Bid Adieu to You

I'm off, off, and away for a long weekend, but not first without wishing all you readers the happiest of New Year's celebrations, and may all that celebration and happiness extend throughout 2011.

My year in review has been one filled with bliss and blessings, time well spent with loved ones, reaching for new goals, and exploring new places.

 It's been filled with hellos and goodbyes, hugs, tears, and laughter, photographs and roadtrips, bottles of wine, shared cups of coffee, prayers, thanks --- and so many other things that make life so worth it.

So here's to a new year, a new decade, and a new start. Here's to 2011. It's going to be a good one, I can feel it.

On A Champagne High

Bubbly, sweet, oh-so-glam, and just plain fun. Whether you're going to be out on the town in a flash of glitter and friends, or cuddled up on the couch with a significant other and a roaring fire to welcome 2011, champagne is a New Years Eve essential. Have it....

... with sliced strawberries for a sweet and elegant touch:

... served after dinner, chilled in champagne flutes. Champagne Pomegranate Jell-O recipe here.

... baked into dainty cakes for surprising flavor. Champagne cake recipe here.

... kicked up a notch in a punch with white wine, cranberry juice, lemonade, and club soda. Champagne punch recipe here.

... or elegantly served with grape skewers (Grapes are good luck in Spain when eaten at midnight). 

---or, of course, by just indulging in the moment. (I've always wanted to try this trick- think it really works?)

And to all my girls... Can't wait to see you in just a few short days for celebration and reunion...

Title attributed to a throwback high school favorite song of mine. Come on, you loved it too.

Re-Love

I'll admit, my obsession with Olivia Palermo has been waining ever since she chopped her gorgeous locks and decided to color her hair in an ombre-like fashion (Um, what was that about? but whatever, she's a rising fashion icon, she can do what she wants I suppose). However, she snatched me right back up again with this accessories shoot she starred in, donning fabulous eye makeup, a big grin, and finally her hair looks good again:

photos via here

I'm Sure We'd Be Friends

Crushing on this shoot...

more photos here

New Old Hollywood

Remember when I pointed out a few of my favorite Old Hollywood bombshell inspired magazine covers here? Well, it seems a few more celebs are jumping on board. A few of my favorites:

Get it Liv. This one is my absolute favorite. Bombshell

If someone looking anything like George Clooney asked me to marry him, I would not hesitate one moment before saying Yes, Absolutely.

(First five photo sources here by a variety of photographers, and last three photo sources here by Norma Jean Roy.)

Tick Tock

I love Christmas. I really do (just like all other humans on Earth). And this Christmas was nothing short of exceptional, as I hope all of yours was as well.
But, I also really really love New Years.

Ever since I was a little girl, New Years Eve has fascinated me. I fought hard to keep my little eyes open to watch the ball drop on Times Square year after year after year. And I'll never forget the first New Years Eve I actually did stay awake, dancing with my other super cool 11-year-old best friends in my living room as that glittering ball tumbled down high above the crowds of New York City (might I note, I also began my love affair with New Years Eve attire that same year, as we were playing dress up and I was clad in a silver-sequined gown that came from who knows where, most likely a past soiree of my mother's... or I should hope).

To say the least, I'm fond of New Years Eve.
I've met a few along the way who aren't as fond as my beloved holiday, assuming it never lives up to its expectations yadayadayada. But, like life, it is what you make it. And that's a good thing, because I can make a lot out of being with my best friends, with live music, champagne and tons of toasts, sequins, shimmer, and glitter all around, and those cute little crowns that I'm rather fond of nabbing early on in to the night.

And best of all, that excited, giddy feeling (whether you'll admit to it or not) that overtakes the crowd as you realize this is your last night, this is it, the last shot you've got at "insert year here", and you might as well make it a good one. Then the countdown comes. It's quick, and exciting and you can look around you and know that you're bringing in this new year, this clean slate, this who-knows-what-will-happen-in-the-next-twelve-months moment with the very people you want to experience it with.
And then bam.
Hello, 2011. (N*Sync's "Here we go, one more time, everybody's feeling fine" is playing in my head). It's going to be a good year, because 2010 was great, but how can this year not be better? It's exciting. It's shiny and new. And we're still young.

