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!

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?!?!

Going Off the Grid

You've probably guessed already, but I'm going off the grid this week...I'm spending the week at my grandparents' house in West Virginia.  So I'm putting aside the wireless and enjoying this winter wonderland.  See you next week when I'm back in Washington, and Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Overload

This most definitely needs to be my new mantra.  Although I don't bask in the "importance" of being busy, it seems that this is my excuse more and more for not doing what I need/want/love to do.  Visiting with family and friends, spending more time on creative endeavors, etc...being "busy" is a great excuse not to get to these things, right?  The thing is, everyone is busy, and yes, some have more crunched days than others.  But rather than using this as an excuse, I need to recognize the blessings of my job and commitments, keep moving, and schedule my time wisely so that I can live a much fuller life.

That said, I have been a horrible blogger this week, but finally, the work week is over for me, and in a few short hours, I will be on a week-long Thanksgiving vacation.  So needed, and I cannot wait to sit back, relax and catch with my family (and focus on rethinking my "busy" way of life).  On the top of my list is to catch up on some reading, and the first thing will be flipping through this enormous collaboration of holiday gift guide from bloggers way more notable than me.  (Check out my friend Lindsay's suggestions on pages 158-159!)  This 214-pager literally has gift suggestions for everyone under the sun, and I have already started to find a few things to add to my wish list as well.

Enjoy the weekend, and if you are traveling, be safe and sound!

Weekend Wrap-Up

Yes, it is a bit early for Christmas decorations.  Typically, I put mine up a few days after Thanksgiving, but I unexpectedly had the time this weekend and since this was pretty much the only chance to put up my trees until mid-December, I dove right in.  Whew, tree decorating is long, hard work, but I couldn't be happier with the additions I've made this year.  I'd still like to work on some garland for my "mantle" and one more wreath, but they will have to wait.  Busy, busy, busy girl the next few weeks.  The holidays can't get here fast enough!  This time of year just makes me so happy, so I don't really mind getting a two week head-start this year.

My Santa Tree!

My Razorback Tree! Go Hogs!

Weekend Wrap-Up

This weekend was the National Book Festival, which took place on the National Mall.  I volunteered on Sunday, and it turned out to be a gorgeous day and a big success!  If you've never been, I strongly encourage you to come out next year.  There are authors of all genres that sign books, speak, give readings and there is also a ton of activities for kids too.  Such a great event thrown by the Library of Congress with the help of the Junior League of Washington.

The rest of the weekend was pretty laid back, perfect since I was still in a bit of recovery mode from the wedding the weekend before.  I sadly watched the Razorbacks blow a huge lead and lose to Rutgers on Saturday, but I went to one of my favorites, Bistro du Coin, later that night to eat and drink it off.  All in all, another great weekend!

Boots & Leggings Weather

The weather this week has gotten dramatically cooler, and although it's still not quite time yet, I am itching for boots and leggings weather!  Like, for reals.  I seriously want to pack away all my sandals and sundresses...far, far away...and not see them again for six to eight months.  And if I wasn't on a spending freeze and had the budget, I think I would need to purchase the above outfits.  Like now.  Is it October yet?

Fall To-Do List

National Book Festival on the National Mall

This weather has been incredibly amazing this past week, and it has started me thinking about all the fun outdoors activities I get to do in the next few months.  Fall is my absolute favorite season for outdoor fun, primarily because the weather is crisp and perfect, and bonus...no pesky mosquitoes to eat me alive!

Here are a few DC area events that are already on my radar for the next two months:

National Book Festival--This year's festival will take place September 21st-22nd on the National Mall. Festival-goers can meet and hear firsthand from their favorite poets and authors, get books signed, hear special entertainment, have photos taken with storybook characters and participate in a variety of activities.  Some exciting authors attending this year are Khaled Hosseini, author of "The Kite Runner" and his newest, "And the Mountains Echoed" and Veronica Roth, author of my new favorites, "Divergent", "Insurgent" and the soon-to-be-released, "Allegiant".  I volunteer at the Festival each year for the Junior League of Washington, and my favorite part is seeing how excited the kids are when meeting and talking to their favorite authors.  Melts my heart!

Quattro Goomba's Winery

Winery Tour--It's been a few years since I've done a winery tour, and I'm excited to say that I've been invited to a fun birthday party at one the last weekend of September.  Virginia is home to over 200 wineries, some as close as about an hour outside of Washington.  Typically, I've gone with a big group on a party bus or van, and it is always a great day.  The birthday party will be at Quattro Goomba's Winery, and I'm super excited to check this one out since I've heard great things!  They also have a pizza shop inside the winery in case we imbibe in one too many tastings!  Perfection!

