top 4 fragrances

time for a #beautytalk on fragrances!

alright alright alright. even though i haven’t worn these in a while i thought i’d document some of my favorite fragrances! i’ve narrowed these down over the years and like to think i’ve gotten a little more sophisticated in taste (at least my wallet agrees). one thing to note about fragrances is that it differs on everyone. so something may smell completely different on you than it does on me. it may smell a little different on you than it does in the bottle. so it’s always a good thing to TRY it before you buy it. this includes wearing it to see how to dissipates throughout the day. fragrance is personal but i also like to think it elevates any outfit. a lot like fashion, you reach for different fragrances depending on your mood.

i started wearing perfume i think in high school/college? it was in the days that all the guys were wearing Cool Water so… i go way back. my go-to back then was Ralph Lauren romance (classic florals with notes of lily and white florals). gosh i loved that. i ventured into Jo Malone’s wild bluebell (fresh floral with notes of bluebell, white musk, and persimmon) but found it started to smell weird on me or maybe the fragrance was damaged since it’s in a clear bottle and it had been too long? either way, there’s a theme i didn’t expect; i like the smell of florals. over the years i’ve tried so many more that i ended up giving away. i’m not really into strong, overpowering scents and find my nose be sensitive to smells in all beauty products in general. here i’m capturing my top four on my vanity and tips to how to keep perfume from lasting after the jump!

side ramblings: life is a little crazy lately but a lil plant update from this #wannabeplantlady. this weekend alone i added a dwarf zamioculcas zamiifolia (zz zenzi), a pilea peperomioides (money plant), and a philodendron birkin to my collection. apparently the zz and money plant are really hard to kill so there’s hope! i’ve been to only a few nurseries in ATX and so far i really like @thegreatoutdoors the most! i’ve also been looking on etsy/online and here are some cool stores i stumbled upon: @thenewplantco, @theplantchica and @californiatropicals. lastly, on a movie note, Wonder Woman was disappointing — too long & slightly cheesy && to all the boys: always & forever pt.3 releases 02/12!

currently on my playlist: you gotta be by Des’ree

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first, some quick bullet points on how to make fragrances last on you by… PREPPING the skin:

  • exfoliate — get rid of dead skin cells sitting ontop

  • wash — fragrances usually have a body wash, this is a great way to double up

  • moisturize — this is key, make sure you moisturize so that the fragrance has something to “stick to” esp at the wrists where people normally spray (dab with other wrist and then behind ears & down the neck)

  • investing in extrait de parfum vs. eau de parfum vs. eau de toilette (EDT) — language used in high-end brands but basically extrait de parfum has the most conentrated oils which means it usually lasts longer but is also more expensive

the floral family pictured bottom to top:

1. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris baccarat rouge 540 //

notes: jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, and amergris
price tag: $300 for 2.4oz
bottom line: unique but a spurge that can only be found at high-end dept stores, but well worth it for any pick-me-up-mood-booster or for special occasions

this is the BOUGIEST of BOUGIE fragrances. the KING of the crop, one-of-a-kind, use-ultra-sparingly kinda fragrance. one of my (you guessed it, bougie) friends was wearing this and i couldn’t help but ASK what it was. i went home, googled it and GASPED. like how could one ever spend that much on perfume?! well i did and i’m obsessed. i put this on whenever i want a mood booster. could be everyday if i was made of money but also great for occasions/a night out. also available in extrait de parfum = long lasting, also the red bottle is #allthehearteyes.

2. PHLUR améline //

notes: rose, pink peppercorn, italian bergamot, patchouli
price tag: $96 for 50ML (which is approx 1.7oz, estimated 6-12 months of wear)
bottom line: clean fragrance that’s affordable and great for everyday wear (and shoot, gotta represent ATX)

i’m so glad that PHLUR reached out to me on IG to collaborate a couple years ago. i LOVE this company. i learned a lot about clean fragrances (none of the bad stuff, hypoallergenic, cruetly-free, vegan, sustainably sourced & packaged with recycled materials) and still in awe of their dedication that goes into creating quality fragrances. not only are they a clean company, they’re local so i’m all for it. i tried all their fragrances and améline stole my heart. this is my everyday go-to. it’s also packaged in an opaque bottle to preserve the fragrance (also the top is magnetic!!). PHLUR taught me that light actually damages it (so that’s why i store my baccarat in its original box). also, the TSA-approved refillable travel vessel makes it super easy to take a long on trips!

