It’s starting to hit me that I’m heading home to California soon (one week from tomorrow to be exact!). I’ve been trying to hang out with my friends one last time before I leave for the holidays and yesterday I hopped on the train to Brooklyn. In honor of her birthday and the holidays, my friend hosted a tree-trimming gathering at her apartment. As always, there were plenty of yummy snacks and good company.
I’ve got a little bit over a week to sort out my business before I fly home. I’d like to check more people off my Christmas card list, pick up a few more Christmas presents, and deliver presents to local friends before I leave. I also have another tree-trimming party to go to next weekend. This time of year is so busy busy busy, but it’s all fun stuff, so I don’t mind!
Outfit Details: Forever 21 white sweater (similar), American Eagle black hi-rise jeggings, Payless flats, Fossil Erin Satchel | Lips- Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick- Kate Moss Collection in 01 | photos of me- my roomie
![BLOODMARKED by Tracy Deonn (@simonteen #gifted) • This was probably my most anticipated release of 2022 and it was amazing! LEGENDBORN catapulted onto my list of all-time favorite books when I read it a couple years ago and now BLOODMARKED is right up there with it.
I loved being back in this world and back with these characters. Bree is such an incredible main character. She can be critical of herself, but she’s also so brave and strong. She lets herself be vulnerable with her close circle of friends. She loves fiercely and she would go to the ends of the earth for the people that she loves. Throughout this book, Bree has so many questions about her powers. When she finally realizes the answer, I was like “Yesssss, girl, yessssss!!!”
I’m so in awe of the fantasy world that Deonn has created. I loved learning more about Bree’s magic in book 2 and it still feels like there’s so much left to discover about the magical workings of this world.
This book was action-packed up and I did not want to put it down! I saved it for my honeymoon so that I could read it in longer chunks. I’m so glad I did that because I feel like it really allowed me to immerse myself in the world as I was reading.
I enjoyed this book so much, from the character growth, to the battle scenes, to the themes of self-discovery and finding your path. I can’t wait for more people to read BLOODMARKED! If you haven’t read the LEGENDBORN books yet, what in the world are you waiting for??
[ID: Nnenna holds a copy of BLOODMARKED over a white fluffy blanket with a red pillow in the shot.]
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#Bloodmarked #bookishreels #bookreview #scsreadsreviews #blackfantasy #yafantasyseries #LegendbornCycle #blackbookworm #fantasyreads #blackstorieshavepower #blackgirlsread #bookreels #magicalbooks #amreadingya #bookreel #bookvideo](https://starcrossedsmile.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
I decorated my place for Christmas last week – I always seem to get really into the decorating side of Christmas. Next year I think I may host a tree trimming party as that just sounds like a lot of fun.
Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
I saw the pictures you posted and your trees look lovely :) I would like to host a tree-trimming party one day as well because it was fun!
tree trimming parties sound so much fun! hope you get everything done before you head out!
Thanks Jane! I’m feeling a bit calmer about it now- just gotta check things off my list!
That sounds like so much fun! And your outfit is really cute ;)
Thank you Maru! :)
Your outfit is cute! Do the high rise jeggings from AE come up really high? I’ve never tried them before. Hope you’re able to get everything sorted out before you leave :)
Thank you Jenmarie! They come up to a little bit below my belly-button. I love them because I don’t have that low-rise problem anymore, but they’re not so high that they’re squeezing my waist. Also, they’re pretty affordable and come in some nice washes!
It’s fun to have gatherings just before Christmas holiday with friends. Sounds like a lot of fun too. I’m sure you’re very excited for the holidays to see your family. Enjoy the week building up to it! I am off for a bit over a month so my holiday is starting today! :-) /Madison
Eco-Style Watch
I am so excited- just one more week to go! Thank you Madison :)
Christmas is always a very husy time, but it’s all fun eating, drinking and being with family and friends.
Yes, it’s all good things! I’m so looking forward to spending time with my family :)
I have so many Christmas related things on my to-do list this weeks, it’s insane! But it also feels great checking things off my list, all while listening to holiday music of course!
I love your sweater and am also wondering the same thing as SHE Jenmarie- how are those high rise leggings? I much prefer a higher rise and would love to know how those fit.
Have a great Monday!
xx Nina
Yes, I’ve definitely been listening to lots of Christmas music too (I’ve been checking out the Spotify holiday playlists)! The high-rise jeggings hit me at just below my belly-button and I’m pretty sure I have the regular length (I’m 5’3″). They also come in short and tall and they’re very comfortable. I have them in another color too. Thanks Nina and let me know if you have any other questions! :)
It’s lovely you’ve got lots of gatherings and people to see – and a wonderful trip home to look forward too! I feel like it must be so hard to buy a tree in NYC – how do you get it home?
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com
My friend that hosted the party said she carried hers home- luckily it was only a couple blocks away! I know some people have them delivered as well. I don’t usually get a tree because my apartment is so small and I’m gone for about half of December, but I do enjoy my family’s tree at home :)
YAY the holiday season! I love the smell of Christmas trees that line the city sidewalks. Hope you have a safe travel back home and have beautiful weather out there! PS you look great as always!
<3
heather
fashionistanygirl.com
Ahhh, yes, the smell is so nice! I really want a pine scented candle, or a few pine branches in the apartment would be nice too. Thank you so much, Heather :)
This post has made me excited for Christmas!
Katrina Sophia
Yay! Christmas is my favorite holiday :)
This weekend was seriously buy your Christmas tree weekend lol when I got brunch with Alex, everyone was getting their tree. Sadly I can only keep a fake one :(
I’ve only had a real tree once and it was small, but it shed everywhere! It smelled great though. My family’s tree at home is a fake one we’ve had for ages :)
You look so cute! I love this outfit and your hair is on point ;) Being home in cali will be so nice!
Thank you Natalie! I can’t wait for the sunny skies and warmer temperatures!
I love a simple black and white look :) Your hair looks cool :)
katattack2000.wordpress.com
Thanks Kat!