Happy New Year!



Five Favorites

And so begins the first installment of what I am going to call 'Five Favorites' which is inspired by one of my favorite bloggers, Emily, of Cupcakes and Cashmere. She often writes a post called 'Five Things' that include everything from DIY projects to her new favorite nailpolish. I think it's a fun way to share different items that come into our lives and spruce up our spirits. This will be replacing 'What's On My Phone' as I have begun to realize that I blog practically every photo I take on my phone anyway, so I figure we'll ditch the old and bring in the new! Much like we will be doing on Saturday :)

In this post I want to share five of my favorite Christmas items. Of course, I loved everything I received, but I thought these items were both functional and reasonably priced for the everyday woman:

   Kate Spade 'Darien-Thomas' Crossbody Bag at $150

- I have been using this bag since I received it

and am totally in love. It is the perfect size and length.

Of course, mine is in pink though, not white. -

BCBGeneration 'Eddah' Pumps at $140

- These puppies just make you drool. Seriously. And they

work for all 4 seasons! -

Juicy Couture Gold Starter Charm Bracelet at $42

- I am always a fun of chunky jewelry . . . especially when it's

gold. This is the perfect bracelet to wear when you want to dress

up an otherwise minimalist outfit. -

Lululemon Stride Jacket *Brushed at $128

- This jacket is ideal for a brisk morning run or

snowboarding. It's longer length and hood make it

perfect for the PNW weather! - 

Capri Blue Candle-In-A-Jar at $25

- If you're an Anthro lover like me, you will appreciate this

candle in Volcano, which is Anthro's signature scent. Better yet,

it comes in a pink jar instead of a blue one, but this Capri one

is still beautiful. -

On the Second Date of Christmas . . .

Sweater: Halogen; Skirt: Francesca's; Tights: Forever21;

Shoes: Jessica Simpson; Bangle: Tiffany&Co;

Pearls: Gift from Mama and Daddy Biggs

Last night's Christmas date with the girls was phenomenal and filled with fabulous wine, lots of laughs, and delicious goodies. We spent 5 hours sipping whites and reds, exchanging ornaments, and eating too many home-baked sweets! I played the dutiful host and fancified my coffee table a bit for the occasion:

Cocktail napkins by Naughty Betty read: "All I want for Christmas is

a glass of wine and toned abs." HA! Purchase them here: Fireworks;

One of my favorite reds by Camaraderie Cellars called Triomphe is

amazing and can be purchased at my favorite wine-tasting

shindig: The Tasting Room in Post Alley by the market.

B, ever the baking guru, whipped up some fantastic and fanciful maple-bacon cupcakes that pretty much tasted like Sunday morning breakfast. One thing you should know about B is that she LOVES finding the humor in everyday life. So it was only appropriate that she topped her bacon cupcakes with homemade felt mustaches . . . because as B said, "If any cupcake has a mustache, it should be a bacon cupcake":

Deeeeeelishhhh

I think the ornament tradition is here to stay. We had so much fun picking each other's names out of a bowl and then all opening them at the same time- and not once did we pick ourselves! We were true all stars at getting in the Christmas spirit. K even wore my santa-tiara hat for a while (which I will need to post a picture of because it is just perfection).

Left to Right: From K, From B, From M, From Me!

Wishing you as much joy, peace, and love

as your little heart can take!

Christmas Dates

Sweater: Halogen; Top: Eight-Sixty; Belt: Francesca's

Skirt: Halogen; Boots: Miz Mooz; Bangle: Alexis Bittar;

Watch: Michele

Outfit picture in my office again! HA. Makes me feel so awkward . . . if someone were to walk by I don't even know what I'd say. But I narrowly escaped discovery again so I win! 

Well, I have 3 Christmas dates in a row this week! All with my favorite people :) Date #1 was yesterday; N and I had our annual Christmas date but we switched it up a bit this year. Normally we get all dressed up and go to a fancy-schmancy dinner (last year was Dahlia Lounge), however this year N suggested that we go more low-key since we are in the process of buying plane flights to Florida for our Caribbean Cruise in February (eek!). So we spent the day exchanging gifts with one another (his card made me cry . . . again!), picking up last minute gifts for family members, eating delicious pizza at CPK, and seeing the new Sherlock Holmes movie. I have to admit that having that type of day was more special than dropping a couple hundred on an incredible meal. I just love him so :)

Date #2 is tonight with K, M, and B at my little abode. We are all contributing a bottle of wine, an appetizer, and bringing ornaments to exchange instead of gifts, which I find so much more exciting than trying to find gifts for everyone. Ornaments might be my favorite thing to shop for because they are so personal and representative of the individual. I'll share photos from our evening tomorrow so you can see all the goodies!

Date #3 is tomorrow night with my most favorite redhead G. We are going to The Fairmont Olympic for happy hour and martinis and then seeing Cinderella at the The 5th Avenue Theatre. I imagine it will be quite spectacular given my love for all things Disney.

I hope you have fun Christmasy dates planned as well!  



Festive in the Office

Top: Collective Concepts; Skirt: Express;

Shoes: Jessica Simpson; Bangle: Alexis Bittar



I totally adore this outfit. I wore it last year to our inter-office mini Christmas party and just felt it embodied the festive spirit :) The necklace is attached to the top, which is just super convenient in and of itself. I figured it was ok to recycle since I haven't worn it in a year anyway. In other news, Christmas has officially thrown-up all over my office and I could not be happier! I have strung lights everywhere and have enough candy to feed 10 small children. See Exhibit A:



I have also been playing Christmas music incessantly (and between you and me, Pandora is getting a liiiittle repetitive with its song selections- I can only hear Destiny Child's rendition of 'Jingle Bells' so many times). However I will admit that the second ANY NSync Christmas song plays I get all excited like a tween in 8th grade. Here are some additional decorations brightening my days at work:

This lovely little handmade sign is hanging on my office door.

I purchased it off Etsy for only $15!

This little man is ready to greet anyone that walks in!

Isn't his little Seattle coffee mug adorable?!

Holiday Spirit

Headband: J. Crew; Top: Caslon;

Skinny Cords: J. Crew; Flats: Coach

Even though it was absolutely NOT fun to leave 80 degree weather to come back to WA yesterday (which means work and school- bleh), there were a few things that made the transition easier. Of course, seeing the boyfriend was the best, but I got a warm, fuzzy feeling when I walked into my building this morning and it was all decorated for Christmas! I think I love the anticipation of Christmas more than the actual day itself. It's just so magical around the city and I hope we will get a bit of snow! Adding to the excitement of course was this adorable pair of flats I picked up at Nordstrom Rack this past weekend. Don't they just scream holiday?!

Coach Flats for $70 . . . regular price was $170!



I've already worn them 3 times since purchasing them last Friday. The bows are my favorite :) Anyway, there are many fun events happening between now and Christmas so definitely lots to look forward to. In the coming weeks I expect to share a recipe or 2 with you, a Christmas decorating extravaganza of my apartment, and (fingers crossed!) a fun holiday dress fashion post too :)

CHEERS!