3. diptyque l’ombre dans l’eau //

notes: petitgrain, bulgarian rose, blackcurrant leaves & buds, bergamot, mandarin
price tag: $105 for 1.07oz
bottom line: slightly pricey and for special occasions (i’ve actually spotted some diptyque perfumes at costco.com but they go fast)

i was actually lucky to receive this in a goodie bag when i attended the grand opening of diptyque at the Domain a couple years ago. very rare that i’m gifted a perfume (blindly) that i actually end up liking but this made the cut. it smells very similar to my fave candle by them — baies. i usually reach for this on special occasions only.

4. Viktor & Rolf flowerbomb //

notes: cattleya orchid, freesia, rose, jasmine, patchouli, vanilla
price tag: $85 for 1oz.
bottom line: most affordable and readily available everywhere, you can even find it at costco.com too!

this is an honorable mention. i’ve reached for this less and less but it’s still there when i’m feeling SPICY. because.. it smells spicy. it’s a great alternative to the florals as it has a musky scent to it that’s also great for everyday wear.


what’s a couple of your fave fragrances?,
JD

my homeownership journey

Janna Doan, Homeowner

i’ll just add that to my “credentials” of local model, personal stylist, content creator, influencer etc.. haha. i’ve wanted to write this post for years. but could never get around to it so what better time than a pandemic? i’ve owned a home for three years now (still a newbie but ACK! time flies!) and it’s been quite a journey — a stressful/hard one, yet extremely satisfying at the same time, ya know?! it would be remiss if i didn’t thank my right hand man, my father, who has taught me so much my whole life but the last three years spent countless hours teaching me all the things about owning a home, fixing it & maintaining it. i learned so much more than i wanted to but hey, you know they say knowledge is power. my main satisfaction comes from KNOWING how to do something. as a woman, i find it empowering. from mowing the lawn to replacing toilets. it’s such a good feeling to say, YES. i know how to do that. if you’re thinking of going into homeownership, i highly recommend it, don’t wait for life to unfold the way it’s supposed to. make things happen for yourself and just know that the homeownership journey will be a very difficult one. just be prepared to ask for help and watch tons of how-to YouTube videos. you’ll survive. shoot, i did somehow. so that means you can too 😊

side ramblings: how fitting that the Target x @studiomcgee line launched yesterday!! and oh me. oh my. i am always a fan of her interior design skills. it’s a smidge more farmhouse for my taste but she does a good job in mixing a little farmhouse chic + modern together. i picked up a few things: moss wood plant arrangement, weathered terracotta jugs in small & large sizes. currently eyeing: this decorative basket (for throw blankets), faux olive plant arrangement, short glass vase (i like the look and dimensions of this one), pedestal serving bowl, and these floral napkins. a lot of stuff is already sold out but they usually re-stock! i’m kind of on an itch to re-decorate and change things up a little. i think this happens each time i take down the christmas tree 🤣 and i know i’m not the only one!!!

