{casual chic holiday party look}

An easy holiday look is as simple as a great pair of heels and a bright red lip!

Photography by Katie

White Shirt (on sale for $35) // Old Navy Rockstar Jeans // Sam Edelman Heels // Cashmere Scarf // Clare Vivier Clutch (budget friendly) // Sugarfix by Baublebar Earrings //
NARS Lipstick in "heat wave"

With all of the holiday parties coming up it can be stressful to pull together a new outfit and feel like you have to purchase something new. Sometimes it's best to go with a classic look and add in a subtle bit of red or green and top it off with a bold lip! I love pairing heels with a great pair of blue jeans and a crisp white shirt - it's basically fool proof. The tie on this shirt gives it a fun detail and helps give you some shape while still leaving room for the dessert table. The accessory I never leave home without is always my cashmere scarf... because this shirt is thinner, throwing a scarf over my shoulders like a shawl helps add some warmth (and then when the party heats up you aren't going to be having a heat stroke in a tacky sweater because the shirt is breathable hah)!

I purchased this NARS lip color in "heat wave" years ago and it consistently remains a holiday favorite. It's matte so it doesn't budge and genuinely lasts for hours. Somehow the color works on so many skin types and it makes your teeth look whiter! I can't recommend it enough!

And because this photoshoot was SO windy I figured y'all deserved the outtakes haha - Katie and I had to be pretty patient with the wind and waiting for people to get out of the background. The things you do to get the shot! I've always wanted to shoot at The Line Hotel in DC and it didn't disappoint!

What's your go-to holiday look?

Love Always,

{putting together a christmas outfit from your closet}

Photography by Chloe

Red Button Down (old - similar linked below) // Faux Fur Vest, TJmaxx (old - similar here!) // Black Pants // Aldo Black Booties // Gigi New York Purse c/o // Baublebar Tassel Earrings

Before we dive into today's post... thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all of your kind words yesterday. I'm truly so appreciative to have the support from so many of you. I can't put into words how much it means to me.

Today's post doesn't have exact links to every single thing I'm wearing (just a couple) and that's because I want you to feel inspired to create a "christmas-y" outfit from your own closet!! I've had this shirt and vest for years! The trick is combining a little bit of festive flair with some glam. These are the steps I take whenever I'm "shopping in my closet" for an outfit!

First let's create the base - grab your best pair of black pants. Then grab your favorite black shoes... these could be leather boots, flats, high heels, suede booties, black slip on sneakers, etc! You want to create a monochromatic bottom so that you can really just make the top festive!

This red button down obviously has the holiday appeal when you look at it - it's red, plaid, and is made up of christmas colors. So take a look in your closet. Do you have a red shirt? Do you have any cute plaid button downs? Do you have a simple green sweater? Great! Add that over your monochromatic base. If you don't have green or red or plaid or whatever, find your nicest white or black sweater/shirt! Make sure it's wrinkle free and clean :)

Then we want to move on to the fun accessory - the accent to your top. I chose this black faux fur vest because it's super warm and I wanted to break up my red top a bit and stick with the monochromatic appeal. There are lots of things you can add (adding something else makes it look like you put more time into your outfit in my opinion) like a scarf, a sweater over your button down, a poncho, or a vest like me. To keep things simple stick with neutral colors like black, white, or tan. If you have a red scarf that would be perfect to amp up the festiveness! If your top isn't patterned you can obviously add a patterned scarf (maybe a plaid one? So festive!)

Now all you have to do are add a cool pair of earrings or some jewelry. For me, it was a no-brainer to add white tassel earrings. I wear these year round and I liked that they broke up the all black to draw attention to my face. Something as simple as studs would help keep your outfit casual but you could also do dangly, sparkly earrings or a long gold necklace. The jewelry is just the icing on the cake!! Everything else will look polished and the earrings can become the statement.

Simple enough right? Told ya so!

