Happy Groundhog Day! I hope those of you in the Midwest have weathered the polar vortex safely – I am wholly unable to grasp just how cold the temperatures you’ve experienced this week really are. But thankfully we can trust that rodent up in Pennsylvania to predict the weather, and spring is going to come early this year.
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Around here, we’re trying to unpack our last few boxes and find a spot for the few random things that are stacked in the back room – even though we’re trying to not fully settle into this space, it’s important to me to have a haven to return to at the end of the day that feels like home.
It’s going to be a kind of icky, rainy day today, so after having lunch with my grandparents today (yay!) we can leisurely finish up. I notice that I have a lot more time for reading blogs and online browsing when I’m not planning a trip, which makes these link roundups a little longer:
Travel
Wit & Delight published a travel guide to Portugal, and I’m ready to book a flight!
Oslo is reducing the number of cars in the downtown area even more – we found the city very walkable (and it had great public transit) when we visited in 2015. I hope more cities follow suit!
Lo brought just one pair of shoes with her on a recent weekend getaway. Can you say #goals? (edit: site closed)
Alyssa shared her guide to Mexico City, and I’m absolutely dying to go back. (edit: site closed)
Don’t forget – the Subway is not the only way to commute in NYC.
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Food
I love simple little cakes, and this one combines some of my favorite flavors: rosewater, cardamom, and blood orange. It would make a sweet Valentine’s treat!
Where to eat in the Southwest US.
I already have a travel mug that I use every day, but if anything should ever happen to it, this one would be a stunning replacement.
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Life & Home
Working on a college campus with only one non-fast food restaurant onsite makes it an easy incentive for me to pack my lunch. But when I was a student living in a dorm with only a communal kitchen, I often chose to eat at whatever restaurant that was closest to my class. And, nearly always, it ended up being fast food.
Michael and I were just talking about how glass jars should have their tare weights etched or printed on them, and then I just stumbled on these.
We’re trying to be careful about where we put things in our new home, making sure they are placed in an organized way that makes sense for ease of access. But if we hadn’t just moved, we’d probably take place in this Well-Kept Kitchen Challenge.
As someone who is turning thirty in a couple of months (eek), I really appreciate these reflections.
A fascinating look into the world of buying and selling Instagram accounts.
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Style
Madewell and J. Crew just launched Fair-Trade denim, and it’s about time! I’m digging the Stovepipe, High-Rise Skinny Step-Hem, Toothpick Eco Jean with Let-Down Hem, and Vintage Straight Eco Jeans.
People are being robbed at gunpoint for their Canada Goose jackets. Is it worth it?
Sale notes: Everlane has a few things on their Choose What You Pay page that I own and love if you’re interested (Modern Loafer, V Heel, Cotton Relaxed Tank, GoWeave Tank Wrap Dress) and a couple of their new silk pieces, which surprised me (like the Charmeuse Cami and Party Slip Dress). ADAY has brought back their “uniforms” including their travel-geared set “The Everywhere.” Nisolo is offering Buy One/Get One 30% off on select Men’s and Women’s shoes.
Things I bought this week:
Michael has been using a suitcase from IKEA for the past few years, and after gate-checking it a few times, it finally met its fate. We ordered him the same Carry-On Suitcase from Away as the one I own and love (you can read my unsponsored review of the suitcase here and use this link to take $20 off your first suitcase purchase). Now we just need to find a new luggage tag or tie a string around the handles to tell them apart!
In my hunt for white pants/jeans, I ordered a pair of white Wedgie Jeans secondhand. The fit is a bit different from my other pairs, and I think I will go ahead and resell these. I also ordered this Eileen Fisher Silk Tank secondhand to wear as a base layer. I haven’t received it yet, but I really like EF’s stretchy silk.
The last time I painted my nails, I noticed that my base polish was getting dry and gloopy, so I ordered this Chanel base coat to try. I haven’t used it yet, but I like that it’s slightly tinted and can be worn alone – I don’t like to paint my fingernails before traveling because I always manage to chip the polish. I suspect this won’t be very noticeable when chipped.
I want to hear from you! I’m looking for new blogs to bookmark related to travel, low-waste living, finance, and minimal style. Please share your favorites below!
Love the travel guide to Portugal! I so wany to go. I visited Spain in October but didn’t make it to Portugal. :]
Spain sounds lovely, but now you have an incentive to return to the region!