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Winter Boots & Ways to De-Stress

December 17, 2019

This post is sponsored by Lugz and the InfluenceHer Collective. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Dressed for Time possible!

Hello, babes!
Happy almost Christmas! I know I’m not the only one to say how crazy it is that the year is almost over.. It feels like my birthday was last week, and that summer was a couple months ago. The truth is, we have almost 5 months of winter left in Chicago, and I started to prep for it way late in the game. A little further down, I’ll share more about my look and my cute new boots, but first, I wanted to chat about some quick and easy, (not to mention cheap!), ways to destress right now.

Tip 1-
Breathe. Wow, groundbreaking, I know, but taking some time to breathe deeply and slowly in and out through your nose has such a calming effect. It can help you focus and get centered, also release stress and squash nerves. I also like to use apps for guided breathing techniques. My favorite is called Insight Timer. It has lots of free options so you can find a voice that resonates with you, or use one of the self-guided sessions. I also LOVE listening to any of the water noises, (pouring rain, crashing waves, a mountain stream), when trying to get to sleep.

Tip 2-
Speaking of… As much of a challenge as it seems, SCHEDULE sleep! Set a cut-off time on your calendar, not just the intention, to actually carve out the time you need. Personally, I need 8-9 hours if I want to be fully functional the next day, so I add it in. That way, if an event might run late, or I start to get caught up with work, I have that reminder telling me I need to cut it short so I can be my most effective. If you’re worried about not getting it all done, manage your time to focus on what’s truly important and what needs to get done on a daily basis, the rest will get done in time.

Tip 3-
Perform random acts of kindness. And then keep them to yourself. I do a bit of an eye roll when people perform altruistic acts, then go on social media to blast it to their following/friends. Encouraging others to do good things is awesome, but it feels better, at least for me, to just know that I’ve done good things without the possibility of a virtual pat on the back from others. That being said, here are some things you can do! Pay for the coffee for the person behind you in line. Send hand-written cards. Get the door for someone. Compliment a stranger. Thank cashiers and servers for working on the holiday. Give someone that gift card you have that’s been gathering dust.

Tip 4-
Write it out. Keep a personal journal to take note of how you’re feeling. Regardless of if you ever re-read the notes, it always helps me to de-stress and get everything that’s on my mind down on paper.

Tip 5-
Turn on some music! I will ask Alexa to play something upbeat, or throw on one of my Spotify playlists of tried-and-true mood boosters, but I also like to branch out and try something I haven’t given much thought to. I never realized I might like a little country, until a friend turned me on to Maren Morris. I also think listening to classical music, which I hated as a child, is so soothing now! I’ll be in my kitchen, stressing over what to make for dinner and how I’m going to get all my Poshmark packages ready before the mailman comes… I ask Alexa to “play classical music” and for some reason, it has a calming effect and allows me to focus and get shit done!

Do you have any de-stressing tips to share? Leave them in the comments, let’s help each other out!

Now, on to this super cozy outfit I’m wearing…
I’ll start from the bottom up! I had been looking for a new pair of winter boots I could wear everywhere, especially in inclement weather. Enter this versatile pair from Lugz at DSW! They’re called the Tambora and mine are in the shade Chocolate (which totally fits this rich color!), and they also come in a lighter brown and black. They’re lined with plush faux fur, which makes them very comfortable and warm, not to mention, I love the detailing at the fold-down collar.

I went pretty minimal, pairing them with jeans, a perfect white T, a shawl collared cardigan, layered necklaces, and my fuzziest glittens. Side note, I didn’t even know glittens (gloves & mittens) were a thing, but recently grabbed these at a pop-up in town. Can you tell I’m big on texture in the cold months?

Getting Cuddl Duds Cozy for Fall

October 28, 2019

This post is sponsored by Cuddl Duds but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links or making purchases through them may provide me with a small commission. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Dressed for Time, and enjoy reading about Getting Cuddl Duds Cozy for Fall!

Getting Cuddl Duds Cozy for Fall Hello, loves!
Anyone who’s met me in person knows I have a thing with textures.. Take me shopping, and I will feel every sweater, fuzzy jacket, scarf, or blanket I see. Any time I meet someone wearing something that could be soft, I (embarrassingly), reach out to touch their sleeve. I can’t help myself! I can even remember getting yelled at as a child for petting stray dogs, and once broke a $300 necklace (that my mom had to pay for!), because I wanted to feel the intricate beading and embroidery on it. I haven’t read much in to it, but I’m thinking that “physical touch” might be my love language.

When I learned that Cuddl Duds had a PJ and bedding collection with Kohl’s, I knew it was going to be good. Growing up, I wore Cuddl Duds tanks before transitioning to bras, and recalled their great quality, and yes, how soft they were. This collection is no exception. Obsessed is probably an overused word at this point, but the pajamas are SO good, so cozy, and warm. I’m very excited to have them in my drawer, now that the weather is getting cooler. Come late fall and winter, I can imagine I’ll have even more pairs to snuggle up in. And come on, they’re about the cutest pjs ever! Perfect for lounging on late Sunday mornings.

Getting Cuddl Duds Cozy for Fall Their bedding impressed me as well. I don’t often go for flannel sheets, because I feel they’re a little masculine for my taste, but the cute little diamond print on these is so darling. Mark and I have pretty much just been knocking out as soon as we lay down, because we’re toasty and so relaxed, being hugged by softness all around.

