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And here we are, chapter twelve of twelve: December. Funny how December always feels like such an upswing, a crescendoing scale, but it’s also an ending. And what have I learned this year? Two things spring to mind –
First: the body is bad at keeping secrets. I’m in blessedly good health but there have been many moments in which my body has been screaming the truth: you must slow down; you are stressed; you need sleep. And I’ve been unhurried or obtuse in responding. Earlier this year, faced with a range of different demands and stressors, my right eyelid twitched on and off for nearly two weeks. It irritated me to no end. Finally, I realized it was just my body whispering the truth: I was more stressed than I cared to admit, and I needed to slow down and get more sleep, and also talk through the matters with my husband. Nearly overnight, the twitching stopped. Anyhow, the through-line is that the truth will out, and if you don’t admit it to yourself, your body will do it for you.
Second: a year is an important marker. Earlier this year, a friend of mine told me about a difficult relationship she had been stuck in, and how it took a lot of courage for her to set boundaries and transition into more of a low-contact arrangement. I asked her how she’d done this and emerged with such a sense of perspective and equanimity, and she said (paraphrasing): “It takes a full year of grieving, of fortifying the boundaries, of navigating awkward scenarios, but at the year mark, I found myself in a place of peace, or at least strength.” Easier to stick to your guns because the precedent has been set, etc. Another friend who moved to a new state after living in DC for decades told me a few weeks ago that it had taken her exactly one year to establish herself in her new community, and that she was finally feeling settled. I think time increments can feel so arbitrary — what is a week? what is a month? — and yet the year, encompassing as it does four full seasons, and an entire circuit of holidays besides, is such a powerful milestone. You may not be able to change your life in a month, but you can definitely change it in a year. This insight has been helpful to me across many domains. If I can make it a year…! And, conversely: give me one year and I’ll make it to the next level. And when I’m feeling no progress has been made: It’s OK, Jen, it takes a full year. Keep going.
What are some of your learnings from the year?
Shopping Poetry.
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+Today only, this cashmere fisherman cardigan is $30 off at Quince — Jenni Kayne vibes for a fraction of the price.
+Veronica Beard added more items to their sale section (use code THANKS2024 for extra 25% off), including this ivory tweed blazer you may recognize from my personal wardrobe (worn frequently this fall) and my latest acquisition: this holiday velvet beauty. Still a few of my fav navy Mabel blazer available, now under $300. I’m currently sitting in indecision over this tweed Bentley blazer (with code, $275). I mean I wear my VB blazers allll the time and feel like they’re always great investments.
+Pair those blazers with a great pair of wide legs from Rag + Bone – my current favorite denim brand. I own and love both these and these — 25% off + plus extra 10% off with code RBBF10.
+Reminder that Hotel Lobby is giving us 20% off with JEN20 through today only! Discount expires at midnight. Try their holiday scent!
+35% off at Oso + Me. I used this discount to buy a few shorts for my son and striped tees in the next size up – they are our collective favorite. Great colors, short inseam, pull-on shorts, and the tees are ultra-soft and stretchy. We’re taking my kids to Disney (!!!) this spring so already looking for some pieces already. The other kids’ sale to shop is Minnow (20% off sitewide). I love their boardies for my son and all their terry pieces for both my kids — these dresses are so soft and play-appropriate but sweet/traditional in their own way. You can get even deeper discounts on their sale section (extra 20% off the prices listed).
+Dyson AirWrap on sale here. I’m telling you…you must buy this. I convinced my mom to buy it and she keeps coming by and saying “Jennifer, that AirWrap…!!!!” Worth every penny. I messaged one of my brothers in law to let him know about this product and the deal at Nordstrom on it…so good.
+Shopbop sale still running strong (25% off almost everything)! I’m constantly updating my hearts here. I can’t recommend these pants for petites more. The fit is perfect. And this gorgeous Elleme bag (which I own in a brown woven leather) is included! The gold hardware handle is SO fun / chic / reminiscent of Bottega’s Sardine bags, and of course we love the green suede. (And, my fav gifts for sisters and girlfriends from this sale here.)
+Sorry to be redundant but my favorite deals from this crazy sale frenzy: Alice Walk (rare 20% off — this is probably my favorite and most-worn sweater in my closet); Crown Affair (30% off – I used it to buy three of the dry shampoos to give as gifts, but you could also treat yourself with an upgraded hair routine — I especially love their leave-in conditioner, dry shampoo, and quick dry hair towel); and Kule (30% off — I finally picked up one of their striped turtlenecks).
+Also, if you haven’t tried Elemis’ rose makeup melting balm…!!!! It’s my favorite luxurious way to erase the day, and it’s currently 30% off. Elemis runs a lot of promotions but their balms are difficult to find at a discount.
+Sezane’s collection with Maria del Orden launches today! I am a longtime fan of both brands and they feel like a perfect match.
+I’ve placed a record number of Amazon orders in this past week. These dried orange garlands are my best recent find. The quality is incredible. Two years ago, I spent hours and hours dehydrating orange slices myself and then threading them with twine. These are incredible quality and can be reused year after year. I wove them through my cedar garland over our dining room mantel.