Merry Christmas!

After a grueling year and even worse past few weeks, I am finally on my way home to Little Rock today!  I plan on sleeping, eating, visiting with family and friends, sleeping...and did I say sleeping?  Ha, I have a bit of catching up to do.  But I want to thank you all for your encouragement and praise for starting up my blogging once again.  I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do! 

I am taking a break during Christmas week, but will be back the 30th to catch you up on my times back home.  Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all, and I wish each one of you a blessed time spent with your loved ones.

Mission Accomplished!

Ralph Lauren coat (coloring is off, but you get the idea)

I'm working yet another overnight shift here at the U.S. Capitol--two in one week...I apologize ahead of time family and friends in Arkansas--so thought I'd give you an update on my hunt for the perfect new coat.

I got a second last night to sneak out to Bloomingdales!  The good news is that they had the coat I was searching for.  The bad news was that the size was way too big, and the coat itself ended up being not as awesome as the photo showed.  The best news is that I found another one, for $200 off the original price!  Huge score!

What do you think?  I originally wanted a new camel coat anyway, but didn't see any online that I loved.  This one does not have buttons, but I think because it is just a tie-waist helps the fit on me.  Us buxom ladies have a hard time getting the fit in both the chest and the waist, so the lack of buttons up top are perfect for me.  It's a wool/cashmere blend, so it is super soft and cozy.  The best part about it...it's a size 6! I haven't been that size since high school! I know that vanity sizing is out of control these days, but I'll take it!  I am debating whether or not to take it to the tailor and get a few inches trimmed off the bottom...opinions on that?

Anyway, in case you are in the last minute gift buying frenzy, Bloomingdales has an additional 15-20% off everything, so my coat ended up being almost 60% off.  Also, just wanted to let you know that I was misinformed about the coat drive at Georgetown Hospital.  I went in this morning to drop off four coats, and they said that the last drop-off time was this morning.  If anyone knows of another coat drive in DC, please let me know!

On a Mission...

Calvin Klein Lux Boiled Wool Wrap

As if things aren't crazy enough this week, I decided that this was the perfect time for me to take advantage of the Christmas sales and buy a new winter coat.  So in between floor speeches, I spotted the perfect coat at the perfect price online at Bloomingdales...and of course as I was checking out, it sold out.  But I'm on a mission, and am now checking off the stores in the NY/NJ area in hopes that one will have this in a size 8 and send it my way!  Pretty please Santa, make this work!

If you're in the DC area, NBC Washington is partnering with Georgetown University Hospital for their annual coat drive.  I'll be dropping off a few size 12s there tomorrow, but they are taking coats until December 21st.  There is a gold box in the Main Lobby where you can drop the coats off, and they will clean them and give them to those in need this cold winter.  Another great way to give back this holiday season!

Christmastime at the White House!

Still trying to recover from my all-nighter at work and then my girls weekend.  I think I honestly only got about 14 hours of sleep in four days.  Ouch.  Although I feel like I've been run over by a 18-wheeler, I wouldn't have traded my weekend for all the sleep a girl could need--it was that much fun!

Sadly, the only pics I took were from our White House tour very early on Friday morning.  It was cold and it was early, but we all look surprising great in the photos!  If you ever get a chance to see the White House at Christmastime, do it!  It was my first time to see all the Christmas decorations, and it was just gorgeous.  A special thank you to Senator Pryor's CoS & staffers for squeezing us in at the last minute!  The rest of the weekend was a lot of touring museums, eating, drinking, and the best of all, catching up with my girls and belly laughing with each other.

A few more photos of the White House:



Stunning Christmas trees everywhere!



Had to get one of our favorite Arkansan!



Bo and Sunny greeting us.



I was obsessed with this beautiful nativity scene...



And of this urn outside.



State dining room...I think Abe approves.

 



Last group shot, right outside the White House.

This week is another insane one at work, but I fly home first thing Friday morning for my Christmas break!  So ready to get home, and if you don't hear from me until then, I apologize in advance.  Just have to survive the week as best as I can.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy birthday to me!  I am currently writing this at work in the wee hours of the morning, ringing in my 34th year of life during a super late night of voting in the United States Capitol.  It's funny, the way things work when you get older.  A younger version of me would have held a pity party and this would have ruined my day.  But you know what, even though I am mentioning it, my attitude is that it is what it is.  My job is pretty much my life, and for now, I am okay with that. 

Funny, too, because that pretty much sums up my attitude with this birthday.  Yes, I have officially reached my mid-30s, but once again--I am okay with that.  I don't look 34, I don't act 34, and for the first time ever, I feel like I am starting to come around to a peaceful and content feeling about my life.  Not in a million years would this have been the script I would have written for myself when I was a little girl, but it is the script that God had written for me, and I trust and accept that plan, wherever it may lead me.  It's a refreshing feeling to let go of all the worry and stress of where I think I should be and to just let my life unfold as it is supposed to. 

So yes, I will be spending my birthday a bit backwards--working the wee hours of the morning and finally sleeping when most are getting their day started--but I will wake to some of my best friends coming in town, and drinks and dinner and wonderful celebration with those wonderful ladies.  I'd say I am pretty blessed really. 

You know what?  Bring it on 34. I think you're going to look pretty damn good on me. 

Velvet Tuxedo Jacket

Ann Taylor Velvet Tuxedo Jacket

I finished my Christmas present shopping (more or less) a week ago, and while I did most of my shopping online, I did stop in Ann Taylor to pick up a little birthday/Christmas treat for myself.  With 50% off the one day sale and then another $15 off birthday gift, I really couldn't pass this up.  I had a velvet blazer years ago that I was obsessed with, and have been in the market for a new one for a few years now.  This one is perfect!  The tuxedo fit allows for us busty girls to actually button the jacket, giving us a sleek, tailored line.  Warning though, this jacket runs big...I actually bought it in a size 8, which is pretty much unheard of for any tops that I own.  It's almost sold out online, but there were plenty available in the store I went into this past weekend.  What do you think?

