Category: Sunday Chronicles

Sunday Chronicles: Reset

Investment Piece: Reset

Happy March my loves! We are 2 months into the new year. It’s the end of one season and the start of another. Mercury in retrograde, Lent, all the things. And, like me, you may be taking a look at your goals or what you’d like to achieve this year. And, maybe like me, you’re ready for a little reset.

It’s not that January or February were bad months by any means, but they weren’t exactly easy. Some months are like that! But as the spring starts, I really wanted to take a step back and really look at my goals. Am I doing what’s best for me to achieve what I want? Do I need to go about things a different way? Adjust habits? Be more clear and intentional about what I do?

May be so. This week I’ll be looking at my goals and my days and really thinking about a reset. A new season means a new start, right? So, I’ve been thinking: how do we reset? Do we take some time off and then start anew? Begin all over with new goals and habits? Maybe a little bit of it all?

I’m not totally sure, but I know that I’m committed to a great month and feeling like I’m making progress on my goals. This is what I’m doing:
-I’m giving up wine for lent. I’m not Catholic, and was not raised in a home that practiced lent. And I still love wine–and can’t wait to have it again! But as I was thinking about my habits, I realized I (and those around me) had just gotten in the habit of opening a bottle whenever! And so much of Blog culture was about drinking wine (all the time!). I love wine, but want to be intentional about my drinking. So, I’m taking a break, and am a bit excited about it!
-I’m reassing other habits. I know my goals and I know my habits. I also know my faults. I can procrastinate. Get shy. Over feel and over think. This month I’ll be looking at goals and numbers and all the things. I’ll be very clear about where I want to get and trying different things to get there.
-I’m taking time off. Not from here! But I’ve found the in the past 2 months there was not a whole day I had off. I’m tired. And I can’t be my best when I’m spent. So, I’m giving myself a day off a week–and yes, that will look different each week. But as much as I love all the things, I need to recoup too!
-I’m open to ideas, and I’m excited. Maybe my biggest reset is I’m determined to get to a place where all of the things are fun. Even the failures! Sounds crazy, I know, but if we’re failing we’re trying and with the right attitude it just means we’re learning. That’s what I’m telling myself, and I’m a little curious to see if I’m right. So same goals, new ways? We’ll see.

I would love to know: where are you on your goals? Are you headed for a reset? Did you give up anything for Lent? Tell me all about it!

Wishing us a week of easy resets and amazing shoes!
Xo RA

Sunday Chronicles: Perfection

Ever have one of those weeks? When things aren’t great and life is a little tougher than it feels like it should be? And everyone rubs you the wrong way? Yep. That was me. Somehow this week in the middle of February felt both like the year was way too long already. What do you do when you feel down? I’ve been know to bubble bath, cry, wine about it, and dress up. In attempting to cheer myself up I stumbled across advice I gave to myself. I think it holds up, but would still love to know how you handle things!

Loves, things haven’t been great lately. It’s not that they’ve been bad, but I’ve been feeling off. Could you tell? I haven’t loved some of the ways I’ve looked, the outfits, the settings. Things haven’t been perfect and I’m a little embarrassed about how much that has affected me. How am I dealing with it? The only way I know how, fashion.

From thinking about the perfect outfit to trying to find joy in the process, these are my thoughts!

Wishing us all a week of perfect outfits and amazing shoes!
Xo RA

New Year, New Me

Investment Piece: New Year, New Me

New Year, New Me. I bet money I don’t have that you’re seeing that phrase all over social media and your emails this week. New Year, New Me. What does that really mean? Is it supposed to encourage us to set new goals and go after them? Are we supposed to wake up on January 1st completely new? What if we don’t? My theory: people fall into two categories, those who believe in “new year, new me” and those who think that nothing really changes.

What if both of those categories of people are right?

If you didn’t hear, the beginning of 2020 got off to a slightly slower start than I thought it would.
You can see all about it:

But, the slow start has given me time to really consider my goals, and how I want to get to where I want to go. I’m great at big picture, but can struggle with small picture and action steps, and I’m thinking about how to conquer that. I’m thinking about what I really want and what’s really important to me. And, I’m using this guide from Groom+Style to evaluate my goal-setting techniques.

New year, New me? Let’s do it.

