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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Year's Eve Looks



When the clock strikes 12 we'll all be ringing in the new year with hope for an even happier, healthier, and more fulfilling year than those prior.  It's cause for celebration whether you're attending a ticketed event or cuddling on the couch with your significant other.  No matter what your plans, here are some of my favorite hair and beauty trends to try (with links to help you achieve the look) that will definitely land you that kiss at midnight. 






Photo credit, top to bottom: Glamour, Vogue Australia, Glamour, Elle Czech, Vogue India



Monday, December 30, 2013

Glam Countdown Decor


Every year I'm so wiped out after Christmas that I never go all out with New Year's Eve decorations.  Even when I've hosted small New Year's Eve parties in the past, the extent of my entertaining includes providing the hor d'oeuvres, champagne, and board games, but never the glamorous and eye-catching decorations that have always attracted me.  Maybe next year I'll plan ahead so that guests can ring in the new year against one of these glitzy backdrops.








Photo credit: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6



Thursday, December 26, 2013

Post Holiday Workout Plan


Physical fitness is a very important part of my life, and if the videos of my 3 year old self working out to Jane Fonda aerobics videos are any proof, it always has been.  But I have a confession.  Over the past half year I've neglected to stay in shape after a hip injury forced me to lay off running.  My doctor advised me to continue working out in other ways that wouldn't worsen my condition, but I was so frustrated that I couldn't run that I allowed myself to fall into a lazy rut where I didn't work out at all.  Slowly but surely I'm getting back on track with my workout schedule, but maintaining physical health is no easy feat.  So in honor of the most popular New Year's resolution, I figured I'd share my workout plan for an ideal week, keeping in mind that I'm still healing and can't immediately bounce back to the routine I followed prior to my injury.  Do you follow a workout plan and if so what are your favorite workouts to incorporate?

Monday
Run 2 miles. 15 minutes of upper body strength training.

Tuesday
Swim or bike for 45 minutes.

Wednesday
Run 2 miles. 15 minutes of upper body strength training.

Thursday
Rest day.

Friday
1 hour yoga class.

Saturday
Run 3 miles.

Sunday
Rest day.


Photo credit: dartmouth.edu

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas


Merry Christmas!!  Here's to a safe and happy holiday, and enjoying a much needed break to spend quality time with family and friends.  


Photo credit: DashofSerendipity


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Top 10 Holiday Movies


This past weekend my fiance and I joined two friends for a fun day filled with Christmas movies, a gingerbread house making contest, board games, and tons and tons of eating.  We managed to watched almost all of my favorite holiday movies and it got me thinking about my Top 10 favorites.  Here they are, some classics and others more recent, all of which I can watch round the clock this time of year.

Top 10 Christmas Movies

Home Alone

The Family Stone

Love Actually

It's a Wonderful Life

Elf

A Christmas Story

Christmas Vacation

A Charlie Brown Christmas

The Year Without A Santa Claus

Little Women


Photo Credit: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 



Monday, December 23, 2013

What to Wear for New Year's Eve


This year I'm looking forward to a small, low key New Year's Eve celebration with friends where I'll probably opt to wear something comfortable that I already have in my closet.  But when I think of NYE, I picture black, metallics, and lots of shimmer and sparkle, so I couldn't help but dream up a few more glamorous options.

Outfit 1: Asos studs / Whiting & Davis clutch / Alice & Olivia dress / JCrew pumps

Outfit 2: Lionette by Noa Sade earrings / Givenchy clutch / Zara blouse / Wayf track pants / Jean-Michel Cazabat pumps

Outfit 3: Kendra Scott earrings / Moyna clutch / Alice & Olivia dress / Kate Spade pumps

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Fitness Enthusiast


I’ve saved my favorite holiday gift guide for last.  Here are some ideas for the fitness enthusiast in your life.  I can personally attest to the Brooks Glycerin shoes, which are my favorite for running long distance, and the Old Navy running shorts (you can’t beat that price!).


Check out my other gift guides for last minute shopping ideas:




Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Cook


As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gained a strong appreciation for good food, particularly the importance of being able to make good food (a skill I’m still trying to hone).  My fiance and I love to cook together and when the holidays arrive you can be sure to find several kitchen items on our wish lists.  Here are some fun gift ideas that your aspiring chef friend or family member will love.


Thursday, December 12, 2013

Cozy Winter


Do you ever have those days when nothing sounds better than snuggling up on the couch next to the fireplace with a good book and a hot cup of cocoa?  Today is one of those days for me.  There's nothing better than snuggling up in a soft blanket when it's freezing outside and getting lost in a good book.  So while I'm working all day I'll be imagining I'm doing something more like this.






Photos by: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers


Opening stockings is one of my favorite parts of Christmas, and it always amazes me how many goodies can fit within a single stocking.  After all, "good things come in small packages" is a saying for a reason.  I've found some fun stocking stuffers for everyone on your shopping list, but don't forget that gift cards and candy are foolproof stocking stuffers as well.




Tuesday, December 10, 2013

DIY: Christmas Ornaments


I fell in love with these glitter ornaments at Pottery Barn while my fiance and I were perusing items to add to our wedding registry.  I knew this would make an easy and fun holiday DIY project to replicate.  Not only was this one of the least expensive craft projects ever, but it’s even better that I can give the finished product to family as stocking stuffers or to spice up a wrapping job.  Here’s how it’s done.


Materials you’ll need:
Thin wooden letters and shapes
Mod podge
Mini foam paint brush
Glitter
Twine
Drill

Step by step:
1. Drill a hole in the top middle of each letter or shape.  I used a ⅛ inch sized drill bit, which was the smallest size I could use while still being able to fit the twine through the hole.
2. (Optional) Sand down any parts of the wood that were made uneven from the drilling.
3. Using the mini foam paint brush, coat one side of a wooden letter with the mod podge.  Sprinkle glitter onto the coat of mod podge.  Set aside until dry.  Repeat with all wooden letters and shapes.
4. Once the first side of all wooden letters and shapes are dry, repeat step 3 on the other side of all wooden letters and shapes.
5. Once both sides of the wooden letters and shapes are dry, apply a thin top coat of mod podge to one side.  Allow to dry.  Then apply a thin top coat of mod podge to the other side.
6. Once the top coat of mod podge has dried on both sides, cut a piece of twine about 6 inches long for each letter and shape.  Insert the twine through the ornament hole, tie the two ends of twine together, and hang on the tree.  
Easy peasy, and now you have a wonderfully personalized Christmas tree!






Monday, December 9, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Fashionista


I'm currently obsessing over metallics and shimmer, which is clearly reflected in my suggested gift ideas for 'the Fashionista.'  I focused this gift guide on both trendy and classic accessories since gifting clothing to another person is always tricky.  Happy shopping!




Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Guys

Shopping for the guys in my life is always the most difficult part of my holiday shopping, and it doesn't seem to get much easier as the years pass.  For those of you who have the same problem, I hope this gift guide sparks some ideas for gifts that your husband, friend, dad, or brother will be thrilled to receive and that you'll be proud to give.  


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Hostess

Every year I vow to start holiday shopping and decorating early so I'm not scrambling to get it all done right before Christmas.  But lo and behold, December is here and I still haven't picked out a Christmas tree or finished shopping for anyone on my list.  Luckily, the sales have been great over the past week so I've gotten some shopping under my belt and at great prices.  To help you along in your shopping, here is the first in my series of Holiday Gift Guides. 



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