GiGi New York Uber Clutch

GiGi New York Uber Clutch

An early birthday present came in for me last night--my very own monogrammed GiGi New York Uber Clutch!  Thanks to my awesome sister for indulging me in one of my obsessions!

Today is a snow day in DC, but I'm still working away in the Capitol.  Hopefully we can finish up voting so we can get home before Christmas this year!

Happy snow day to all of you snuggled up at home!  I'm super jealous that I'm not sipping hot chocolate and watching Love Actually right now!

Most Wonderful Time of the Year

December is my most favorite month of the year.  Probably helps that all the best things come in December--Christmas, my birthday, New Years Eve, flying home to see the family and friends, and even a bit of snow now and then.  I already have a laundry list of things to-do this month, but wanted to add a few things to take in and pass along the spirit of this most amazing month. 

Some I have already checked off, but here this is my to-do list for the end of the year!
1.  Decorate for Christmas (check)
2.  Sip hot toddies with friends--maybe try out this new recipe
3.  Wrapping presents (and finishing shopping for them)
4.  Look at holiday lights.  In Washington, the include the White House Christmas Tree and Capitol Christmas Tree
5.  Birthday dinner at one of my favorite restaurants!
6.  Baking Christmas treats for the office
7.  A night watching Love Actually and sipping hot chocolate (check, and will do again)
8.  Christmas night at the movies--I think this year we will be seeing this
9.  Volunteer--give money, give time, give love (check, check and check some more)
10.  Ring in the New Year with Trombone Shorty!

What are your favorite things to do this time of year?  It's such a busy time for everyone, but I think it's important in the hustle and bustle of the season to remember to try to encompass the Christmas spirit throughout.  It's contagious!

Turkey Breast Stuffed Peppers

 

The holidays (and my birthday) are upon us, and though this is my most favorite time of year, thanks to my workout restrictions this year, I am having to tighten up my diet along with my wallet so I can spurge on only the special occasions.  That means bringing my lunch to work and eating at home, and one of my very favorite recipes to make is turkey stuffed peppers.  Super cheap and easy to make, and if you only eat one per meal, you can have lunch and dinner for almost half a week!  I have tweaked this a bit to make it more paleo (only add 1 cup of brown rice and no cheese), but both ways are delicious!

Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Servings: 6 servings (1/2 pepper), Time: 55 minutes, WW Points: 5, Calories: 184.7 per serving, Fat: 2.3g, Protein: 20.8g, Carb: 20.2g, Fiber 1.6g

1 lb. ground turkey breast meat
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 onion, minced
1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
1 tsp garlic powder (I used more)
1 tsp cumin powder (I used more)
salt to taste
3 large sweet red bell peppers, washed
1 cup fat free chicken broth (I used regular, low sodium)
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups cooked rice (I used brown)
olive oil spray
1/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheese

Heat oven to 400. Spray a little olive oil spray in a medium size saute pan and heat on a medium flame.  Add onion, garlic and cilantro/parsley to the pan.  Saute about 2 minutes and add ground turkey breast.  Season with salt, garlic powder and cumin and brown meat for several minutes until meat is completely cooked through.  Add 1/4 cup of tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of chicken broth, mix well and simmer on low for about 5 minutes.  Combine cooked rice and meat together.

Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise, and remove all seeds.  Place in a baking dish.  Spoon the meat mixture into each pepper half and fill it with as much as you can (mine were overflowing).  Place all stuffed pepper halves in the baking dish and pour the remainder of the chicken broth in the bottom of the pan.  Cover tight with aluminum foil and bake for about 35 minutes.  Top with shredded cheddar cheese and enjoy.  I also added a few dashes of hot sauce on them after I added the cheese.  Yummy!

Boxwood Wreath

24" Boxwood Wreath

I'm pretty much all set Christmas decor-wise, but there are still a few things on my wish list year after year that will make my collection complete.  At the top this year, a boxwood wreath (or actually, three boxwood wreaths).  Add some beautiful ribbon, and it will be a simple, green addition to my windows.  Perfection, right?

Early Christmas Present!

Cuisinart Classic Stainless Cookware 14-piece set

I really do not have anything on my Christmas wishlist this year.  Honestly, there isn't really too much that I want or need.  The one thing that was really hoping for was a new set of pots and pans, and Santa (eh, or mom) delivered early this year.  This set is on sale at Sam's Club, so when I was away for Thanksgiving I picked up my set to take back home with me.  Much easier thank shipping it back home from Arkansas after Christmas.  Thanks mom--it is perfect!  Now, who's hungry?

Weekend Wrap-Up

I am finally back from Thanksgiving, and though I'm happy to be back in my own home, I love and miss spending time with my family...especially my grandmother.  We have a very special bond, and I am so thankful that I live close enough to visit her regularly and spend such precious time with her.  The two of us did a lot this past week (well, a lot given the snow and ice)--shopping, lunch dates, decorating and to top it off, I even managed to hit an enormous momma doe in her brand new Buick.  Luckily, no one, not even the deer, was injured, and I drove the car away without a scratch.  Thank you angels for watching over us that night!

Table is set for Thanksgiving dinner.

A little Hanukkah celebration with my aunt & cousins!

Put up my grandmother's tree...see where I get my style inspiration from?!?!