Investment Piece: New Year, New Me

Let’s get real with each other? Along with this being the month of “new year, new me”, this month is essentially one long hangover recovery. Maybe that’s because of all the champagne on NYE, or maybe it’s just the holiday hangover that makes getting back to work and your routine a little harder. After a week of so of a little more freedom, this stretch of cold and what seems like endless work is difficult to jump into. Here at Investment Piece: we’re taking it slow, easing into “new year, new me”, if you will. From here on out you can expect new posts, but we’re working back into our routine and trying to make the first week of the new year feel as easy as possible.

Investment Piece: New Year, New Me

We covered new year, what about new me? I love to think about this blog as a dialog between us. I hope that you get out of it what I love to put in. This year I’m looking to pick up some of my favorite series where we left off: Fashion Stories and What We’re Wearing. More videos. More exciting pictures And of course, my goal is to bring you exciting outfit inspiration. What about you? Is there something you love? A series you would cut? Is there constructive input you have on what we offer? What are your thoughts? I want this space to reflect you, as well as me, so I’m all ears!

In this year I hope we carry forward the best parts of us from 2019. I hope that we start amazing things, and become even more fantastic. And that there are amazing shoes for all of us!

Xo RA

I’ve linked the shopping for each of these looks here:

90% off luxury consignment

This post does contain affiliate links, but that does not affect the price for you!

Sunday Chronicles: New Year, New Me?

Loves, this year isn’t going to plan. I’ve been sick. I’m behind. I was so excited for all of the momentum of the new year, and it just hasn’t come to anything yet. So, I’ve stepped back and thought about a lot. What I want to accomplish this year. How important I think our stories and our fashions are.

For me, I think this year is about holding more than one truth in my pocket, and balancing. This week I plan on resting, and really setting my new year’s intentions. This year I plan on telling our stories, doing all the fashion things, and working towards the world I want to live in. What about you?

Wishing us all a week of hope and amazing shoes! XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Back At It

Investment Piece: Back at It

Loves!! How was your holiday? Did you get what you wanted? Was there family and friends and a fantastic time? What did you do for NYE? Wild, out and about, or in bed early?

My holidays were great- a mix of family and friends and fun, with a hefty dose of relaxation. A lot of champagne was had on NYE, and yet, I was still in bed by 10! It was the best of both worlds.

And now? I’ll be upfront- I’m easing into 2020 much slower than I thought I would be, wanted to, and planned on. I caught whatever it is that’s been going around, and since about NY have been trying my best to get well. The goals/plans/pics I wanted to get a jump start on? I’ll get to them, it’s just not happened yet. So today, I’m holding space. I know that this new year is full of exciting things for us, but know I don’t do anyone any good by rushing into them sick. I’m resting and planning, getting my goals down today. Tomorrow? We get all new content.

Thank you for holding space, the looks and sales I’ve been shopping are available on the LiketoKnowit or ShopStyleCollective apps (or over on the menu!). See you tomorrow?

Wishing us all a week of wellness and amazing shoes!
Xo RA

Dirty hair, Do care

Investment Piece, Fashionblogger, kimono, Levi's, CA, TX
InvestmentPiece, fashion blogger, Levi's, kimono, CA, TX
Investment Piece, fashion blogger, kimono, Levi's, CA, TX

These pictures are actually from a few years ago. I wanted to showcase that you don’t have to be all done up (hair/make-up/nails/etc) to show up. Because, there are times when I do really care, but my hair isn’t clean, or I don’t have make-up on, (yes, those things happen a lot), or in some way, shape or form I’m not together, but I show up. Sometimes because I have to, sometimes because I want to. But because I’m not perfect, I needed to make the point that perfection isn’t a needed ingredient to show up.

And yes, I was making the point for me.

Yesterday, I wrote how about nice it would be if we could all get our holiday to-do list done, then we could spend the holiday season relaxing and being with the ones we love. In the time between yesterday am and today, my to-do list has exploded. I went from feeling like I knew what was happening to being behind on emails/posts/pictures, looking at a week when both work/day jobs/volunteering all have high demands on my time. It’s Monday and I’m feeling overwhelmed.

So, there will be a lot of buns this week. And imperfections. But I’ll show up and do my best. And when I can’t, I’ll work on forgiving myself for that. What else can we do?

