February is always my least favorite month of the year. It coincides with my “over it” feelings that I usually get during winter. I have to keep telling myself that once February is over that winter has no other choice than to get out. It’s no longer welcome. Historically February is never an “easy” month for me. We try to not make any life-changing decisions during that month because it’s usually some response to SAD. I’m pretty sure that I signed something saying that I’d never sign divorce papers if they are dated “February” or “2 -“.
Oddly enough this February was extremely easy for me mentally. This may have to do with the fact that the Pacific Northwest was having a freakishly early spring while the rest of the country was entombed in snow. We’ve had blossoms and a peculiar amount of glorious light. For the first time ever, February was bearable.
The month breezed by which is really all I want from a February. I want it to be quick and painless. 2015 marks the first time that it ever was for me. It’s over. The air smells like daphne and pink petals coat the sidewalks. I hope this isn’t some terrible omen. Until you can prove otherwise, I’ll enjoy that spring is here and that February is officially kaput.
Here are my favorites from February 2015:
Wearing (fragrance) – Usually I’m in a “rose” phase in February…and I was. I wore Serge Lutens Sa Majeste La Rose
and Malle Lipstick Rose a lot. But, I also flirted around with some samples that I had around that were summery.
Summary – Gah, I love roses.
Wearing (cosmetics, etc) – I go through periods of makeup inspiration and the periods of no makeup inspiration. This was a “no inspiration” month. But, towards the end, I had some blonde added to my hair and this made me play with color more. This gave me a “softer” look and I’m still learning how to work with that. I’ve been using rose gold and taupe eyeshadows and products like Ulta Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette, Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Tough as Taupe and NYX Ultra Pearl Mania Pigment in Sky Pink. Punk is the new pretty and pretty is the new punk.
Summary – I have a feeling that as soon as I figure out what works with my “new” hair that I’ll get bored and go change my hair.
Wearing (clothes) – I hate this time of year because I’m inspired to update my wardrobe but the weather demands that I keep wearing the stuff I’m sick of. I’m really feeling culottes and mules.I did buy some black leather “sweat” pants because that’s how sweaty I want to be – leather sweatpants sweaty.
Summary – I love ugly, plain clothes; I genuinely do. Anti-sexy is my thing.
Using (skincare) – Ugh, I’ll try to make the story short but since October ’14, my skin has been “stressed” and I can’t make it happy. For the first time in my life, my skin has been breaking out. Why now? Why? Because the world is cruel. I went to a great derma and she wrote me some prescriptions that I’ve been on for two weeks. They’ve made a HUGE difference and I’m so thankful that they’re working. I regret not going sooner.
Summary – I’ve learned that you don’t have to suffer through your skin issues alone. Seek professional help.
Eating/Drinking – February was the most boring food month ever. I started exercising, counting calories and wearing a Fit Bit. It was all greens and proteins.
Summary – Boring but my clothes are fitting me much better and I’ve lost a few pounds.
Listening – Still on a similar kick as last month, listening to Mykki Blanco, Cakes da Killa and Le1f.
Summary – I’m actually listening to folks I’ve seen play live. Does that make me cool?
Watching – Nothing. I don’t think I watched anything all month.
Summary – Everything is boring and I’ve been too busy.
Reading – I read “The Mayor of Castro Street: The Life and Times of Harvey Milk“ by Randy Shilts. It’s history and a biography which can usually be a little dry but Shilts is an awesome writer. At times the book gets bogged down with what I’d say is too many details but it’s thorough. I suppose that is better than the alternative (too few details and antidotes).
Summary – Great book to see how much has changed and how much is still the same. But, overall a great history book. Make your kids read it.
Wanting – An adventure.
Summary – Which leads me to the announcement that we’re moving in March. We will be moving to the NYC area as David starts work in Hoboken on March 30th. So, we got some of that adventure we were craving. No place to live yet but will probably end up in New Jersey. Yep, an adventure. Stay tuned.
What were your favorites for February? Did you do anything inspiring? Go anywhere inspiring? Eat anything inspiring?
*Moxi is my child. Photo is mine.Lipstick Rose pic from Barneys. Me pic is mine. Eileen Fisher Spring ’15 from Eileen Fisher. Retin-A from WebMD. Fit Bit from the site. Mykki Blanco from factmag.com. Harvey Milk from voiceofoc.com. Diane Arbus quote from quotessays.com.
Congratulations on the move! New York! (Or New Jersey psedo-NY). My whole family up and moved to NYC after I left home, so I’ve never lived there but I visit a lot. I love New York. Such a vibrant place. I hope the adventure proves worthy!
Feb is such a blah month. My husband went to Sydney for a week for a wedding that I couldn’t take the time off to attend. The ceremony was in the Opera House; I’m still jealous. I took the opportunity of unfettered access to our shared car to go party in Capitol Hill, so I guess it kinda worked out.
