#ft. jayla hopkins

[aishathevar]

Merry Christmas friends!!

@jcksonfields @owenryder @xjaylahopkins @monixoconnor @jazfields

A few gifts for the people who make Merrock more special every day-- included are individually wrapped gingerbread cookies made with love (that turned out surprisingly well!), a mini Bluetooth speaker that looks like a record player for festive tunes or otherwise, and a vintage holiday sweater personally picked out for you. Have a great holiday season, and let's make the next year even better!!

xx Aisha

[aishathevar]

"I feel like they could, after all, they do string covers on Bridgerton," she joked, letting Jayla lead the way toward the band, giving a small smile. "So, what do you think we should request? Think they know any Chappell Roan, or should I aim for classic 2000s hits that everyone knows?"

"That was my question! Let's go ask!" Jayla paused her dancing, taking Aisha by the hand to make their way over to the band to see what songs they could get on the list to play, by request.

[aishathevar]

who: aisha & @xjaylahopkins

where: the community center (yard sale)

when: august 5th

Although Aisha was set on clearing some of her old belongings, it didn't stop her from perusing some of her neighbors' items for sale. It was interesting, to see what might've been meaningful to them at one point, and some more slightly questionable items that definitely would return home with them. She glanced at a few tables, before running into a friend. A smile crossed her face as she approached her. "So what's been the most questionable thing you've seen today? I saw someone with a few zombie gnomes, which I can guarantee will haunt my dreams."

[aishathevar]

happy holidays!!

@xjaylahopkins @emelineviolette @jcksonfields @beck-hartman @owenryder @darpow

Merry Christmas (or happy holidays) friends! Whether you've been in my life for a while, or are a new friend, just know I'm grateful for having you in my life. I got sweaters for everyone because I can't stand the cold and figure neither can you, so hope this keeps you cozy during the winter season. I also got you custom wood mini-cassettes that make neat decor (curated by yours truly!), I'm not great with words so scan the spotify (or apple music) code and listen to some songs I feel suit your personality or vibe. Lastly, I got everyone holiday mugs for maximum coziness, to enjoy whatever beverage you enjoy during the cold season. Here's to another great year!

xx Aisha

[aishathevar]

happy birthday, @xjaylahopkins!

to one of the best girls I know, happy birthday! to celebrate I got you a self-care gift box because I know this time of year can be a bit hectic, and figured you deserved some cozy things for your special day. I hope you have a great day and your next year is just as amazing as this one!

-- Aisha

[aishathevar]

"We're definitely the complete opposite then, I'm not really athletically inclined." Aisha admitted with a laugh. She would still attend the event but was unsure if she'd be any good at them if they had to do with sports. But she saw the appeal and people seemed to enjoy it. "For me, I'm looking forward to the gala, I love any excuse to dress up." she was a bit fashion-minded, so she was looking forward to seeing all the dresses and outfits. And it was for a good cause. "I think I'm ready as well! I found some pretty cute things." she said with a nod.

"I try to go back at least once a year, especially if my parents can't make it here," she explained. "There is always something to do! It's part of the charm of this town, I think. Any excuse to be outdoors, those are always my favorite. Whatever the annual sporting event ends up being, I think that is what I am most looking forward to, at the moment. How about you?" Jayla pulled another final two piece, having enough on her arm to try on, turning to Aisha. "I think I have enough to try on," she held up her arm full of clothing. "Are you ready to head to the dressing room? If not, I can wait."

[aishathevar]

who: aisha & @xjaylahopkins

where: atchafalaya restaurant, new orleans

when: february 2024

Although she had a late night at another bar, Aisha was trying her best to make it on time to her brunch with Jayla. She'd double-checked the address before she left the rental, and although she had a bit of a detour when she went the wrong way, she arrived only a few minutes later than their agreed-upon time to meet up. Approaching the restaurant, she gave a smile to her in greeting. "Hi, hope I'm not running all that late! Were you waiting long?"

[aishathevar]

"Always a good choice, classic is go-to for a reason," She nodded in agreement, as she tapped her chin as she tried to envision a concept for hers. "Maybe something a bit more funky? I don't think they have anything for a pink wreath, but maybe some brightly colored decorations to add on that'll make everything else pop."

"I think leaning classic.. but, more rustic?" At least with the color palette she was sticking to, as it would be neutral enough to match both the home Christmas decor and her room. "What about you?"

[aishathevar]

She smiled as she was pulled into the hug in greeting, nodding as she mentioned checking them in for their reservations. "That's perfect, thank you!" she was thankful for her friends' punctuality and followed her towards the hostess stand so they could wait to be seated, glancing around the restaurant. "So, how do you feel about mimosas? Figured we could start with a round because that seems like the New Orleans thing to do."