currently on my playlist: independent woman by Destiny’s Child

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but first, outfit deets 😁:

top | Abercrombie & Fitch long sleeve seamless squareneck bodysuit in white (i always love a good square neck!, wearing size S for size reference) — similar but short sleeves // satin cami
denim | GAP mid-rise relaxed boyfriend jeans in medium indigo (old) — similar by Old Navy
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
rings | Gorjana amara ring set
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

the search: the search for a home was a longgggg journey. it took me almost two years to find it. but you know… they say that the right house comes along at the right time. it’s true. i looked at a lot of homes. it was exhausting. but after each one, i learned more about what i did and didn’t like. the thing is, there’s never a perfect home unless you build it from the ground up. there’s always going to be something “wrong” but i guess that’s where your must-have list comes into play. make a list of things you must-have in a home. for me, it was pretty simple: new-ish one-story home, 3 bed and 3 bath, one door garage, white kitchen. another thing to think about is location. always pick location over everything else because that is something you CANNOT change. the interior of the house? you can change. think about the things you can and cannot live with/without and prioritize. this house ended up being more than my price range but due to location i went all in. it was risky, but it was the best decision i’ve made. it’s funny how it happened. i jokingly sent the listing to my parents as a “wow wouldn’t this be nice?!” turns out they secretly scoped it out without me! i ended up putting in an offer without even looking at it and the rest is history. funny how it all works out! some other things to think about when buying a home: HOA fees (don’t pay hundreds a month! that is robbery!), and find a realtor who is wiling to give you back some of their commission.

year one: in my first year of homeownership, there were definitely tears. haha. it was hella stressful and feelings of biting off more than i could chew. everything was a DIY. i knew nothing about interior design. money was tight because i had signed my life away to this dwelling and i basically had ZERO furniture, i remember the first year there were echos in the house when i talked because i literally had nothing but a desk and a bed. i never realized how a lawn can grow at such an alarming rate in the summer, not to mention weeds. URGH. don’t get me started on weeds. my BFF was measuring tape. i friggin’ MEASURED everything. it was insane. i was at home depot on the daily it felt like. my father and i built a lot of furniture. i will say one thing, i became an expert at building the IKEA hemnes line. i can tell you with so much confidence that i am the woman for that haha. and hey, if you can build IKEA furniture by yourself and interpret those instructions that are only pictures..… there isn’t a thing in life that you cannot do!!!

year two: the second year, i got smart and finally allowed myself to hire professionals for lawn service & treatments. gosh it was the BIGGEST treat. at this point i realized i had problems of letting go, i had problems asking for help. i felt like i needed to save my money and do everything myself. but the problem was that i was also working multiple jobs (by choice) and it took a breakdown to realize… i just can’t do it all. i can’t. i’m one person and i need help. letting that aspect go was hard for me, and it sounds crazy right? however, i was still frugal. i barely turned on the heater or let the AC go down to a really cool state in the summer. i began to have my parent’s mentality “put on a sweater” haha. funny how we start to gravitate towards their ways as we grow up.

current: the third year was when i finally started to feel settled into here. no more furniture searching or worries about lawn care etc… this was also the year that COVID took our lives in weird directions. i lived a little more and allowed myself heat and AC. 🤣 it feels good to have a rhythm and flow now. to finally have the essentials. but the list never ends does it?! haha. at least now i can finally focus on elements that are nice-to-have but not-really-needed like some upgrades and decor. it’s a good place to be. finally.

random things i learned//

security & staying informed

  • homeownership apps: Next Door and private community Facebook page you can join (if applicable). though there’s lots of buzz and opinions on there (and people who have a lot of time to post), but there can be good info on what’s going on in the neighborhood. great way to stay informed and share information quickly. EX: used to identify a rattlesnake and to find someone to help me get rid of it!!!! you can also use it to sell/buy/give away home stuff too! also, Home Advisor is great & easy app for getting quotes for house projects/repairs

  • alarm system = GET IT. this is something you won’t regret. it’s money well spent to protect yourself and your assets. safety is always #1; you can’t put a price tag on it. you def don’t want to be in a spot of being robbed when an alarm system could’ve avoided that whole mess. also note, a permit is required to have a residential alarm system and of course that includes an annual fee! adulting comes with so many price tags they don’t tell you about!