InvesmentPiece, fashion blogger, kimono, dirty hair, care, Levi's, CA, TX
Investment Piece, Fashionblogger, CA, TX, kimono, Levi's, loafers

Here’s the original post and it’s not wrong:

Loves, we’re headed into a few months that are all about party dresses, celebration outfits, and holiday plans. You’ll get some of that here, I promise. But even within these coming months, there are times when we’re not at our party best-our hair is dirty, maybe we’re wearing sweats (I do it), but that doesn’t mean we don’t care. Errands, last minute plans, days of shopping and holiday planning; what do you do when you have dirty hair, but you do care? My solution: distract people with your outfit! This amazing vintage kimono jacket from Reformation is reversible, meaning the outfits are endless (pants, skirts, over a dress) but I love it with vintage Levi’s and loafers. Simple, but pulled together. Comfy, but look great. You care, but it doesn’t take effort. I also recommend a messy bun and red lips–smoke and mirrors!

What do you do when you have dirty hair but do care? I’d love to hear all your tips!
Happy Monday! XO

Both this jacket and jeans are vintage (though I’ve found similar for you!)

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Jackets:

Sunday Chronicles: Holidays

Investment Piece: Happy Holidays

Loves, Halloween was just Thursday and yet it feels like we’re in the middle of the holiday season. I have mixed feelings about this time of year.

Personally, I’m not one to rush ahead. I know that the Christmas season is BIG, but I still think that we should take the time to enjoy Thanksgiving (being grateful is cool and there’s no need to skip a day devoted to eating!). Also, as much as there is to do at this time of year-parties, gifts, traveling, all the things- that I want to tell us (or me) to slow down. To enjoy time with friends and family and not worry about all the things. To take time for tradition. To simply relax into the season.

Yet.

Part of my job is helping you prepare for the season. I’m sure you’ve noticed in my postings on LikeToKnowIt and ShopStlye (all shoppable in the links to the side), that I’ve already started making gift guides. Do I kinda hate that? Yes. But on the other hand, I kinda love the thought that we could all get our shopping done and out of the way and then relax. And I would rather help you prepare than ignore the season.

So. For the next month or so you’re going to be seeing a lot of gift guides. (Know I think that the best guides are personal and if there is ever any gift you need help with I’m always available for personal shopping. You can reach me at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com) I’ll be doing a round-up each Sunday of the week’s gift guides on Sunday Chronicles (though you can still expect a few thoughts from me!). We’ll be active through the holiday season, posting outfits, our series, and more. Then we’ll make sure to keep you updated on Holiday sales from Black Friday to Green Monday to Boxing Day.

Maybe we can shop and relax and enjoy the season at the same time? That’s my goal for us, here’s to making it a reality!

Wishing us all a week of holiday fun and amazing shoes! Xo RA

Sunday Chronicles: Chicken Enchiladas

image

It’s football season and fall, the weather has finally turned, and I’m cooking. Being in the kitchen is one of those things that I didn’t start enjoying until my 30s-not that I didn’t feed myself before that, but with diet restrictions, and just the need to connect with myself/my family/food, I began to really enjoy cooking. I’ve been known to experiment with family recipes, recipes I need to make more diet friendly, and anything that sounds amazing. Also, there’s no better time than a Sunday to spend some time whipping up a meal, then eating it while vegging in front of the TV.

Today’s adventure? Making these enchiladas I did a few years ago.

I feel hesitant to call this a recipe – it was so easy and made on the fly. But Internet friends : it’s worth it. I’d love to know: what are you cooking?

Chicken Mushroom Enchiladas:

full disclosure- the mushrooms were added as they were on sale in one of those prepackaged deals (mushroom, onion, garlic, parsley). Feel free to use something else!

1package chicken breast tenders

1 package Mushrooms and onion (approximately 1.5 cup mushrooms sliced, 1 red onion, 3 tbs chopped garlic, chopped parsley)

1 package almond flour tortillas ( or if you don’t do Paleo, whatever you prefer)

1 .5 cups Califlower

5-8 Roasted Hatch chiles

1 cup Crumbled Goat Cheese

Method:

Heat oven to 400. On two separate cookie trays roast the chicken and then the mushroom mixture – both with Extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper. (Ps I LOVE the smoked pepper from Williams Sonoma). Depending on your oven, slice size this can take anywhere from 35-55 minutes

Meanwhile: make the sauce. Steam the cauliflower (I use the microwave but however you like) then add that to a blender. I use kitchen shears to roughly chop the  chiles ( you can buy them roasted or if needed roast them off yourself- either the same method or use a gas burner on high, turn the chile over till blackened).  I started by using 4 chiles but added more. Blend together, adding salt and pepper to taste. If needed add 1/4 c water to the blender to make it smoother- and of course add as many chiles as you like!

