Happy Wednesday! There are only two days left before Christmas and I couldn’t be more excited. While this holiday looks different than in years past, I still am looking forward to spoiling Lucy with her gifts.
That said, I want to share my favorites for the week. Many of them are television shows since I’ve been binge watching a lot more as of late.
Bee Gees How Can You Mend a Broken Heart Documentary: I watched this last Friday night and I absolutely loved this movie. It tells the story of The Bee Gees from their formation to the disco days. In that documentary, you see a lot of footage of the band as they grow up and you learn a lot about the era of their music. It is definitely worth the watch. And I’m not going to lie, it made me interested in listening to them a lot. You can watch it on HBO Max.
After We Collided:I was obsessed with the After series for the first part of the year and I have been waiting for this movie to come out since last December. It continues the story of Tessa and Hardin and their crazy relationship. This movie is kinda trashy but kinda addicting — just like the books. I already can’t wait for the third one. You can watch both After movies on Netflix.
A VSCO photo from the summer. My username is nattbarletta.
VSCO: Lately, I’ve been really into using the app VSCO to edit my photos and just take more photography. I got one back in 2016 and rarely used it, but I have been loving taking simple snapshots of things in my life and turning them into beautiful photos. In the new year, I want to make more time for the things that I love, and photography is one of them.
Apple Watch Band: I mentioned this yesterday in my Amazon Haul, and I really love this band. I’ve been using it since I got it and I love it because it’s unique looking and comfortable to wear.
So, those are this week’s favorites. What are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below!
Lately, I’ve been really taking advantage of my Prime membership this past week. I go through phases of using my membership to buy stuff off of Amazon and then there are times I don’t.
Most of these are items that I wanted to add to my kitchen or actually needed in other areas of my life. Now that all of my packages are in, here’s what I recently got from Amazon:
Home:
Smart Light Bulbs: I have yet to set these up, but these are really cool. I wanted these because I wanted to be able to change the color of the light bulb, so I can have warmer tones at night. A two pack of these were $20, and it syncs with Alexa, which is always good.
Food Clips: I have a set of two, and it hasn’t been cutting it lately. Therefore, I picked up a pack of these to stick on my fridge and use whenever I need a clip for things like chips, baking stuff, etc. If you’re looking for something that is a great stocking stuffer, this is it.
Coasters: Other than the ones in my bedroom, I have only one coaster in my house that has been living in my office since I’ve been working from home. I love this because I can leave these on the kitchen table and have enough to just leave in the kitchen for dinner, whenever I have people over, or whenever I drink coffee or tea in my living room. I really like these because I have the Antropologie ones in my bedroom — and these are the same quality at a much better price.
Salad Chopper: I saw this on a recent Brook Miccio video, and I really loved it because I have the hardest time chopping lettuce for salads and tacos. I love this gadget because I can use it for so many different things, and also eat healthier in the new year. I have not tried it yet, but will let you know how it goes.
Cake Carrier: I’ve been looking for an affordable cake carrier for months, and I loved the color. I bake a lot of cakes, however, I would just use a plate and foil to keep them. That usually resulted in the cake being melted and the frosting coming off. I am so excited for this, because not only can I store the cake in a great place, but I can bring it anywhere if needed.
Fashion:
Rose Gold/Large Silver Hoop Earrings: I purchased two different variations of this earring, and I absolutely loved them both. Many of you know that I am a huge fan of earrings and investing in nicer pieces. However, I didn’t want to invest in earrings that I knew that I may not wear that often. Therefore, I picked out the rose gold and the larger silver pair of these. So far, I am really impressed with the quality of these, and I really am glad that I purchased them.
Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings: Yes, another pair of hoops. I have a smaller set of these from SV Decker, and I love these because they are the same, but they are bigger. I really like these because they are lightweight, and they don’t get caught in your mask as well.
Pavoi Stud Earrings: I loved these earrings, because they can be good for my first hole or my second one. In person, they are small, but that’s okay. They are gorgeous, and I am so excited to wear them.