So that's why I love New Years. And that's why I'm pretty sure I'll reference it everyday leading up until Friday. But then on that day, I'll be taking off to join my bests in Nashville to ring in the year that is sure to be our year.

So go ahead, start wrapping up your 2010. Pick out the shiny bow, and clear a space on your shelf. Because 2011 is about to dawn.

Make Me Minka

Super envious of Minka Kelly's sleek locks, glowing makeup, and simple silhouette in these shots. As usual, less is more as the I-didn't-try-too-very-hard-to-look-this-way gets me once again.  

picture source here

Joy Indeed

And joy we did receive, tomorrow, on the birth of our Savior, who was sent to live to die for us, to save us from ourselves, to provide grace and love and forgiveness for us when we did not even know those were the things we needed. Joy to the World indeed.

I'm a sentimental girl (and the first to admit it). I'm often acutely aware of how much I cherish in this life, of how much of my happiness hangs on the blessings I've been graced with. Of the endless love and laughter given to me by the best friends in this world. Of the support and understanding supplied to me always by a precious family. Of the depth of what I'm able to pursue and look forward to because of an able mind and body. Things that I cherish that were given to me because of His birth tomorrow, His birth that is the most cherished, treasured thing that each of our minds could grasp.

So tomorrow we ring in His birth, we praise Him, exalt Him, give thanks and cherish the birth. Right now, sitting in front of a fire, in full view of the large Christmas tree that is host to a number of gifts and surprises wrapped in silver and gold, sweet savory smells floating in from the kitchen, and family scattered throughout the house, it is a time to not only celebrate, but give thanks for the most cherished thing we have been provided with- a baby in a manger that brought joy to the world, indeed.

Ready in a Flash

Even though my technology hiatus was a much needed event, I'm a little sad I didn't get to write about all the Christmas-y themes of the season that I'm sure you've had planned/bought/tied up with a little bow far before today (I feel sure there were plentiful ideas in the blogging world for you, however). However, there is one thing left that often misses planned preparation during the holidays due to everything else that deserves tending to: yourself.

It's easy to lose sight of yourself in the Season of Giving, on a day when all the cooking and gift-giving and hugging and loving can leave time for little else (and rightfully so).  As a procrastinator who enjoys to-do lists (oxymoron, I know), I've been faced with this unprepared-to-greet-my-guests/family situation more times than not as well. But the simplest of last-minute looks can be refreshed in a fun and festive way with a few easy, takes-no-time at all preparations, leaving more time for the festivities and less time in front of the mirror:

1. Easy As Pie Hair:
These messy, undone waves take no time at all but will look as if you've had plentiful time to primp. Use your usual styling products, then curl hair in one inch sections, starting the barrel around ear level and leaving the ends slightly uncurled for the unfinished look. Don't run your fingers through the curls until they are cool and you're all done, then finger brush and spritz lightly with hair spray. ( I always leave my long bangs untouched and finish them up with a flat iron to make sure they are just right).

I tried this sleek bun for the first time last week and was surprisingly pleased with the results. Blow dry your hair backwards, away from your forehead to ensure it goes back smoothly (a styling cream is a perk as well). Then gather your hair in a high ponytail, twisting and pinning as you create the actual bun. I pulled at my bun a little to make it appear loose and pretty, then sprayed freely with hairspray to ensure you don't get fly-aways or baby hairs that peak out. Big, glam earrings are a must. 

There are also two great articles from InStyle here: one for lots of different bombshell hot roller styles, and another for party ready do's.

2. Understated Red Touches:
Nothing says festive like red fingernails. Classy and glamorous, they can be the finishing touches for the simplest of outfits. My personal favorite reds: OPI Vodka and Caviar and Big Apple Red.

A trend I've always wanted to conquer and have never been successful in to date, red lips are another red alternative that draw the eyes to understated glamour in a flash. 

3. Picture-worthy Primp:

With all the pictures sure to be snapped, take a second the night before to prepare your skin with a holiday glow to disguise the winter weather skin. I swear by a light coat of St. Tropez sunless tanner before an event, which leaves you with a the prettiest of light bronze streak-free glows after a shower. Still not enough time for that? Swipe a light bronzer on your cheekbones, down your nose, and across your chest for a healthy, camera-ready glow. Perk: gloss shows up better on golden skin. 