Love Always,

{holiday emotions + the best gift I've received}

The holidays are full of magic and joy with beautiful things around every corner but they can also be a really tough time. This is the first year that I've truly felt that second feeling. It's that empty emotion that no matter how much Christmas joy you surround yourself with... there's still something big missing. I have so many vivid memories of Christmases growing up and knowing that this year will be different has been a hurdle I can't quite get over.

I've put a lot of thought and time into buying presents for friends and family this year along with creating gift guides and coming up with budget friendly gift ideas for y'all (that I share on my IG stories). I keep getting asked what I want for Christmas and I truly only want one thing: to spend Christmas with Kyle. Luckily, he comes home on Christmas Eve so my wish will come true. But if I'm being completely honest with myself, I want so much more. It's a wish that belongs in the past and that's what is making these days so hard for me. I want just one more Christmas with my Dad and our whole family together... more than anything. Isn't that what everyone wants though? One more day, one more hug, one more memory? 

We knew last year was going to be our last Christmas together with my Dad. I treasured every single moment and cemented each conversation in my mind. Because of that, little things have become triggers for me during this holiday season. I understand why some people feel immense sadness during the "most wonderful time of the year" because it reminds them of a time when their loved one was around. Looking at the star on top of a tree reminds me of the last 3 years that I got to put ours on the family tree with my Dad. Seeing families get dressed up for Church reminds me of the funny Christmas ties my Dad would wear. The pretty packages adorning every window reminds me of the meticulous bows my Dad would tie on every present (Mom did the wrapping and he tied the bows)!

I was kind of walking through a Christmas daydream loving all of the lights and music unsure of why I was feeling a little lost until the photo above came up on my Timehop memories yesterday. I realized that I was really missing my Dad and trying to push those emotions away - detaching myself from my own personal Christmas memories. When I look back at this time last year it was the final days with my family all together. My Dad passed away on January 9th, 2018. Sure, time has flown by, but it's also felt like I was reliving 2017 all over again with every passing day of this year. Looking back and saying "oh, this time last year"... That's what has made this holiday season so difficult for me - because it's missing a very large part of my life. A lot of our family traditions haven't happened because we're all going to be apart (the first time ever in my life) and things are changing with us growing up.

All the memories of Christmas with my family made me think about the lengths my parents would go through to give us our "big gift" in a clever way. One year we had Scrabble letters that spelled out Basketball Hoop, another year we watched a VHS (lol) of what we thought was a home movie but it was our nanny waving with new bikes next to her. They always did something clever to drum up the excitement! The year we got iPods I'm pretty sure Samantha and I legit shrieked out of excitement and scared the whole neighborhood haha.

But, I think the best gift I've ever received was watching my parents love each other so unconditionally. I'm not sure my parents even realized that despite all the toys and tech gadgets they gave my sister and me that watching them simply love each other is the present I'll treasure the most. Every time my Mom would walk into a room my Dad absolutely lit up. Even when she was wearing a Santa beard he thought she was hilarious and beautiful! To love someone so much that you would do anything for them is so amazing. Growing up my Dad made sure that my Mom knew she was always the most important woman in his life and he treated her like a queen. In Dad's final days my Mom did the same for him - she got up and made sure he had his medicine, went to work, came home to cook dinner, and made sure he ate, took more medicine and got to bed okay (all while being a support system for Samantha and me). When I was home on the weekends I would pitch in but it wasn't easy... I'm not sure how she did it on her own for so long. But that's what love is: giving yourself completely to a person without asking for anything in return. 

Every time I write a personal post like this I feel extremely vulnerable because I don't get to see the people that come to my blog and hear their reactions (aka y'all reading this right now). Sometimes, in my mind, I imagine that nobody even sees this... However, I know I'm not alone in my emotions and that this hole in my heart and crack in my smile are not mine alone to carry. So if you're reading this and you are feeling this way as well I want you to know that it's okay. That this is normal and you're allowed to cry during the holidays and be sad. Maybe you lost your Dad like me or are going through a tough breakup. Regardless of what it is - feeling every emotion possible during the holidays is okay.  It's all going to be okay. I just remind myself that I also need to smile and be happy because that's what my Dad would want.

