how to make a charcuterie board

charcuterie. pronounced "shahr-ku-tuh-ree”

switching things up a bit here on JDC. i was having some major cravings for a charcuterie board lately and after weeks of debate i decided i couldn’t go on any longer. plus, we all deserve to treat ourselves a lil right?! i am a HUGE snacker, i mean my lunch bag when i did go to work was ginormous. that’s why charcuterie boards are one of my fave things to indulge in. simply because it’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that. very profound. i know. i think they make great conversation boards as well (no pun intended) since you can technically sit around, chat, and munch on it for a good amount of time since it isn’t a hot plate or anything you need to consume quickly. or it could just be for ONE. ahem. add a glass of wine and you’re good to go. ah, charcuterie boards make me the happiest gal! more after the jump and after the disclaimer that i’m a self-professed charcuterie board expert. mainly the eating part. i digress.

side ramblings: last week i previewed the @mozartscoffee light show! this year it’s by reservation only from 6-11PM and the treats were so good! i highly recommend the cookies, bread pudding, cinnamon sugar pretzel (it’s a big as my face plus some), and cocoa bombs to-go! it was also time for christmas decorations to go up here in casa JD. actually, the tree went up before halloween… so.. yes, i am that woman. 😁 while it’s my favorite time of the year, 2020 holidays are gonna look slightly gloomy, but let’s all make the most of it amirite?! OH HEY, if you haven’t watched @schittscreek on netflix you needa get going on it!!!! according to to the buzzfeed quiz, i’m David 🤣

currently on my playlist: lost without you by Freya Ridings

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you can find most of these items at Central Market, Whole Foods, or a local cheese shop. for this board, i went to my local cheese shop @antoinellischz & good ol Trader Joe’s!

cheese

i like to go with three cheeses. a brie, a fresh ripe cheese, and a hard cheese. pictured L to R in 0.25 lbs:

  • fresh ripe | Pure Luck June’s Joy — this is a fresh goat cheese with honey, black pepper, and thyme. Pure Luck is in Dripping Springs, TX! it is all kinds of amazing. i can also eat this spoonfuls alone to the mouth. Boursin cheese is sold everywhere and a great pick! the pepper one is YUM!!

  • hard | Black Betty — goat milk gouda that is only available this time of year so i had to try it. i tend to like hard cheese with a crystalline texture. another really affordable and great option is the Kerrygold Dubliner Irish Cheddar Cheese (i mean you can get it at Target and Costco!).

meats

ah, i love me some cured meats. i’ve tried a lot of prosciutto but i can’t seem to find a pre-packaged sliced one so i always get it freshly cut. i’d also add cotto if you are feeling it! pictured L to R:

  • prosciutto | Speck Alto Adige — dry-cured and light smoked pork hind leg so it’s more of a cured ham i guess. but if you see San Daniele you should def get it! i may try the Acorn Fed Prosciutto next.

  • salami | Olympia Provisions Finocchinoa — traditional italian style salami with garlic, black pepper, and fennel.

olives etc…

mmm time to pack on the olives and pickled stuff! i missed out on adding cornichon (mini pickles) this time.

  • Castelvetrano Olives — these olives are so good and perfect because they are buttery and rich. my go-to for a board.

  • Red Peppadew Peppers — my gosh these are so good. a little bit of spicy and sweet!

  • Trader Joes’ grilled artichokes — simply because, why not? plus, perfect for pastas.

fruit & nuts

basically, add any fruit you want here. play with fresh and dried fruits! fruit helps balance out all the cheese and salty meats. pictured L to R:

  • Trader Joe’s marcona almonds — these are with rosemary and add a nice crunchy, buttery texture. so yummy!

  • Trader Joe’s soft & juicy mandarins — well, these just looked good in the dry fruit aisle at TJs. I would also get dried tart cherries too!

  • Fresh grapes — no explanation needed.

  • Trader Joe’s dried apricots — Turkish apricots are usually standard but i liked the individual packaging of these.

bread & spreads (no rhyme intended)

water crackers are also a good option, but i think i’ve decided i’m more of a baguette kind-a-gal. plus makes me feel so french and i did just watch Emily in Paris. feel free to even add chocolate, mustard, olive oil!

  • Trader Joes’ fig butter — anything fig is a great addition to a charcuterie board. pairs so perfectly with brie. i may have to try blackberry jam or apple butter sometime!

