my life
Greetings, friends! So much has happened since I last wrote. I interviewed for a new role that seemed perfect for me, got it, and quit my job. I’ve been working full-time in the office for the past few months which has been a transition.
SK à Chicago
April 4, 2026
Greetings, friends! So much has happened since I last wrote. I interviewed for a new role that seemed perfect for me, got it, and quit my job. I’ve been working full-time in the office for the past few months which has been a transition.
My beloved turned 32 and we decided to take a trip to our favorite city! So I got to work deciding on what to pack for five days using my Stylebook app – which actually was recently updated?! – did all the pre-work like stopping by the cobbler, dry cleaner, etc, and then we hopped on a flight where I tried to watch Gladiator II (Spoiler alert: I did not finish it).
March in Manhattan
March 24, 2025
My beloved turned 32 and we decided to take a trip to our favorite city! So I got to work deciding on what to pack for five days using my Stylebook app – which actually was recently updated?! – did all the pre-work like stopping by the cobbler, dry cleaner, etc, and then we hopped on a flight where I tried to watch Gladiator II (Spoiler alert: I did not finish it).
The timing of the universe is a funny thing. Sometimes you have a plan and then the plan falls entirely apart and then a better one comes together, a portal opens. My portal took me to the streets of Chicago, a place I was entirely unfamiliar with, but felt so familiar once I arrived. If you're looking for a portal check out some affordable vacation packages.
Talkin bout Chi-Town
September 10, 2022
The timing of the universe is a funny thing. Sometimes you have a plan and then the plan falls entirely apart and then a better one comes together, a portal opens. My portal took me to the streets of Chicago, a place I was entirely unfamiliar with, but felt so familiar once I arrived. If you're looking for a portal check out some affordable vacation packages.
Another year around the sun. I got to spend my very special day of life with those I love the most under a full moon in the Big Apple.
But first, gf pizza.
Not a trip to NYC without Carvel.
A rose in Bellerose
Springing!!!
Hektad after Banksy in Astoria
Full moon in Libra
Old, rare, and NEW
I want you to hold out the palm of your hand. Why don't we leave it at that?
Completely missed this room in MOMA and my cousin Nicole graciously guided me here to take it in. A very special moment.
We made it to LEVAIN!
Perhaps the best cookie I've eaten in my life and not a bad cup of coffee either.
You know how sometimes you have a plan and then the plan goes completely wrong? Well I'm pretty grateful for when the plan goes all wrong, because the universe brings you what you need. In my case that was 72 hours in the city that doesn't sleep with those I love the most in the world. Until next time, beautiful people.
Similar:
72 Hours in NYC
April 19, 2022
Another year around the sun. I got to spend my very special day of life with those I love the most under a full moon in the Big Apple.
But first, gf pizza.
Not a trip to NYC without Carvel.
A rose in Bellerose
Springing!!!
Hektad after Banksy in Astoria
Full moon in Libra
Old, rare, and NEW
I want you to hold out the palm of your hand. Why don't we leave it at that?
Completely missed this room in MOMA and my cousin Nicole graciously guided me here to take it in. A very special moment.
We made it to LEVAIN!
Perhaps the best cookie I've eaten in my life and not a bad cup of coffee either.
You know how sometimes you have a plan and then the plan goes completely wrong? Well I'm pretty grateful for when the plan goes all wrong, because the universe brings you what you need. In my case that was 72 hours in the city that doesn't sleep with those I love the most in the world. Until next time, beautiful people.
Similar:
This past April I went to NYC for the first time in a very long-time. I saw my family. I gained perspective. I laughed. I cried. Coming home to KC was a very clarifying time in my life. I decided that I wanted to spend more time in the city I love the most with those I love the most. That decision has been one of the best ones I have made in a long time. I spent seven days with my family in this beautiful city that has endured despite going through so much. I was so happy to be apart of it all. Here's a little recap of my time in the Big Apple.
New York, I Love You
October 24, 2021
This past April I went to NYC for the first time in a very long-time. I saw my family. I gained perspective. I laughed. I cried. Coming home to KC was a very clarifying time in my life. I decided that I wanted to spend more time in the city I love the most with those I love the most. That decision has been one of the best ones I have made in a long time. I spent seven days with my family in this beautiful city that has endured despite going through so much. I was so happy to be apart of it all. Here's a little recap of my time in the Big Apple.
