Clearly, my aloe plant is one of those souls that’s been able to kick butt during these pandemic times. Check her out. She is thriving! 🏆
Side note: I’m removing one of the leaves and using it to moisturize my cuticles tonight. ✔️
Awkward segue, but you know what I just realized today?? I haven’t given a single thought to the food situation ’round these parts for Christmas Eve. Like, I’m normally all about planning every single food-related detail weeks ahead of time, sometimes months, because I get very excited about eating all teh things at Christmas.
Seriously, it’s such a big part of Filipino culture — good food with family to celebrate the holiday, and there are quite a few dishes you only eat on special occasions — but I haven’t given any thought to it yet. Don’t have any idea what I’m gonna make or bring when we go see my family in the East Bay later this month.
I mean, hopefully, depending on the state of the world next week… 😞
Like they have for most people, the last couple years have changed me PROFOUNDLY. I used to be almost an obsessive planner, but now I’m so hesitant to make plans at all because part of me thinks, “Oh, we’ll have to change plans at the last minute anyway, so why bother planning at all? I’ll just wing it.”
I’m of the mind that things will either be great or terrible, but either way, it’s fine! LOL. Strange days. Strange days indeed…
I wasn’t really a big fan of improvising holiday plans in the “before times,” because planning gave me a sense of control, but now I’m just like Elsa. I let it go. 😂
Seriously, I’m thinking about baking chocolate-chip cookies for Christmas, making homemade pizzas at home and calling it a day. I think that might make me happy! In the end, I know it’ll be fine as long as there’s something a little special at the meal, and chocolate-chip cookies from scratch are always special.
This week’s reading
- If you want glowing skin, Rihanna’s makeup artist recommends pairing concealer with a skin tint. Side note: I totally agree!
- Just in case you’re looking for a last-minute fragrance gift for a teenager!
- Looking for nail art inspiration? Here are 45 ideas.
- Speaking of nail art…
- Reese Witherspoon hearts ❤️ Biossance.
- I just can’t with TikTok beauty trends… I JUST CAN’T.
- Happy reunions with cats? Yes, please.
- Cats and dogs have facial expressions, and we’re only just starting to understand them.
Love this look
I’m low-key obsessed with Marisa.
I don’t really know what’s going on here, but I love it.
Mood music
Trying this…
Feeling festive
What are you up to today? I have some last-minute Christmas shopping left to do, along with some last-minute Christmas returns. You know how when you go shopping, and you don’t plan on getting anything for yourself, but then you buy all of these random “just for me gifts” because you’re out of your mind? And then when you get home, you’re like, “Wait, what was I thinking?”
Yeah, that’s my life right now.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I completely understand wanting to simplify the holidays. This year for Thanksgiving I made homemade pizza and a pie and it was fantastic. No craziness and I actually got to chill and enjoy the holiday instead of spending the day cleaning and cooking.
This was so sweet and honest to read, like a glimpse into your thought process which in turn helps me think about my own! This time of year I also try to treat myself, getting things I normally wouldn’t. I think Ulta is having it’s 20% unicorn coupon sale I plan to take part in this week. I’m finished shopping and even wrapping. I might make another batch of my famous sugar ginger cookies. 😁 I’ve made 2 so far and they disappear quickly! I also haven’t really thought about the food part, which is usually my jam. I wonder if my family would be ok with picking up a kit from a restaurant or something! I feel like in the last couple of years it’s been easier to change holiday traditions keeping what still works and discarding what no longer does. I hope in the end it makes the day more meaningful and focused on what really matters. ❤️ Merry Christmas to you and yours!
A lot of times on Christmas Eve my family and I will just get takeout! Then on Christmas my mom will make a ham and potatoes, and I try to think of a couple vegetarian things to bring that I can fill up on! The sweets are most important to me! I’m hoping I’m all done Christmas shopping because the stores are crazy right now!
Just curious, I left a comment on here earlier with a recipe for a lemon dessert I love making, but it doesn’t seem to have shown up. I have had problems with comments disappearing on here before, is there certain words or links that your spam filter blocks?