I Believe In // Celebrating

Celebrating small and large accomplishments & milestones is something that I strongly believe in. It is easy to become paralyzed by thoughts of inadequacy in a world where we can compare ourselves to anyone we desire in a moment’s click or tap – I’m absolutely guilty of this.

With the ultimate celebration of this past year to commence in just a few hours, here are a few things 2013 brought that I will be reminiscing on with a joyous heart & serious gratitude – celebrating one year of marriage with the man I love oh so much, a new job, seeing a dear friend walk down the aisle, new friends & relationships, trips to Naples, Nashville & New York City, precious time with family, and lastly this blog. To my friends & family, those who may stop by a few times a week or just once  - thank you for reading my slice the internet – a little thought that has turned into a passion. Your support and kind comments make me smile daily.

What are you celebrating tonight?! Cheers to 2013 & bring on 2014!

Weekend Errands

This weekend was fabulous -  just the right mix of productivity and relaxation! On Friday night we saw The Wolf of Wall Street - yes it is long and raunchier then anticipated - but thoroughly enjoyable and pretty hilarious. Did anyone else see it? Thoughts? Saturday consisted of a lazy morning followed by errands and an evening at home catching up on Scandal (the best!) and on Sunday we got to show my sister and her boyfriend the best that Columbus has to offer during their quick stay. Let me tell you, after spending the past 4 weekends in other cities, it felt nothing short of amazing to be home. I'd love to know how your weekend was?!

husband's beanie /sunglasses / j.crew sweater available in stores (on sale!) / old necklace, similar / old jeans, similar / bootie

I Believe In // Saying No

The other day, I was talking with a friend about an upcoming party - trying to figure out who we would see and who wouldn't be able to make it. A mutual friend's attendance was brought up and how she had decided not to come. She wasn't coming because she had a prior commitment or because she was out of town, but instead the week leading up was filled with more then a healthy amount of activity and another engagement would have been too much. I was proud and inspired.

There are so many weeks where I am running from work to one function or another on back-to-back days that by the end of the week I am exhausted and bitter. Of course I want to spend time with friends and be involved, but if it leaves me a grump is it worth it? A few weeks ago I declined to attend a Christmas party on a day we returned from vacation, and as much as I wanted to be there, it felt good. I knew I would have been stressed from being gone all weekend and trying to get my life in order for the week ahead. I realized that in 2014, I want to do a better job of knowing my limits so that I am fully present and engaged wherever I go. 

Holiday Wardrobe Essentials // Shorts

clockwise from top left: topical / leather / lace (on sale!) / sequined / embellished / jacquard / lace trim / floral

Yikes. So I learned the last two days that next year I should probably plan my posts for Christmas ahead of time. Opps. The last minute errands and merriment got ahead of me and all plans to post went right out my third-floor apartment window. 

On another note - can you believe Christmas is over? I feel like I ran around like a chicken when no head the past week preparing, and now it's over. Definitely experiencing a few post-Christmas blues. Luckily, we still have New Years! While I will be having a low-key New Years visiting our new niece in Alabama, if I was going out I would undoubtedly pull out my faux-leather shorts that I have been living in this past week. I love that they are slightly untraditional for dressy occasions, and with so many options, you can easily find a pair to compliment the perfect NYE top already in your closet. PS- I am loving these jacquard shorts - so good!

Moody Holiday

We kicked off our holiday festivities this weekend with Christmas parties both Friday & Saturday night with friends. On Saturday, my college roommates and I met at a Spanish restaurant to: 1. be obnoxious (this is an understatement, we love each other too much to be calm) and 2. celebrate Christmas. I don't think I have quite shared my burning passion for all things hispanic food yet, but let me tell you I was elated by this backdrop to our festivity as my favorite way to say "Merry Christmas" is "Feliz Navidad!" This night may or may not have included my killer sub-par impression of Bing Crosby's White Christmas (and yes, I was sober - doesn't take much encouragement). 

Ah but I digress. For our Spanish Christmas Fete, I decided to take a more moody approach and wear all black, accented only with my newest accessory - the Christmas Crown, which I was having way too much fun with. My dear friend also joined me & made a gold leaf version, similar to the one these ladies sported. 

 christmas crown / embellished top / old vegan leather shorts, similar / fleece-lined tights (aka the best invention ever) / old black boots, these are both affordable & cute! / old clutch, almost identical

DIY // Christmas Crown

After seeing this beautiful image on TJ's blog over the weekend, I was instantly inspired to create a similar version for the holiday parties that I have coming up. Good news - this is SUPER easy. This is very exciting for me as I have the patience of a 5 year old when it comes to anything crafty - it's a bit of a curse. See instructions below!

materials needed: twine, floral wire, fake cranberries and pine branches. not pictured: seriously strong scissors.  tip - make sure  you get soft pine tree branches, you want to make sure it is comfortable while on your head!

form & cut the twine so it sits comfortably on your head. make sure to keep it loose so there is room for the branches & cranberries!

cut the branches and use the floral wire to attach to the twine. make sure the ends of the floral wire are wrapped tightly around the twine so they don't poke you. 

getting there!

cut cranberries into small bunches and use the floral wire to attach - you can add as many or as few as you'd like!

 finished product! what do you think - yay or nay?!

ps- sorry for the sub-par picture quality. shooting anything with fake light is the worst. of course, I had every intention of doing this over the weekend during the day, but as they story typically goes, life happened. oops. 

Holiday Wardrobe Essentials // Embellished

clockwise from top left: dorothy perkins top (on sale!) / boden dress / zara jeweled should shirt / ann taylor loafer / zara vest / topshop embellished shorts / urban outfitters heels

In lieu of Wanderlust Wednesday, I'm bringing you two Holiday features today - this post followed by a little holiday DIY later this evening!

As soon as I saw this beautiful skirt on pinterest, I knew it was the perfect inspiration for this little holiday wardrobe essentials series. Whether the jewels are front & center or provide an unexpected pop of fancy, it seems like the perfect addition to any outfit for the season!

PS - if you're on the hunt for an embellished dress, I think this is pretty awesome.