These past couple weeks have been tumultuous, to say at the least. I hope wherever you are friends that you are staying well during this crazy time. I wanted to share a few things that are keeping me sane during this chaos.
Nowhere to be but home
March 22, 2020
These past couple weeks have been tumultuous, to say at the least. I hope wherever you are friends that you are staying well during this crazy time. I wanted to share a few things that are keeping me sane during this chaos.
Friends, I have some exciting news. I COMPLETED MY MASTER'S DEGREE in Business Administration! 2 years, 9 night classes, and 42 credit hours later. Call me Chanel, MBA! Haha just kidding, but you know I will be updating my LinkedIn title accordingly.
Last spring I got an invitation in the mail from my best friend/sister to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. I started bawling in my kitchen. This was the first time I have been asked to be someone's bridesmaid! Seeing someone I love so much get married to the love of her life is one of those moments that you feel so grateful and lucky to be apart of. My sister is the coolest person ever because she told her bridesmaids that we could pick out our own dresses because she wanted us to be able to wear them again. Her only guiding advice was that our dresses be around the shade of a blue orchid.
Feeling Fringe-y
September 29, 2019
Last spring I got an invitation in the mail from my best friend/sister to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. I started bawling in my kitchen. This was the first time I have been asked to be someone's bridesmaid! Seeing someone I love so much get married to the love of her life is one of those moments that you feel so grateful and lucky to be apart of. My sister is the coolest person ever because she told her bridesmaids that we could pick out our own dresses because she wanted us to be able to wear them again. Her only guiding advice was that our dresses be around the shade of a blue orchid.
Here's a fun fact about me, I've always wanted to visit Alaska! Ever since I read Into the Wild it has always been a dream of mine to see Alaska. Sometime ago my mom asked me if I was interested in going on an Alaskan cruise with my extended family. To be completely honest at first I said no because of my summer classes. My summer classes ran all the way through the week of our cruise and I had no idea whether I would finish all my coursework. However, with a lot of planning I managed to get it all done. As promised here is my photo diary!
My Alaskan Cruise
August 19, 2019
Here's a fun fact about me, I've always wanted to visit Alaska! Ever since I read Into the Wild it has always been a dream of mine to see Alaska. Sometime ago my mom asked me if I was interested in going on an Alaskan cruise with my extended family. To be completely honest at first I said no because of my summer classes. My summer classes ran all the way through the week of our cruise and I had no idea whether I would finish all my coursework. However, with a lot of planning I managed to get it all done. As promised here is my photo diary!
When I think of chicken and waffles I think of my best friend Liz. Anytime chicken and waffles is on a menu Liz always orders it. Surprisingly I've never actually tried the soul food tradition. When Cheddar's invited me to try this iconic dish I was game and especially if I got to experience it with my best friend! I love that Cheddar's is a place where I can be together with my blog and my friends. These days I'm so grateful when it all comes together.
Cheddar's Chicken & Waffles
May 27, 2019
When I think of chicken and waffles I think of my best friend Liz. Anytime chicken and waffles is on a menu Liz always orders it. Surprisingly I've never actually tried the soul food tradition. When Cheddar's invited me to try this iconic dish I was game and especially if I got to experience it with my best friend! I love that Cheddar's is a place where I can be together with my blog and my friends. These days I'm so grateful when it all comes together.
Packing with Stylebook
March 24, 2019
Hi beautiful people! We had a winter storm advisory this past week with an estimate of up to 8 in. of snow (which was what we got last weekend). I was going to riot if I had to shovel again. There's something about being snowed in that I hate. Plus, I had been really looking forward to my plans to visit Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen to try some of their brand-new menu items with the bf, my best friend, and her boyfriend. Luckily we barely got any snow, and got to have a fantastic evening out at Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen. Despite all being friends for quite some time we have never gone out together. It was so nice to have some laughs and spend some quality time before I go back to school this week.
A visit to Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen isn't the same without their onion rings. For real, the first time I had these onion rings my world was forever changed. The Cajun sauce that goes with the onion rings is too good.
I had been dreaming about Cheddar's Texas-Sized Nachos all week. Nachos come in close second as my favorite food.
The Texas-Sized Nachos come with chicken or beef (chicken for me), queso, black beans, jalapenos, corn, pico, and a BBQ ranch. The salsa and queso are on the side which is nice because there is already a lot of cheese, although there can never be too much in my opinion. One thing I love about Cheddar's is that they're so accommodating when it comes to dietary restrictions. I don't feel like I have to worry unlike other restaurants.
