Friday, December 31, 2021

GOODBYE 2021, HELLO 2022

Happy New Year's Eve, friends! I am actually excited that 2021 is coming to a close. Every year, life always feels a little depressing after the holidays. While I hate seeing all of the sparkle, joy and magic that is Christmas go, the start of a new year is refreshing. I fully support the idea of starting today and not waiting for "a new year, a new you," however sometimes the promise of a clean slate and new possibilities is the push you need. It also makes the transition and post-holiday depression a little bit easier!

Full outfit details in this post.

In typical KP fashion, I'm planning on ringing in the new year at home. Easy + low key does it. Good food, company and watching the ball drop is my kinda party. I have been spending the past week reflecting on this year and my intentions for 2022. I always have resolutions and tangible goals, however an intention can really set the tone for your year. It goes beyond the to-do lists and what we want to do to who we want to be. With a little soul-searching and looking in the mirror, we can usually pin point the parts of our lives that need a little extra love, care, attention or improvement. Thinking through what I want to do and be in the new year, I keep coming back to taking care of me

Whether it's mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally or financially, I want to put me first in 2022. I often meet and excel at that in these different areas at different times, however never usually all at once. It's also all too easy for us to prioritize other things or people in our lives before ourselves. I often find myself unbalanced at times, feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained. I'm hoping in 2022, I can learn to even these areas out a bit and keep a checks and balances on everything. PS -- if you're also curious about what my resolutions are, check back next week!

Sending you the best vibes for an amazing and abundant New Year! 

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

WHAT I WANT FOR 2022



Golden Goose sneakers / Button-up / Star Pendant / JRB Miracle Balm / JRB Face Stick / Marc Jacobs Tote


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I love sharing my wishlist with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

Monday, December 27, 2021

WHAT I'VE LEARNED IN 2021

As the chapter of 2021 is coming to an end, I’ve been reflecting on the highs and lows of the year, the progress and the setbacks. Like every year, this one has brought me my fair share of life lessons, experiences and personal growth. We’re all faced with encounters and circumstances that challenge and hopefully make us better. Over the years, I've learned to pay attention and look a little more closely at these adversities. They're where the real magic happens- regardless of whether we like the outcome or not, growth happens. 

What-I've-Learned-in-2021-The-Kristen-Diary-Blog


+ Opportunity is everywhere. You have to seek it out and put in the work, but it’s there. Often in the most unexpected places.

+ Never burn bridges. Take the high road— even when you’re right. Some days, I HATE this rule. When you feel taken advantage of or disrespected by someone, all you want to do is tell them to stick it. To put them in their place. At the end of the day, you end losing more than you gain. When it comes to relationships (especially in business), you never know who you’ll encounter again down the line or who knows who. It’s better to stay on good terms with people and at the end of the day, is a reflection of you. You don’t have to kiss their ass, but it’s good to keep things cordial.

+ Maintain your self respect. I’m all for keeping those bridges, however it should never be at the expense of your self respect or mental well being. Some people don’t deserve all of your time and attention. If they can’t respect you for who you are or what’s important to you, they don’t deserve to have full access to you. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to burn a bridge or be ugly, but you owe it to yourself to take care of you first.

+ Prioritize your health.

+ When one door closes, another one opens. Cliche, but so true. I think we’re often hesitant for change. The unknown is scary, less comfortable. Sometimes you’re thrown a curveball or roadblock that you have to dodge. It makes you feel uneasy and nervous. What’s going to happen? How do I deal with this? In my experience, it always works out in the end. You’ll agonize or worry over it, and then it will work itself out. Even better, these setbacks often lead you to a better destination you wouldn’t have ever considered or dreamed of. I’m a big believer in divine intervention and silver linings.

