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November 2019

deep thoughts

2019 Thanksgiving Gratitude List

November 28, 2019

denis prescott turkey

I am beyond, beyond, beyond thankful for this year. It was my hardest, best year yet. I can’t really give words to the growth I experienced this year other than to say I know that I am a better person today than I was last November. I solidified my personal value system this year, which helps guide me everyday in the way I show up for myself and for others. I also developed a clear vision of where I want to go with my life and finally started putting plans and effort toward my goals. Before, I felt like I was a spectator in my life, bewildered by how it was turning out. Now, I feel like I’m a participant with a bit of agency. It’s a good feeling.

Those are all wonderful things, but the best part of this growth is that I’m fully awake in my own life. With my eyes open, I realize that each moment is just so beautiful. Here are a few of the moments I’m so thankful for this past year:

  1. The most wonderful partner in Keith, who nursed me back to health after my recent wrist surgery. I hope I never forget the tenderness he used when he washed my hair for me in the shower when I couldn’t do it for myself.
  2. The way it feels to meditate on the couch in the quiet morning with Boomer snuggled into my side and Jax curled up at my feet.
  3. The sheer giddiness I felt when Keith’s son Junior received his high school diploma. He really did it!
  4. The road trip Ian and I took through SoCal and Arizona last December. He was the best adventure buddy and I’ll always treasure our time together.
  5. The awe I felt when I stepped into our wedding reception venue in Cabo. I could literally see all of my friends and family whooping it up in the space. It felt real for the first time.
  6. My new beginning in this blog space. I fought and clawed my way back into believing in myself and creativity this year. For that, I am infinitely grateful.
  7. The trip my mom and I took to Phoenix where we had the most beautiful dinner together. I felt our souls fully connect in that moment as we really, really talked to each other. Our relationship was changed that evening. I get chills thinking about it.
  8. Spending an entire day on the couch watching Friends with my best friend Liz. It felt like we were back in college in the best way possible.
  9. Dancing my heart out. Reconnecting with my body and feeling the palpable energy of dancing with and among womxn. The best gift.
  10. Lastly, all the set-backs. The many failed attempts at getting a new job, the crazy vertigo, the wrist surgery, the miserable days at work, the fights and the freak-outs. I realize now how much they build me into the person I want to be.

What about you, friend? What are you thankful for??

Image via. 

gift guide, just for fun, workplace

Gift Ideas for Co-workers

November 27, 2019

gift image

It’s Thanksgiving this week, which means that the holidays are sneaking up on us. Have you bought anything yet? I haven’t bought a single, solitary thing. I’m not really known for my planning capabilities so I’m not surprised and I’m not stressed quite yet. I maintain that time is an illusion, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to participate in the gift-giving season. There’s something special about this time of the year where you get an opportunity to express the love and appreciation you have for the people around you in a non-cheesy way. A gift is a perfect way to open that door, so I relish an opportunity to give a delightfully thoughtful gift to my coworkers during the holiday season.

Here are some ideas rolling around in my head for the special work friends in my life. My number one no-brainer tip to give a great gift is to actually know and observe the person you are buying. People give little clues and breadcrumbs about what they’d appreciate as a gift if you just pay attention. For example:

Do you see your coworker at the coffee machine every morning? If so, they’d probably love the accoutrements associated with their preferred beverage. Last year, I gave my coworker a ceramic tea steeping cup (amazon) and a bunch of loose leaf premium teas (amazon). It made me so happy to see her using it in the office this past year. If your coworker is into coffee, how fun would it be to give them a chemex (amazon)  for the office? Their life would never be the same. No more crappy office coffee for them.

If your coworker shows up to meetings and studiously scribbles notes, it’s just a no-brainer to buy him or her an awesome notebook and pen. I swear by these big, wide moleskins (amazon)  in a bright color. My colleague recently gave me U Brands pens (amazon)  and they have been ultra delicious to write with.

Is your coworker constantly telling you about their latest weekend warrior trips? If so, get them something travel related. You can never go wrong with a great passport case (madewell) or luggage tag (madewell). It’s the gesture that counts the most.

What about the person who is constantly on their ear buds trying to tune out the loud talkers? Get them a case that fits their personality. I can’t stop thinking about this cute one from Rifle paper (rifle paper).

My work bestie is a busy mom trying to balance motherhood with her work. I know it’s not easy for her to carve out time for herself. I was thinking about getting her a self-care kit (body shop) and a nice bottle of wine. That way it’s just there when she needs it. She’d probably appreciate that more than a massage gift card because it requires no advanced planning.

I know this is probably the most obvious gift guide of all time, but I’d honestly be jazzed to receive any of the gifts I listed above from a coworker. Don’t overthink it. Just buy a token and use a card to express the way you feel. That’s all that matters anyway.

Do you have any gift ideas to add to this list?

fashion, Style

What should I wear to the office holiday party?

November 27, 2019

I’m starting a new job soon and I happen to start the exact same week as the office holiday party. Talk about nerve-wracking! I want to make a bit of a splash at the formal affair, but I don’t want to go too overboard. Here are a few items I’m eyeing:

I love the idea of a dramatic cape dress in a bright holiday red like this cute little dress from Eloquii. Could I be so bold?

eloquii red cape dress

Maybe I should keep it classy and go with an elegant black one-piece with a fun little peplum detail? I could see myself rocking this with some edgy black or snakeskin boots or perhaps a strappy heel. The question is, will I feel comfortable in a tank top? This piece doesn’t lend itself to a jacket situation very well.

black peplum jumpsuit eloquii

Speaking of jumpsuits, what if I went for the drama with a velvet statement like this one from Fashion to Figure? I’m so in love. It screams holiday in a current and fun way. I’d just need to figure out some sort of undershirt because I don’t want the girls on display that much at a work event.

red velvet jumpsuit fashion to figure

Lastly, I love this little lady. At $29, she’s an affordable, comfortable dress in a cute holiday color. I could see her working well with some tights + booties and a longline blazer. Bonus points: I could wear this to more than the holiday party because it’s not as much of a MOMENT.

asos smock dress burgandy

What do you think? I’m leaning toward #3 or #4. Please help me make a decision!

Do you have a holiday party dress sorted yet?