Two hundred and fifty can be a big number. Two hundred and fifty puppies? So many puppies. Two hundred and fifty pairs of shoes? As close to heaven as I’ll ever desire. But it can also be a modest number. Two hundred and fifty dollars in a retirement savings account? A banker would say there is room for improvement.

If you are new to my site, first thing first: hello, you look fabulous. Second, for the frequent fashion friends that have been with me for years – thank you, love you – you know I love a style challenge. This one I’m in now, is a doozy.

Later this week, I’ll be heading down to a much-anticipated event: Snap! As this is its first year, I’m excited to see how the night will unfold. It’s new but I do know this: it’s billed as a “Transformational night of music and fashion” in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Each year fashion people salivate at the prospect of commenting on the hits and misses of Hollywood’s elite on the red carpet. Too much this, not enough that, and the sweet spot in between can cement a celebrity look in the fashion archives forever. Or until another big event in our ever changing news cycle sweeps us away.

Every few years I feel like I am getting closer to self-actualization through dress. Yes, I’ve manipulated Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to be entirely sartorial focused. I’ve come to realize when it comes to loving yourself you either start from the inside out, or like me, the outside and work towards the deep dark in.

I love winter, I do. That said, a few days into this ultra-cold snap and all I can think about I how delicious it would be to slip into a bathing suit, walk along a sandy beach, and jump into the ocean.

Tuesday February 05 marks Chinese New Year, welcoming in the Year of the Pig. To say I’m excited would be an understatement. Over the past few years, as I’ve come to know a little more, it’s a tradition that I’ve started in my home and life.

During the holidays, I do try and take a few days to wind down. Wine and beer glasses are enjoyed, bellies are full, and lounging and laughing in every home I’m welcomed into are full on. It’s very, very nice. But it’s a new day: Hello Boxing Day. 

As we approach the eleventh day of the eleventh month I can’t help but to reflect. Seeing the veterans canvassing about town and the poppies gently pinned on lapels of coats ensures that it is a sobering time. It’s time to remember the fighters and the fallen.

After the festivities tonight and the inevitable horrendous, yet sensational sugar come down, you may be thinking about weekend plans. Why not include a stop by the pop-up shop I have been whipping up for y’all?

It’s a bundle of excitement around here as I’m deep into preparation for my first, at home pop-up shop. It’s been a tizzy getting everything ready and as per usual I’m sweating a bit crossing off the seemingly insurmountable list of to-do’s while also taking sweet, delectable joy in the work along the way.

As a self-proclaimed continuous improvement junkie, I’m always testing myself. I like to try new things and see how I react and what emotions or stuff bubbles up. In the summer I read what seemed like thousandth article on “unplugging” and it finally grabbed me: perhaps I could check myself off of social for a bit?