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. 

Look What I Found

I've been in love with this sweater and it's been sold out for awhile.  At least, in my size.  I was at JCrew today to exchange a gift I ordered (yes, ORDERED not received because I forgot to get a gift receipt - ugh).  While there, I found this sweater in a size below what I usually wear, and when I tried it on, believe it or not, it fit!! And to add to this exhilaration, it was 30% off and I had a $25 reward coupon! Yes, I'm practically screaming!!!

Gift Idea No. 10 - Cover Up

Gift Idea No. 10 - By now, most of our friends have smart phones or ipads, right? For me, it's hard to justify buying  cute iphone covers and ipad covers for myself.  And I think a lot of people feel the same.  So spoil your friends and family members with something fun and practical like these below. 

a. b. c. d. e. f. g. 

Starry Night Getting So Close

Ok, I'm gettin' there, closer to getting my Christmas "stuff" done. I will be getting my stamps today for my cards. Oh - And I put up my last Christmas decoration - my starry lights for the night :)  I purchased them for my wedding (almost 2 years ago) and I love them.  I hope to wrap up my 12 gift ideas for you guys by Thursday~   It's really gettin' so close and I'm super excited :) 

Why...

What happened in Connecticut last Friday left us in an unspeakable grief.  I think we are all left wondering why a tragedy like this happened... 

My heart goes out to those families who lost their loved ones and I hope that the prayers from the rest of the country provide them with some comfort and solace... 

Gift Idea No. 9 - Pretty Wallets

Happy Monday, Friends!  Hope you had a great weekend. 

We are really getting close to Christmas and I'm still struggling to get my shopping and cards done.  Someone please tell me what's wrong with me?!!  I'll tell you - I've been watching too much Homeland.  We are finally catching up on this amazing show and since last Friday, my husband and I've been hooked.  

So, ok, today is it.  Tonight is it.  Tonight, I will tackle my last Christmas tasks!!!  

For you my friends, I did tackle another gift idea over the weekend.  Gift Idea No. 9 - Pretty Wallets.  You must know someone who can use a new wallet.  Even if you don't, it's such a nice gift, don't you think?   Here are my suggestions.  

a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. 

Have fun shopping :) 

Gift Idea No. 8 - Prettify Work Area

Yup, I said it.  "Prettify".  Highly doubt that's a word.  And yes, it sounds flakey.  But whatev.  As some of you know, my day job is practicing law.  I hate how my office looks.  Files, papers, more files and more papers.  Boring and ugly.  I dream of one day prettifying my office.  I think some of our colleagues or friends may feel the same way.  Gift Idea No. 8 - Desk accessories that will prettify any work area and make working more fun. (Is that possible?!)

a. b. c. d. e. f. 

TGIF - Whatcha Up To

TGIF!! I'm so happy the weekend is here but I'm also stressin' about gift shopping, wrapping, and sending.  I'll get there, I know I will.  And no more stressing out.  I'm going to chill by listening to Christmas tunes, like this one~

Have a GREAT happy weekend! 

Like a Crazy Shoe Lady

I've been complaining a lot lately about my work shoes.  I typically wear pointy black 3 1/2 inch pumps from Nine West (like this one) and I typically purchase one pair a year. That's like it.  As much as I love fashion, I never developed the kind of obsession I see a lot of other women have over shoes.  Well, that's all kinda changing lately.  I'm TIRED of my ONE pair of working shoes.  Ok, I have have two more but they match like one or two of my work outfits, so they feel like they don't even exist.  Yesterday, I received a little email from Piperlime, offering a 20% site wide discount.  Bam, that's all it took and I ordered these three pumps like a crazy shoe lady.  

Gomax Calantha 01

Enzo Angiolini Pallassino

Nine West Flax

I know the first one, Gomaz Calantha is a little risque looking for work. But what the heck - who's looking at my feet at work, right?!  (RIGHT...).  

