Today's Everyday Fashion: Old Remix

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Have you ever scrolled your own Instagram for outfit ideas? I’m guilty of this! It’s actually a killer archive, especially if you snap daily pics of your outfits. Even if you keep the pics to yourself, having a visual inventory of your closet is a great way to find “new” ideas. I loved this sweater and tank top together in a blog post three years ago, so I pulled it out and wore them with jeans all over again!

Sweater: boutique, old (similar below)
Tee: Windsor, $17 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Boots: Steve Madden (same, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Lauren Conrad/Kohl’s, $40 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $10
Approx. dates: Tee is 6 years ago. Sweater is 4 years ago years ago. Boots are 3 years ago. Purse, jeans and earrings are recent.

 
 

Fashionable and Festive Under $100 With Nordstrom

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We are proud to partner with Nordstrom and ShopStyle for today’s post. Sponsors are carefully selected in conjunction with our mission statement to bring you style content we think you’ll love! All opinions and editorial decisions are solely my own.

 

Lace dress - comes in 18 colors

Lace dress - comes in 18 colors

 

My level of excitement during the holidays ranks somewhere around Buddy-the-Elf, especially when it comes to getting dressed up. The glitz! The glam! All the wonderful opportunities to see family and friends! And yet as much as I love it, I still want everything to be affordable and convenient. Is that too much to ask?

Not at ALL when you check out one of my favorite holiday style secrets: Nordstrom!

The four dresses I’m wearing in today’s post, and everything below is under $100. Nordstrom has something on a budget for everyone – no matter the color, shape, or size you are looking for, and no matter the occasion. Whether it’s sequins for New Year’s, red for Christmas, or pastels and prints for your next holiday parties and soirees – they’ve got it.

Not to mention they make the holidays a little less chaotic with helpful services like curbside pickup, free alterations and free shipping in both directions.

Head on over to Nordstrom to check out all the stylish options they have to make your holidays a little more merry and bright!

Which dress is your favorite?

All Under $100

One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four  /  Five
One  /  Two  /  Three  /  Four (plus)  /  Five
One  /  Two (plus)  /  Three  /  Four  /  Five

Today's Everyday Fashion: Another Rainbow Idea

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If you also purchased this sweater recently - or already had one like it in your closet - here’s another way to wear it! In my first outfit, I paired it with jeans, sneakers and hot pink accessories. This look is so different it hardly feels like the same sweater, and gives you even more bang for your buck by making it work for occasions beyond weekend casual. It’s written all over my face - this is such a fun, colorful look!

Sweater: Ross, $20 (similar - more below)
Skirt: J.Crew/thredUP, $28 (similar)
Shoes: Saks Off 5th, $60 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 5 years ago. Shoes are 4 years ago. Skirt is thrifted 1 year ago. Sweater is recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Plaid Scarf, 6 Ways

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It’s official: I’m wearing things that are a decade old. I’ve had both this ivory coat and camel sweater for a whopping 10 years. (Whoa!) I was inspired to wear them together by the colors on this plaid scarf, which I have quite the affinity for - check out 6 ways I’ve worn it, below. Lots of old things on the blog today but a new way to wear them together!

Coat: Banana Republic, $130 (similar below)
Scarf: H&M, $13 (similar below)
Sweater: H&M, old (similar, similar)
Jeans: J.Crew Factory, $23
Boots: Steve Madden, $59 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Lauren Conrad/Kohl’s, $40 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $10
Approx. dates: Coat and sweater are 10 years ago. Scarf is 3 years ago. Boots are 1 year ago. Jeans, earrings, purse are recent.

Which one is your favorite?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bird Print Skirt

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Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Loved connecting with many of you on social about some of the best holiday sales and promotions over the weekend. I’m excited to share another awesome find today - this bird print skirt which is on final clearance. (Only two sizes left - eek!) I couldn’t resist a print that is a prime opportunity to pair red and pink together, and the fact that it’s a bird print? Icing on the cake!

Plus take an additional 40% off for Cyber Monday when you spend $150+. Here’s what else I ordered:

Black skirt / Plaid skirt / Red dress

Coat: J.Crew Factory, $58 (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Top: JCPenney, $15 (similar, plus, similar)
Skirt: ModCloth, $30
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/Ross, $23 (similar below)
Purse: Aldo/Amazon, $60 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Top, purse, shoes are 3 years ago. Coat, earrings are 2 years ago. Skirt is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Everything On Sale!

