Hello, beautiful creatures! Wishing you a fabulous New Year! As we bid farewell to 2023, I can’t help but reflect on how challenging it has been for me. This past year tested my resilience, and I am truly grateful for your unwavering support and kindness during these tough times. Your presence has made a significant difference in my journey, and I look forward to embracing the new opportunities that 2024 holds for all of us.
Updates on My Eye Surgery and Recovery Journey
I am currently in the recovery phase following my upper blepharoplasty eye surgery. As I heal, I have been advised to refrain from wearing any eye makeup for a period of four to six weeks. My eyes are still experiencing swelling, which is a part of the healing process. I am eagerly anticipating the final results once the swelling subsides, as I believe the surgery involved the removal of over an inch of excess skin. This procedure is a significant step towards achieving my desired look, and I’m hopeful about the improvements it will bring.
In addition, I am grappling with the need for another breast reconstruction surgery, which has left me feeling quite emotional. This upcoming outpatient procedure is scheduled for the end of January. Unfortunately, I have no natural breast tissue remaining, which has made accepting this reality quite challenging. The lack of elasticity in my natural breast skin has contributed to the necessity of this additional surgery. Despite my feelings of sadness, I am holding onto hope that this second reconstruction will address the issues I’ve been facing. I genuinely wish for this to be my final surgery in this area, allowing me to find closure and peace.
Celebrating the Yule Season with Magical Decorations
As you may know, I absolutely adore festive lights! This year, Dave and I discovered an enchanting new Christmas tree from Hammacher Schlemmer. We were thrilled to purchase the Northern Lights Christmas Tree 7.5′, along with a Tabletop Northern Lights Tree and the Expandable Rolling Tree Storage Bag. This company boasts a rich history of 175 years, delivering innovative products. Our chosen tree is a stunning fiber optic piece that showcases 23 synchronized patterns of holiday lights, creating a magical ambiance.
This year, we decided against decorating the tree, as we were captivated by its beauty as is. Although I bought iridescent garland to adorn the tree, each time I approached adding it, I found myself preferring the tree’s natural glow without any additional decorations. Sometimes, less truly is more, especially when it comes to holiday displays!
Exciting Collaborations with Hot Topic
Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in two sponsored features with Hot Topic on Instagram throughout December. They are currently running a remarkable sale with discounts reaching up to 70%, making it a fantastic opportunity to grab some trendy items.
Must-Have Fashion Items from November
Stylish Red Striped Sweater for Cozy Days
I can’t get enough of this bold red and black striped sweater! It’s the perfect cozy piece that pairs beautifully with my red and black bat skirt, while my CandyPOP Bat flats complete the look with a stylish touch. The skirt was a fabulous find from Hot Topic a few years ago, and I discovered the bat flats on Amazon. This ensemble is not only cute but also incredibly comfortable for everyday wear.
Chic Green Striped Sweater for a Fun Twist
This green striped sweater is a fabulous addition to my wardrobe, especially when paired with my Mala Noche Mystical Snake Pocket Leggings and Taos Crave boots. I switched from wearing Dr. Martens to Taos Crave boots years ago, and I’ve never looked back. They provide unmatched comfort from day one, eliminating the need for a painful break-in period. My feet feel great, and I can wear them all day without discomfort!
Celebrating Holiday Favorites with Style
Adorable Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Hoodie
The Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Luna & Artemis Split Girls Hoodie is utterly adorable! I love wearing it, especially with its charming ruffle details on the shoulders and the cute cat ears on the hood. The split color design and all the delightful touches make this hoodie a standout piece in my wardrobe, perfect for showcasing my love for this beloved franchise!
Stylish Star Wars Metallic Foil Flutter Dress
The Star Wars Metallic Foil Flutter Dress from Hot Topic exceeded my expectations! It’s incredibly flattering and features a stunning gold foil design that makes it truly eye-catching. This dress is perfect for any occasion, adding a touch of galactic glam to my wardrobe.
This winter holiday season has been one of the best I’ve experienced with Dave. We’ve prioritized creating intimate moments with each other and cherishing our time with family, making it truly special.
Embracing Yuletide Cheer and New Traditions
My feelings about Christmas have always been somewhat complex. Growing up, my family placed a strong emphasis on giving numerous presents to children, while adults often found themselves overlooked during the festivities. My past relationship also leaned towards minimal gifting during the holiday season. However, this year, Dave expressed how important it was for him to have gifts under the tree, prompting us to create new traditions.
I was overjoyed to find The Lore Olympus Hardback Graphic Novels by Rachel Smythe waiting for me under the tree; they were on my wishlist for quite some time! These beautifully illustrated graphic novels offer a modern retelling of the classic myth of Hades and Persephone, and I can’t wait to dive into their enchanting world.
Additionally, I wanted to mention a few more books that have captivated me. I recently revisited the entire Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton, consisting of 30 thrilling novels. If you’re interested in stories featuring non-monogamous relationships, therapy, vampires, and other fantastical creatures, you should definitely check these out!
Stunning Swarovski Jewelry Gifts
I was pleasantly surprised by a beautiful Swarovski Lucent Green Cocktail Ring gifted to me by Dave. Receiving such a stunning piece of jewelry was incredibly special, as I’ve never had a partner who gifted me jewelry before. In return, I bought Dave the Google Pixel Watch 2 in black, complete with a special mesh band, and he has been thrilled with it!
Exploring My Recent Fashion Finds
Chic Satin Shirt for Effortless Style
I recently purchased a gorgeous Scarlet Darkness Rose Purple Satin Shirt because it perfectly aligns with my romantic fashion tastes. The luxurious satin fabric adds an elegant touch to any outfit, making it versatile for both casual outings and dressier occasions.
Stylish Red Lace Trim Top for Festive Occ
Sienna Blake is a licensed aesthetic consultant and beauty writer specializing in cosmetic surgery advancements and non-invasive treatments. With a background in dermatology and over eight years of industry experience, Sienna is passionate about helping people achieve confidence through informed beauty decisions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and regularly collaborates with top plastic surgeons to stay at the forefront of aesthetic innovations. Outside of her work, Sienna enjoys traveling, skincare research, and practicing Pilates.