Month: December 2020

Categories
Lifestyle Me Time

New Year…Keep going!

I am not usually a New Year resolution person but I feel for 2021 it is needed. Putting together some great tips to jump start 2021 is key.

2020 for most people was a terrible year and I can completely understand why with Covid-19. My husband and I lost our jobs at one point and we were living off of unemployment. However we came through it and we are stronger than ever before.

I want 2021 to be a great year of growth and being grateful. Here are some tips to start 2021 right: 

Vision Board

I’ve never done one but working on mine now. It’s a great way to set goals and visually see them all year so you continue to grow and stay focused. Vision Boards also make you have the sense of urgency to get things done as well, they keep you motivated for sure.

Some of the key things I am placing on my vision board:

  • Continue Home Reno – We want to focus on the master bathroom, butler pantry and possibly some other room updates. Very Excited!
  • Learn and grow with my new company! Started a new job in December 2020.
  • Learn SEO for my blog in order to optimize it on google. This is a process for me, not easy but I am learning.
  • Finish my John Maxwell Speaker/Leadership Certification
  • Continue to evolve on my blog and social media. It has been very fun to learn and connect with so many people. Excited to keep it up.
  • Write a Children’s book. I will elaborate more on this later! Stay tuned!
  • Have a BABY. We are ready to have a little bundle of joy, we will start trying in 2021. Blessed to be healthy and to be able to try with my husband.

Get Rest aka Go to bed earlier

If you go to bed at a decent hour, the next day will be more productive. Basically go before 11p! If you get your body to go to bed earlier you will start your day earlier and get more done in my opinion. During furlough my sleep pattern was thrown off and I was up late all the time. This resulted in me becoming sluggish in the mornings and it took twice the time for me to get going. For 2021 I cannot allow that and will be making this change.

Wake up with 3 blessings

Wake up daily being grateful for 3 things in your life. Say it out loud, it goes a long way…trust me. I usually wake up, say a prayer and proclaim out loud 3 things I am grateful for that day. Starting your day with something positive is the way to go.

Give your body 15 minutes

Workout! Be active! Do something to get your physical body going from jogging to walking to spinning to yoga to crunches. You name it. Do it! We recently bought a Peloton and we love it. I am making myself get up in the morning and get my workout in whether it is 45 minutes to hardcore 15 minute workout.

Set time aside for “You” and friends/family

In my previous job I never made time for friends especially. I realized that I need to schedule this time just like a I do a doctor’s appointment! Make time for friends…it will help to maybe clear your mind or just catch up with people you love to be around. 

Make time for friends…it will help to maybe clear your mind or just catch up with people you love to be around. 

Last, family is everything. With my new job being remote I make time to spend with my parents and my grandparents. You just never what time you have left, make the most of it always.

Date Night

If you are involved with someone make sure to schedule date night. Even if you see each other daily set a permanent time to hang out. It will make you look forward to something. Also, I prefer having a date night where I can actually talk to them. I never want to do a movie or a loud sports event.

Hopefully some of these tips will help you start 2021 right! What are you going to do differently in the new year? Share in comments?

Happy New Year Everyone!

XOXO,

Jessi Morgan

Categories
Home Decor Jess' I Love Places

The Oriental Powder Room to the Coastal Kitchen Table… Jessi’s I Love Places

I wanted to share this Jessi’s I Love Places I bit different with this entry! I wanted to share 2 different spaces within one blog post this time from the same place.

Some time ago I shared a home with a stunning living room, and a beautiful entry way with the most unbelievable wallpaper. Remember? If not check out that entry here.

Anyways, I wanted to feature and share tips on this amazing kitchen table space as well as how to set the tone for your powder room. Since moving into our home I have grown fond of a having a nice kitchen table set up. I am still thinking of what I want in my own space, but seeing my friend Lynette’s kitchen table set up below just gives me ton of inspiration.

Check out this space as well as this bold powder room below…

Kitchen Table

What I love most about Lynette’s home is the contrast she has between rooms. If you recall in another blog post from some time ago she has an amazing dining room with a massive glass table that is to die for. Click here. Now onto her kitchen table…the complete opposite!

The family wants a cozy & intimate feel when they sit for a dinner. They were going for a coastal feel at the kitchen table. Their table and chairs came from Serena & Lily. What completes this space is the basket lamp fixture hanging over it (from Urban Loft).