My skin has also altered over the last six months or so, and I’ve had to completely revamp my care routine. It’s doing well now, though, so I’m happy. I’m glad you found something that worked for you!
Also, I dispute that those Eileen Fisher pieces aren’t sexy, but I wear oversized raglans and ugly jeans to work, so what do I know. 😉
Thanks. It’s overwhelming, still processing it. I do love Seattle but I’ve been here since ’08. I need a change of scenery. Hopefully you get to visit family more. I love when people move to places that I actually want to visit.
I’d be jealous too but enjoy some of the alone time, lol. I love David but it’s always nice to have some time where you can go do what you want to do. And Capitol Hill is a great place for that 😉
Ugh, this year and skin. Wonder for you if it was a change of climate? I would get it figured out and it would go right back. It’s a long story but I found something that works.
Haha, well I think some of it is sexy too but I think my definition of that word varies from the media’s. I too wear “ugly” clothes so seeing something in a sheer fabric or seeing knees is like “wow, sexy”, haha.
Best of luck with your move! Lots of East Coast perfume shopping in your future! 🙂
Thank you!
That’s true…I should go shopping as my reward for actually packing up all of my stuff…
Absolutely!
After loving a sample of Chanel’s Misia, I wondered how it compares to Lipstick Rose. Misia is gorgeous on me, but I wish wish wish it lasted longer! Something not an issue with Malle’s Portrait or (sample) Carnal Flower. If I’m spending money, I want a little longevity! And funny that you posted the Eileen Fisher clothes, I tore out the ad from the NY Times as inspiration for sewing…. will see if that happens. When her clothes work they really work, and when they don’t, well they really don’t. Got through February’s cold and snow and cold and snow by treating myself to several perfumes and getting to the gym more. But, very glad it’s March!
I get asked this a lot and was hoping to get a review up but then found out we’re moving and well, my life is chaos, lol.
Here’s my quick thoughts on the two:
Lipstick Rose – Fruitier in the opening, denser and longer wearing. It’s more playful, brighter and like “Pop Art”. It’s how we think of makeup smelling. On my skin, there is more rose.
Misia – Very Chanel-ish in that it has that Chanel iris and aldehydes. It’s soft and powdery but really like makeup as well. Instead of being actual makeup, it’s how we imagine a “made up” woman/actress smelling (if that makes sense). There’s less rose and more violet (on my skin).
I have both and love both. I found a reason to buy both BUT I like these sort of things. Now if you want long-lasting, Malle is the one to go with. Exclusifs are lightweights in comparison.
You’re right. There were years where I wasn’t interested in Eileen Fisher but the past few have been really “good” years. If I had all the sewing gear like I used to, I would make similar. These designs are what I like. I can mix and match and not think about it.
Good for you for including more everyday luxuries in your life! And good for the gym, that’s not easy. I finally got myself wanting to go, if anything for mental health. I was hibernating for too long and it really messed with my mood.
Moving! 😮 To NJ! :O
Congrats? 😉 definitely on the adventure part. I’ve lived in NJ (sorta). Ch ch ch ch changes…
Still processing, clearly because I’m writing nothing intelligent 🙂
I felt weather-guilty all month here. It’s been like a (Seattle) summer. Warm but not hot, sunny, every single plant is blooming. But it’s an omen to me that real summer will be too hot. 🙁
Blonde! Looks great!
My favorites for Feb to follow in another comment.
It really is sudden for us…I found out on the 6th of this month. I have not processed it all. I *mean* I’ve flirted with the idea for years, but never really thought we’d do it.
haha, I know! I’m like this is some terrible omen. I keep being like “will this place burst into flames in the summer?” But, it was so weird to see iris in bloom, etc. It was like April but Feb. So confusing.
Thanks. Trying to get used to blonde as I realize I have some blonde hang-ups. Needed to try it to get over it, lol. Shall see how long it lasts…
Good luck on your move.. I can totally see you as a New York City Girl .. cue Pet Shop Boys.
Thank you. It’s overwhelming but all big changes are.
I am looking forward to spring (I’m in Boston, so I’ve been miserable for about 6 weeks now). I’ve been wearing I Love NY for All (I still can’t figure out how to insert an icon, or I’d have put the little heart in the name). Serge Lutens Jeux de Peau and Iris Poudre. Also, Chanel No. 5 parfum (can’t figure out how to get the “No.” to go small either).
I have a decant of Misia and I think I’ll be transitioning to that along with Armani Privee Rose Alexandrie. I have a huge bottle of it and when I see it almost full and staring sternly at me, I feel guilty. This will happen, of course, when I can actually see the ground and not the huge snow drifts on my lawn. Oh, and By Kilian Flower of Immortality – a perfect spring-y peachy scent that makes me want to wear pearls and a twin set and do the whole Mary Tyler Moore hat-in-the-air move.
I’ve felt so bad for everyone in Boston this year. Spring will happen, but geez, what an abusive past couple of months. But, you’ve been wearing some cozy perfumes. I hope that has helped some 🙂
I ended up buying a bottle of Misia. I fell for it hard. But, I like roses, violets and Chanel. I can’t help that I fell for it.
