Thursday, December 30

Happy New Year's

I hope you and your family had the most wonderful Christmas.  

I am off now for the a long weekend with some great friends. 
We are ringing in this New Year together at a cabin in Luray, VA. 

Enjoy your celebrations & Be Safe!

Wednesday, December 22

Dear Santa,


As it is officially the week of Christmas, & I can post this list without people thinking I am ACTUALLY putting these items on my Christmas list,

Here is my "Santa Baby" Wish List:
(you know all the really selfish, and extravagant things I lust after all year long)



Tory Burch Grey Flannel Reva Ballerina Flat
The warm flannel makes even these simplest of shoes look so cozy.



Not only are these tan patent leather heels simply GORGEOUS, they also have the Famous red soles of Christian Louboutin.  





What good is a pair of gorgeous, notable shoes without a Classic Chanel suit to match?  This one even follows the most recent trends with a touch of sparkle on the cuffs, collar, and waist.




Every lady needs a classic trench.  Santa, if you could make mine Burberry this year it would be much appreciated.  





While you're at it, don't forget the matching umbrella.





 To help improve my punctuality, I wouldn't mind this timepiece under my tree.
Finally the pièce de résistance.
Every woman lusts after a gorgeous diamond ring to add to her collection, & at 10 carats and $625,000, I see no reason why this little gem won't find it's way into my stocking this year.

Happy Lusting!  &more importantly. 
Merry Christmas!!!

Thursday, December 16

These are a few of my favorite things....

Every year around Christmas time, Oprah Winfrey has a show identifying her 10 favorite things. 
This year as part of her series finale she reveals 40 of her favorite things ranging in price from $5 - $100+.

This year I will provide my 1st annual list of my favorite things.
These are items I currently own that I could not imagine my life without.
  1. Bed Head Shampoo & Conditioner  - $37.90
    As a natural blond who has been "enhancing" my hair color since high school, I have often struggled with finding the right shampoo.  Earlier this year, I borrowed a friend's Bed Head & it changed my life.  OK, maybe it didn't change my life - but I haven't used anything since.  Not only do they have a luxurious (banana) scent but they leave my hair softer than it's ever been before.  Combined with Bed Head's leave in conditioner and split-end mender, my hair is in the best condition it's ever been in.



  2. My iPad - $499
    Oprah & I both share our love for the iPad.  Since purchasing my iPad earlier this year, I have constantly relied on it as a source for entertainment.  Not only do I use it as an e-reader but I take advantage of the gaming apps, internet, and email.  It's the perfect personal "computer" to take when traveling.  It's lightweight and doesn't cause nearly as many hassles when going through airport security.
  3. Quilted Laptop Brief by Brookstone $69.99Speaking of airport security, as a traveling sales woman, I often find myself grappling with my laptop bag as I try to make it through security without incident.  On a recent trip to Orlando, I found myself stuck in the FL airport for over 6 hours.  What else to do but shop; & I'm so happy I did.  I stumbled into a Brookstone store and came out with lovely addition to my luggage collection (not to mention her sister carry-on, I acquired).  The checkpoint friendly bag opens flat so you're fumbling a work laptop in or out.  Moreover, I had been searching high and low for a bag to carry my laptop in that wasn't completely atrocious.  I love that I can carry this bag as my purse/briefcase without a problem.
     
  4. Kitchenaid Artisan Stand Mixer  - $199.99
    I absolutely adore cooking and baking.  I don't know how anyone does it without one of these in their Kitchen.  I have not yet purchased any additional attachments but there are for sure on my list!  The combination of this and my "Hello Cupcake" book I feel unbeatable.
  5. Bootcut Jeans by Seven for all Mankind - $155
    The worst enemy of every woman is the swimsuit & then the jeans.  It is so hard to find a good fitting jean.  I love my Sevens and will never look back.  Don't get me wrong, I often times buy a pair of of trendy jeans from Express, or even Target; however, my tried-and-blues are my Seven for all Mankind bootcut jeans.  I have long legs, and Seven's offer a longer inseam than most the are the perfect amount of broken-in and resistant so I'm comfortable while still feeling just ever so slightly slimmer than normal.  In addition, I'm pretty sure they make my butt look good. 
  6. The Little Mermaid Special Edition Soundtrack - $18
    It's a long story, but my sister will understand.  It doesn't have to be the Little Mermaid, but honestly, when's the last time you listened to a childhood soundtrack?  Try next time you're in a funk or have had a bad day; you can't help but smile....especially if you sing out loud.
     
