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“Understand this much: whatever you and love for, you are”
-Rumi
Happy Friday and happy Thanksgiving! I hope you had a wonderful day celebrating with friends and family. My parents were in town for a few days, and it was a joy to have them here.
My parents got into town Tuesday afternoon, enough time to run to the grocery store to grab whatever items we needed for Thanksgiving. Mostly the appetizers like cheeses and vegetables. I bought some of the dinner food prior, and since my parents drove here they also brought stuff. After the grocery store we ordered in for dinner and I made them watch Dancing With The Stars. I really enjoyed the finale and am SO HAPPY Robert won!! He has been my number one pick for the mirrorball since the first episode.
The next morning we went to Modern Bread and Bagel on w14th street to pick up our gluten free pumpkin pie and to eat brunch there. The pumpkin pie was so good! We also bought some donuts to eat the next day while at the parade (my mom is also gluten free), and a few pumpkin s’more cookies for me to enjoy this week. Everything at the bakery is gluten free.
After brunch we headed uptown to go see a sneak peek at the Thanksgiving Day parade balloons and floats. They do this every year right by the Museum of Natural History; a chance for people to watch them inflate the balloons. This was my first time seeing the preview of the parade, and it was well worth the 2 hour wait. Yes, the line to walk past everything was 2 hours. We got there at a decent time, but if I ever do this again I am getting there much earlier. It was a cool experience to see the balloons and floats up close. It took up all of the afternoon, so by the time we got back downtown it was time for dinner. We went to Don Giovanni for dinner.
Thanksgiving morning we got up bright and early to head uptown for the Macy’s parade. This is my fourth time going to the parade and my parents’ first time. We met at 6:15am to head up to the Upper West Side where the parade starts on 77th street. The closer you are to the beginning of the parade, the less tourists and people there are. Although it is still a mad house. In my delusion I thought we would be able to find spots right on Central Park West. My first time going to the parade I left around the same time and had no problem finding a great spot along the parade route. However, that was 5 years ago. This year the city changed things and blocked off majority of the streets. If you left the area, you weren’t getting back in. As before you could freely go from one street to the next, even walk on the parade route.
When we got to the parade (on 72nd) people were already jammed packed on the street. It was so chaotic and claustrophobic. We decided to try and go up a street to see if the crowd lessened. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get past 73rd. I was a little disappointed because I wanted my parents to have a great view of the parade. I have been there when you get stuck on the side street and you see nothing but balloons. It isn’t fun nor worth standing there for hours in the bitter cold. Luckily, even though we still ended up on a side street, we were able to see the majority of the parade- especially as the parade went on, more and more people left so we were able to continuously get closer and closer to Central Park West.
We survived and enjoyed the parade. We were around some very nice, fun people so that helped pass the time while waiting for the parade to begin. My favorite float was the Stranger Things. I loved seeing the demogorgon. My favorite balloon is and will always be Snoopy. It’s such a classic! And, of course, seeing Santa Claus is a top highlight.
I hosted my parents at my apartment for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s my first time not only hosting Thanksgiving, but hosting in general (in my current apartment). I absolutely loved decorating the table and finally getting to use my nice plates, napkins, charcuterie board, etc. Since I live in a studio apartment, I do not have a dinner table. I do have a desk, but it was much easier to just makeshift my coffee table into a dinner table. My mom and I sat on the floor while my dad sat on the couch. Welcome to New York City living! It worked out just fine. We spent the rest of the day cooking and rewatching the parade. Yes, we watched the parade even though we saw it live. We wanted to see the things we perhaps missed like celebrities, people who were walking alongside the floats, and of course, the Broadway performances. I was a little disappointed that there were only 3 performances, I wanted more!
Thanksgiving was great and I was so happy to have my parents here. I haven’t celebrated Thanksgiving with them in 6 years, since I stay here in the city. I was also happy that they got to experience the parade for the first time. I enjoy going to the parade, but it’s not something I would do every year. It’s a lot; standing there in the cold for 4 hours, fighting crowds, etc. However, I think it’s so worth going and experiencing.
Last weekend I spent my evening volunteering as an usher at The Joyce Theater. I have been volunteering since the summer, doing it once or twice a month. I help prep the programs and lead patrons to their seats. It helps the theater to run smoothly. They do have ushers that actually work for the theater, but the more the merrier. The more people who volunteer the more seamless the night goes. In exchange for volunteering I get to watch the entire performance for free. The first half as an usher, the second half as a patron in a seat. I love doing it! Last weekend it was Complexions Contemporary Ballet. I’ve never seen them perform before and it was really lovely. They performed two different programs; I saw program A. My two favorite dances were “Imagine Joy” and “Honestly”. The choreography in “Imagine Joy” was wonderful; beautiful shapes, creative movements. “Honestly” was a solo performed by Vincenzo Di Primo (who was in Étoile!!). I loved the music (Donny Hathaway) and Vincenzo is a beautiful dancer.
