CHRISTMAS BOOKS I WANT TO READ

Alright, ya'll. Since we're going into December, my wild hair of the week is Christmas books. I was thinking about how I haven't ever really read any Christmas-themed books which seems like a new fun and festive thing to do. Growing up, I remember my dad reading Chicken Soup for the Soul and Skipping Christmas to my sister and I which I always loved. I decided to do some digging on Amazon and the 411 is it's basically a Netflix Christmas movie on paper? Love that. We all know it's actually the reverse but you get the gist. 

After reading through lots of synopses, here are my top four picks. I'm all about the cozy, feel-good romance vibes. Told ya'll, I love my Netflix Christmas! Lol. Let me know if you've ever read any of these + any other recommendations you may have!

CHRISTMAS BOOKS I WANT TO READ

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

+ The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan 

+ The Christmas Wish by Lindsey Belk 

+ The Christmas Lodge by Fiona Baker 

+ The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole 

Are you ready for Christmas?

I love sharing my picks with you! 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? :)

WEEKLY TO DO-LIST | 11.28.22

Happy Monday, ya'll. I survived Black Friday weekend! To say I'm exhausted is an understatement. The last week and a half have pretty much been centered all on work, work + more work. Now that we've made it through the crazy weekend, I'm taking this week to dial it back a bit and rest when I can. December is just as busy of a month in retail world but I'm going to do my best to prioritize me things. Here's a quick snapshot of my weekly plans! 

+CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & TREE - My goal for this week is all things Christmas. I still haven't managed to get up my tree (are we surprised?? lol) so that has been added back to this week's list + outside lights. I started on those last night and will hopefully knock everything out this week. 

+CHRISTMAS SHOP - I also need to get on my Christmas shopping. I've picked up a few things here + there but I'm nowhere near being done. 

+ORANGETHEORY - I'm patting myself on the back for having made it to all of my OTF workouts in November. I took off the last week (TBH I'm still physically and mentally tired from work, lol) so I'm going to do my best to squeeze in at least one class this week. I knew it would be tricky during the holidays to workout so I only signed up for the basic plan at OTF which is four classes a month. It's easier for me to get them all done by starting early + doing a class every week to week and a half. 

+MOVIE TIME - Are there any good movies out right now? I haven't looked lately but going to a movie this week sounds relaxing. One of my favorite things to do on off days is to go alone + treat myself. I also need to catch up on my Christmas movies at home too. I've been watching the A Christmas Prince series on Netflix + need to finish A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby. I've also been wanting to watch The Holiday and This Christmas- two of my faves! 

+LAUNDRY - It's the dreaded sheet week in my house, lol. IYKYK. Every time I turn around I'm also needing to do towels, undies + blacks, lol. Think that means it's time to do some more shopping! ;) 

+HAIR/NAILS - Throwing a little beauty care in here too-- I'm way way overdue for a haircut + keeping my nails up. 

What are you up to this week? 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Happy Black Friday, friends! Here’s to what I hope has been a relaxing and restful holiday weekend. There’s a good chance that as we speak, I’m living in retail chaos 🤪 If you didn’t know, I work in retail so my Thanksgiving weekend always looks a little different.

In an unconventional way, working on Thanksgiving is my family’s version of a tradition. We’ve been in the retail business my entire life and getting ready on Thanksgiving is just what you do. I’m sure there were some moans and groans when I was younger, however I’ve come to love the process as an adult. It’s become almost a cathartic experience. It helps calm the nerves.

I’m a little worn and weary but bright-eyed and excited. We also still manage to always sneak in a few moments of rest and way too much delicious food. This year we ordered Chick-fil-a nuggets and Mac & cheese! I also threw together some pumpkin muffins for breakfast so we had a little work & play.

I hope you also overate too much delicious food and spent time with the ones special to you. I know we’re all busy and for me, the holidays give me a reminder to reflect and remember what’s important. I’m grateful for all of the good things— loved ones, good health, the opportunity to feel the exhaustion and excitement of the holidays. This list goes on. All glory to the Big Man upstairs 🙏🏻

If I make it through the weekend, I’m finishing up A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby and will hopefully snag a few deals and Christmas gifts. Here’s a round-up of my favorite Black Friday & Cyber Monday sales. If you’re braving the crazy out there this weekend, I hope you score lots of deals and treat yourself a little too 😉 Stay safe!