Flat Hoop Earrings: These are a little heavy, but these are adorable. These are a little different than my other hoops, and this are a great way to shake up your hoops.
Twisted Hoop Earrings: Last but not least is that I picked out these twisted hoops. I love these earrings. They are amazing quality, and they are lightweight. They are so affordable, and if I don’t wear them everyday, it won’t break the bank.
Tech:
Phone Stand: I love this for three different reasons. One, it’s a great tripod to take pictures. Two, it’s a place to hold my phone whenever I am working in my office. Three, this is a great way to hold my iPad when I work out as well so it doesn’t slip. I’ve already used it a lot, and I’m really happy that I picked this item out.
Apple Watch Band: I love this band because not only does this change up my Apple Watch, but I don’t have to swap this out when I’m working out. This is a different band then what I am used to, and so far, I am really loving it.
Beauty:
Wet Brush: My need for a hairbrush is what started it all. I’ve had a ton of these brushes throughout the years, and my old one had the bristles fall out. Big yikes. That said, I picked this one up and this was such a great deal. I personally love using the Wet brushes, so I am happy that Amazon has them if need be.
And, that is all that I purchased from Amazon. It is safe to say that I will be off of it for a while, but I am so glad that I have found all of these items. And, I do want to end it by saying that all of these items were less than $20 each, which is amazing.
Because of my work hours, I am not able to hold a part time job. Which is fine. However, I do want to make a little extra money, especially since I want to try to bulk up my savings account in 2021. Many of the things are pretty simple, but they can definitely help you make a few extra bucks.
Don’t Spend As Much: It’s very easy to spend a lot of money, and life is expensive. However, before you look into getting another job, why don’t you look into what you can cut in your budget. One of the things that I actually have cut out was buying coffee out, which saved so much money. Other things that you can cut out include: buying food out, and Amazon purchases.
Sell Some of Your Old Stuff: This is the time of year where everyone wants to declutter, so why don’t you go through your closet to see which clothes you are no longer wearing or have been gathering dust? Those clothes/purses can be sold on Poshmark or be brought to your local consignment store. What’s good is that you can makes some money for clothes that you will actually wear or use.
Coupon: I think that it’s a great thing to coupon, because you can save a lot of money. Couponing is only great however if you only buy items that you already use. One of the tips that I have is to get the apps of stores that you already buy things, such as Target and CVS, and load coupons right on your phone. Furthermore, what’s good about those apps is not only are they in one place, they also help you accumulate points to help go towards more purchases.
Buy a Brita: It’s 2020. If you’re buying bottled water, then seriously switch to a Brita. I love this because of the fact that you spend $17, it can save hundreds of dollars a year in groceries. The only thing that you had to do is replace the filters once every three months, but it honestly saves so much money in the long term.
Christmas time is here. While this is the most joyful time of year for many, for people who have suffered a loss of any kind, this is the time of year that hurts the most. Sure, holiday drinks and the joyful traditions that come with the holiday surely help. However, there will always be a reminder that my mom isn’t there to celebrate.
This is my second Christmas without my mother. Last year, I tried to do some of the same traditions that my mom and I did together. However, it just felt really weird. I know that happens when you do something for many years, and then you start an entirely new tradition. During the entire Christmas season, I kept on thinking I miss my mom. And, guess what? That is completely normal.
The sad reality about this is that there is not remedy for this loss that I’ve experienced. And, I’ve learned that the most important thing to do is just allow myself that feeling. I know that it’s crazy, but the more that I try to bottle everything up, the worst that it is going to be. I think by giving yourself that allowance, it really helps you realize that it is okay to feel your feelings.
One of the things that also helped me was “giving” my mom a present. Okay, this sounds weird, but basically I would just buy myself a Christmas gift and not open it until Christmas. It’s a way that makes me feel like I am kind of purchasing her a gift. Last year, it was my Tiffany and Co. Bean Necklace, and I put it in my stocking for me not to open until Christmas. This year, I took advantage of the Pandora sales, and decided to just wear them now.
