Where Have You Been, My Dear?

That’s the question I’ve been asking myself too — caught in the whirlwind of life, joy, change, and everything in between. I’m sorry I left you guys hanging for the past few months.

You ever have a friend where you may go months without speaking, but once you finally reconnect, it’s like no time has passed at all? That’s what I hope this feels like. So thank you for sticking with me on this journey. Sit back and let’s rewind.

First things first. Your girl turned 26! I’m so blessed to see another year. But with growing older comes unexpected shifts. Health, hobbies, partnership — these things used to feel far off, but now they’re front and center. I keep asking myself: What’s next for my life? Maybe the better question is: What do I want to feel next?

As I step into this new season, I’ve been reflecting on my style and how it’s evolved to mirror who I’m becoming. For my birthday, I celebrated with a few of my favorite people, wearing some of my most treasured pieces. If there’s one thing I’m gonna do, it’s throw on my red picnic blanket set from Fifth Muse and my cowboy boots. It’s giving sweet Southern thang, and that’s exactly what I was.

We shared the most amazing Cajun and Vietnamese food at Bonton. Buttery, spicy, rich with flavor and laughter. After that, I prepped for the Beyoncé concert. And whew. Watching her reminded me how much she’s grown over the years, and how I want to keep evolving too. I wore a dress from my 2021 birthday, gave it new life with soft gold, warm browns, and creamy whites. A little reinvention, a little nostalgia.

To close out my birthday with a bang, I dined at Little Alley Steak. I wore a beautiful beaded gown I found on Depop years ago, and in that moment, I felt like a goddess. Funny enough, I had bought all these new outfits for my birthday, but the real magic was already hanging in my closet. Sometimes you don’t need more, you just need to rediscover what you already have.

But beyond the outfits and celebrations, something deeper has been shifting in my world and in myself. Recently, I moved back to North Carolina, started a new job, and got my very own two bed, two bath spot. And yes, in my head, it’s a palace.

What better way to break in my new palace than with a themed housewarming? I turned my home into a cozy coffee shop for the day. LexHaus, serving love since 1999. I created a handwritten menu, baked my favorite desserts, brewed way too much coffee, and filled the space with warmth and people I love.

My two closest friends stepped into the role of baristas for the day, curating signature drinks with care and creativity. One of the standouts was my Sweetheart Brew — a creamy tiramisu latte kissed with mascarpone. Sophisticated and comforting, made with just the right amount of sweet. Made with love, for love.

I woke Jordyn up at 7 a.m. to help me prepare for the party, and to my surprise, she got up with zero complaints, ready to help bring the vision to life. That kind of support means everything. I made my own pasta salad (yes, me), and I was genuinely impressed with myself. Not just for how it turned out, but for the energy I had to pull together something special for the people I love. It was one of those moments where everything felt full. Heart full. Home full. Cup full.

And yet, have you ever accomplished so much and still felt like it’s not enough? Like you're behind somehow? I’ve definitely had those moments. But when that voice creeps in, I try to flip the script. I remind myself of everything I have done.

Life moves at lightning speed, and it’s easy to feel like you’re not keeping up. But over these past few months, I’ve realized something. I’m not behind. I’m not late. I’m not lacking.

I’m right where I need to be. And for now, that’s more than enough.