I want to thank everyone for coming by and commenting on my blog posts. Your comments are never taken for granted and I will always try and respond to every single one. To everyone who has ever supported me by clicking on a link, thank you so much! Your support is so appreciated.
2023 was a strange year for me. I spent about 9 months not being able to workout. I was really only going on walks/hiking/jogging with my Peleton app. I didn't touch my weights at all. Thankfully after my shoulder operation in August, I was finally able to lift light weights in October. I started from scratch using 3-5 pound weights. It was a very humbling experience going from doing 20 push ups in a row to push ups on my knees and finding that I can only do 8 reps before I fail. As of last week I just started picking up 10 to 12 pound dumbells again. It feels really good to get stronger. I just have to keep pushing and to trust the process. It can be really frustrating at times to know I used to be able to lift so much more.
For 2024 my fitness routine is with Alexia Clark (I'll have an in-depth post coming soon). I'm participating in her split program which is typically two upper body workouts, two lower body workouts, and a mobility workout in the middle. I'm also taking a lot more time to stretch and warm up. On Sundays I put on my VR headset for an intense cardio workout with Supernatual.
I also want to grow my Youtube channel. One of my goals for 2024 is to release two videos a month. Videos take a lot of time and I'm still learning and figuring out how to make good videos. Please like and subscribe to my channel if you want to see more videos on handbags. Purses have always been my passion ever since I was a little kid. I just loved carrying a bag and putting my things inside for safekeeping. It made me feel very grown up. 😆 My youtube channel's main focus will be on purses, new and vintage pieces.
I will be participating in a No Spend January instead of my usual Frugal February because I will be traveling most of February to New York. If you'd like to join me, please do! You can make up your own rules to what fits your lifestyle. For me, it will be no unneccesary purchases. Experiences are fine. Replacing an item is okay but if I can wait until February to make that purchase, even better. My goal is to save some money this month and reset my spending habits. My spending in December was out of control with all the holiday sales and shopping for gifts. To keep myself busy and off the internet, I will be decluttering my closet and listing items I no longer use that will hopefully go to a new home. I do want to spend more time reading. I have a whole bunch of books I'd like to read in 2024.
Here's what's coming for January reviews- First review will be my new Polene Numèro Dix in smooth cognac. I just finished taking photos and a video for it today. It's a Christmas gift from my husband. I've been eyeing it ever since I saw it back in September and he bought it for me. 🥰
I'll also go over how much I spent on clothing in 2023. The numbers are always eye opening for me. That's going to be a fun post. 😏
I have some more reviews in the works from Athleta, Lululemon, Aviator Nation, and Naked Cashmere. One of my goals for 2024 is finding the most comfortable and petite friendly jeans. I've been living in sweats and joggers for the past 3 years and I think I'm finally ready to wear denim again. But the catch is, they have to feel like I'm wearing sweatpants and joggers. I refuse to give up comfort for style.
As always, thank you for reading my blog. I would love to know what your 2024 goals are. Let me know in the comments if there's something you want to see featured on my blog. What are you looking forward to most in 2024?
Wishing you all a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!
Hi Leslie,
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and may your 2024 be blessed with joy, health and abundance!
My Allbirds and Athleta collections have grown in 2023 but on the other hand, I've cut back spendings on Lululemon cos they are releasing more items in XS/S/M/L/XL rather than numeric sizing. Even size XS items fit huge on me and I'm sized out. :(
Thank you for your hard work over the years, Leslie, and I love coming to your blog for fit reviews, product recommendations and new brand ideas. I wish you good luck in growing your YouTube channel and look forward to seeing more interesting videos.
Keep up the good work! My wallet doesn't thank you but I really do LOL!
Andrea
Hi Andrea! Same, my Allbirds really got to the point where I had to retire some old shoes and donated some that were still in very good condition to make room for new ones.
DeleteMy Naked Cashmere collection grew a lot. I didn't keep as many Lulu pieces because of the price and like you said oversized fit. Some styles I tried to embrace it, but I realized I didn't reach for them as often. Will probably find new homes for them.
Thank you so much for always supporting me! I really appreciate you!
I'm 5'-0" and I just purchased new denim with the same goal of comfort! If it's helpful, the keepers for me were the following: Good American GOOD LEGS STRAIGHT, GAP High Rise Classic Straight Jeans, GAP High Rise Vegan Leather Vintage Slim Pants & Levi's Classic Straight Fit Women's Jeans.