Now, throw on whatever you may and you'll still look the part of the pulled-together domestic goddess that you are this Christmas. 

There. Now I've contributed to the Christmas preparations of the blog world. 

(Photo credits here, unknown, here, here, and here.)

Apologies

Now before you get on to me for not writing, I have two defense tactics I'd like to quickly try out:

1. I sprinted out of town after my first semester of graduate school wrapped up, haven't really touched a computer since, and have been on the road since. Until today.
2. I have so many great ideas I've schemed up and fun discoveries that you won't be mad at me anymore once I start cranking the words out to fill you in on all these little lovelies.

I'm hoping one of the above worked on your sympathy for moi, or for you to join in on my excitement to finally share with you a few things. So, keep that in mind, and I'm going to go start organizing my thoughts and words.

But until then, I just wanted to say hello, beg for your forgiveness, and then, of course, beg for you to come back tomorrow (or later today, I'm telling you I'm about to start letting the words flow). 

Merry Two-Days-Until Christmas!

Dooms Day

Today is D-Day. Also known as Finals-start-this-week-and-I-have-sixty-pages-of-researched-writing-due-before-Friday-no-lie-so-I'm-signing-my-life-away-starting-now Day. Fun, huh? Love grad school, love it (hint: sarcasm). So while I set the above image as my laptop's background, I'm actually feeling a little more like this:

So unless you want to talk about mass communication theories, the work of Marshall McLuhan and how it is applied to communication today, how social media is changing the way we communicate, or modern changing media landscapes, then I'll see ya back here Friday (ok, let's be honest, I'm a procrastinator and I'm sure I'll find a way to absolutely have to post something).

In other words, hope your weekend has been great, and pardon my spotty presence this week. Please come back. 

xoxo

Happy {First December} Weekend

It's finally starting to look like winter around here. Our Mississippi skies are turning a lovely shade of grey and the temperature is finally dipping below sixty. We won't get the blustery winds of winter until mid-January or so (and snow, forget it!), but for that I am thankful. I am quite content with my boots, scarf, and a jacket combo, thankyouverymuch. It's funny the appreciation I've begun to have for the Great State, and the South in general. A region rich in culture and tradition, with a great appreciation for all things natural and rustic while somehow remaining utterly charming throughout time. I won't be cliche here and talk about the beautiful girls who can climb on top a horse or shoot their brother's gun, or the guys who are never without a collared shirt and their manners. But I will say, Christmas in the South is like Christmas on steroids, with the most distinct type of love and tradition and family and style. So on this first December weekend, I hope you're as happy where you are as I am, and wishing you all the best. 

xoxo

A few {southern} links of love:

Christmas gifts from all across the great South here

Beautiful cedar wreath chandelier here

The most southern restaurant ever here (dying to try)

Put this outside staple on my Christmas list this year, along with this holiday perfect look

Holla

thanks Ashlyn

Tiffany's Dreams

What a gem of a Tiffany's ad. As if Tiffany's weren't dreamy enough already...

{via this is glamorous}

Holiday Season Day #1

Well hello there December, nice of you to sneak up on us like you did. It almost feels like a Friday, I'm so giddy about the first day of my second-favorite month (the first is June- if you read here often, you know that and why, and if you don't, well... it is.) One of my roommates is the true Christmas Queen (cough, Ann Clark), and I joined forces with her to Christmas-up our house before Thanksgiving even turned the corner. But for me, it's not just the Christmas season that gets my energy level up- it's the Holiday season December brings. Because New Years Eve just happens to race in a close second to Christmas day (I'll hold off on singing those praises until I can pay some special attention to Christmas for a while). So today, on December 1st, I'll be mentally preparing myself (read: distracting myself) for all the joys of the season: family and friends with lots of love to share, gift-giving... a favorite past time of mine, seasonal holiday decor, Christmas tunes, sparkly and sequined holiday wear, parties and dinners and cocktails galore, the birth of a Son to save, and the celebration surrounding that.
So, needless to say, I'll be one happy girl, and one excited writer, for the next few weeks.
And to kick-off our holiday-filled December, a little look at Kate Spade's Holiday 2010 Campaign, which is just enough to wake-up your festive bones this morning:

Happy First of December, xoxo