I feel optimistic about this week. I’ve been working hard to get promoted within my company and had an amazing interview this week. I pray I get this job. I remind myself “What is meant for me won’t pass me by”. Outside of work, I have been working on my hobbies and focusing on finding things I enjoy.

1. To prep for my interview, I watched this YouTube channel to help craft answers for challenging interview questions.

2. Use your PTO. I used my PTO to relax at home.

Take advantage of your PTO and use it how you want. One of my friends thought I was wasting my PTO since I didn’t have anything special planned. However, mental health days are needed especially if you feel overwhelmed. And honestly, you don’t need a special reason to use your PTO because you deserve it.

3. Visited Pax and Beneficia coffee shop in Grapevine, TX

I ordered the Amalie smoothie and I highly recommend it. I enjoyed the pomegranate flavor and carbonated fizz. Also, I got a Croissant Breakfast Sandwich and it was pretty good, It wasn’t as fluffy as expected, but the flavor was there. 

4. I ordered jackets from ASOS and Forever21 

I don’t have any non-casual jackets so I decided to buy some nicer pieces I can dress up. Then I purchased a tried and true denim jacket.

5. My book of the week is Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Cultures from the K-Beauty Capital.

I was intrigued by the cover of this book. K-beauty is all the rave and this book dives into the culture and expectations of beauty in Korea and its impact on its community and beyond. Fun fact there are over 8,000 K-beauty brands in S.Korea which is astonishing considering South Korea could fit in the size of Utah. 

6. A free way I have been getting out of the house is going to Barnes and Noble.

7. Found a free yoga and sauna session on Eventbrite

Eventbrite is by far one of my favorite apps because I find so many free activities to do in the DFW area, especially fitness activities. You got so much with this event. It included a 45-minute yoga session, a 45-minute sauna session, freebies from Buff City soap, and snacks. 

Check out my experience on TikTok

This week was great. I got to hang out with a friend who I haven’t seen in a while and try out some new restaurants. Also…your girl is back in her reading bag. I am averaging about a book a week. It has been such a great way to relax from work and social media. So these are some of things I have been up to.

1. New Restaurant: Edge of the Lake Vineyard

Address: 920 Co Rd 231, Valley View, TX 76272

My friend and I visited Edge of the Lake Vineyard located right outside of Denton. My friend is very into wine and I just like the ambiance of a nice winery so we had to go after learning about this place on TikTok. A fun fact is this vineyard is black-owned so you know I had to support. As we were driving to the vineyard you could see the scenery turn from city to more rural which was my vibe since I am from the country. This place is located right beside a lake and surrounded by so much land. If you are looking for somewhere to decompress and relax then this is the place.  

2. Italia Roscato Wine

I tried a new wine this week and it was perfect. I prefer sweet wines over dry wine and one of the grocery store employees mentioned this one was the most popular so I had to have it. After trying it, I can’t complain because it was delicious. The alcohol content is 7% so it’s not the highest, but it works for me. I am planning to buy it again.

3. New Read: The Davenports

I am still reading this book, but so far I am enjoying it. This book is based in post-segregation days following the lives of 4 African American girls coming of age and their lives being surrounded by the affluent. It takes you through a whirlwind of emotions as they battle between family expectations and love.

4. Restaurant Favorite: Pho One

Pho One has become one of my favorite places to get Pho. I recently tried their chicken pho and it’s so tasty. The broth for the chicken and beef pho is always well seasoned compared to the last place I got pho. This has definitely become a go-to of mines.

5. New restuarant: Postino Wine Bar

My co-worker and I visited Postino for a mid-week hang. This was my first time going to the restaurant and having a sit-down experience. Since this is a wine bar, I had to try something from their selection so I ordered a Rose. I am going to be honest it wasn’t that memorable, but all is not lost. The true star of the show was the chicken skewers. They were delicioso. They were perfectly seasoned, moist, and paired with the creamiest sauce. If you ever visit, you have to get them. 

Ultimately, this week was awesome sauce. I am enjoying the time I have with friends and uncovering different interests of mine.

What have you all been up to?