Tips/Lesson learned:

  • Bring the outside inside your home when you can – If you love coastal living bring the feel into your home sometimes from chairs to a dining room set to bright blue/yellow color story. This is a trend that continues to evolve and it gives you that vacation vibe at home. People continue to buy outside furniture for indoor spaces.
  • Matching materials still work – By tying the straw-like feel in this space with the hanging lamp and the chairs, it gave the room cohesiveness that is not overwhelming at all. Monochromatic is still in and is not going anywhere in fashion and in home decor.
  • Rugs complete a room – Especially in a family room or kitchen the rug completes the look at all times. Lynette purchased a simple straw round rug to go with her dining room set.

Shop all the items as well as duplicates on the rug and table on my LiketoKnow.it APP! Click here

The Powder Room

Powder rooms in my opinion define the entire style of the home today. Walking into this stunning powder room of Lynette’s will blow anyone away. The wallpaper is a bright reddish tone with an illustrated tiger and tree printed on it. She was going for an oriental feel and that was accomplished. The simple marble sink with golden handles make the space feel like a jewel box. That was the reference that Lynette felt strongly about when designing this area.

Tips/Lessons learned

  • Wallpaper can set the tone in a Powder Room – If you want an oriental feel to a bohemian style in your powder room you can definitely do that with the right wallpaper. Use wallpaper to match your theme.
  • Neutral fixtures are wallpapers best friend – If you decide to have a bold wallpaper or print ensure your sink, handles, door knobs, soap dish etc are neutral colors to compliment the walls. It will not feel busy even if the space is small in size.

No links available but shop the duplicates in my liketoknow.it page! Click here!

Any home decor goals you have going into 2021? Share below!

Happy New Year!

XOXO,

Jessi Morgan

Categories
Beauty

Top 5 Men’s Fragrances: Last Minute Gifts

*This article does contain affiliate links

Ok it’s now the men’s turn! Being a Beauty Director for years I find that men prefer to visit the stores less and are willing to buy the jumbo size fragrance that will last them forever. Always keep that in mind, the bigger the size the better the value usually. Let’s check out the top 5 fragrances for men that customers would always go crazy for!

Macy’s or Ulta is the way to go for last minute fragrance gifts because there is curbside side at both and at Macy’s you will be able to get it wrapped plus an abundance of gifts! Click the pictures below!

Top 5 Men’s Fragrances

Chanel Bleu – The #1 men’s fragrances in Macys and a top seller in Ulta! Chanel Bleu stands the test of time. Holidays are the best time to buy because you will get amazing packaging and possibly additional samples. This is the time to buy! Shower your loved one with the #1 scent!

Dior Sauvage – Right now Sauvage has soared to the top with customers. The scent is so sensual and the packaging for holiday sets are the best ever! Also the Dior after shave and deodorant that goes with the fragrance is amazing as well.

Paco Rabbone $1 Million – What of the most rising stars in men’s fragrance is Paco $1Million! The scent is amazing as well as the gold color brick that the fragrance comes in. I am in love with it, also when you purchase from Macy’s you will be a gift with your purchase. So worth it! Shop for a last minute gift for that special guy in your life!

Bad Boy – The packaging is by far the best and the scent is amazing. The lighting bolt will blow anyone away who wants a daring fragrance perfume to try. Bad Boy was launched in the US in 2020 and did well despite COVID. Bring home this amazing scent, it also comes with great gift with purchase as well during holiday timeframe! Bad Boy is the compliment to Good Girl by Carolina Herrara.

Gucci Guilty – Always in the top 3 and one of the most requested fragrances when I used to be a Beauty Director. Gucci the brand is on the rise again and the fragrance for men has not failed. It has an amazing scent that is noticeable on any guy! A great last minute gift!

Y by YSL – This specific YSL scent is on the rise! I love it on my husband and any guy! Enjoy this fragrance with an amazing gift if you go into Macy’s! So worth the purchase!

Happy Holidays! Shop more of my looks on Liketoknow.it app! It’s a free app to shop till you drop! Follow me there!

XOXO,

Jessi Morgan

Categories
Beauty Deals

TOP 5 WOMEN’S FRAGRANCES: LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEA

MACY’s is the fragrance destination and whenever you buy something you always get a gift with your purchase!