I love Christmas so much and I find a lot of joy during this season - sometimes it just takes an old photo from a year ago to pop up and remind me what I have to be grateful for. Thanks for being a wonderful support system this year my blog readers! xoxo

Love Always,

{gift guide | for the workout guru}

Psst this board is shoppable... just click on the photo you want to shop!

With a pretty strong workout schedule going this month I have definitely found what I like and don't like in the gear department. I've added a couple of these items to my wish list because I know they will make my life easier (resistance bands) or step up my gym swag a couple of notches (cute sports bras). I love to wear black leggings and then colorful tops with my favorite white sneakers. I've also realized the importance of having some basic things in your gym bag so you can always be prepared! If you're going to schedule out your classes and focus on what you're eating and putting into your body you should take some time to focus on how you show up to class too - in style! If you dress the part and take yourself seriously then you're more likely to stick to your goals because you believe in yourself! At least, that's what's worked for me :)

Old Navy Leggings // These are easily some of the best low price but high quality leggings I've ever owned. They are so amazing that I own around 8 pairs and am always ordering more (they go on sale for under $20 pretty often)! I love the style with the mesh panels - such a cool touch. Work out clothes should be fun and these leggings definitely check that box! I've really only tried out the black color but they aren't see through and they don't show sweat. Even better is that they don't fall down!!!

S'Well Water Bottle // A classic water bottle that keeps your water cold through the whole workout. The stainless steel is easy to clean and I love this stone pattern!

Garmin Smart Watch // I saw this watch on Instagram and have been absolutely obsessed with it since that day - I went and tried it on at Target even!! It looks like a regular watch but it's actually a smart watch!!! It shows you your steps, tracks calories burned, workouts, etc! It does everything a "regular smart watch" does but in a fashionable way without being in your face. Obviously, this is at the top of my wish list!

Carbon38 Takara Leggings // Another item at the top of my wish list... the infamous C38 Takara leggings. A cult favorite!! I own these in a silver grey and it feels like a second skin - they're so thin (not see through though) and comfortable you feel like you aren't wearing pants. I'm dying for the black pair!!

Mario Badescu Facial Sprays // My skin always gets super dry after working out and the face wash at the gym isn't too great. I love to keep a hydrating and refreshing face spray in my gym bag for quick touch-ups! Especially if I'm walking home after a class my skin needs some instant moisture.

Gym Bag // I found this Adidas bag on Amazon yesterday and was instantly intrigued by a couple of things. The price was so reasonable , there are tons of color options (for gals or guys too!), and lastly all of the pockets! It was 2 outsides pockets, a small interior zipper pocket for catching "small things" as it's labeled, and the best part is it has a dedicated zippered pocket for your shoes! Hello, genius! I always place my shoes on the bottom of the bag bc of the dirty soles! This eliminates all those problems. I just think this is the best workout bag on the market - for $30!

Fabric Resistance Bands // Okay you're probably thinking I put this on here because they're cute. Well, yes, they're adorable but they're also fabric!! So they won't roll and won't pull at your skin. I like to travel with resistance bands so I can get a strong workout completed in my hotel room if the hotel gym is less than ideal. However, I'm one of those people that always struggles with the rubber band rolling up and moving on my legs - these solve that issue.

Forever 21 Sports Bra // I like my sports bras to be cute and I don't like to spend a lot of money on them... I find that I wash my workout clothes more than anything in my closet. The majority of my sports bras (even nicer ones) don't last too long. So I opt for low budget bras in super cute colors ;) this one is only $10

Dagne Dover Pouch // The perfect, durable pouch to hold catch-alls in your gym bag! I keep extra hair ties, travel deodorant, bobby pins, makeup remover wipes, chapstick, and facial spray in mine.