Spring is around the corner…
Fun post! It sounds like you will be the opposite of bored soon–maybe you’ll be homesick for it, even. Definitely check out Jersey City as a place to live. I’ve spent a lot of time there in the last year, and it is a very cool place, which took me by surprise. Kind of a mix between old school Mom and Pop stores and bodegas with new hipster places. One of the most ethnically mixed cities of all. Lots of interesting old architecture but also new loft type places, Right on the Hudson River, with great views. Easy access to New York City on the PATH (just a few stops). Hoboken is more preppy and well to do. (This is from someone who lives in Berkeley, CA and loves San Francisco.)
Thanks, Nina! We are leaning towards Jersey City for a few reasons (locations, affordability, family there, etc.) Looking online, I think we can easily find something in our budget that also allows pets. Just looking at restaurants in the region makes my mouth water. JC is a really cool place. I keep telling people but they don’t believe me 😉 It’s their loss.
I laugh because I’ve heard people say “Broboken” and yes, it’s like that. Lots of post-frat boys drinking until they puke. It’s convenient but expensive for what it is. And frankly, I’m too old for all that nonsense. I would rather live in a more diverse area with more families, etc.
Good luck with the move, sounds like a great adventure!
This is TMI but (may prove useful info for some) I was one of those lucky kids that never got breakouts until I went on a particular kind of birth control (Implanon) not only did it give me acne that I had to go on medication for, but it also gave me terrible mood swings (to put it lightly). Needless to say as soon as I made the connection that this was the cause of my misery I had it removed.
Feb faves – Vikings TV series, Haus of Gloi hair oil, banana smoothies, ice long blacks, boring but classic button up shirts, reading stuff about advertising, watching documentaries about advertising.
Thank you! We need it!
Not TMI at all. I think this is something all adults deal with and it’s worth talking about. After 10 years of being on the same birth control, I switched to an IUD last year. Six months later my skin was having issues, not really any other side effects but skin. After seeing the derma, she suggested I get some other tests done and I have PCOS. I guess the other birth control had “masked” those symptoms for over a decade and I didn’t know until I went off of it. So, yeah, hormones. They will ruin your life. I will say after this, if anyone is having anything “weird” from birth control, they do not have to put up with it. We don’t have to live our lives uncomfortable like that.
I want to start watching Vikings. That Haus of Gloi hair oil is amazing. I love it so much. Smells good and the formula is awesome for my hair. Oh, and I bought a classic button up in Hong Kong and why didn’t I have one of those before then? lol I wear it a lot.
The hair is stunning. I am sooooo with you on the Eileen Fisher. NYC is one of the great loves of my life. I think you will love it too. I live near Hoboken in NJ so welcome!!
Thank you. I’m still getting used to it as it is “softer” and colors look different now.
After packing, I should throw everything out and stick with Eileen Fisher only, lol.
Oh, cool! We will most likely end up in Jersey City or one of the towns slightly north of Hoboken. Hoboken is so small! I’m still trying to figure out the scale of it all. I’m going to love being that close to NYC.
I bought a few things for the first time from Eileen Fisher. I love them. I’m so close to purchasing Misia, but I want to compare it to some other fragrances. I’m feeling jasmine scents right now. I’m loving Chanel no.5 extrait from 20 yrs ago. It feels like me right now. Congratulations on the exciting adventure. Moving with animals is always interesting.
Awesome! And that stuff should last. I have pieces from a decade ago that have held up so well and still look cool.
Misia is expensive so try the other stuff before making a decision. Misia will still be around after your done sampling 🙂 It’s not going anywhere.
Have you tried 1932 since you’re craving jasmine and Chanel? I actually really like that one. I wouldn’t mind a bottle but I have too much stuff as is (moving is a reminder of that).
Ugh, it’s going to be hard but it’ll be over soon. I hope the dogs can adjust easily.
Good luck on the move! Welcome to the East Coast. I’m down in Baltimore which is an interesting quirky town. The nice thing about the East is you can go so many places in just a few hours. Good for weekend trips.
The hair looks great!
Erica
Thanks!
We really look forward to exploring all the cities nearby (like Baltimore and Philly) for weekend trips 🙂
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The blonde is really pretty. If you’re going for rose golds (one of my weaknesses!), I’d suggest investing in the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick eyeshadow. It’s gorgeous on its own, but as a longwearing cream shadow, it will also play base product for when you get bored and then you can pack something else in powder on top of it. 😉
Best of luck with the move. It’s always a challenge, but long distance ones are even more so.
That Laura Mercier eyeshadow sounds like everything I want from makeup right now – rose gold and cream base. I shall treat myself to it as a reward for moving, lol.
I love rose gold shades but realize that my collection is seriously lacking. I’ve been layering pink powder shadows over gold cream ones right now.
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