Gift Idea No. 7 - Kitchen Happy

Gift Idea No. 7 - stuff-that-will-make-you-feel-happy-in-your-kitchen- while-you-are-cooking-or-eating-or-serving!  I may have just given Fiona Apple a run for her money with my awfully long subtitle. 

I love seeing little things like framed artwork, hand painted measuring cups and spoons, handsome cutting boards, whimsical serving utensils, colorful tea towels, in a kitchen.  All of these things make your time spent in the kitchen more fun and special.  In fact, you may become emotionally attached to them like so many other things around your house.  Here are my suggestions of kitchen related gifts that may just create such sentimental value and memories for your family and friends.    

a. b. c. d. e. f. g. 

Understanding

Sometime last weekend, while trying to fight off a horrible sinus headache, I kinda got cranky with my husband for no big reason.  A couple of hours later, after his routine Saturday morning workout, Randy came home with this super mini beautiful orchid.  Man, I felt horrible about my cranky behavior and felt incredibly small.  Smaller than the mini orchid. Especially considering how much Randy has been working lately and how exhausted he  is. 

I realized that in a relationship, we must try to understand each other and be generous with our patience.  Otherwise, there would be no peace.  I so appreciated Randy's understanding of whatever I was going through, and his way of showing me that he cares.  Now, only if I can manage to keep this beauty alive to redeem myself!!

Christmas Spirit In My Place

A little sneak peak of my place dressed up with Christmas decorations.  I don't have a lot going on, just our little Charlie Brown tree and my Ms. Everette (our piano) with her little decorations...

Gift Idea No. 6 Soft Hands In Cold Weather

So the gift idea bonanza continues today with gift idea No. 6.  Hand lotions and creams.  I find that as soon as fall hits, my hands become extremely dry.  By the time winter comes around, sometimes the skin around my knuckles will finally crack.  Obviously, you don't want to get your skin to go that dry.  Instead, try any of these lotions or creams (oh no, I sound like a commercial now...)  They are hardly scented, which makes it nice to gift since you may have friends who are sensitive to scents.  I've used all of these products in the past, my favorites being 'a' and 'b'.  But the others are great too.  These are perfect stocking stuffers. And if on sale, get yourself one too and keep your hands soft in this cold weather :) 

a. b. c. d. e. 

Gift Idea No. 5 Tea Time Anyone? (Coffee included)

Good Monday, friends~  How was your weekend?  My weekend came and went.  I didn't get to do 1/2, nope, 1/3 of what I meant to do this past weekend.  What is the matter with me?!  This cold weather and just overall fatigue (and even a bit of sadness (must be lack of sun)) is making me a bit lazy.  I think I need to start exercising more and go back to drinking kale juice again... 

The good news is that I cranked out 2 more gift ideas.  Gift Idea No. 5 - teacups, coffee mugs, and kettles.  Almost everyone I know is either a tea or coffee drinker.  And even if they are not, they will certainly have guests who are. Aren't these so pretty? I want them all in my cupboard... 

a. b. c. d. e. f. (e & f are sugar bowl and creamer)

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF! Yesterday felt like it was Friday - yup, that's how this week felt.  I had my work holiday party last night, so I'm a bit tired this morning.  But, I'm happy it's Friday, I'm happy we have a guest staying over tonight, I'm happy that we are in my favorite holiday season of the year~  

Here are a couple of random musings and thoughts, just because I didn't really have anything "themed" out for today :)  

via Apartment Therapy

Isn't this a sweet garland?  I love all the sparkly ornaments for Christmas but it's kinda refreshing to see this simple geometric and origami style garland... 

Roasted brussel sprouts is one of the dishes I made for Thanksgiving.  The secret here - they are not really roasted.  They are done on a grill pan on the stove.  So much crunchier, easier and quicker!  

My boys, Toby (left) and Speedz (right).  It's gotten cold enough for them to put on their sweaters when they go out.  Aren't they just too adorable?!!  

