Tag Archives: holidays

Dec19

Spirit Christmas Haul

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Spirit Christmas Haul

Hello! This past week I took a trip to Spirit Christmas and had a complete blast. Spirit Christmas is basically Spirit Halloween… But Christmas lol and the setup is the same. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by a walk through of motion activated decor and there is also an area filled to the brim with inflatable lawn decor. And, oh yeah, beaucoup holiday themed T-shirts, costumes, ugly sweaters, stockings, and ornaments. For my holiday OOTD, I had a vision of a Sabrina Carpenter inspired ensemble. The sweater vest below is for my “naughty” OOTD and the T-shirt is for the “nice” version! Check it out:

Prior to visiting Spirit Christmas I was browsing on a few online stores for a holiday OOTD. However, I didn’t make any purchases as I had never bought from them before and wasn’t sure of how the clothes would fit. The last thing I wanted to do was to make last minute returns and exchanges so I decided shopping in store was the best way to go. Although Spirit Christmas had a handful of pre-assembled costumes, they were a bit too basic for my liking. Luckily, they had stand alone options too so I pieced together my OOTD and I am loving it!

The first thing I clocked was the Christmas tree inspired mini skirt and I knew I could work with that. It is just so festive and FUN with that sparkling tinsel and disco ball style ornaments. I cannot wait to twirl and swirl in it and am happy to have it as I have literally no holiday season themed clothing. I think this skirt is the best place to start! The next order of business was finding a top to pair it with. I bypassed the ugly sweaters because they were upwards of seventy dollars and that was way too expensive to justify. That was no matter because who needs an ugly sweater when you have a Step Brothers T-shirt and sweater vest? 😀

In the T-shirt department, I snatched the Step Brothers T as soon as I saw it. It’s literally perfect lol. Step Brothers is one of my all time favorite movies and I all but have it memorized. Nothing says Season’s Greetings like Dale and Brennan sending their well wishes for an activity filled Christmas and it was just what I needed for my “nice” OOTD. For the “naughty” portion, I simply could not say no to the “Santa’s Favorite Ho” sweater vest because LOLOLOL. This little number is so sassy and downright hilarious and it’s going to look amazing with the mini skirt. It’s a Sabrina Carpenter style OOTD Lil Red’s way to the T and I couldn’t ask for anything more. ❤

I cannot wait to show off my naughty and nice OOTDs so stay tuned all holiday season long on lifewithlilred for more fashion fun!

Are you dressing up in a costume for the holidays? Did you get a new outfit to celebrate in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec16

All’s Well That Ends Well

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All’s Well That Ends Well

Hello! On the Friday of the first week of December Johnny and I tested positive for Covid after an exposure at his work. It was truly the best case scenario because we both felt perfectly fine and spent four days at home vegging out. As much as we love a solid hang session at home, it was a massive bummer. My holiday hair appointment had to be cancelled as well as my Christmas get together with my bestie girl. Johnny, on the other hand, had to miss out on Spamalot at Playhouse Square and was devastated. Naturally we got Covid on the weekend that we were actually doing stuff!

In my extensive tenure (Over twenty years!) of getting my hair done by my stylist, Anna, I cannot recall ever having to cancel an appointment. I was so sad because I really was looking forward to seeing her and having brand new hair for the holidays. I had come to terms with the fact that this was more than likely not going to happen. Even though Anna said that she would see what she could do, I knew the schedule at the salon was jam packed and that was okay. I would get my locks refreshed eventually and it would be glorious. ❤

When I returned back to work on Tuesday, I texted Anna to let her know I was negative and she sent me the most beautiful reply. She asked if I would like to spend her birthday with her at the salon on Saturday morning. Would I ever! You guys, I was so genuinely touched by this that it made me tear up. Anna has been doing my hair since I was seven years old and I am thirty-one now. She is the dearest friend and has literally watched me grow up. I would never expect her to make exceptions for me or overwork herself to squeeze me in before the holidays. The fact that she found a way to make it work was such a gift to me and I can’t wait to celebrate her! (Note – I am typing this the day before my appointment!)

