Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Or should I call it Black Thursday? I live in Massachusetts, where the blue laws stop stores and malls from opening before midnight on Black Friday. However, I live 10 minutes from New Hampshire, so that doesn't stop me!

That being said, I will take as much time with my friends and family this year to reflect, enjoy, eat, and relax. I'll probably end up going out at 11 or so anyway. I have mixed feelings about the whole deal, because I can see Thanksgiving slowly dwindling and turning into one of the only not-so-corporate holidays into one of the most corporate holidays of the year. I also feel for those poor retail workers (myself included, but not this year) who have to cut into their family time to set up shop and prepare for crazy customers. I can also see it as a day to score some great deals, though. The inner crazy couponer in me rejoices.

That unplanned rant aside, I'd love to show you my OOTD!

Dress - Forever 21

Tights - Forever 21

Boots - Marshalls

I love the elegance and girliness of this dress. I love a skater silhouette, and sometimes I'd rather have a high neckline than a low-cut one, especially when I'm going to see family. 

I also love the color of this dress as it compliments fall and these tights. Maroon is one of my favorite colors of the season.

It's Jackie's first thanksgivng with us and I'm so grateful for her!

What are your Turkey Day plans?

At school, I do social media and blog post creation for the student involvement office. Unintentionally, our focus this month has been philanthropy. Last week, I did a post about homelessness on campus and what options and resources students have if they're in a situation like that. This week, I wrote a piece about why volunteering is important not only for you, but for the lives of those that you help. I thought I'd share it on my blog here as well, and instead of giving local volunteer options, I'll give you places to donate online and in person nationally.

A man loses his apartment in a snowstorm, a women is homeless after 15 years of domestic abuse, a family is hungry, homeless, and cold… These are all terrible situations to be in, especially on a holiday such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Hanukkah. You can only really enjoy the holidays, or anything, if you have your feet on the ground. Volunteering your time, money, or resources at one of the many shelter in this area can change one of those stories into one of hopelessness into one of change for the better. Instead of hearing about a man who is laid off and homeless, you can of a man who thanks to the kind smiles of strangers gains the confidence to go back on the job market and land himself a job.

That’s the thing about paying it forward, a little goes a long way.

With packed shelters and kitchens around the holidays, they need your help more than ever. Strong leaders are selfless, humble, and giving. As Salem State prepares you for a career academically, it also prepares you to be a leader. Volunteering can enrich your education, values, and overall college experience. This holiday, take a step back, give thanks, and give back.

Here’s a list of places and ways to give back this holiday:

Happy Thanksgiving lovelies! What are you thankful for? I'm obviously thankful for the supportive people in my life and the new experiences I've been having. I'm for the most part dedicating this holiday season my Nanny and Papa that I lost in March. They were the best story of true love I've ever seen. I thought I'd celebrate Turkey Day by showing you my OOTD!

For my face I did my usual go-to fancy makeup with a smoky eyeshadow look and winged eyeliner.  I brightened up the look with my Rimmel lipstick in "Back to Fuschia."

I'm OBSESSED with this quarter-sleeved dress from Forever 21. It's fitted perfectly with tight at the bottom sleeves and loose shoulder, and it's cinched at the waist for an hourglass shape. I paired it with some white festive lace tights and my brown riding boots. I accessorized with my pandora and Alex and Ani bracelets.

Look at these adorable pumpkin spice cookies I made that look like Turkeys!

Lastly, here's a video I made for my sweet potato casserole recipe. It's clean and delicious. I would definitely try it on your family at Christmas.

Happy Gobbling!