Have a great weekend, friends~

Gift Idea No. 4 - Post Party Wear

I just attended my first holiday party of the year last night.  I have another one today.  Yeah, the partying has definitely begun. As fun as these holiday parties can be, by 10:30 p.m., I'm thinking of slipping into my comfy flannel jammies and cuddling up with my puppies in bed.  I know - I've become such a yawn!!  But partying can be tiring!  So, I suggest gifting comfy pajamas, softest of soft slippers, and even an eye cover (perhaps good for long flights as well).  We are all going to need these after all the partying, imbibing countless glasses of wine and cocktails, and staying up late :) 
  

a. b. c. d. e. 

Get Your Party Pants On

Taking a little break from all the gift ideas, let's talk about party wear.  I know that most of us wear dresses to holiday parties, which is fine. Who doesn't love a LBD or a cute cocktail dress?  But I'd love to break my own tradition of wearing dresses to wearing one of these fancy pants. 

I'd wear a pair with high heel pointy shoes just like in the pictures above, and top it off with either a well fitted jacket or a soft sweater with a signature piece necklace like this. 

The cool thing about these pants and even the necklace is that they are wearable to work and dates with your guy or friends, so long as you dress them down a bit.  I found both the pants and the necklace at J.Crew, which is my main go-to place for like everything!  

In addition to standing out from the other ladies, you will have the advantage of not having to worry about getting a run on your stockings~

Gift Idea No. 3 - Chocolate, of course

Gift Idea No. 3 - Chocolate, of course! It's one of the sweetest gestures of love, right?  (Birthdays, Valentine's Day, Anniversaries, etc.)  Along with or instead of chocolate, I suggest gifting fruit preserves or fresh fruit in case the richness of chocolate gets too heavy.  Here are my all time favorites~   

- Chocolates from Fannie May
- Jam from Blue Hill Farm (can you believe they make blueberry currant jam?!)
- Chocolate Covered Santa Apple from Zwahlens (Love this mom & pop place in my neighborhood.)
- Fresh pears from Harry & David (so incredibly juicy!)

Gift Idea No. 2 - Head to Toe Warm & Cozy

Good Monday, friends!  Hope you all had a nice weekend~ 

I had a pretty busy weekend, which included working on my 12 Gifts of Christmas project.  The first gift idea was hitting up on Amazon for books and magazines. Here's my second gift idea - accessories to keep a friend/family member head to toe warm & cozy.  I love scarves and these wrap around neck warmers that just hang loosely around your neck but still trap the air going into your coat.  And I love cute knitted hats - minus the hat head :( If you want to avoid the hat head, go for those warm and fuzzy earmuffs. You also want to keep your feet warm as well.  There's nothing like keeping your head and feet covered that helps you to stay warm.  Can you tell I get cold easily?! In any event, scarves, hats and socks make great gifts.  Now, only if I can just stay away from getting myself some while shopping for others...

 a. b. c.  d.  e.  f.  g.  h.  

i.  j.  k.  l.  m.  n.  o.

TGIF - Whatcha Up To?

TGIF!!  Boy, this week was cold~ We even had snow that actually accumulated enough to cover the ground and trees a bit.  It was really cute to see my puppies walking all funny on their pawsies. I could tell they were really enjoying the snow.  

This chilly weather's got me craving sweet and comforting foods.(why?  I dunno...)  I can't wait to try these two...

Early Grey Chocolate Mix, from Whimsy And Spice 

(photo via Whimsy And Spice)

Apple Yogurt Pie as made by Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere

And I really need to get me a pair of gloves.  I'm thinking of these..Something simple and sweet like this pair from J.Crew... 

I've got another busy weekend.  I'll be decorating my tree, doing some holiday gift shopping, and of course, some work~  

Have a great weekend, friends!

Gift Idea no. 1: Hitting Up on Amazon

I have 12 Gift Ideas of Christmas a la the "12 Days of Christmas" song.  I'm going to pepper the following couple of weeks leading up to Christmas with 12 gift ideas/sources.  It's really more of my own gift shopping planning but if it's of any help to anyone, then all the better!