Anna always knows how to make me feel special and this particular instance really took the cake. So, of course, I had to go to TJMaxx and pick out a pretty little something for her big day. It pales in comparison for all she has done for me, though. Anna isn’t just my stylist, she is one of my favorite people in the world. When I’m in her chair, I can tell her anything and have always put her as big sister status in my head. She has the most amazing way of making people feel beautiful inside and out and after my hair appointments I feel like my best self. She brings it out of me and I am so excited to show all of you my new do. 😀

My holiday wish for great hair came true by Anna and I only wish that Johnny could have seen Spamalot for a true All’s Well That Ends Well ending. But, hey, it’s close enough!

How long has your stylist been doing your hair? Did you get your hair done for the holidays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec15

Homemade Holiday Gifts

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Homemade Holiday Gifts

Howdy everyone and welcome to the last gift guide for the holiday season! Throughout the month we have been discussing gifting options for everyone on your list and today we are going to explore the world of homemade gifts. We are down to the wire for holiday shopping but fear not! These homemade prezzies will not be time consuming to create while still being incredibly thoughtful. Let’s get to it:

Photo Albums:

I gave my niece a photo album of all of our pictures together for her birthday this year and she absolutely loved it. If you have a cache of photos with your bestie, mom, or anyone on your list – use them! A homemade photo album is as easy as printing them out at the drugstore, purchasing an album, and filling the pages. You can keep the album simple with just photos or jazz it up with scrapbooking supplies or little notes about when the picture was taken. However you do it, a photo album is a gift that will always be treasured.

Screen Printing:

Local screen printing shops have a very speedy turnaround meaning that custom clothing, office supplies, or sports gear is just a visit away. Bonus points because you’re supporting small businesses! How about a custom mug with the logo of your giftee’s business? A silly slogan tee for your brother? A jersey with your favorite sports enthusiast’s last name on the back? All of this is possible so if this idea speaks to you, head to the printing shop ASAP to ensure your gift is ready on time!

Terrarium/Fairy Garden:

If there is a nature lover on your list, you could make them their own terrarium or fairy garden. Small plants and succulents and potting soil will be available at a store like Lowe’s and the rest can more than likely all be purchased from a craft store. You can go classic with a terrarium filled with pretty pebbles or pond stones or go creative with a fairy garden filled with tiny details and hidden surprises. This gift combines the great outdoors with unique home decor for a one of a kind gift.

Goodie Jars:

Mason jars tied with pretty ribbon and filled with the ingredients to make cookies, soup, or bread is a gift that can be made in an afternoon after a trip to the grocery store. Tasty, thoughtful, practical, and so super easy – this is a perfect last minute homemade gift. If you want to add more to this prezzie, you could include a gift card to a local bakery so your giftee can enjoy a freshly made baguette with their soup. Or perhaps you can give a cookie sheet or bread pan along with the ingredients so your giftee can continue creating bakery magic.

Graphic Design:

If you are gifted in the art of graphic design, then gift it! Maybe you will make business cards for your cousin? Draw up that tattoo that your partner really wants? If you have giftees in a band you could design posters for their next show! If you don’t have the time to design for everyone on your list, that’s a-okay! You can schedule a lunch to sit down and discuss what they would like and the visions they have. Amazing art never goes out of style and your giftees will have something that no one else in the world will have. That’s way cool!

Homemade gifts don’t need to be a month long project. These ideas are as easy as a trip to the store!

Are you skilled in any mediums of art? What is the best homemade gift you have ever received? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec13

Tech Gift Ideas

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Tech Gift Ideas

Hi hi! Another gift guide? Coming right up! Everyone uses technology every single day of their lives, making tech gifts an extremely viable option for holiday shopping. This is an easy category to overlook as we often think of technology as being expensive. That isn’t always the case so let’s explore a few gifting options that will be gentle on the wallet while still delighting your giftee:

App Subscriptions:

Literally every app has some type of Plus or Premium membership to purchase. If your giftee is using an app every day and maintaining a strong streak, this could be a great way to go. I personally know that this makes an awesome gift because Johnny got me a membership to Duolingo Plus for a year a few Christmases ago and I was ecstatic! Not only do these subscriptions get rid of annoying ads but it unlocks content you can’t use without it. It will make their app experience even better!

