early for me despite my pre-quarantine wake up time of 5:30 a.m.) Not only that, but I went to bed the night before by 10:30 p.m. so clearly, I'm not wanting for sleep.  It's the first line of defense to everything so I'm fine with all the extra sleep, it's silver lining number one of the current situation.

I managed to strip two beds of linens, do wash, clean the kitchen, do a workout, and call my sister all before noon.  Then I took one voyage out to get some groceries (in particular a roasted chicken), and in the process got a handful of treats to drop off at my parents house (I did a quick doorbell ring and dash), just to bring a smile hopefully.  

I still had the WHOLE afternoon to do stuff.  I worked on an art project, talked to Amanda for a long time, worked for threes hours, called my friend who had sweetly left a vase and big bouquet of tulips for John and I on the doorstep with the sweetest note honoring our anniversary (she's a dear friend to both of us).   The words on her card were so powerful that I have to share them, "Amidst all of the unknowns in this world, particularly right now, it is incredible what the power of love can do.  The resiliency, security and unconditional nature of it brings calm...is restorative, and guides us back to something that is grounded in knowing."   How wonderful is that?  

I took a walk with Romeo and we worked on his 4th grade spelling flashcards (he blew thru the rest of his 3rd grade cards because he's a little genius) :-).  

What I mostly realized is what an opportunity this next month is.  An opportunity to take the time we might find ourselves with, and do something really constructive with it, maybe even something inventive and ingenious.  Not that I've actually done anything inventive or ingenious yet, but I was reminded today by how much TIME is in the day.  You can do a lot, especially if you don't let yourself be crushed down by stress.

We're excited to bring you all some exciting tidbits in April to keep your spirits buoyed and life interesting.  In the very near future, a Satori Rue trunk show, a Siganka group we are very excited about, Amanda's adorable coasters that she has finally promised to photograph and prepare for the world.  We are going to be right here with you, every step of the way, and we can all be each other's cheer leaders and support systems as we make and keep goals, get inspired, as we pull ourselves out of momentary ruts, and we navigate the next month one day at a time.

Oh, and lastly...we're celebrating things with "good words" on it...like this darling tee that says it all.  Find your favorite words and take 40% off with code: goodwords.  

Mad love for everyone.  

Signed, ME {lv}

Wine & Books

Sunday is for being lazy right?  I hung out in my super comfortable Velvet sweats (from a couple of years ago...they are wide legged with a racing stripe down the outside of each leg and I love them), a long sleeve tee with a short sleeve tee layered over it, and a scarf (because it was cold today and I took two walks and ended up keeping my scarf on all day).  I read my new book and drank wine.  How's that for a productive day?  

Did I do anything else?  I did do a yoga class this morning, and I think I threw in one load of laundry.  The kids were all equally lazy, and were happy to be left to their own devices.

It's pretty unimpressive.  I'm going to gather some strength to start the week out with some purpose because it's going to be Monday shortly, AND it's going to be a brand new month in just a couple of days.

I can't stand the thought of April just going by in a hazy state, with an aimless, distracted stress existence.  I can't do the things I thought I would do, but I can do a lot in a month with extra time, right?

So I'm going to come up with some April goals.  Some quarantine goals.  I know some of us are still are working full time (some of us at home and some of us at essential jobs out in the world) but regardless most of us find ourselves with buckets of time that we normally would have allotted to other things that we now can't do.  So the question, before April arrives, is what are we going to get done during this time?  

Meanwhile, my book is good, and my loungy day was restorative.  Going to hit the ground running tomorrow.

Signed, ME {lv} 

Busy Day & Surprise Gifts

What constitutes a "busy" Saturday has drastically changed in the last few weeks.  Things I probably should do I've put off.  Like cleaning my house...I should do it, I have time, but I am putting it off until "some other time" since I'm home so much.  My house is FAR less clean than it should be for spending so much time here. Cleaning feels like too much work.

So today's big activities were grocery shopping, and doing a bootcamp work out.  First the grocery shopping.  Not terribly exciting except we found a great wine person working so we got a ton of recommendations and were able to stock up on what has now become an essential.  Forget rice and beans, wine is top of the list.  When John & I were getting checked out we asked the guy what the secret to getting toilet paper was.  He said to come at 8:00 a.m., and your chances went up. He did also tell us that some people just use catalogs when they are camping so that would probably work, and if worse comes to worse, your can just shower a lot.  Good to know, good to know.

John then made me do one of his Orange Theory boot camps and it was horrible....H.O.R.R.I.B.L.E.  I hated every minute of the 54 minute ordeal (it was live streamed from one of the instructor's basement).  He was rocking out to the theme song from Flashdance, while shouting at us to keep pushing thru the 90 second squat sequence rotations mixed with arms.   Terrible use of an hour.  Yes, I'm probably more fit, but I don't think you are suppose to dislike something that much??

After these two activities, I can pretty much tell you that I felt like I had done a LOT.  I've really become soft in the last three weeks.  I'm not sure how I could handle my normal Saturday list of stuff to do which is a  mile long when I wanted to nap after just these two things.  Although, to be fair, the notion of people using catalogs instead of toilet paper can really physically drain anyone.

My big surprise today was a gift I got in the mail from my dear friend in Seattle.  A lovely little necklace, a travel bag full of L'occitane. products and sweet card saying "we'll travel again someday, don't worry".  It was such a lovely treat, and was super fun to get something uplifting and thoughtful.  What would we do without our girlfriends?

I avoided media once again except for my short time I allowed to go over news articles.  Every time I turn on CNN for even 5 minutes I loose my sense of perspective because everything is led with "deadly" "worst ever" "crisis".  Might all be true, but when you couple that with the dramatic intonation of the newscasters it's a wonder anyone is keeping a level head.  My advice to myself every day is to deal with what I have control over, take deep breaths, put one foot in front of another and think of everything I'm grateful for.  I write about this  almost every day not because I have some amazing tips or tricks, but because the simple act of reminding myself as I write is helping me remember...it's keeping me sane and keeping me focused (or at least "more sane").

True confessions...due to having fatigued myself with the arduous first half of the day, I found myself on my computer and I clicked on a link Ava sent me showing a Tik Tok video of this teenage boy asking his dad if he could go on a drive, and then he got in his car and screamed at the top of his lungs.  I think she was maybe highlighting the fact that she also felt like screaming?  Not sure, BUT I do know that following that I managed to go down the rabbit hole that IS Tik Tok.  Wow.  Wow.  Wow.  There are just some truly random stuff on there and I don't think all of it was put up due to extreme coronavirus boredom (which still wouldn't be an excuse).  There was some stuff I just wish I hadn't seen, and alas, much of it was by adults not teens.  At least teens can blame their youth.  A solid 45 minutes of my life that I'm not getting back.  Big sigh.

Looking forward to Sunday when I'm technically allowed to be even lazier.

Signed, LV.  {lv}

Can't Blame Corona

I blame the coronavirus for the fact that I woke up this morning convinced it was Thursday, but really it was Friday.  It was not a good feeling.  I blame coronavirus for all kinds of things right now, BUT I can't blame coronavirus for the following.

For months now John  and I have been talking about our 25th wedding anniversary, which is coming up on March 30th.   We had all kinds of plans originally.  Maybe we'd go back to our honeymoon destination (Ireland).  Or maybe we should do a bonding yoga retreat together?   We brainstormed matching tattoos, or maybe having a big dinner party.  Recently with the state of lockdown, we realized none of those things would happen so we came up with brand new indulgence.  Let's get a Peloton.  YES,  it's expensive, but after all it's a big anniversary and this will be something we can both use a ton (probably the kids too).  OK, done, we have a plan!  We ordered the Peloton and were super excited.  Then I got on the phone with my best friend who I've known since I was 13.  I told her what we had bought for our "big" anniversary, and her response?  "Uhm, you were married in 1996, I'm pretty sure it's your 24th anniversary."  

Turns out she is right.  Yep, for whatever reason, I have no idea why, both John and I were absolutely convinced that it was our 25th.  Yeah, for real.  I can't blame coronavirus for my bad math or poor memory.  Darn.

Hope everyone is keenly aware that tomorrow is Saturday--it's the weekend!  Have fun!

Signed, ME {lv}

Do Nice Things

I can only speak for me but I've been pretty consumed with myself and my family lately. Everyone is busy stock piling food (and apparently toilet paper), and safe guarding themselves and family members against getting sick.  Couple that with social distancing and orders to "stay put", and we're not in the best position or mental state to be thinking outside of our immediate circles.  People feel closed off, they are sheltering in.  This won't last forever, but we need to find ways to thrive during this, not just survive.

Yesterday Amanda told me she baked sugar cookies and made 7 colors of frosting to make "cookie decorating care packages" to leave on the doorstep of her friends with children.  How cool is that?  It was a good reminder that NOW is the perfect time to do random acts of kindness for people we love.  Everyone is feeling stressed right now, and on edge, so how wonderful would it be to get a box of cookies on your doorstep?  Or get a package in the mail with a new water bottle, cosmetic case, or cute tee (we can't do the cookie thing, but Melange can help with the others).  

Today Amanda talked about her deep, DEEP frustration at not being able to find split peas ANY-where.  Without going into too much detail, it was really important for her to make a special meal that included split pea soup.  When we got off the phone I started digging thru my incredibly inefficient pantry (shelves are WAY too deep), and I managed to find a bag of split pea soup intact.  I immediately packaged it up, printed a shipping label and dumped it into a blue box.  No social contact necessary.  It was a little thing, hardly anything really (I would give Amanda a kidney if she needed it), but the point is that it felt good to just do something for someone that I knew would brighten their day.  These are some turbulent times but if we don't retain some tenderness for others AND for ourselves, then they get way more turbulent and stressful. Tenderness can be sending a box of goodies to a friend, finding yourself a new tee in a color you love, or baking cookies for a neighbor.  It can only make you feel better, and you deserve that.

