Sunday Chronicles – Page 12

Sunday Chronicles: MayDay May Day

Investment Piece: MayDay May Day

Does time speed up for anyone else in May? Maybe it’s the opening up and so many of us getting vaccinated. Or maybe it’s just May. I know that the winter holiday season has the reputation of being the busiest season of the year, but may I offer a counter point. The busiest time of the year is May. Mother’s Day. Graduation. Ending of school. Vacations. The beginning of wedding season- or shower season. And, if you’re like me, you can name a birthday every single day in May. Every. Single. Day.

(Including my own birthday and my mother’s birthday!)

Time speeds up for me in May. Which is great- the year feels like it begins to move and I can begin to see the year more clearly. But it’s also overwhelming, and I’m often left feeling like I should be sending out a mayday.

Between events and gifts and commitments, May can be a lot. I attempt to stay grounded, take time for me, and not over-committ, but there are days when I can’t help but feel behind. What I’ve learned to do is to extend grace- mainly to me. I can’t do everything, so I try to limit my commitments, picking the events that are most important to me (and of course sending gifts).

** Also I buy gifts in advance. Growing up we had a “gift” closet full of things for wedding and baby showers that could supplement more personal gifts. It’s a thing I CANNOT recommend enough. **

In May, and not just on my birthday, I also prevent may days by ensuring that every week has time for me scheduled. From workouts to spa to time with friends to time alone doing nothing, for me it’s the way I know to prevent burn out (and may days).

Because as busy as it can get, May Days are such a joy. And this year as I get to see more people I love, and begin attending more events, I’m so grateful, and ready to celebrate. What are May Days like for you? How do you balance May Days with your needs?

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles
Also, a sad note. My cat did pass on Friday evening. I was so lucky to love her and be loved by her. Thank you to everyone who asked and reached out. Hug your people and pets!

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

Sunday Chronicles: Vaxxed

Investment Piece: Vaxxed

I got my second Pfizer vaccine shot this week. And while I did have some side effects (more on that!), it was the highlight of my week. I’m not a doctor, and I hope I’m preaching to the choir here, but this is my impassioned plea for us all to get vaccinated. This pandemic has been hard on all of us, for various reasons. The vaccine is the way for us to get herd immunity – and be able to hug (and shop together).

You may have concerns- some of them may be valid. But in weighing all the options, I knew that the vaccine was the way to go for me. And I’m so grateful that my friends and family have made the same choice. I want to be honest, I did have some side effects. My fatigue and brain fog were both intense. I was feverish for 2 days after my second shot. My arm and lymph nodes were swollen for a while. (Everyone’s reaction will vary!)But all of that was so much better than getting Covid, or being in the position to give Covid to someone I love.

Because I was warned that the second dose of the vaccine might leave you drained, I was prepared. Even though I was sick-ish for a bit of the week, it was the best sick week! I had worked ahead, all I had to do was the bare minimum so I took the chance to lay on the couch, watch bad TV, sleep in, and enjoy being a bit lazy. In my case, water, sleep, hot baths, and mild exercise (walks and stretching), as well as Advil, helped. I felt like myself a little less than 3 days after my shot.

This year has been so hard, and it’s been hard to be apart. Getting vaccinated is how we can make it back to being together. I believe in science, know that vaccines won’t trace you, trust that doctors want what’s best for us. I trust the vaccine, and I hope that you do too.

Have you gotten vaccinated yet? Are you planning to? I would love to hear about your experiences!

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

Sunday Chronicles: An Ode to Window Shopping

Investment Piece: An Ode to Window Shopping

There have been lots of cycles in my life. One of my faves? For a while, Friday was one of my days off- and it was a gift. I would wake up, take my favorite spin class, make sure all my chores were done, and then I would spend the afternoon taking myself to lunch, watching a matinee (not the subject here but I LOVE an afternoon matinee and hope that the pandemic didn’t take movie theaters from us), and window shopping.
No matter the movie, the lunch, the window shopping was always the best thing, and a highlight of my week.

Window shopping (for me) wasn’t just about seeing what new things were out in stores- though I loved that. There’s something about seeing (and getting to touch) new arrivals that’s just divine- I would get ideas for new outfits, or find things that I didn’t know that I wanted, or find that something I was interested in wasn’t worth wanting. It was the type of shopping that let me curate wish lists, and visit the things I loved. The kind of shopping that can lead to an impulse purchase to make your day (staying on budget of course). And as much as I love the shopping part, window shopping was so much more than that.