  • Honey — great for layering and dipping for a touch of sweetness.

  • Baguette — because we’re adults. this one is from Easy Tiger and they bake it fresh for Antonelli’s, daily!

misc

lastly, arrange it all on a cutting board! i used these new ones i got from costco, the MIU 2-piece composite cutting boards (currently on sale!) and available on amazon. use ramekins to separate/hold items, these are great. i also purchased a cheese knife to make it all legit because butter knives are just way too long and clunky. Laguiole is the golden standard here and my fave since i also have their steak knives! #nomnomnom

hope you enjoyed this one!,
JD

monochrome

monochrome for the win.

as much as i love outfits that coordinate with different color schemes, i am a big fan of monochrome. it’s like a subtle fashion statement that takes no time to put together because you’re literally just following one color. or it’s also fun to do various hues of the same shade! here i went went with two styles — workwear in the prettiest hunter green & casual style in all white (absolutely yes, please wear all-white after labor day!). while there’s still uncertainly of us returning to work, i still love looking and purchasing workwear, if anything, these two make some good WFH tops! no worries, we won’t judge on the bottoms or lack of haha.

side ramblings: lemme tell you how taking photos with a tripod is going… it’s interesting! LOL. again, it’s one of those things that looks easy, but dang, it ain’t. it’s actually VERY time consuming and not to mention it looks QUITE SILLY && even more un-natural than someone taking your photos. but i’m gonna keep at it! the @sephora beauty event kicks off later this week and i can’t wait!! why yes, i do have my cart prepped and ready to go 😁 it’s the best time to stock up on your fave skincare brands or try something new! lastly, @senreve launched the Alunna and she’s a beauty isn’t she?!

currently on my playlist: grand canyon by Mat Kearney

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workwear //

top | Ann Taylor ribbed mock neck sweater shell in boxwood green (color is sold out but available in black) — similar
pants | Ann Taylor the high waist ankle pant in boxwood green (size up, wearing a 4P)
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott colette hoop earrings in gold (sold out) — similar // similar with some sparkle!

casual style //

top | Ann Taylor puff sleeve top in winter white — similar but long sleeves // similar but a sweater
denim c/o | Everlane the high rise skinny jean in bone (wearing size 25 ankle, 10.5” rise so a little below my belly button) — similar but a little higher at 11” rise // some fun kick crops

rock all the monochrome,
JD

fall skincare

it’s time for a #beautytalk!

i thought it would be good for me to go back to my roots on a beauty/skincare post so i’m here to prep your beautiful skin up for fall! as the temps drop, my combo skin (oily t-zone, dry-ish cheeks) tends to get more dry and some HH (hardcore hydration, i mean happy hours too) is needed! just as you change your clothes for the seasons, do the same with your skincare. different seasons require different types of clothing, just as skincare.

repeat after me: moisturize. moisturize. moisturize. to sum this post up in a few words, some key ingredients you can add to your fall skincare routine include: hyaluronic acid, lipids, retinols, and oils. but if you’re a nerd like me and need more explanations/ramblings since you want to up your skincare game, more after the jump!

side ramblings: it’s been hard trying to navigate social life again after half a year of hibernation. but hey, baby steps right? i’m trying to manage my anxiety better and get out there again. safely of course! i never thought that something that came so naturally to me would be difficult. i watched Work It this past weekend, super cute highschool dance team movie and i’m loving the upbeat happy soundtrack! linked one song below :)

currently on my playlist: let me move you by Sabrina Carpenter

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hylauronic acid //

hyaluronic acid is a sugar naturally found in our skin that holds water and keeps it hydrated. as we age, HA gradually decreases (gotta love aging!). applying HA can help draw/hold water to make your skin look more plump & hydrated. this is essential during the fall months when we’re subjected to heaters and wind that dry out our skin. the two serums i interchange are:

  1. Dr. Barbara Sturm hyaluronic serum — this has a hefty price tag associated with it and for the price point, i was expecting life changing results. that did not happen as i near the end of the bottle. i won’t be purchasing it again solely based on price point. but hey, if you’ve got money to blow, by all means give it a go! it is a non-fragranced clear serum in a dropper bottle.