+ Expecting others to do as you do or be as you are usually leads to disappointment. I’ve learned to accept this, but I still have a hard time dealing with it from time to time. There are no perfect people, including myself. Despite that, I think most of us have our own moral compass of what we consider to be “acceptable” or “unacceptable” behavior from others. A lot of the times we expect people to behave in a particular way or do something that we would. When they don’t, it often leaves you feeling hurt or disappointed. Like you care or respect them more than they do you. It leaves you feeling less than. It can also be a shock, because most of the things you consider to be “obvious” are engrained in who you are. They’re a given. When someone doesn’t align with that, it feels disarming. The kicker is you have no control or say over them— you can only control yourself. No one else is obligated to do anything for you either, just as you aren't for them. That doesn't always make it easier, but learning to accept things at face value for what they are saves you from constantly feeling disappointed. 

+ Consistency builds confidence. If you're afraid to start something because it isn't the right time, you don't know where to begin or you're afraid it won't be "good enough," do it anyways. Everyone feels this way at some point. You'll figure it out as you go- it's part of the process. It also feels way better to try imperfectly than not try at all. 


Through these experiences, I’ve learned a lot about people-- including myself. Here is to closing the books on this year and starting an even better 2022 full of health, wealth and happiness! Happy New Year! 


I love sharing my thoughts with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

Friday, December 24, 2021

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE

Happy Christmas Eve, friends! We’ve officially made it to Christmas weekend which means the holiday posts on TKD are winding down. I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and what I hope will be a joyful weekend spent with loved ones. 


Every year I’m always sad to see the holidays come and go. It’s an exciting and often overwhelming time of the year. It’s nice to have a minute to breathe once it’s all over, however I always miss the fun and magic it brings. I’m excited to have a few days off from work to soak it all up and spend time with my people! ☺️

What do you usually do on Christmas Eve? Normally my family and I are traveling to Atlanta to see relatives, however this year we are keeping it low key and staying in Tennessee. I’m excited to spend Christmas at home with them and JJ. Today’s agenda is *hopefully* wrapping up the rest of my gifts, doing some baking and watching a few of those Christmas movies from Wednesday’s post. I’ll try to share some of the weekend with you over on IG stories!

Sending you all lots of love! 

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

CHRISTMAS MOVIES I'M WATCHING THIS WEEK

Happy Christmas week, friends!! I'm feeling both excited for the week and a little sad that it's almost over. I never feel like there's enough time to fully enjoy the season-- it comes and goes so fast. I'm still fully committed to accomplishing my to-do list for the week which includes watching as many Christmas movies as possible! So far I'm off to a slow start with only A Castle for Christmas under my belt, however we still have plenty of time to binge watch all week long (and after!). Anyone else enjoy watching Christmas movies through the New Year? It's one of my favorite things! 

I've watched most of my top picks from the new Netflix releases so I'm moving on to the oldies + favorites. JJ and I are *hopefully* going to have a wrapping party sometime this week where we can watch a few together. He has never seen The Holiday and I haven't watched it yet this year so I think that's at the top of the list. I was also excited to find both Just Friends on Netflix and Die Hard on Amazon. I haven't seen either of those in a long time so I'm adding them to the list! Although a little unconventional, they're definitely Christmas movies in my book. 

A few of my favorites like This Christmas and The Family Stone aren't available online which means I probably need to buy them. For now, I'm narrowing it down to these unless I can catch others on tv. 

CHRISTMAS MOVIES I'M WATCHING THIS WEEK

+ The Holiday
+ Christmas With the Kranks
+ The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star
+ Just Friends
+ Home Alone
+ Die Hard

What all are you planning to watch this week? My sister told me I need to watch Emily in Paris because the new season comes out... I think it's holidayish? I also need to watch the Christmas episodes of The Great British Baking Show. I would love to watch it all but I'm trying to keep my list realistic for now. Wouldn't it be great to spend the entire week binge watching everything? Maybe one day, lol! Let me know if I'm missing any of your must-watch movies! 