When end the chicken and mushrooms are done put both into a mixer, add 1/2 of the goat cheese and let the mixer blend everything together for you (if needed this can be done by hand)

Grabbing a sheet cake pan and the tortillas you’re ready to fill! My tortillas were small so I made about 10- this of course will vary. Fill each tortilla with a couple of spoonfuls of filling (optional- a small amount of sauce), roll to close and set in pan.  When all tortillas are completed and in the pan pour desired amount of sauce on top. Put rest of cheese on top.  Heat in the oven at 350 for about 15 minutes till warm through and cheese is melty.  Enjoy!

 

Wishing us all a week of good eats and amazing shoes! XO RA

 

Sunday Chronicles: Cleaning Our Closets

Yet another season has started, and I completed another closet clean out. Every single one feels like the first. There are things I can part with, things I can’t, and things I’m slowly moving towards letting go of–a lot like the rest of my life. Each time I clean out, I think back to things like this. So, I’m re-sharing for all of us who may need it!

I clean out my closet. A lot. I feel like we talk about it. A lot.

And I’m not sure what that says about me. I’m fascinated by what we have in our closets. Closets are such a personal thing. The stories that they hold, the things that we keep–part of why I started my series about fashion stories (see here, here, and here). It’s no secret that my closet is vast, I collect vintage (and other things), view fashion as art, and am a firm believer that we should hang on to the things that bring us joy (even if they aren’t every-day wear).

However, every time I clean out my closet I have this fantasy of going minimalist. I’m convinced I’m going to get rid of SO MUCH. There are clean out theories I subscribe to, that I’ve given you, and I agree that things not being used don’t really have a place in our homes.

Then, I go through my clothes. My babies. And there are things I just can’t part with.

I came across this on Instagram recently:

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles
Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles

(I would love to get credit for this. It clearly isn’t me. Yet–I loved it scrolling in the wee hours when I hadn’t quite woken up yet, but was somehow online. Yes. All of that. I haven’t been able to locate it in my likes or my feed–if you know this genius, please let me know and I will credit them!)

I love this take on the practice of cleaning our closets. There are some things that I WHOLE heartedly agree with: don’t settle for OK, hold out for the best, get rid of things that don’t showcase your best self, etc.

But. There are things that I’m not fully committed to. I think holding onto anything that brings you joy is valid. I think we do have items that are not wholly our every day lives in our closets, but I think that lets us explore things.

This little message really stuck with me. So I made us a video about it:

(Also, YouTube and I may be in a fight for that image being the saved one)

I’d love to know your thoughts on all this. If we want to clean out our closets, why can’t we get rid of stuff?

Wishing us all a week of only the best and amazing shoes! Xo RA

Sunday Chronicles: Fall Bucket List

Investment Piece: Fall Bucket List

Some things that I’ve been thinking about since the calendar flipped over to October:

-we’re down to the last 90 days of 2019. Which just seems crazy! What is it that I want to accomplish in the last quarter? What will put me in the best position for 2020?

– Is basic or non-basic to say that I’m not really a PSL gal? Pumpkin? Yes, if we’re talking breads or muffins, or the real things. I’m just not one for flavoring my coffee with it. Or my popcorn. Or every thing else in my life. Why can’t we embrace fall flavors without going nutty about it?

The first question I’m still contemplating. The second I’m over, and will let every one else get PSL while I drink wine. (Imagine the winky face emoji right here)

But it is the time that I start thinking about my fall bucket list. I make one for every season, and while some are specific and some are rather general, I love going into a season with a sense of what I want to do. I’ve found time and time again that if I don’t make time in my life, I don’t have the time, so I’m a big fan of scheduling big things, and then trying to be spontaneous with little things.

And with that, these are things that I’m dying to experience this season:

– A Girls’ trip. Well, more than one. There are a few amazing women who are like family to me, and it’s been way too long since I’ve had some quality time with them.

-A seasonal outing. These seem so cliche, but apple picking or pumpkin patching are calling my name. I think it’s due to the fact that I don’t live in places where there is a ton of traditional fall weather and these activities feel like fall.

– A bonfire. Romantic and seasonal, all at the same time.

– Closet Cleanout and a deep clean (this is already mostly done!)

– A review of my career goals with strategies. So often I feel like we let the year wind down, I want to go out strong, and ring in the new year ahead.

-Gratitude. Every season, in its way, is a season of want. I really want to reconnect with my sense of gratitude, because really we are so so rich. Journaling, therapy, gratitude lists, bring it all on.

What am I missing? What else must I do this season? What are you doing this season?

Wishing us all a week of fall weather and amazing shoes! XO RA