Until next week! xxxx.

STOCKING STUFFERS YOU ACTUALLY NEED

Nécessaire Hand Cream // Summer Fridays Lip Balm // Native Sugar Cookie Deodorant // Phone Charger // Gua Sha // Claw Clips // Toothpaste // Socks // Dental Floss

-SHOP THE POST-

I love sharing my picks with you! 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? :)

BLACK FRIDAY + CYBER MONDAY DEALS

It's that time of the year where we're all flooded with Black Friday this + Cyber Monday that. It's only Monday and my email list is a mile long, lol. It can be a little overwhelming but I'm not one to miss a great deal when it comes to holiday shopping. Now is usually when I start to do my gift shopping + wherever I can save, I will shop. I've rounded up my favorite deals + the stores that I plan to shop at this year.

I also did a little comparison to last year's post and to my *pleasant* surprise, most stores are offering the same discount amount off that they did in previous years. While I'm sure most of them have higher prices due to inflation, I still appreciate that most haven't lowered the discount. Every little bit adds up + helps stretch your dollars further.

Also a quick reminder-- if you don't use Rakuten, you're leaving money on the table. It's a cash back site that lets you earn money back on purchases made at thousands of stores (think Target, Wal-mart, Sam's, Nordstrom, Macy's, etc.) You can typically earn 1-5% back at most big box stores but often up to 10-15% back at major departments stores. I would keep a watch this upcoming weekend for cash back deals-- usually they double or triple the cash back on major holiday weekends. I'm also guessing it'll be a little bit better on Cyber Monday, too. 

If you've never signed up and want to use my affiliate link, Rakuten will give us both a $40 bonus after you make your first purchase of $40 or more. Aka, spend $40, get $40 back. You can shop anywhere you'd like + you'll earn cash back on top of the bonus. It's a great deal + a must if you online shop. I've been a member for years (it's free to join) and have earned back close to $1000 now. I'll link my affiliate sign-up here.

BEST BLACK FRIDAY + CYBER MONDAY DEALS

+ Abercrombie (30% off site wide)

Usually the discounts at Abercrombie don't exceed 25% off so 30% off site wide is a great time to shop. I'm a big fan of their jeans + staples (bodysuits, tees, etc.). 

+ Agent Nateur (25% off sitewide) 

I always look forward to shopping around major holidays because that means Agent Nateur is on sale! I adore following Jena Covello (the founder) and all of the Agent products I've used. 

+ Amazon (daily deals site wide)

Amazon is always a great go-to if you're looking for electronics or name-brand appliances, etc. They have a ton of specials site wide!

+ American Eagle (30% off site wide)

+ Anthropologie (30% off)

I adore Anthropologie during the holidays. They have a great curated selection of holiday decor, gifts + more. I have a few mugs + ornaments on my list! Right now they have 30% off of a ton of items in-store and site wide. 

+ Bed Bath & Beyond (25% off entire purchase) 

+ Bloomingdales (TBD)

I'm keeping a watch for this one! Right now they've been doing $25 off every $100 purchase through 11/21. I'm guessing it'll go to 25% off site wide through the weekend but I'll keep you posted. 

+ Dermstore (up to 30% off site wide)   

+ Free People (20% off orders, 25% off all overs of $500 or more; free express shipping on all orders) 

+ Macy's (lots of discounted specials + deals for the weekend) 

I always feel like Macy's is slept on! Every year I usually find myself ordering something there during the holidays. They always have great deals on beauty + Tommy Bahama items which I buy for my dad! 

+ Nécessaire (Full size The Body Serum free with purchase) 

This year, Nécessaire is offering a free full side The Body Serum with every purchase. If you spend over $125, you're also eligible for a free full size The Body Oil. I really love their hand cream! It's full of peptides + is very hydrating. 

+ Nordstrom (deals site wide)

You can never go wrong shopping at Nordstrom. Whether you're shopping for women, men, kids, beauty or home items, all your bases are covered. I also love that they sell a mix of affordable items + high end designers.

+ Old Navy (typically 50% off site wide)

I haven't seen an official email, however Old Navy almost always does 50% off the whole store for Black Friday + Cyber Monday. They also usually run some deals on specific items like pajamas, etc. I love their 7/8 compression leggings which are on my list! 

+ Oura Ring ($50 off select rings + first month of membership free) 

If you've been thinking about buying an Oura Ring, now is a great time to buy. They are offering $50 off select rings which is what I used when I purchased mine. You also can get your first month of membership free. 

+ QVC (daily deals, free shipping on Black Friday specials + special interest free financing offers) 

I love to shop on QVC! They have a lot of my favorite brands including Barefoot Dreams, Spanx, high-end beauty + more. They also have so many categories from clothing to electronics which makes it a great place to shop for gifts. 

+ Ring Concierge (25% off site wide) 

If you're looking for something that sparkles, the Ring Concierge is your go to. They have the most beautiful fine jewelry designs-- earrings, accent rings all the way up to engagement rings. I love their modern designs + that they have both affordable options and investment pieces. 

+ Saie Beauty (25% off site wide with code SAIESFAVES, free shipping over $30 + a free mascara on orders over $50)

Saie Beauty is a great clean makeup brand which I love. I have their Slip Tint but have been wanting to try their Glowy Super Gel + Primer. 

+ Static Nails (up to 50% off site wide)

There are some gorgeous holiday nails on Static right now. Everything is up to 50% off which is a great buy. 

+ Target (up to 40% off clothing, 25% off holiday beauty sets, buy 2, get 1 free movies/books/music + more) 

Target has a ton of holiday deals this year. Everything from electronics, clothing, beauty + appliances is on sale. I love to stock up on the essentials here: pajamas, socks, holiday snacks, etc. 

+ Urban Outfitters (25% off site wide) 

What's on your shopping list for this year?

I love sharing my picks with you! 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? :)

WEEKEND PLANS | 11.18.22

After the crazy week it's been, I'm SO ready for the weekend. Us retail workers are officially in the holiday trenches. IYKYK, lol. Strangely enough the weeks feel like they've been flying by but are also feeling so long to me. Does that make any sense? Even Monday feels like it was ages ago. Typically when it's busy busy, the time passes by faster than when it's slow. I think now at work we're at the level of busy where there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. The count down is on for Black Friday weekend so it's go go go! 

On top of that, I'm trying my best to embrace the holidays and enjoy the time while it's here. This weekend is still a work weekend, however I'm going to try + prioritize some fun things too. Here's what's on my list! 

+ ORANGETHEORY - I still have two classes left this month at Orangetheory so my goal is to squeeze them in by this weekend + Tuesday. I know that as next week goes on, all bets will be off. I already feel like I'll have to push myself to go to a class tomorrow or Sunday so next weekend will be a definite no-go. I've been enjoying both the regular class + weightlifting so I may try to schedule one of each. 

+ CHRISTMAS MOVIES - I started Netflix Christmas this week!! So far I've watched Falling For Christmas and A Christmas Prince which I loved! Both were really cute but my favorite is definitely A Christmas Prince. I also found out that it's a three-part series so now I can't wait to watch the other two. Crossing my fingers I can watch at least one of them this weekend, maybe even both! 

+ WORK - No rest for the weary this weekend. I always work a half day on Saturdays + also have to go in for a little while this Sunday. We're closed on Sundays so we should have a productive day restocking + shifting the store around in preparation for the upcoming week! 

+ PUT THE TREE UP - I have my silver tinsel tree up but I'm hoping to also get my main tree up this weekend. A lot of the time I don't get it up (or even decorated) until right before Christmas. I'm trying to stay on top of it this year so I have more time to really enjoy it.

What are you up to this weekend?

FREE PEOPLE FINDS

(l-r): suede fringe jacket // shacket // sequin slip dress // dip dye sweater // jacket // thermal hoodie // bodysuit // velvet tunic // collared thermal 

-SHOP THE POST- 

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? :)