New Year's Eve Looks

{ short choppy waves and smokey under-eye }

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. 

 { side swept Old Hollywood waves and oxblood lip }

  { sleek pony with middle part and a cat eye }

  { loose side braid and bright red lip }

 { strong brows, smokey eyes, and a pale pink lip }

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

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

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

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

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 

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

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!).

Clockwise: Doorway Trainer $29.49 . Sport Kayak $349 . Boxing Gloves $23.99 . Adjustable Kettlebell $39.99 . Magic Carpet Yoga Mat $89 . Running Shorts $8 . Brooks Glycerin Running Shoes $150 . "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" $11.61 . Nike Gym Bag $29.99 . Insanity DVD Workout $144.80  

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

For the Hostess / For the Guys / For the Fashionista / Stocking Stuffers / For the Cook