Another thing that has been helpful is just visiting her grave as much as I can during the holidays as well. I have a hard time visiting my mom’s grave to the point where the only way I am able to do so is with my dog, but doing so the holidays and other special occasions helps me feel as though she is included.
Finally, the best advice is to just take some time for yourself and self care. Self care is something that isn’t selfish, and is especially important during this time of year. So, take some time to indulge in relaxing, and indulging in just slowing down. Furthermore, I’ve found it very important to keep up your healthy habits, such as working out, drinking water, and relaxing.
I know this time of year is usually busy (2020 is going to be different) but making sure you allow yourself to do things such as journal, drink a cup of tea, and working out is super important. This can be hard when balancing family and friends obligations, however, remember that putting yourself first is what matters.
Overall, the holidays definitely intensify the pain of losing a loved one. I am no expert, but all I can say that is just giving yourself the space and the grace to feel your feelings is what gets you through it.
Now that it’s the last few days of 2020, I want to begin wrapping up my reading from the past year. One of the challenges that I’ve had for this year was to get to my mashed potato book list, which is basically a list of books that I’ve had on my TBR for over six months.
If you don’t remember the list, here it is:
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella
One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus
China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
All the Light We Can Not See by Anthony Doerr
American Royals by Katherine McGee
Small Great Things by Jodi Picolt
Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
Don’t You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlene
Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell
Love at First Like by Hannah Orenstien
Start Here by Trish Dollar
Opposite of Always by Justin Reynolds
Of that, I’ve read 9 books. These include:
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella
One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus
China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
All the Light We Can Not See by Anthony Doerr
American Royals by Katherine McGee
Small Great Things by Jodi Picolt
Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
Don’t You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlene
Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell
Love at First Like by Hannah Orenstien
Start Here by Trish Dollar
Opposite of Always by Justin Reynolds
While I am proud of my progress, I hope to get to the rest of the books in 2021. My goals for next year is to try to buy books more intentionally to get to these books that I haven’t gotten to yet.
That said, stay tuned for my 2021 Mashed Potato Reading List!
Burgers are my favorite food group, and I recently discovered Hair of the Dog in Milford. Hair of the Dog is a fairly new restaurant located in the Devon area right before the Stratford line.
The restaurant is a very small place, but packs a very mighty punch.
The menu can be broken down by appetizers, burgers, tacos, soups, salads, pizzas, and wings. You know, standard bar fare. Furthermore, they have a variety of sides including waffle fries, sweet potato fries, and salads. And, all burgers are served on a pretzel bun, which is amazing.
What is cool about the menu is that many of the items are actually song references, which I really enjoy. For example, the appetizer section is called Wanna Be Starting Something. Some other examples include All In All It’s Another Soup in the Wall, and Don’t Go Bacon My Heart.
The decor is pretty true to the name. There are a lot of fun dog pictures scattered across the place, which adds a fun element to the restaurant.
My boyfriend and I got two burgers during our visit. He got the Don’t Go Bacon My Heart, while I got A Little Bit of Sandra in the Bun. In addition, we also shared Buffalo Sold Ya, which is a buffalo-style chicken dip.
We both enjoyed the appetizer, which was not too spicy and came with a side of Blue Cheese Dressing. They were extremely delicious, and I highly recommend them if you’re a fan of eggrolls.
Now, let’s talk about the burgers. Like I said, I got a Little Bit of Sandra in the Bun, which is a customizable burger. I got lettuce, tomato, and pickles on mine. Personally, getting a customizable burger is always the better option for me since I can’t do dairy. As a side, I got their waffle fries.
My boyfriend got the Don’t Go Bacon My Heart, which is a bacon cheeseburger with pepperjack cheese, bacon, onion rings, and their special BBQ on a pretzel roll. Like me, he got waffle fries. The food was delicious, and the burgers were cooked to order.
I loved the taste of the waffle fries, which had a little bit of a kick to them. Furthermore, adding the pretzel bun to the mix definitely made the burger much more fun and filling.
Overall, we both really enjoyed this new restaurant. While my boyfriend and I got burgers with meat, there are meatless options for those who don’t eat meat. While this is definitely a bar setting, it is definitely a great place to bring the family as well.
