Lately, I've just been in the mood to feel inspired, I completely give credit to the changing seasons for my newfound excitement for life. There is just something so charming and alluring about the crisp weather and changing, colorful leaves. Invigorating is the word that comes to mind. Uh, I just love autumn. I am ready to curl up in cozy loungewear and watch Harry Potter while drinking mulled wine on the couch (or fancy tea if alcohol isn't the vibe). Doesn't that sound like a dream? I am ready to have a magical fall! And you know what they say.. a photo is worth a thousand words. These pictures emulate so many things about fall that are warming my soul. I hope they inspire you to live a full and exciting autumn. 

Even though we are still in the midst of a pandemic, there are still a billion ways for us to safely (and frugally) have fun. I plan to use this seasonal mood board as my guide and inspiration for fall. If you end up creating one for yourself, I hope you tag me so we can share what's inspiring us this season. I guess I'm kind of a dreamer.. but this is where dreams meet action plans. As long as we give ourselves a break and do one small thing each day to fuel our soul, we'll slowly but surely start to realize how incredible even the smallest joys in life can be when it comes to helping us live a fulfilling life. 

Retail Therapy Break

Of course one of my favorite parts about fall is the FASHIONNNN! Here are a few items I've been eyeing and recently purchased myself. Slowly I'll add them to my wardrobe because homegirl needs to fix her finances.. but I can responsibly treat myself along the way, and so can you because this pandemic life is not for the faint of heart. 

What about fall is making you feel all warm and fuzzy? Let me know in the comments below! I'd love to add more fun fall things to my list. Thanks for taking a moment out of your day to read this post. Your support means so much to me. Sending you love and happiness. 

Photo by Kate Hliznitsova on Unsplash

1. Binge Watching Buffy. I always gravitate to this show when I’m feeling “off”. The moodiness of the show mixed with the dark humor and the action-packed scenes just helps me feel a sense of calmness.
2. Window Shopping. I’ve been craving a few new workout sets and lingerie sets. What I really want are lace shorts with a matching lace cami so I can feel glam while lounging around the house. I’m just waiting for the quality sets I’ve found to go on sale because this is totally just a want and not a need. I’m doing a lot better with managing my shopping habit and thinking about how I spend my money. 
3. Outdoor Furniture Browsing. Ah there are so many things I have my eye on. I know I need to buy things slowly so I don’t spend irresponsibly, but here are a few items on my radar.  
4. The Sanity and Self app. I downloaded it last week and am really, really liking it. It targets so many mental wellness issues I struggle with and it’s WAAAAAAYYYYY cheaper than therapy lmao. There are multiple, short and sweet, seven-day courses that focus on loneliness while being single, loneliness while being in a relationship, self-compassion, living mindfully even when you’re super busy, etc. It’s my latest obsession.   
5. Glam Evening-Wear. I’ve always loved evening-wear. There is just something so glamorous, elegant and aspirational about the sexy silhouettes, silky fabrics and chic colors that make me feel excited and confident. As soon as I can dine in restaurants and go to evening events again, you can totally assume that I will be dressing to the nines. Dressing up is fun, and I fully believe in taking extra steps to turn ordinary life experiences into magical ones… and fashion is a great tool for adding a little “umph” to the day.

Photo by Taylor Simpson

Well this week has been a whirlwind to say the least. So. Much. Emotional. Chaos!!! My family keeps being tested, but hey, life was never meant to come without problems. That's why it's crucial to seek out accessible things that put a smile on our faces.  I really appreciate how our priorities become clearer as we age, and the older I get, the more and more I savor all the small but fulfilling things in life. Here's a list of the things that have made me happy this week. I hope you share yours too! And thanks so much for spending time reading this post. Your support means the world to me!

Photo by Kevin Lee

1. Deleting Uber and Lyft!! I LOVE saving money. I am slowly but surely becoming addicted to saving as much as I can on the frivolous luxuries I've gotten used to. It's kind of like a game. If you live in a bustling city like me, you will probably feel sick to your stomach if you look at your uber receipt history. I know I do, and that's why I am loving saving money by saying no to shared rides when I can easily take the subway.

Photo by Mgg Vitchakorn

As I grow older,  I continue to realize how temporary "the bad times" are. Last week, I was not in a very healthy mental space... like at all. But as I sit on this pink, faux suede couch, on the second floor of a new workspace,  waiting for my sneakers to dry from the intense rainstorm, I am in awe at how blissful I am. And to be honest, nothing extraordinary has happened today. I spent all of Friday night alone (which I know I needed in order to reset), woke up early this morning and then headed into the city for dance class and to get some work done. After I leave this office, I'm walking to East Village to cook dinner with two friends and relax.