The cutest holiday is just around the corner and I thought what better time to return to the blog? I cannot lie, it took me a few weeks to finish this. We’re in the homestretch towards my biggest project yet (our wedding!) and I promise you’ll see more of me later this Spring.

Don’t worry, I already have plans to share wedding details after the big day! For now, I hope you enjoy shopping my top picks for Valentine’s day 2023. Feeling last minute? No worries, everything can be shipped to you via Amazon.

It’s good to be back!

HAIR CLIPS | FLY BY JING CHILI CRISP | WAVY PINK CANDLE | BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES | WHITE SCALLOPED DISH | JEWELRY BOX | SHEET MASKS | GLASS STRAWS | BEANIE | JBL SPEAKER | LIP GLOSS | MUSHROOM LAMP | SRINKLES | WATER BOTTLE | CHECKERED ZIP UP POUCHES

Hello, friends! I’m happy to return with a Five Good Things this week. Can you believe this is our 10th one?! I’m going to try and space these out a bit more because once a week was a lot. Don’t worry, there will be other fun blog content to take in. Let’s get started!

1. One night randomly a few weeks back Shelby decided she wanted to make spinach dip. We ran to the store and picked up the items to make this recipe. We hadn’t really thought things through and made the suggested amount. We were then left with a super bowl party sized dip for two people. I ended up filling a few small Pyrex with the extra dip and threw in the freezer for later. Two weeks ago when Shelby was watching the Masters, I threw one in the oven and we ate it with some kettle chips, so good! 

2. We’re halfway through season 4 of Life With Zan! These episodes have been so fun to create, share, and listen back on. Which interview has been your favorite so far? 

3. The universe knew we needed a tour of Kacey Musgraves’ home and Architectural Digest delivered! If you didn’t know, Architectural Digest share videos on their YouTube channel on top of the photos and articles in the magazine. You can watch Kacey’s home tour here.

4. I was in need of some shoes to dress up more neutral outfits and found these fun flats. I didn’t expect much but was very happy with how they looked in person and they even have a bit of arch support! 

5. Remember 2016 and dramatic eyeshadow? It was never really for me. Simple is best in my opinion which is why I’ve fallen inlove with the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerize in shade Antique Oyster Gold. One product all over the lid and you’re set! They have a bunch of great neutrals for every eye color. Add a little bit for daytime or layer it on for any evening look.

What are some current things you’ve been loving? I enjoy hearing from you guys, you always have the best recommendations! Have a great week :)

Pillows | Blanket | Candle Holder | Stationery | Candle Accessories | Sealing Wax | Needlepoint Hoops | Pearl Handbag | Tiara | Fan | Bows | Coupe Glasses | Glass Jar | Silver Tray | Cups & Saucers

With Bridgerton Season 2 releasing today, I thought it would be fun to pull together a few lifestyle picks for anyone in their Bridgerton Era.

It’s fun to play around with home decor, personal style, and overall aesthetic. If you find yourself drawn to the details of this show, you might enjoy the occasional afternoon tea, needlepointing, and an over-the-top accessory.

These were my top picks for anyone looking to embrace their Bridgerton Era, I hope you love it!

1. I've shared a bit of my gray hair journey on the podcast but figured it was time to show my progress! This is almost three months of growth and I can't wait to see the color unfold over the next year. I'll be sharing my hair change journey in my weekly newsletter so sign up if you'd like to stay updated!

2. We're finally into the Spring season and the beginning of Aries which is the first sign of the zodiac. I like to think of this time as an extra New Year. How would you like to start fresh this season?

3. I have a new favorite snack and it's slightly controversial. Some people prefer sweet or savory and if given the chance, I'd take both. This is my new favorite popcorn snack.

4. Last week's podcast episode was so fun and special to share! I sat down with my friend Yesy Lopez of Yes Yes Tamales to talk about business, culture, and travel. You can check out the episode here.

5. I'm planning some changes to my office space soon. This may require a smaller desk lamp and I've been eyeing some fun modern choices. Should I pick up this one? What do you think?

Look out for Thursday’s podcast episode!

I hope things are Spring-y and nice wherever you are. Things aren't so cute in Dallas today with cold temperatures and a potential snow. It's on days like today that I know we need the Five Good Things list! Let's get into it.

1. My plants are thriving. If you've been thinking about getting into house plants or gardening, now's the time to start! Plants experience the most growth in Spring and Summer so it's time to head to your local gardening store and pick up some plants.

2. Our first guest episode of Season 4 of Life With Zan is out! I sat down with my friend and interior designer, Patricia Tram of Strut Interiors. We laughed a lot and shared what it's really like working in the interior design industry. Have a listen :)

3. Lilac is trending big this Spring and I've been thinking about what that means for my venture into wearing more color. Are you more likely to include a trendy color in your wardrobe or home decor?

4. I keep telling myself it's time to get back into reading again and I really mean it this time. So what are your recent favorite books? I need recommendations for easy reads. This is a habit I want to stick!