Gift Idea No. 1:  Leisurely Books and Magazines.  With online shopping, it's now become so easy to find gifts for friends.  One place I'm hitting up for sure, as with millions of others, is Amazon.  Here's what I'm thinking of so far...

(In the Order of Each Row)

La Tartine Gourmande: Recipes for an Inspired Life by Beatrice Peltre

Young House Love: 243 Ways to Paint, Craft, Update & Show Your Home Some Love by Sherry and John Petersik

Things That Matter by Nate Berkus

Architectural-Digest (1 year subscription)

Bon Appetit (1 year subscription)

Travel Leisure (1 year subscription)

Vogue Living: The Houses, Gardens, People - Introduction by Hamish Bowles and Forward by Calvin Klein

Chanel: Vocabulary of Style by Jerome Gautier

Vogue: The Editor's Eye by Conde Nast  (author), Eva MacSweeney (Editor), Hamish Bowles (Introduction) and Anna Wintour (Forward)

Gold & Pretty

I am not much of an arts & crafts person but all the pinnings on the Pinterest and amazing DIY blogs out there are definitely tempting me to make something creative myself.  

So, this year, I'm going to decorate my tree with this DIY gold polka dot ornament. 

The theme will be "Gold & Pretty" - yeah, a real creative title, right?! (Sorry~)  ANYways, I can't wait to start decorating.  I'm going to do it this weekend.  I'll keep ya'll posted... :) 

Wednesday Art - Andrew Wyeth

Yesterday, I came across Andrew Wyeth's 'Christina World' - I haven't seen his work in some time and was happy to come across it again. Here are some of my favorites.  

'Christina's World' 1948 

'Wind From the Sea' 1947 

'Master Bedroom' 1965

'First Snow', Study for Groundhog Day, 1959

[in search of title of this lovely watercolor piece]

I can't find the title for one of the paintings (immediately above).  If anyone out there knows, I'd love to hear from you.  I love that painting because if you are from Pennsylvania, you've seen that desolate, farmer's house somewhere.  It may even be your grandparents' house.  A lot of Wyeth's paintings capture the mundane, quiet, and peaceful scenes you come across once you get out of the suburbs of Philadelphia. Well, won't you know it?  Wyeth is from Chads Ford, PA (I've never been there) and had a summer home in Cushing Maine. 

Here's the artist himself.  He looks like such a cool beatnik! 

 Wyeth on top of his Wyllis Jeepster Convertible, 1977  (see here)

For more on his life and work, check my main source for this post here (Wiki page on Wyeth).

Pretty Woman Over the Knee Boots

Here's my latest obsession: over-the-knee-boots. I saw this really pretty girl in center city in this pair of over-the-knee-boots over a pair of dark black leggings paired with a slouchy soft grey sweater on top. She kept her hair simple in a sleek mid-high ponytail.  (Yup, I observed all this in that one fleeting second I saw and passed by her - a total fashion observation moment!)  It was a perfect combo of casual meets SEXY that was non-threatening to both guys and girls.  I realized that the boots worn by Julia Roberts in 'Pretty Woman' need not be hoochie mama when paired with the right outfit. So, now I really really want a pair.  Here are the four I'm eyeing with 'a' being my most favorite (and of course, most pricey!). 

 a. Stuart Weitzman 5050;  b. Vince Camuto Tall Flat Boots;  c.  Frye Over the Knee Slouch Boots Lucinda; and d. Donald J. Pliner Nova Over the Knee Boot

Monday Wake-Up Call

image via here 

image via here

Hi friends, hope you had a nice post-holiday weekend~ 

So,I felt a tinge of cold creeping into my body starting Wednesday when I was running around non-stop getting ready for the big T-giving dinner.  And by the time the guests had gone back home on Thursday night, I had that stuffy head and runny nose combo happening. Last night, I went to sleep around 6:30 p.m. and never woke up until this morning, 6:00 a.m.  Yeah, I'm a bit under the weather... hopefully, I'll get better soon.  I just got my little christmas tree and am so excited about getting the materials for some DIY ornaments!!  

Have a great Monday, folks~  Countin' down to Christmas!