Monday, December 20, 2021

DRY SKIN SAVIORS

Lately I've noticed my skin has been feeling a little bit drier from the change in cooler weather. It always peters on the normal-to-dry scale which worsens with the environment + weather changes during the wintertime. Opting for rich, hydrating products can make a world of difference and help give your skin a little love. Keep reading for my top dry skin saviors to help boost moisture + hydration. 

+ HAND CREAM - If you're also prone to over washing your hands, you've likely dealt with dry hands. That in combination with the cooler weather + indoor heat can leave your hands feeling dehydrated and oftentimes itchy. Using a good hand cream is a must for me. Right now I'm using this one from Necessaire-- it's full of peptides and vitamins that help to nourish and protect the skin. I love how moisturizing + absorbent the formula is. It absorbs quickly without leaving your hands feeling greasy. 

+ MOISTURIZER - If my skin is feeling extra dry, I'll switch to a thicker moisturizer to add in some extra hydration. One of the best I have found (and love) is the TATCHA Dewy Skin Cream. It's contains Japanese purple rice which is full of antioxidants to help plump and moisturize the skin. It always leaves my skin feeling amazingly soft + and a little bit goes a long ways! 

+ OIL - When I'm feeling extra dry or want to seal in moisture, I'll use a face oil. They're great for hydrating the skin and giving an extra boost. I like to use them by themselves or over top of my moisturizer + serums to lock everything in. My two favorite clean options are this one from Agent Nateur and this one from Josie Maran

+ LIPPIES - I'm constantly fighting with dry, chapped lips. Having both a good lip balm + a lip mask for deeper moisturization is a given. 

+ HUMIDIFIER - If you don't already own a humidifier, it's such a great essential for your overall skin health. It helps to absorb more moisture to keep your skin hydrated, in addition to so many other benefits. I have one from this brand which I love! Definitely worth the investment. 

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I love sharing my picks with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

Friday, December 17, 2021

8 DAYS LEFT! | CHRISTMAS WEEK TO-DO LIST


CHRISTMAS IS ONLY EIGHT DAYS AWAY! I always say this but I don't think I'll ever get over how fast time goes by. After Halloween, everything has been a blur and constant go-go-go for me (if you didn't already know, I work in retail). It shouldn't be any surprise that there are still a ton of Christmasy things left on my to-do list, lol. It's my favorite time of the year and I always want to do the festive + fun things, however my expectations always exceed my reality. I'm still holding out hope that I can cram in everything this last final week! In the spirit of Christmas (and to mentally prepare myself to get sh*t done), I thought I'd share my Christmas game plan for the week.

While I haven't done everything on my list, I've still managed to check off several things + a few extras. So far I've put up my tree (major win IMO), finished *most* of my Christmas shopping, watched a Christmas movie, opened my advent calendar daily (each day is up on Tik-Tok if you want to follow along), went to a Christmas tree lighting and looked at Christmas lights around town.

THIS WEEK'S AGENDA

+ Finish up the rest of my Christmas shopping. Most of the time I never really feel "done," but this year I've knocked off most of the people on my list. I still need to pick up a few things here + there which I'm hoping to finish up this weekend. PS-- if you're still shopping + need some ideas, check out my Holiday Gift Guides here

+ Wrap presents. I get in trouble with this one EVERY year. I always put it off until literally the day of + end up hating myself for it, lol. I'm going to try my hardest to start wrapping a few gifts each day this week to make it fun + less stressful. I also have some presents that need to be wrapped + shipped ASAP.

+ Ship the presents. 

+ Watch more Christmas movies. Honestly it's tragic I've only watched one movie which was Love Hard on Netflix (see my Netflix Christmas picks here). Hoping to watch a few new ones + a few favorites this week. 

+ Bake cookies! I ordered some cute cookie cutters + sprinkles so the cookies are happening. 

+ Decorate my tree? I haven't made the time to do it yet but I'm thinking I might squeeze it in. I usually leave my tree up for a bit after Christmas so I'll still have some time to enjoy. 