Phone Accessories:

Phone cases, charms, screen protectors, earbuds, chargers, tripods, and ring lights are all handy gifts that can be used immediately. Your content creator friend (Like me!) will be thrilled with some shiny new equipment as much as your friend who is constantly losing their phone charger will love a backup. This sentiment is especially true for yours truly as our bunnies once pulled a Houdini and chewed through our phone charger! New earbuds will be ideal for your gym bunny bestie. Simple, practical, done and done.

Streaming Services:

At this day and age, who doesn’t have at least one streaming service? We have several so I say the more the merrier! A month subscription to a new streaming service or one your giftee already has can either save them some moolah or introduce them to a brand new favorite show. If there is a show on a service that they would love to watch without the commitment of signing up, this is your sign. I definitely feel that way about a subscription to Apple TV!

Books:

We’re not talking the kind from the library – we’re talking EReaders and audio books! If you have a literature enthusiast on your list who prefers to read their Kindle or listen to a book on the way to work, why not throw some credits their way? Reading more is such a popular New Year’s Resolution so you can help them achieve their goals or just indulge in their favorite hobby. No matter how you read, there is nothing better than a good book on a cold winter day. Add a big mug and some teabags or K-pods to create a perfect afternoon.

Gaming:

Got a gamer to gift for? How about some gift cards for the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation if you aren’t sure of a new game they would love? Don’t forget to explore accessory options like new controllers, a headset, or travel cases. You could also go the experience gift route like a night at an arcade bar or a trip to a VR cafe. Game on!

These tech gifts won’t break the bank but they will for sure make your giftee break out in a smile!

What is on your Christmas list? Do you have anyone that is difficult to gift for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec12

Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

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Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

Hello! I may be a Halloween girl through and through but there is something about Christmas that just hits different. My suspicion? Because I love to shop even when it’s not for myself lol. I pride myself on being an excellent gift giver and revel in the process of finding that perfect something for everyone on my list. The hard part is waiting for months on end to give it to them! As you wrap up your own holiday shopping, let’s take a look at some small prezzies to put in your stockings and hang above the mantel with care:

Tiny Lego Kits:

If you have a family of brick enthusiasts, why not add a small Lego kit to the stocking? Lego has a ton of tiny holiday themed sets to choose from including Santa, snowmen, Mini Fig Advent calendars and more. Once your gifts are unwrapped, you can assemble them together and make your own holiday scene. For extra creative fun, you could give a bag of assorted Lego bricks and have everyone do a brainstorm build with the pieces they have. You can create categories like best ornament or best decorated snowman and give prizes or just bragging rights!

Old School Candy:

Candy is such a classic stocking stuffer but let’s kick it old school. 😀 Current candy? Been there done that. Retro candy? Always fun to taste test! We’re talking candy buttons, Zott’s, candy necklaces, Pop Rocks, and all of that sweet sugary goodness. This blast from the past approach will delight kiddos and adults alike and gives a twist on the same old. Bonus points if you have a local candy shop in your neck of the woods to support.

Care Packages:

While a care package for your adult children might not necessarily fit in a stocking, the sentiment remains. I have always loved the idea of the adult Easter baskets filled with cleaning supplies and that can easily translate to Christmas. A few rolls of toilet paper, paper towel, bathroom and kitchen cleaner, and Magic Erasers are all great options. Although this is not the most exciting gift, it sure is practical and one that I would love to receive. Toilet paper is low on my list of things I like to shop for for myself lolol.

Cheers!

Everyone needs a bevvie to sip on during gift exchanges. Cue the stocking stuffer! You can provide specialty sodas or juice for the kiddos and airplane bottles of booze, mini wine bottles, or mocktail cans for the adults. Add in a bag of popcorn, trail mix, or mixed nuts to nosh on and you have a perfect snack to tide everyone over until dinnertime.