{All smiles for this huge plate of nachos}
With this freezing weather a crispy chicken tender noodle soup is a necessity. A good cup of chicken noodle soup is always my kind of pick me up. This soup comes in a larger size in case you really need to warm up.
You can't finish off a meal without dessert. Dessert is my favorite meal/food/lifestyle. When it comes to choosing dessert the decision is never easy for me. We went with the apple crisp a la mode. Delicious! Apple crisp always needs ice cream in my opinion.
My friends shared the Cheddar's hot fudge cake, and yes it is always this size?! I've had this cake before and it is such a treat. I love that most of Cheddar's desserts come with ice cream.
All in all I definitely suggest a trip to Cheddar's. The warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and home-style food is worth the splurge. Oh and this giant slice of cake is only $5.79 so don't forget affordable too!
This post is sponsored by Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen. All opinions are always my own.
Say Cheddars
January 18, 2019
Hi beautiful people! We had a winter storm advisory this past week with an estimate of up to 8 in. of snow (which was what we got last weekend). I was going to riot if I had to shovel again. There's something about being snowed in that I hate. Plus, I had been really looking forward to my plans to visit Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen to try some of their brand-new menu items with the bf, my best friend, and her boyfriend. Luckily we barely got any snow, and got to have a fantastic evening out at Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen. Despite all being friends for quite some time we have never gone out together. It was so nice to have some laughs and spend some quality time before I go back to school this week.
A visit to Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen isn't the same without their onion rings. For real, the first time I had these onion rings my world was forever changed. The Cajun sauce that goes with the onion rings is too good.
I had been dreaming about Cheddar's Texas-Sized Nachos all week. Nachos come in close second as my favorite food.
The Texas-Sized Nachos come with chicken or beef (chicken for me), queso, black beans, jalapenos, corn, pico, and a BBQ ranch. The salsa and queso are on the side which is nice because there is already a lot of cheese, although there can never be too much in my opinion. One thing I love about Cheddar's is that they're so accommodating when it comes to dietary restrictions. I don't feel like I have to worry unlike other restaurants.
{All smiles for this huge plate of nachos}
With this freezing weather a crispy chicken tender noodle soup is a necessity. A good cup of chicken noodle soup is always my kind of pick me up. This soup comes in a larger size in case you really need to warm up.
You can't finish off a meal without dessert. Dessert is my favorite meal/food/lifestyle. When it comes to choosing dessert the decision is never easy for me. We went with the apple crisp a la mode. Delicious! Apple crisp always needs ice cream in my opinion.
My friends shared the Cheddar's hot fudge cake, and yes it is always this size?! I've had this cake before and it is such a treat. I love that most of Cheddar's desserts come with ice cream.
All in all I definitely suggest a trip to Cheddar's. The warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and home-style food is worth the splurge. Oh and this giant slice of cake is only $5.79 so don't forget affordable too!
This post is sponsored by Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen. All opinions are always my own.
Usually I blog more when life slows down, but I haven't had much time to shoot and have been enjoying an extended brainstorm session (or a serious case of writer's block). I'm shooting some new content early next month and I'm excited to get back into the swing of school, work, and JMC. Life moves so quickly lately I think I just needed an extended period of time to recharge, especially after my brutal stats class.
Now that I'm on my last week of break I am feeling ready for this next class (as I brace myself slightly). So in case you've wondered where I've been, I'm still here. Just enjoying living life in the present.
Talk soon, friends. New content is coming to JMC soon.
x,
S
Catching Up
January 15, 2019
Usually I blog more when life slows down, but I haven't had much time to shoot and have been enjoying an extended brainstorm session (or a serious case of writer's block). I'm shooting some new content early next month and I'm excited to get back into the swing of school, work, and JMC. Life moves so quickly lately I think I just needed an extended period of time to recharge, especially after my brutal stats class.
Now that I'm on my last week of break I am feeling ready for this next class (as I brace myself slightly). So in case you've wondered where I've been, I'm still here. Just enjoying living life in the present.
