Moving Through the World
I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to live authentically (clearly), and I came to realize that I needed more than just good intentions…I needed a roadmap. Something to help me define how I want life to feel and how I want to move through life on a day to day basis. That’s what led me to create this “way of living” statement. I know this won’t be something that happens overnight, but having a clear guiding vision feels like an important first step…one that’s helping me make the right decisions to start shaping a life that’s truly authentic.
I believe living well is built on intention. My style is timeless, but hopefully never predictable…it’s shaped by mood, quality, and a love of pieces that feel personal, not trendy. I dress to reflect who I am and how I want to move through the world.
My home is a reflection of my life, filled with objects collected over time, each carrying meaning and memories of trips, children and phases of life. It is curated, not styled…comfortable, layered, and lived in.
Presence matters to me. From a signature scent to the details I choose every day, I believe subtlety leaves the strongest impression. Beauty doesn’t need to be loud to be unforgettable.
I value creating moments…meals shared, rooms filled with conversation, family gatherings that feel warm, loving and intentional. I believe in celebrating fully, with a sense of joy and a bit of extravagance.
Living well is not about excess. It’s about discernment. Choosing what lasts, what matters, and what feels true. This is a life curated with substance, confidence, and a romantic sense of purpose.
Now that the dust has settled from the holidays, I’m ready to fully commit to getting started to making this “way of living statement” a reality. This isn’t just an idea I admire…it’s something I’m actively working toward. Yesterday, I started editing everything…cleaning out closets, the refrigerator, the basement cabinets…getting rid of everything that no longer fits my life or works for the direction I’m heading. I chose a new signature scent that feels right for this season, added a few new supplements to support my health, and tried a new recipe. I also made a commitment to read two books a week, creating space for inspiration and focus…I have a list (tomorrow’s blog post) ready and I’m getting started.
This whole thing actually feels a little dramatic and I feel a sense of urgency and excitement…I’m not getting any younger. I’m ready to turn this vision into a reality and it feels as if my whole life has been leading up to it!
My gosh this post is getting long but I hope you’ll read on to find out exactly the things I’ve been doing so far to work toward this lovely “way of living”!
Wearing my VAHAN Jewelry over the holidays!
It feels as if I’m just catching up from the Holidays…we took the tree to the storage unit on Sunday and put most everything up. There are still a few stragglers but they seem “winter festive” and not necessarily Christmas. I’m leaving the magnolia wreath on the front door for a little while longer because it looks so pretty but I think I’ll take the bow off today.
I started a major closet clean out yesterday afternoon. I was making room for a few things in our upstairs closet and it was so jam packed that I could barely get anything else in so I decided to choose five things to get rid of. Well…one thing led to another and before I knew it, I had a mountain of clothes on the floor that I’ll be taking to the goodwill today. I know I won’t be sorry to have the space…it feels so good to open a closet and be able to see what’s actually in it and also to know that it’s filled with things I actually love and want to wear.
My photographer is coming today after taking two weeks over the holidays and I’m very ready to get started creating some new, fun content. I have all my outfits laid out and ready to go…I think you’ll love them - I know I do!
I’m also doing a food video on Friday as I’m committed to doing one a week and sharing the recipe on Crazy Blonde Life. I’m undecided as of yet what I’ll do, but it will be something quick, easy and healthy for a busy weeknight. Speaking of easy…I roasted a leg of lamb last night…it was the first time ever and it was delicious! I rubbed it with a mixture of 5 minced garlic cloves, about 1/4 cup of olive, salt, pepper and dried rosemary and roasted it at 425 for 20 minutes and then turned the heat down to 350 and let it roast for another 2 hours. I had no idea what a fabulous presentation it would be (presentation is always important)! I will definitely be making this leg of lamb for Easter.
