Happy Hub: Doctor Strange, Moana, Thanksgiving, & More!

I'm confused... November is already over? Has another month really gone by as I slaved away doing homework and not finding time to read??? It wasn't all for naught. There were a bunch of things worth being happy about and I made sure to not forget about them as I worked my butt off.

#hairoftheweek: Infinity Braid

I hope everybody had a lovely long weekend and I certainly hope you put it to good use! I try my best to be thankful everyday but it's something that can so easily slip our minds. It's good to have a reminder during the holidays when it's tempting to take for granted what you have or to lust after things you don't (I'm looking at you, Black Friday). It's also a nice time to spend with friends and family you haven't seen in a while. Quality time is hard to come by these days.

Travelog: Norwegian Escape Cruise

Boy, it has been a minute since summer. This Travelog is more than a little late, I know, but I had a hard time getting all the pictures together and then organizing them. It didn't help that I had two trips right after this one that made this cruise seem like a distant memory. Alas, these are all excuses. What's important is that it is here and ready for you to read now. I now present to you our 2016 cruise on the Norwegian Escape.

#hairoftheweek: Feathered Fishtail

I just endured four full weeks of grueling academics. There was always something coming up in less than a week that I had to prepare for so I haven't had a real day off in a month. I don't have any more major things coming up until finals week so fingers crossed I can find some time between now and then to relax and work the stiffness from my neck and shoulders.

Book Talk: November Uppercase Review

The announcement that this month's Uppercase Boxes would be shipping early came at a time when I really needed some good news. Just knowing that it was coming was a sliver of hope, but then to find out I'd be getting it a week early? They heard my cry for help and answered it not a moment too soon. This month's selections are A+.

#hairoftheweek: Knotted Side Braid

It's been a taxing month so far and we're not even at the halfway mark yet. We are getting closer to the holiday season and I'm hoping that will bring some joy into all our lives. Sure, it'll be stressful, but at least it'll be the type of stress that's worth it. I know I'm ready to dive head first into the Christmas spirit. Gift giving, family time, and sweater dresses? That has my name written all over it.

Coping Through the 2016 Election

This post is not like any blog post you've seen on xo, Yvette thus far. I, along with many other Americans, have been experiencing a lot of negative emotions lately and they're stronger now than ever before. When I started this blog, I wanted it to be a place where I could document all the things, both big and little, that make life worth living. I also try my best to keep things on a lighter note and cultivate a positive environment, but it's harder to do that when something cataclysmic occurs. Since I understand that my feelings are valid (no matter how many people try to tell me otherwise), I let myself feel them, but it can be immensely draining and we all need to find a way to cope with the emotions being thrown our way. I'll take a quick break to dry my tears and to clear my nasal passages before taking a deep breath and sharing my methods for coping with this election.

#hairoftheweek: Knit Sweater Braid

It's been a weird week but at least I kicked it off on a positive note with a very comfy hairstyle. That was a good call on my part because I ended up really needing that comfort. At least we've got some short weeks coming up! The holiday season always comes through for me. I'm already so excited for Christmas, but I'm getting way ahead of myself. Let's come back to the present and this Knit Sweater Braid, why don't we?

Book Talk: October Wrap Up

If you were to ask me to sum up my reading month in one word, I would choose the word pitiful. I've fallen so far behind my Goodreads Reading Challenge it's embarrassing and it's not even because I'm in a reading slump! I crave to be reading all the time but my schoolwork and exhaustion doesn't allow it.