  7. Garnet Petite Ring by David Yurman ???
    My dearest sweetheart got this ring for me last year for Christmas.  I think I've worn it all but 2 days since & that was only because I forgot to put it back on after painting my house.  I love the beautiful garnet (my birthstone) and classic band.  Every lady needs at least one piece of jewelry that makes her feel special and unique.  Thanks Hun!
  8. Customized Closet by Closetmaid  - Depends on your system.
    These closet organizers can actually turn any little measly closet into the perfect form of organization, optimization and efficiency.  Doesn't hurt that it requires you to reassess exactly what you're keeping in your closet and why you're keeping that tee shirt from the 3rd grade anyway. 
  9. Kady Boots by Mossimo for Target - No longer Available.
    I wear these boots close to once a week.  The go with EVERYTHING and they make me feel sexy without causing enormous amounts of pain.  Skinny jeans - YES!  Casual Dress - YES!  Skirt & Top - I THINK SO!
  10.  Perdue Perfect Portions
    I'm a busy girl, so trying to eat healthy and at a reasonable time is difficult for me.  Although not too creative, these chicken breasts cook in as little as 20 minutes, can be cooked from frozen, and come pre-marinated in a number of different flavors.  When I don't have time to really cook, this is the perfect solution for me. 

Tuesday, December 14

nanny-nanny-ha-ha

I think I've mentioned a time or two that I LOVE the holidays!
I'm starting to truly get into the holiday spirit.  

My co-worker was sulking about having to travel all around Northern VA this evening picking up holiday gifts from here, there, everywhere; & that was only for the gifts he's already bought.  He will eventually have to make the dreaded trip to the mall to complete his holiday shopping for gifts yet to be determined. 

I could not help but mock; nanny-nanny-ha-ha, I am DONE!!!!
 I have finished every last bit of my holiday shopping and all without stepping foot into a mall.  

I have my parents gifts, my sisters gifts, my boyfriends gifts, gifts for the office gift swap, gifts for my boyfriend's family, & even a few gifts for myself.  My dexterity and agility with online shopping has served me well.  In fact, most of my gifts have already shipped.  I'm waiting a few but for the most part all I have left is the wrapping.  

After gloating for a few minutes, I sat back and thought to myself - why do people (men in particular) wait until the very last minute?  It's so nice to be done with everything & see the gifts wrapped so nicely under the tree.  Don't they want this feeling of accomplishment that I have right now?  
Now all I have to do is sit back and enjoy....

& wrap my presents
& get my dress dry-cleaned for Thursday's office party
& bake for Friday's holiday party
& clean the house for Friday's holiday party
& put up the rest of the decorations for Friday's holiday party
& find a place for everyone to sleep after Friday's holiday party
& finish sewing handmade gifts for Saturday's holiday party
& ......

The list seems to go on and on, I guess a hostesses job is never done.
Before I felt relaxed; now I may need a little push to get me started.
Drinking may not be the solution to everything, but boy does this beer taste good. 

Nothing like a little Bud Light for motivation :)

Thursday, December 9

I'll be Home for Christmas

Unfortunately, this mirrors how I feel fright now.  

During my two week blogging hiatus, the couple who had a contract in on my house backed out.  
It's a total bummer, and I've spent a significant amount of time telling myself it's for the best.
You want to know how I really feel:
Hmph!

7 Years Behind...

In 1993 Christy Turlington showed her navel ring during a fashion show in London.
The belly-button piercing quickly became a fashion accessory reaching it's peak in popularity in 1997.

In June 2000 before traveling to the illustrious "Beach Week" my parents told me to be safe.  My father added if I came home with ANY piercing's he would personally rip them out. 
(notice the work rip as opposed to take)
 
I returned piercing free.
In 2004 (7 years after the height of navel piercings), I was interning in Manhattan with a friend.  We got bored on a Saturday afternoon and decided to get my belly button pierced.  At this point, I may have been the only person I knew without a belly button piercing.  My mother had even taken my younger sisters to have theirs done, by theirs I mean my 2 younger sisters AND my mother. 

At 21, I did not bother to tell my father about additional accessory; however, he did coincidentally lose a bet to my Aunt that very same year in regards to how many piercings his daughters had. 

I now find myself in a oddly similar position. 

In 1995 Ugg Holdings, Inc sold their brand and idea to Deckers Outdoor Corporation, which started promoting the now renowned brand in the US through celebrity promotion.  The brand's popularity is marked to have taken a significant turn in the early to mid 2000s.  For the purposes of this article I will estimate 2004.

As 2011 approaches, I have my first desire for Ugg boots.
Much to the pleasure of my boyfriend, I have avoided the trend for the past 7 years; however, after attending the ACC Championship game in rainy, 30 degree weather, I have decided they may be a necessity.

I don't like the way the traditional Ugg boots look; however, I have found 1 2 styles that I like.

These are the UGG Broome II boots.  I love them!
They look a little like riding boots; however, they are also lined with the sheep-skin that everyone loves their UGGs for.  I also love the weathered look on the toe.  
Ahhhh...swoon!

These beauties are old news, I'm aware; however, I do love the classic knit look.
For those that don't already know, they are the UGG Classic Cardy. 
I could see myself wearing these similar to how most young ladies where their UGGs:  with skinny jeans, a oversized, comfy sweater, and a good book as an accessory. 

They still seem to be more of a house slipper to me but maybe one's I would be embarrassed to be seen in!

So after 7 years, I will have to see if I can finally convince myself to join this trend too.