Talk soon, friends. New content is coming to JMC soon.
x,
S
I've recently been trying to "Marie Kondo" my closet and I suppose parts of my life. If you've never heard of her, Marie Kondo is a famous Japanese organizer whose method is somewhat psychologically revolutionizing organization. Her method, the KonMarie method is essentially letting go of things that do not bring you joy or things that do not "spark joy." While I think this concept is relatively easy at first it tends to get more complicated. Her organizational method seems to have sparked a controversy as I hear more and more refuting arguments from NPR podcasts and Vogue columnists (this article was particularly fascinating to me as I am a huge fan of Florence Welch).
Letting go of clothes has never been easy to me. After my first summer back from college I stopped using my closet in my Mom's house. It became too much. There were too many fast fashion pieces that didn't resonate with me anymore. My closet felt like it was closing in on me every time I stepped in it. Closet quicksand. It felt like that scene in Sex & the City when Carrie tried on a wedding dress and she had an allergic reaction to it. That's what my closet felt like to me, mentally. I had started preferring to live out of a suitcase rather than hanging up my clothing in a closet that gave me an anxiety attack.
I faced this problem somewhat head on. I thought I'd start selling some of the clothes online using places like Vinted, Bib + Tuck (R.I.P), Poshmark, and now Thred Up. My Mom even offered for me to use a different closet (what a sweet lady), but I knew I had to face it, and clean it out. In 2015 the problem of my overfilled closet hadn't been fixed. Yes a lot of the stuff was gone, a lot of it surprisingly sold, but the space was still unused.
This time I got rid and sold every item I didn't wear to ThredUp. After I packed it all up new monochromatic hangers were put in. Then I put in some organizational bins from Target into my closet. I was surprised at how easy the clean out was when I got rid of everything that didn't bring me joy (I also hated most of the clothes I still had). Still I had moments where I didn't want to get rid of things I wore from high school thinking there still could be a chance, but I let go. Before I started this clean-out endeavor I had even considered seeing a professional organizer. I'm glad I conquered my fear mongering closet by myself.
ThredUp has recently become one of my favorite online clothing resellers. Over spring break I sent two bags in filled to the brim and was surprised at the amount of money I received from them. It wasn't measly like what you might be offered at a boutique and it was upfront unlike Posh or Vinted where you wait for buyers to come and lowball you. What I love most about ThredUp is that they safely recycle your clothing that is unsellable- very important to me. However I'd like to note that they are now charging to safely recycle using $4.99 out of your earnings.
I bought this Diane Von Furstenberg for Neiman Marcus Wrap Dress with my first earnings! I have recently really started loving wrap dresses. Especially as I try to up my business professional wardrobe before I graduate from college. I have been needing a new business wardrobe as most of my high school business professional wear doesn't fit me anymore and also doesn't fit my style.
I really wanted a DVF wrap dress because they looked comfortable and so effortless. Plus how could I say no to the quirky patterns? I should be honest, I also wanted a DVF wrap dress for my professional and personal life because Lorelai Gilmore wore them so often on season 4 of Gilmore Girls. Lorelai wore a lot of DVF on Gilmore Girls actually! I'm so glad I got this adorable wrap dress. Whenever I wear wrap dresses I always get told I look so "put together" all thanks to you DVF!
I had also been looking for a simple, high quality, black clutch (other than Chanel) that matched with my watch and didn't break the bank. I found this perfect little J. Crew beauty on Poshmark NWT for, wait for it $10 (retailing for $68) and it's silk! It's absolutely perfect, and has a cute navy lining with turtles. I think I love the detail in the clasp, a little blooming bud. J. Crew always gets me.
I never got a chance to post this Entertainment Weekly all over social media, but the revival of Gilmore Girls is one of the best things to happen to me. When I first heard it was officially, actually coming back I laid on my bed and thought, "My what a time to be alive." I grew up with Gilmore Girls and never tire of it despite seeing every episode at least 7 times. Thanks to the boyfriend for getting me this copy of EW!
So in the end I guess I'm trying to find balance to finding professional and stylish clothes, and keeping my closet organized. I hope I won't have to Marie Kondo my closet again though, for my own sake.
How do you keep your closet organized?