What I am watching: I finally watched Freakier Friday starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. I loved it! Sequels can be a hit or miss, and this one is a hit. I thought it was funny and heartwarming. I was laughing throughout it. How they continued the story was great. A movie to rewatch again and again.
I started watching the new thriller on Peacock called All Her Fault. It stars Sarah Snook, Dakota Fanning, Jake Lacey, and more. Everyone on Threads have been talking about so decided to give it a shot. The way people have commented about the show I figured it was going to be so bad that it’s good. So far, two episodes in, I think it’s really good!
What I bought: With Black Friday sales and the holiday season finally here I have bought a few items. Starting with this lovely champagne organza dress to wear to either a holiday party or on Christmas Eve. I love how elegant it is. I also bought this chic black leather clutch since I do not have a black clutch. I also bought this fun black fringe knit top to wear out at night or to a holiday party. Currently under $100. I am excited to try it on and see how I can style it.
On The Blog
LTK Spotlight: Every outfit of mine that is currently on sale
ShopMy Spotlight: The matching set I wore to an event last week
Top Seller: This bow cardigan
This weekend I am going to take it easy. Going to revel in my food coma, start a new book (not sure which one yet), sleep, workout, and watch movies. Make it a weekend of R&R.
Have a wonderful weekend xo
1. Obsessed with Mark and Whitney’s DWTS freestyle dance
2. The perfect green dress for Christmas
4. These boots will keep you warm
5. The new animal print trend of the season
6. Holiday styling hacks on a budget
8. Lewis Miller’s secret to a DIY Christmas garland
9. The best holiday romance books
10. Which Thanksgiving leftovers to eat now and what to freeze
Weekend Sales
Abercrombie: 25-50% off everything. Some of the best jeans to wear.
Ann Taylor: 50% off everything. This chic sweater dress is under $100. A fun sequined skirt for the holidays.
Alex Mill: Black Friday Sale. A great cardigan to get in every color. Get this classic quilted jacket.
Alice Walk: 20% off everything code: BF2025. I have been eyeing this cashmere wrap for a long time. Get one of these comfy and stylish striped cashmere sweaters.
Alo Yoga: 30% off code: FRIDAY. These bootcut leggings are the best. I have this half-zip sweater and it’s so comfy. Also the best tennis skirt.
ASHA by Ashley McCormick: 25% off. Get this gorgeous ice blue kaftan for your next holiday in the sun. Gorgeous sunflower drop earrings to wear next summer.
Banana Republic: 40% off full-priced items. A classic black wool-cashmere wrap coat you will need and want. Eyeing this silk shirt in cream and black.
Brooke & Lou: 25% off. Gift someone these scalloped wicker frame set. I have this gorgeous terracotta vase and love it. Get this pretty tree skirt for the holidays.
Byrdie Golf Social Wear: 40% off code: EARLYBYRDIE. Cute shorts/dress for the greens or for leisure. A cute embroidered towel for the golfer.
Buru: Black Friday sale in all four seasons. Get this cute matching windowane print pants and scalloped top set.
Cailini Coastal: up to 30% off, 25% off rattan holiday. Buy yourself some new furniture. I have these cute rattan sleigh bells and can’t wait to display them this Christmas. Gift someone a scalloped raffia tray.
Cara Cara: Up to 70% off, and additional 20% off code: EXTRA20. This gorgeous shirtdress is perfect for the spring and summer. Still obsessed with this geometric print top.
Couper: 20% off. Gift someone one of these cute garment bags. Wear this classic black dress for New Year’s Eve.
DÔEN: up to 70% off select styles. This classic gingham dress you will wear year after year. This crimson smocked dress is great for Christmas and can be worn next year during the fall season.
Everlane: Up to 50% off everything. Get this oversized turtleneck in every color. These dark brown ankle boots are really chic.
Gap: 40% off everything. A great time to stock up on classic turtleneck tops– under $15. This belted puffy coat will keep you warm this winter. Get this scarf in every color- under $50.
H&M: 30% off everything. Eyeing this cozy loungewear knit pants and oversized sweater set. Grab this oversized belted coat. Gift someone this scarf for under $15.