Buy online and pick up in store is available! Ulta Beauty is another option as well with curbside pick up!

*This article does include affiliates links & personal experiences/opinions below

Working in beauty for years I know the good stuff…Here are the top 5 fragrances for women’s:

  1. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle – The #1 fragrance for years and it is still a classic. The scent is on the strong side so be prepared for that and if you want to have an ever lasting smell in the room, then buy this. Also during holidays it is the only time you can receive a set in Chanel.

2. Chanel Chance – This is a top 5 fragrance all the time, and it soars during Valentine’s Day time frame. However it is a lighter scent than Chanel Coco Mad, but just as nice. I prefer Chanel Chance & Chanel #5 anyways, that is just my preference.

3. Lancome La Vie Est LaBelle – This one at times surprises people but this Lancome fragrance is always a top 3 seller. It’s an amazing scent that has notes of pear, blackberry, orange blossom and more. It comes with value size shower gel or lotion options during the holidays. A great gift for mom or any woman anytime.

4. Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau de Parfum – Unless you are living under a rock…Good Girl fragrance by Carolina Herrara is one of the hottest fragrances right now! The shoe that the perfume comes in is an instant classic, and it took years to perfect the bottle before they premiered the scent. The note that stands out the most is jasmine, I love it! There are also great options of gift sets with gels and lotions. There is even a hairspray now available. If you want a fragrance with amazing appearance go with Good Girl as a gift.

5. Dior Jadore Eau de Parfum – You can never go wrong with Jadore. It is a classic and it made a great rebound this year with its newness addition, Infinissime. I AM IN LOVE AND IT LASTS! TRY THIS ONE, SERIOUSLY. But if not, the original Jadore is really nice regardless. I would also check out Miss Dior…love that one as well from Dior.

Fragrances is still booming in 2020 and it will not slow down. Check out Macy’s or Ulta Beauty for everything fragrances and enjoy curbside pick up for your last minute gifts both retailers! It is the way to go!

If you want more exclusive content download & follow me on Liketoknow.it app! Click below!

XoXo,

Jessi Morga

Categories
Before-After Home Decor

Reno Update: The Kitchen

As some of you know my husband and I bought our first home back in September 2020. The home is a fixer upper and does need some work. Whenever you buy an older home you have to be able to see the potential and have a bit of patience. The first thing that needed to be completely re-done was the kitchen.

This home was built in 1976 and the kitchen had the same cabinetry and sink. WOW. The wood was falling a part and I just could not move into this home and not update the kitchen. I was determined to make this happen. Check out the before & after…

When it comes to re-doing a kitchen it can be extremely expensive and we just did not have the budget for that. Here are the key lessons & decor tips when renovating a kitchen for under $8000.

Work with a family owned company

I had the opportunity to work with a family ran business and it was a lot more intimate. The communication was clear and payment was fair from the deposit to the actual work. I dealt with some contractors that wanted me to pay 90% of the money up front and then pay 10% when they start. I didn’t find that good and they could literally just walk away with your money possibly. Also, working with a Home Depot or IKEA is still solid way to go but the price will literally double because of that, so keep that in mind.

Countertops is key

Some people want to cut corners with the quality of the countertops and honestly that should not be the case. We decided to go with white quartz material because it is extremely durable and scratch free usually. White quartz is timeless and for resale purposes it’s the way to go if you ever decided to sale your house.

Cabinets

This is where you can somewhat cut a little bit of corners when it comes to the budget with the cabinets. I went with a grey for the bottom cabinets to compliment the white countertops. The the top cabinets we chose white. I like having a semi-white kitchen, it made the space look much bigger than it appeared when we finished. Last, to stay on budget we went with a simple laminate material for the cabinets vs hardwood.

Backsplash

I prefer a clean kitchen and the best thing I did was use the quartz material to be the backsplash. It actually turned out to be cheaper in cost and to me it looks more elegant. I love the look! Try it!

Go big with the sink

Never go small with your sink. It is always best if possible to purchase a double sink so you can clean and organize your dishes easily. It was one of the best purchases I ever made for the kitchen.

CLEAN COUNTERTOPS are a must

Avoid as much as possible to have a cluttered counter. Try your best to keep your countertops clear. Put everything in a cabinet if possible. It just makes your kitchen more open and it makes you appreciate the look of your kitchen more.

