A Few More Things…
Having posted a list of things that I hope to leave behind in 2023, I wanted to expand a bit on some of those “Outs” and refresh the “In” list a bit. Let me begin by saying that this is just a list of things that I personally feel strongly about. I’m sure there are many that overlap. Although I listed the Stanley cups as an Out, I will admit that at least two of them were gifted in my home this holiday season. I’m sure we will be seeing them for a while, but they are a bit much. What was wrong with the Hydroflask? Why did we have to change that? The memes on Instagram are hilarious. And I’m still holding strong that skinny jeans are being set aside on a top closet shelf and at least semi-retired for a while.
The grammar thing might be my biggest complaint. I think it’s safe to say that I hear someone say “I should have went…” at least 2-3x a week. Okay, maybe it’s just twice, but it’s often — How has this happened? How have people come this far — college graduates, working professionals — and they still say it incorrectly? It cannot continue. But I’m not sure what the solution is, because I think people just feel it’s correct at this point. And you feel like a giant asshole if you correct someone who says it.
Another thing that I would love to leave behind but forgot to list was the one AirPod in the ear thing. I ran into a lovely family the other night at dinner and their teenager had one AirPod in her ear the entire time. Why? How are they engaging as a family if the teenager has an AirPod in her ear during their meal? Why is it necessary? I just don’t understand. And it’s not just the teenagers. During my son’s tennis lesson last summer, the tennis pro had an AirPod in while feeding balls to him. Seriously, it’s ridiculous. But, enough with the negativity…..
What I am excited about is taking it back to being a little old-fashioned — hosting dinner parties, playing backgammon, picking up needlepoint again. Just slowing down and focusing on quality over quantity. Seaside Needlepointe here in Vero Beach offers lessons and refresher classes on Thursdays, so I’m signing up and recruiting girlfriends to join me. If you haven’t played Mah-Jongg before, search Facebook in your area and you‘re bound to find an instructor. Grab three friends and make a plan to learn this brainy sport. It will keep you sharp and improve memory skills. It also teaches patience and politeness and helps with making speedy decisions.
Although I am a big Zara fan, I do feel it’s important to invest in quality pieces that will stand the test of time instead of buying dupes of classic pieces from Amazon and the like. A pair of Chanel ballet flats is on my wishlist this year, and Priss&Vinegar has convinced me it’s time to invest. (What a fun follow if you don’t already.) You will find me repeating outfits more often than I have before because it’s time to start wearing our clothes instead of saving them for special occasions. I want every day to be a special occasion.
I will say that I am leaning into the horseshoe/barrel/balloon leg jeans trend. I started with the black Mango pair (on sale now) because the price point was very reasonable. I love the cream-colored Citizen of Humanity pair I posted yesterday and plan to wear them often. Nili Lotan has a pants version - the Shon - which are fun and come in a variety of colors. Some people love them and others, like my sister, think they make you look like a Sumo wrestler. You do you.
Authenticity on Instagram seems to be a strong trend for 2024 and I’m hoping I can stay true to that. I probably should keep this to myself, but I really have no idea what I am doing half the time. This is a creative outlet for me and I am doing what feels right, trying to stay in my lane and share what I like. Lauren of @thecattspjs is such a pleasant and adorable follow and shines authenticity. Another recent favorite is @alotofyouhaveasked. Her 2024 In/Out list is spot on and I love that she doesn’t use a content calendar. Keep it up girls!
That’s all I have for now. I truly appreciate your being here. I hope your 2024 is off to a great start — I have a good feeling about this one!
Cheers,
SaraBee