Always punctual, Jayla had arrived a bit early the restaurant she and Aisha had agreed upon for brunch. Knowing she would be waiting on Aisha regardless, Jayla hadn't even clocked that her friend was late when she arrived. Spotting her approaching, Jayla slipped her phone into her back pocket, excitedly greeting Aisha with open arms. "It wasn't too long, don't worry!" Pulling away from the hug, Jayla gestured toward the door. "I already checked us in," she smiled, leading the way to the hostess stand to be seated.

[aishathevar]

You should stop by to take a look whenever you're free! And that sounds good, I'll be sure to text you on a less busy weekend so we can go skating. It is! I make gingerbread, sugar cookies with frosting, and peanut butter blossoms I found through a Pinterest recipe. I'll be sure to send some of those your way because those are a favorite of mine.

Ooh, I want to see! After the rush of opening weekend, I am more than happy to enjoy a few afternoons at Blades! Oh, yes! Baking is also so fun! I like peanut butter, oatmeal, sugar cookies. I am happy with just about anything, really! Do you make anything specific for Christmas?

[aishathevar]

It was definitely nice to put up the decorations. I'm more into the wintery aesthetic, but I'd say the house is looking festive otherwise. I agree there's nothing better than watching Christmas movies, but I do love ice skating as well. We should definitely hit up Blades together during the season! But I think baking Christmas cookies is ultimately my favorite activity. Do you have a favorite cookie? When I make them I'll try to sneak you some before the roomies get to them.

We also waited on completely ushering in Christmas. Now though, it is game on. Not that I would even consider myself to be the biggest Christmas person, but I enjoy sitting around watching Christmas movies in the glow of the tree lights with a mug of hot cocoa as much as I enjoy going out ice skating or sledding. What are you looking most forward to?

[aishathevar]

"I don't think I've ever been there." Aisha furrowed her eyebrows, as she tried to recall if she stopped there somewhere along her travels. "But it's always nice to visit home for a bit!" she nodded. "Oh I know, it seems like there's something going on almost every week. At least I know I'll never be bored." she joked as she adjusted the clothes on her arm. "What event are you most excited about?"

"Rapid City!" There was a pause before she added, "South Dakota." She always felt the need to clarify, unsure how much knowledge of the region most had. Jayla went through the swimwear, pulling a few different options to try on. "Both great options!" she smiled at Aisha. She herself wasn't much of a beach person but she knew how happy it made others. "There's not shortage of events coming up too!" One thing that Jayla loved about Merrock was that there was always something to do.

[aishathevar]

"That's cool! And where's home for you?" Aisha asked as she began looking at some maxi skirts. She pulled one out, putting it over her arm as another potential purchase. She glanced over at the bikini Jayla pulled out. "I like that. I think I have something similar in a different color." she smiled, then hummed slightly at her mention of summer plans. "Nothing too exciting, I'm just looking forward to spending more time at the beach. And maybe working on some gardening."

Jayla nodded, tossing the blouse over her shoulder as a maybe purchase. "I am just looking forward for the excuse to be outside more," she shrugged, still sifting through the racks of clothing. Jayla got to the end of the blouses, stepping toward a rack of swimming attire. "I should be heading back home, sometime soon, for a couple of weeks too. I'm excited for that! For now, time at the pool though. What do you think of this?" she asked, very much on topic as she hold up a bikini. "What about you? Do you have any exciting summer plans?"

[aishathevar]

Oh, I can relate. I wanted to set up the tree after Halloween was over but not sure the other roomies would be too happy if I rushed us into the next holiday. So I'm fine with impatiently waiting until after Thanksgiving. Have any activities you're looking forward to during the winter season?

This weird in-between, I never know when is too early to start enjoying all things Christmas. I am letting the roomies enjoy the rest of fall, but every year it's a question of when we can start marathoning Christmas movies.

[aishathevar]

Besides all the baking we did with our apples, I'm going to try to convince them to join me for a Halloween movie marathon. Though I don't think I'll have to try too hard. Do you have any favorite movies you watch during the season? And I'll definitely do that then! That way I won't have to wait until the next time you're selling them at a event.

That's the way to go! Are you guys doing anything as roomies? Oh! Feel free to put in an order through instagram, if you would like! I will come by and personally drop off your order. What pieces are still available are listed, or you can put in a custom order.

[aishathevar]

Aisha turned to look at the blouse she was holding and nodded her approval. "It's super cute, I love the color." she grinned, as she continued to look through a rack before finding a blouse and taking it out, examining it before draping it over her arm. "So, any exciting summer plans?"

"That's always fun!" Jayla laughed softly, all too familiar with the need to essentially replace clothing after a large clean out. Being the start of the summer season as well, it was only more excuse to do some shopping. She went through the clothing rack in front of her, pulling out a blouse and holding it in front of her. "What about this?"