Notes 05.
Reading THE book of 2024, a leopard print moment, and going on my first journal date
Welcome to Notes, my biweekly round-up of the books on my nightstand, the outfits I’m styling, musings from my journal, and snippets of my adventures around the city.
You know when you finish a book and all you want to do is immerse yourself in discussions about that book? That’s how I felt after finally reading JAMES by Percival Everett. Now I know why this was THE book of 2024! As soon as I finished I had to look up some reviews and articles because all I wanted to do was a deep dive on this book. I really enjoyed this interview with Percival Everett that Cree wrote for Elle. JAMES is the kind of book that almost makes me want to go back to school so that I could read it in that context. In conclusion, it was excellent and you should read it!
Now I’m reading an upcoming debut called YOU BETWEEN THE LINES by Katie Naymon. It’s a romance novel about two characters in an MFA program who are competing for a prestigious fellowship. It’s reminding me of being in your twenties trying to figure out your life and who you are, and so far I’m really enjoying it.
I’ve got another gripe with winter. No one can see my cute outfits because I’m so bundled up!
As you can see above, I went with a full-on leopard print moment in a recent outfit. The leopard print skort is from Abercrombie (I’m obsessed with their skorts) and the leopard print coat is a Nuuly rental turned purchase. Based on cost per wear + the number of compliments I get on that coat + the fact that I had a Nuuly gift card to use that covered almost the entire cost, this coat was my best purchase of late 2024. Girl math!
This past weekend I had the coziest little journal date with my friend Kayla. It was actually my first journal date ever and it was so much fun! There was something special about catching up and yapping while we were both working on our journal spreads. We met up a chill spot where they weren’t rushing to kick us out from the table and the background music added to the calming ambience. 10/10 would recommend doing a journal date with a friend and I definitely want to do more of them this year!
Also, in case you didn’t know, I’m all for back journaling! I used our journal date as a time to catch up on two spreads from a wedding I went to back in November 2024. It felt so good to complete those spreads and check them off my list, and I really enjoyed using all the “junk” that I’d saved from that trip.
Oh, and can we also talk about the cute stationery goodies that I picked up from Bella Oggioni’s collab/edit with Olive & Mabel?!
I’m in love with every single thing that I snagged and I’ve already started using some of this stuff in my journal.
Is it just me or has January felt like the longest month ever? SO much has happened already in 2025 and yet the month continues to drag on…
To focus on the positive, I’m thinking about some of the things I’m looking forward to in February:
A quick visit from my Dad
Hosting a galentine’s readathon for my book besties
Going to Galentine’s/Valentine’s themed events in the next few weeks
What’s one thing that you’re looking forward to in February?
I want to start sharing more interesting articles/things/links that I come across with you all and I’ve got two for you this week!
I loved this post from a book designer about how and why he keeps a journal. (h/t Victoria McGinley)
Sara shared some great prompts that you can use to kickstart your reading year
I’ll be back soon with my January Reading Recap, so I’ll see you then!
Fun fact about me, I was obsessed with leopard print in 4th grade. LOVEEE that coat!