Signed, ME {lv}

 

New Favorite Quote, Fruit Crisp & Real Big Problem

“We think that the point is to pass the test or overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don't really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It's just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.”  Pema Chödrön

That quote came from my yoga class this morning and I love it.  It's a variation of Amor Fati, the love of one's fate, and accepting everything in life--good and bad-as part of your miraculous life.   Acceptance vs. resistance because you know it all has to be there. Part of what lifts me up when I have tough days is just the reminder that you have to have space to accept it all, not only the good stuff, but the incredibly difficult stuff too.   I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I'm so grateful for yoga.  I continue to do my 10 sun salutations each morning and I think it really IS changing my life just a bit

I also made a glorious fruit crisp today (apple and rhubarb which I randomly saw at the grocery store and decided to grab--I use to have it a lot as a child).  I made it vegan and gluten free, but it tastes great so I don't think it's going to keep my family members from eating it which is a bummer.  Usually all I have to say is "it's gluten free and vegan" and they clear out, but this turned out TAAAA-sty.  I felt like getting dressed and making a fruit crisp qualifies me as having a very productive today.

But here's the REAL catastrophe that gripped my children today.  Around 5:30 p.m., as we were cooking dinner, the electricity went off.  John and I were in the kitchen together and used our phones to check the utility website to confirm indeed, there was a power outage to 3200 people and estimated time of fix was 8:30 p.m.  Within minutes the kids realized that they had no internet, so it was like consecutive screams of terror.  Apparently school being closed, us being quarantined, no contact with friends or grandparents...none of that scared them like this.  You would literally think the zombie apocalypse WAS starting from their exaggerated, "wwwwhhhhhatttttt IS hhhhaaappppppeeennnnniinnnnnng????!!!!"  

I had some very concerning questions asked during this time that made me think I needed to start home schooling asap..."does the t.v. still work?"  was one such question. We were without power for exactly 1 hour and 15 minutes and it was as close to a crisis as we've been in a LONG time.  When it went back on it was like they had been provided food after not eating for two weeks.  

Note to self, make sure my kids have a little perspective and that we schedule an electricity free weekend in nature this summer.  Actually, that sounds horrible.  Scratch that.  Instead, note to self.....buy back up generator. 

Signed, ME {lv}

Words to Ponder

Amanda forwarded me this quote, "We judge ourselves by our intentions, and others by their actions". I've been pondering that all day because it's SO TRUE, and such a good reminder!

I also have been pondering the offering from my online yoga this morning, "when you feel a storm rising within you, treat yourself gently". I thought this was perfect, since we're all riding the waves and storm right now, and it's so important to treat ourselves gently (and others too of course).  

I missed my old schedule ALL day today, so most of my day consisted of trying to manage my storm by giving myself a break. I told Amanda that I even missed the stuff in my schedule that I normally would complain about relentlessly.  That says a lot.  

What I can say positive is that I am loving on the new Sarah Liller short sleeve sweatshirt because I'm currently (and for as long as I can remember) obsessed with layering long sleeve tees under short sleeve tees or sweatshirt.  Anyone remember the days of C & C tees? Yep, I still think back with fondness. I loved layering those. I still layer anytime I can, it always feel sporty and fun to me. This SL top is cute solo (love the detailing on the shoulders), but ALSO cute with a long sleeve tee layered underneath.  

Signed, ME {lv}

What Day Is It? & What To Do When There Is Nothing To Do

I'm about to enter that weird state of mind where you stop being hyper aware of days/dates/time.  I just realized that I have not used my calendar for over a week.  I'm a slave to my calendar in ordinary times, and not in the negative way it sounds, but in a nice, comfortable, co-dependent way.   I have a bullet journaling type calendaring system that literally includes everything for the day (including routine things that I do every day but I put them on the list because I love to check stuff off).  Haven't used it in a week.  I saw its bright yellow cover in my office today and I felt a pang of sadness.  Poor yellow calendar, all neglected with days and days just sitting there, unstructured.  Today could have been Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday....it would hardly make a different.  Weird.

Because the current state of things is dragging out past a comfortable vacation-ish type situation, I'm starting to realize I need a list of things to do when there is nothing to do (and that I would probably not do otherwise).  So here goes:

1.  Clean Microwave.  Our microwave is hidden under a counter behind a door which means it's not used all that much, mostly by the kids, and is thoroughly disgusting.  Like frat house gross.  I only noticed it recently, then I ignored it. 
2. Clean out beauty drawer.  I'm notorious for holding on to things that are way too old, or that I'm never going to use.  Am I going to use the weird collagen cream that came in a syringe that I bought last year in Thailand for $2?  I'm guessing that I'm never going to us that.
3. Clean the vents in the house.  Never done it, probably should.  Include dryer vent.
4. Clean out the sock basket in the laundry room that currently holds 500+ random socks.
5. App clean my phone.  I could erase a LOT of apps.
6. Podcasts.  I go thru stages and it's been awhile since I listened to any.  Want to catch up on 10% Happier and Modern Love.
7. Clean the throw rugs with the upholstery cleaning machine I bought and have only used 3 times.
8. Go crazy on some self-care love.  Dry brushing, hair masks, micro needling....bring it all on because I've got time.
9. Make photo books of the kids for the last 7 years.  I'm behind, really behind.
10. Watch the academy award winners from 2019.  I don't think I saw any of them!

Might as well make myself useful by tackling some things on this list.  Who knows, maybe I'll clean my house vents, noticed the copious amount of Milo fur in them, and save myself from a house fire down the road (can fur balls catch on fire in vents??)   Here's to marking things off the random "to do" list.  

Signed, ME {lv}

Living In The Now

I'm trying to work on things to keep me de-stressed.  It's way too easy to let the news sweep you away, and the fear of the "what if" sweep you away.  Share your little de-stressing techniques with us, we can all use them.

 After I did my yoga class this morning online (with my favorite guru teacher), my big takeaway was that even during all of this, we have to be asking ourselves, "what am I doing today to push myself towards who I want to be and how I want to live".  There is no "pause" button on life while a disaster happens.  This is still life happening and we all still need to focus on the NOW.  No, none of us have days that look like we thought they would look a month ago, but they are what they are, so how can we find joy, satisfaction and hope from them despite everything?  

That's my goal.  It's not easy though, I am the first to admit it takes real work on my part NOT to dive into panic and media overload.  But what if today was our last day?  Or tomorrow?  Or this week, or this month?  Do we really want to spend our precious time waiting for "real life to start" while we ooze stress from every pore of our bodies?  Not me.  So today I did my awesome yoga class, suffered thru most of a 20 minute Peloton strength training with John (they are free for 90 days), walked outside, read my book (I'm almost half way thru American Dirt--it's very gripping).  I helped make a big family dinner, called a couple of friends, texted a bunch more, and tried to keep the offering from yoga class in the front of my mind.  

We don't know what will happen tomorrow, or the next.  That's just the fact.  What we do know is that we have right now to do the things that better us, make us happy, make us feel good, and enrich us.   Most of experience is your personal perception of it, some people are eternally optimistic, and some people eternally pessimistic.  I tend to fall in the middle, with a heavy leaning toward optimism.  What I do know is that I can perceive these weeks (maybe months) of changed life as a prison, or I can choose to make them fun in some ways, choose to make them special in some ways, and choose to work on myself, help others and enjoy the things I am able to do.

I'm concentrating on that.

Meanwhile, I've just spilled my tea, which is no doubt going to take HOURS to pull out of my cream and light grey throw rug.  How fortunate I have the time to do that right now.  Silver linings.

Signed, ME {lv}

Binge Watching & Green Overload

It's been awhile since I've really watched any show that was interesting enough to warrant binge watching with my limited time.  But let's face it, most of us have a bit more time on our hands so binge watching something sounds a lot more attractive.  John and I started "Killing Eve" a few nights ago and that's pretty entertaining.  Dark and violent, but entertaining and interesting.  I think the last thing we watched before that was "The Stranger" which was also a good one season show (sort of like a lot of those True Detective type series that carry the storyline just one season).  Curious to see what other people are watching so I can make a list!

Today was a genuinely boring Saturday, which in normal times would feel luxurious and wonderful.   Now it felt a little disconcerting to be honest.  I slept horribly last night and had the worst nightmare ever.  I dreamt that John, after 25 years of marriage (we are actually. about to celebrate our 25th anniversary), announced that he wanted a divorce because he decided he was going to run off with someone.  Anyway, it was horrible because in my dream I was devastated, and so genuinely distraught that I was exhausted when I woke up.

The other thing that broke up my sleep was Ava who walked into our room at 3 a.m. and in a regular, loud and unapologetic voice declared we needed to "take her to the hospital IMMEDIATELY".  Now, if it was anyone else I would have bolted out of bed and been putting my clothes on before they uttered another word, but because it was Ava I stayed in bed and calmly replied, "I doubt it, what's up".  Well, she was convinced that between the hours of 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. her appendix had gone from just fine to infected and about to burst.   No joke.  Her side hurt and according to her it was gravely serious.  We told her she just had gas and to go back to bed and wake us up if she was still in unbelievable pain in two hours.  Ava has John's hypochondriac gene, and she's super, SUPER dramatic.  Any issue, and she's near death...until something distracts her and then she's perfectly fine.  She slept until 11 a.m. and when I saw her in the kitchen I asked her how her side was and her relpy was, "oh fine, the infection went away".   She's crazy.

Besides doing my yoga class (and yes, I'm maintaining my first thing in the morning sun salutations. and media hold off), we went on a walk, read (started a new book "American Dirt"), did a little work, texted people, and looked up recipes for all the greens I have from my organic delivery box.  They  are starting to pile up and I've got to move into double speed to try and find recipes for things like chard, and collard greens (which I just rarely cook).  If you open my. fridge it's like an explosion of veggies.  That's probably why the kids keep complaining that there is no food.  The only bad deal is that these farm veggies wilt and get unhappy looking real fast, so it's a race to find ways to use them while they are looking spry.

Tonight I used a bunch of my very weird looking kale (some variety that I just don't see often), and I sauteed it with onions, garlic, then added white beans, diced tomatoes, Italian seasonings, salt & pepper and it was GOOD.  I feel like I'm doing an unnatural amount of eating right now.  I'm trying to chalk it up to healthy and somehow a little anti-viral protection.  

