Yes, I’m still around, and one of the best “good things” about January was taking some time away. (Thank you to all who emailed/messaged me to check in. It’s good to know someone would notice if I actually did fall off the face of the earth!) After finally getting back to 100% after having the flu, I decided to take some guilt-free time off from the blog. I didn’t click on my blog reader app one time. I took pictures of my kids instead of my house. I read books. I rearranged things. I also took some time away from posting to Instagram and found myself checking it less and less. And guess what? I didn’t feel like I was missing out on a thing.
Here are a few other good things I discovered throughout the last month. . .
Fun tassels from Etsy perked up this piece in our foyer that I’ve had for a long time.
I rarely buy jeans but was happy to find the fit (and price) of this brand. I bought this style. (And, a little bit pricier, but I also love this brand.)
I started this bible study with some women at our church, and it’s excellent. (I heard the author speak several years ago. She became blind at age 15 and her perspective is really fascinating.)
Do you all know about this website? I’ve found several good (inexpensive) pieces. It’s a little bit of a hunt but 90% of what I’ve ordered has worked out. (I haven’t had much luck with the swimsuits.) A few of my favorite purchases: this dress, this dress, (both under $20 and free shipping!) and these sandals. Also, these $5 geometric earrings are a steal.
Speaking of earrings, I’ve been wearing these to liven up all of the black and gray in my closet.
My new favorite tomato soup recipe. (My parents made this over Christmas and I’m putting it in my rotation.) I serve mine with jalapeño cornbread.
Just finished this book and would recommend. (It’s my second read by this author.)
I’m really liking this hair styling cream. (FYI, the price is much better on Amazon than at Ulta. Glad I remembered to check.)
I’m not going to tell you they’re are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn, but these are a great knock off of the Free People version, and I’m willing to sacrifice if I don’t have to walk miles in them. ;)
A colorful cardigan to get me through a couple more months of cold weather (and leggings every day possible).
I replaced my plastic colanders with this prettier one. It’s the little life changes, right?
Thanks for the links to the clothing sites. I see random, cheaper sites and always wonder if they’re legit. So, it’s nice to hear from a regular person that they actually exist and don’t just steal money. ESPECIALLY because my 13-years-old-for-2-whole-weeks-now daughter is suddenly into owning more clothing that she ever has before!
I’ve been really pleased with what I’ve found. I feel like you can afford to go a little trendier when it’s so inexpensive. :)
I was just about to comment the very same thing. I see Shein a lot on Pinterest, have been super wary, nice to hear from someone that has had success!
I’ve had some hit or miss experience with Shein. If you have to return or exchange an item, get ready to wait a very long time, and the customer service is not good. In fact, you will wait a very long time to get your stuff even on the first order, but then again you are paying very, very little so get over it, right? Your picks are very cute Emily!
Welcome back! Spring will be here before you know it.
I’m curious if you used the entire cup of sherry in your tomato soup? Its seems like a lot as I usually just use a little bit in my crab soup. So glad you are back! I missed you!
I should’ve mentioned I skipped the sherry altogether. :)
Welcome back! We will take you whenever you want to post. I have another very easy recipe for tomato soup that seems odd but is so good. You use jars of Classico marinara sauce and add half and half to taste. I make this in the crockpot and then serve with croutons and grilled cheese sandwiches.
So good for you for listening to yourself and allowing time for you and your family to start the year. I’m sure it was a gift. I heard something on a podcast earlier this month about making space to do the things you love. Basically, she (Emily P. Freeman) was saying it is so easy to default to the things that are easy to do but don’t necessarily feed our souls or take time from getting to the things we want to pursue. One of the things she suggested was removing ALL notifications from the apps on your phone. Game changer. I cannot tell you how much time I have wasted being notified of a comment, a post, a news story, etc. I find myself check my phone so much less. I don’t know why but that seemed like a tip you would share as well. I have enough things that take my time and sometimes the obvious is right infant of me and I miss it.
I have had good luck with Goodnight Macaroon for clothing too. I haven’t ordered from Shein yet…it is a hunt but some cute trends to try. And the book you recommended is $1.99 for the kindle version right now. Score!
Welcome back. I love your style!
So great to have you back! I missed your posts so much, but was thrilled to hear you took some time away! Always love it when you post and understand when you don’t!
Missed you!
That is my go to tomato soup….I use the Better than Bullion paste (veggie) to make it 100% vegetarian and also skip the sherry! Its amazing also what the honey/sugar do to reduce the acid in all that tomato juice…I never bought tomato juice before this recipe but now have it in stock all the time…this is really a keeper! Glad you’re back!
Thanks for the hint. I didn’t use the sherry either.
Hey lady! So happy to hear you had a wonderful reset, they are so necessary in this social media driven world! Happy you are back and re-energized!
Thanks, Emiy. Glad all is well—good for you for the super break! You’ve earned it, even though you didn’t have to “earn it” to take off. :)
That’s the same tomato soup recipe I’ve been using for years! It is the absolute best. My husband doesn’t even like tomato soup normally, but loves it!
We miss you but we applaud you for taking time – Smart lady!!!! Thank you for the book recommendation!!!! Wonderful book – so current, so alive and just a Great Read!!!