Under Armour Shoes // The best running shoes I have ever owned. I wear these to Blast every single time because I feel like I'm running on a cloud. They have great support for the top of your foot when you're lifting weights and doing squats too. I've worked really hard to keep them pristine white but it honestly hasn't been that difficult - the fabric used is so amazing and breaths better than any shoe I own. I can feel the breeze coming through the top of my foot - so incredible!

Collagen for Her // I add a scoop of this to my shake every morning - it helps with nail and hair growth and reducing cellulite! As you get older your body makes less of this naturally... I'll take all the help I can get. Fun fact the owner is a Hokie! So she's given y'all a discount for 10% off with code JENNROG! You can get a container or individual packets if you travel a lot - so convenient!

Shop all my other Gift Guides here!

Love Always,

{25 days of netflix christmas movies}

Happy December!! It's time to binge watch every single Christmas movie you can find! I probably watch 2-3 a night while I eat dinner and then do blog work! The majority I actually pay attention to but some are just great to have on as background music. I mean 'tis the season, right? When searching for on Netflix last night for a new movie to watch I went down a deep rabbit hole writing all of them down... I was inspired to create this list! Please note, these don't include Children's Christmas movies! Sooo no Air Bud haha. These are all free movies that you can begin streaming right now on Netflix! 

I created that cute graphic above that you can print out (or share on IG with your friends) to keep track of what you have and haven't watched - I personally hate to be 10 minutes into a movie and realize I've watched it and then have to go back to searching for a new one! 

These are the Netflix Christmas movies that I've already seen and recommend!
The Christmas Chronicls (with Kurt Russel - #1 favorite right now!)
A Christmas Prince
Christmas Inheritance
The Spirit of Christmas (a little different and one of my faves I rewatch)
Christmas in the Smokies
The Holiday Calendar (new this year - I thought it was cute!)
The Princess Switch (also new with Vanessa Hudgens, very Parent Trap!)
A Holiday Engagement
Merry Kissmas
Christmas with a View (loved!)
Christmas Crush
How Sarah Got Her Wings

So as you can tell, I have a lot more to watch as well! I think I'll tackle one a night haha ;)

Love Always,

{gift guide | amazon finds}

Psst this list is shoppable... just click on the item you want to purchase!

This list is so random... but that's kind of how browsing on Amazon goes, right? I've purchased everything from toilet paper to makeup on this dang site that we're all so obsessed with! But the thing with it is it's just addictive! It's like the shoppers version of Pinterest - you just can't stop clicking around! I've found some really cool, unique things for Christmas this year. Things I can guarantee you won't see on anyone else's gift guides :) [and if you do then I guess they have great taste haha]. 

Kopari Beauty Kit // I have seen every single person raving about Kopari products! They're made in the USA and with 100% organic coconut oil. This kit is the perfect way to test out some of their products before buying full size.

Pet Hair & Lint Remover // My mom and grandma have lint rollers in every purse, bathroom, closet, and even their cars. It's an obsession that has been passed down to me because I keep small travel lint rollers in all of my purses and my desk at work! However, I HATE having to buy refills when I run out... enter this little find when browsing for a solution on Amazon! This insaaaane creation requires no refills!

Travel Size Steamer // Another purchase that I've convinced every single person in my family to buy. They saw mine and how powerful it was and my mom and grandma made me order one for them on the spot - each (and they live together haha)!! I don't travel without this and it's so small I barely notice the space it takes.

Coffee Table Book // Kyle has this coffee table book and will actually sit there and read it. This is perfect for the guy in your life who is curious and likes doing things themselves. It's a nice touch to bring some masculinity to a coffee table if you live together ;) It lists basic things like getting red wine out of clothes, making your own detergent, and obviously how to split wood and shuck an oyster!

Travel Wine Cups // I received these cups from Kyle's parents last year and use them all the time! They're perfect for a picnic, drinking wine in your all white bed (oops), and even going on a walk with a friend! I plan on using them on the boat next summer to keep cocktails cold!