Signed, ME {lv}

Post Quarantine Queens

It's Friday!! Usually I love Fridays - anyone who knows me knows how much I love Fridays, and talking about plans for Fridays. I know its cliche, but they're my favorite day of the week. People are generally in great moods, you have the whole weekend of possibilities to look forward to, and you've made it thru the week. I LOVE having plans on Friday night. They don't have to be extravagant, but I need something. Making a good dinner at home with one of the special bottles of wine, going out with friends, trying a new restaurant, anything. As I kid, we ate out every Friday night. My dad loves eating out, and my mom was tired of cooking, so it was the perfect solution. I think growing up with that routine, its ingrained in me that you do SOMETHING on Friday night. But now its Quarantine Friday, and despite my eternal optimism and best efforts, its not the same. I hit a little bit of a wall tonight while eating leftovers, standing in the kitchen, in sweats. I mean, cute sweats, but sweats. This isn't what Friday night is supposed to be. Sometimes its nice to have a low key Friday night, but that has literally been all of the last 7 nights. I'm itching for some social interaction, and cool environment, food I didn't make, and an exciting outfit (although I'm not sure I could fit into it at this point). My therapist has diagnosed my as an introverted extrovert (or was it extroverted introvert??), I need my time alone to have down time, create, regroup my thoughts, and have space. But I also thrive with social interactions and need connections to feel fulfilled. Well, I've had enough solo time - I need some social time!!

 

Well, my dear friend Carina (I'm sure some of you know who she is! She's Melange part of the Melange crew and does a lot on the website) set up a group message with Barbara and I, and its been a life saver. I have to say, that Carina is AWESOME. She has gone from an employee I kind of thought I regretted hiring at first, to a dear, dear friend that I can't imagine not having in my life. In her interview, she asked me about the dress code, and I explained what it was, and I said, "does that make sense?" and she replied with, "I'm always Instagram ready so that shouldn't be a problem." She had the most deadpan expression, and I couldn't tell if she was being sarcastic, or genuinely meant that - I had the hardest time keeping a straight face. But she wasn't wrong, she IS always Instagram ready, no matter how funny that sounds. ;) It's a bold statement to make, but she lived up to it. There isn't one thing you can put in front of Carina that she can't do, and excel at. She is funny, hardworking, creative, artistic, and so much more, but I just wrote her a letter of recommendation for grad school and I feel like her head grew two sizes after that, so I'll stop there for now. ;) Anyways, Carina is the best, and one of the most incredible people I know. 

 

Everyday Carina sends us a "Coronspiration Quote" and they've been really good! Well, she missed yesterday but made up for it today. One thing about Carina is she doesn't hold back pointing out my mistakes, so it's actually kind of rewarding to point out her mistake to the public. ;) Today's was "You don't look at another person's plate to see if they have more than you. You look to see if they have enough." from the Spark of Light by Jodi Picult. I thought that was super good, but extra fitting right now, with everything going on all around, and the current toilet paper crisis, amidst everything else. 

 

Carina planned Facemask Friday, so tonight at 10pm, we're all doing facemasks and chatting with each other. How fun is that?! Now I have Friday night plans!! :) Its been very exciting to know that every time I check my phone, I'm almost guaranteed to have a message from Barbara and/or Carina about the curry recipe Carina had for dinner (with extra potatoes because carbs make her happy), or the brownies that Barbara just baked. We've been sharing recipes, holding each other accountable for finishing projects we start. It actually has been helping a lot! Sending pics back and forth - Carina is knitting a sweater right now (well, technically she's on her second because the first one was kind of a flop - although I thought it was amazing), and Barbara (who is all the way in Madrid right now) is making a calendar and her drawings are amazing. Would defiantly keep me on schedule if I had something like that (wink wink! ha).

 

Overall, I'd give quarantine a 7/10 so far. ;) I hit a rough patch tonight, but pulled thru. There are so many projects I've gotten done, and that really makes me feel good. I've also loved all the connections from people, and the creativity people have come up with to support each other. Neighbors stepping up to help people who can't easily leave their houses and needs supplies, the support of customers for local business that are really getting tested right now, families spending more time together and taking a minute to slow down and play a board game, and friends that are there for you and just as engaged in your life as they were before, if not more. It's a weird, strange, and scary time, but I think there can also be a lot of good - silver linings - and I know I'm beyond grateful for that.

 

Now, I'm off to facemask. :)

 

Signed, ME {AT}

Running Like A Grandma & New Rituals

Milo and I watched the sunrise this morning.  That was a nice start to the day, and  less stressful than reading the news.  Highly recommend this.

Personally I think the key to navigating any change is to set up routines, and real quick.  John and I have self-induced so many big changes in the last 10 years that we've become pretty good at it.  I think at one point I counted 7 house moves, one state move, different schools, lots of extended traveling (culture shock is a tough change for kids)...the list goes on.  All of those things disrupt your routine, and the result is always predictable with kids (and adults for that matter).  You feel uncomfortable, you don't like it, you feel grumpy, uneasy, angry, sad, and sometimes physically ill.  It's textbook every time.  We crave predictability and routine.

So the writing was on the wall that this change with covid-19 that we are currently dealing with would be no different.  The kids have gone thru all stages for sure, and I've seen them in myself too.  We have all been thrown into a new routine, or rather, our OLD routines were all ripped away from us so we were spinning without routines.  No school, no work, no dinner out Friday, no social events....the list goes on.  

So, my big push this week has been to try and stick to the old routines that I could stick with (family dinner, tulips on the front table, etc.), and establish some new ones.  It doesn't take very long to get new habits going, and it always amazes me how easily the kids will get in the new flow.  

So my new routines for me include my 10 sun salutations each morning, and then an online yoga class.  Then we are making breakfast.  Romeo and I take a walk late morning with the dog, and practice spelling and math problems.   Then it's music practice time, then Gia bakes something in the afternoon.   Nothing monumental, but I've noticed how quick they are grabbing on to the new rituals--they are like life preservers.

Today Ava decided she wanted to go on a run, and she tried to recruit Lucia who wouldn't go, so she begged me and despite it being the LAST thing I actually felt like doing, I did it.  Two minutes into the run Ava turns to me and says, "are you going to run like a grandma the whole time?"  Nothing like a little teen shaming to force you to run faster.   I think I might have shin splints for weeks now.  Ava never works out, and she still seemed unphased by the spur of the moment run.  It wore me out though and I think my big toe is dislocated.  Super irritating.

I will also just say, that despite setting up a new schedule/routine and recognizing how important that is, I really miss my old one.  I grieved it a little today to be honest.  Maybe even more than a little.  I miss you old life, I miss you bad....can't wait to get back to you.

Hope everyone made it thru the week.  Curious to see what what new routines everyone is establishing that is
 working for them.  I'm tossing up this picture that John took at a restaurant last week because it really is pretty funny (and not funny at the same time I guess).  It made me laugh though!  TP rolls $500, and one pump of hand sanitizer for $300. Cheeky.  

Signed, ME {lv}

The Good Things Around Us

In my ongoing efforts to think positively and not get pulled down to the depths with the current state of affairs, I tried some strategic things today.  One, I started my day with my 10 sun salutations and no media afterward for 45 minutes.  This was day #2 and I think this might be the ticket for me....starting out the day without being bombarded first thing.  Much better foundation for the day.

Then I had my latte, and then I did a yoga class online.  Again, that was a pretty good centering thing for me and was better than doing it late in the day I think. It fortified me and gave me strength.

The kids and I took the dog on a walk, and I enjoyed the outdoors for a brief time, and also enjoyed the heart warming signs of togetherness I saw.  I know that this is an incredibly isolating time for many people who might live alone, and my heart breaks for everyone that feels that way right now.  For other people it's a frustrating time because you are now forced to spend SO much time together in a confined space with little to do, BUT on the flip side, it also gives people the time and bandwidth to connect.  I saw, on a Thursday mid-morning mind you, a family taking a walk together, and I saw parents engaged in activities with their kids that ordinarily might take back seat because of time constraints (or jobs of course).  Don't get me wrong, I want job back, but all we can do is enjoy what we do have.

Everyone I saw was keeping a very safe distance from other people, there weren't the groups of young people that I've heard rumor of (although I'm sure that's happening somewhere near me).  What I saw was just a sense of timelessness that really only comes with a shut down like this where there are simply less options, less things to do.  There are no restaurants.  There are no stores to go to.  There are only so many groceries you can buy.  We're all getting our fill of screen time, and there are still a lot of hours in the day to do meandering and unrushed things.  I can't honestly remember the last time I walked the dog with absolutely no agenda afterwards, or set things I have to do.  Romeo and I do it daily, but usually it's after I pick him up from school, and before I pick up his sisters where we have a tight little window of about 35 minutes.   Today we strolled along, me trying to stump him with spelling words, and him content to prep for the imaginary spelling bee.  I did this in attempts to outweigh hours of Fortnite video games by the way

Anyway, I guess my point is that as much as this entire situation is beyond scary in every way (and unwanted in every way), all we can do is take one day at a time, and find beauty in the simple things that ARE happening.  I might not have a store operating right now and all the stresses of that can stack up nice and tall, but what we do have are wonderful emails from friends and customers, little notes, or even just seeing a name of someone we know and love on a web order makes us happy.  It's not about anything more than being happy for what we have, and the wonderful people we know and the time we get with the people we love.  

Plus, I will also just note that Ava & Lucia have been in sister-fighting mode for months.  It's been bad.  They fight over clothes, over friends.  Pretty much anything (this is the problem with same sex siblings too close in age).  Anyway, the silver lining of this quarantine is that they are so, SO, so bored that they are starting to talk and laugh together again.  Desperate for friend time, they are learning to be friends again.  Silver linings.

