A Moment to Relax

All the emotions and excitement this week has created quite a whirlwind! Especially combined with all the holiday buzz. Tonight I finally got a chance to relax and did so in the company of a couple birthday/congratulations on your engagement gifts from my sister!

1- The Busy Brides Bible for Planning a Fabulous Wedding, Without the Expensive Cost of a Wedding Planner by Angela A. Kear (here)
2- Deborah Lippman nail polish in Happy Birthday
3- A Life of Style: Fashion, Home, Entertaining by Rebecca Moses (here)

Every time we talk about the wedding, the tentative date seems to move closer and closer. On top of that, I still have Christmas shopping, baking, etc. to tend to so my posts may be a little sparse for the next week or so.....but until next time, I hope everyone has an amazing time celebrating the holidays with their family, friends and loved ones. I know that's my plan :)

Cheers!

Birthday Surprise!

I am excited to announce that, while on a mini, one night vacation for my birthday this weekend, I got engaged! I got the cute idea of painting my ring finger a fun, sparkly color (from Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere) to make it stand out. I set aside this gorgeous silver from Essie called Set in Stones for a special occasion and I think this was the perfect time to break into it!

Tyler and I are so happy and I'm excited to start sharing wedding planning ideas with all of you!

AZ...Thus Far

Here are some pics from my Tucson, AZ trip thus far. I am volunteering with a collegiate synchronized swimming team so many of my hours here are spent at the pool. Here are some images outside the pool that have captured some of my favorite moments during the trip thus far...

1-Fellow coach in one of the host families DIY wine closet (I need this)
2 & 3- View on our run/workout in Sabino Canyon
4- Random picture. I have no idea how, when, where or why this was taken...but I like it.
5, 6 & 7- Atmosphere and dinner (tiger shrimp burro) at the neighborhood Mexican restaurant

Friday Fun-day! Holiday Style

Since this is my first full Christmas in sunny Southern California (I've spent a few split between Ohio and CA) I decided that I was in need of a holiday fun-day to get in the holiday spirit (the lack of biting cold temperatures and snow had me picturing Christmas still few months off!)... so I  designated yesterday a Friday Fun-Day in holiday style :) We made festive centerpieces (idea via pinterest), deep fried our first turkey and made all the fixings for a holiday meal with close friends and family, picked up a tree and decorated it in traditional fashion with strings of cranberries and popcorn. What a great way to get in the holiday spirit!

Dressing Up Your Holiday Season

While enjoying my customary cup of coffee the other morning, I gazed over the 'Holiday Dressing: What to wear to the season's best parties' edition of Vogue Guide found here. I am a fan of a sparkle here and there, however I opted for this leather and pleats number from Ann Taylor. I wanted to go a little more in the understated, chic holiday direction. This is the look I created out of my favorite pieces they featured!

Erickson Beamon Supernova Swarovski crystal drop earrings, $430, net-a-porter.com
Prada paillettes scale clutch, $1,295, bergdorfgoodman.com
Ann Taylor pleated Ice gown, $398, Ann Taylor, NYC, 212.832.2010
Lanvin crystal-toe strappy metallic leather sandal, $995, bergdorfgoodman.com


While this outfit is a pretty far stretch outside of my budget, a girl is allowed to dream, right? What would your dream holiday party ensemble look like?

What Do Men Want?

We all have those difficult people to shop for around the holidays and I would have to say that, for 9 out of 10 women I talk to, it's the men in their lives. That's not to say women aren't hard to shop for....because we are....but we are also more apt to make a wish list ;) Here are a few gifting ideas for the men in your lives who don't "want or need" anything!

From top left going clockwise:

1- Jack Spade 'Wayne' Leather Duffel Bag $395 (found here)

2- Sons of Heroes 'Ritz' Trench $590 (via ASOS)

3- North Face E Tip Gloves $40 (found in multiple locations such as here and here)

4- Bluebeards Original Bear Wash $22 (can be purchased via Amazon)

5-Bill Adler Reversible Belt $55 (available at Nordstrom)

6- Banana Republic Slim Fit Woodland Flannel Shirt $49.50 (here)

7- Audio-Technica ATH-CK400i In-ear Headphones w/ Integrated Controls $59.95 (amazing quality!)

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!