Small But Mighty:

Countless stores have a section specifically for travel size beauty and basic care items so hit it up! Bath & Body Works is an excellent place to start with as they offer both men and women’s travel size items and are always on promotion. A hand sanitizer, body wash, and lotion in a compact size is just right for filling those stockings and keeping everyone smelling and feeling fresh to death. 😀

Stocking stuffers are the opportunity to have some fun with add on gifts. Hope the ideas above can help! ❤

Do you hang stockings at home? What are some of your stocking stuffer ideas? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec9

Food & Drink Holiday Gifts

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Food & Drink Holiday Gifts

Howdy! The countdown to the holidays is SO on – are you ready for it? I know I am! Family, friends, and sweet sweet time off. What could be better? The answer is literally nothing! If you still have holiday shopping to get done, you’re in the right place. Today’s gift guide will feature ideas for a very popular gifting option: Food and drink. Everyone needs to nosh and sip on something delicious so you know your gift is going to be used and enjoyed. Let’s discuss:

Countertop Appliances:

Do you have a coffee or soda fiend in your life? You kind of do, because I am both lol. Countertop appliances like a single serve Keurig or a Soda Stream is sure to delight your giftee who always errs on the side of caffeinated. Johnny actually got me a single serve Keurig for Valentine’s Day a few years back and it was the best gift ever! These appliances don’t take up a ton of counter space and feel like such a treat with each use. If your giftee already has one, that’s okay. You can give them a stockpile of K-cups or soda mixes to keep the go go juice flowing.

Gift Cards:

DoorDash, restaurants, fast food, or grocery store gift cards are a no brainer if you are looking to make your holiday shopping quick and easy. Johnny and I usually get a DoorDash gift card from his parents and it is SO appreciated. To be able to hit up your favorite eatery with gift card in hand is awesome because it’s literally guilt free. How many times have you bypassed a craving because there’s food at home? Throw that preconceived notion of gift cards being thoughtless out the window. They are as thoughtful as it gets because it gives you the opportunity to treat yourself whenever you want!

Cookie Kits:

Local bakeries often offer cookie decorating kits which is a total win/win. You are supporting local as well as giving a fun gift for a family to enjoy together. These kits usually come with the cookies pre-made and the supplies like frosting and sprinkles to decorate with. It’s a perfect activity for a snowy afternoon and kiddos will revel in creating their own sugary masterpieces. My little nieces LOVE cookie and cupcake decorating and would have a blast with a cookie kit. 😀

Gift Baskets:

Seriously, who doesn’t love a gift basket? I am an avid fan of both receiving and gifting them! Of course you can buy pre-made baskets in store but you could also create them yourself. Hit up your local craft store and get your baskets, then head to the grocery store and get to work! You could fill the basket with something sweet like chocolate and candy or go the savory route with popcorn, peanuts, or pretzels. How about a basket that creates a meal like soup or pasta? Perhaps you could include a muffin tin, mixes, and jams to top them with. No matter what you choose, it’s going to be yummy!

Homemade Meal:

If you have a passion for cooking, share it! One year for Valentine’s Day, Johnny hired our friend who works as a chef to make dinner for us. It was absolutely amazing and one of my favorite gifts ever! You can create menus specific to your giftee’s tastes, purchase the ingredients, and serve a fantastic meal. While it’s nice to go out to eat, there is nothing better than a home cooked meal. This is a bonus gift because it also gives your giftee the night off from cooking which is such a blessing lol.

I hope your giftee’s all brought their appetite with these ideas – can you say YUM?!

