Happy Labor Day! If you’re in the states, I hope that you have time off (in all ways) and get to relax. If you’re not, I hope this weekend is full of amazing and relaxing moments. We here at Investment Piece are taking today and tomorrow off, we’ll be back Wednesday, Septemeber 9th with all new exciting content. From videos to new collabs, fall has so much I can’t wait to share with you! There are a ton of sales this weekend, and if you want to stay updated with my picks, please follow me on the LiketoKnowit app!
There is so much going on right now. In the world. Probably in your world.
Even though we are spending more time at home I often feel like I’m busier than ever. And yet, still days when I have no time and get nothing done. A paradox, I know.
Among all the things right now, one thing I’m really struggling with is structure.
I can be bad at time management in the best of times, over and under estimating how long it will take to do something. I’ve been known to procrastinate. Working from home, like I have for years, has always had its challenges. But, in the before, I was always able to manage. Have a schedule, that if it was loose, I could stick to. My days had rhythm and were a mix of work and relaxation. I had structure.
Now, I feel like that’s all gone out the window.
Working at home, living at work, having no where to go, it’s taken a toll on my schedule. On my structure. And some of that has been great! I feel like I’m finally learning how what I want in a home and a schedule, what really makes a day great, and how to motivate myself.
But.
Some has been hard. With a schedule that can be all over the place, it has been difficult to work on some days. Things are hard to start, stick to, and little things seem to eat up my time. I’m at home more but haven’t had a true, full day off in months.
The good days are really good, but the bad days are really bad.
A friend of mine recently shared that she had started am/pm rituals for herself. They sound great-turning off her phone at 8pm, an early morning walk. I’ve been meaning to add those kind of structures to my day, but nothing has stuck yet.
I know that this post is a bit more down that I usually write. Even when I don’t have the answers (which can be often), I try to stay upbeat. And I hope that is coming through! Even on the days when I feel like I’m flailing there are good things.
But I know I do better with a little bit of structure. And I’m not 10000% sure how to create that for myself right now.
What are you doing? What’s your daily schedule? Are you able to stick to it right now?
I would love any tips you have to share!
Wishing us all a week of structure and amazing shoes!
XO RA
How are you sleeping right now? Sleep and me? We’ve never had the easiest relationship. My mom will tell you that I started sleeping a straight 12 hrs at about a month old– but it was the 12 hours between 3a and 3p.
While that was eventually worked out, I’ve always had a hard time going to sleep, staying asleep, and was never a good napper. So, now that the world is a little crazy, sleep comes and goes for me. I seem to have no middle. There are nights when I am wiped by 9:30 and I crawl into bed in whatever I have on. There are nights when I can’t seem to sleep and it’s 2a and I’m watching “The Golden Girls”.
In fact, my entire schedule seems to be that way- days when I can stick to it, days when everything goes out the window. And my fashion too. Days when I’m dressed and look cute. Days when I’m in a combo of pjs and workout pants.
(It’s another post, but yes I’m trying to set rituals and schedules- if you have any tips, I’m all ears!)
Suffice to say, there are days when I’m exhausted and am constantly looking for ways to sleep better, and to look more chic while I do it. I came across this article, The Allure of the Nap Dress by Rachel Syme. She details the Nap dress (yes, there’s a dress called the nap dress) and the company that makes it; but most importantly the allure of sleep that wearing a dress like a nap dress can bring. (Aka the romance and sleepiness of it). I was intrigued.
By no means is THE Nap dress the only nap dress, though I have also been stalked by that one. Nap dresses (for me) bring to mind the Sleeper dresses (like this one), pj dressing (which we know I’m a fan of, see here for starters), and the ardent hope that dressing for bed all the time would make me sleep better.
Since I’ve been thinking about “nap dresses” (and yes, all of a sudden everyone calling all their dresses nap dresses has started. Or at least, I’ve started noticing it), nap dresses have been popping up everywhere I look. Vintage ones. New ones. One’s from Target and ones from Neimans. Dresses that you could just nap in and dresses made for napping.
What story is told when we dress for a nap during the day? This week, we’re looking into it. From new dresses to vintage ones, I’m taking a look at dresses that will make me look chic and hopefully make me sleep better. Im excited to have you join me!
