Monday Musings

February's celebration of love is probably one of the most polarizing holidays of the year. People are either all about it or despise it every time we bring it up. And yeah, sure, do we need another excuse to buy candy (nope) and various heart-shaped things (probably not), although we will certainly be purchasing some the darling goodies our small businesses have in stock! So, if you're a bit more “bah humbug” about Valentine's Day, use these next two weeks to check in with yourself. Here's some inspiration from our writers on self-care, self-love, and stress management. Or, if you are feeling the season, check out the latest installment of our Engagement Stories, where simplicity is perfection. And if you're wondering what else is on our minds besides love…well, here are our Monday Musings:

Elizabeth: We have been unpacking lots of sun dresses and shorts, but we are still getting items that are buy now, wear now. These are my two favorite transition pieces for the moment. This faux leather vest from A.L.C. will take you to spring, and this Isabel Marant sweater is that bit of color we all crave right now.

Adrien: Stress management is free, simple, and the key to our long-term health and "new normal" sanity. My favorite strategies to reduce stress are deliberate breathing, walking outside, and maintaining a consistent sleep routine. I coach our members to fix their stress before adding more cardio and cutting more calories. Their wellness is sabotaged because of their chronic and unaddressed stress, which leads to lifestyle choices that cause weight gain, like snacking and low motivation to exercise. Repeat after me. We can't achieve the wellness we want without getting our stress in check.

Amy: We have a sweet surprise just in time for Valentine's Day! Through February 8, Penny Post is offering complimentary monogramming on Appointed's pink heart notebooks! We are taking orders online and in the store. So, if you're looking for something sweet to give the “paper people” in your life, this is it!

Britt: It's always a joy to work with local builder, The Ransom Company, to see how they bring high-end and timeless home design to life! We can't wait to see what this future project holds, but the first stop is working through the architecture plans and edits!