I don't know about you, but I am all about effortless hairstyles. The less work, the better. I used to spend at least a half-hour on my hair in the morning deciding what I wanted to do with it and it would normally end in me getting frustrated and putting it in a messy bun or ponytail. In middle school, I used to try all of the Youtube tutorials and "damage-free" curling techniques. I would sleep in foam rollers every day in seventh grade and honestly I wish I had the same motivation. 

Alas, times have changed, life is busier, and hair is just not a number one priority. I feel like the "effortless" hairstyles are on trend anyway. I mean, it's not like Hallmark where everyone walks out looking like they're going to prom with perfect curls and volume. When I'm in the mood to get a bit dolled up, especially for a holiday occasion, I've found that the best soft curls come from a simple 1-inch curling iron and just two of my favorite products. The Hot Tools 24K Gold Curling Iron is my tried and true tool for the perfect beach wave. 

Over the years, I've tested many drugstore curling irons and grew up with Conair and Revlon, but they never left my hair feeling as soft as the Hot Tools iron does. It has a nice range of heat settings, a comfortable grip, and a pretty gold barrel, but my favorite feature is the swivel cord. You don't get stuck going around your head. The barrel just so effortlessly rolls around itself, which is a win!

This is a new addition to my hair product family, the Amika Shield Style Extending Spray acts almost like a heat protectant and hairspray all in one. Not only does it smell delicious, but for loose waves, this is the perfect product for ensuring that my waves stay in place all day, despite unruly Chicago weather conditions. 

I first became a fan of Amika when I got my first balayage last year. My stylist recommended the Amika Vault Color Lock shampoo and conditioner, to maintain my color and protect it. There are no parabens or harsh chemicals in these products and more recently, I've been mindful about what products I'm using on my head. While there are many other options out there, Amika has really worked for me, so I would highly suggest trying out their range of products.

I've talked about the Ouai Texturizing Hairspray and I'll talk about it again! This has to be my favorite hairspray of all time. For beach waves and lob hairstyles, texture is something my hair craves, especially because it can be a bit weighed down after I curl it. This tousled in is the perfect finishing touch. 

I've embraced not having to put much into my hair, mainly because I just love my natural hair. It's taken me a while to come to terms with my natural waves and just letting it air dry after I shower. I've spent years trying to figure it out, but my hair honestly looks its best just brushed. As much as I wish I was more adventurous and still had the motivation I had in seventh grade, I think the best hair is hair that's healthily well-taken care of and maintained. What's your hair secret? 

I remember being late to the ear-piercing game. I was in fourth grade and like most kids, getting your ears pierced was a right of passage. Everyone I knew had birthstone studs in their ears and each day a new friend would come running into class oo-ing and goo-ing over their new jeweled studs.

As much as I hated the idea, I couldn't bear to let my friends and of all people, little sister, have hers pierced without mine first. So, sometime at the beginning of fourth grade, my mom happily dragged me to Claire's and squeezed my hand.

I remember waiting until my ears healed to change out the peridot studs with my older sister's diamond hoops or ones that dangled with rainbow feathers. I was willing to try it all, even if my sensitive ears couldn't handle the plastic.

Over the years, I've struggled to wear eccentric earrings mainly because a lot of the frilly and fun ones are made out of plastic, nickel, or are silver-plated, which have always made my ears itch uncontrollably, so I've avoided them for a while. I would always have to wear sterling or gold earrings, which weren't always the most reasonably priced. Recently though, I've been wearing a lot of minimal gold studs...

I've always loved the look of minimal jewelry, wearing pieces here and there. Sometimes I won't think too much about what jewelry I'm wearing and will occasionally switch out a ring or a necklace every now and then. If you're interested, the necklace I wear every day is the Cosmic Balance necklace from Alex and Ani. I've gotten many compliments on this necklace and people are so fascinated by it because of the design and also the fact that it's expandable! 

Like my gold statement necklace, I've found a new love for my luxe gold medallion studs and adore their simplicity. There's something about stacking simple earrings like these 14 karat gold medallions or crystal bar studs that will always be timeless and worth the investment.

The bar earrings that I'm currently wearing are from American Eagle, while I couldn't find the exact pair, they have a wide variety of earrings to choose from. This six-pack of metal hoops and gold bar studs would pair nicely with these medallion studs.

While these may not be a bold statement, I think their classic and simple elegance will appeal to any lucky person you might gift these to this holiday season. 

These have already turned into my go-to everyday pair of earrings and are my favorite new addition to my treasures. I love long-lasting pieces and quality I know every gal deserves to own. What's in your jewelry box?

This post was in collaboration with Nakturnal. 

October is one of the best months and one of my most productive or manic times of the year. Usually, this is one of my favorite transition months into winter, however, Jack Frost came a little too early and blessed Chicago with a dusting of snow on Halloween. Now that it's November, I'm already gearing up for what could possibly be another polar vortex and am nearing the end of my first quarter of school. 

I was able to really enjoy all things fall this past month with my friends, take a weekend trip up north with my family, while also managing to do research for my public relations campaign class, and being able to attend an interview at WGN Radio for one of my internship clients. It was a jam-packed month, and I am looking forward to the finish line before a much-needed break. 

01. I've realized that I have not been in the presence of others as much as I should be. During this time of year, when the holidays are right around the corner, a lot of people tend to get a bit angsty and are centered on their own plans, to-dos, and routines. I have been geared into my work a lot lately and achieving my personal goals so much that it has made me a little burnt out, to be honest. This month, I'd like to take my time and contribute it towards something that will benefit others in some way. 

02. Since I have been somewhat of a workaholic, exercising and meditating has been on the backburner.   Since I am going to have more time once school gets out for winter break, I want to start up my normal yoga routine and challenge myself to go beyond the routine I already know and practice. I need to get out of my comfort zone and foster a mindset that will allow me to stay motivated and remind me why I'm doing this for myself. 

03. November is also going to be a bit stressful towards the end of the month since I will be finishing up my work and taking my finals. A lot of anxiety builds up during this time, and in a lot of other people too, so I want to be sure to give myself time to relax and reset. In order to do this, I want to be more creatively stimulated and I'm hoping to get my camera out a bit more, find a new playlist (Maggie Rogers has been my top at the moment), come up with new outfits I'm too shy to try out, or maybe wear a simple red lip. These little things are simple enough to make a busy week interesting and just comforting. 

04. On a more optimistic note, I plan on visiting some family this month and my best friends are coming home for the holidays. In a couple weeks, I'll be headed to Michigan to visit my grandpa and aunt from Oregon, who I rarely get to see. I will also be spending Thanksgiving with my mom's side and am excited to reminisce and get some close time with everyone this month. It can be hard to check everyone off the list, so I'm glad we get to make quick trips to see the people we can. 

As the year is coming to a close (unbelievably), I've found myself reflecting on many high and low moments I've had. Daylight savings is here, temps are dropping, and moods are changing. November is a month filled with reflection and gratitude, something I think we all need to remember. What's on the radar for this month?