Window shopping was getting to see the window displays in all their glory. Not the ads or editorials that magazines, etc, send out or you see online; the fashion displayed as art- as whimsical or sophisticated as one could imagine. From tableaux suggesting styling options and places to wear the outfits to scenes of pure fantasy, there was always something I learned from window shopping. And always inspiration I carried with me.

You can see whimsical and inpiring fashion shoots online and in print, but there was something about the window box- its own little universe contained in small spaces that held big ideas. Window shopping is a bit like abstract art, things aren’t always exact but the feelings they give you. Oh the feelings! The Windows could make me fall in love, change my day, or lead me to new adventures. Those Friday afternoons wandering, looking at Windows and idly shopping were times that I could let my imagination run wild and I miss them.

It’s not that I’m not shopping right now, and not that I don’t love online shopping (I do!). But lately, I’ve been yearning to properly, really and truly window shop. To stop and take in art made of fashion, to wander departments and fall in love with new arrivals. This past year and the pandemic has taken a lot from us– I’m hoping that window shopping is something that makes its way back.

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

Sunday Chronicles: Hope for Spring

Investment Piece: Hope for Spring

The days are gradually starting to be longer. Even though where I’m at we’ve gone through the worst winter storm (and the most snow) that I can ever remember- tiny, green things are beginning to poke through.

It’s been a bad month. Or at least hard. On top of a bad, hard year. I don’t think that we’re out of the woods. But. For the first time in a year, I have hope for spring. That things (including us) will bloom. That we will turn a corner. That the hard will be less hard.

I have no proof. I can’t for sure tell you that things (pandemic and otherwise) are over or magically better or behind us.

However, this weekend I went for a run outside; it was cooler than expected but I still got hot. Even though it had been months since my last outside workout, I was able to run further and faster than I expected. Vegetables tasted super fresh and the air felt clean. There was no distinct change, but I felt spring hope in the air.

If things (recovery, vaccinations, etc) go the way I’m hoping (or the way they’re supposed to), there is a ton I’m hoping we get to do. Travel. Seeing friends. Touching people. Visiting museums. Hearing live music. A random coffee or cocktail at a little place that just looks good. Or dinner out at a place you love.

I know it may not be immediate. But I believe in hope. And I believe in us.

Sometimes hope is radical. Trusting that the future will be good is optimistic at best and naive at worst. Yet. I hope. I believe in our spring. And that all of us will bloom again.

It’s in the air. And I trust in the hope.

What are you hoping for? What do you see us getting to do soon?

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

Sunday Chronicles: The Thawing

Investment Piece: The Thawing

We got our power back. We have water. We are so so lucky.

And yet. This week has been so hard. Balancing the magic of snow (I have never seen that much! Or had it last more than a day!) with the systematic failures (no power and no clean water is no fun). I really thought that I was ready to write about it. To talk to you. To share. To get back to normal.

I’m writing this on Saturday- trying not to have a breakdown. I’ve been so tense. I’ve been so tired. I’ve been so stressed.

This site is going to get back to normal. But not today. I just don’t have it in me. And for that, I apologize. I want to tell our stories with fashion- but spending this week layering sweats and coats the only thing I can think about is washing my hair. I hate washing my hair.

If you’re so inclined, you can donate to Texas relief here. I’m hoping to have new content for you tomorrow.

In the meantime- stay warm, stay kind.

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

Sunday Chronicles: Cheese Board

Investment Piece: Cheese Board

I’m no food blogger, though I like to think I’m a great home cook. And ironically I’m lactose intolerant, so I have to rely on goat and sheep’s cheese, but I love a good cheese board. Elegant. Easy. Customizable. One of my favorite things to do on Sunday is make a big cheese board, open a bottle of wine or bubbles, and snack all day. Today and next Sunday (Super Bowl and Valentine’s) are perfect for such activities. In fact, it’s most likely what I will be doing both Sunday’s!

There are “rules” and “guidelines” that you can follow when you’re making a cheese board, but I usually go with what sounds good to me. Cheese. Great crackers. Some protein. Some fruit. Whatever looks good.