What have you learned when it comes to Reno in a kitchen?

Below shop my kitchen! Most of my kitchen accessories came from Macys or Amazon!



Categories
Me Time

Why I left Macys

I decided after 8 successful years moving up the retail ladder with Macy’s, I resigned on my own terms. I was benched/being groomed to be a store manager which would have brought me into 6 figures, but I made the decision to walk away.

Why? You will probably think it’s because retail is dead. It is not dead, it has changed due to how to how the customer shops. Brick & Mortar retail (department stores/standing retail stores) is not what it used to be, I will say only specific specialty is working. For example, Home Depot business has been amazing in 2020 due to the US staying home because of Covid-19. Since you are sitting at home, you have the urge to update your home. Since you cannot travel, many people took their vacation money and renovated parts of their home.

Another retailer that is working is Target. Target is a convenience type of department store since it offers everything for affordable prices. Everything is in one location from pharmacy, beauty, groceries, bedding, electronics and more. It’s hard shopping there, because you always come out with something you were not planning to buy.

Furlough

In April 2020, the majority of Macy’s employees were furlough for 3 months. I was one of them. I was shocked and felt a bit betrayed, but I accepted it and decided to make the best of it. Here’s what I focused on:

  1. My Parents – My parents are retired so everyday I would visit with them and spend time. Working retail I never had a lot of time and due to furlough I took advantage while I wasn’t at work.
  2. My Dog – Yes my dog. Eli is his name. I not only love my dog but he also put into perspective what it would be like to have a baby. Eli is a responsibility that needs to be taken seriously, I realize that he thrives when I am around more and the same concept would be when I have a child. I want to be around.
  3. Dad – My dad is a ex-Miami Dolphin player and played in the National Football League for 10 years. He was very successful, however he is suffering with dementia and Multiple Sclorsis (MS) now in his later years. MS affects the nervous system so his walking has worsen and it is harder for him to get around. It puts a lot of stress on my mom and I want to be around more to support.
  4. Other life career goals – I have been interested in understanding social media and wanted to maybe start a blog. My parents helped me make it a LLC, pay for the site and much more. I am extremely grateful for the support and excited to see what will unfold for me in 2021. Also, I signed up for the John Maxwell Leadership course to become a possible professional speaker. Very humbled and pleased to pursue to lifelong dream.

With having these 4 focuses at the center of my priorities during furlough my entire view on life changed when I returned to work July 7.

After Furlough

When I returned to work, the job was different and the stores had less people working than before. I understood the job cuts and everything to stay above water financially, however it was still tough to see so many not with Macy’s anymore. The expectation was taken to another level when it came to in-store initiatives that brought some stress and transitioning back to work became a bit of a challenge for me.

Next, the workload increased, more busy work, excessive virtual meetings and tighter deadlines with less hands to execute. With all of that happening I started to slip on the 4 focuses from the furlough completely. I missed it and I knew I had to make a change.

The Final Decision

What made me realize that I was ready to leave was when one of my vendor partners called my phone 8 times to set up a call to discuss a Fragrance display that was not positioned in the location they wanted. They kept calling and complaining about it even though their business was the best in the entire department.

As I drove home that night, I thought to myself that they are complaining about a fixture placement and we have people in our country dying of Covid, hunger and just depression from not having work or income coming in. I realized that I need to move on and work some place where I can make a difference in society and have time to focus on things I enjoyed.

The End

Last, I was hired away by a close friend’s company named Service Now. They are a up & coming tech company and they are just expanding their departments in recruitment, intership intake, community outreach, diversity and inclusion to name a few. I am excited to work remotely so I can be the better version of myself and have a little more time to be available for my family, husband and possible future career opportunities.

What I learned through all of this…you have to be happy and put every aspect of your job in a fair assessment if this is the right career for you. I was built for retail for 12 years total and now I am excited to move on and try something new.

Did you learn something about yourself during furlough or this past summer during Covid 19? Please share below…

Categories
Deals Fashion

Best Quick Last Minute Gifts for Him

Have no idea what to get Him (Dad, boyfriend, husband, brother or guy bff) for the holidays? Have no fear! Click the picture below to take to you my Liketoknow,it page!

Liketoknow.it is a app that is free for anyone to shop around great products from influencers like myself! Get all my looks, style and deals from there.