  2. SkinCeuticals hyaluronic acid (H.A.) intensifier — this a light opaque muted reddish color (nothing scary looking) in a dropper bottle.

i tend to go through anything with HA pretty quickly. i think it is because of the serum consistency and i think my skin “eats it up” so i use a lot of it. but it’s also important to note that these are also light enough to use year-around.

heavy moisturizer //

note: heavy doesn’t always mean greasy. greasy isn’t my style.

  1. SkinCeuticals triple lipid restore 2:4:2 — gosh, i LOVE this stuff. this thing REALLY works. i cannot go any fall season without it. you can feel it seep into your skin and it feels heavy-good without the greasy-ness. if there is one thing you are thinking of purchasing from this post, let this be it! it’s my BFF in the fall months and random patches of dryness that pop up during the year. i use this in the AM and it is a non-fragranced white cream consistency in a jar.

  2. TATCHA dewy cream c/o — the dewy line is my favorite from the TATCHA line. TATCHA was one of my first brands into skincare and they still hold my heart! it isn’t as “thick” as the SkinCeuticals triple lipid but this one feels light enough to use year round and is a lightly fragranced light purple cream consistency in a jar.

retinol (plant-based) //

retinol is something i’ve always been on the fence about. my skin is pretty dang sensitive so anything harsh i usually stray away from. retinol is for anti-aging. it’s supposed to help reduce lines and wrinkles by increasing our collagen production (also, did i mention that also decrease as we age? haha). plant-based retinol started popping up in the past year or so and in my research i found that this naturally derived version is better for sensitive skin. so it was time, plus i’m not getting any younger! they usually recommend using retinol products during the winter when you are less exposed to the sun as retinol is active and can make your skin more “photo-sensitive.” i only use retinol at night.

  1. BIOSSANCE squalane + phyto-retinol serum (not pictured) — this is a light pink/salmon cream in a glass pump bottle. it has a slight fragrance to it but dissipates pretty quickly.

  2. Drunken Elephant a-passioni retinol cream (not pictured) — haven’t tried this one so it’s an honorable mention & DE products are usually on point.

oil //

if you’re hesitant to put oil on your face, trust me when i say i feel you. WHY would anyone want to put oil on their face? but fear not my friend. oils are/will become your BFF, esp in the fall. i use oils only at night and as the LAST STEP of my routine. oil will always be your last step to seal everything in.

  1. Drunken Elephant virgin marula luxury facial oil — this absorbs really well and is a non-fragranced clear-ish oil in a dropper bottle.

  2. BIOSSANCE squalane oil (not pictured) — i purchased this recently and i’m a pretty big fan of this brand. their main focus is on one ingredient: squalane. squalane is another element that we naturally produce but as we age, it decreases. it also helps retain moisture. i really like BIOSSANCE because of how green the products are and the price point is pretty affordable. can’t wait to try this one! it is a non-fragranced clear oil in a pump dispenser bottle.

misc & optional //

  1. TATCHA dewy mist c/o — because why the heck not?! mists are great when you need a little pick me up, esp after a plane ride (what are those anymore btw?) or when you’re feeling extra bougie.

hope y’all enjoyed this skincare edit!,
JD

workout & lounge sets

that two-piece set life. for quarantine.

there is ALWAYS something about a two-piece set. is it the time saving aspect of coordination? or just the fact that it’s matchy matchy and that’s how you feel at the moment? not sure, but i’m a fan of co-cord sets, including athletic wear… as of recently. feel intimidated by the sports bra + tights combo? enter longline sports bras + (ultra) high rise tights. now we’re talking the 30+ yo language. it’s enough coverage both ways to wear in public! as we head into fall, throw on a light jacket and you’re good to go. but enough about looking good in a two-piece. let’s talk about exercise!

more than ever, exercise is crucial! working from home + quarantine life has us even less mobile than before. coupled along with being on lockdown = mental health anchor. moving around will help you release endorphins = feel good hormones. and idk about you, but i need those things! i put together some quick bullet points in keeping active during this time. if you have any, please share as a comment! it’s really a time to get creative with resources to cope. i think that’s what we’re all trying to do.