Signed, ME {lv}

 

Amanda's Third Day of Quarantine

I just finished day 3 of my self quarantine, and I have to say, I'm not hating it...yet. The sun has been beautiful, and the afternoons are almost warm, which is a total mood lifter. I am so grateful that this is all going on when its nice, and I can open the windows, do things outside and stroll around the neighborhood. But then I'm also missing the fact that we can't go to our favorite happy hour spots and sit outside...you win some you loose some I guess. ;) I've been getting so much done, and my house has never been cleaner. There is still a room full of boxes that I don't want to unpack (and half a garage full of stuff I don't know what to do with either), and maybe if this quarantine goes on long enough, I'll get to it, but for now I'm having fun rearranging things and really making them work. Since we moved into our house 6 months ago, I just put things where I thought I'd  want them, and then have been too afraid to move them for fear I won't remember where I moved them to. But now I have a feel for where I actually know where I  want the measuring cups and the best spot for the cutting boards, and can move it all around because I have the time!

 

This morning I started out with my lemon water again. I'm not sure I feel different because of it, but I don't drink coffee or having a morning tea ritual, so the routine of having my lemon water in the mornings is starting to be kind of nice just for the regimen. Maybe tomorrow my skin will be glowing, and my metabolism will be so fast I'll stop gaining weight from all of the quarantine comfort food meals I've been eating 5 times a day. Seriously...its bad. There's just so much food in the house, and I have a lot of time to myself, and it feels like I'm doing a lot, so it just makes sense I'd have an after breakfast AND after lunch quesadilla...you know to keep fueling energy for the projects. I've also probably eaten my weight in the Costco chocolate almond covered ice cream bars. Those are SUPER addicting, and I never buy them for that reason, but somehow they made it into the quarantine stockpile cart. :/

 

I put my third (and hopefully final) coat of paint on this bookcase I'm redoing, and I really love it. I'm actually really happy with how its turned out, and wasn't expecting to like it as much as I do! Isn't that funny - sometimes you'll dive into a project get most of the way done if not all the way finished with it, and even though you thought you knew exactly what it would look like, you're still shocked at how much you love it (or, sometimes, hate it).

 

This afternoon after a few hours at the shop, I went out to the barn. This time of year is the ultimate time to be out with the horses! I feel like all those cold, wet, dark days that I pushed thru out there were a test to see if I could stick it out to deserve these beautiful ones. Its not too hot yet, the sun is shining, and the breeze smells  so good with the scent of all the blooms in the air. I had a SUPER challenging but rewarding day out there, which also felt good. I left telling Zinc that he's a better horse than he was this morning, and I'm a better rider than I was this morning also. ;) That sentiment can apply to just about anything else - including quarantine! If every morning you wake up, try again, and come out on the other side stronger than you were the day before, that's something! And something to be proud of. It may not be easy between here and there, but it wouldn't be as rewarding if it wasn't. Just a side tangent thought. ;)

 

I did not get as much done today as I had planned because I got sucked in to Making a Murderer on Netflix. If you haven't watched it, you should. Its very addicting and hard to pull away from. I can't wait to finish it because I'm hoping all the questions I have will be answered. Its super tempted to just do a quick google search and see what happens, but I'm trying to savor it, and watch the whole story play out. Its completely crazy to me that this is a person's life!! And it's such a captivating story. I feel like if someone were to make a documentary about my life, they'd cancel it before the pilot was even over.  I should probably count my blessings that my life isn't documentary worthy, because those stories usually never end all that well.

 

One thing I'm really starting to miss is my friends! I didn't realize how much we really usually do with people until we're not doing it. Its a lot of one on one time with Todd - which is nice...but I have a feeling we're going to need some sort of break at some point. You know, so we can have some time away and come up with new things to talk about. ;) Not having the day to day social interactions with other people will be the hardest part of this for me. But I've made it thru 3 days...what's at least 11 more? 

Conscious Uncoupling, Corona Cinnamon Rolls & Sun

I'm consciously uncoupling from the media.  Well, partially uncoupling.  That's right, I'm going Gwyneth Paltrow on the media.  

I started my day with 10 sun salutations, BEFORE I looked at my phone or anything electronic.  I have to admit, it's a horrible habit but the first thing I do every morning is reach over, grab my phone off the charger and read about what is going on in the world.

Not this morning.  This morning I woke up and I thought about what my yoga teacher had said when I was doing my yoga training two years ago.  She said, "wake up and do 10 sun salutations, and I promise you it will change your life."  At the time I didn't do it....not sure why exactly, but I didn't.   Well, I started today, and I can see how it might a actually be if not life changing, adjacent to life changing.  It's essentially 10-15 minutes of deep breathing and meditation, but in an active form that for me feels easier than sitting to meditate in the morning (which I've tried to do many times and the habit hasn't stuck).

After my 10 salutations I resisted phone checking urges, and instead I went downstairs, made my latte, did my normal domestic rounds of picking up stuff in the kitchen, going down to the laundry room etc.  It was a full 30-40 minutes and I still hadn't checked any media and let me tell you, it was amazing.  Then John came downstairs full of media reports and broke the spell.  Then I realized, I'm not going to miss anything if I partially break off from media, because unfortunately everyone else is going to fill me in moment to moment.   What it might do though is quash some of the not so low stress hum that has settled into my brain and I can feel it zapping my strength.  I've got to find a way to be positive more hours of the day than not.

It's was a gorgeous day, the sun was out, flowers were everywhere, and it feels hopeful just to be outside.  Romeo and I walked Milo, and then we came back and made cinnamon rolls for my parents.  But then I had a thought, what if someone in my house is asymptomatic and we make cinnamon rolls and somehow get coronavirus on it??  Is that possible?  Can the corona be baked out of the cinnamon rolls?  So I did some googling, and basically they don't know for sure, but SARS dies off in temps of 160 degrees for 30 minutes.  Plus John said you can't "eat" the virus it'll die, you have to inhale it or touch it to your face/nose/eyes.  So We baked the rolls and then devised a plan to get them on a paper plate and covered with no touching and little exposure to potential airborne bugs.  I'm especially neurotic when it comes to my parents, who fall into that "elderly" category (I'm sure my mom wants to stab someone when they call her elderly), but nonetheless, we've got to be über careful.  Anyway, we dropped off cinnamon rolls, flowers, and a spray bottle of 409 (since it kills bacteria and viruses).  Not the most exciting care package to get, but also not the worst.  We left it on their door step, rang the door bell and dashed.

I did another online yoga class, and another couple walks.  Was very excited that we got in the Féret Parfumeur for my ravaged hands.  They feel dry ALL the time and have that weird feeling that is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I can't wait to lather my digits.

Hope everyone is keeping their spirits up!!

Signed, ME {lv}

 

Amanda's Quarantine Day One

Today was officially my day 1 of my quarantine (and not because I actually have the virus, but just because we are all quasi-quarantined). With the decision to close the shop at the end of the day yesterday, and this past weekend being dedicated to prepping for quarantine, this is the first day for me that wasn't my normal routine. I know I'm a little late to all of this, but I have been being super careful along the way, washed my hands 50 million times, and really only have a small bubble I operate in anyways. This whole situation is super sucky, to say the least. There isn't a word that adequately sums it up. But I think that's the obvious thing we can all agree on is that the news is rehashing that enough, so I'm trying to focus on the positive, and make the best of it. In all honesty, this "forced downtime" to get things done is kind of exactly what I need right now, mentally, emotionally and physically. I know not everyone is in the same boat, and a lot of people are struggling to heart breaking lengths, and yes I'm worried about a paycheck, having a job to come back to, all of that - but as a good friend likes to say (the one that is cool enough to get me into ankle spraining spin classes), 'the only way out is through'. We've got this - because there is no other option. We're going to make it thru, and in the meantime, handle it with grace, strength, and of course style. It's okay to break down, feel defeated and want to give up, but we're all stronger than that. Especially when we support each other. Isn't that sooooo cool to think about? With the help of modern technology, a friend, college, family member, anyone is literally just at your finger tips. Feel free to email Lauren and I and rant about whatever you have to get off your chest. A good portion of our day is spent going back and forth with each other about what annoying thing our husbands did, or what snarky comment someone made to us, or why we can't stand our mother in laws. It helps to get it out!

 

So, here is DAY 1 of my quarantine. (also, I'm fully prepared to eat my words in a few days when my mindset is WAY less positive. Should we give it 3 days?)

I've read so much about warm lemon water first thing in the morning, as I'm sure we all have. At this point, I think I'm the only one not doing it. When I was at Trader Joe's over the weekend for the stock up, they had bags of lemons and limes in abundance. I grabbed several (determined not to get scurvy on top of everything else going around!), figured it was time to start the lemon water thing. Grabbed one of my favorite mugs, and drank 1.8 liters of warm lemon water (this did take me all the way thru lunch, but I actually really liked it). I'm sure I'll have amazing results by tomorrow. ;) I also wore the PJ Salvage striped lounge pants, and oh my goodness, they're amazing!! The fabric is thicker than the modals they've done in the past, and so. much. more. flattering! It doesn't cling, and I don't feel like I'm jiggling all around when I walk. Plus, new lounge pants make you feel a little extra glam while around the house. Old school Velvet sweater in the perfect green for St Patricks Day (these things are dang expensive...every time we get new Velvet sweats I gasp at the price, but they hold up amazing, and are my favorite things to throw on, making it totally worth it).

 

Next I finished sewing these oh so cheerful coasters - aren't they adorable? If you want a set, they'll be on the site soon. ;) I think they're fun pops to make you smile around the house, and great hostess gifts. I've been giving them out to all my friends and family when we go visit. The color combos are fun to come up with, too. Can't decide what to do next...maybe just a 2 tone? White and grey for something more simple? Or a monochromatic pink? So excited!!

