Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

Hi and happy Monday! I know Monday's aren't usually the happiest day of the week, but I'm stoked to be writing this post from Georgia! I decided to take the entire week of Thanksgiving as vacation and really couldn't be happier with my decision. I've been working too hard lately. So, I'm taking this week as a much needed break. Additionally, traveling so far in advance makes it easier for me- especially since I drove home this year!

I just love Thanksgiving (as you could probably guess from this post). I love to help cook, eat all of the different dishes, spend time with my family, and just be home. My family lives north of Atlanta, but I'm hoping to pop into the city to spend time with friends and visit some of my favorite spots! I love walking around Piedmont Park- I think it has one of the best views of the Atlanta skyline. There are also some new things that I need to check out! And of course, I can't forget about grabbing a bite to eat at some of my most missed restaurants. It's going to be awesome!

Packing for Thanksgiving is pretty easy for me, as we do a pretty laid back dinner in my family. We've always done a casual meal and I prefer it this way. I've attended more formal dinners with old boyfriend's families, and it really threw me off! I wanted to share 2 outfit inspirations if you're still on the fence about what to wear for your dinner. One is similar to what I'll be wearing and the other is similar to what I've worn to dressier dinners in the past!

top // jeans // scarf // earrings // boots

This is the perfect casual Thanksgiving outfit for me! I love to keep things simple, especially when I help with food preparation before dinner!! A simple shirt paired with jeans, matched with my favorite black boots, a colorful scarf, and simple sparkles. It doesn't get much better in my book.

dress // tights // necklace // heels

As I've mentioned, this is not my norm- but I would totally wear this if the occasion called for it! You want to be warm yet meeting the dress code, so tights are a must! I love pearls and think they really glam up a simple outfit. This spotted dress would be perfect if you're going to a significant other's house- conservative yet pretty!

I hope these inspirations are helpful and that each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

What are your Thanksgiving plans? Do you have your outfit picked out already? 

Thanksgiving Table Settings + Free Printables

Hey y'all! Can you believe that Thanksgiving is so soon?! I absolutely love Thanksgiving. Everything from the food to the atmosphere to the company just makes me so happy. Similar to last year, I will be attending Thanksgiving at my sister's house. But that doesn't keep me from obsessing over decor ideas for the holiday! Although it's stressful, I dream of hosting Thanksgiving in my own home one day. These table settings are absolutely GORGEOUS and are wonderful inspirations for my dream dinner some day.

Photo: Griffanie

Photo: A Homemade Living

Photo: The Perfect Palette

Photo: Spoon Fork Bacon

Photo: Eleven Gables

 I love a sleek, glam look- but nothing beats a beautiful rustic table in my book. While rounding up these beauties, I came across some lovely FREE Thanksgiving printables around the web that might come in handy for y'all next week. Enjoy!

Leaf Printables

Thanksgiving Kit

Gift Tags and Note Cards

Coloring Placemats

Utensil Holders

"I'm thankful for.." Placemats

Have you ever hosted Thanksgiving? What's your favorite part of the holiday?

November Must-Haves

Happy Friday! I am so thankful for the weekend this week. I haven't been able to kick a cold that's been looming over me, and am looking forward to a restful weekend. I have an INSANELY important week next week, so I have no choice but to get better. While I'm an avid believer in waiting to break out Christmas after Thanksgiving has passed, my parents are already asking for a Christmas list! It's gotten me thinking lately, and I have found a few things that I don't think I can wait until Christmas for! Here are my November must-haves:

coat // vest // pajama set // top coat // rollers // blanket scarf

Coat. Last year I bought a great puffer jacket from Gap, but it's shorter. I definitely think that I want a longer warm jacket that isn't a trench coat for work! I love the belted look here- helping you avoid that oh so flattering Michelin Man silhouette.

Vest. I love the soft grey color of this vest! The quilted look is here to stay, and it looks super cozy! I've been on the fence about which color to invest in (grey or navy) since I currently don't own either. Any thoughts??

Pajamas. I'm a sucker for a cute set of pjs! I think that Target has some awesome and affordable options. Both of my flannel long sleeved/pants pj sets are from Target! This grey set looks like it would be heavenly to snuggle up in.

Gel Top Coat. Who doesn't love a nice gel manicure?! Most of my manicures are done at home, and I've yet to try the at-home gel polishes. I love Essie polishes, so I think I'll give their version a try first. Have you used one like this? Any feedback?