Hill House Home: 25% off everything code: EVERYTHING25. Get the famous nap dress in every print and color- especially tartan. Gift this quilted cosmetic bag to someone this holiday season.
Hunter Bell: This toile print barn jacket is finally on sale! Grab this suede skirt before it’s sold out.
J.Crew: Up to 50% off sales styles code: EXTRA. The perfect time to grab a wool blend coat for the winter and keep yourself warm with these ribbed tech-touch gloves.
J.Crew Factory: Black Friday deals. A cute plaid mini skirt for the holidays. Chic black riding boots you will wear often. This white beanie makes for a great stocking stuffer.
J.McLaughlin: Buy more, save more. This belted coat is timeless. Get this lovely fair isle sweater.
Jenni Kayne: 25% off select styles. The popular cooper cardigan is on sale. This sweater coat looks so cozy and chic.
Julia Amory: 30% off. Grab this cute matching linen shorts and linen top set for vacation. This is the perfect simple little white dress that you will wear for years.
La Ligne: 50% off. The coziest knit pants. Get one of their popular marina sweaters.
Leset: 30% off sitewide. Get this gorgeous slip skirt in different colors. This burgundy sweater dress is perfect for the holidays.
LAKE Pajamas: 25% off everything. Get everyone in the family holiday pajamas. I have this stripe cardigan and it’s so comfy to wear.
Loeffler Randall: Up to 40% off. Classic red ballet flats you will wear for years. Get this evening clutch to wear for the holidays and to weddings.
LOFT: 50% off. Get this chic black faux fur jacket. A chic satin dress for the holidays. A cozy cable knit sweater for under $40.
Madewell: 40% off your purchase code: LETSGO. Grab a new pair of jeans like this perfect vintage wide-legged ones. Pair it with suede ankle boots.
Mango: Up to 50% off. A chic and cozy faux fur jacket. This cream turtleneck sweater is under $50. This gorgeous satin blouse is perfect for the holidays.
Nordstrom: Up to 60% off select styles. Perfect time to purchase a wrap coat or two for the winter. I just bought my favorite pro-collagen night cream.
Nori: Up to 30% off. I have this steam iron and love it- great for traveling. Got this fabric shaver and pill remover and can’t wait to use it- also makes for a great gift.
Over The Moon: 20% off almost everything code: HAPPYSHOPPING. Gift someone this lovely throw blanket. Something for the bride and groom. A cute nutcracker snow globe for the holidays.
Pamela Munson: 25% off sitewide. This rattan pearl clutch is one you will have for years. Gift someone this cute beach tote bag.
Quince: Black Friday Deals. This puffer coat will keep you warm all winter. Gift someone these rattan storage boxes.
Ralph Lauren: 30% off select styles. Get this chic quilted jacket in every color. Gift someone this classic canvas tote bag. This striped shirtdress will never go out of style.
Reformation: 25% off everything. The perfect time to purchase the wedding guest dress you need for next year. Snag this fancy sequined dress for New Year’s Eve at a good price.
Saks Fifth Avenue: Up to 70% off designer sale. Loving this fair isle sweater dress. Grab this classic green quilted jacket.
Sail to Sable: Up to 80% off, 40% off select styles code: FESTIVE. Love this matching top and skirt set. An easy shirtdress to throw on and go.
Serena and Lily: Sale of the year. Gift someone these woven tassel placemats. Add this scalloped rattan tray to your home decor. Buy yourself a new 3-drawer nightstand.
Set Active: 30% off sitewide. Been eyeing this sports bra. Black leggings for under $100.
Shopbop: 25% off code: HOLIDAY. Get the suede knee high boots you have been eyeing. Cuddle up on the couch in this matching knit set.
Simon Miller: 25% off sitewide. This sequined dress is perfect for New Year’s Eve. A fabulous fringe skirt. Add a little flare to your summer outfit with this fringe tote.
Studio McGee. Up to 30% off sitewide. The perfect time to buy a new rug. Gift someone this stoneware scalloped platter for the holidays- under 20.
Talbots: 40% off your entire purchase. Wanting this comfy and cozy pants, t-shirt, and cardigan set. Get this chic belted puffer vest.
Tory Burch: 30% off $250+. I’ve had the shoulder bag for years now and absolutely love it. Great everyday Chelsea boots.
Tuckernuck: 25% off almost everything code: SHOWTIME. The perfect opportunity to grab a holiday outfit like this red velvet silk mini dress. Get this classic belted shirtdress in every color. I have my eye on this green floral caftan for vacation next year.
Weezie: Up to 30% off sitewide. These scalloped bath towels make for a great gift to give. Trust me when I say this robe is very comfortable.