 

After I did those, and was halfway thru my lemon water, I decided to hang this hook/hanger thing in our living room that I've needed to do since right after Christmas. Yeah. Its been sitting on my floor a long time. Gather my tools, and even found a level so that I wasn't hating it being slightly off level for the next however many years because I'd be too lazy to move it and have to fill in a hole. I know, pathetic I don't have my act together more, but isn't there value in honestly realizing my limits? Maybe? Hopefully? I forgot to snap a pic of it while the light was still good, so I'll do that tomorrow...I know you're on the edge of your seat in suspense. haha

 

My little sister Cindy started texting me and I knew it was a cry for help, so I invited her over. I had some errands to run (going to the shop to fill web orders, and the barn to see my handsome horse - don't panic!), so it was the perfect way to give her something to do, and give her a chance to practice driving. She's wanting to take the drivers test in April, and honestly, 3 months ago I thought she meant April 2022 with the way she drove. But, she has come SUCH a long way, and it was actually pleasant driving around with her today. I took her thru the web order process to kill some time, and we shopped in the store, picking out our favorite things. Of course had to take selfies to document this part of the day, and because our outfits matched, like really well, without even trying. Must be a sister thing. Todd says we're sooooooo related, but I don't see it. ;) Every time I complain about something she does, he reminds me that I am the EXACT same way. I'm sure that I'm not. Luckily we'll have a lot of time in the coming weeks to hash that debate out. LOL.

 

Next we went out to the barn (and Cindy had to merge on and off of the big interstate to get there - big deal for her!), and played with the horses. It was defiantly therapeutic, and even Cindy, who isn't a fan of the large equine animals, started to warm up and even willingly pet them, and picked out a favorite (it wasn't Zinc, so she is dead to me, but oh well, we had a good run). She even got on him for a little ride. Well, I told her to just sit on him so I could get a pic really quick, but walked her around the arena a few times, and she actually seemed to enjoy it! How fun!!

 

Then we came home, and I made vegetable and dumpling soup. Not my best soup, but not my worst. Luckily there's always tomorrow to try something better. ;) I have never eaten at home so many meals in a row like this! I know I've said it before, but I really do enjoy cooking, just not when I have to. ;) I usually always grab lunch at work (the market has so many amazing places to eat, its next to impossible NOT to eat there everyday), and Todd and I eat out more nights a week than we eat in. Either at friends houses, or going to restaurants or getting take out. I'm not going for domestic goddess of the year or anything, but should be up for some award here eventually. 

 

That's my Day 1. I actually had a lot of fun, and got a lot done. And also spent some time watching mindless TV, which I'm not sorry for. Overall, I feel good about today, and am looking forward to tomorrow. :)

 

Signed with much love, ME {AT}

Digging Deep, Currents & Boats

Now that I've got all kinds of time to cook and to deep clean, I can think of nothing else that I'd like to do less. Why is that?  I was desperate for few hours just a couple of weeks ago so I could continue my spring cleaning mission and now that I can do it I'm feeling too depleted.  Two weeks ago I distinctly remember complaining about how FAST the weeks were flying by.  I blinked and it was Friday...AGAIN, and again.  It's been two days since the kids officially were let off school, one day since the store shut to the public, and if you told me it had been month, I'd say, "feels about right".  Time is dragging by so. so. slowly.  

But today I tried to be positive.  The reality is, the kids are officially off school 6 weeks.  We're all on lock down for realistically 2-6 weeks.  It feels like an eternity.  It does genuinely feels that way, but in reality it isn't.  I'm not saying it won't feel painstakingly slow, but big picture, it's not that long.  Other good news is that this is an election year, which means there is a lot of pressure on the government to get this economy jumpstarted as soon as the virus is under control.  It will happen.  Third good thing is that there are some incredible doctors spread out over this entire globe that are working tirelessly to come up with an anti-viral and a vaccine.  It will happen, anti-viral trials are already underway for whats seemed to work so far.  There are too many smart people working on it for it not to happen quickly.  Fear & panic is the problem,

So those were the positives I tried to focus on.  I also did an online yoga class, which was better than I thought because my favorite guy was teaching it. That made me happy.  His whole theme of the class was "get to know yourself".  I had to actively push out the voice in my head that started out by saying, "I know myself, I'm a basket case who is literally flipping out that her kids are off school for 6 weeks and I can't go to yoga".  I pulled myself together and tamed my monkey mind at least a little.

I went on a walk with John, and we came across this marquee which I thought was fitting, it read "Same Current, Different Boats".  That sums it up.  I also read later on some other billboard. the phrase, "focus on what you can control" which I thought was pretty fitting too.  Yes, we can only focus on what we can control, and let go of things out of our control.  

On a final note, Gia was saying today she was super scared (and it had nothing to do with the coronavirus, it had to do with some scary movie preview she saw), and Romeo told her, "I don't get scared anymore from things, I just think about unicorns when I get scared and then I'm not scared."  Unicorns?  Yep, apparently they protect you from being scared.  So here's to visions of unicorns.

Today we're doing a deep discount on gifts...mostly because it seems like a swell time to buy someone a gift, AND it also seems like a swell time to buy yourself a gift.  Show some love, because we all need it.

Signed, ME {lv}

 

 

 

A Day In The Life

The new normal....

Wake up too early to get up, check the news, get depressed, stop reading it.  Try to go back to sleep. Can't because of said depressing news.  Get out of bed for real, and make a happy collagen latte (hoping it enhances my super immune system so I don't get the CV).

Clean up the kitchen after the kids tornado thru for breakfast.  Cheerios everywhere and evidence they ate every strawberry in the house. 

Exercise, which now consists of giving myself a yoga class which is far less peaceful than going to a yoga class. I cheat in poses much more and I can't get myself to relax.

Force the kids to go on a walk with me.  Gia tells me bees pee out of their stingers.  I believe her for about 3 solid minutes because my brain is filled with coronavirus stress.

Go home, work a bit, get more stressed when I learn that Melange is going to close for at least two weeks.  Stop working and go online to buy some more vitamins--again to super-immune-system my body up.

Decide that the kids have once again eaten thru half the food, so head to grocery store where I likely will get coronavirus, ebola, hep C and god knows what else because it is packed beyond capacity with some people with very questionable health.  

Go home, unpack groceries.  Encourage the kids to make a list of things they "need" to do during the day (like practice music, do math, read, clean room).  Hear entirely too much whining and run out of energy to stand my ground.  That's on my list for tomorrow, for sure.

Do laundry, get irritated that Lucia uses 4 towels each time she showers and hangs up none of them, but instead throws them into the dirty laundry.  Spend too much time being irritated and folding clothes.

Stop and take 5 deep breaths, it helps.

Call my friend.  Text three others.  It also helps.

Decide that there is no way I can spend the entire next 2-3 weeks of this new schedule in sweats and a tee, I'll lose it.  Vow to make myself more presentable tomorrow even if I don't leave the house.

Gia makes breadsticks. She's used all the butter, most of the flour and a lot of sugar in the last 3 days (two cakes, brownies and now breadsticks).  It's messy, lots of ingredients get wasted, there are 5 million questions and I try to be super patient but it's tough. She just wants me to bake with her but I have a hard time pulling myself out of my news stupor which I later feel bad about.  I know the kids need things to do to stay entertained, but...ugh.

Find out John's work is officially stopping travel and everyone is working from home.  Also find out the governor closed restaurants and bars temporarily.  John's visibly depressed about not being able to eat out (the highlight of his days, literally).  We're bickering constantly about the state of the world and I wonder if we're gong to kill each other during this "work from home period".  I'm betting yes.  We could have a corona-casualty divorce.

Bars are slated to close tomorrow, so John and I take 45 minutes to go down the street in a patently socially irresponsible move before the official close of bars and restaurants.  The restaurants and bars will be closed for our 25th wedding anniversary so it feels like we deserve to take advantage of this last opportunity.  Whiskey was awesome, I can't lie.  John ordered a Penicillin, the healthy whisky drink version guaranteed to keep you well.  John leaves the bartender a fat tip because it's his last shift for quite awhile.

Overall, not my best day at managing my mood or stress.  The state of things is going to bring ups and downs, and I guess we have to be able to roll with it.  I am going to follow my own advice and try to find something to hold on to that feels normal.  My favorite candle, cozy pj's, my face moisturizer that I love, maybe my favorite funny movie tonight (which is Horrible Bosses FYI).   It's up to us to lead the way for everyone around us (our kids, our partners, our friends)....to set the tone, to try and be generous with our kindness, and ease up with our stress.  I don't pretend I can do it every day, but I'm really going to try (and definitely try harder tomorrow).

Now's a good time to send your favorite people cards and little treats, because we're all going to need our moods lifted a bit, so why not be the bringer of joy?  Seems like a good move to me since there isn't all that much we can do, except be careful, be kind and be supportive.

Signed, ME {lv}

 

Store Closure Update

It's hard to wrap our head around this new reality, but we are officially closing our store in Fifth Street Market to the public for at least the next two weeks until we collectively have a handle on the virus.  A store that we love dearly and that has been open 362 days a year for 20 years.  We're not even sure what to do with that fact, it almost doesn't compute--our head is still spinning.

It's hard to know exactly exactly when we will reopen to the public, I don't think anyone really knows for sure, but we are hoping two weeks will be enough.  We are however, keeping our website going strong, and sending out packages daily.  We'll be at the store shortened hours, 11-3, each day to do this, so if you are local and want to swing by and pick anything up, try anything on, or visit (with all the distance safeguards in place of course), please feel free to come by and knock on the door.   If you aren't local, know that we are here to chat on the phone, and of course via email.  We want to remain here for all of our customers and friends as much as possible during this incredibly stressful time. This is when we need each other the most!

We know we'll come thru it all in one piece, we just need to take it one step at a time, and stay focused on keeping our communities healthy, and giving each other moral support through kindness and caring.  

Thank you to all of you who have and who will shop our website in the days to come, we appreciate your support more than you can possibly know and we are eternally grateful for all of you.

Stay healthy.

With Mad Love, 

All of Us at Melange

Sunnier Days Ahead

Yes, that's what I'm looking toward....sunnier days ahead.  They will come, no doubt.  So right now I'm just taking a deep breath and trying to remember that fact.  It seems appropriate that my favorite Velvet shipment should come now to brighten my mood and dreams of summer and sun.  I love their linen, and I get so excited every year to start wearing it.  Yes, I know vacations are being cancelled now, and that we are all unsure about what our summer travel plans will be. I remain hopeful though, and I can almost feel the grass beneath me on a warm day, and a picnic in the park.  The fresh air and warm breezes are what we need...it will make life better.  I also know that worrying about what I might wear on such a day might seem out off sorts with the urgency of the immediate issues at hand, but here's the thing,  I can't bare to listen to the news ALL the time, I need a break.  I can't be stressed out ALL the time.  I need to have some semblance of normalcy, where I get to think about what I'll wear on a summer day, or other simple things of little consequence.  Little indulgences and creature comforts.