CLICK THE PICTURE BELOW! ENJOY!!

Categories
Deals Fashion

Best Last Minute Gifts for Her…

We are days away from Christmas and the nerves are going 100 miles per hour to get the perfect gift for your mom, wife, partner, sister or best friend! Get the details on the best last minute gifts for her. CLICK THE PICTURE BELOW!

See my favorite gifts below from my Liketoknow.it page! Download and follow me on the app to get the latest deals & looks!

Liketoknow.it is a free shopping app that you can surf through daily for great deals and sales from influencers. Happy Shopping!

Categories
Home Decor Jess' I Love Places

Jessi’s I Love Places…The Wine Cellar

The Wine Cellar

Let’s make Pour Decisions!

Read this caption on the most charming holiday nutcracker displayed in this amazing wine cellar! Now that I have my own home, I am paying attention a bit more to wines. My husband and I aspire to have a wine cellar one day in our home, and the one I am featuring today will blow you away.

Welcome to another “Jessi’s I Love Places” where I am excited to feature this amazing wine cellar in a landmark home that was built in South Florida in the 1920s. Due to the age of the home it needs to be historically preserved, so any installs or changes to this property has to be approved by the city beforehand.

First, this stunning Spanish landmark home still has that charm that the owners wanted to keep when they installed this cellar about 3 years ago. In their previous home they had a wine cellar and needed one in their current home to hold all the various wines they owned/collected over the years.

Next, the family brought in an interior designer to construct a new one in their current formal dining room. I have been in this home many time before the current owners and the space they took to build this cellar was genius. The cellar looks like it’s been there for decades. See below…

Before & After

There was a stunning mirror the owners kept and placed inside the space to keep the classic Spanish home feel. It honestly pulled the entire look together beautifully. The amount of wine they have is unbelievable!

Here is the list of key tips in function & decor you need to know if you are craving to have an official wine cellar in your home:

  1. Labels – The owner has labels on specific wines in order to document when the wine was opened, the year it was made etc. Absolutely necessary to keep everything in order in your cellar if you are going to be serious about wine collecting.
  2. Temperature – Manage the temperature of your wines appropriately. In this home they have a google nest dedicated to the space to ensure their wine stays at the right temperature. I also find the nest extremely clean and it goes with any decor.
  3. Glass Display – If you are going to have a massive wine cellar, show it off! Glass doors could be such a nice touch to your decor and it will match the theme of your home easily. I love the black long handles they added to the doors to give it a great modern look that still complimented the old Spanish feel of this home.
  4. Build for the future – ensure you have additional space when you build a wine cellar. If you want to collect, have enough room to grow.

This is by far one of my favorite places I have visited. Is there a wine cellar or space that just blows your mind? Share in the comments below…

Check out some of my favorite finds for a wine cellar or dry bar below!



XOXO,

Jessi Morgan

Categories
Jess' I Love Places

Jessi’s I Love Places…The Palm Tree Dining Room

“Ok here is the dining room,” said Lynette as she was walking me into this space. I was completely blown away that a room could be so impactful, striking and subtle at the same time. How in the world could that be?

Now, this is one of the most compelling and bold dining rooms I have ever visited. From the wallpaper to the glass table to the chandelier this room just speaks “breaking boundaries.” My friend Lynette and her interior designer really out did themselves this time.

Here are the key facts about this particular space:

  1. The Dining room table & chairs – They were originally made for outdoor seating and Lynette brought them in for the dining room. She had covers made for the chairs and made this dining set a indoor piece. How amazing is this?
  2. The table – The table was originally made for the outside but the owner decided to have a indoor glass top created for it so it can be treated like a typical indoor dining room table. I also found out it is not that expensive to have glass custom made.
  3. Wallpaper – for those who live in South Florida, Lynette got her wallpaper from OGee Paint. They have over 5,000 prints of wallpaper. WOW!
  4. Restoration Hardware – All furniture came from Restoration Hardware!

Last, the most important point that I took away from this space was how confident Lynette was in her home and her choices. I just admire that with her because many people care too much about other’s opinion and at times don’t go for it due to worrying about what others think or feel. When it comes to your home design it is a way to express yourself and hopefully be your authentic self within your 4 walls.

So what bold home statement are you dying to do or try? Share below!