side ramblings/happenings: the support on my last post was overwhelming in the most amazing way. as i suspected, i’m struggling to reconnect, i’m struggling to write or come up with meaningful content. but i will push through ❤ @everlane opened in ATX last week! gosh, can’t wait to check out the storefront one day. i’m a huge fan of the ethical clothing brand! i also heard @mejuri opened at the domain. may be old news by now. both brands are committed to fair pricing, so i wholeheartedly support them. this week i’m looking forward to trying @PTYD. a gluten-free, vegan, plant-based meal delivery just to switch things up. hope i’ll be full. i’ll receive my @phlur deodorant. it’s their newest product and since i haven’t worn any perfume.. i figured, hey, i’m gonna get me some nice smelling bougie deo for my armpits instead. they deserve it. #realthoughts.

currently on my playlist: know your worth by Khalid

currently re-reading (on audible): the untethered soul by Michael Singer

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tips for keeping active during quarantine:

  • walks around the neighborhood (while giving other walkers space) — this a great way to get some fresh air too! i always encourage my parents to go on “walking dates.” i find that walking helps clear my mind of noise/nonsense. since it’s been really hot out, i’ve been walking around my house. yes, you read that one right. hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. heck, jog in place, walk in place, do squats/lunges, jumping jacks, sit ups, hold planks!

  • snippets of workouts — working out at home is hard because it’s not as motivating as a class. it’s hard to get that continuous 60-minute workout in. so work out in sets. take breaks and do a couple of sets here and there. it’ll add up to a decent workout by the end of the night! i’ve always been a fan of @blogilates, she posts some great clips that you can do in a few minutes!

  • no weights? — get creative and use cans of soup/beans! or like my pilates instructor says, use air resistance!! HAHA, he gets me every time 😂

  • remember to stretch — before diving into work, i usually do some stretches that help with the back & shoulder which are my problem areas being a work-a-holic. here is a good infographic that target a few common areas. if you sit, here are some good ergonomic reminders. and while i was at it, i really liked this work smarter, not harder infographic. yes, i LOVE infographics. 😎

  • dance — dance out your probs. put on some of your fave tunes and go! or if you’re into dance workouts, check out Megan Roup, just youtube search her for free workouts and learn some of the cardio dance moves. they’re a sweaty & fun workout! LOTS OF JUMPING! you are warned.

  • quarantine badminton — i’ve seen people do this on different ends of their driveway. fun fact: i am a HUGE badminton (and ping pong) fan. i need to try this. and i’m sure there are other sports/activities you can do that are socially distanced.

  • stand while working — if you can’t purchase a sit-stand desk, get creative and makeshift one! standing is more active than sitting. sitting causes you to slump/slouch in permanent ways which cause long-term body aches. i know, because i have them. LOL. i’ve seen some pretty cheap-ish ones for laptops and some with more real estate for other workstation needs.

  • lastly, give yourself grace — this is REALLY important. i’m chronically hard on myself but quarantine has made me work on my self-talk. if you don’t get to that full-work out in, if you’re gaining weight from stress eating, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the isolation; i feel you. it’s okay. it’s a very stressful time. doing what you can with what you have is all that matters. ❤

top | Athleta A-C powervita conscious crop in hibiscus red (old color) — similar but halter style // similar with cute cut outs!
bottom | Athleta ultra high rise elation tight in hibiscus red (old color, had to get these hemmed) — ultra high rise in 7/8 length (no hemming needed if you suffer from #shortgirlprobs // elation 7/8 tight (“regular high rise,” love the spiced cabernet color) // elation capri // LOVE these white ones!
earrings | Kendra Scott jon studs in gold (old) — similar by gorgana // similar in real gold & diamonds // similar by GLDN
rings | GLDN orinoco ring in 14K gold fill // Gorjana amara ring set

loungewear i’m currently eyeing (not pictured):

LOFT Lou & Grey signature softblend sweatshirt & sweatpants — their stuff is the epitome of causal & lounge not to mention #sosoft, i gotta purchase something from this brand one day!
Outdoor Voices cloudknit hoodie & sweatpants & tank — my lil blogger sis bought me the t-shirt for my bday last year and it IS AMAZINGLY soft! it’s called cloudknit. need i say more?

virtual hugs,
JD

an overdue post

didn’t see you coming, 2020.