Interested in checking out Hair of the Dog? Be sure to check out their website!
Okay, so Christmas Eve is a week from tomorrow. COVID regulations set aside, we only have a few more shopping days before Christmas, and while it may be too late to have an item shipped out to your loved one, there are a few last minute gifts that you can either pick up in store, or have shipped via Prime.
Coffee Giftcards: Do they run on Dunkin’? Or do they love Starbucks? If they love coffee, picking up a gift card is such a great idea to help fuel their addiction or allow them to treat themselves.
Amazon Giftcards: You can’t go wrong with an Amazon gift card, because you can buy pretty much everything with it. What is great about giving an Amazon gift card is that you can actually have it delivered via email in any amount, so you can procrastinate to the day before the holiday if that’s what you want. I don’t recommend it, but it’s still a great option.
Pavoi Hoop Earrings: I have a few pairs of these, and these are great for anyone who loves jewelry. I have the oval ones, and they are so lightweight and comfortable. And all of their earrings have high ratings, and are great quality. They have several options and come in silver, gold and rose gold.
3 in 1 Aluminum Charging Station: I love this because it keeps and charges all of your items in one place. I have the pink one and my boyfriend has the black one. This is great because you can leave your phone on your nightstand, and everything charges overnight. Perfect.
Giftcard For Takeout: Support small businesses. Or, give them a break from cooking. No matter where they go regularly, or what they like to eat, this is a no-fail gift idea because it’s easy for you and allows them to treat themselves. Or save some money looking for something to eat.
Okay, so we have less than 2 weeks until Christmas. There is a lot to prepare, and I haven’t even begun wrapping presents yet. Yup, I’m procrastinating.
Anyways, I have a few favorites to share with you this week. Many of them are new music, but that is honestly okay. That said, here are my favorites for the week:
Evermore by Taylor Swift: It is no secret that I am a Taylor Swift fan. She dropped yet another album in 2020, and of course, I was all over it. I did purchase the vinyl as well, which is something that I am excited to get in a few weeks. I have listened to this album all of the time since it came out, and I love it. Favorite songs: Willow, Champagne Problems, Evermore, and ‘Tis the Damn Season.
Madewell Zip-Top Medium Transport Leather Tote: You all know that I am a huge fan of Madewell totes. I recently purchased the smaller Zip-Top version of my larger Transport tote. And I love it. I love it that it isn’t this larger tote, but it still fits so much. It does not fit my MacBook Air, but it still fits all of my work things with ease. I also really love having a strap on the purse, because it makes it so much more comfortable to carry things around.
How to Be Human by Chelsea Cutler: I discovered this artist by listening to Gals on The Go, and I really like her songs. They are about a breakup, but I think that they are a bit more upbeat than some of the other songs. And, the lyrics are honest and true as well. This album isn’t brand new, but I really have enjoyed listening to it. Favorite Songs: Sad Tonight,Strangers Again, and I Miss You.
JBL GO2 Waterproof Ultra Portable Bluetooth Speaker: This was an impulse purchase, and I am so glad that I got it. I’ve used it every day since I got it. This speaker is what I use when I shower, because I’ve always loved listening to music and podcasts while showering. However, my Echo hasn’t been good for when I shower, and so I purchased this. So, far it’s great. The sound has been excellent, and the battery lasts forever.
You can take it places, as well, however, I don’t foresee myself doing so until the summer when I go to the beach. If you’re looking for a great last minute gift, then I highly recommend this as well.
Wire-wrapped jewelry has always been a classic go-to, whether you wanted to get it as a gift for someone else, but is a great way to add to your own ring collection.
I chatted with Ci’ahna Battle, who is the owner of Wrapped in Essence Jewelry. Wrapped in Essence has rings, bracelets, and earrings. All of those pieces are wire-wrapped, and they look amazing. I’m doing a mini-spending freeze on jewelry until Christmas, but I am sure I will be adding a few of her rings to my collection and I can’t wait.
