It was more than year before Lunar was open again for indoor dining, and I was glad to see it survive that long. I think I went back one of those very first nights, if not the very first night. We had to show proof of vaccination, and I appreciated that. I had ordered takeout occasionally during lockdown, but I think that first night back was when the love affair really started. I remember sitting at the bar, making random conversation with two couples. Those types of spontaneous, organic conversations that feel emblematic of city life and third places. The type of connection that I was craving after a long COVID winter and spring.

In a great food city, Lunar offered very good comfort food. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, BLTs, amazing boardwalk-style fries… I’m remembering so many good dishes while looking through old photos (I guess there might be a reason phone eats first). But where Lunar really excelled was the vibes. I mean this in the best way possible. The vibes — and the cocktails — were immaculate. Lunar’s motto, borrowed from Bill and Ted, was “be excellent to each other.” The staff really personified this. Lunar was always a warm, welcoming place.

Since the pandemic, partly out of necessity, I’ve become much more comfortable solo dining. But Lunar Inn was always where I was most comfortable sitting by myself, striking up conversations with strangers and bartenders. I think it’s what I’ll miss the most about it.

Philadelphia is such a great food city that for years when people asked me what my favorite restaurant was, I didn’t have a real answer. It was more like “This is my favorite Mexican place, my favorite pizza place, my favorite brewery, my other favorite brewery…” But Lunar became my favorite. It was the place I took visitors, celebrated special occasions and just stopped by just because.

Lunar closing is a real lesson in taking things for granted. Nothing lasts forever. But it’s still special while it’s here. I wrote this by hand in a notebook I borrowed from the bar. It’s the last real day, and I was still making memories, playing exquisite corpse with people sitting nearby. Little memories I’ll treasure.

Thank you Emily, Ryan, Sean, et. al. for creating such a magical place. You’ll be missed, Lunar.

The post To The Lunar Inn appeared first on Shades of Sarah.

Tomato Candle: The last couple of summers, I’ve gotten really into growing sun gold tomatoes in my container garden. I love the scent of the vines when I’m tending to the plant, and I would love to hold onto it after the summer ends. Good thing tomato candles are now a thing. (Although if I was really splurging, I would spring for this Loewe tomato candle. It looks like a work of art.)

Crochet Kit: During the peak of the pandemic, I started getting into needlework like cross stitch and embroidery. My latest flirtation? Crochet. I’ve made a couple of coasters, but I think a cute amigurumi kit like this rainbow dino would help get me up to speed. Think of all the little gifts I could make.

Twist Earrings: I’ve been wearing more gold lately, and I could use another pair of gold earrings to match. These twist earrings (which are also available in solid gold) are both trendy and classic.

Silver Landings vinyl: I recently rediscovered this Mandy Moore album, which came out right before lockdown. It’s the perfect soundtrack for an evening of cooking and eating dinner on the porch. Listening to a record just adds to the vibe, and I’m building a small collection. This LP would fit right in.

And with that, I’ll leave you with a music video from Silver Landings.

~ Sarah

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I don’t really know where to begin with this. It’s only in the last few weeks I’ve started to go into CVS or Aldi without a mask, and I feel guilty even admitting that. I’m ready to move on from COVID — we all are, but not all of us can.

For the longest time, in those first few surreal months of the pandemic, I felt like I was moving backwards. I started a new job in February 2020, was furloughed by the end of March and officially laid off by the end of May. I, fortunately, went back to work that July…at the same online publication I was working at in 2019, until I had been laid off there. I was also going through a breakup, and untangling all of… that. So while a lot of people I was close with saw their forward momentum stalled, I was actively slipping behind, despite my best efforts.

Yeah, that was a strange time of incredible isolation. Of feeling like completely insignificant with everything going on around the globe, but also feeling like your entire world was confined in your living room, if you were lucky.

That feels like a lifetime ago. I hardly recognize it.

So much is different now, but in a way that also feels like the natural progression of things, pandemic aside. I became the lead writer of that online publication, hiring and leading a team of two bright and hard-working writers, working myself to the bone and burning out like a flame. I started therapy again. I learned how to be a better cook. I got my third(!) tattoo. I fostered more dogs, and adopted a new-to-me dog! I saw my friends move away and get married and have babies. I got a new job and started recovering from said burnout. I spent more time in Florida than I have since I was 19. I got bangs (okay, that one is pretty new).