  • surveillance system = GET IT. lemme tell you, there’s some funky stuff that happens that you don’t see. lol i have the arlo and love it! don’t want a set of cameras?, at least purchase a doorbell one such as the arlo doorbell or the Ring that allows you to talk through it without having to answer the door

documentation/tracking logs/$$$

  • keep track of all the permanent upgrades that you make to your house (inside and out)! i use Excel and keep track of everything i’ve added to the house. including the date added, dollar amounts, links to the items, contact info, model #s etc… it keeps a running total of the added value you’ve put into your home.

  • keep track of all your monthly expenses such as gas, utilities, water, internet, mortgage, HOA, security etc… this gives you an idea how much you’re spending a month that are strictly essential home expenses.

  • sometimes, enrolling in auto-pay or going paperless for your house bills can save you a little money, also pre-paying for services can also get you a little discount — rule of thumb, never hurts to ask!

  • add re-occurring events to your google calendar such as: changing the air filter (yearly), changing the refrigerator water filter (6 months), spraying the exterior of your house (yearly in spring), change out roach/ant bait for preventative measures (6 months)

  • extra money? put some of it towards your monthly mortgage payments, every little bit counts and gets you closer to paying off your house!

  • property taxes… now that’s something that’ll make you wanna cry. find a company that will protest your property taxes for you. they usually take a certain % but it takes one minute to sign up and they DO EVERYTHING FOR YOU. there is ZERO RISK and you only pay if they’re able to lower your property taxes. i use FiveStone. this is a no-brainer

  • get your homeowner’s and car insurance through the same company. sometimes they’ll give you a discount. also, when it comes to re-newing your policies, ask for a discount!!! i’ve shaved off at least $200 just by asking

exterior & pests

  • lawn service = GET IT. but first, know how to do it yourself so you have greater appreciation for those who do it for a living. nothing like mowing the lawn at 7AM in the Texas summer heat to make you feel humbled

  • lawn treatments = GET IT

  • there’s something weirdly satisfying about pulling a really large weed, roots and all. i can’t explain it. i won’t. yes, i actually went out and spent hours pulling weeds before = wasted time

  • every spring, spray the exterior of your home to prevent critters from crawling their way in. this is a good one. don’t skimp and do your hand a favor by paying more for the one touch continuous spray!

  • best ant bait: Terro liquid ant bait. don’t waste your time on the other stuff

  • best gift to a new homeowner: a bug zapper. because you know, sometimes you need to kill something without splattering its guts. when i see a critter i jump into HIGH-MODE. like there ain’t no time to even scream or be scared. i got this. also, you will see smoke coming from these zaps, it is no joke!

  • leaf guards for the gutters = a must

interior & misc

  • legit measuring tape is sharp. it will legit CUT YOU. speaking from experience

  • cleaning vents… well, now i know why you should hire a professional for that

  • painting is a lot harder than it seems

  • painters tape (aka: blue tap) is frigging NIFTY. it sticks and it doesn’t ruin things or walls. in thick and thin sizes

  • for the cabinets underneath the faucet, line the bottom and a little more of it with plastic so that when it leaks, it doesn’t entirely ruin your wooden cabinets (this is where painters tape is again handy)

  • when it comes to refrigerator water filters, buy the brand name. unless you like cleaning a huge water leak mess

  • want to donate something? you can always schedule a pick-up with The Salvation Army

  • dress up your IKEA furniture with nicer knobs

  • when it comes to interior design, you cannot go wrong with white. WHITE literally goes with everything. the upkeep isn’t fun. but if you don’t know what you’re doing start with white and add to your color scheme

  • when shopping for furniture the two things you should invest in: dining table, couch

  • smoke detector uses a 9V battery

  • when getting quotes for work done on your home always get three to compare

  • nothing like getting a little shocked/zapped/electrocuted to make you feel alive, couple of volts never hurt anyone, right?!! clearly it was an accident that won’t ever be happening again. like ever.