Ci’Ahna Battle, owner of Wrapped in Essence Jewelry. Photo Credit: Ci’Ahna Battle
That said, keep reading to learn more about Ci’Ahna’s online shop:
How did Wrapped in Essence Jewelry get started?
I always loveddd to accessorize but it always seemed like I couldn’t find exactly what I liked or wanted. One day I was looking at jewelry and I thought to myself, “You know what? Since you can never find the jewelry you’re looking for why not just make it yourself?” And off to YouTube University I went haha!
Out of all of your products, do you have a few suggestions for those looking for holiday gifts?
No piece is better than the other so I suggest them all haha!
Photo Credit: Ci’Ahna Battle
What materials do you use?
I use nickel free, tarnish free gold, silver and brass wire.
WIll there be any new pieces appearing during the holiday shopping season?
Yes! This week two new pieces are now available and more will be added in the next few weeks!
Do you have any promotions during the holiday shopping season?
Yes! There are two promotions going on. There is a 20% off your entire purchase (with code AUTUMN20) and free shipping on all orders $50 or more (with code ESSENCE50)
Seriously. Look at those rings. Photo Credit: Ci’Ahna Battle
Do you have any 2021 goals for the shop?
More of everything! More pieces, more orders, more social content, more success. The possibilities are endless!
Do you do any customized pieces? If so, what is the process for that?
In the future I do want to do custom monogram and astrology pieces. Stay tuned!
I noticed that you previously had some gemstone wirewrapped pieces. Will those be returning?
Yes! As of now I am perfecting my craft to showcase beautiful work.
More rings. Photo Credit: Ci’Ahna Battle
Finally, do you have any tips for someone who is wanting to start their own online shop?
Patience is a virtue! I know with the social media age it seems like everything happens overnight, but please trust that it is a process. DO NOT GIVE UP. Even if you make 5 sales or no sales one week keep pushing! To give and receive is the natural balance of the world. You give your business everything you will receive everything in return!
Since posting my Christmas TBR, I was approached by a few readers asking me for some holiday reading recommendations. I have been reading holiday related books more and more in recent years, and decided to create this list as a result of that.
Let It Snow by John Green:
This is an anthology of three different short stories, and they are so quick and fun to read. All of the stories are light romances, and they are amazing.
Dash And Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan:
I just read this book this year, and I fell in love with this book after binge watching all eight episodes of the Netflix series. It is a Christmas themed scavenger series, where the main character Dash finds a red notebook asking do you dare? He follows all of the prompts, and then forges a relationship with its author, Lily. It is a really cute and a quick read, and I really enjoyed reading this one.
7 Days of Us by Francesca Hornak:
This one seems kind of relatable, especially now. A family stuck in a week-long quarantine, because the oldest daughter, Olivia has been battling a disease in Africa. The family, who must stay in lockdown and away from the outside world, has its secrets, which during a time in quarantine, eventually come to surface.
25 Days of Christmas by Poppy Alexander:
Kate used to love Christmas, however, now that she is a lonely widow, things are different. Kate is struggling financially and emotionally, and needs a miracle. I love this story because it talks more about the depression and the pressure that comes with Christmas, and tells a more hard hitting story than many of the books on here.
Snow In Love by Various Authors:
These are four Young Adult romances by four bestselling authors, including Kasie West, Melissa De La Cruz, Nic Stone, and Aimmee Freedman. This is a short read, but it’s a great one.
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren:
I am a huge fan of Christina Lauren and have read almost all of their books. This book is about Mae, whose family goes to a Christmas house every year. However, it was announced that she will no longer be able to spend the holidays there. On their way home from the airport, she gets into a car accident and wakes up back on the plane, six days earlier. Stuck in a Groundhog Day-type situation, she eventually begins to figure out what makes her happy.
What Light by Jay Asher:
This very well may be Sierra’s last year selling Christmas trees. You see, every year she, along with her family venture to California to sell Christmas trees. She meets Caleb, a stranger with an interesting past. This read is a short one, but one I definitely loved reading a few years back.
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