Anti-Bucket List: A Look Back At The Decade

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A couple weeks ago, some of my Philly friends and I went to New York for a day trip. I went to college in the Bronx, and a lot of my college friends still live in and around the city. For work, I also commuted from Philly to New York pretty frequently. So it had been a long time since I had gone to New York without any obligations — just to walk around and explore with friends.

The day was good for the soul. It’s always nice to have some quality, offline time with girlfriends.  It also reminded me what I love about New York, and brought back a ton of memories from my early 20s.

It’s easy to feel sentimental and nostalgic at the end of the year, and even more so at the end of an entire decade. The 2010s also coincided with my 20s — I was 19 at the start of 2010, and I’ll be turning 30 in the fall. So much has happened over the last 10 years.

Taking cues from some of my blogger friends, I thought this was a good time to share an “anti-bucket list” — basically a look back at what I did accomplish over the last decade:

  • Started this blog! (2010)
  • Went on two Global Outreach trips (2011, 2013)
  • Visited Italy & France with my family (2012)
  • Graduated Fordham (2013)

  • Moved to Philadelphia (2013)
  • Adopted two dogs: Zamboni (2013) and Arya (2015)
  • Was a bridesmaid for high school friends (2015, 2016)
  • Switched jobs three times (at least)
  • Visited my mom in Colombia (2015)

  • Went to Canada and the PNW for the first time (2016)
  • Visited my dad in Costa Rica (2017)
  • Lived by myself for the first time (2017)
  • Started therapy (2017)
  • Helped plan the PHLblogger’s Blog Connect Conference (2017, 2018)

  • Went to the Home Run Derby (2017)
  • Fostered senior dogs (2017, 2018, 2019)
  • Got my first tattoo (2018)
  • Bought a house! (2018)
  • Saw Dwyane Wade’s last game (2019)
  • Did a reading at my friends’ wedding (2019)

It’s crazy to think about how much has changed, how much hasn’t and what stands out years later. Not every year was great — like, I’m sure cool stuff happened in 2014 (I just can’t remember what) and 2016 and 2017 were particularly hard years as well. The last decade had its share of highlights and lowlights, but I can confidently say I’m happier now than I was ten years ago. I’m grateful for that, for the lessons I’ve learned and friends I’ve gained along the way.

Cheers to a happy and healthy 2020!

~ Sarah

Sweater Weather: Cozy Sweaters Under $75

- Sarah Leave a comment

It’s late November, and these short, brisk days are here to stay. This type of weather always makes me want to refresh my sweater collection. Sweaters and leggings are pretty much my late fall/winter uniform, so I rounded up cozy sweaters under $75 — and most are under $50!

Sweaters Under $75

Shop: V-Neck Cable Sweater | Color-Blocked Turtleneck Tunic Sweater | Cable Knit Sweater Tunic | V- Neck Tunic Sweater | Color-Blocked Chevron Turtleneck Sweater

Some sweater trends stood out to me this season. Color-blocking is back, and I especially love the color-blocked chevron sweater can elongate a whole look. The other color-blocked pick (from Target!) would be great to wear into the spring with its brighter neutral shades. Turtlenecks, mock or not, up the cozy factor.

Lots of sweaters are now in tunic lengths, which is awesome — I want to feel comfy wearing them with leggings. Some, like the v-neck tunic sweater from Old Navy, are shorter in the front and on the thinner side, which means they work for a French tuck into skirts or high-waisted jeans.

Looking for more sustainable options? The v-neck cable sweater and cable knit sweater tunic from Pact are made with organic cotton, so no need to feel guilty by splurging a little.

And if you’re looking for ways to mix up your sweater and jeans/leggings combos, I have some ideas here. Stay warm!

~ Sarah

More sweaters under $50:

Sarah Styles: A Corduroy Skirt

- Sarah Leave a comment

Corduroy Skirt Three Ways

Read the posts: Graphic Tee | Winter Stripes | Summer Tank

Now that it’s fall, it’s so easy to fall back on wearing sweaters, pants (okay, leggings) and boots everyday. But if you want to mix thing up, may I recommend a corduroy skirt?

Corduroy skirts are workhorses. They work with bare legs and tights, sneakers or booties, blouses or tees. Plus, these skirts are affordable and come in nearly every color you can think of. My black corduroy skirt is an oldie but goodie from Tobi, but I’ve picked out some other options below:

I’ve styled it with a tee and denim jacket, tights and a patterned top and even a tank and flats in cooler weather. Have you added one to your wardrobe yet?

~ Sarah