Last Party of 2012

Image via Coco + Kelley

Ok, are we ready for the last party of the year or what? Actually, I'm totally not ready.  I'm so sad to say good bye to 2012 and the winter holidays :( I do however, feel truly blessed to have gone through another year in good health, which I value on a daily basis as I get older, and especially after Randy's recent mishap in Colorado. 

I'm celebrating the last day of 2012 at home with Randy and the our two pups.  And we are going to do so with a glass of bubbly and fresh lobsters (sorry if that gross some people out).  In fact, we already started the bubbly thing yesterday when we got really cabin feverish while waiting out a mini snow storm. 

Hope you have a great New Year's Eve and Happy New Year!!

A glass of bubbly (Martini & Rossi) with fresh berries

recipe and image via Simply Recipes

Let's hope this is how the lobsters come out after I boil them - NOT moving...

One Girly Look for New Year's Eve

I'm staying in this New Year's Eve (as discussed here).  But if I were going out to a party, I'd love to rock out this ultra girly outfit. I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for these lovelies to go on post-holiday sale.  

a.  Tulle Tendril Bib - Anthropologie
b.  Perforated Vegan Leather Dress - Erin Fetherston
c.  Crystal Venus Flytrap Earrings - J.Crew
d.  Cooper Quilted Strap Watch - Kate Spade New York
e.  Tri Lock Merino Clutch - Topshop
f.  Tamsin Classic Pumps - Loeffler Randall

Peaceful Sunday

Hi there~  Sorry I've been so MIA.  I gotta tell you, it's hard to get my head back into the normal routine of things after Christmas.  Especially when on Christmas Day, my husband fell while snowboarding and hit a rock, resulting in 2 broken ribs and a contusion to one of his lungs.  You can imagine the state of my emotions and mind since then.  But Randy is getting better and adjusting to being INCREDIBLY uncomfortable, in a lot of pain, and unable to do a lot of the things he used to be able to do, as simple as sitting down or standing up. Yeah - this was indeed a memorable Christmas Day.  

Everything started to feel more settled yesterday when it started to snow here. There's nothing more serene than the quietness brought on by snow.  

I have no big plans for the new year's eve or day.  I think Randy and I can enjoy some quiet down time with our puppies, cuddling on the couch, with a little glass or two of bubbly.   

Merry Christmas - Peace & Love

Merry Christmas, everyone! Wishing all of us much peace & love!

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF!! This is THE weekend leading into Christmas and I could not be more excited.  Randy and I are off to Aspen, Colorado.  Randy grew up there during most of his teen years through the 20s, so we try to visit every year if possible. During the past 3 years, we've seen an alarming increase in the number of paparazzi hanging out everywhere in groups.  That kinda takes away the charm I saw in Aspen 7 years ago when I first visited. Regardless, it's a magical and charming place to be and I feel blessed to be there again this Christmas.  

As I am not an avid skier or a snowboarder, I often spend my time there walking around the town and just enjoying and absorbing the town's magical charms.  This year,I'm looking forward to spending some quiet alone time as well.  How often do we get to spend time just relaxing and not worrying about doing the dishes, laundry, going grocery shopping, etc. etc.?  Not often enough.  So, there will be days when I just enjoy the quiet mornings, reading, and taking long walks.  I. can. not. wait.!!!  

Have a great weekend, peeps~

p.s. There may be some radio silence next week during the holidays :) 

Gift Idea No. 12 - TIME

via here

Can you believe it?  We've reached the 12th gift idea! And honestly, this is the best of the 12 and that's why I saved it for the last.  The best gift to give, in my humble opinion, is TIME.  Give your loved ones your time.  It can be spent any way and any where.  A walk in the park.  A meal shared together at your giftee's favorite restaurant.  A concert or a play.  Whatever it may be, spend time with your family, friend, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, mentor, mentee, etc.  My husband asked me what I want for Christmas.  I told him that I want us to go to this place and have a meal together and walk around.  Ok, so I asked him for this too (haha).  But I asked him for the first gift first.  Why?  Because we both work a lot, including the weekends.  Especially Randy.  And that's exactly why I want time for us.  I think it's important for all of us to take the time to appreciate our special relationships and keep them going. The above image says it all, doesn't it?

Have a very special holiday season~

p.s. Next week, I'll be doing exactly what I asked for - spending time with my husband.  We've both taken the entire week off.  Can't wait.   

Gift Idea No. 11 - Where the Blings Go

Gals (and guys), I know some of you have received or are going to receive amazing and beautiful blings this year as gifts.  Perhaps you are gifting yourself while shopping for others. That's always fine with me! Or perhaps, you anticipate starting the new year with some organization. My Gift Idea No. 11 - Jewelry Box (where the blings go).  There's someone who's going to really appreciate a gift like this.  Practical and pretty to look at :) 

Alright, one more gift idea to go and I'll be completing my 12 Ideas of Christmas Gifts :)  

a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h.