Noteworthy

Noteworthy

It’s been a lonnng time since I’ve posted one of these and according to the Reader Survey (thank you for taking the time to fill it out!), everyone really likes the Noteworthy posts. So… here’s what happening with life, what I’ve been feeling lately, and a little update on our reno. 

I’m gearing up for a business trip next week, and I’ll be staying at this super cute hotel. I can’t wait to photograph it and share it with you guys when I get back home! It seems so charming and looks very well designed.

Since the new year, I’ve been on a reading kick and have been focusing more on self love and confidence. This “You Are A Badass” book is amazing and has been really eye opening! I’ve always struggled with self esteem and body image in particular, and one of my goals this year is to let those issues go and focus on the good.

Speaking of reading… I just finished this book (I’m not afraid to admit, I’m a HP nerd), and am currently reading this book for a virtual book club (yes, my friends made that a thing). Do you guys have any reading suggestions I should add to the list?

I’ve been spending a ton of time outside (mostly skiing) with friends. It’s amazing having so many mountains and resorts in our backyard. It’s certainly a big change from the landscape in Ohio! My girlfriends and I like to make a day of it and our newest tradition is to begin our ski day with mimosas. If you follow along on Snapchat or Stories, you’ve probably watched us in action. Ha! Our husbands go their own way, and we go ours… it’s sort of bliss. Either way, I’m finding lots of inspiration outside and it’s super refreshing to get out and hike, ski, or snowshoe.

Since moving, we’ve also had a lot of requests from friends and family to come visit (which we LOVE!). Although we’re in the middle of renovating and our house is a disaster, nobody seems to care. Our guest room is occupied through mid February and we’ve had visitors almost every weekend since Christmas! I’m trying to find a balance between hosting company, my real job, renovating, and blogging. It’s been quite the challenge, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’m attending my first Sundance later this week and some of my pals from Ohio are flying out to join. If I spot a celebrity, I’ll let you guys know. Ha! I never recognize anyone and I’m sort of oblivious to that. I never read tabloids or keep up with Hollywood, but I am a sucker for indie films, so Sundance is definitely something I can get on board with.

In regards to the renovation, Emmett has been installing hardware (yay, doorknobs!!). He’s also working on assembling closet systems because I’m craving organization amongst the chaos. Trim is going up slowly but surely and each piece makes a huge difference. Our fireplace marble is almost here… it’s been stuck in Denver. I’ve ordered most of our paint. Our bathroom items are all here, we’re just waiting to plan demo and install until after our house guests are gone. All in all, things are progressing and coming together nicely.

On another note, do you guys have any suggestions for waterproof, warm snow boots? I have two pairs of Sorels… and they both give me terrible blisters. I’d appreciate hearing your favorites!

Not that this is of any importance, but I switched foundations for the first time in five years (from this to this). My question for you is this- is this fancy applicator brush worth the hype (and price)? I usually just use a standard beauty blender, but it doesn’t work as well with the new product. Help!

The survey responses also asked for more Finn. Ha! We’re in the process of trying to teach him how to bring in groceries like these smart dogs. Our friends in Cincinnati have two giants and they unload grocery bags from the trunk of their car and drop them on the kitchen counter. It’s amazing!! They’re so intelligent. Long story short, I wanted to share a video of their dogs, but since it’s on Facebook and private- I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t be helpful for you guys.

Lastly, I’ve been listening to this band non stop. If you’re into folk or bluegrass, these guys are amazing.

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18 Comments

  1. Leah Prevost says:

    I love these posts lol. I would be an absolute freak if I had house guests while renovating so kudos to you on that girl! For waterproof boots during the winter I use my hunting boots. After you break them in they are great. Not very stylish but I can walk miles in those bad boys. And I have one of those fancy makeup brushes, not the same brand, but it didn’t really do anything for me. I use my beauty blender. Make sure you run it under water and squeeze it out before buffing out your foundation. Watch some YouTube videos on applying that brand of foundation or Google what others recommend. And yes, we definitely need more Finn in our lives!!!

    1. I’m glad you like them, Leah! Such good information all around. Thank you, thank you!! xoxoxo

  2. Great post! Thank you for the music recommendation, Sarah, this band is definitely up my alley. Listening right now.

    The hotel you’ll be staying at also looks spot on. Enjoy.

    I envy your ability to ski. My downhill “skill” is limited to turning right, that’s it. Pretty sad.

    Cheers, Ardith

    1. So glad you like them, Ardith! :) xo

  3. I recommend the airbrush makeup brush #55 from Sephora! It works really well with more liquid-y foundations!

    1. Thanks, Lexie! I’ll have to grab one of those on my next trip to Sephora. xo

  4. Sarah Brown says:

    I have the same problem with Sorels! I’m in love with my Pajar boots. They have been great for the Canadian winters. It’s a Canadian company but it looks like they ship to the US. I have a similar pair to these: http://www.pajar.com/us_en/alexandra.html

    1. I’m glad I’m not the only one, Sarah! Everyone adores Sorels and I love the way the look, but heel blisters happen every single time. I’m definitely going to check out the Pajar boots. Thank you!! xo

  5. I was at Nordstrom’s Georgio Armani counter last week with my niece. The MUA (who worked for HBO for many years and also on clients attending Golden Globe and Oscar awards shows) said she always applied this foundation with her fingers. And she proceeded to do so on my niece. It looked wonderful. She also said to check out famed (but I’d never heard of her) MUA Mary Greenwell’s videos on YouTube for application techniques.

    1. Good to know, Kim! That’s pretty crazy. I’ll definitely look her up. I never even thought to use my fingers. xo

    2. I think I might be sold on that technique! Thank you!!

  6. I got the Sperry duck boots for Christmas and am loving them!

    1. Thank you, Melissa! I’ll definitely have to check those out. xo

  7. I just got a pair of Merrell winter boots and I love them! I spent winter break in snowy Colorado and wet Virginia and wore them pretty much every day. They’re cute, comfy, and keep my feet absolutely dry!

    1. Thanks, Mei! I’m going to try on a pair of Merrell’s this weekend. Appreciate the feedback!! xo

  8. Oksana | FOXYOXIE.com says:

    Ah, I missed these posts so much, Sarah! I do a similar weekly roundup on my own blog and am always surprised to see that they are one of the most-read posts! I think readers just like getting a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes – the everyday, mundane things that oftentimes go unnoticed and yet, altogether, make up the majority of life.

    I originally wanted to comment to add my 2 cents on the beauty blender, but it looks like others have covered the 2 points I was going to make: using my fingers and if you’re opposed to that idea then wetting the blender beforehand.

    Can definitely relate to trying to balance five million things at a time. I’ve got my full-time job, blogging, freelancing, (still) renovating our 1930 bungalow, and now we have a little one on the way, which adds a whole lot more excitement into the mix!

    Can’t wait to see where you take RFT in 2017; especially excited about the reno! XO

    1. Thanks so much Oksana! Congratulations on your news- that will certainly add lots of excitement to the mix! I really appreciate the tips! xoxo

  9. Another vote for Pajar boots. I found a pair at Nordstrom Rack and liked the price and the look. Turns our they are super warm too. Almost too warm inside.