Mid-year Update: Books

Hello friends, Happy Friday! What are you doing this weekend?

I'm definitely shopping during Clear the Rack (50% off clearance dresses and 25% all other clearance, shop online here), although I got a few more things from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (Read what I got so far here). Also, Anthropologie is now doing additional 40% off sale!

But I promise shopping is not my only hobby :P. Today, I'm bringing you another mid-year update: books I've read so far, what I'm currently reading and my to-read list. I still read hard copies, because the smell of the new printing, the weight of holding it in your hand and the satisfaction of turning a page just don't transfer electronically for me. A lot of my reading was done on the plane, since I've been traveling more this year. If you haven't read my mid-year update on my 2017 goals last week, you can read it here. It might make more sense why I'm reading/want to read some of these books.

Shopping Haul: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2017

Hello friends, today I'm updating you on what I got from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale so far and what else is on my wishlist. The sale is still going on until 8/6. Some of the items are sold out, so I've listed the Item number in case you want to track them down in stores.

To be honest, I'm more of a Nordstrom Rack girl than a Nordstrom girl. I love finding deals that are at least 60% - 70% off. Like when I scored these Jimmy Choo Carrie Sandals for 67% off at Nordstrom Rack, which are still full price ($695) at Nordstrom. BTW: The next Clear the Rack (25% off clearance) starts this Thursday, 7/27 - 7/30! So I try to only buy things at Nordstrom that are not available or I can't easily get at Nordstrom Rack.

Let's start with one of the most popular item and my most expensive purchase from the sale. It was initially the most exciting, but turned out to be the most frustrating purchase for me. I'm talking about:

STUART WEITZMAN Elevated Over the Knee Boot ($499.90, After Sale: $798):
Sold out, Item #5347618

All Things Coconut-y

Hello friends, Happy Friday!

Originally, I wanted to update you on what I got from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and what I think of them so far, but I have yet to receive some of my online orders. So hopefully I'll post that sometime next week. Starting today, the Anniversary Sale is now available to everyone until 8/6 and you can see my wishlist here.

Instead, I'm sharing with you my current and old favorites for all things coconut-y, which I'm even more obsessed with in the summer! I tried to pick items that smells coconut-y, rather than other scents mixed with coconut. I've rounded up some face, body, hair products (including my current favorite DIY hair mask) as well as some coconut snacks!

1. GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment ($69 for 1.7oz): This mask smells amazing and is so moisturizing, especially if you leave it on overnight. But once I'm done, I'll be switching to this Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Facial Mask 2 oz ($15.99), which is more natural and much cheaper! The only downside is you have to wash it off (See how lazy I am?). I love the scent of the Yes to Coconut line and you can check out the entire line here.

Mid-year Update: My 2017 Goals

Hello friends, we are getting a little personal today! I'm reflecting on some of my goals this year and update you on how I'm doing so far. While I try to be SMART (as in my professional life) with most of the goals, some goals are new, so I don't have anything specific in mind or anything to measure up to. This is a longer and chattier post, so grab yourself some coffee, tea or wine! I hope you'll find this interesting and inspire you to work toward your goals!

SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

Images (clockwise) via: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Speaking of not being SMART, that's definitely the case with money and career for me this year. I want to save as much as possible for a down-payment, which feels like it's never going to happen with the unbelievable prices in So Cal. Currently, a certain percentage of my paycheck directly deposits to a savings account at a different bank from my checking account, which really helps me to save. I've also increased it by a few percentages in the last few months.

In terms of career, I love the amount of travel and project management I'm doing for my job. But I don't know what the next step for me is. I also know that I want to go back to school, part-time or full-time. But what do I want to study? A lot of people knew what they want to do when they went to college, whereas I figured out what I don't want to do during those years. Even now, I have a long list of what I don't want to do, but still -- What do I want to do? So having a few ideas this year would be good!

Wishlist: Nordstrom Annivesary Sale 2017

Hello friends, Happy Friday!

I'm in CT for work this week and can't wait to be back home and sipping my Frosé (See how I make mine and my other June Favorites here). But first -- the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now live, if you are a Nordstrom cardholder! So that's what I'll be doing this weekend :P. You can get the new arrivals for fall at a discount before they become full price on August 7th. Check out the catalog online here.

• Early Access (Nordstrom cardholders): Now - 7/20
• Public Access (everyone): 7/21 - 8/6
• Prices go up 8/7

Also, I just got an email this morning saying you'll get 10 points/dollar on purchases made between Wednesday 7/12 and today 7/14. So go go go!

Favorites: June 2017

Hello friends! Today, I'm sharing with you my belated June Favorites: clothing, beauty products, lifestyle faves and drinks (Frosé included) :P.  On Friday, I'll be sharing with you what's on my wishlist for Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale.


1. Gilligan & O'Malley Women's Pajama Set Total Comfort ($19.99):
Material: 95% modal, 5% spandex; Size S

Photo Credit: Target

These PJ's are so soft, comfortable and totally comparable to the ones from Victoria's Secret ($52). I've had them for two months and so far they've been washing well (I wash mine on "Hand Wash"). I'm definitely considering getting another color and highly recommend them!

2. Maeve Finley Wide-Leg Jumpsuit ($69.95, currently extra 30% off):
Material: 100% viscose; Size 2

Photo Credit: Anthropologie (left)

4th of July Festive Confetti Nails

Hello friends, Happy Fourth of July weekend!

Work has been quite stressful these last two weeks, sorry for being MIA! I'm in D.C. for the Fourth, so I obviously had to do a festive mani. I didn't want to go all out with the stars and stripes. Well, they also look harder to do on both hands. After a quick Google search, I came across this Patriotic Spot design, which is more toned-down and much easier to do. But knowing me, I had to jazz it up with some sparkles! So here's the finished look:

Background: Austin Bergstrom International Airport