I’ve made them incredibly simple:
Investment Piece: Cheese Board
And I called this dinner. Even with just the basics- crackers, cured meat, cheese, and wine it felt decadent.

To over the top:
Investment Piece: Cheese Board
Grilled sausage, mustards, preserves, fruit, crackers, cheeses, all the things.

Cheese boards are both the simplest thing to make and a stunning piece of art. A snack and an event of a meal. I love mixing various cheeses (there is such a great selection of bries and cheddars and blues that don’t have cow’s milk in them!), crackers (flavored and plain), olives, meats, chips, grapes, and more. If you make it big enough, it’s both lunch and dinner, and just perfect! I didn’t really get into cheese plates until a few years ago- now I’m making up for lost time. They are one of my favorite ways to share food (with my pod) and ways to feel like I’m treating myself.

The next two weekends seem ripe for putting out food and relaxing with football or rom-coms on the couch. Bubbles. Wine. And of course, loved ones (even over FaceTime) and the day is complete. The only change? I may include this baked feta.

What are you eating for Super Bowl and Valentine’s?

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

Investment Piece: Cheese Board

Sunday Chronicles: By the Seat of my Pants

Investment Piece: By the Seat of my Pants

Do you plan out what you’re going to wear or do you fly by the seat of your pants and put together outfits on the day of?

I do a little of both, and I love these different methods for various reasons. When I plan out an outfit in advance, I love the anticipation of it- knowing when I’ll get to wear it, making it perfect before hand, and the playing that can come from tweaking an outfit before hand. Throwing something together the morning of, on the other hand, has led to some of my favorite go-to outfits, patterns I would not have thought to mix, and a sense of whimsy that is hard to plan. I try to do a little bit of each- plan ahead and fly by the seat of my pants each week.

In the before, I tried to do my schedule (everything from work to social to posts to workouts) the same way, balancing structure and being free. There were days that leaned more one way or another, but I strived to do both each week. I have no idea if it’s the holidays or the new year, but I’ve lately been struggling to get on a schedule, meaning I’m only flying by the seat of my pants. And it’s killing me.

There are days when I’m running so hard to get the things that HAVE to be done done that I can’t even set up, wrap my mind around, plan for the next day. I can do free time, and can wing a lot, but when last minute and winging it are my only “plans” it exhausts me. It’s not that I don’t know how to get out of this “by the seat of my pants” cycle I’ve gotten myself into- sit down, make a schedule, adjust it as I need, and stick to it. But when you’re deep in a cycle it can be hard to do that- and when I get exhausted I sometimes can’t see all the things. This week, in the middle of my (large) closet, I announced that I had nothing to wear — so that’s how I can get.

If I love freedom and the times that I can do it by the seat of my pants, how can it drain me so much? (And yes, when I go too far in other direction- too much structure– I can get the same exhaustion)

My answer is balance, and this week that is my goal. To make myself sit down and do a schedule (that includes some wing it moments). Get things on the calendar. Plan. Let myself think not just a day in advance, but days. And I’m going to trust that when I get myself on that schedule, that there will still be moments when I fly by the seat of my pants–but that it will return to fun kind of flying and not the panicked kind.

What are you working towards this week? How’s your schedule? Do you love flying by the seat of your pants?

I want to hear about all of it!

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

Sunday Chronicles: Clean Slate

Investment Piece: Sunday Chronicles

We’ve made it to the first long weekend of the year!

(I, too, am waiting on my prize for that!)

There are so many options –
A. Take the weekend and rest. Burrow down (my cat is good at that) and just let things pass.
B. Go wild (within constrictions of the panny, etc)
C. Call it a clean slate.

I’m choosing C (with a side of A). This year, I’ve been easing – slowly. Calmly. I know what I want to do, but have yet to really think it through, write out my goals, or anything that signifies a clean slate. Have I been working towards goals? Of course. Changing things? You bet. But it’s felt “unofficial”.

So. This weekend I’m taking the time. To make my lists. To clean things. To set myself up. To wipe the slate clean.

I know, I know. The new year was technically over a week ago. But who says that we can’t start over at any time? Why not use the time we have to restart?