Rollers. In the Winter, my hair is prone to static. I like to use hairspray to keep it under control and have always wanted to see what my hair looks like with rollers. Blow drying my hair provides a ton of volume but I flat iron it afterwards- sometimes leaving my roots flat. These might be just what I need!

Blanket Scarf. I am a bad blogger because I STILL don't own one of these. As an avid Georgia Tech fan, I barely own any red. Including red-heavy plaid! I like the look of this tartan pattern and think that I can make an exception now for a cute scarf. Especially one that's perfect for Christmas!

What's on your must-have list for fall? Do you hold back on shopping for yourself before Christmas?

'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me' Review

It's no secret that I'm a total book worm. I truly love all types of books and feel as though they each have a different time for the spotlight on my reading list. Lately, I've been really into humorous books. After reading Bossypants by Tina Fey (review here), I knew I wanted to try my hand at another celeb-written book. Mindy Kaling definitely did not disappoint!

When I purchased this book, I had the most awkward conversation with my cashier at Target. She looked at the book, then gazed up at me, and then looked back at the book before ringing it up. Unassumingly, I asked "Have you heard of this book? It's supposed to be hilarious." She responded "No, but I'm curious how a self help book is funny." I politely told her that it was written by a comedian and that the title was satire, but her judgement had already been cast on me. I do hope she eventually reads the book- and realizes that what it was actually about to avoid more uncomfortable conversations.

Anywho, this book was totally worth the uncomfortable encounter! 'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me' is well written and a light read. Mindy is totally candid throughout the book, sharing stories from her childhood and years of early fame. This book was a pleasant outlet for me during a busy time at work and was just full of laughs. The book fell perfectly in line with my humor. I mean, laugh out loud awkwardly in public places funny-to-me. Before reading this book, I didn't know much about Mindy other than the fact that I thought she was funny. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way, but I've officially decided that Mindy and I should be best friends. Life couldn't be boring with a gem like that around you. I'm super excited to jump into her next book ASAP!

I would recommend this book for travel, or as an option to unwind at the end of the day. There isn't a true plot, it's more based around a timeline, so you don't need to feel pressured to start it when you can read all the way through. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 

Have you read this book before? What are you currently reading? Any suggestions for what I should read next?

How to Prioritize "Me" Time

Let's face it- life can be pretty hectic at times. While I love the hustle and bustle, it tends to exhaust me after a short while. I'm a huge advocate of understanding your own personality and cultivating independence, however I too forget an important aspect of my week/day- carving out "me" time. Especially when things get busy with work!

Although it's often overlooked, nothing recharges me and helps me stay on top of my game like a little "me" time. It doesn't need to be anything extravagant, just something that allows me to take a step back and refocus. My favorite "me" time activities are reading, blogging, at-home spa treatments, baking, and sometimes working out. What I find relaxing really depends on where I am in my day, how much time I have, and my current mood. Here are some tips I use to help prioritize "me" time during my work week:

Schedule dedicated time on your calendar/to do list. This is huge for me. I feel as though I live and die by my Outlook calendar, my planner, and my never-ending to do list. Setting aside time (especially if it comes with a reminder) helps me to remember to indulge. It also helps me to feel as though it's productive and something I need to do to complete my day.

Set a specific amount of time to recharge then return to working. During the busy seasons of my job, like right now, I benefit from taking a break mid-afternoon to reset my mind. This helps me to return to finish out my afternoon strong. When I feel like I'm overwhelmed, I'll decide to take the next 10-30 minutes to do a relaxing activity then return to work fresh.

Remember the benefits you will enjoy! When I look forward to something, I'm less likely to forget it. This is also true for "me" time! By meditating or focusing on how relaxed I will feel afterwards, I'm more likely to set aside the time to achieve those benefits.

Set aside your materials in a visible place. If I want to go running after work, I'll be sure to lay out clothes and put my sneakers in an obvious spot. If I want to read during my lunch break, I'll be sure to put my book in my purse. Even if I'm in a different mindset when the actual time rolls around, I'm more likely to do my relaxation activity if I have all my supplies ready for myself!

These are just a few tips, but I've found them to be extremely helpful to prioritize "me" time in the middle of the hectic work week. I hope you find them helpful as well! Looking for a great face mask to pamper yourself? Read some of my reviews here and here. Prefer to read a new book? Check out my recent reviews!

How do you prioritize "me" time during the week? What are your favorite activities that leave you refreshed afterwards?