Do you like to cook? What is your favorite thing to make? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec6

New White & Red Glitter Nails

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New White & Red Glitter Nails

Howdy! I am one of those people that isn’t a fan of seasonal nails because I’d rather my color palette work for a month rather than one day. I went into my pre-Christmas fill at Elysian Nails with that sentiment on my mind and was thinking some gold glitter. A festive touch sans full fledged holly jolly flare. So tell me why I ended up with the most Christmas-y nails ever?! Lol all of my sentiments went out the window when I saw these two colors in the nail polish book. I didn’t even put two and two together until the polish was on SMH! Check it out:

As I browsed the nail polish book, nothing was really screaming out at me until I was seeing red. They don’t call me Lil Red for nothing, I guess! The shade of red I selected is one of my all time favorites and I actually used it for my Halloween nails. I just love that deep shade of garnet and they remind me of Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Gold would have looked nice with this but glitter white hues were directly above the red and I forgot all about it. The white glitter I picked out looks like crushed diamonds and as they are a girl’s best friend I couldn’t say no!

After choosing my colors and sitting down at my tech’s station, I was too focused on chatting it up to reevaluate. My go to girl had the day off during my last fill and we had so much to catch up on! Life, books, TV shows, food, and ALL the things. By the time my nails were drying, I realized that the color palette is Santa suit chic and I just had to laugh. This is not my normal style at all for holiday nails but you know what? I kind of like it! Maybe the glitter has me distracted, maybe it’s just pure fun, or both but I can’t wait to tear into my prezzies with these perfectly Christmas talons. 😀

This fill had unexpected results but delighted me all the same. I think I’ll do gold and silver glitter for New Years so bring on more bling, baby!

Are you getting your hair or nails done for the holidays? What are you planning on getting? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec5

Fashion Holiday Gifts

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Fashion Holiday Gifts

Howdy! I am pleased to report that my holiday shopping is donezo! I made excellent use of Black Friday sales for my remaining giftees and I am so excited to pop on one of my comfort shows and wrap everything up. For those who still have some holiday shopping to get done, fear not! We’ll be having gift guides leading up to the big days to give you some inspiration. Let’s venture into the world of fashion. Whether you have a giftee who is a full fledged fashionista or keeps their style simple, these gifts will always go over well:

Pajamas:

New PJs are an excellent option for wearing to bed or just lounging about the house. In the cold winter months, people want to feel cozy and curling up in some soft pajamas is the best way to do it! Regardless of if a set of PJs are your giftee’s thing, they are certainly going to use it and can break up the pieces as they choose. 5 Below has an amazing selection of pajamas for fifteen dollars and you can often find sets at TJMaxx for around twenty. Jammies are something people rarely buy for themselves as sweatpants and old T’s make an equally viable option so this gift would feel like a real treat. I know I would love it because thanks to 5 Below I have become pajama obsessed!

Cold Weather Accessories:

Let me say something controversial but so brave: Winter is cold lol. How many times have you not bundled up and instantly regretted it after two minutes? Too many to count on my end! Lovely hats, scarves, and gloves can not only provide an added boost of warmth but gives the opportunity to shake up outfits too. If you’re unsure of which colors to choose, opt for something neutral like cream, tan, or black. That way the accessory can be paired with anything and will still work beautifully.

Bejeweled:

Who doesn’t love a touch of bling? For the fellas you could go for cuff links, tie clips, watches, or chains. Delicate, meaningful jewelry always makes a great gift for the ladies. I am especially partial to best friends bracelets as well as mother related jewelry for my mom, sister, and mother-in-law. When you put some genuine thought into a jewelry gift, it will turn into not just an accessory but a treasure. Find pieces that speak to your giftee’s style and your own relationship and I just know they will love it!

Cozy Up:

Did I mention that winter is cold?! Plush throw blankets, fuzzy socks, slippers, mug and drink koozies, or even weighted stuffed animals are all fabulous options to curl up on the couch with and watch your favorite holiday flick. For items like blankets or koozies you could go the customized route with a local vendor. There is also never a shortage of fuzzy socks or slippers in store to choose from. Cozy gifts are fun because they often fall under someone’s “nice to have” but not necessary category when they are making purchases. Even if your giftee is a blanket fiend like me, they will simply say the more the merrier. 😀

Organized Fashion:

Do you know someone whose wardrobe constantly runneth over? Anyone with jewelry and earrings scattered around like breadcrumbs (Me!)? Or perhaps a giftee who could use some extra help organizing? Come in with the assist! Jewelry boxes, shelves or hanging organizers, and plastic bins to keep seasonal clothes safe are practical and can transform a cluttered room. You can double gift by lending a hand during the installation and organizing the space so their clothes and accessories get the treatment they deserve.