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Happy Thanksgiving!!
Hope you had a wonderful holiday and are stuffed to the brim with turkey and pie!
(I made these gluten free pumpkin muffins with cream cheese frosting and they are SO good!)
In the spirit of holiday shopping - here are some great sales happening this weekend. I stuck with only things I personally own and can vouch for in this post.
If you’re on the hunt for something specific, please let me know! Happy to send you some suggestions via email or you’re welcome to DM me on Instagram. - J.

 

My favorite sequin top, now in rose gold!
60% off for Black Friday - $21.60

My favorite shoes!
40% off for Black Friday - $41.40

The best dress!
60% off - clearance price $51.97

The best rainbow stripes - hat and scarf!
50% off everything with code BLKFRIDAY - $14.97 and $19.98

The best dress pants - plaid and solid!
50% off everything and free shipping - $44.00 and $34.95

This awesome dress - also comes in black!
50% off and free shipping - $34.95

This colorful coat!
$98 for Black Friday - use code ADD2CART

This head-to-toe outfit - sweater, jeans and flats!
40% off with code ADD2CART

This long-sleeve dress!
Extra 50% off with code FRIYAY - now only $22.44

The best shoes!
40% off for Black Friday - $53.40

This rainbow sweater!
Black Friday special - $29.00

The cameras we use - here and here!
20% off and 43% off, respectively, for Black Friday

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Red Pants Work Outfit

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My new favorite trick: a scarf tied to your handbag. It’s such a great opportunity for print mixing! The inspiration (below) is super cute, but I wanted a little something extra. A polka dot scarf in the same color palette was the perfect finishing touch. I also switched from a camel coat to a blazer, because that’s what I had. But also so that the color combo doesn’t go away when you remove the coat. Camel and red are so great together for fall/winter! Hopefully this is a combo you can try too!

Blazer: J.Crew Factory, $83 (similar, coat)
Turtleneck: J.Crew/thredUP, $29 (similar, similar, plus, similar)
Pants: Express, $24
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Scarf: H&M, $5 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Blazer is 4 years ago. Earrings are 2 years ago. Turtleneck is thrifted last year. Pants, purse, scarf, shoes are this year.

 
 

Inspiration: Nordstrom

Today's Everyday Fashion: Warm Holiday Outfit

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I am so grateful for a recent Instagram conversation that lead to the idea for today’s look! It was a question about how to stay warm when you’re dressed up in the winter. You can throw a coat over your outfit to travel to the event, but what do you wear during the event? I suggested a faux fur vest! They are SO warm and cozy, but don’t detract from the dressiness of your look. This is my third year styling this stripe top for the holidays, and my favorite thus far. Check out the other two below!

Top: Forever 21, $20 (similar, similar, similar)
Vest: Calvin Klein/Ross, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Express, $45
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Necklace are 3 years ago. Vest, top are 2 years ago. Pants, purse are this year.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: All White Holiday Outfit

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Inspiration: Lauren Conrad

 

For your next holiday party or soiree, why not go all-white?! The Lauren Conrad outfit is not new, and neither is my own outfit, but I think what these looks show is how timeless and classic all-white and lace can be. If you’re a winter bride, or just really enjoy wearing white (like I do!), this could be a fun twist for your next event. In the words of the hubs: “Better not spill anything on that!” I don’t know about you, but I think it’s totally worth the risk. 😉

Top: Karen Kane c/o Amazon, $51 (similar below)
Coat: Zara, $89 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Express, $42 (similar below)
Shoes: Betsey Johnson/Ross, $38 (same, same, same, same)
Necklace: Saks Off Fifth, $22 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes and pants are 3 years ago. Coat, necklace, purse are 1 year ago. Top is recent.

One / Two / Three / Four
One / Two / Three / Four

The Best Holiday Deals with Jane.com

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We are proud to partner with Jane.com for today’s post. Sponsors are carefully selected in conjunction with our mission statement to bring you style content we think you’ll love! All opinions and editorial decisions are solely my own.

 

Sweater, $20
Earrings, $9 (available now)

Earrings, $9 (available now)
Floral top, $24

Boots, $27 (available 11/26)

Plaid top, $22 (available now)

Sweater, $24
Earrings, $9 (available now)

Sweater leggings, $23 (available 11/26)
Cardigan, $25 (available now)
Mittens, $12

 

Have you ever wanted to buy the most amazing gifts on a shoestring budget? Or score cute holiday outfits from boutiques, but not pay full price? Then Jane.com is the perfect site for you!!

Jane.com is a flash sale site featuring the best finds from boutiques all over the country – up to 80% off! They post 300 new deals each day (clothing and accessories for the entire family, plus home décor), which expire after 72 hours. Some sell out within minutes, so to be the first in line, you can browse their “sneak peeks” to see what’s coming next and use the “favorites” (heart) feature to keep track.  

I’ve done all the work for you though! Check out my little shop with great deals I curated for you, including some of the exact items I’m wearing here.

One of my favorite things to buy on Jane is jewelry - including many of the pieces in today’s post but also old favorites you may recognize like this initial bracelet for $7 - which is available starting tomorrow! These leopard boots (available 11/26) are my #1 “fun” find for winter, and these sweater leggings are my favorite “cozy” find (available 11/26). And favorite overall find just might be these knot-back sweaters that are all the rage right now (try them with this bra, or wear a bralette over your regular strapless bra). I love them so much, I got two colors!

Be sure to head to my Instagram this weekend for a special giveaway for a $150 Jane.com credit. And please let me know if you’d like sizing or quality info for any of the items – I’m happy to help!

Which Jane.com look is your favorite?

 

Sweater, $20
Necklace, $13 (available now)
Earrings, $9 (available now)
Initial bracelet, $7 (available tomorrow)

Earrings, $9 (available now)
Boots, $27 (available 11/26)
Sweater, $24

Plaid top, $22 (available now)
Initial bracelet, $7 (available tomorrow)

Earrings, $9 (available now)
Floral top, $24

Sweater, $20
Earrings, $9 (available now)

Earrings, $9 (available now)
Floral top, $24

 

Sweater leggings, $25 (available 11/26)
Cardigan, $30 (available now)
Mittens, $12

Today's Everyday Fashion: This Old Thing?

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More often than not, when someone compliments what I’m wearing, I find myself saying, “This old thing?! Thank you!” This sweater and skirt are from five and six years ago, respectively, and this combo (paired with RED!) is one I still love and wear today. Check out my best clothing care tips for keeping things fresh year after year, and some similar options below to add these “classics” to your closet!

Coat: J.Crew Factory, $58 (similar below)
Sweater: Old Navy, $12 (similar, similar, plus)
Skirt: boutique, old (similar, similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/Ross, $23 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot, old (similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 6 years ago. Sweater is 5 years ago. Shoes and necklace are 4 years ago. Coat is 2 years ago. Purse is recent.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: I Have No Shame

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Last winter I wore a beret in public and I liked it so I thought- why not up the ante this year and try a captain’s hat?! It felt a tad silly at first (this look is not quite weather appropriate in Orlando yet!), but I just rolled with it, shame-free. What’s the worse that can happen? As Iris Apfel says, “If you put something together and it doesn’t look so good, the fashion police are not going to come and take you away. And if they do, you might have a little fun in jail.” And that is precisely why, year after year, I’ll keep having fun and experimenting with clothing. Now I just have to decide whether to top this outfit with the hat or not before I wear it - which way would you go?

Coat: H&M, $80 (similar below)
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $36 (similar)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $35
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Hat: H&M, $15 (similar)
Earrings: Saks Off Fifth, $13 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Coat, earrings and sweater 2 years ago. Jeans, shoes, purse are recent.

 

Original post (left)

 

So Much Holiday Fun With J.Crew Factory

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We are proud to partner with J.Crew Factory for today’s post. Sponsors are carefully selected in conjunction with our mission statement to bring you style content we think you’ll love! All opinions and editorial decisions are solely my own.

 
 

The top three reasons to get yourself to J.Crew Factory for some holiday shopping this year:

1. Color! 2. Glitter! 3. Great prices! 

First things first, color. Because where else can you find a high-quality, colorful coat for around $100?! You can choose from red, pink, yellow, bright blue, gray, camel, black and green (the color I’m rocking). Plus sweaters and scarves in every color of the rainbow – for the entire family!

Coat

Or, bring on the glitter! These glitter moccasins and glitter flats (below) make an amazing gift, or for your next holiday soiree, the navy metallic polka dot ruffle top and mixed metal necklace I’m wearing are a perfect match. You could even throw on a blazer or cardigan, and wear that outfit to work!

Shoes / Earrings / Bracelet / Slippers
Necklace / Shoes / Necklace / Boots

And don’t forget the shoes! Perhaps my favorite find - you’ll be seeing these on the blog a lot - black block heels. They are SO comfy, and a great price at around $40. I’m also loving these soft flats that come in four colors from a recent blog post. Both pairs will easily take you from work to weekend!

Hope you love ringing in the holidays with J.Crew Factory as much as I do! Head to their site to see what coupons are available today (the scrolling banner at the top of the site) + check out more favorites below.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Tweed Dress Repeat

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We are bombarded with so much messaging around buying new outfits everyday that I hope it’s refreshing to see an old outfit - exact same dress, necklace and shoes - from three years ago! I certainly share lots of new clothing finds here on the blog, which is probably why it feels so good to mix in a totally old repeat from time to time. (A “palette cleanser,” if you will.) Perhaps it will be a welcome reminder that sometimes when you feel “stuck” and are looking for something exciting to wear - it can already be sitting right there in your closet!

Dress: H&M, $37 (similar below)
Boots: Vince Camuto (same, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Necklace, boots are 4 years ago. Dress is 3 years ago. Purse is recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Joyful Winter Style

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I’ve got an inkling that this rainbow stripe scarf and hat - and all the rainbow stripe items below - will be “in style” for many years to come. Why? Because rainbow stripes are happy, and being happy is always in style!! Okay, also because Gap has been coming out with rainbow stripes for at least a decade, and they never seem to get old. Needless to say, I am very happy with my purchase. I also got the gray pajama sweater pants below - and it’s really all my color-loving heart can do to not wear them out in public to photograph them! Going to save that little slice of joy for home. 🌈

Scarf: Gap, $15
Hat: Gap, $12
Coat: J.Crew/thredUP, $30 (similar)
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $30 (similar)
Jeans: Levi’s c/o Amazon, $59 (same, same, same)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $42
Earrings: Jane, $5 (similar)
Approx. dates: Sweater is 3 years ago. Coat is thrifted 2 years ago. Jeans and shoes are recent. Hat and scarf are new.

inspiration: Gap

Today's Everyday Fashion: White Jeans For Winter

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For as much as I love color, I’ve also got a major thing for “yummy neutrals!” These melt-in-your mouth shades of oatmeal, cognac and warm beige create an outfit that dreams are made of when blended together. The “match” on this sweater and jeans is so perfect, I saw them together in a store window (below) and bought both. And these shoes! I haven’t taken them off since I got them. They are so soft and comfy, and they are almost (but not quite!) pink they are such a pretty, warm shade of beige. Have I convinced you yet what a fabulous “color” combo this can be? Or would you pass on a monochrome look?

Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $45 (use code FANCY)
Jeans: J.Crew Factory, $23 (these run big, size down if you’re in between)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $42
Purse: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Jane, $10
Necklace: Jane, $13
Approx. dates: Purse is 2 years ago. Jewelry is recent. Sweater, jeans, shoes are new.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Second Try

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My Inspiration, on left

 

Is it just me or is the second try almost always better than the first? Looking back at many outfits over the years, the first idea I’ll have for a new item - such as these plaid pants - almost never winds up being my favorite. Let’s see if you agree - check out my first idea with these plaid pants from a couple weeks ago, below. Which one do you prefer - these pants with black or white/mustard?

Pants: Express, $40
Sweater: Kohl’s, $28 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Vince Camuto/Macy’s, $112 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 8 years ago. Purse is 4 years ago. Sweater is 2 years ago. Earrings are 1 year ago. Pants are recent.

 
 

18 Colorful Outfit Ideas For Winter

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Try as you might, your rainbow-loving heart simply does not stop yearning for color when it’s cold outside. I’m with you on that! While neutrals are certainly on repeat more often than not during the less-sunny seasons, that doesn’t mean doing away with color completely. Some winter days just won’t do without a bevy of brights, or at the very least, one strategically placed pop of color. Here are 18 outfit ideas - organized into 7 color categories - to get you started! Which outfit or color is speaking to you the most?

