Mornings have looked a lot differently since starting to work from home two weeks ago. 🌞 Rather than begrudgingly pressing snooze until I can’t anymore, I let my body wake up naturally (which is around 7am anyway—the absolute last alarm I set). Rather than rushing around to get ready, I don’t get ready until after my 9am morning meeting on my little porch with my team. In between those two hours, I’m able to make breakfast and eat it at a table, rather than eating a pre-made one in the car. I still play calming music but rather than listening to it while stuck in traffic, I open the door to let some fresh air in and listen to it while I settle into the day. I have time to write a thoughtful morning message to my students, rather than scrawl one on the whiteboard a minute before I have to pick them up from the playground. I’ve always thought that if I had more time in the mornings, I’d finally be able to do things like journal some morning pages or a quick yoga flow, and maybe I will down the road, but for now, I’m doing what feels right. And man, does this feel right! // Have you embraced a slower morning routine during this time? Tell me about it! 💛 // #pleblife
The weather has been absolutely beautiful this week! I’ve been soaking up the sun alongside my little succulent garden on our little patio in the mornings. 🌞🌵 It’s a ritual I look forward to as I check in with my team before moving on with the rest of the day. •
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With the forecast in the 70s and even 80s next week, my closet is getting a little crowded. My knits need some rest, my linen pieces want their time in the sun, and my loungewear capsule definitely needs some reorganizing after these last few weeks! I’ll be spending some this week slowly switching over my wardrobe from Fall/Winter to Spring/Summer. At this point since I can’t donate, consign, or give away pieces to friends, I’m going to hold off on decluttering until this is all over and store my out of season pieces away. •
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Even though I only got dressed properly twice this week, it definitely lifted my spirits. The simple act of choosing what to wear was a welcomed momentary distraction from figuring out what I want distance learning to look like for my students. I’m going to try to get dressed more next week, mood willing! // What’s something you’re doing for yourself this week? 💛 // #pleblife #lowbuy2020 #2020wehaveplenty #20in2020
While I have had my ups and downs with Instagram (more downs in 2020), the thing that keeps me coming back are the connections I’ve made here in this space. One of my favorite friendships that has blossomed from here is mine with Hanna from @sotelaco. She is one of the most hilarious, most brilliant, kindest, and hardest working souls that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Since she’s moved Sotela from her home to a studio that’s only 10 miles away from me, I’ve been so lucky to have spent a few afternoons in her beautiful studio. Those afternoons were filled with lots of laughing, lots of exchanging of ideas, and lots of dreaming (aka scheming) of our futures—all over boba of course. I’ve been asking who made my clothes for over two years now by shopping ethically and minimally, but getting to know who made them has given those clothes even more meaning and life. Seeing Hanna plan and design her latest collection that launched today with such passion, intention, and joy made me love and appreciate the clothes I have from her even more. •
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One look at my closet inventory will show you just how much I love Sotela. I’m wearing a full outfit of some of my favorite pieces: this corduroy Verano jacket from her last collection, and two linen pieces that are being continued in her new collection—the Lyla crop and the Lena pant. These pieces are just so timeless and so easy to wear that I look forward to bringing them out season after season. I can gush on and on about Hanna, but you might as well go see for yourself if you haven’t already! For all your linen needs, go Sotela! ✌🏻 // This post is not sponsored, but you can use Jazzy10 for 10% off! I’ve already made an order from her Lino collection, and I’m so lucky to be partnering with Hanna again on a piece (which brings my #lowbuy2020 count to 4/12!). I can’t wait to show you! I am getting ready for you Spring! // #pleblife #sotelaforall #stayconnectedootd #20in2020 #2020wehaveplenty
Thankful for neighbors with white walls and pretty plants because aesthetics still matter, even (especially) during a pandemic right? Right 😂 🌸
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On this eighth day of working from home, I finally got dressed today and man, did it feel good! I’m not quite ready for jeans yet, but wide legged pants with an elastic waist feels almost just as good as joggers or leggings.👌🏻 This jacket from @backbeat.co takes the second spot out of twelve in my #lowbuy2020 (the first being an impulsive sweater purchase last month). I definitely didn’t need a fourth chore jacket in my wardrobe, but I just couldn’t resist this color. 💙 I actually think this might take the place of my denim jacket that I don’t wear as much anymore. •
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With all the spring launches slowly coming out now, I’m trying my best to support small ethical brands while still being conscious of what I buy, just as I would pre-pandemic. It’s a weird time where my privileges of working from home and being able to buy ethically made clothes are made even more apparent than ever before. It’s hard not being able to buy from every brand I love, but I’ll try to support everyone in any way I can. If there’s anything that this pandemic has shown me, it’s that people are coming together and are showing up for each other. Love and kindness always wins. Always. // #pleblife #stayconnectedootd #20in2020 #2020wehaveplenty
s u r r e n d e r •
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That word (one of my intentions for 2020) keeps coming to mind as I’m trying to process the last week or so: I have braved (and survived!) trips to super markets even with my anxiety being in crowds at an all time high. I’m sitting with and reflecting on my fear that has come with being an Asian woman during this time. I’m trying not to draw unwanted attention with my seasonal allergies. I carried pepper spray in my pocket for the first time ever. I was trying to get end of trimester assessments completed by my students when closing our school was still up in the air so I could do report cards during a rainy AND spirit week. I burst into tears on Friday watching the few kids, who came to school on Friday and who don’t normally choose to be together play nicely, knowing that this might be the last peer interaction they might have for a while. We all hugged and then we sang songs from Moana. I teared up again when some students asked to take art supplies home with them to be able to create art at home (I, of course, said yes!). Fellow Asian strangers helped me find dry rice noodles and pick out yummy hot pot ingredients at a very crowded and yet calm korean market. I was able to visit my parents in Orange County yesterday to make sure that they were okay (they are!) and for some comfort food. And despite it all...I’m okay. I’m alive, young, and healthy. Brandon and I have all that we need in our cozy 400 sq ft. studio. I have so much to be grateful for. •
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The situation at the school I work at (and in our city/country) is changing daily or by the hour, and so this has been the ultimate test for me to surrender and just let things come, go, and be. There’s so much uncertainty that I feel like I must either let go or be dragged. I’m affirming that I am flexible; that I am a strong problem solver; and that I have what I need. I’m intending for this time to reset and rest; to take care of myself; to reconnect and spend quality time with Brandon; to be creative with cooking, writing, and water colors; and to practice more gratitude.
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Be well, friends. 💛 It’s going to be okay. We’re going to get through this together. //#pleblife