i can’t believe i’ve let this space of mine go silent for NINE months. so much of the world has changed. i read my last post from 2019 and couldn’t help but to chuckle. 2020 sure threw us a curve ball, didn’t it? who would’ve thunk. there’s a lot to cover and i’m choking back tears trying to find my way back to this familiar space to grab onto a sense of normalcy. i think we’re all suffering in our own way; trying to deal/process. like most, i’ve had a difficult time coping. i’ve lost family, seen the losses of others, and as an empath… it’s overwhelming. i’ve lost almost all contact with friends and spent a lot of time in solitude. i felt like i had nothing of relevance to share or say. i felt if i tried to connect more, the more i would feel disconnected. does that even make sense? however, the silence is deafening and it’s time to break it. i’m pushing myself to do this because i’m pretty sure i need it; for my mental health. without any planned content, i’m not sure how far i’ll make it. so we’ll see. all i can say is my tripod is about to get some major love. more after the jump.

these photos shot almost a year ago and i never had the chance to post them! rarely will i ever take any direct sunlight photos or post anything this vulnerable. but hey, they’re so epic, so why not? vulnerability (or is it too much skin?!) is something i’m not the best at and these photos remind me that this powerful woman inside me exists that is able to shift into so many different gears when pushed out of her boundaries & comfort zone. (though good lighting and a great photographer always helps! thanks to @gunter.photo 😉). i’m also shocked that this dress is still in stock but i guess i’ve got a knack for picking staples! PSS — it’s difficult to shoot in direct sunlight without being blinded or squinting!! kudos to real models out there!

currently on my playlist: back in my body by Maggie Rogers

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here are some random things i’ve been up to!:

new job //

i was extremely fortunate to start a new job considering the job market. i’ve waited for an opportunity like this for so long and now it’s finally here! #pinchme. it has been challenging. i never thought i’d be in the finance field, but i got this.

audible //

my guy friends have always urged me to get this. i finally did and it’s such a good investment!! i highly recommend it. it allows me to speed through books that would normally take me twice as long to read. read? ain’t nobody got time for that.

sleep & tv //

i never watched tv. mainly because i had so many other things to do, people to see, things to eat, places to go, and side-hustle work to do. well… none of that is happening so i ventured down the dark hole of netflix and hulu. some notable shows: Brooklyn 99, Kim’s Convenience, The Umbrella Academy. oh and sleep. i’m actually getting normal sleep 7-8 hours vs. my usual 5-6. feels nice, but being the work-a-holic i am, these two activities won’t last past the pandemic. 🤣

calligraphy //

i’ve always loved calligraphy and started doing it again since my cousins were getting into it. so far we’ve had a few virtual calligraphy facetime calls! by no means am i a pro but i love lettering :) i’ve been using the tombow fudenosuke brush pens and they work great!

cold brew & nespresso //

i started making cold brew at home with @rumblejar! this one is cool because it comes with a cotton bag that serves as an additional filter. cold brew is my go-to during the scorching TX summers. it is easy to make and saves so much money! i also said farewell to my kerig and HELLOOOO to @nespresso (vertuo line). apparently, i was drinking bad coffee at home my whole life. so there’s that.

home decor & improvement //

spending too much time at home led me to start/finish some decor projects around the house. you’ll see some of these posted in my current lemmings section! i’m on a kick to add some bold black into my decor color palette. not sure how it’s gonna turn out but i’m going for it!

BTW, sitting like this will cramp your hip flexors. :D

dress | Reformation sigmund dress in black (wearing size 4 for size reference)
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) — not similar but loving the dumpling bags
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott jack gold hoops in white crystal
shoes | topshop strippy heeled sandals in black (old) — love these t-strap ones!
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55

it feels so good to write this.
sending you love & light,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the maggy london sinclair work dress

see you later, 2019.

finishing 2019 out in my strong suit — #workwear! @maggylondon is always adding the perfect pieces to my work wardrobe; #luckygal right here. you know i’m a huge fan of all bows, the Jackie dress is one of my classic Maggy London pieces (throwing it back to 2017). however, the Maggy London Sinclair Midi is a more updated/similar version with sleeves and a fun contrasting piping detail that doesn’t make it your average #LBDworkdress. if you look closely the sleeves actually have a slight puff to them which elevates this just a touch more in a fun & elegant way. of course, i choose to style this dress with black patent pumps & a black work bag, because more black is always a good idea in my books. i read somewhere that, “you can never be under- or over-dressed in black.” WORD.