Hopping around here…and fitting in perfectly with my “way of living” statement - after my photographer leaves today, I begin a program called Resolution Revolution with my mentor Melanie Ann Layer. I have committed to a year with her so I’ve enrolled in her House of Haute program as well so that I’ll get every program she offers for this year. As often as possible, I’m going to be live on the Zoom calls because the energy of listening to her live is so much more potent. I’ll also have weekly calls (on Zoom) with the House of Haute group where I can ask her questions and get coaching. It’s going to be life changing for sure. Melanie’s brand is Alpha Femme and if you’re interested in seeing what she’s all about, be sure to check out her Instagram! I’ve been taking programs with her for about 5 years now but I’ve never really committed to a year of showing up for every program and it’s exciting! Resolution Revolution starts at 2 pm today and I have my notebook ready and a candle to create ambiance.
Last week, I went to my hair appointment to have my extensions moved up and unexpectedly, I decided on the fly to take them out. I’m still not sure how I feel about it because at the same time I got a major trim and now my hair feels short and a little thin. I came home and immediately ordered Nutrifol to start taking again. I ordered the Women’s Balance designed for women over 45…the dose is 4 pills per day and it will take about 6 months to see a difference but I’ve taken it before and I know it helps!
I may get the extensions back in…still undecided and just being honest. However…on another note, my old hair dryer finally gave out and I ordered the Dyson Airstrait. I used it yesterday for the first time and it definitely is going to take a minute to figure it out, but…it gave my hair so much volume that I couldn’t believe it! I also used the Virtue Thickening Spray (love all the Virtue products) and that probably helped as well. I’m going to do a tutorial on how to use the blow dryer as soon as I feel like I have the hang of it. Can a hair dryer be life changing?
I’m not sure if any of you have noticed but I’ve been linking the Dries Van Noten perfume often because I got a small gift set while in New York in December and fell in love with all of the scents. I ordered another gift set with different scents and the one that I’m most obsessed with is the Crazy Basil! I could bathe in it…it smells so good! I’ve always been a Jo Malone girl (Pomegranate Noir is my fave), but I believe I’m going to order a bigger size of the Crazy Basil and wear it this year…it’ll be my new signature scent! As an added bonus, the packaging is gorgeous and it’ll look beautiful sitting on my bathroom counter.
I’ve also committed to taking my Biologica supplement daily…I take it with my Nutrifol. I can’t tell a difference yet, but it’s only been a week. I believe in the benefits of the product and it has shortened my supplement routine…every second counts!
As far as other new products go, I just ordered the IOTA Pistachio Milk Latte Lip Treatment because it sounds yummy…can’t wait to try it! I’ve also been using the Beauty Pie Uber Youth Neck and Chest Super Lift Serum Spray…I love it because you spray it on and it’s easy. I’ve been using it multiple times a day because, why not? Anything that will help my neck is a yes for me!
Along the same lines…I just decided the other day to start taking a bath more often…I have this beautiful bathtub and don’t use it often enough. Turns out, it doesn’t take much longer to take a bath and it feels so luxurious. I always use a drizzle of Oak Essentials Bath Oil and Beauty Pie sent me their Soul Providers Body Scrub that makes my skin feel soft and moisturized. It’s such an elevated experience that makes me feel pampered!
I’m reading Theo of Golden for our book club this month and when I’ve finished that…I’m reading Kristin Lavransdatter, The Bridal Wreath which may be quite an undertaking…I’ll keep you posted!
Over the holidays, I found a vintage set of beautiful dishes and got them for a steal…I’m excited to set a Valentine’s Day table with them and create a special Valentine’s Day menu (and maybe have a party)! I’m not sure where I’ll store the dishes, but they are so pretty and I’ll figure that part out! Stay tuned!
Oh…and the highlights of my day yesterday were taking my sweet pups for a walk and getting dressed and going to our local wine bar and having a glass of wine with Baldy!
It looks as if I may need to write a “way of life statement post” every now and again to share how I’m making this statement a reality. It’s front and center in my mind and heart and my daily habits, purchases and interactions will support it! I honestly never intended to write a post this long or even about this…it just happened. I believe it’s totally the Universe guiding me along the way! I’m so grateful for this life and this journey!
I encourage you to sit down and think about how you want to live and write a “way of life statement” of your own!
Thanks so much for reading today!
XOXO Suzanne