+ Look at more lights around town. One of my favorite things to do! 

+ Finish up my advent calendar 

Have you finished your shopping yet? 😜

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

COZY WINTER BATH ESSENTIALS




Can we all agree that taking bubble baths during Winter is the best? They're the perfect way to end stressful days, fight those blues and warm you up. It's something that I do almost every single night without fail and is my version of self care + alone time. I love having the time to myself to relax, think and unwind before bed. You can find all of my favorite bath products in this post, however this time of the year calls for a few tub time upgrades + extras. Why not feel like you're at a luxurious spa in Aspen? All you need are some amazing products + cozy accessories. Here are my top picks for creating your own cozy bath experience at home.

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I love sharing my picks with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)



Monday, December 13, 2021

LUXE STOCKING STUFFERS UNDER $25 | HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE



Phone Charger / Hanky Panky Thong / Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil / Oribe Travel Size Dry Texturizing Spray / Nippie Covers / Nest Votive Ornament / Necessaire Hand Cream / Kopari Lip Duo / Agent Nateur Deodorant / Static Nails / Pill Box / Silk Scrunchies / Barefoot Dreams Sock Set 

Stocking stuffers are always some of my favorite gifts to receive. In my family they're usually things like your everyday essentials or snacks. I'm always grateful for new socks, toothpaste, a razor-- all of the necessities I use on a daily basis but hate to buy. Can't forget about the Reese cups and candy either! A quick PSA-- these & these are the BEST holiday snacks if you're needing some ideas. I've already eaten my way through too many bags of both this season, lol. They're to die for! 

With Christmas less than two weeks away, I wanted to do one last gift guide with my favorite stocking stuffers. I thought it would be a fun idea to switch things up and share some "Luxe" ideas that are just a little *fancier*. It's nice to treat people during the holidays to something that feels a little extra special without getting crazy expensive. All of these items are $25 and under so they can serve as a luxe stocking stuffer or would also make great gifts on their own!


What would you want in your stocking?

I love sharing my gift ideas with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)


Friday, December 10, 2021

END OF THE WEEK THOUGHTS | 12.10.21

Hi friends. We are closing out what has been another busy and hectic week during the holidays. My body is telling me to slow down, to start tapping the breaks. Not a full stop, just a momentary pause. 


For a lot of us, this comes with the territory of the holiday season. The hustle and bustle of traffic. Work. Gift shopping. Holiday parties. Baking. Your crazy Aunt Diane. All of the decorating. It’s a weird mix of excitement, wanting to do all the things and other times wanting to just get through it all. I find myself guilty of this-- I love Christmas so I want to do it all but by the end of the work day I'm usually too tired to care. It’s a constant cycle of feeling like there is never enough time in the days. 

This is where I cue the pause. If you’re feeling too overwhelmed, the best thing to do sometimes is to just stop. Taking a breather to refocus can make all the difference. You could go for a walk outside, push off that chaotic trip to the mall until tomorrow or just spend the entire weekend vegging out with Netflix. Taking a time out when I become too tired, stressed or overwhelmed helps me to reset mentally, physically and emotionally. There will still be time to get it all done after the pause, but you'll likely enjoy it all more and keep your sanity. Everyone's stressed and patience starts to run thin this time of year. Whether that's you or someone else you may encounter, remember we're all dealing with our own stressors. Try to give grace- including to yourself :) 

Hoping to take my own little pause this weekend!

PS— I’ve been unboxing my Bonne Maman Advent Calendar everyday on Tik-Tok this month! You can find me here or search “kristenpkelley” on the app. 


Wednesday, December 8, 2021

AGENT NATEUR BLACK FRIDAY SALE UNBOXING

Some of my Black Friday and Cyber Monday purchases are starting to arrive which means it’s time to unbox! One of my most exciting purchases this time around was from Agent Nateur— they're a clean, luxury skincare brand you can read more on in my previous posts here & here. Jena and the holi(trinity) collection are amazing so the sale was the perfect time to pick up a few new things. 


