5 Things I’m Doing While Stuck At Home

Hi my friends! Long time no chat. As always, I hope that you’re healthy and safe. Since we’re all adjusting to this new normal, I thought I’d check in to share what I’ve been up to. I used to wish I had more time in a day to do other things. Now, that gigs and events and travel have been canceled, I haven’t quite jumped into all those projects on my list. But, I’m beginning to tackle a few things. Here they are.

1. Revisiting my home art project

I collect art from my home, St. Kitts. Every time I visit, I bring something back. I’ve had a stash growing in the corner of my office just waiting to be framed. Since Michaels.com is open, I’m starting to work on the project in this new stay home life. I order all of my frames there.

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2. Getting “dressed” for the day

I usually work from home, so I’ve been practicing this one for a while. I’m more productive when I get up and get dressed for the day. Check out my usual at-home uniform here. I had the fun opportunity to teach a fashion marketing class at my alma mater this week, so I got a little more jazzy than usual for the occasion.

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3. Learning a language

I’ve been brushing up on Spanish using the Duolingo app on my iPad. It’s addictive and fun. I also like the app’s focus on learning vocubulary you’d actually use in everyday circumstances

4. Committing to 30 minutes of exercise a day

I usually go hard in the gym. The idea of working out at home, however, just wasn’t doing it for me. I did nothing for about 3 weeks. I’ve found that committing to just 30 minutes a day seemed more doable. So far, so good.

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5. Getting creative with content projects

I’m fortunate to be able to continue to create content during this time. I’m working on some really fun projects that I can’t wait to share. Stay tuned. Be sure to follow me on Instagram as well because some projects will only be shared there.

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How are you adjusting to this stay home life?

10 Genius Gift Ideas All Under $40

In a major rush to get a gift but want it to impress? I got you covered, girl. The genius gift ideas in this holiday gift guide are just that–genius. From top notch products we would use everyday but would rarely buy for ourselves to the sample sets that allow us to try the products everyone raged about this year, there’s something here for every woman in your life. And, the best part? Nothing is over $40.

10 Genius Gift Ideas:

1. S’well water bottle ($35)

S’well bottles combine fashion and function. They keep cold beverages cold for 24 hours and hot beverages hot for 12 hours. And, the bottles come in some jazzy designs. Would you expect anything less than fabulous from a woman-owned company? I use mine EVERY DAY.

2. Pat McGrath mini lipstick trio ($25)

Pat McGrath is one of the most influential makeup artists in the world. This set provides the perfect opportunity to try 3 of her top selling lipstick colors.

3. Google Home Mini (on sale $29)

Been thinking about getting a smart speaker? This is the one. It’s compact but powerful. With a simple, “Hey Google,” you can have hands-free help in any room.

4. Perfume sampler ($25)

Don’t know her favorite scent? No problem. This Sephora sample set includes 7 of its most popular fragrances.

5. Urban Decay mini 24/7 eye pencil set ($29)

Do her a favor and gift her these 5 travel-sized eye pencils. They’re the softest, smoothest eye pencils ever. They glide on and blend like a dream. Don’t ask me how many I own.

6. Day Designer daily planner ($14.99)

2019 plans have to be made! And, Day Designer makes the most user-friendly, practical, stylish daily planner I’ve ever used. This particular style, Day Designer for Blue Sky, makes the Day Designer system available for under $15 at Target. I already got mine. What are you waiting for?

7. Moleskine notebook ($19.95)

Know a notebook/journal snob, someone who desires great paper quality and little ink bleed-through on their pages? Impress her with one of these.

8. Candle ($12 plus 30% off right now)

If you haven’t smelled the Mini Capri Blue Volcano candle yet, do yourself a favor and get it for yourself. It’ll have your room smelling like a tropical paradise.

9. Monogram DOF glass

For that spirited friend who enjoys sipping on an aged rum or cognac from time to time, give her a glass with her initial on it.

10. Suede shearling slippers/glitter slippers ($24.50 on sale)

Want to know what it feels like to walk on clouds? Slip your feet into these. I finally replaced my 4-year old pair from J.Crew with this J.Crew Factory version of the popular style. They’re perfect. P.S.: I get them one size larger (i.e. I wear a size 8 but wear a 9 in these).

15 Last-Minute Gifts Under $20 for Anyone

Still shopping for holiday gifts? Been putting off shopping for some people on your list? Thought you were done shopping but forget someone on your list? No worries. I got you. Today’s post rounds 15 amazing last-minute gifts that anyone would love. These are products that perform, are functional, and just all-around cool.

Last-Minute Gifts

Amazing Last-Minute Gifts

1. All-natural soaps that everyone from the person with sensitive skin to the person with particular taste will love. Shop them here for $4.99 each.

2. A succulent (shop a set of 3 for $17.99 here). It’s a lovely, living gift that’s low maintenance. I use mine in flat lays all the time (see how here).