Marble Oil Diffuser // Oil diffusers are all the rage this year! Some of them are kind of ugly looking (sorry) so I instantly fell for this marble looking one. Would be so chic sitting on a kitchen counter!

Chefman Immersion Blender Set with Attachments // I have wanted an immersion blender for years now... this is at the top of my wish list right now! There's something amazing to me about homemade soups and I am ready to take on the task!! Plus the attachments have a spiralizer!

Portable Charger // My phone always dies. It's never fully charged. My portable charger is never charged. You can see the dilemma I run into.. this one can charge your phone up to 7 times AND it can charge two devices at once - hello, make a friend everywhere you go and save someone's life #dramatic. I also like that it shows how much charge is left. The number of times that feature could have saved me ha

Echo Smart Speaker // This is an INSANE speaker with Alexa!! So you get two in one! Keep this in your kitchen and you can ask for help with recipes, measurements, etc. It's amazing everything this little thing can do. So powerful!

Sphere Ice Molds // I love the easy design of these. Perfect for the cocktail lover in your life!

Reusable Snack/Sandwich Baggies // I was given these maybe 5 years ago and I still use my original ones! I've even purchased more since I'm always packing snacks for work! It's a simple way to help the environment and cut back on plastic. They're also dishwasher safe!

Ice Scraper Mitt // If you know... you know... scraping ice is cold and miserable. This glove makes it a little easier!

Smart Plug with WiFi // I'm dying for one of these so that I can tell Alexa/Google Home/Echo/Whatever else to turn my lights on when I walk in the door. This would be great for parents who are getting older!

Hair Tie Bracelet // For those ladies who always have a hair tie on their wrist with unsightly elastic marks from it being too tight! This is perfect to keep a necessary item on your wrist in a stylish way!

Brush Washing Mitt // This is only $6 and you'll want to wash your makeup brushes every week! It's a really great habit to get into to protect yourself from bacteria.

Jade Roller // One of my favorite morning and night routines is using a jade roller on my face to help with puffiness. It's a great way to help your skin soak up your moisturizer and it's super relaxing. Kind of like a facial treatment at home! This one comes with a piece of jade that's perfect forgetting your under eye area.

Electric Crackling Wood Log Fireplace // One of my college friends posted about this and I instantly looked it up to do some research. This LOOKS like a real fire and crackles like one but you just plug it in!! I was truly amazed... so many people are scared to light fires because of their chimney! This gives you everything a real fire does minus the heat ;)


I have even MORE ideas on my Amazon shop page - be sure to head HERE to check it out. I'll be updating it as I shop on Amazon for Kyle's family this year :)

Love Always,

{red tuckernuck scarf}

A red silk scarf paired with the coziest sweater ever = match made in heaven!

Red Tuckernuck Scarf // Chenille Sweater (size S in Beige) // Blue Jeans // OTK Boots //

Ray-Ban Sunglasses // BITE Lipstick // Doorstep Necklace

How is everyone's week going after Thanksgiving? I feel like the week after having a couple of days off is always difficult. A full 5-day work week can just wear you out sometimes! I hope that's not just me?! I had a rough start to the week - I wasn't sleeping well and I hadn't heard from Kyle in a couple of days. He's out on patrol right now so our communication is limited to email. I think it's been a little bit harder for me this time because of the holiday season! I love doing all things festive and walking around to see the lights and decorations like we did last year together :) But, I just keep reminding myself that he'll be back by Christmas Eve!

Okay so now let's chat about this look...

I fell in love with this scarf in the summer and knew I needed one in seasonal colors too! It's so well made and the fabric is silky soft like butter. The fabric is lightweight (so you could wear it in the summer) but if you wrap it around your shoulders it can still keep a lot of warmth in! It's the perfect accessory to any casual or dressy look. The colors are so rich and vibrant that it can truly become the statement of an outfit. I love wearing it right now because it gives a bit of subtle Christmas cheer without being over the top!