My first priority was deodorant. Agent Nateur first started and gained recognition for their holi(stick) N3 Deodorant which is all-natural and aluminum free. I’ve been wanting to make the switch to a healthy deodorant for awhile now so I'm finally making the switch. I decided to go for the original holi(stick) N3 and the (aime) probiotic deodorant. I also love the look of holi(man) and should have ordered it too! It’s a unisex scent and the black packaging is super sleek and cool. If I like the formula, I will definitely order it next time. From opening, I like the scents of both the N3 and the (aime). My favorite so far is N3, however I haven’t tested them on me yet. I’ll be interested to see how the switch goes + if I have one of those weird detox periods everyone talks about. If you use natural/aluminum free deodorants, do you have any feedback or tips on switching? 


On to skincare! I’ve been trying to give my skin a break from most products lately due to some stubborn redness/what looks like eczema. I’m not entirely sure if I had a bad reaction or if my skin is just acting up. I’ve had some small areas on my eyelids and around my nose/cheek that has been red and bumpy. 

I think it could be from another cleanser or makeup remover I have so I’m crossing my fingers on Agent to the rescue. I grabbed both their holi(cleanse) and acid(wash) cleansers to replace what I was using. The holi(cleanse) is an oil based formula to remove makeup and soothe the skin. The acid(wash) contains lactic acid to gentle exfoliating the skin and serve as a daily face wash. Both are suppose to be good for sensitive skin and will hopefully help! 


I also purchased a bottle of the holi(glow) ageless eye serum. I was debating on this and their new holi(bright) face mask. I ended up going for holi(glow) because it targets a lot of issues around the eye such as dark circles, dryness, wrinkles, etc. Adding the mask to my wish list for next time too!



Have you tried anything from Agent before?

I love sharing my reading list with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)


Monday, December 6, 2021

5 PERSONAL GROWTH BOOKS I WANT TO READ | 12.6

Personal growth and self help books have become one of my favorite genres to read. For me, they offer lot of insight when it comes to the life experiences, challenges or questions that I'm faced with on a daily basis. Life's just hard AF sometimes, ya know? They also (in my experience) tend to leave you with either new inspiration, purpose, a different viewpoint or the occasional (and necessary) kick in the ass. Beyond that, they serve as a great tool to see new perspectives and understand others. Recently I've added several new recommendations to my TBR list which I of course love to pass along to you. Keep reading to see the top 5 personal growth books currently on my list.


5 PERSONAL GROWTH BOOKS I WANT TO READ 

You can read the synopsis + shop each book by clicking on the title below: 

A Manual For Manifesting Your Dream Life: How To Use Your Superpower To Manifest Your Desires by Eric John Campbell

The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance---What Women Should Know by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

What's on your reading list? 

I love sharing my reading list with you all! Should you click on or make a purchase through the links in this post, I'll earn some money to keep on shopping! Pretty cool, huh? :)

Check out more books I Want to Read here: 

Friday, December 3, 2021

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PLAYLIST

You can never go wrong with a good Christmas carol. They're a non-negotiable, must-play for me during the holiday season. There's also something quite nostalgic about them, really. I think because a lot of the songs are classics that have stood the test of time, it takes me back to simpler times and growing up as a child. Everything feels right in the world, even if just for a moment. They also make all of the Christmas activities 1000x better and now that December is here, it's socially unacceptable to NOT be decking the halls and jingling all the way. I said what I said! Calling all of you Christmas music haters (**my boyfriend, ahem**) out. 🙅‍♀️😜 He says it's only acceptable to play Christmas music the week of Christmas??? LOL. For the rest of us, here's a round-up with what are (in my opinion) some of the best holiday tunes. Let's do I'll tell you mine so you tell me yours? 


