Monday, November 29, 2010

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Folks, Thanksgiving is behind us. My ass is a bit fuller thanks to the load of carbs I demolished for four days straight. It was wonderful having a stretch of days off. I was able to clean, decorate the house to look like a Christmas Pottery Barn catalogue (well, attempted to) and got a nice start with my Christmas shopping. I said "f- the crowds! I take my my money online!". I finally ordered my holiday cards from Shutterfly after taking about two weeks to finally decide on a design. Now, I sit here second guessing the picture I chose. Ah well.

Aside from the lounging and visiting with family, Miss S took a nice tumble off the back of the couch while I was in another room. She followed that off by barfing all over the couch, not sure if it was the crab she had tasted for the first time, or the fall. Needless to say our couch cushions are still in disarray in the garage as they air out from the stench of puke. We might need to get them cleaned.... To top off the week, she took a nice header into the sidewalk yesterday evening as we gathered in the front yard to admire the lights that Hubbs so happily put up on the house, a la Clark W. Griswold. She had a nice pink scrape on her forehead this morning as she greeted her friends in preschool.

Oh... and it's been frigid. Well, frigid for the Bay Area. Here are some pics to prove my point.
Close to taking ski's out and trying some tricks.

This picture taken from my Blackberry Bold, really doesn't depict the amount of ice. Not frost, ICE.

When it's 28 degrees outside, I decide to wear a dress. Because nothing goes better than peanut butter and chocolate, like freezing weather and dresses.
Charcoal Cardigan: The LOFT
Silk Black & White Dress: Banana Republic
Tights: Hue
Faux Crocodile Black heels: Alfani
Necklace: J.Jill
Belt: Forever 21

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Ten on Tuesday

Got these questions from one of the new blogs I am reading, Roots & Rings.


1. What are your plans for the holidays? Do you travel at Thanksgiving? If you celebrate Christmas, do you travel then, too?
Both Hubbs' and my families are local. So we typically don't go anywhere. Sometimes I wish we actually had far off destinations that we would be visiting, relatives to travel across country to see.  I like when the News shows the airports at Thanksgiving & Christmas with all of the travelers frantically trying to get to their loved ones. Reminds me of Love Actually.


2. How do you make the plans for the holiday? If you have a significant other, how do you decide which family to visit?
Having family close does make the Holidays tricky because its always a matter of trying to make everyone happy while spending equal time with all parties. We usually juggle a couple visits into one day which usually leads to me stressed out and  and me mumbling at various times... "we need to go, Grandma and Grandpa are waiting, the prime rib is almost done at their house! Wait, one more cocktail. Did you get the gifts? Don't forget the artichoke dip, okay, another glass of Pinot won't hurt..."

3. Do you have your Thanksgiving meal at lunch or later in the day?
Who eats at Lunch?  So I will be in bed at 3? If we are eating at my parents, we start at about 4-5. If it's at the Hubbs' side, we're not sitting down until at least 6:30 I prefer the 4-5 range so that I am passed out on the couch by 6:30.  It prevents me from filling up on four pounds of brie and crackers and allows me to fully partake in true Thanksgiving gluttony.

4. Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
I usually say I am excited to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade each year, but when I finally sit down to watch it I realize that I really don't prefer seeing floats with Soap Opera stars waving. I also like to scour the ads and map out my shopping plan of attack for Black Friday.

5. After a big meal do you lounge around or get up and take a walk?
I usually end up plopping my ass on the couch, but now that we have a little spunky toddler to chase I am able to get exercise in.

6. Do you shop on “Black Friday” or do you avoid it?
Depends on what is on my list. This year I plan on going out on Midnight before the craziness. We'll see if I actually do that. If I am not out of the house by the early morning, then I won't go out. I might just sit in and shop online instead.

7. When do you usually finish your Christmas shopping?
Probably about 2 weeks before. I really like to enjoy those last weekends before Christmas and not rush around. Plus it seems like we have more engagements so it gets hard to squeeze in shopping.

8. Do you and your significant other exchange gifts? Is there a budget?
We do exchange gifts. I usually point out exactly what I want to Hubbs: sparkles, cashmere, etc. He usually points out electronics or um... more electronics. We always set a budget so that neither of us is not surprised or feels like a moron for not throwing down enough for their gift.

