February arrived gently this year, with rare rainy desert days, meaningful time with friends, quiet studio progress, and moments that reminded me how much beauty lives in everyday life.
As a fashion designer and small business owner in Phoenix, I often measure months not only by what I create, but by how I live, connect, and grow.
This month held a little of everything: wardrobe milestones, new places, spiritual reflection, and even an unexpected challenge that reminded me to keep moving forward with grace.
Rain in the Desert & A Joyful Super Bowl Sunday
One of the simplest highlights of February was something Phoenix doesn’t often see — rain. Those soft, cloudy days brought a slower rhythm and a cozy feeling that carried into one of my favorite afternoons of the month: Super Bowl Sunday with a few close friends at home.
We danced, laughed, and fully enjoyed the halftime show (which, for me, was unforgettable). The afternoon unfolded exactly how I love gathering to feel — relaxed, joyful, and personal. Later, we continued the evening at Modern Margarita at CityNorth, one of my favorite Phoenix spots near Desert Ridge. It was the perfect ending to a day that felt light and celebratory.
Discovering New Places: Evo in Scottsdale
February also brought a new restaurant discovery that quickly became a favorite: Evo in Scottsdale. I visited twice this month, which already says a lot.
The atmosphere feels elevated yet welcoming, and the food is genuinely memorable. The meatballs were rich and comforting, the steak bruschetta was exceptional, and the drinks were beautifully balanced. While it isn’t an inexpensive place, the quality and experience make it absolutely worth it.
I always appreciate spaces where food, ambiance, and conversation come together — and Evo delivered exactly that.
Studio Progress: Italian Wool Pants & A Natural-Fiber Wardrobe
In the studio, February marked an important personal milestone in my wardrobe journey. I completed a new pair of Italian wool pants, a piece that represents more than tailoring or design. It reflects my ongoing transition toward a natural-fiber wardrobe and my commitment to gradually removing polyester from my clothing.
This shift has been intentional and deeply aligned with both my values and my work as a designer. Natural fibers offer longevity, breathability, structure, and beauty that synthetics rarely match. Creating garments in wool, linen, and other natural textiles allows me to live inside the same principles I share with clients: build a wardrobe slowly, choose quality, and invest in pieces that truly support daily life.
Each finished garment in this journey feels like a quiet victory.
A Day of Faith & Peace in Casa Grande
Another meaningful highlight was attending a one-day spiritual assembly in Casa Grande. Spending the day surrounded by friends and a peaceful environment brought a sense of calm that often feels rare in busy seasons.
Faith gatherings like this gently reset perspective. They remind me that growth is not only professional or creative — it is also spiritual, emotional, and relational.
I returned home feeling centered, grateful, and renewed.
When Plans Pause: A Flat Tire Reminder
Of course, not every February moment was smooth. One afternoon on the freeway, I experienced a flat tire =( an unexpected interruption that ultimately meant replacing all four tires so they would match in brand and tread life.
It was not a small expense, and certainly not planned. Yet situations like this always carry a quiet lesson: sometimes life pauses us without warning, and the only choice is to respond calmly and continue forward.
Even inconvenience becomes part of the story of a month.
Familiar Comforts & Simple Foods
While I didn’t explore many new recipes at home this month, I returned to familiar comforts — my usual pasta dishes and Dominican flavors that always feel grounding and nourishing. Alongside restaurant discoveries like Evo, these meals created a simple balance between new experiences and cherished routines.
Closing February with Gratitude
Looking back, February held meaningful contrasts: rain and sunshine, celebration and inconvenience, studio progress and quiet reflection. Each piece contributed to a month that felt full in ways both visible and subtle.
From finishing Italian wool pants in the studio to dancing with friends, discovering new places, and sharing a peaceful spiritual day, February reminded me that a creative life is built from many small moments layered together.
I hope this month treated you gently as well. I’m grateful for all it held and I’m looking forward to welcoming March.
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