5. Shelby was gifted an automatic cat feeder and you guys, it's a game changer! I'm not saying I have it fully figured out yet but I'm a big fan. There's something so fun about high tech items for your pets!

Come back next Thursday for another fun interview on the podcast!

Hey, Monday and HELLO to podcast week!

1. Season 04 of Life With Zan begins this Thursday and I just know you're going to love it! We will be posting weekly this season with a total of thirteen episodes spanning from March through May. Nine of these episodes will include VIP guests that I absolutely adore and I know you will too! Go ahead and subscribe now so you'll know when the first episode goes live!

2. We finished our last Christmas puzzle and saw our favorite Christmas lights this weekend. It felt kind of silly doing these things towards the end of February but we enjoyed extending the holiday fun just a bit.

3. I finally have another tennis lesson this week! My coach and I have both been too busy to find a time that worked for both of us but this week it is. I finally have my own racket which feels official and the weather is (hopefully) improving for more house clocked outdoors.

4. While the world has felt a bit heavier these last few days, I find myself struggling between feeling down and then “moving on” with my day and having happy moments. This is a collective reminder that it's ok to feel and experience both of these emotions and give yourself some grace in-between.

5. I'm really working to embrace color in a new way this year. This sounds so silly because it's just clothing or just interiors but it feels like a big shift. Part of this plays into my word of the year (playful) and how I'm looking to embrace things that feel like fun. How can you add a little playfulness into your life this week?

See you Thursday!

We’re on the heels of an exciting week so I thought it would be the perfect time to check in with a Five Good Things blog post. If you made it through the snow and ice in Texas without losing power say amen!

1. I was hesitant to enjoy the snow this past week but am happy to report that Texans stayed warm this February! We got outside and enjoyed the fluffy snowflakes and snapped a few photos, it was perfect. This was a welcome snow-y memory to replace last year’s.

2. We start recording Life With Zan Season 4 episodes this week! This season will not roll out until March but I promise it will be worth the wait. I’ve reached out to some incredibly inspiring women and I cannot wait to share our conversations with you!

3. My mom booked a last minute trip to visit us this week and I could not be more excited for her visit! We haven’t seen nearly enough family since March 2020 and I’m excited to enjoy some quality family time.

4. If you follow along on Instagram you know that I got a new phone a week ago and you guys… it’s so good! I might be the last person to know this so I figured I’d let you know that you can adjust your phone’s camera settings like a real camera. I know, granny’s here with the hot tips! You likely already knew this but for the one person who did not.. wow the settings can make a difference.

5. Last week I shared a Love Language Gift Guide for Valentine’s Day. It was way too fun to make! I always forget that each person in my life likes to receive love in different ways and I figured the holiday of love was the perfect time to revisit it. The list is full of creative ideas that would work for any time you want to celebrate someone you love!

Thanks for stopping by, have a great week!

There’s something to be said for utilizing love languages around Valentine’s Day to help you show love to your favorite people. If you’re not familiar with the concept of love languages, it suggests that each person has preferred ways of giving and receiving love. You can take a test to determine which category of love language you fall under here.

I highly recommend having the people closest to you take the test too. Knowing how people prefer to receive love is so helpful when you want to show them that you care.

Here are some ideas on how to celebrate your loved ones this Valentine’s Day:

Silk Pillowcase | Checkerboard Rug | Drawer Organizers | Cleaning Storage | Little Book of Love Poems | Shower Love Notes | Candle | Evil Eye Clutch | Acrylic Connect Four | Pie Maker

Words of Affirmation

Create a daily mantra for your valentine. This is a few short sentences to remind them how great they are! Title it “Sally’s Morning Mantra” and they can repeat it to themselves daily. This is a nice reminder that even if they’re not feeling super sparkly, you see them as such.

Physical Touch

Is it too cliche to book them a massage or spa day? You could make a fun coupon book that says silly things like “I will hold your hand every night while we watch TV for 30 days straight.” Talk about commitment!

Receiving Gifts

I say always buy a gift for special occasions that someone wouldn’t buy themselves. This could be the largest version of their favorite candle or the fanciest version of their favorite board game. It doesn’t have to be groundbreaking but something you know they’ll love!

Quality Time

Plan a thoughtful date. It doesn’t need to be fancy or over-the-top. It’s the time you put into planning and time spent together that matter most. Nothing’s worse to someone who values quality time than a cookie-cutter date that you didn’t put any thought into.

Acts of Service 

Who doesn’t love when someone does them a favor? Offer to do their least favorite chore for a week, wash their car, pick up their favorite coffee in the morning, basically anything that makes their life easier!

Knowing your own love language will help you in connecting to others. We often give love the way we receive it when first meeting someone as a way to show them how we receive love. Isn’t that funny?

For me, quality time is my #1 way to receive love. What about you?