9. When do you decorate for the holidays?
This weekend I will be decorating the house. However, we won't get our tree until the first weekend in December so that it is nice and fresh. I have already seen houses in our neighborhood with their lights up on their houses. Can you say Clark W. Griswold?


10. Do you go “all out” with the decor or do you keep it simple?
I would say I am go in between. Our house is typically a cross between a Pottery Barn catalogue depicting a nice mantel with fresh greenery and a Gingerbread house.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Winterizing

I have been inspired by many blogs out there focusing on using clothing they wore through the spring and summer and working them into their fall/winter wardrobes. Today I decided to Winterize this cotton GAP skirt that I wore throughout the warmer months with wedges and flats and breezy tops.

A closer shot of my argyle socks. I like argyle.


What do you think? Am I pulling it off?
Blazer: Express
White Tee: GAP
Necklace: GAP
Skirt: GAP
Tights: Hue
Socks: GAP
Boots: Nine West
Belt: Alfani?

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Conceal It

In the last year I have realized the importance of spending a bit more sweet moola on certain beauty products. The latest item for me to switch from Drug Store to Department Store? Concealer. I did so with Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic.  I had been using Cover Girl or Revlon, etc. for my under eye area. But by lunch time my the dark shadows are back and I am not happy. I started researching and heard that Benefit had really good concealers, actually so many that I didn't know which one(s) to choose. I purchased this kit so that I could get an idea of what worked, what I really needed, etc.

So far I love the Erase Paste for my under eye region. I look awake all day, which is nice and maybe a bit shocking to my coworkers.

The other products are nice too, however, I know I will continue to purchase the Paste.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Take it Back Tuesday

The other day I remembered back to a pair of shoes I purchased during one of my first visits to New York City. I had some time to kill by Rockefeller Center, and I wandered into the Nine West store. They were running some sort of "Buy One Get Second Pair 50%" deal. I quickly found one cute pair of black patent driving mocs, and for some reason I was drawn to another slightly different pair. Maybe it was being in the Fashion Capital of the World that made me go for them, but I did. They were white, patent leather, point toe shoes with KITTEN HEELS! Now separatetly, those are not bad, but when combined....not so good.   However, I purchased them anyways, traveled back home and tried them on with some of my clothes and to my horror realized I looked like Cousin Eddie in National Lampoon's Vacation. Remember these bad boys?

Yep, I was pretty much wearing the same exact thing. I was too embarassed to even show Hubb's so I made a bee line to the nearest Nine West store and quickly returned them. I don't know what triggered that thought. Have you ever had horrible judment when making purchases? You get caught up in the moment and later wonder what the heck you were thinking?

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Stylish reading

I have been considering the Kindle, Reader, Nook, etc. until I saw that these existed. Now I am convinced that reading has never looked so good.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Happy Holidays Cards!

I am pretty proud of myself. It is November 10th and we have already completed our family holiday pictures that will be showcased in our annual Holiday Cards. I decided this year I wanted to have plenty of time to mull over the designs so I could pick "THE PERFECT" card. This year I am going to be getting my cards from Shutterfly. Holiday cards really are that one chance to show your family's personality without being in the same room, and that is why I get so into them, and also why I got the photography taken care of so early this year.  Shutterfly not only is great spot for cards, but also for photo books and calendars. Last year I made calendars for my parents and in-laws showcasing some of Miss S's cutest pics. They loved them and it is always fun to see them hung up on the wall at all of their houses. I definitely will be doing the same this year.

Shutterfly has so many great designs. Designs that are classic, vintage, contemporary and whimsical. How will I be able to pick out just one? However, it just so happens that I have narrowed my selections down to these three... can you help me pick one? Remember, I like classic and preppy things with a vintage edge. Got that?



Another cool thing about Shutterfly is this great promotion they are offering Bloggers right now. You can get 50 cards free! Check it out here. Now that is what I am talking about. We all know the lists of gifts you will be shopping for this holiday season, so get a little help from Shutterfly and get 50 free cards and better yet.... you know they will look great.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Why I Love this Time of Year

Halloween kicks off my three month period of gluttony. What with the leftover candy at home and at the office, it is amazing I am not 400 lbs. heavier. Then we launch right into Miss S's birthday, followed by Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving leftovers, holiday parties, holiday cookie baking, Christmas and New Year's.  I have to say though, so far I've been pretty good about not eating too much candy, so hopefully that parlays into the rest of the season. But besides the mashed potatoes and gravy, the artichoke dip, stuffed mushrooms, cheese balls, truffles, glasses of bubbly, fondue, prime rib and other treats, there are many reasons why I love this time of year.