3. A lucky token keychain (shop it here for $14). Everyone carries keys, right?

4. Monogram mugs are the easiest personalized gifts to give (shop them here for only $8). You might not know a whole lot about a person, but you know their name and hence an initial. Besides, how adorable are these?

5. Blis lip scrub and lip balm set (shop it here for $15). It’s chapped-lip season, and everyone is reaching for a lip moisturizer. Give ’em the best.

6. Aveda Lip Saver (shop it here for $8). Currently, this is my personal favorite. So, I keep it stocked and get it for friends too.

7. Day Designer/Blue Sky daily planner (find it in Target stores for $14.99). I swear by the Day Designer planner (see more in this post). If you don’t want to fork over $49 for the original one, this lower-cost collab version offers most of the functionality.

8. Notepad and pen (shop the set here for $10). Gift the tools to help ’em write it down and make it happen.

9. Glittering manicure set (shop it here for $18). All the essentials for well-groomed nails in an adorable case. Who wouldn’t love that?

10. OPI Fiji Collection Duo (shop the duo here for $17.95). Can’t gift a trip to Fiji, gift nail colors inspired by Fiji.

11. The only top coat to ever use (shop it here for $9.95). This fast-dry top coat is the best ever. See my review here.

12. Capri Blue candles in volcano (shop them here for $12). Candles make perfect small gifts, and these smell wonderful.

13. Coasters (shop them individually here for $14). Officemate or friend needs some place cool to place their drinks? These natural stone with gold electroplating coasters are super chic and functional.

14. Body butter (shop it here for $11.99). SheaMoisture body products are so thoughtfully made and effective that they are sure to please anyone on your list.

15. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb (shop it here for $18). Fenty Beauty products are the IT beauty products of the year! If you don’t know the particular taste of someone on your list, this Gloss Bomb looks and feels amazing on everyone.

What are your favorite last-minute gifts?

Fashioning Fun on Game Day

Is it just me, or does it seem like as soon as one major sports season ends, another one begins? Lucky me, I’m not really into the games, but my husband loves them ALL. He’s not giving up his love of sports, so I’ve decided to try to get into it. So, on game days, I tap into my reliable ingredients to make any occasion fun—fashion, color, and Frontera wine.

On major game days, we often have people stop by, and that’s enough reason to get casual-stay-at-home glam. And, to be honest, simply having to get dressed for game days makes ’em more fun. You know what I mean?

Frontera Wine

To toast the occasion (and whatever teams are playing), I keep my all-time favorite wine in stock—the Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon. This particular wine is a perfect pairing for impromptu game viewing parties. It’s always a crowd-pleaser in my house too.

As a vegan, I used to feel guilty about serving vegan-only foods at my house. But, I soon realized that my guests always enjoy the foods. So, I like to offer fun vegan foods that are sure to satisfy even the meat lovers. On game days, Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a favorite. It’s like the guilt-free and even more tasty version of Buffalo wings.

They’re super easy to make too. I simply dip cauliflower florets in a mixture of flour, water, and spices before baking at a super high temperature until they start browning. I, then, add a light coat of buffalo sauce, and return to the oven to crisp.

Good wine and good food to celebrate what we can hope is a good game. Salud!

Need even more incentive to get into game day? Enter the Frontera Wines Game Day Sweepstakes to win a brand new HD TV. Games, reality shows, and pretty much everything will look good on that. Get in it to win it!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Holiday Gifts She’d Forget to Get for Herself

Spoil the woman on your holiday list with gifts she’ll use and adore but probably never get for herself. From a graphic dress she’d wear around the house for an entire lazy Saturday and Sunday to to the mug that’ll make her smile at every morning coffee, these holiday gifts for her will be perfect.

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“I need a day between Saturday and Sunday.” I bet you couldn’t find a woman who’d disagree with what this sleep maxi dress says. In addition to being stylish and cheeky, the dress is soft and cozy too.

Holiday Gifts for Her

Graphic sleep maxi dress ($32) c/o Venus

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As women, we spend a lot of time focusing on being productive. What would it mean, though, to also focus on and prioritize our own happiness? I highly recommend the Happiness planner as a tool to help refocus those priorities.

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The planner incorporates practices like positivity and mindfulness on every page to steer you right towards your own happiness.

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Happiness planner ($29) c/o Venus

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Chances are, you’ve faced a situation or two this year that have prompted you to say, “I can’t even.” Why not add a little sass to tea time with a conversation mug? This one comes complete with a sweet message on the inside.

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Conversational mug (on sale $9) c/o Venus

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And, finally, candles! If she isn’t already a fan of burning candles, she’ll surely become one if you gift her the Capri Blue Iridescent Jar candle in Volcano and a Nest Fragrance candle in Moroccan Amber. They burn well and smell amazing.