settle in

To take some groundhog out of these Groundhog Days, I'm throwing some curve balls into my daily routine. To begin with, I'm streaming different exercise classes (@keithcookestudio @aarmy), experimenting with esoteric teas and vitamins (immunity-boosting Chaga and anti-viral Quercetin) and virtually playing with my twin sister's new puppy Billie via Face Time. Randomly, I'm also stepping up my table setting game. Nothing overly formal or ridiculously precious. I'm just using fun dinner party dessert plates that rarely get used for everyday breakfast, taking my lunch outside, propped on a pretty tray, etc. At the very least, this exercise is helping to visually enhance whatever I'm cooking. And it's also keeping me busy in between meals, taste-testing delectable tabletop online options. So far, my favorite dishes include these by Anthropologie. I also found a few vintage Dior ones on Etsy. Talking about curve balls: in the midst of poking around at my go-to home sources, I've seen some crazy online markdowns, which seem to be getting steeper and steeper. CB2 and West Elm are both offering up to 70% off--insanely tempting as I'm inclined to upgrade, well, just about everything (new sheets, outdoor cushions, you name it!) More good markdowns: J.Crew is offering up to 80% off for 24 hours only, with cute styles like the one-shoulder jumpsuit, below (BTW, my sis took the pic!) and this pretty shoulder-tie dress. You can also splurge for less at Moda Operandi (25% off) on decadent beauties like this, this and this and not so decadent (this and this). I'll keep more good (sales) news coming as we go...