ReplyDeleteHi Mockginger! Thanks so much for the tip! Will have to check those out when they're back in stock. Petite sizing goes fast!
DeleteGood American doesn't have petite, but I did order short lengths in all of the others and they are a perfect full length (hit my shoes) when left unrolled. I couldn't believe it, most jeans are always too long even in petite or short lengths. Good luck in your search!
DeleteI'm going to do my best to find ones that won't require hemming, but if I do come across one that I absolutely love that does, not opposed to it.
DeleteThank you for another great year of your blog! I find myself looking forward to your posts every week, and I always enjoy reading the comments from fellow readers. Your hard work is very much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for your review/video of your new bag! I took another peak at the website, and that bag is lovely!
My main goal for 2024 is to reset my spending habits and purchase less clothing. I truly have enough! Black Friday and Boxing Day were really hard on my wallet this year! That being said, I've returned more than I kept from Lululemon this past year. Now that their prices are so high, I find I'm not purchasing as much as I used to from them (which is probably a good thing).
Happy New Year!
Hi Lola! I appreciate your comments every week. =) I should definitely jump on your goal as well. I also have so much stuff, and just spent a good hour picking out things that I no longer use from my closet. Maybe this will be the year to purge and keep a minimalist closet?
DeleteHappy New Year, Leslie! I was interested to hear about your goal of reading more books, that's great! I took up book reading about 4-5 years ago and its been so very rewarding - I average about 50 books a year now, not that I aim for that number. It took awhile to re-wire my brain for long-term concentration - I believe social media makes our brain more impatient and restless. I look forward to all I'll be reading about next year, lol. I haven't bought any new Lulu in forever since it's so boring now, but I've enjoyed learning about Naked Cashmere through your blog this year - I unexpectedly got a piece for Christmas and thanks to you I knew it was something special. lol Looking forward to your 2024 investigations!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! I'm currently in the middle of reading the super long books by Sarah Mass. It's taking me forever. I just want to be consistent with my reading, even if it's just a few chapters a day. I also have a list of books I'd like to read for 2024.
DeleteNow you have to tell us, what Naked Cashmere piece did you get and what did you think?!
Maybe you can review some of the books you read! I got the Sydney sweater and I just love it! It looks good layered over something or just on its own. The cut is slightly shorter in front so I think it perfectly rides a line between current and classic. Definitely fun to have a luxury piece with a relaxed vibe. I don't know, I'm not good at giving clothing reviews, lol!
DeleteI may add a "What I'm currently reading at the top of my posts". I'll think about it some more!
DeleteOhhhh the Sydney sweater is pretty. There's something really casual yet luxe about NC pieces. NC has an effortlessly chic minimalist look that I love. Hope you wear it a lot! Gifter has good taste. =)
Happy new year, Leslie! Even though I pared down on purchases last year in attempt to downsize my wardrobe, I still followed your blog every week. I find your fit reviews and videos very helpful, and particularly enjoy your travel blogs with great food pics! Thank you for all the hard work you put into the blog and videos! I hope your shoulder continues to get stronger, and I wish you good health, happiness and prosperity in 2024!
ReplyDeleteKaren
Hi Karen! Thank you for your support! I really need to downsize as well. I'll be traveling a bit in February so you'll see more food pics. =)
DeleteIs there anything you'd like to see featured on my blog?
Hi Leslie! I'd love to see another travel post on New York! I remember you've done this before and I enjoyed seeing all the cool stuff at the Harry Potter store! If you come across any good restaurants or interesting sights, please share with us!
DeleteThat's definitely going to happen next month! =)
DeleteHi Julia! Thank you for the recommendation for AYR. I have never tried those before. I'm very excited to see what I'll discover in my search for the best petite friendly jeans!
ReplyDeleteI have maybe 8 pairs of leggings that I almost never reach for anymore. Might be time to let go.
Cheers to a new year, Leslie! I always look forward to your posts and enjoy reading others' comments. You have created a great community for us shorties. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been decently good with my 1-in-1-out rule and want to continue to stick to that this year. I've also been pretty good with purchasing mostly sale items. I don't need more, but I do work out at least 6 days a week and enjoy incorporating new pieces here and there. I find they really do motivate me and make me feel good during my workouts.
Hi LZ! Amazing! I really need to stick to that rule myself after I get my closet downsized. Which I will be working on all of January.
DeleteThank you for your support throughout the years. I really appreciate it! Hope this community continues to grow. =)
Keep up the good work without fitness routine! I slacked off a bit during the holidays, but I am back at it!