A Friday Buffet
No. 040 Denim stacks and perhaps a second to relax.
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Hello!
It is the most gorgeous Friday here in New England. I hope wherever you are it’s a beautiful day and you have the chance to get out and enjoy it. That’s my plan!
Some people unwind before bed by watching TV, scrolling mindlessly on their phone, read a book, dive into a multi-step skincare routine, or something else entirely. For me, I organize my closet or do a brief, five-minute core workout. Yes, I hear the crickets from your side of the screen.
I do not know why those activities calm me down to (hopefully) sleep through the night, but I do know that these little rituals power down my brain in a way those other options do not. I am who I am.
Whether I’m hanging up clothes from the drying rack, re-stacking jeans that are impatiently waiting for cooler days, or sorting pieces somewhat mindlessly to locate items more quickly, I find that keeping my closet organized - and doing so close to midnight - is a sort of zen-like ritual that not only relaxes me, but makes me feel far calmer overall. Some people do yoga; I choose to organize my t-shirts by color and chambrays by denim wash. And don’t get me started on the shoes. ;)
If everything seems to be in good-enough order closet-wise, I often turn to a brief, late-night workout. I’ve been using my Peloton religiously since I got it two years ago, but the breakthrough for me lately has been the option to use it minimally when necessary. I love the five and ten-minute workout options when I simply don’t have time for something longer or don’t have energy for anything else (but still want to use the program).
Quite often I add in one of these mini-workouts right before bed which isn’t anyone’s favorite time for exercise, but it honestly helps my mind and body immensely. Whether it’s a brief core class or a quick upper body routine, this time to unwind and take my mind off of literally everything else helps a lot in regard to getting to sleep afterward.
Most of the time my workout is done during the daylight. I’m a late-afternoon exerciser during the week, but when the day just runs away from me (more and more often given work and Pepper’s schedule) these late-night “bites” of fitness help ground me for the night. Of course, they can encourage a “waking up” effect, but for the most part I find the time to be calming and somewhat meditative.
Now that you know all about my inability to sleep well and the tricks I use to attempt to fix that, how about you? What are your methods to encourage a solid night of sleep?
Pepper wakes us for “first walk” before 5:30am most days which is no one’s ideal time to be up, but at least she goes back to bed (briefly) once she and Seth have returned. All we need to do now is force ourselves to go to bed much earlier…
We started working with a dog trainer this week and that is helping a lot. However, the act of training Pepper is a lot! She learns very quickly, but her “bad” moments are not exactly gone. The trainer gave us lots of information to get Pepper in good behavior mode, but it will take time.
Thank goodness she’s so cute because she’s a teenage-puppy right now that literally only does what she wants to do. ;) If anyone wants to come over and play with Pepper in our yard…you’re more than welcome!
On a garden note, the dahlias are divine! More and more open up every single day and it seems to be that I’ll be getting my wish for a Dahlia Extravaganza for my birthday next week. Yippee! Speaking of relaxing, I’m now someone who wanders around their flower beds each day taking note of how everything is growing and cutting fresh flowers each day. A luxurious element of the summer!
I still have plans for other areas of the yard, but the flower beds have brought a lot of joy. Perhaps the incredible volume of rain we’ve had has helped because every single flowering plant is thriving. Even the indoor ones seem to be happy! Never thought I’d say this, but if you have the opportunity or space to grow fresh flowers at home…do it. It’s entirely worth it!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and here’s a friendly reminder to start planning for fall right now. I know we’re all in sandals and tees and thriving in the sunshine, but the next season will be here sooner than we think.
A great quote, “If you’re not sweating while buying a coat, you’re doing it wrong.” I may need to make this into a sign. ;) I’ve noted a few fall items in this week’s Buffet, below.
A Buffet for Today: 8/11/2023
WATCH IT
While I’m finally enjoying the latest episodes of And Just Like That… there’s definitely some questionable plot-lines happening for the new characters.
Only Murders in the Building is back for season three and it’s excellent as usual. :)
I rarely watch much reality TV, but I’ve been tuning in to RHONY for the new season and it’s.. entertaining! Ridiculous, but entertaining.
WEAR IT
Ordered New Balance “dad sneakers” for the fall and they are supremely comfortable. However, let’s change the name, shall we? Can’t they just be Comfy Sneakers? Anyone can wear them. ;)
Highly recommend the crop trench coat from Madewell. Fit is great and the price point is pretty good for a fashion-y item that’s only for fall and spring (at least around here.)
This red sweatshirt from Alex Mill would be a perfect color pop to my mostly-neutrals plan for fall.
EAT IT
Cucumber Salad with Feta - perfect for al fresco dinners on the deck.
Red Curry Beef and Garlic Noodles - adding this to our dinner plan for right now.
Lobster Risotto - yes please.
Brownies - I’ve been craving this sweet treat all week.
Cheers and joy,
Mollie