Wearing: Dress - Diane Von Furstenberg for Neiman Marcus, clutch - J. Crew, shoes - Harajuku Lovers (old), watch - MBMJ Baker, nails - OPI Russian Navy, lips - Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella
Photos by Alyssa Barletter Photography
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And the Wrap Dress
October 14, 2016
I've recently been trying to "Marie Kondo" my closet and I suppose parts of my life. If you've never heard of her, Marie Kondo is a famous Japanese organizer whose method is somewhat psychologically revolutionizing organization. Her method, the KonMarie method is essentially letting go of things that do not bring you joy or things that do not "spark joy." While I think this concept is relatively easy at first it tends to get more complicated. Her organizational method seems to have sparked a controversy as I hear more and more refuting arguments from NPR podcasts and Vogue columnists (this article was particularly fascinating to me as I am a huge fan of Florence Welch).
Letting go of clothes has never been easy to me. After my first summer back from college I stopped using my closet in my Mom's house. It became too much. There were too many fast fashion pieces that didn't resonate with me anymore. My closet felt like it was closing in on me every time I stepped in it. Closet quicksand. It felt like that scene in Sex & the City when Carrie tried on a wedding dress and she had an allergic reaction to it. That's what my closet felt like to me, mentally. I had started preferring to live out of a suitcase rather than hanging up my clothing in a closet that gave me an anxiety attack.
I faced this problem somewhat head on. I thought I'd start selling some of the clothes online using places like Vinted, Bib + Tuck (R.I.P), Poshmark, and now Thred Up. My Mom even offered for me to use a different closet (what a sweet lady), but I knew I had to face it, and clean it out. In 2015 the problem of my overfilled closet hadn't been fixed. Yes a lot of the stuff was gone, a lot of it surprisingly sold, but the space was still unused.
This time I got rid and sold every item I didn't wear to ThredUp. After I packed it all up new monochromatic hangers were put in. Then I put in some organizational bins from Target into my closet. I was surprised at how easy the clean out was when I got rid of everything that didn't bring me joy (I also hated most of the clothes I still had). Still I had moments where I didn't want to get rid of things I wore from high school thinking there still could be a chance, but I let go. Before I started this clean-out endeavor I had even considered seeing a professional organizer. I'm glad I conquered my fear mongering closet by myself.
ThredUp has recently become one of my favorite online clothing resellers. Over spring break I sent two bags in filled to the brim and was surprised at the amount of money I received from them. It wasn't measly like what you might be offered at a boutique and it was upfront unlike Posh or Vinted where you wait for buyers to come and lowball you. What I love most about ThredUp is that they safely recycle your clothing that is unsellable- very important to me. However I'd like to note that they are now charging to safely recycle using $4.99 out of your earnings.
I bought this Diane Von Furstenberg for Neiman Marcus Wrap Dress with my first earnings! I have recently really started loving wrap dresses. Especially as I try to up my business professional wardrobe before I graduate from college. I have been needing a new business wardrobe as most of my high school business professional wear doesn't fit me anymore and also doesn't fit my style.
I really wanted a DVF wrap dress because they looked comfortable and so effortless. Plus how could I say no to the quirky patterns? I should be honest, I also wanted a DVF wrap dress for my professional and personal life because Lorelai Gilmore wore them so often on season 4 of Gilmore Girls. Lorelai wore a lot of DVF on Gilmore Girls actually! I'm so glad I got this adorable wrap dress. Whenever I wear wrap dresses I always get told I look so "put together" all thanks to you DVF!
I had also been looking for a simple, high quality, black clutch (other than Chanel) that matched with my watch and didn't break the bank. I found this perfect little J. Crew beauty on Poshmark NWT for, wait for it $10 (retailing for $68) and it's silk! It's absolutely perfect, and has a cute navy lining with turtles. I think I love the detail in the clasp, a little blooming bud. J. Crew always gets me.
I never got a chance to post this Entertainment Weekly all over social media, but the revival of Gilmore Girls is one of the best things to happen to me. When I first heard it was officially, actually coming back I laid on my bed and thought, "My what a time to be alive." I grew up with Gilmore Girls and never tire of it despite seeing every episode at least 7 times. Thanks to the boyfriend for getting me this copy of EW!
So in the end I guess I'm trying to find balance to finding professional and stylish clothes, and keeping my closet organized. I hope I won't have to Marie Kondo my closet again though, for my own sake.
How do you keep your closet organized?
Wearing: Dress - Diane Von Furstenberg for Neiman Marcus, clutch - J. Crew, shoes - Harajuku Lovers (old), watch - MBMJ Baker, nails - OPI Russian Navy, lips - Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella
Photos by Alyssa Barletter Photography
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