My kids are stir crazy and I've heard them sing "Pineapple, coconut, big banana, two squishy oranges right behind yah"....many, many many times.  Video gaming is becoming a profession at our house and they have basically blown thru the "stockpile" of food like locusts.  

The upshot of this is I need a distraction from reality, is that so bad?  I can't be the only one.  Here's my distraction....I LOVE this skirt!!  

Here's to a healthy and peaceful week of homeschooling our kids, and by homeschooling I mean letting them run wild in every corner of the house while we push the 5 o'clock cocktail hour up a couple hours. We will come thru all of this and we must keep our sanity, compassion, smiles and simple joys in the meantime.

Signed, ME {lv}

Bake Off & Hand Moisturizer

It's been less than two weeks since I've adopted obsessive hand washing and hand sanitizer and my hands are officially RAW.  They also look like the hands of a person 50 years older--dry and very unattractive. Small issue in the scheme of things, but I will say, it calls for good hand lotion.  I've now tried both the Elizabeth W. and the Nash & Jones and I do love both.   Elizabeth W. wasn't Amanda's favorite because it's very scented (but I actually really liked the scents so I was good with that).  We are about to get in another line called Féret Parfumeur and I can't wait because it's supposed to be amazing.  Stay tuned, we're gong to need this (it arrives Wednesday).

Today felt long, and I know I wasn't alone.  The days ahead seem like they are going to be impossibly long don't they?  The kids being off school for the next 3 (and maybe more) weeks seems mind blowingly long.  I'm really trying to take deep breaths and just set up routines and a sense of normalcy.  I forced myself to turn off the news today (which honestly was hard), but once I did I felt someone normal again within a couple of hours.    We can't lose our sense of balance thru all of this, because it's unhealthy on all levels.

So I cooked today (fennel and potato soup), and Gia baked a cake.  I let Romeo watch too many video games. We lounged, and ran a couple of errands but stayed out of big and crowded establishments.  Gia is a huge baker.  Yesterday she made brownies, today the cake from scratch, complete with butter cream frosting.  The kitchen was a disaster, but she had fun.

So maybe the answer during this really stressful and trying time is to just try and enjoy some simple things.  We can't stop being worried to death about the health of our loved ones, our jobs, or our livelihood.  There are so many wonderful perks about owning a small business, but during times like this it feels like the heaviest of burdens because there is no net, and there is so much responsibility.  Couple that with SO much unknown.  It's the definition of stress.

Yet we can't let ourselves get consumed with the stress because so much of this situation is beyond our control and we just have to come to peace with that.  So enjoy the things you can, and balance out the stress that we all will be feeling.  Who doesn't love to eat cake right?   Get fresh air, visit friends from a safe distance, smile and remind yourself it will be o.k.

Signed, ME {lv}

Little Bits of Sanity

I'm not going to lie, this week I've really tried to channel our happiness theme, but it's been tough at times.  There's such a balance we need to strike now in the midst of what is emerging at break neck speed.  Most of us haven't been thru a pandemic before (watching the movie Contagion doesn't count).  There's a lot of media frenzy out there, and misinformation, and just that fact alone is enough to drive someone to the point of a full blown melt down.

I am continually telling myself to take deep breaths, and to remind myself that we just take one week at a time, and remember that we'll get thru this but only if people keep a level head and avoid freaking out.  Social distancing doesn't mean social isolation, so we need to continue to support each other, enjoy our family and friends and try to continue to live life, albeit in a modified, and safer, fashion.   I know it's harder for people that are immune compromised (or living with someone who is) and feel like they really have to fully isolate physically.  I just hope they don't isolate mentally and they keep reaching out to friends and family, and people who care because it's miserable to be all stressed by yourself without the support of your tribe.

I went to yoga class this morning (some of my tribe) and it was lovely and my "little bit of sanity today".  It was just the perfect reminder that we need to continue to do things for ourselves that are healthy, both physically and mentally.  I washed my hands before I went into the room, and after I left--safety first.  The message today was about bravery and vulnerability.  Her quote was something to the affect of "bravery starts when vulnerability becomes intentional".  It's true, the hardest thing to do is to make yourself vulnerable intentionally.

Now is the perfect time to remember self care, because we're under stress and a lot of information bombardment.  Our immune systems need to stay strong, so we need to take care of ourselves in all the ways we know how.  Good food, lots of sleep, moments of peace and quiet, self-care, laughing with friends, fresh air, things like that.  Basically all things that make you happy, put a smile on your face and make you feel good.  So my hope for everyone this weekend is to take care of yourself, be consciously proactive in creating your own peace bubble, because otherwise you are going to get eaten away by collective stress (that happened to me when I went down the media rabbit hole for 3+ hours today--it's a dark place).  You can do all the things you need to do to protect yourself and your community without contributing to the stress energy and without making yourself miserable (because that sure can't be good for your immune system). At Melange we're wiping down door handles, hard surfaces regularly, and using hand sanitizer and hand washing obsessively.  We're also trying to laugh regularly, eat healthy and mediate for bits of peacefulness. Deep breathing...I'm doing it right now and I've got to say, it really helps.

Signed, ME {lv}

Making Bread

This morning I got a wild hair, and decided to make bread! Now, I'm not a baker. I love baked goods, and I love cooking, but baking has never really done anything for me. First of all, I'm bad at following a recipe because I try to take too many creative licenses, which is no good when you need precise measurements to get the perfect cookie, or rise in a cake. I appreciate it when people do it, but I've always just preferred to pick up treats from a local bakery and save my time and energy to make a wild mushroom risotto or corn chowder on a cold day. I'm having a few girlfriends over for dinner tonight (our husbands just left this morning to go to the PAC12 basketball tournament/game thing in Vegas) - and am super excited to show off my bread!! I think its a
little dense, but it looks pretty and smells incredible. Roasted garlic and herb...how can you go wrong with that?! I was tempted to throw some of the olive oil I used to roast the garlic in with the dough as I was 
mixing it up, but didn't want to throw off the delicate balance that is baking. In cooking, that would have been allowed...just saying. ;) I did save the garlicy roasting oil threw it in the tomato sauce...I was determined to us it! 

  

The bread turned out amazing! Defiantly a hit. It was great with a little (or a lot) of butter and a sprinkle of salt, or a little creamy herbed cheese. Was more of a focaccia type of bread, but that's not a bad thing. I would make it again when I have a second, or more like 4 hours, because it was a labor of love to say the least. Between the roasting of the garlic, mixing, multiple risings, 2 step baking process, its not just something you make on a weeknight whim. 

 

On a completely unrelated note, I have washed my hand SO MUCH in the last couple weeks. My skin is cracking and dry. My phone hardly recognizes my finger print anymore because my hands feel so raw. I know you can't find hand sanitizer or toilet paper in the store anymore, but with the rate I'm going thru lotion, I feel the need to stock up on that just in case everyone else is, too!! My long time love is the Kheil's Crème de Corps

https://www.kiehls.com/body/body-lotions/creme-de-corps/259.html?cgid=body-lotions&dwvar_259_size=8.4%20fl.%20oz.%20Bottle#start=1&cgid=body-lotions

, but since we've been carrying the Nash and Jones, I've gone thru 2 tubes of their lotion, its totally won me over! The smell is so clean and refreshing, and I love how it doesn't feel greasy. You can feel instant relief that lasts (I feel like that totally sounds like a cold and flu medicine commercial, but its true!). For every time I wash my hands, I have to put on lotion, and this stuff is making all the difference! Excuse the shameless plug - but I wouldn't say this if I didn't believe in it. ;)

 

Signed, ME {lv}

My Interview, Classic Black & Mean Teen

So today I had my interview for a clinical psychology masters program that I am trying to get into for the Fall.  I haven't talked about it much, but now that the application process and interview is over, it is what it is and I feel like I can talk about it without making myself more nervous.  

First off, I was afraid that I would be the oldest one there (it was a group interview plus individual interview).  In fact, that fear was totally unfounded because there were ALL different ages, and a really diverse group of people wanting to do the program.  Some straight out of college, some older who had other masters in other areas that would pair well with the clinical psychology.   I went into the day feeling particularly self conscious about being "older", especially since Ava was being a mean teen the other night and told me I was old and wrinkled.  Just plain mean right?  I have a friend who later texted me that night complaining about her teen daughter and how they had fought and her daughter called her the "B" word, and how angry my friend was.  I told her what Ava said and how I might have actually preferred the 'B" word because now I was just feeling self conscious and NOT ready for my interview.   See, if I was already a psychologist maybe I wouldn't be so bothered by what my super rude teen said, but alas, I'm still a hot mess and my vanity is bruised.

Anyway, I will start by saying that I wore classic black trousers, white button down shirt (thanks Anni Kuan), and a black Margaret O'Leary cardigan.  I cut the boring outfit up a bit with my very cool python heels, but overall I was classic and understated.  I was trying not to be "too" dressed, but still professional.  People were largely under dressed (or poorly dressed) or both.  Super nice group of people, but it was a reminder that if you dress well, you almost always stand out because so many people do not.

The interview consisted of all kinds of things including a small group analysis of a movie we watched before we arrived, 30 minutes of of essay writing, a role play exercise and an exercise where you discussed a personal object that meant something to you in front of a group (the whole process was 3 hours).  

The role play exercise was seriously fun.  You and a random partner sat in front of a professor, one person was the client, one person was the therapist.  There were different scenarios, and you chose one and then role played for 5 minutes.  The easiest one for me was being the client who was a mother with an 18 year old daughter who was super headstrong who fell in love and was getting married despite the mother trying to convince her otherwise. It was FUN, I should have done more theater in college.  Then I got to be the therapist to a teen who was too embarrassed to get an educational evaluation for her learning disability.  Again, pretty fun stuff.  Maybe I should have just been an actress that PLAYED a therapist?