Maybe I’ll write more about those things, maybe I won’t. The other day, I deleted draft posts that I started writing in 2015. Follow through is not almost-never my strong suit, and I blame the ADHD for that (something else I might write about).

I don’t know what’s next for this ~space~ though I doubt anyone cares. But I’ve missed writing because I want to write, so hopefully the future doesn’t involve another three-year-break from blogging. TBD.

~ Sarah

The post So that happened… appeared first on Shades of Sarah.

Like everyone else who isn’t on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic, I’m dusting off old hobbies while I stay at home. So hello again, dear blog.

Right now, I simultaneously feel like I have a lot to say and nothing to say. I guess that makes sense since t’s a very weird time that we’re living in. It’s strange to think that we’re in the midst of something, that there was the time before quarantine and social distancing and eventually there will be an “after” — but right now, we’re in the “during.” I realized the other night that, if we’re lucky, one day we’ll be able to tell each other, “remember that time we were quarantined?” Nothing lasts forever, including this.

This is day 29 of quarantine/social distancing for me. I worked from home for the first week or so, but was furloughed afterward. Luckily, I’m still insured and I don’t have any dependents. So now, life is a waiting game in many ways. Waiting for unemployment. Waiting for warmer weather. Waiting for normalcy to return, whatever that may look like.

Most days of my days remind me of summer vacation — but without money and without being able to go anywhere. Restaurants are closed. Movie theaters are closed. Libraries are closed. Target is open, but you need to wear a mask to go inside.

Of course, if you’re reading this in April 2020, you know all this because you’re living it too. But I’m writing this for myself because one day this will feel like a distant memory. Part of me wants to remember how uncomfortable and uncertain this time is. This will be part of my life, and I want to be able to look back at this. (It’s part of the reason I blog — it’s like a journal with a search function.)

The days are blurring together, but mercifully go by quickly. Some are better than others. I’m passing the time watching television or reading. I dug out my adult coloring book from 2016. I scroll on Instagram and walk the dogs. Happy hour happens on FaceTime. Sometimes, I cook or bake so I can have something new to do. This is the first time I’m writing, for my own enjoyment, in months.

Right now, I have a handful of drafts from the time before. I have all the time in the world to finish them, but don’t want to risk sounding incredibly tone-deaf. Does anyone care about x,y or z when people are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and trying to stay healthy? I’m going to keep writing because it brings me joy, but I’m also trying my best during this weird time. And things will probably be weird for a while.

I’ll wrap this up before things totally devolve, but stay safe and stay home if you can. Sending my friends and family a virtual hug.

~ Sarah

The post Hello From The Inside appeared first on Shades of Sarah.

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

The post Anti-Bucket List: A Look Back At The Decade appeared first on Shades of Sarah.

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:

The post Sweater Weather: Cozy Sweaters Under $75 appeared first on Shades of Sarah.

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

The post Sarah Styles: A Corduroy Skirt appeared first on Shades of Sarah.

Because I a) love lists and b) I’m a blogger who has to overshare, I decided to put together a list of things I want to accomplish before I say good-bye to my twenties. Why 13 instead of 30 before 30? Well, I couldn’t come up with 30 things and also Jenna Rink.

In no particular order, in the next year I hope to…

1. Get a tattoo. I got my first a week before 28, and another one after I moved into my house. I’ve been itching for another one since!
2. Pay off my credit cards. Or at least a credit card? Post-closing expenses add up quick. I don’t even want to talk about this, being a responsible adult can be annoying.
3. Visit a new city. Getting settled in a new place and going to a lot of weddings meant there wasn’t a lot of time for exploring this last year. Hopefully this will change soon!
4. Go abroad. I try to get out of the country once a year — I just feel like it’s good for me! Chances are though if I manage to visit another country this year, it’ll be one I’ve been to before though, like Canada or Costa Rica (where my dad lives).
5. Go camping. So I’ve never been camping, but it’s something my partner really loves. I don’t come from an outdoorsy family, but I’ve grown to like hikes so maybe I’m ready to sleep outdoors?
6. Foster a dog. We fostered a sweet senior pup this summer, and we were close to “foster failing” and adopting him. Luckily, he found a great home and I’m sure we’ll foster again once things slow down.
7. Have a girls’ weekend. This is actually my plan for my 30th birthday. I’d love to celebrate with my friends who are across the East Coast and have them all in one place.
8. Donate blood. I hate needles and I hate blood, so I always told myself if I got a tattoo, I’d have to donate blood first. Well, that didn’t exactly happen (see #1), but better late than never right?
9. Learn how to ride a bike (again). Listen, whoever said you never forget how to ride a bike did not go 15+ years without riding a bike! My new neighborhood is less walkable, but I’d love to learn again so I wouldn’t have to rely on my car so much. (It’s a Prius, but I still feel guilty every time!)
10. Get a facial. In the words of Donna Meagle, “treat yo’ self.”
11. Go to the shore. I went once this summer, and no boardwalk ice cream was involved. A travesty that must be corrected.
12. Be a bridesmaid. One of my dear friends, Cortney, is getting married next August, and I’m lucky enough to be a bridesmaid. I’m very excited to be a small part of this special day!
13. Celebrate 10 years blogging! Dude, I don’t even know where the last decade has gone! I’m awful at keeping up hobbies, and my interest blogging has definitely ebbed and flowed. Still, ten years is a big deal!

And that’s it! We’ll see how this year shapes up, but I think this list is pretty doable. I’m all ears for any advice though — being in your twenties is a total roller coaster, but I’m excited about the next chapter.

~ Sarah

P.S. Thank you Camille for these snaps!

———————
Wrap: Five Below | Tank: Kohl’s | Shorts: Target | Sneakers: Old Navy | Earrings: Lou Lou’s | Bag: eternally borrowed from my mother

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As summer hits its halfway point, I’m mentally preparing for the peak of wedding season – two weddings down, five to go, plus the bachelorettes and showers on my calendar.

I’m not complaining – every time I get invited to a wedding, I’m touched that my friends thought to include me on their special day. Still, without being in any of the bridal parties, it’s a lot to keep track of between dates, locations, gifts and outfits. (Honestly, I’m surprised that I’ve only lost one RSVP card so far.)

To stay on top of everything, I’ve relied on a spreadsheet. I’m not exactly known for my organizational skills, so this is a big deal to me. You can even download it here, because no one wants to be that friend who forgets a wedding gift, or worse, the actual wedding.

I keep my spreadsheet organized by date, instead of events related to a couple. For me, the key to actually using a checklist or spreadsheet is not having too many categories. Here are some of the ones I’ve found most helpful:

• Website: because no one has time to figure out if a couple is registered on The Knot, Zola or elsewhere every single time they need to look up wedding info.
• Where: this will help determine if you need to book accommodations, transportation and other details.
• Gift Purchase & Value: If you’re looking for advice on how to determine how much to spend on wedding gifts, I can’t help you with that. Sometimes I do write out a check, but when I buy off a registry, it can happen months in advance. I mark this down, along with the value of a gift. I find this important in case you buy something on sale, you’re buying multiple, smaller gifts or even gifting a service.
• Dress Code: When you have three black-tie optional weddings in a row, you might want to make sure you’re not wearing the same dress back-to-back. Or maybe that’s just me

Download the wedding season checklist here.

Next up, I have a bridal shower and then two weddings in August! There is some constant spreadsheet updating happening. I hope it was helpful for someone – you can download it here, no email address required! Tell me, are there a lot of weddings and celebrations on your social calendar?

~ Sarah

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This is where Pact comes in: for prices similar to full price-Old Navy, you can buy comfy staples made with organic cotton. Although Pact manufactures outside of the U.S., the brand is committed to sweatshop-free labor. Sounds pretty good right?

Shop: Button Back Tank Dress | Wrap Dress | Cropped Pocket Leggings | Strappy Back Tank

And their clothing is cute and classic too! I picked out pieces that would be perfect for spring and summer, and everything shown above costs less than $50. (Pact offers free shipping on orders above $75, and free returns too!)

You can never go wrong with a classic striped dress, and between a shift and wrap dress, you’re guaranteed to find a silhouette that suits you. Colorful tanks are another summer staple. Finally, as someone who WFH, I’m devoted to leggings and I refuse to buy any that don’t include pockets for my phone.

Any other eco-friendly but affordable brands I should know about? I’m also a fan of United By Blue, which is based in Philly! If/when I order from Pact, I’ll be sure to share my thoughts!

~ Sarah

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