..And a Happy New Year

Looking back at 2013 and thinking about all the things that made it one of my best years-- graduating college, landing my first job, moving to NYC, celebrating one year with my man, getting involved with my city church, and much more-- I am more than expectant for the year to come.  It's so refreshing to feel like you are starting a with a clean slate, a brand new 365 days to make what matters happen and start on the adventure to see where you will find yourself come next December 31st.

As I am spending my first NYE in the city, I can't help but think that 2014 will be the year.  Make this year the year that you dream bigger, love more, forgive often, and find the path that the big man upstairs has for you!  So here's to 2014.  May it be everyone's best one yet.

  

Deep in the Heart of Texas

I was so excited to be able to spend a whole week at home in Texas with the ones I love most.  Christmas is my favorite family time all year long, and it was even sweeter now that I live half way across the country!  I was so lucky that my college friends could all get together for some much needed Mexican food and set aside time to catch up with one another.  It was also a perfect time to put my new DSLR camera that Santa brought me to use!

Happy Heart

Check out a few things that are filling up my heart lately:

Had a blast with these 4 over Thanksgiving.

Enjoying one of my favorite pizza places in the city. Well worth the hour and a half wait.

Quick stop at the bakery.

In my own personal heaven at the JM concert.Santa, I know him!!

Happy Holidays from NYC

The holidays are my absolute favorite, no other time of year is better in my opinion.  I feel like everyone is on cloud 9, especially here in NYC.  Aside from the rather chilly weather and snow (i.e. slush) lined roads, there is something extra magical in the city around Christmas.  Check out what I have been doing to take in the season.

Windows at SFA.

Perfect shopping conditions.

Mackenzie Child's at it's finest.

I bet the Rockettes are performing in there right now.

Braving SantaCon 2013.

Ran into The Vocaholics from NYU, check out Abbey- always the leader of the band.

All Gold Everything

Lately I think everybody has been going a bit crazy for all things gold. Check out some of my favorites - I have been dreaming of those pillows all year long and the tumblers were definitely on my Christmas list!

C Wonder drinkware
cwonder.com

Gold accent pillow
shopwaitingonmartha.com

Eclectic by Tom Dixon scented candle
$105 - madeindesign.co.uk

Wall hook
etsy.com

Jonathan Adler home decor
bloomingdales.com

Yves Saint Laurent lips makeup
barneys.com

Butter London nail polish
beauty.com

Speckled Pink Tassel Garland
etsy.com

Oversized Heaven

I never really knew what it meant to build a winter wardrobe.  This is probably due to the fact that coming from Texas, winter is short and concise (if it even happens at all).  Aside from the icepocalypse, as many were calling it, there are rarely seasons in Texas that consistently get near freezing.  Now that I live in a great city that enjoys all four seasons (like it should be!) with winter lasting through March, it's time to learn the basics in layering, loving sweaters, and cozying up.  Oversized comfy items, like you see above, are essential-- at least in my opinion!  When building up my winter wardrobe I am turning to inspiration from items like these:

clockwise from top right: cape // cable knit sweater // poncho // oversized sweater // poncho 

Perfectly Pink

Dream. Come. True.  Club Monaco on 5th Ave hosted an event with the author of my favorite daily read, Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere.  Not only was I able to meet her (eek, scroll down!!), but we chatted for a second or two!  After snagging a pic with Emily, I made my way around the store.  There were great desserts and drinks being passed and precious little craft stations.  The store was also amazing.  
I was so pleased to find that Emily was so warm, friendly, and truly genuine.  After reading her blog for so long, I had this idea of her and what she would be like.  Luckily she exceeded all exceptions and definitely didn't disappoint!
I have never spent too much time in Club Monaco before, but after this event I will definitely be back!  Gorgeous pieces and the whole store was styled by Emily-- she put her seal of approval on items that she loves and styled areas with beautiful baubles and jewels!
Loved all of the items that Emily picked out!  My favorite table was the one I snapped a shot of below, but my favorite piece?  Definitely this gold and black skirt.  Can we say swoon?
So lucky to live in a city with endless opportunities!  Embracing all that is right in front of me during this season of life, and couldn't be happier! Much love from NYC.

Club Monaco or Bust

Who will be joining me on Tuesday to meet Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere?  If you haven't checked out her blog, head over there ASAP.  Out of all the blogs I follow daily, she is by far my favorite.  Emily brings an authentic voice to her posts and gives inspiration to every day life.

I am so excited for the opportunity to meet her and participate in the event she is hosting at Club Monaco.  You'll know where to find me this Tuesday!

Holiday Glam

The holidays are my absolute favorite time of year.  Aside from the lights, decorations, and magic of it all, I love that it is a time to get together with friends and celebrate this special season.  With that being said, this is the perfect time of year to really punch up your outfits and not be afraid to add a little glam to your wardrobe.  If you have lots of events to attend, it is important to add a few key items to your wardrobe that can add something special to each outfit, or wear together for one fab look.  I have gathered a few of my favorites this season-- lace, jewel tone midi skirt, leopard, fur, and a touch of glitz.

Not only is this a perfect outfit for any holiday event, but each item can definitely be worn again and again!  Check out this look as well as some of my other favorite items over at my polyvore page.

earrings // lace top (on sale!) // bangle (on sale!) // clutch // skirt // vest // heels (similar) // lipstick

December Goals

It's been a while y'all!  I can't even begin to explain how busy and full these last couple weeks have been.  It's December! Can you believe it? This is the happiest time of year, and even though I am far away from loved ones until the 23rd, I am embracing the Christmas season city style.  So here's to the last and best month, time to make and meet the last of my goals for 2013...

December Goals--

1) Go ice skating (must must must)

2) Create a cohesive calligraphy font (work in progress, just loaded up on lots of new calligraphy goodies including gold ink, swoon)

3) Start my Christmas shopping for family and friends (hitting up Woodbury Commons this weekend!)

4) Attempt the Balthazar French Onion Soup recipe (had the real thing last week, so now I am motivated)

5) Make Christmas cards for family and friends 

6) Hit the gym three, yes three, times a week

7) Do all the city Christmas things I can // Watch as many Christmas movies as possible   

8) Start thinking of New Year's resolutions

9) Cross something off my 30 before 30 list (hopefully it's meeting John Mayer at his concert this month!)

10) See as many friends when I am home for a week at Christmas  
11) Blog four times a week!!!!

November Goals Update--

1)  Go to the movies (planning on checking this off this weekend when Joel is in town) I saw 12 Years a Slave definitely a tough movie to watch, but was so moving and great

2)  Wake up 30 minutes earlier every morning (definitely easier now that the sun will be waking me up!) This has partially been a success! Any progress is good right?

3)  Clean out my closet (this is seriously a must..) Done and done- make way for new clothes!

4)  Organize my makeup (instead I have just been buying more. Oops) Well, I guess I didn't organize it all so to say, but I definitely got rid of some old stuff

5)  Transform my apartment into a holiday wonderland Oh yes this happened, after a great trip to target I now come home to a winter wonderland!  Still not sure on a tree though...

6)  Get tickets for the Gossip Girl UES tour

7)  Attempt the Balthazar French Onion Soup recipe

8)  Start my Christmas shopping for family and friends

9)  Create a cohesive calligraphy font

10)  Go ice skating