Hi friends!
Hope y’all are enjoying your weekend so far! I am in Palm Coast with my family and have a quiet couple of hours ahead before we start making dinner so I thought I’d run through what this week looked like over here. I never really do a week in review but thought it could be fun!
I’ll share a few details from my Christmas party the other night as y’all asked a few questions about my home decor and the appetizers I put together. I figured y’all could potentially use some of the recipe ideas as you’re making your final preps for the holiday!
Monday
ON THE BLOG: Holiday Gift Guide for the Guys
BEHIND THE SCENES: I flew to Laguna Beach, California on Sunday. On Monday, I had an appointment at DKW Styling Salon to get my color refreshed and bring my extensions back up to my roots. It’s quite a ways to travel just to get them refreshed so I will be looking to find a natural beaded row stylist that is a little closer to home … I’m thinking Atlanta, Houston or Nashville. I want to go somewhere that I can find a direct flight to and potentially do in one day versus two days. If you know of a good one, let me know in the comments below! After my appointment, I took an Uber to the airport to catch my flight home.
More insight into my hair extensions and favorite hair care products in THIS post! Also, a lot of y’all have asked for a hair tutorial and I literally don’t do anything different with my hair styling technique than when I shared THIS hair tutorial.
Also wanted to mention … I stayed at the cutest hotel that’s new to the Laguna Beach area called Hotel Joaquin! It is seriously so ‘cool’. I walked in on Sunday evening. It was dark but in their ‘common area’ living room they had a cozy fire going with Christmas jazz tunes coming from their record player The sliding glass doors were open so you could feel the cool air coming in. It was DI-VINE! I enjoyed my stay there so much and it wasn’t too expensive, like some of the places in the area are! Highly recommend!
Tuesday
ON THE BLOG: What To Wear On Christmas Day
BEHIND THE SCENES: Last weekend, I was chatting with my two girlfriends about having one last holiday gathering for a small group of girls and we settled on Wednesday night at my house. I was a little apprehensive as we made this decision on Saturday and I left Sunday to head to California and wouldn’t get back until late, late Monday evening! My home was not particularly in best hosting order [I swear, it was so cluttered and disorganized!] and I had never hosted a holiday gathering so my knowledge of ‘delicious’ holiday party finger foods was practically non-existent. So, Tuesday, I woke up super early because I had to style two looks for campaigns then head over to another part of town for my last shoot of the year. After that, I headed back to the beach to wrap my head around what needed to get done. Let’s just say … Justine and Stacy are actual angel’s because they came alongside me – knowing all the other work obligations that needed to get done before I headed down to Palm Coast for the holiday – and literally said ‘we’re going to take care of all of this’.
I literally could not do what I do without them. They are both retired wedding planners so this was right up their alley! I had so many things that needed to be submitted for work before the holiday and having them work on party prep really allowed me to not drop-the-ball on work obligations or the party! I’m seriously so thankful for my team!
Wednesday
ON THE BLOG: Last Minute Holiday Gifts At All Price Points
Thankfully, with the help of Justine and Stacy, we were able to get everything tidied up, redecorated, organized and cooked for the a Christmas Pajama Ornament Exchange in less than 48 hours. Here are the details that you saw on IG stories:
CHEESE BOARD: The Board Grazer lent me her delicious talent for making cheese plates! If you’re in the Jacksonville area, be sure to give her a call! She did such an amazing job. The cheese board was stunning and my guests thought everything was delicious!
FINGER FOODS: Stacy picked up some chocolate covered popcorn and a variety of seasonal cookies from Trader Joes and then we made Spicy BBQ Meatballs, Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese and Pecans, and Avocado Crack Dip!
DRINKS: I had ginger beer, lime juice, vodka, club soda, champagne, white wine and red wine on hand. I also made mulled wine with some mulling wine spices that we picked up from either World Market.
Y’all also had a lot of questions about my home decor! Here’s some links that I was able to grab quickly:
Anything else you see is likely old or from Home Goods!
Thursday
ON THE BLOG: How To Stay Warm & Cozy For Less with Koolaburra
BEHIND THE SCENES: Thursday was so rainy and completely ruined the plans I had to shoot a few Instagram’s for a collaboration that I’m really excited to share with you guys! I ended up running a ton of errands for the holidays, as I was planning to head down Friday after work, and still had so many things to grab, then wrapped up some other work items that were due. I also spent a good amount of time finishing up my Christmas shopping on Amazon!
Friday
ON THE BLOG: Tips To Make Heading Home For The Holidays Easier
BEHIND THE SCENES: Friday was a bit stressful. The collaboration photos took MUCH longer than originally anticipated. I wrapped everything up around 4:15, quickly edited everything then sent everything over to the brand for approval. I ended up leaving Jacksonville to head home a little later than expected but it was so great being greeted by the fam with open arms and a delicious hot meal the second I got in! This doesn’t really accurately describe the craziness of this week but, that’s okay! I’m just glad that it’s time for the holidays! I love spending time with family. I don’t see them as often as we’d all like so this is going to be such a wonderful long weekend!
Today’s Sales
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH: 40 – 60% off entire store!
AERIE: 40-60% off the Aerie Collection! All undies are 10 for $35! Get a $25 gift card when you purchase $75 worth of gift cards! Ends 12/24!
AMERICAN EAGLE: 40% off site-wide! Plus, get a $25 gift card when you purchase $75 worth of gift cards! Ends 12/24!
ANTHROPOLOGIE: Up to 50% off gifts!
J.CREW: Extra 40% off sale styles with code BIGSALE!
LOFT: 60% off cozy favorites and 50% off everything else with code VERYMERRY!
Head to the HOLIDAY PAGE for more holiday inspiration!
Today’s Outfit
Today, I’m wearing these super flattering and thick leggings [I got them in black and dark gray] that are currently 40% off, making them under $25! My waffle stitch sweater is literally the perfect tunic length. It covers my bum and is super cozy. It’s currently 60% off and fully in stock! Grab it now! And, then, I loved my Lezly slippers by Koolaburra so much that I had to get another pair! I’m loving these!
Want details for any other outfits I wore this week on Instagram? Head to THIS page to shop them easily!
Hope y’all have a great weekend! I’m off to spend time with the fam! xo.