The options above are a practical look at fashion gifts. You know your giftee best and when you find that perfect item that speaks to their style, you will definitely know!

What is your favorite type of present to gift? What is a fashion gift you would love to receive? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec4

Thxgiving OOTD Bloopers

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Thxgiving OOTD Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Thxgiving OOTD! Has everyone worked off their food coma? I’m getting there lol. I absolutely live for Thanksgiving food and the only setting I know once dinner rolls around is going hard in the paint! All I have to say is, I’m SO glad that we took OOTD pictures before our Thanksgiving feast because I literally couldn’t move afterwards. I couldn’t wait to get into sweatpants! The meal? Amazing. These shots? Not so much!

Lumbering to my phone and green bean casserole

The classic “look I’m wearing a dress” pose lol

Shoo fly! Ya bother me

Eyeing you from across the room like

Doll style dress? Broken down doll pose done badly

Happy Turkey Day!!!! 😀

Johnny was off of work the entire week of Thanksgiving and I had a four day weekend. Even on the days I was working, it felt like a vacation because Johnny took care of the bunnies every morning and I was able to sleep in. It was freaking awesome! Although it was very hard to leave for work while he was posted up on the couch, those extra Z’s made my days a breeze and I was eagerly counting down until my time off too. It had been over three months since my last days off, which I actually didn’t realize until now. So, yeah, I really needed it!

During my four day weekend we got lunch with Johnny’s parents for Thanksgiving and I was able to FaceTime with my blogging bestie. Other than that, I did nothing and it was glorious! After going nonstop for what felt like forever, it was just me, myself, and the couch. And Johnny when he wasn’t napping. 🙂 It was exactly what I needed. However, as I type this on Monday morning I think I could definitely benefit from another day off, or two, or ten. It is SO hard going back to work after a mini vaca!!

It’s back to the grind which means my Christmas countdown is starting NOW. Bring on more time off, pretty please and thank you! ❤

How are you celebrating the holidays? Are you traveling during time off from work? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec3

Thxgiving OOTD

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Thxgiving OOTD

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new OOTD here on lifewithlilred. I hope all of you had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I sure did! Thanksgiving is a funny holiday because you literally just get dressed up to eat a bunch of food and then change into clothes that stretch. At least that’s how my Thanksgivings always go anyways. I couldn’t wait to break out the dress in this OOTD for the occasion of standing around my parents’ kitchen so let’s take a looksee:

Who? What? Wear?

Dress: Blu Pepper, TJMaxx

Kitten Heels: Nine West, TJMaxx

The earrings were purchased forever ago from PacSun!

My mom and I had a TJMaxx shopping trip a month or so ago and I fell in love with this beautiful little number by Blu Pepper. As soon as I saw it, I had visions of wearing it to Thanksgiving and it came true! This dress looks like something a doll would wear and I just can’t get enough of it. That rich caramel color, polka dots, bib collar, AND bow? Forget about it! It just feels like the perfect Thanksgiving dress and I can’t explain that any further. It just is!

I stayed very true to my original plan for this look and paired my dress with a cozy pair of charcoal grey cable knit tights. I’m glad I did because it was snowing when Johnny and I left the house! The tights added to the doll vibe of my dress and to keep with that theme, I chose the sweetest pair of kitten heels by Nine West. That tiny heel and blingy strap is too cute and as much as I adore a big, chunky heel these are one of my favorite pairs. Last but not least I popped on a pair of brooch style earrings that feel oh so vintage. They kind of are, I guess. They were bought over fifteen years ago lol. Pretend you didn’t just read that. 😀

My Thxgiving OOTD turned out exactly how I pictured it and I can’t wait to wear my Blu Pepper dress again. One of my favorite TJs purchases!

How was your Thanksgiving? What are some of your holiday traditions? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah