Stella & Dot Spring 2017 Collection

January Favorites

Beauty Products
YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain has become my favorite lipstick. I picked it up in the duty free shop, lost it for a couple of months, and rediscovered it this month. The color I'm obsessed with is 101, which apparently does not exist any longer. The formula is lovely though, so if you have a change to indulge in a lux product, give your favorite color a try. Apparently there is a great dupe for this made by L'Oreal, which is YSL's parent company. I'm betting it's nearly the same product just packaged differently.

Fashion
I received a wonderfully comfortable pair of pants for Christmas that I've worn basically non-stop this month. They are from Dress Barn of all places, a store I never think to shop in. Currently they have a heathered black pair for under $15! They fall somewhere between a legging and a dress pant - I feel completely comfortable wearing them to work with a tunic and heels and boots but they are so comfortable they feel like lounge pants.

Life
A new app that is helping me stay organized has dominated my phone usage. Ok, dominate is a strong word. But I have been using it a ton. It's called AfterShip and it tracks all my packages - updating me on when I should receive them and where they are at that exact moment. All I have to do is insert my tracking number (if you open your tracking number via email on your phone, it automatically asks you if you want to import that order), give it a tile so I know what it is, and watch as it finds it's way to me. Now I know if my dozen's of Etsy packages are waiting for me at home - so I can snatch them before KJB discovers how many stickers I buy ;)

CURRENTLY

listening // Now that we are past the holiday season, I haven't been listening to too much. I did discover a new love for Spotify within the past three months or so, which has caused me to listen to a much wider variety. I love going to the "Discover" tab and looking at the recommendations that are automatically generated.

watching // Right now I'm sucked into the world of Gossip Girl. There are some things about that show that downright frustrate me, but I just can't turn it off. Season five just started, so I'll be moving onto a new show soon. When Crown premiered a couple of months ago, I watched the first episode to see if I would like it; that will probably be my next binge session.

reading // Around the Christmas holiday I decided I really wanted to get back into reading, so I downloaded several free books onto my iBook app. There was one holiday themed story I liked pretty well called  A Yorkshire Christmas by Kate Hewitt. It was a very easy read so I breezed through it in a few hours. Now I'm reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen because somehow I've never read it. Next on my list is The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel.

planning // Much like the last several January's, the youth basketball league that KJB and I run has kicked off and we find ourselves busier than ever. Even though we are only three weeks into the season, I'm working on arrangements for the end-of-season celebration. We hire an entertainer, give out some gifts, and recognize each of the players.

wearing // The weather just can't seem to be consistent in the Midwest this year. Last Friday we had an ice storm. Today is in the mid-forties and overcast. Saturday is calling for 60 and partly cloudy. Needless to say, I have no idea how to dress for this weather, so I'm counting on layers, ankle boots, and my new Stella & Dot jewels (haul video posted soon!)

feeling // Positive. Although the days are currently packed with work, sports practices, teaching, and all the other day-to-day things, I've managed to find some little pockets of things that lift my spirits from feeling run over. Things like squeezing in 20 minutes of cardio first thing in the AM, having lunch with old friends, and spending some time in the evening doing a devotional, has me feeling fairly refreshed.

looking forward to // That being said, our vacation this spring has me wishing time would move a little faster. Sun, sand, and spending extra time exploring new places with my huz sounds pretty good to me.

Goal Setting, II

If there's one thing I learned about myself in 2016 is that paper organization is the way to go. All creatives know that it's easy to bounce from project to project or get caught up in the latest trends. So when I purchased my Plum Paper Planner in the fall of 2015, I honestly wasn't sure if paper planning was just my latest project, or if it would truly stick around as my main method of organization. Within a few months, I was swept up in the world of planner stickers, binders, stamps, etc. I purchased a lovely raspberry colored Filofax to house my planner; it would also allow me to add or take things away as needed. For 2017, I'm keeping with the planner train - but downsizing slightly. The A5 size planner was a little large to carry with me, so I'm swapping it out with a personal size. Since I loved the vertical layout of the PPP, the Erin Condren, and the Happy Planner, and I wanted to be able to use all those stickers I've purchased, the SewMuchCrafting planner inserts were the no-brainer choice. Little did I know the paper was butter smooth and the ink doesn't bleed through to the other side. Now, with a few other accessories, both for fun and function, I'm all set to tackle this year in a super organized way.

1 Personal sized planner from Recollections at Michaels // 2 Planner tassel used as bookmark // 3 Planner pockets for stashing stickers and post-its // 4 SewMuchCrafting inserts

Goal Setting, I

In an attempt to better myself, I've set a few goals for 2017. All of them totally reachable, but still slightly outside of my comfort zone. At the top of my list is finding a great skincare regimen. Funny enough, when I started doing some research on products that I wanted to try, I discovered that Lush had options for every single category. Since I'm not getting any younger, it's time to find some go-to products that are good for my skin, my wallet, and are simple enough that I have no excuse but to use them.

1. Skincare for my face is the top priority. With a good eye cream and moisturizer already in my routine, I'm in need of a cleanser and a mask to keep pores clean and my face bright. Brazen Honey I have no doubt that I'll love, but Herbalism looks just weird enough that I'm not too sure about it. But my oily skin needs some help, and the description on this guy looks perfect.

2. My face is oily but my scalp is super dry. Every product at Ulta has grazed the side of my tub at some point, so it's time to step up my game. Solid shampoo is super intriguing to me and the hydrating ingredients in Avocado Co-Wash makes me eager to give it a try.

3. Honest moment: I pay zero attention to my feet. KJB gives me a hard time about them because they are extremely calloused, rough, and hard. The thought of regular pedicures has my debit card screaming at me, so I suppose I'll give it a go myself. I think if I use a pumice stone and moisturize a couple times a week, it will keep my hubby happy.

4. My current deodorant is an antiperspirant and this past year I discovered some of the harmful ingredients found in the product, so I've been wanting to move to an all-natural alternative. Some of the creams and powders have me cringing a bit for some reason, so I'll start with a bar. Aromaco is specifically listed as a good option for "beginners" and the essential oils listed in T'eo have me dreaming of spring and fresh air.

More of my 2017 goals will be shared soon. Until then, cheers to a new year! xo, Courtney

Merry Christmas

May your days be full of love, laughter, and hope. Wishing you peace and joy in the new year.

All my love,
Courtney

Wrapping Party

Whether it's a party for one or several friends coming together to dominate holiday wrapping, it doesn't take much to make this party colorful, fun, and productive. No decor needed, let your colorful paper, bags, and trim be the focus. This year, a multitude of critters won over my heart with their whimsical and festive prints. Hedgehogs, deer, and arctic critters papers, along with narwhal and owl gift bags all donned in winter-wear. Put on your favorite Christmas movie; I love how playful and funny Elf is for all ages. Adorn your packages with a bit of bakers twine and some classic, preppy holiday patterned tags, for a non-fussy look. This Scotch tape dispenser, a must have, and my favorite pen, the Papermate InkJoy Gel, would make great, functional party favors. Nix any food and beverage, because who has time to cook more holiday food. Go out for Mexican afterward to celebrate your victory. ;)