1) I have a lot days off in a short period of time. From Thanksgiving to New Years I get a total of 3 weeks off (including weekend days) which is pretty frickin' awesome.
2) The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, A Charlie Brown Christmas
3) Uggs
4) Plaid Flannel Shirts
5) Hot Cider
6) Dean Martin Christmas classics
7) Hot cider
8) The smell of a fresh cut Costco Christmas tree, no plastic one in this house!
9) The smell of fires burning in chimneys
10) Brisk walks around the neighborhood
11) Need I even say the awesome colors on all of the leaves?
12) Love Actually
13) Pot Roast
14) Monday Night Football
15) Pea Coats
16) Online Shopping deals
17) Christmas lights
18) Holiday Cards
19) Peppermint Ice Cream
20) The red cups

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Fall Fashion Week: Weekend Ware

So I took Friday off which meant I wore sweats, etc. and not exactly worthy of pictures. On Saturday, we hosted Miss S's 2nd Birthday party for family and I forgot to take a picture of my outfit until about 8 that night when I was wrinkled, tired and tipsy. Here you are:
Dark Gray Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Silk Top: GAP
Skinny Cropped Black Jeans: GAP (my new favorite clothing item)
Silver Sequin Ballet Flats: American Eagle from TJ Maxx

Today I was lazy again due to gloomy and wet weather, but decided I needed to post something even if I was wearing comfy clothes. All we did today was lounge, go to In & Out Burger and run an errand at the mall but not in that order...

Navy Tee Shirt Dress: GAP
Charcoal Tights: Old Navy
Cream Cashmere Scarf: Charter Club
Boots: Uggs
Plaid Jacket: GAP

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Fall Fashion Week: Black & White

Keeping it simple again today in Black & White. On the agenda today: Meetings.


Black Blazer: Express
Black & White Striped Tee: GAP
Jeans: Paige
Faux Crocodile Black Heels: Alfani
Gold Bracelet: Some place cheesy
White Bracelet: Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
Gold Earrings: Banana Republic
Scarf: GAP

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Fall Fashion Week: Preppy Office

So this Fall Fashion week isn't exactly going as planned. This is because the weather has turned Spring-like. Therefore, my plans for wearing tights went out the door. Also, my sweaters seem a bit too bulky for these 75 degree temps so I have had to wear layers. Today, I kept it simple. Because, that is what I do, when all else fails. If you need sunglasses  because my legs are too white, I completely understand...




White Blouse: GAP Outlet
Dark Denim Pencil Skirt: Banana Republic
Belt: GAP
Tweed Blazer: GAP (we all know my love for Preppy Tweed Blazers)
Faux Crocodile Brown Pumps: Style & Co.
Necklace: Banana Republic

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Fall Fashion Week: City Chic

Okay, I named this post City Chic because a co-worker just called me that. In store for me today are back to back meetings followed by a work lunch, thus I needed to be comfortable.


Dark Blue/Purple Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Grey Tee: GAP
Black Skinny Cropped Jeans: GAP
Ballet Flats: GAP
Silver Belt: GAP
Hair: Crazy

Monday, November 1, 2010

Fall Fashion Week: All Greyed Out

It's typical for me to get on the Fashion Week bandwagon about a week late. But, better late than never, right? I seem to be having some flash difficulties. I was using our small digital camera this morning and couldn't figure out how to turn the flash off so I have a huge glare in the mirror. As it's just me and the almost 2 year old in the morning, I have to rely on my awful self portrait skills rather than rely on Miss S to take pics that probably would be of my knees.

So here we are. All in grey today. I was in a bit of a hurry so I didn't accessorize much.



Wow, how awake do I look in that last shot? Must be to red wine consumed last night while trick or treating....Also, love the comb over. Not a good hair day.

Dark Gray Corduroy Boot Cut Pants: GAP
Striped Charcoal Top with Stitched Necklace: Ann Taylor LOFT
Gray Blazer: Banana Republic
Gray Suede Heels: Marc Fisher

P.S. That IS a huge bottle of LA Looks in the background. It's Hubbs', don't judge. I am working on graduating him to Pantene, or heck maybe even Herbal Essences...