Y'all have heard me rave about this sweater for weeks now... I know I've shared it on Instagram multiple times :) the chenille fabric is so soft (that's kind of the theme of this outfit hehe) and I like the boxy oversized fit of the sweater. I tucked it in in the front to give my waist some shape and character to the outfit. Paired with jeans and my OTK boots it's a grab and go outfit that makes you look very put together.

This scarf OR sweater would be the BEST Christmas gifts for anyone on your list!! My mom approves of the scarf (she bought a couple for friends) and my grandma bought the sweater with me ;) all ages approved!

Love Always,

{gift guide | for the host or hostess}

Psst this board is shoppable... just click on any item to purchase!

It's time for the season of parties and gift giving and merry making! Our gracious hosts deserve a little thank you for cooking delicious food and serving tasty cocktails. Showing up with a bottle of wine or assortment of cheese is wonderful but adding a simple personal touch really shows how grateful you are! My favorite party trick is to buy an ornament (an initial or something that reminds me of my friend) and hang it around the neck of a bottle of wine. A couple of the ornaments on my tree were "party tricks" from friends and I think of them every time I see it!

Cheese Markers - $26 // I fell in love with these the second I saw them! I love picking a variety of cheeses for my guests but have never found a cute way to label them. These little goat, cow, and sheep shapes say different things like "blue" or "stinky" on them as a cheeky way to let your guests know what they're tasting!

Marble Initial Wine Stopper - $19 // The perfect wine drinking accessory that every hostess will use for years! Picking out their initial (or last name initial for a newlywed) shows that you bought it just for them.

Capri Blue Candle - $21 // One of my favorite candles and this is a special edition jar - so gorgeous! I was given my first Capri Blue candle as a bridesmaid gift and I always keep one on hand bc the smell is just incredible.

Acacia Wood Cheese Board & Cheese Knives - $49 // If you have a mother or mother-in-law that loves to host this is a perfect present. I love that everything is kept together neat and safe so pulling a cheese board together quickly is easy! No searching for cheese knives!

Dinner Diaries Book - $50 // I was given this as a gift and have been fascinated reading through it. For someone who loves to throw parties it's really neat to see what others have done, their favorite appetizer, and even see photos that provide a glance into upscale dinners.

Serving Spoons - $26 // Simple, beautiful, and I feel like you always need classic serving spoons when family is over!

Beaded Monogram Ornament - $10 // Add this ornament onto a bottle of wine and you're doing double duty with a gift tag and a personalized touch!

Set of 3 Wine Phrase Totes - $18 // Keep one for yourself, give one to a host, and then the third to your mom for hosting the family Christmas dinner!

Decanter & Whiskey Glasses Set - $40 // I own this style of stemless wine and stemless champagne glasses and can't get enough of them (thanks Katie)! I use them year round and they are so gorgeous. I love that this comes in a set with the decanter - instant bar cart decor!

Copper Wine Charms - $9 // Never lose your glass with these adorable charms. I use them on my wine glasses so everyone knows which drink is theirs.

Set of 6 Napkins - $32 // Napkins that look cute in the kitchen, on the table, and help your host clean up - winning!

Variety Mask & Exfoliating Pad Set - $22 // You probably weren't expecting this on the gift guide. But after planning, cooking, and entertaining your host will be grateful for some R&R at the end of the evening.

Wood & Marble Coasters - $47 // Something that never goes out of style and looks good sitting out. I have one of these on each of my bedside tables for Kyle and myself!

Cheese Tool Set - $40 // When you have a lot of guests you have a lot of cheese... and always need more cutting tools than you realize ;)

Copper Champagne Stopper - $8 // I added this to my wish list this year! It's rare that I don't finish a bottle of champs but this is still nice to help keep those bubbles fresh while guests are refilling.

La Panier Two Section Server - $68 // I just think this is the most beautiful serving dish. Perfect for dips, crackers, or candies! I even think it would be stunning to use on a nightstand as a catch all for jewelry.

I'm sharing some more ideas listed below!

Love Always,