This space is a creative outlet and mostly just something fun for me. As I do occasionally share things that I feel are important though, I didn’t feel right staying completely silent here about current events. My thoughts and feelings are still very raw and I am by no means an expert on racial issues, but I am certain that I absolutely and unquestionably support Black people’s rights to live (and thrive). More than that, I acknowledge the Black community as they are asking for my help and support.

I spent my teens and early twenties on the east coast at an all-girls high school then college, and my uniform was either Lilly Pulitzer or a pastel popped collar polo shirt (technically my uniform during school was pajamas that passed the dress code. The Lilly and Lacoste came out on the weekends). Equally predictable was my jewelry: a silver Tiffany’s chain & tag necklace/bracelet and almost always pearl stud earrings.

Proof (and shout out to my bff Mary Jo)

One of my very favorite new places to shop online is Verishop. They’ve got an amazing selection of clothing, beauty, home, accessories and more and they offer amazing free one day shipping and free returns. I discovered them a few months ago and have shopped with them many times since.

Pinterest is one of my favorite sites/apps, and I love spending time finding pictures, quotes, recipes, and ideas that inspire me. I noticed that my pins usually follow a theme from time to time, so I thought I’d collect some of my favorite recent images and share them here with you. Lately I’ve been drawn to lots of pictures of beautiful views, and here are some of my favorite ones:

It looks like we might all be spending a little more time at home in inside for a while, and if you’re looking for something new and unique to watch I’ve got you! My ideal entertainment is a great romantic comedy, and I’ve been absolutely LOVING Korean tv shows in this genre lately. They’re almost all that I’ve watched for probably the last six months. I love how creative and special they all are, and it’s so exciting to learn about an entire different culture while watching something entertaining.

You know how certain foods like tomatoes or asparagus seem so gross when you’re little and then you end up loving them as you grow up? Well, I never thought I’d say this but I think “touristy” button down shirts are SO cute right now.

I can’t believe it’s 2020! There’s an Instagram challenge going around to post photos of yourself at the beginning and end of this decade, so here are mine! In the past 10 years, I’ve welcomed some new grey hairs and a little deeper “dimples”; I’ve also dealt with some much harder things like health issues and anxiety. I married my best friend and we moved states, adopted dogs, and started our adult lives together.

There have been so many ups and downs and I can’t say that everything is better than it was 10 years ago. I wish I knew more about my body and health and took a little better care of myself then. I wish I traveled more and took advantage of so many abilities and opportunities I had at the time. But I’m also ready to move forward and start 2020 full of hope and love and gratitude for all that I am and have.

Comparison pics like this are fun (ask me again in my 40s though 😂) but for anyone else who has had tough moments this month, decade, or year, let’s forget the comparisons and just keep going! May we all be grateful, hopeful, successful, healthy, happy and loved/loving now and always. Happy New Year!

My final gift guide this year and it’s officially December! All of these guides are technically for everyone, but this is a list of things that could have been included in both the him and her guides. I would truly feel comfortable giving these to men or women, people super close to me (like my husband or sister), or less familiar recipients (like colleagues or secret Santas, etc.). You might think that the body wash/lotion and lip balm seem kind of personal, but trust me when I say that these are so good that even your kid’s teacher or your work friend would be happy to receive them!