  • light bulb 101: lumens = brightness (measured in K, the higher, the brighter); watts = amt of power required; color (from low to high K) = warm (yellowish, usually for living rooms, bedrooms, dens), bright white (more white, usually for kitchens, office, bathrooms), daylight. LED is usually the way to go bc it saves energy, lasts longer, and doesn’t contain mercury. i also like motion sensor bulbs (automatically turns on when there is motion) for the front door and dawn to dusk sensing bulbs (automatically turns on at dusk, and off at dawn) for the front lights

cheers to having a place to call home,
JD

how to style a cropped cardigan

here we go 2021!

for the first post of 2021 i decided on a how-to. it’s been a while since i’ve purchased a cropped top but i have been intrigued by the cropped cardigan lately. if styled right, this type of cropped sweater could really go a long ways, lessening the price per wear and making it a piece to invest in. i’d go with a neutral color so it’s easy to match. crop tops don’t have to be intimidating! if you’re in the #over30 club, opt for high-waisted bottoms! the chenille texture of this cropped cardigan adds a casual and dressy element depending on how it’s styled. here i choose to go with a more elevated/dressy look styled four ways with a pair of pumps: 1. with a bias silk midi skirt, 2. with wide leg pants, 3. with skinny jeans, and 4. over a slip dress. more after the jump!

side ramblings: the year has already started off on a crazy note. i think it’s a sign to begin getting into my pre-COVID routine again. while i’ve enjoyed the rest i think it’s time to start getting into my routine again. starting with waking up at 5AM-ish again (gulp). also, my sis and i are on a houseplant kick. i think it’s to pass time but it’s really interesting learning about all the types of plants out there! hopefully i can start turning these black thumbs into light green ones. either way, i’m enjoying it and could use it to freshen up the space a little!

currently on my playlist: can’t look back by Mat Kearney

#1 - with a satin bias midi skirt which adds a nice texture play with the chenille cardigan! isn’t the caramel just the perfect tone?! they really nailed this one.

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in general, cardigans are great layering pieces. something to grab when you need a light layer but don’t need a full blown jacket and they drape nicely over clothing without making you look frumpy or lazy. i’d also wear any of these styles casually by changing out the pumps with a pair of casual white sneakers! or maybe even some block heels or square toe slip on sandals 😊

#2 - with some high-waisted cropped wide leg pants. see how the neutral cropped cardi goes so well with navy too?!

#3 - with skinny jeans. i didn’t think i’d love these skinny jeans as much as i do! i’ve always been hesitant on the exposed button fly but these are so fun and the wash and length are perfect. these are an 11” rise so go past the belly button!!

#4 - over a slip dress. not sure about this color on me but you get it. any slip dress works! and you can button it or leave it open/un-buttoned!

top | Abercrombie & Fitch chenille cropped cardigan in cream (wearing size XS) — similar but waffle knit // similar but eyelash
skirt | Banana Republic heritage washable silk bias-cut skirt in camel (wearing size XS) — similar by Express
pants | Ann Taylor wide leg pants in navy (old) — similar by Everlane
denim | Abercrombie & Fitch high rise skinny jeans in medium wash (got mine in a short length! = no hemming needed; i really like the fit & wash on these. now getting used to the exposed button fly)
dress | Abercrombie & Fitch side slit slip midi dress in copper (wearing size S petite, and could’ve gone down to an XS petite) — similar with a knot detail // similar and on sale for $23 // similar by Reformation (love the side button detail)
shoes | Ann Taylor azra pumps in baked pecan (i LOVE this color!)
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
necklace | Amanda Deer coin toggle necklace in gold(sold out) — similar
rings | Gorjana amara ring set

rock the cropped cardi!,
JD

the sweater jogger set & valuing your time

peace out, 2020.

i’ve been wanting to say that for a long time now. oh wait, i have been. this year has been terrible. like everyone else, i’m tired of living in uncertainty and the lack of human interaction is wearing me down. but that’s okay! (insert the i’m fine, i’m fine meme) it’s all gonna be okay. at least that’s what i keep telling myself.

though the year seemed to drag itself, it also flew by. i can’t really explain it. like twilight zone material (GET ME OUT PLS!) but you feel me right?! for me, 2020 was spent in silence, introspection, and deeper sense of appreciation for what it means to LIVE life. as we enter 2021, there is no way but UP right? i mean anything has got to beat this year. 2020 has set the bar so low that whatever you set out to achieve, by golly i hope you better dang achieve it in 2021!! i do know after this year of rest, i’ll be out all day and night making up for lost time and food 🤣 on a more serious note, after some thought, all i really want this upcoming year to be about is putting more of my time towards things that are considered high value uses of time.