I love a mix of both the classics + what I'll call the more "modern" songs. It's hard to beat out the Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams era, however Bublé did a pretty spectacular job with his Christmas album. Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas album is also to me one of the greatest of all time and my favorite Christmas album. Just an FYI-- listening to "Jesus Born on This Day" or "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" on an emotional day may or may not require tissues! 😬 I also can't forget about my '70s and '80s faves. Ya'll know I'm an old soul at heart-- I would have loved growing up during that time!

**I tried organizing the list by style + artist, however they are in no particular order!** 


MY CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PLAYLIST

+ "Step Into Christmas" by Elton John

+ "Last Christmas" by Wham! 

+ "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid

+ “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney and Wings

+ "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas"  (Bing Crosby & Michael Bublé versions)

+ "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams 

+ “Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season” by Andy Williams

+ "I'll Be Home For Christmas" (Frank Sinatra & Michael Bublé versions)

+ "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"  (Frank Sinatra & Michael Bublé versions)

+ "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" by Dean Martin

+ "Mele Kalikimaka" by Bing Crosby

+ "Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Bing Crosby 

+ "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire) by Nat King Cole

+ "(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays by Perry Como

+ "This Christmas" by Christina Aguilera 

+ "My Only Wish (This Year)" by Britney Spears 

+ "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" by NSYNC

+ "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

+ "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Mariah Carey

+ "Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)" by Mariah Carey 

+ "Jesus Born on This Day" by Mariah Carey

+ "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" by Mariah Carey 

+ "Carol of the Bells" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra 


I'm probably forgetting a few so let me know what I've missed! 

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

BONNE MAMAN 2021 ADVENT CALENDAR UNBOXING

Hello, December 1st! It's officially the last month of 2021 and time to bust open all those advent calendars. Did you see my top calendar picks for this year? There were so many good ones! When I found out about Bonne Maman's Holiday Jam + Honey Calendar, I had to snatch one up. I love their Strawberry Preserves and thought a jam calendar was so fun and unique. Normally I go for a candy or socks calendar which means we're switching things up this year. The calendar features 24 days of fruit spreads + honey all in mini signature Bonne Maman Jars. How cute are they?? I'm excited to begin opening it today but thought you might want to see a little unboxing first. 

Bonne-Maman-2021-Advent-Calendar

The entire design + concept of this calendar is so neat. They did a wonderful job designing the packaging-- it feels sturdy + the artwork is beautiful. I love the snowy village theme + that it opens up. A lot of advent calendars are one sided but this one has a protective sleeve + opens like a book. I also think that even though this is an advent calendar, it would make such a beautiful Christmas gift. I would love receiving this, even on or after Christmas. It keeps coming in + out of stock online so I'll link it here if you're wanting to snag one too. 

Something else that's really neat is the 24 flavors included are limited edition + unique from their classic, everyday favorites: 

Apricot and Mango, Apricot with Bergamot, Apricot with Lavender, Cherry with Christmas Spice, Cherry with Elderflower, Cherry with Hibiscus, Fig with Cardamom, Honey, Lemon and Yuzu, Mandarin Spread, Mango Peach + Lime, Orange with Cinnamon, Peach with Jasmine, Peach with Mint, Plum and Pear with Star Anise, Raspberry with Chamomille, Raspberry with Rose, Rhubarb and Strawberry, Seedless Raspberry, Strawberry with Linden Flower, Strawberry with Verbena, Sweet Orange and Passion Fruit, White Nectarine and Peach, Wild Blueberry with Balm Leaves

There are so many unusual combinations, I can't decide which one I'm the most excited to try. The Apricot with Bergamot, Cherry with Christmas Spice and Fig with Cardamom are a few of my top contenders so far! 

If you had to pick one, which would you choose to try? 


For more holiday content, also read:

What to Buy for Everyone On Your List | Holiday Gift Guide Round-up

+ Most Anticipated 2021 Netflix Christmas Movie Releases 

+ 7 Must-Do Christmas Activities 

+ The Best 2021 Advent Calendars