It doesn’t have to be over the top. Big. Bold.
But I’m taking this time to really start over.
Think about what I want and how to get there
Start new habits. Break old ones.
Make things fresh- from my outfits on down.
Lists. Goals. All the things.
Write them down and get them going.

(And yes. Spending some time in bed with a good book and trying to get rid of these allergies!)

Does it matter if it’s the first or the 15th? I don’t think so (every moment is a new chance and all that). And who’s to say that easing in doesn’t make the lists and goals and habits even better?

I’ll let you know how it goes 😉
I would love to know- how are you spending this weekend?

Wishing us all a clean week and amazing shoes!
XO RA

Sunday Chronicles: Setting the Tone

Investment Piece: Setting the Tone

If you managed to catch up over the winter break I’m incredibly jealous. I had all sorts of plans and goals, and while I got things done, I’m still behind.

January is seen as a fresh start. And I love that! From setting my goals to taking stock to making lists, this a month I really relish. Usually, I love really taking my time in January (setting the tone if you will), really grounding myself, writing out my goals, and setting my year in motion.

This year has started a bit different, and this week has been a lot. On top of that, I’ve been under the weather, which has made everything a bit more difficult. One of my goals? Work on my time management- which has been hard when my energy levels are consistently zapped and little things are taking forever. Nothing is horrid, but since I’ve usually written goals, made plans, and set myself on a schedule after the holidays, it feels disconcerning to not have all that done.
And while I know I’ll get caught up- I’ll sit down, really think about what I want, write my goals, and start working towards them. I’ll get caught up. (If you’re in the same boat is me, you will too!)

But, even though I trust that, why am I so uneasy about being behind now?

For me, I think it’s a fear about setting the tone. We live in a society that prizes productivity and shuns rest (ironic as rest is a part of productivity, but that’s another conversation), and I think there’s a part of me worried that a slower than normal start (and a bad week) are setting the tone for a bad year. Super weird if you think about 2020 (or super explains the worry!) I know that even if I were ahead and written out all my goals and all the things, that not everything could have been accomplished this week. We’re given 52 weeks, not 1 for many reasons.
Beyond that, I know that rest and giving myself time, meeting myself where I am, and taking care of myself is part of my goals, and sets a healthy tone for the year.
Yet. I’m still uneasy with it.

However, all we can do us what we can do, and all we can do is take care of ourselves. Right?
My plan for the week? Carve out some time to work on my goals. Set a schedule. Rest. Work. Maybe even find time to play. I hope that the tone I set will take care of me all year long. And that if doesn’t, I can find it easy to adjust.

What about you? Are you a tone setter? How do you feel about the tone you’re setting right now? Any tips?

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

Sunday Chronicles: OOO Messages

Investment Piece, fashion blogger, dresses, spring cleaning, high fashion, CA TX

There comes a time in every holiday season where people just call it. No more work is going to get done, no one’s responding, so the OOO (out of office) emails go up and we all move strictly into holiday mode.
Maybe it’s the fact that we need a little cheer.
Maybe it’s all the snow on the East Coast.
Maybe we’re all just ready for this year to be over.

But I’ve noticed that the OOO are already up. People are already switching out of work mode. And it makes sense! This week is a big holiday week. This year has been rough and we’re all ready to start fresh.

I’m finding myself dividing projects into categories- the ones I need to finish this week and the ones I’ll put down and pick back up in January. There’s the end of the year thoughts about what to keep and what to get rid of, about things to do and not do.
Mostly, there’s a need for rest, which sounds so weird as we’ve been home so much more often than in any year past! But yes, rest.

Though I’m thinking of all of that, this isn’t my OOO. Yet. We have new posts coming Monday (tomorrow) and Wednesday. And of course, throughout the next few weeks you can shop sales with me by following me in the LiketoKnowit and ShopStyle Apps (@racheladelica!) Also, there are shoppable pictures in the menu here! But once Friday hits, we’ll be quite here. I’ll be posting some sales picks. And maybe some New Years thoughts, but from 12/25-1/3, we’ll be manly OOO.

Is it a bit preemptive to be thinking about OOO when I won’t be till the end of the week?
I’m not sure. I’m excited about what I’m sharing with you Monday and Wednesday, but am also exited for some days off to rest!

When are you putting your OOO up?
Wishing us all a week of winter cheer and amazing shoes!
Xo RA