Anyway, the rest of the interview went fine, including the individual portion with a professor who started by asking the obvious question, "why do you want to be a therapist."  Uhhhmmmmm???  Can the answer be that I have a lot of my own emotional problems so I can relate to other people and maybe can learn to help them (and/or myself)??  I didn't quite say that, don't worry.  

I'm excited it's done.  It's been a long day that also included a hot yoga class and a visit to my OB who basically told me that what I thought were "hot flashes" were in fact NOT hot flashes and more a situational issue (i.e., my bedroom was just too hot).  I wanted the 411 on bio-identical and other pre-menopause assistance.  She basically told me to slow my roll, my test results said I'm not there yet, the test results show all normal hormones.  What she didn't quite say (but I know she was thinking it) was that my anxiety about what was going to happen centered around getting older in general and I just needed to learn to embrace it because nothing was going to stop the clock).  It's like she knew that my night stand was filled with anti-aging books and life extending reads.

Wednesday's mystery flash sale on Velvet day....because it's fun, and Wednesday deserves to be a little fun right?  code: mystery

Signed, ME {LV}

 

 

 

Little Bit Prepper, Hot Yoga and Gratitude

All I know is that this virus outbreak is only worrying me to the extent that NOW I feel the need to be a little bit more of a "prepper" -- not for this situation, but for a truly bad one that might come at some point in the future.  What I'm noticing is that people don't do well with a little uncertainty, or restriction, or risk.  Seriously, if something even remotely bad happened in this country, there would be a full blown crazy panic of monumental proportions.   I wasn't feeling the need before, but now I feel like I do really need some kind of stockpile for when a real crisis happens because things will not go well and people will likely lose their collective sanity.  I feel like we are just starting our experience with the coronavirus and already people are giving themselves anxiety attacks.  Slow your roll people, it will all be fine and you can't burn out on anxiety this early.

Not to totally minimize the coronavirus, it's a terrible inconvenience and yes, we all need to modify certain behaviors to help mitigate risk (i.e. washing our hands alone is thing #1 and the practice will help not only this new virus but the spreading of the flu which is already dangerous to so many vulnerable populations).   John keeps saying that at the end of all of this we might end up socializing behaviors that save many lives that otherwise wouldn't have been saved.  Let the hand sanitizer and hand washing mania begis.  Better stock up on hand cream, that sanitizer dries your hands out BAD.

I returned to hot yoga today after my microblading week long hiatus.  It felt great, and I was totally grateful for what my body could do the whole time.  I just felt so happy that I was there, my body felt good, and I was no longer jeopardizing my eyebrows.  Big sigh of relief there.  Last week taking it easy in more restorative classes was nice, but today felt 'back to normal' and really good.

The sun is shining this week, and we've got at least one day hitting 60 degrees.  That's a reason to be happy right there!  The only thing salting my game is that I noticed some gray hairs in my eyebrows.  What the what?  I take a lot of different supplements, why haven't they figured out one to fix grey hair yet?  I feel like I need to do some more googling on that.  Meanwhile, my Glossier Boy Brow gel is going to do double time.

Digging on these new Prairie Underground joggers--you can feel like you are lounging in your sweats, BUT you will look super cool.  They are really cute on, love these!  Especially love the cropped length.

Signed, ME {lv}

 

 

Looking Ahead

I tend to be a big planner.  I have fun looking ahead and getting excited for what's coming.  I know that doesn't sound very "in the moment" but I do get a lot of enjoyment from thinking in the NOW about what's ahead.  Planning trips, special holidays, birthdays...yep, most all of it.  And if course, planning my wardrobe too - I'm always starting super early. Some people like to react spur of the moment...."oh, I need a summer dress, I'll go look for one right now."  Me, I'm looking NOW for that Summer dress because those impromptu shopping trips stress me out.  So it's no surprise that being in the clothing world has suited me perfectly, because it's ALL about planning and looking ahead.

Today Amanda and I went to look at FALL PJ Salvage, and FALL Lilla P.(the NW Apparel show is going on--it's small but there are still a few good designers there).  Yes, that's right, FALL.  Is it crazy that I can't wait to wear white linen, yet simultaneously I'm excited to wear the fuzzy PJ Salvage olive green vest that comes in September?  Wish I had taken a picture of that vest, it's seriously adorable (this is the little drawing from the line sheet to the right, but imagine something super soft and cuddle-icious).  I love our PJ Salvage rep, she's
absolutely hysterical and isn't fake or salesperson-y at all.  We can also manage to slip in all kinds of fun topics while still getting thru the huge line....like what bio-identicals she's taking, and the latest on what her son is doing (I met her son when he was probably 9 and she came to my house because she was on the road with her lines and I think I was probably pregnant or had a newborn, so she came to me instead of me seeing her at a show).  That 9 year old son is now 25 and works in LA.  Nothing like those numbers to make you feel old right?  

We also found a few other nuggets of goodness today (new designers that we really liked), so that was fun.  

I hit all elevator buttons with my elbow, and adhered to social distancing.  Just kidding, I didn't really adhere to social distancing, but I did use my elbow to touch the elevator buttons but to be fair, I kind of do that all the time because those things are SO dirty.  No, I'm still working hard to do the opposite of freaking out....instead, I'm just being my normal level of crazy.  Here's to having a happy, and freakout-free week.  

Signed, ME {lv}

Wonders Never Cease

I just want to take a moment to appreciate how amazingly possible BIG change is.  Two years ago if you had told me my husband of almost 23 years (that was 2 years ago), would someday work out all the time, lose 25 lbs and drop two pants sizes there would be NO way I would believe it.

As long as I've known John he's been a little thick around the middle.  We met in our early 20's and I think then he might have been leaner, but I can barely remember because it didn't last long.  He use to tell me that it was just "his body shape" because I, on more than one occasion, approached him with the harsh reality that he had gained quite a few pounds and it was bad for his overall health.  He was flummoxed for YEARS by even the suggestion that he might need to lose a little weight and work out.  He just didn't see it--like men sort of tend not to.  Women are acutely aware of their weight, fitness, and where they fall on the scale of physical fitness.  Men, not so much.  Usually he would lose weight in the summer when we were traveling and he was super active, but then gain it all back by Christmas.

Everything changed about a year ago, and I'm not entirely sure what the turning point was.  He was a solid 178 lbs, and then he started consistently working out 3 days a week, then 4, and next thing he knew he was down to 155.  Super lean flat abs for the first time in his life.  Maybe it was a mid life crisis, who knows, but all of the sudden it was like he realized at age 50 that he wasn't in fact in shape OR very healthy.  He'll now look back on a picture of himself 10 years ago and he's shocked that he looks so "puffy"--he's genuinely shocked, I find that baffling.

I know what you are thinking, did he get a girlfriend or engage in some illicit side action?  Yeah, I've seen enough movies, I thought about that too.  Nope, I don't actually think that was the motivation, I think it just finally dawned on him he could really change.  I also think once you make headway toward a big change you realize how awesome it is, and that motivates you even more.    

I contemplated all of this as I lay in my 8:30 a.m. yoga class that JOHN motivated me to go to with him.  That's right, he pushed ME to get out of bed at 7:50, and rally to yoga without coffee or breakfast.  John's favorite thing in life is food, so the fact that he'd actually get moving early, without breakfast AND coffee, all to exercise??  Needless to say, it seriously blows my mind.

It's a true testament to the fact that you can change, and surprise yourself and everyone you know.  It makes him happier and it makes me happier because I know he's physically so much healthier, I notice it in everything he does.  

So here's to changes (and wonders) that can amaze you at any time!

Signed ME {lv}

Less is More

I'm reminded this week that less can be more.  I've been off my regular yoga schedule--no hot yoga until my brows are cemented down.  So I've been taking a mixture of slow flow classes, and this morning I did a slow restorative meditation yoga class.  First I will say, it takes some mental flexibility for me to change things up, I am so married to my routine (which I love) that going outside of it throws me off more than it should.

What I will say, as I've gone thru my "new" week is that it's been really nice.  My regular classes are really physically demanding, and they are so dang hot.  They feel intense, always.  Sometimes though, less is more, and I feel like I've gotten so much out of going at a slower, less intense, and more reflective pace.  The stranger thing?  I've been SORE and it's like I took harder classes, but they were harder in new, softer ways (which apparently still made me sore).

On a new stuff note, I'm crazy for the little dainty rings from Jennifer Cervelli.  They come in gold, rose gold and silver, and they are wonderful solo but also stacked up.  I love the idea of making a wish and putting on the ring....three rings, three wishes.  When my brother in law (years and years ago), wanted to propose and used the excuse he had no money to buy a ring for the reason he wasn't doing it (not really the reason), I tried to convince him to buy these rings and pledge three romantic things to my sister (like I promise to love you forever, support your soul, and rug your feet when your tired....or whatever).  For the record, he didn't use my good idea.  Can't remember what he did, but it wasn't nearly as good...not even close.  

Oh, and I ALSO love the long Salt + Slate necklaces!!  How awesome is that going to look with a simple white
tank and white linen pants??   Also super cute wrapped around the wrist!!

Signed, ME {lv}

Pant Vents, Coronavirus Tag & Spring Weather

When you think of a 9 year old boy, you don’t think of style.  You think jeans and a tee-shirt, probably both dirty.  However, they are in fact very particular about WHAT they wear even when it wouldn't appear so.  Romeo currently only wears shorts and tee-shirts to school, the fact that it’s still 40 degrees when I drop him off makes no difference.  So I bought him a new pair of athletic shorts yesterday.  They are heather grey, with a drawstring/elastic waist.  As plain as plain can be really—no emblems, no weird colors.  I was just about to rip off the tags and wash them when he declares, “nope, don’t like them”. Uhm, why exactly?  Because they have a small vent on each side of the leg. That’s right, a small 1” vent on the outside of the leg is the “style deal breaker” for my 9 year old.  How quirky is that?