  1. Red

 

2. Blush Pink

3. Baby Blue

4. Burgundy

5. Yellow

6. Kelly Green

7. Hot Pink

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Best of Both Worlds

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This sweater is the best of both worlds. It’s preppy and polished, but also comfy and easy to wear! I scored it secondhand over the summer and it has made a handful of appearances on the blog so far (round-up here). It’s now making its fall debut as an easy jeans outfit that is so perfectly “me.” (I’ve already worn it once!) Loving the Ann Taylor option below that’s a dead ringer! On sale for $60 and also comes in petite.

Cardigan: Zara/thredUP, $23 (similar)
Jeans: Nordstrom, $47
Shoes: Cole Haan c/o Amazon, $54
Purse: Bloomingdale's, $70 (similar, similar)
Scarf: H&M, $5 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans, earrings are 1 year ago. Sweater is thrifted last year. Shoes, purse are this year.

To Anyone Spending The Holidays Alone This Year

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On any given Thanksgiving or Christmas, I find myself in the company of good people, with good food, all the trimmings and an occasional gift or two. Joshua and I have extended family that we see throughout the year. When we are without family on a holiday, we typically join a friend’s celebration.

I’m not usually by myself during the holidays, at least not in the literal sense. And yet, there are not enough people in the world to cram around a holiday table that would make me not feel - at times - completely alone.

The busyness of a full social calendar, coupled with the busyness of work and the busyness of service have kept my mind and heart at ease for many holiday seasons past. I never had much time, or interest, in reflecting on the deeper implications of a time of year designed with precisely one thing in mind: a family. A unit of people who - by birth or choice - have banded together. I am typically determined just to enjoy it, fly through it - and not think about it too much.

 
 

This will be the first holiday season that I allow myself to mourn the loss of my own family, to acknowledge the aching hole left by their absence. I had a safe, happy, somewhat charmed childhood that was ripped apart by murder, suicide, divorce, abandonment and abuse over the course of eleven years (college age up until about six years ago). The family I grew up with is gone.

There is other family now, friends, my husband’s family, extended family. People I’m so blessed to have in my life. But I will no longer attempt to convince myself that the immediate family I grew up with and spent holidays with could ever be replaced. They can’t.

I will not compare my suffering to others this year. I won’t deny my feelings about my family because “at least I had one growing up.” I won’t deny my feelings because “at least I have other friends and family to spend time with now.” I won’t deny my feelings because “at least we have food on the table.”

This year, I will sit in the dark with my hurt and let the tears roll down my cheeks and do what I should’ve done years ago - mourn. Let my heart have its ache, let my soul cry out in pain, and let myself grieve.

Because the typical advice for those who are alone or hurting during the holidays is:

  • compile a list of things you are grateful for!

  • go out and volunteer!

  • take a walk in a beautiful park!

It’s a good list and I’ll be doing all of it. But I will also be adding:

  • letting myself mourn

  • letting myself remember

  • letting myself not be totally okay

 
 

Gratitude, service and beauty are important because they pry our hearts open and keep them soft. They keep us moving, unstuck from our past, pushing forward, staying receptive to love and spreading it to others. Choosing gratitude, service and beauty means choosing the light, not staying in the dark forever.

The list I’m adding to it though, means also taking the time to acknowledge and to recognize the pain. It means instead of merely stuffing that aching hole full of other people, numbing it with gratitude and service, or distracting it with beauty, I’m committed to acknowledging it, listening to it and healing it.

Because to ignore the existence of the heartache and the family that once was here and now is not - or a family unit that was never a reality, or just the general ache of belonging that really most of us all feel from time to time - is not paying due respect, and it’s not healthy.

This holiday season, I think there is room for both - both mourning and gratitude. Both the good, happy feelings and joy-spreading of the holidays, and the painful, dynamic, family-shaped hole that is found in so many of our hearts.

Whether you’ll celebrate at home, abroad, alone, with others - or with others while feeling alone - I’m wishing you a very happy holiday season. May this be the year that you find a little healing and peace for your heart, nestled among the glittering lights and holiday cheer.

ps. I would be remiss to not recommend these three songs on YouTube if you’re in a similar season.
You can listen here, here and here.