I hope this gives you a few ideas of how to celebrate the people you love on February 14th!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

There's something special about sharing these Five Things lists on a Friday. It just feels right! This week has been a bit different for me (in the best way possible) and I wanted to share what's helping me make big shifts in my overall mindset in work and life.

1. Getting into a routine with my schedule has definitely been my biggest entrepreneur downfall. When you work for yourself you have a to-do list and big chunks of time to accomplish things within. I know it sounds ridiculous but it's incredibly overwhelming. I'm starting to block out my time more intentionally, trying out The Pomodoro Technique, and playing with the app Notion. Have you ever used it before? I'd love your thoughts!

2. If you follow along on Instagram stories you know I was supposed to have my new phone delivered this week but they unfortunately sent the wrong one. It's arriving tomorrow and I cannot wait to have better camera quality and more storage space. This feels like a major energetic upgrade!

3. Today I have my first tennis lesson. I am equal parts excited and nervous just because it's so outside my comfort zone. I'll be sure and report back on my experience! When was the last time you tried something new?

4. I'm planning another fun blog post for next week around Valentine's day gifts and I realized I missed something for last week's gift guide! I have admired Vietri earthenware for quite some time and have always loved this dish. It would make the perfect catch all for jewelry or keys! They make this mini heart plate that's equally as cute.

5. Next week February begins! I have a lot of exciting things in store and I'm most excited to begin recording interviews for Life With Zan season 04. We have some great guests lined up, I cannot wait to reveal them to you soon!

Have a great weekend!

Remember when I said playful was my word for 2022? This cat above… he's the one who always reminds me to have fun. I mean look at those stripes!

Crazy cat lady things aside, I really am making a conscious effort to maintain playfulness in different ways. Right now I'm getting all of my interviews lined up for Season 04 of Life With Zan! This has already become such a fun and exciting project. I haven't had a guest on the podcast in over a year and now I'm going to have MANY come on in 2022. I can't wait for you to listen!

1. I'd be lying if I said my top favorite thing of the week was sharing my Valentine's Day Gift Guide. It was so fun to make and a fun departure from my everyday work. We all need to step outside our comfort zones and create something pretty from time to time. Let me know which gift idea is your favorite! Also, everything is under $75 and available on Amazon.

2. With freezing temperatures, I've really be leaning on cozy sweat sets. What was life before these? Actually, I'm pretty sure my mom put me in these in the 90s. There's just something about matching that makes a comfortable outfit feel more put together!

3. I finally ordered a new phone. I might be 31 but I'm 131 on the inside and the idea of going to the phone store is my absolute worst nightmare. I made Shelby come with me so I didn't blackout and leave before making a decision. My new phone will be here next week! Be on the lookout for much prettier photos!

4. Every year I go through the process of choosing a new physical planner for the year and so far I haven't picked one up! I take so many handwritten notes that I'm enjoying the digital calendar only lifestyle. Do you prefer one or the other? I usually do both!

5. I've been on a bit of a cleaning spree. No, not the everyday pick up my shoes and cups kind (I may never be great at that) but the deep de-clutter kind. Two weekends ago I went through our storage closet, earlier this week it was my computer. This is your reminder to break these things up into manageable tasks and check them of your list one by one. These are the most satisfying tasks to finish! The satisfaction of no shoes or cups don't seem to last as long… or maybe that's just me.

Have a great weekend!

I just couldn’t help myself. My favorite holiday is around the corner and while I’ve skipped out on making gift guides in the last few years, this idea was calling my name. I’ve pulled together some seriously cute Valentine’s Day gifts for under $75.

My favorite gifts to give are the ones nobody is expecting. For me this means randomly choosing an item for someone you love and giving it to them just because.

There can be a lot of pressure to gift around a holiday or birthday but to me Valentine’s Day is the perfect in-between holiday. Everyone knows about Valentine’s Day but people don’t really expect much from you unless you’re their significant other.

I wanted to pull together some of my favorite items, trendy pieces and very practical but fun gifts. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, foodie or even yourself, there’s sure to be something perfect to gift!

Star Crossed Record | Colorful Keyboard | Cosmetic Pouch | Lowball Glass | Hot Honey | Socks | Pink Scalloped Platter | Poppi Probiotic | Plaid Scarf | Chocolate Bar Box | Eye Mask (Skincare) | KAWS Book | Bottom Vase | Lip Gloss | Sleeping Eye Mask | Love Canister Candle | Red Slides

I could just stare at this collage all day! The colors and happy gifts bring me so much joy. This could be a Valentine’s Day mood board if I ever saw one. So which items are you eyeing for yourself?

I’m new to the hot honey world but have loved adding it as a topping on pizza. The fashion TikTok world has me lusting after the Acne scarf. I found a great copycat version for 1/10th the price!

Any holiday about love should be celebrated. Whether you’re a handwritten note kind of person or prefer to go all-out with gifts, I hope you find something to celebrate this Valentine’s Day.