I also heard today from my friend who works at a school that the new game at recess is “coronavirus tag”. Leave it to kids to find a fun twist on a stressful virus.  Romeo declared that he’d be fine if “a bully at my school got sick with coronavirus because then they’d close down the school for a week.”  He clarified that he didn’t want anyone nice, or  in his class, OR his teacher to get sick though, but apparently he’s fine sacrificing the unnamed bully in the school for some much desired “no school days”.

Virus anxieties aside, it’s officially super springy outside here.  The weather has been so good, still cold in the morning but warming up above 50 degrees during the day which doesn't sound all that warm as I type it but somehow in the sun it feels warmer (or at least feels like the promise of warmer).  It has been bright and cheery outside, there are cherry blossoms, daffodils and budding flowers everything.  It’s awesome.   I have already spring cleaned thru my current closet, but this weekend I will officially pull all my winter clothes out of my closet and pack all of them away, it’s time! I’ve managed to wash a lot of my cashmere sweaters (it feels so great when you hand wash them vs. dry clean, the cashmere feels SO soft), and now I’m going to layer some Meyer dryer sheets between the sweaters, and put them into plastic storage bins.  Bye-bye heavy winter sweaters….miss you until next year!  Also time to say hello to Spring clothes!  

Signed, ME {lv}

Jumping to Conclusions, Sabotaged Yoga & Costco Mania

This is my daily reminder to myself to NOT make assumptions.  We all do it constantly, and sometimes it’s just utilitarian and necessary.  Sometimes it’s unfair and counter-productive.  I do it a lot with my older girls.  I got my undies all in a wad this morning when I couldn’t find a shirt I wanted to wear.  I was ready to tear into someone for stealing it without permission.  I had my finger on the trigger the second I realized the shirt wasn’t there.  To be fair, I’m not entirely crazy, they have stolen MANY things from me (their version is that it was “borrowed”), and it’s been a lot more than once that I’ve found things crumbled up on their bedroom floor.  Once Lucia even CUT a shirt of mine (cropping shirts is a big thing with teens and her excuse was that I never wear it).

Anyway, I was about to hit the fan this morning, angry energy was pouring out every pore of my body….and then I found the shirt, in the place I had put it away, and then forgotten I had put it away there (only to remember when I actually found it).  OOOOOHHHHH, yeah.

My point is this...Get your finger off the trigger, don't jump to conclusions.

My morning yoga class was sabotaged because I forgot to leave my door unlocked.   It’s house cleaning day, my one day where I get to enjoy a few hours of a clean house before the minors ravish it again.  It’s basically my favorite day.  I am suppose to leave the door unlocked, and even though I remembered everything else this morning and had plenty of time to finish the laundry, write their check, pick up all over the house (basically do a mini-clean before the deep clean), somehow I forgot the most important part. I know, first world problem, but still a bummer. 

So 5 minutes into the class my watch vibrates, and I can see it’s the cleaning service, and instantly I remember that I had forgotten.  I was so mad at myself!  Why is it that I have to literally write everything down or I forgot?  Can I blame it on peramenopause? I had to pack up all my crap and dash because otherwise my window of time would be over and they would write me off.  I get so much joy from yoga, but I DO also really love a clean house….there were clearly conflicting worlds today.

Almost lastly, I had my normal Costco food delivery today (there isn’t a Costco very close to us so I just have it delivered every couple of weeks).  The guy that usually comes is hysterical, with dreadlocks that go past his butt, a big laugh, and he's always full of jokes.  So we got to chatting and he told me stories about the current Costco mania.  Apparently people are stocking up x 10.  Understandably people are nervous, but I didn’t realize quite how bad until he showed me pictures of the line for checkout on Saturday (no joke, it was like a 4 hour line), and the huge cart flats he was filling for orders.  I had ordered garbanzo beans and he informed me there wasn’t a “bean to be had” in all of Costco…and apparently it was a good thing I didn’t need toilet paper either because there was a run on that too.    I’ll say it again, my goal is to NOT freak out despite all the current events.  He told me that he delivered a big flat shopping cart of soda pop to a woman.   No joke, he showed me the cart, and there had to be 50 big things of soda stacked on it, every kind imaginable.  I said it must have been for the woman's restaurant, or a school carnival or SOMETHING other than 'end of the world prep'?  No such luck, he actually asked her, and indeed, she wasn't worried about running out of water, but she was REAL worried about running out of pop.  True story.

Lastly, for real, how cute does Amanda look in in the header picture wearing the new EF (tee, cardigan and scarf)??  Such a cute group!

Signed, ME {lv}

Brow Update, Cold Confusion & Beet Chips

I went shopping with Gia this morning because she announced yesterday that she needed new clothes and Gia rarely shops, and when she does, rarely buys anything because she's 12 year old picky.  So this was a big deal.  Apparently the 6th grade styling is changing, and now everyone is wearing a dress to school (and she has none).  So we we went shopping, and I will tell you, never in my life have I noticed how many sick people there are!  It's of course because everywhere you turn people are saying, "avoid sick people".  You also hear constantly that corvid-19 can be contagious even if people have mild symptoms.  Well, everyone seemed to be coughing and or sniffling.  It's still winter, so it's totally normal of course, but now when you hear it all you can think is "cold, or corona?  It's confusing.  We stopped to get gas and the guy who took my credit card literally took it, coughed on it, put it into the machine and then handed it back.  Time to find the hand sanitizer.   I'm sticking with my effort to not freak out, so this is more of just a commentary, but how the heck can we stop a virus when literally everyone seems to be sick and unless they are the 1 out of 5 people who get serious enough symptoms to go to the doctor, they could be passing it all over the place and not realize it.  How many times have I muscled thru and gone to the grocery store, or run errands feeling sick (because you kind of have to sometimes)?  Too many to count.   

Update on my microbladed brows...it's still hard to tell whether they will be amazing.  I only had them done yesterday, so I'm still very much in the healing process.  Microblading is basically tiny cuts that they fill with ink--it's sort of like a tattoo, but not as deep and they're strokes rather than dots.  The procedure itself didn't hurt, but my face sort of ached last night from it. They warn you though that your brows will be sort of an odd auburn color for a 3-4 days (because the cuts basically are red, and that combines with the ink to form an auburn color), and then your brows go DARK....Groucho Marx dark, 'I took a sharpie to my brows' dark.  They also shrink over the first week, so they are, as of now, still very large and in charge, AND dark (but with a funky auburn tint).  It's not pretty and I can't look at anyone very long because I know they are inevitable going to stare at my eyebrows.  I think when I'm healed up though, and they lighten up, I'm going to love them...but right now it's still a little hard to tell.  

I did also make the most delicious beet chips last night, and they were so easy that I'm going to rethink my whole attitude toward beets (which use to be that they are hard to cook).  I simply sliced them thin (if I had a mandolin I'd really be in business).  Then I drizzled them with olive oil and chunky salt and cooked them until crispy.  YUM.  Really yum.  I'm a firm advocate of any vegetable drowned in olive oil and salt and crisped in the oven--it's like a chip, and I love chips.

Also very delightful is the new Eileen Fisher.  It's full of white, and I LOVE white, especially paired with little punches of color.  You know how lots of people gravitate toward classic black?  I gravitate toward white, love white head to toe, and feel like it's my preferred essential color.  I'd wear white linen 100% of the time if I lived in a tropical climate.  No joke.  It's a pretty awesome group though, with lots of wonderful pieces (this might have been my personal favorite Spring EF group)!

Signed, ME 

The Opposite of Freaking Out

The is my goal for March--to do the opposite of freaking out.  You can't watch the news from any source, or talk to just about anyone, and not have a panic attack for one reason or another.  I thought it would only be election year stress, but with the new coronavirus there's a whole new layer of stress.  It's hard not to get yourself all whipped up and prepping for doomsday.  

Just go try to find hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, or face masks, you'll find empty shelves and frantic people searching everywhere and paying exorbitant prices, there's panic in the air.  I'm not saying the concerns aren't legitimate, they definitely are understandable.  We are in unchartered territory and the unknown is scary for everyone.  Freaking out though?  I think we can do without it.

So when I pondered what my goals for March were, I decided it was first and foremost to NOT freak out.  Instead, I'm going to do the opposite and I'm going to take a deep breath and chill out.  

So when people ask me if I have two weeks supply of food because they read somewhere that it was recommended by the CDC, I'm going to say, "yes, but that's because everyone should have two weeks of food for any disaster that might happen (natural or otherwise)". When people ask me if I'm going to cancel travel plans, my answer is, "no, but we might wear masks on the plane as a precaution."  Things will be ok, no matter what, because we'll make sure they are.  Freaking out isn't going to help, or make life better, or stop something bad from happening.   Stress isn't great for your body, but relaxing, sleeping well and washing your hands IS good for your immune system so that seems like a better route.

So each day of March we're going to send out a good mantra for the day, one that calms and empowers, and I hope everyone remembers to just take a deep breath, not get caught up in the mania of panic, and remember that it will be ok.  March will bring the start of spring, the rebirth of everything dormant, and hopefully some sunshine....bring it on!

Signed, ME {lv}

The Power To Do What You Want

I walked with a friend this morning in the beautiful sunshine and it felt like food for the soul.  I had planned on going to a noon yoga class, but then right before I needed to leave I realized that I didn't quite feel like going.  I usually always feel like going, and I'm completely a creature of habit.  I also tend to be a little OCD with my schedule and rituals and feel guilty when I don't follow thru.  But here's the thing that is awesome.  You can change your mind.  You can do whatever you want and you don't have to feel bad or guilty about it.  It's so basic.  So simple.  It felt liberating to remind myself though, and good to follow thru with doing what my body and heart felt like doing--regardless of what I had written in my bullet journal.

So that's it.  Remember that you have the power to do what feels right for YOU.  That means you can change your mind, change your attitude, change your style....and you can own it fully.  AND, it will feel good.

Have an amazing Saturday, filled with everything that feels right for YOU.

Signed, ME {lv}