*Special thanks to Target for sponsoring today’s post! As always, all opinions are my own*Although I LOVE the holidays, I have to admit that I am kind of glad they’re finally over. Don’t get me wrong, I ADORE everything about the holidays, but between the constant traveling (not that I’m complaining) and the nonstop hostess duties (those holiday parties aren’t going to throw themselves), it’s good to take a step back and relax. While I LOVED focusing on my loved ones during the holidays (because the holidays are about giving, not receiving, right?), I realized it’s also important to focus on yourself sometimes—and there’s no time like the present (am I right?). This year, one of my goals is to continue working on something that I’ve been working hard on since last year, and that’s focusing on my happiness. For me, it’s the simple things that make me the happiest. Seeing a new film (I recently saw The Hateful Eight and it was AWESOME), playing with my puppy, Loki (who happens to be turning ONE YEAR OLD next month), and revamping my room are just some of the things that are guaranteed to put a smile on my face. So last week, I decided to turn my bedroom into my own little oasis, and I am seriously in love with how it turned out. Continue reading →

*Special thanks to Target for sponsoring today’s post! As always, all opinions are my own*
They say opposites attract, but did you know that applies to decorating too? Somethings the most unlikely things can come together to create a unique and gorgeous space. It’s no secret that I LOVE the holidays, so last week, I decided to give a little holiday facelift to two of the most used areas in my living space (since my room is essentially a studio apartment): my bedroom area and my dining area. Not only are these two of my most used spaces, but they’re also the most widely used by guests during the holidays (since my room/studio becomes the guest room during this time of year.) By mixing and matching a few different types of decor, I was able to create a unique and festive holiday theme for my living area.  Continue reading →

*Special thanks to Target for sponsoring today’s post! As always, all opinions are my own*
With Thanksgiving just days away, the holiday season is OFFICIALLY upon us! Last week, Chicago kicked off the holiday season and transformed into a holiday wonderland thanks to the annual tree-lighting ceremony, the gorgeous decorations downtown and The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (which just so happens to the nation’s largest evening holiday event!). Although I love all the beautiful lights and decorations that come along with this season, my favorite thing about the holidays is getting to spend time with my family. My mom, sister and I are VERY close (we’re like the three musketeers) and ever since my sister moved out last summer, we haven’t been spending as much time together as we used to (that, and the fact we all have such super hectic work schedules!) Since my house (my bedroom specifically) basically becomes the hotel Sinova during the holidays (since some of our out-of-town relatives come over), I always try to make sure to make my guests feel as welcome as possible. Since I spend Christmas Day and New Years Eve at Disney World each year (it’s our family tradition), I understand how easy it is to feel homesick during the holidays. That’s why I love to go the extra mile when guests stay over during the holidays.  Continue reading →

*Special thanks to Target for sponsoring today’s post! As always, all opinions are my own*

From deciding where to ring in the New Year to trying to come up with the perfect secret Santa gift, sometimes it’s easy for holidays to become a source of stress. For me, one of the most stressful parts of the holiday season is getting my house holiday ready. Since my house is where my family hosts our Thanksgiving and Christmas get-togethers, I always try my best to make things as festive as possible. With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s fast approaching, it can be easy to get lost in the sea of endless celebrations. For someone like me, who’s constantly playing hostess, three holidays within weeks of each other means a lot of decorating (and a lot of money spent on things I’ll only get to use for a few weeks at a time!). Over the years, I’ve learned a few a tricks for making my holiday decor work for more than just its intended holiday (which, in turn, has helped save me so much money around the holidays!). Here are five simple ways to make your seasonal decor transition between holidays:  Continue reading →

*Special thanks to Target for sponsoring today’s post! As always, all opinions are my own*
I know you are probably tired of hearing me talk about this by now, but I can’t help it— I LOVE fall! It’s not just because of the gorgeous weather or beautiful leaves, either. The reason I love this season so much is because, for me, fall is a chain reaction of wonderful memories, traditions and fun times. First comes fall, with its nice weather, spooky Halloween costumes, delicious Thanksgiving food, and the celebration of my sister (whose birthday is during fall). Then, bitter-sweetly fall leaves us and (here comes the sweet part) brings us winter magic, snowy mornings, Christmas joy, and the promise of a new year. Finally, the fall chain reaction ends with one of my favorite seasons—spring, also known as my birthday season. This fall has been super busy for me, since not only have I been traveling like crazy (I just got back from New York City and California last week and I’m heading to Orlando next month), but I’ve also been planning and preparing for three big celebrations: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and my sister’s birthday. Continue reading →