Pareto’s 80/20 principle has always intrigued me and my goal is to get better at it. the principle is that 80% of outcomes (or outputs) result from 20% of all causes (or inputs). i listened to The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch on audible a while ago, and while the book is pretty repetitive and somewhat hard for the average joe-jane to implement in work/real life, it does offer a good list i wrote down and sharing after the jump. remember to use this list a guideline and not something that is absolute (nothing should ever be unless you’re getting steak, to which it should be a ribeye).

last random thoughts: this space for the last couple of months has offered me sanity. an escape from the “new norm” FORCING me to get really creative. that’s the thing about struggle is that it gives you the opportunity to pivot, to reinvent yourself. i used to think the best days of JDC have been lived. but now i’m not so sure (don’t quote me though). i’m actually shocked how much i did all on my own. but of course, thank you for cheering me on! see you in 2021, cheers friends!

currently on my playlist: love is the answer by Aloe Blacc

“cause love is the answer. it’s the answer to the questions in your mind. love is the answer. if you’re looking it’s the answer you gonna find. love is the answer. it’s the only thing that everybody needs. love is the answer. it’s the only thing that makes us truly free.”
— Aloe Blacc
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note: “results” are relative to each individual. the idea is to abandon the low value uses of time and and find ways to mold your life/job towards high value uses of time. something to ponder and refer to as we close out 2020 and enter 2021. use the lists a guidelines vs. absolute. remember, it’s all about taking something and making it yours.

a lil blurb about this two piece set. as if i needed another one. but these are actually made from really nice sweater-like-stretchy-material. perfect for when you wanna feel a lil chic but also wanna be comfy.

top | Abercrombie & Fitch crewneck lounge sweater in tan (wearing size XS, could’ve gone S too since it’s slightly a short top) — also avail in a turtleneck
bottom | Abercrombie & Fitch sweater joggers in tan (wearing size S)
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain)
earrings | Shashi always earrings — also avail on Amazon
mug | Anthropologie monogram mug
breakfast table | CB2 odyssey white tulip dining table in white top/white base
chairs | IKEA TOBIAS chair in clear/chrome plated

cheers to 2021!,
JD

athleisure set with a hoodie

the luxe two-piece.

there aren’t may hoodies left in my wardrobe these days but sometimes a hoodie is absolutely necessary. especially when you’re needing to go somewhere real quick and you just. washed. your. hair. it’s probably a mental thing but a hoodie gives some “clean coverage” esp during cedar season when pollen is everywhere and getting pollen in clean hair is just… unthinkable. i was looking for a level-ed up two piece set besides sweats/cuffed joggers and this one fit the bill. it’s made of nylon & spandex so it has a nice luxe feel too it and i like how the pants are a little jazzed up with the seam infront. good travel outfit. whenever traveling is in again.

other little details include: the plastic zippered pockets in the back & one infront = comfy yet able to secure small items and the hoodie has a high-low hem and slits on the side making it a unique enough piece. and it has… THUMBHOLES! haha. i love thumbholes for reasons i can’t explain. (also purchased the coaster luxe sweatshirt in the same transaction with thumbholes, so soft!! reviews says it pills so i’ll see). the drawstring on the hoodie adds a relaxed casual vibe despite it being a luxe set. my only complaint was that the abalone grey color on the website has a slight pink hue to it. IRL it’s actually a muted grey-beige. not the best color for my skintone (it looks like my wall now that i’m looking at the photos LOL) but returns are such a hassle these days so i kept it.