Wishing us all a week of good sleep and amazing shoes!
Xo RA
Some of my thoughts on how our style can inform how we deal with the pandemic. And how becoming great company to ourselves and being kind can make all of our style better!
Wishing us all a week of respite, good company, and amazing shoes!
Xo RA
Loves, there is so much going on right now. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and it’s easy to feel down. For years I’ve been a fan of keeping a gratitude journal- listing at least 5 things a day that I’m grateful for; my practice isn’t perfect, but I love that it helps me focus on how much good there is. For many reasons, this week seemed hard and I’ll be honest I didn’t know what to say about it. So, I’m choosing to share 5 things that I’m grateful for and excited about.
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!
Face Mask Chains
Face masks are so important to wear right now, and I’m a fan of making them fashion! I made a chain for when I need to take mine off and on, simply by adding a jewelery clasp to each end of a tortoise chain. I’m loving some of the masks here. How are you making your mask your own?
New Notebooks
I grew up in a household that loved school supplies. I’m no longer bound by the school year, but I still get a thrill when I get a new notepad or pen. (I’m also an avid list maker and these make me feel I will be able to get everything done!) Shop these here
Patio
We all know that I love my pool! But, I’m working on redoing the entire back patio to make it more company friendly, and a place to relax. It’s not the beach, but I’m grateful for a little place of peace.
Sangria
Every week I’ve been making a cocktail and wearing a caftan over on Instagram- and it’s so much fun! (You can join me @racheladelicia, and Cocktails&Caftans happens every Saturday!) This week the whole family got into it. We made sangria, made gazpacho for dinner, made a night out of it. Having something to look forward to and have fun with has been a highlight during this time!
Pink Hair
Not everyone in the house loves it, and it’s by no means permanent, but it’s been a fun thing to play with!
We are so lucky and there’s so much to be grateful for, even as we work towards a better world. When was the last time you sat down and thought about all the little things you’re grateful for?
Wishing us all a week of good luck and amazing shoes!
XO RA
It’s summer times, but the living might not be easy. The pandemic, and all the layers that comes with that, the fight for social justice and all that comes with that. I’ve been working from home for years, with a weird schedule to boot, but I have to admit that the current times–between work and caring, I’m a little exhausted.
This week I’ve found myself saying “I’m home more than ever but I’m busier that ever. I feel like I’m always running and always behind and always tired. What I wouldn’t give for a day off!”
Lately, days off have felt come to come by, so I got to thinking: what would a day off look like? What would I do with it? Would I read all day? Watch TV? Sit in the pool? How would I recharge?
I feel like I always have something to do work or home and all the other facets that make up my life. One day off, without work to do or a home project to accomplish might just be the rest I need. So, I decided to give myself one.
What am I going to do? I’m not sure. I just know that I need to relax. Books, movies, naps, drinks by the pool, I might do them all or nothing at all.
What do you do with a day off? What are you doing right now to relax and recharge yourself?
Wishing us all a week with days off and amazing shoes!
Xo RA
My loves, I look forward to summer every year. And this year will be different. But different doesn’t always mean better or worse, just not the same. With that in mind I’m planning things to look forward to, from my kiddie pool in the backyard to a virtual tour of Paris, these are my ideas. I would love to know yours!
Wishing us all a week of different and amazing shoes!
Xo RA
It’s a big weekend here at my house. My mom’s birthday. Mother’s Day (which can be a hard day for so many. If you’re hurting, if this day is painful, I’m wishing you peace). And today is my birthday! Things are a bit different this year. No big parties, which I’m very ok with. A little more introspection. But still a lot of champagne. While I can’t be with everyone I love today, I’m so grateful for all of my friends, family, and you!
This week I’m wishing us all peace, love, and amazing shoes! Xo RA
How crazy has it been for you? How are you feeling?
Over here there are good days and bad days. Ups and downs. One thing I’m needing? A day off. We’re at home, yes, but between the news, work, family, and all the things it feels like I go non-stop. So today? I’m taking me time. Maybe I’ll pamper myself- I need to do my roots and nails. Or maybe I’ll sleep. Or watch movies. But I’m giving myself permission to take a day for me.
If you need the same, here’s your permission. We’ll meet up and compare notes!
Wishing us all a week of needs met and amazing shoes! XO RA