side ramblings: here we are, the last post of 2019. this year went by with a blink of an eye and tbh, i’m not sad about it. this is the time i sit and reflect on the last twelve months. 2019 was a real crappy year. generally speaking, when something grows, it hurts. it’s painful. think about a baby who is teething. imagine that a whole tooth that has to grow and pierce through gums?! OUCH. multiply that by xx. however, the end result is being able to eat/chew. as a foodie, that is essential. 2019 was just like that for me (it’s a great analogy, i know). my friend Anita // @wanderlustanita shared with me the cycle of years that we go though (note: a cycle is not necessarily years/12-months). she agreed that this was my year of growth and according to the cycles, the next “year” is the “year” of mastery for me. (insert huge grin). i mean, line it up with a new decade, AND it’s also the year of the rat in the chinese zodiac… #HELLYES.

currently on my playlist: got to give it up by Marvin Gaye

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dress c/o | Maggy London sinclair midi in black (wearing size 2 petite) — regular sizing // similar and available in five colors // similar in the Jackie design (i have it and love it!) // similar but colorblocked
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) — current design // similar // similar by Ann Taylor
bag | Henri Bendel uptown satchel in black (old & they are out of business) — not the same but this would make a great work bag!! (use code “JANNADOAN” at checkout on senreve.com and receive $50 off, on any $300 minimum purchase)
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott jack gold hoop earrings in white crystal — similar but more everyday hoops // similar with a filigree design // larger hoop style
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55
rings | | Gorjana amara ring set
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

cheers to 2020 y’all,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a paid partnership by Maggy London.
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.

the perfect red date night dress

hellooo christmas week!

i’ve been saving this post because red = christmas && being my first @reformation piece makes it extra special. i hesitate when it comes to @reformation because i love the fact that it’s an ethical brand, but the prices are veryyy expensive. i also don’t like that most of their things aren’t lined (so you will read reviews about it “feeling cheap” for the price on Nordstrom). (big) BUT the styles are AMAZING and #droolworthy. i never thought i’d describe clothing that way but here i am. #protip: buy this stuff on sale, regardless if you have something to wear it to or NOT. it’ll eventually come up, and if it doesn’t, by golly, even based on sale price you’ll FIND something to wear it to!! i guarantee it. oh heyyy, pizza/coffee outing. :D it’s all about #DOINGYOUBOO. when i show people the purchase i’m debating, they’ll say… “where would you wear that to?.” me = 🤔. one friend told me, “figuring out where to wear it to should never be a problem.” me = 😁. thanks @tristan.dav aka reformation friend/queen!! she’s 100% right. on a shopping spree i went. here’s what’s coming my way: lores top // butterfly midi dress // vollare dress // riesling dress // fay jumpsuit // zoe side slit midi skirt // graciella dress // nectarine dress… whoops. #protip: if it’s not available on the website, check Nordstrom as they price match and sale items AREN’T final sale!.

this red dress is the perfect red. apparently it complements my skintone perfectly because i received SO. MANY. COMPLIMENTS on it. the subtle sexy side slit made it extra appropriate for date night and honestly any occasion. it’s a guaranteed compliment-receiving dress. in fact, all reformation pieces i’ve worn or shown, i have received DOZENS of compliments. they are pieces i’ll keep forever so i have NO REGRETS.

side ramblings: my girls @thehonestshruth // @shelbysorrell // @onechelsofanadventure hosted an epic holiday party at @thecatheralatx (beautiful coworking/event space!), it was twice the size this year! it was the biggest white elephant gift exchange i’ve done #goodtimes and new friends made so i’m feeling hella grateful. i can’t believe it’s already christmas! i’m off for this entire week so it shall be a good, relaxing one. hope y’all enjoy this holiday season as it always zooms on by. as much as it’s a happy/festive time, it’s also a sad time for a lot of people. we miss the people we lost, we have memories creep into our mind, and we also feel very lonely. i feel you. know that is IS OKAY to feel this way. my tips to get through this are: meditate & breathe, practice gratitude, indulge in some self care, lower your expectations, reach out to friends, help someone in need. sometimes i feel like when you put a smile on someone else face, it automatically reflects back to you. :) xx

currently on my playlist: ocean eyes by Billie Eilish

currently reading: dear girls by Ali Wong

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