first JDC post of 2025!
i think i say this every year, but whoa 2024 flew by! i’ve been meaning to write this post for some time now or even post on IG but december has been a go-go-go month that i just haven’t had time — i mean no complaints here. from my bday bucket list trip to NYC, my Emily in Paris themed brunch, xmas parties, family gatherings, board games, pickleball, eating grapes in the table (IYKYK), etc. but now i’m finally finding some time to reflect on turning 40 and on what 2024 was for me. more after the jump!
first, a moment for this #gifted Sézane harper dress — shes’s a beauty isn’t she? i don’t usually pick many Sézane dresses because they’re usually too long on my short 5’2” self. however, this one is the perfect maxi length. and those gold buttons on the side?! urm, yes! imo, it gives the dress a little more ooph and ahh. i sized down to an XS because i knew the knit fabric would stretch and i think the S (my usual size) might have been too long. it’s also a really great work dress as the slit isn’t high and the buttons are decorative — which i prefer. while i styled these with knee high suede boots, a strappy or block heel sandal also works!
currently on my playlist: sudden shower from Lovely Runner (on my list to watch next!)
turning 40/living for 4 decades is crazy thought. 40 is a big number. when i was younger i thought dang, 40 is OLD! ha, look who’s laughing now. jokes on me. i think it holds a great significance especially for women as 40 is the typical age it’s not really recommended to have children — and i think whether you wanted children or if you didn’t want children, it’s a hard pill to swallow. period. for me, i think it’s a little sad realizing/coming to terms that i probably won’t be having children; and you know what, that’s okay with me. maybe life has something else planned for me — or so i’d like to think. 40s is realizing you are actually aging. and um, i can attest to things not working as a normal 30 year old. somehow recovery takes longer, things ache, tolerance (for anything) is pretty low. on the flipside. there’s so much to 40 that i love. example. i am a hard no on manyyyy things and have zero issues saying no to things and people that don’t align with me. time is even more precious. i mean it’s sad to say but i’ve pretty much lived half my life — that’s if i make it to 80 :D
2024 was probably a year i’ll always remember. there were so many highlights and sitting here looking at the vision board i created 12-months ago, i smile and feel happy with how it all turned out. it was everything i wanted… and more. there were lots of check boxes on the bucket list. lots of manifesting from my vision board. btw, i save my vision board as a screen saver so i’m reminded of it on the daily and i highly recommend it! this year, i feel like i progressed professionally — from awards received, to promotions, to raises and merits (it was a fruitful year) and i never thought i’d be recognized in this way. it’s an honor. socially, i made more friends and expanded my circle just a teeny bit more. i dove into random hobbies/tried new things such as more mechanical keyboards, puzzles, mah jong, charms/beading, board games, trinket meet ups, blind boxes, pickleball, etc. i spiraled down and found a crazy love for k-drama (post coming soon!). i began to take care of myself by treating myself to massages and facials again. i started another IG with my friend. i planned quarterly dinners with friends i wanted to cultivate relationships with. i finally found peace with my single-ness. this is actually a big one for me; growth wise. unconsciously i’d always try to end my singleton life. but nowadays i’ve come to LOVE IT. i love the life i’ve built for myself that it would take almost a fictional guy (also fueled by k-drama) to take me off the single list. feels weird to say it at 40, but i feel like i’ve finally found my way 💖
i found my love for skincare all over again with routines & products i absolutely love — my skin looks more hydrated and plump than it has ever been. travel-wise, i visited A LOT of places — Japan (if you don’t already know, Japan is my fave place on earth), Korea, Vancouver, Seattle, NYC. that’s a lot for me! i went to NYC during Christmas and it was indeed magical, it was a bucket list item (also on my vision board) and i’m so happy i was able to mark it off my list. while the blog was slow, life was indeed amazing!!! i used to feel bad when i “neglected” the blog, but now i feel okay about it. i find that the other things & people i’m spending my time on also bring me so much joy. and even though the posts are less, hopefully they’re still quality posts 🫶 anyway, it’s time to wrap up this really long side rambling by just saying, i’m dang grateful and look forward to 2025 🥰 #letsdothisthang
thank you for your support & for following along my journey of life! xx
dress c/o | Sézane harper dress in black (sized down to XS and the length is perfect for someone who is 5’2”) — similar in the Hillary (buttons at the arms) // similar in the Erine (buttons at the shoulder)
shoes | Sam Edelman uma knee high boots in black suede (old) — similar and newer style & avail in wide valf
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil — similar but a huggie style! // similar by Quince
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver
until next time!,
JD
photo credit: @janeyunphoto