If you’re in the market to up your fall & winter bedding game, I highly recommend checking out the Cuddl Duds collection at Kohl’s! They’re offering 30% off your purchase of their sleepwear for her and bedding until 11/6. Just in time to get your guest room prepped for Thanksgiving, and to transition away from your lighter, summer-weight sheets. If you pick up anything from the line, be sure to let me know in the comments!

Scroll all the way to the bottom to see some bonus pics with my puppies! I love when they make an appearance on here. I’ve given up on keeping at least Beauregard off of the bed. It’s basically his favorite place, right after snuggled up to Mark on the couch. Emily can’t jump high enough to make it on her own, but loves to be “placed” on the bed so she can steal my pillow! Love my babies.

Getting Cuddl Duds Cozy for Fall - Love to Nap Sleepmask Side note, my friend wrote a book! It’s called A Dress for the Wicked, and it’s about a young girl, trying to prove herself at a prestigious fashion house, set in the Victorian era. Congrats, Autumn!!! Pajamas c/o Cuddl Duds at Kohls // Sheet set c/o Cuddl Duds at Kohls // Blanket c/o Cuddl Duds at Kohls

Seeking Pain Relief with CBDMEDIC

September 26, 2019

This post is sponsored by CBDMEDIC but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Hello, my dears!
Even though we’ve just entered the new fall season, I’m making the most of the last sunny days while I can. Although I have joined a gym, I’ve also been taking advantage of the gorgeous local trails and hiking spots I’ve discovered nearby. Some are definitely for beginners, and are quick and mostly flat/paved. Others are quite a bit more involved, steep, and challenging even on one of my good days.

Speaking of, I’ve struggled with occasional to frequent back, ankle, and neck/shoulder pain since I started working. Admittedly, more of my neck and shoulder pain is probably from the excessive amount of screen time I get. Hunching over a computer or craning to read texts, etc. Stretching before and after a workout definitely helps, but I’d been looking for something to help during a workout.

I went to my local CVS to check out their selection of CBD products, after hearing so many people talk about it’s many uses. I’m someone who despises taking pills, so I wanted to seek out something that I could use on-the-go as needed and where needed. I found the CBDMEDIC line, which includes their Active Sport™ line. They have an ointment that needs to be rubbed in with your fingers, which is not ideal for using when working out, but great for use at home. I instead picked up the Pain Relief Stick. It’s a travel-friendly and mess free solid that has camphor, menthol, hemp oil, along with several other emollients. I also liked that everything in the product is naturally derived.

Now to put it to the test!
There are some forest preserves near my house that I’d been wanting to check out for a while. It’s mostly flat but several miles long. As predicted, my ankle started to hurt after walking for a while at a brisk pace.

I also applied some to my shoulders and neck. I loved that the balm went only where I applied it, and that I didn’t have to rub it in. I felt the pain-relieving element pretty quickly. My ankle pain kind of just faded away. While I wouldn’t say that my neck pain went away completely, this stick definitely helped. I’m working up to completing the entire loop, and will be sure to take this stick with me to help keep me going.

If you’re looking for a powerful and effective way to help with muscle pulls, strains, and joint distress, definitely check out the CVS store locator to see where to find their products. They also have CBD massage oil, sprays, and even ointment for arthritis.

Tell me in the comments, is there anything that holds you back when you work out?

Styling Trending Above Jewelry Two Ways

June 12, 2018

This post is sponsored by Trending Above. All thoughts and opinions are always my own.

Hey, loves!
I hope you all are having a fantastic start to the week. I’m so excited to be sharing with you some gorgeous pieces I found from Trending Above. Designer and owner Alyssa Bove is quite the fashionista herself, and is a genius at creating pieces that layer gorgeously with one another. I chose three of her designs to style… the Cori Necklace in Pink, Devan Sparkle Bangle, and the Madden Bracelet in Cream. All of the pieces work so well when you mix and match within the line, but also when pairing with pieces you already have in your own collection.
I’m styling Trending Above jewelry two ways to reflect my Southern California vibe. First for a more chill, summery ensemble, perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch or running errands but still wanting to look cute. Second, dressing it all up a bit for date night or a fun little party in a swingy floral-print dress. Which look is your favorite?

Top / StitchFix // Jeans / Old Navy // Bag / Botkier // Sunnies / Amazon // Sandals / JustFab // Bracelets and necklace c/o Trending Above

Dress c/o London Times // Heels / Torrid from Scarlet Threads Boutique // Clutch / DVF from The Real Real // Bracelets and necklace c/o Trending Above

It’s been a rollercoaster of a week for me. Last Friday and Saturday consisted of a two day immersive retreat called Amplify in Irvine, CA. It was an incredibly introspective experience, gently forcing me to think about my goals, what I wanted, and why I wanted it.
It was such an eye-opening experience and I am so thankful that I was invited to attend. I actually got quite a bit emotional at the end, not only because the retreat was coming to a close, but also because everyone was sharing about what they learned and how they felt.. I was almost brought to tears! Saying goodbye to all of my new friends, all of those incredible boss babes, was hard, but now I can sit back and follow them all on their journeys and hope to meet up with everyone again soon!