side ramblings: december is already flying by. next week is #birthdayweek! it feels weird since most of my decembers are spent #nomnomnom-ing at all the restaurants with family & friends and treating myself to all the misc things. it’ll be low-key as heck over here but next year i think i’m taking a trip somewhere. my friends are already making me feel so spoiled & loved by sending me my fave @maggielouseconfections chocolates & introduced me to this bougie gadget 😁 goodbye lukewarm coffee!

currently on my playlist: tell my by Groove Theory

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top | Athleta mission hoodie in abalone grey (wearing size XS)
bottom | Athleta venice pintuck pant in abalone grey (wearing size S petite, could’ve gone down to XS petite)

rock all the luxe loungewear!,
JD

pecan tartlets recipe

pecan tartlets >> pecan pie

switchin’ it up with a recipe for the holidays! these are an annual tradition in the DOAN family and ALWAYS a crowd pleaser!! i like tartlets over pie because 1. tartlets are mini size and any bite sized dessert is so cute (not to mention portion controlled too), and 2. tartlets = more surface area for crust, and crust (esp homemade) is good for the soul. not proven, but i attest to it. anyways, i thought it would be fun to share and since it’s documented here i won’t have to go looking too hard for the recipe, so we all win! these are also great in the mornings with coffee, a la mode, or a baked treat as a gift for a friend or co-workers!

side ramblings: well, #blackfriday and #cybermonday were a blur. closed my eyes and suddenly i have all these packages arriving at my house soon. weird how that worked out. 😁 i did go a little out on things that i don’t even need, because let’s face it, what do we really need?! but it’s always nice to #treatyourself and even better when it’s at a discount! haha. one thing i do know it that it’s been a rough year and girl/boy, you deserve it! as the holidays approach, it looks different this year. but let’s do the most we can to keep up with that christmas spirit! (even it means more christmas decorations!!)

currently on my playlist: white christmas by Brett Eldrege (perhaps my fave christmas album!)

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i had fun making into a printable PDF for ya! just click the button at the bottom, put on some christmas tunes, get your baking hats on & ENJOY! 😊 #nomnomnom

the puff sleeve sweater & black friday 2020

the only thing puffy we like are puffy sleeves. oh, and puffy tacos.

here we are, the week of Thanksgiving! crazy to think how this year has flown by but yet also stood still. i’ve been on a kick lately to buy tops. mainly because… WFH situation LOL. i’ve always been a dress kinda gal but feel way too dressed up WFH in it. this casual crewneck was perfect since it has a little puff sleeve detail and you know ya gal is all about the puff sleeve! i sized down to an XS since it’s ribbed (stretches) and maybe could’ve gone S if i wanted it longer. puff sleeves always adds a fun, feminine touch and sometimes dramatic enough to make a statement. i also added a pearl headband my blogger bestie convinced me to try! glad i did. it goes perfectly with the sweater and makes a great casual holiday look and for family photos too! lastly, the denim — i’ve had these for a while and they’re a good option when you’re looking for a hybrid of straight and skinny jeans. and they’re a button fly so i’m down! something about the button fly that always looks better than zippers.

side ramblings: i finished @schittscreek and it was AMAZING. i was on the fence about it but thank goodness my BFF told me to keep watching until the end of season two. i cried, i laughed, and fell in love with all the characters. to me, it was a show about acceptance, growing up, and navigating trying times. so it was perfect for 2020. i wish they’d make more seasons, but gotta quit while you’re ahead! i started watching @thegoodplace since it’s by the same people as @brooklyn99 and it’s interesting so far. looks like #blackfriday is starting early this year?! confused but okay with it 😄 i rounded up some deals & picks after the jump and may update it as the week progresses! xx

currently on my playlist: angel of mine by Monica (throwing back slow jams!)

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2020 black friday sales //

i picked a few retailers to make it less overwhelming and picked items that i would or have purchased myself. get you a glass of wine and start clicking through! happy #blackfriday shopping!