Billy Goat Trail

Hiking--I've been itching to go hiking for a few months now, and the weather is finally cool enough to hit the trails.  There are a lot of really great hiking trails right outside of DC, but I think this year I want to try White Oak Canyon in the Shenandoah National Park.  It's a 4.8-mile trail that takes you past some really great waterfalls, which are supposed to be surging in the fall.  Sounds perfect!

photo from Metro Weekly

Drag Queen Race--I have meant to go every year, and for one reason or another, have never made it to this iconic DC event.  This year, my calendar is marked for October 29th, where the area's most fabulous queens flaunt their stuff and race down 17th Street in high heels.  If you need me that night, be sure you can find me in Dupont Circle.

Which leads me to Halloween, my second most favorite holiday!  No idea what I will be dressing up as this year, or who I will be, but since I missed the last two years, I have some serious making up to do.  Translation--be prepared for pure awesomeness.  When it comes to Halloween, I hate to disappoint.

So, what are you looking forward to this fall?  A few more things I'm looking forward to as the temperatures cool:  making chili and apple crisp, drinking hot apple cider, roasting pumpkin seeds, and maybe even doing some weekend antiquing, enjoying a Oktoberfest party or hitting up a local county fair.  And obviously, if anyone wants to take me as their plus-one to a Redskins or Ravens game, I am so in!  Love me some football.  Looks like I'm going to have an action-packed, fun-filled fall.  So looking forward to it! 

Yay or Nay? The Wedge Sneaker

Ash Cool Ter from Piperlime vs. Xhilaration Kahaha High Top from Target

For the past few years now, I have been going back and forth over the wedge sneaker.  I love the look of the high top sneaker with skinny jeans and sweaters, and even some dresses.  The comfort of them is also a selling point for me, plus I like the idea of mixing it up a bit...I get bored with wearing my boots day after day in the fall.  However, the price of them just doesn't seem to be worth it for me.  As much as I love the Ash brand wedge sneakers, I feel like the $34.99 price tag of the Target knock-offs is the smarter choice, even if it does look a bit cheaper.  But for trendy items, I try to buy as cheap as possible if I do give into the trend.  Since I'll only wear them for another season or two, I just can't justify paying over $100 for them.

What do you think?  Should I try out the Target brand wedge sneakers?  Or should I just go ahead and pass on the trend all together?  I have a feeling I know what most of you reading will say--PASS--but remember, my fashion is less preppy than most of you!  I don't mind being daring when it comes to fashion...just don't want to pay a fortune for my mistakes!  

Hmm, decisions, decisions.  Good think I have until next month to decide (spending freeze is still in effect)!

About That Spending Freeze...

Diane von Furstenberg New Jeanne 2 Silk Wrap Dress

I know what you're thinking, and no, I did not break the spending freeze already.  Geez, give me just a bit of credit here kids!  Instead, I have decided to give myself a goal to work toward...if I stick to it for two months, I will allow myself to buy this AH-MAZING Diane von Furstenberg dress.  And I even have the perfect event to wear it at--my man bff Jeb's wedding in November.  Oh my, I am in love.  Seriously, there is honestly nothing I am craving more this season than this one beautiful item, and it will be mine.  It will.  In two months.  Lord, give me strength!

Spending Freeze

From someecards.com

So, thanks to the threat of a government shutdown in October (and with that, my paychecks) and my inability to save money the way that I truly should, I have decided to buckle down, get my finances in order, and put myself on a mandatory two month spending freeze.  I realize two months seems a bit drastic, but you know what they say, right?  How it takes 30 days to form a habit?  Well when it comes to me and shopping, I feel that I need to double that for it to really sink in.

With all the upcoming sales, the fabulous fall clothes now out, and my ever shrinking waistline (yay, me!), this is really tough for me.  Alas, it needs to be done, so here I go...until October 18th (I wrote this post a few days earlier than it's publish date), my new mantra is as follows:

1)  I will only spend money on the necessities:  food, bills, gym, medical/physical therapy, and my car.
2)  I will eat out no more than two times per week--this includes buying lunches at work rather than bringing my own.
3)  I will allow myself only $25 per week on extracurricular activities--a movie, new book, special event, mani/pedi or night out.
4)  If I don't spend my all of my $25 for the week, it can roll over into the next week (will reinforce saving up for something special).
5)  If I absolutely have to spend money on anything other than this, it will only be out of emergency, replacing something basic that I need (like toiletries) or doctors orders.

I need to learn to live on less, and I especially need to break the habit of my retail therapy crutch.  And it's gotten bad--instead of doing healthy things like working out, writing or talking it out when I'm feeling blue, I shop.  But I need to remember this:  No matter how good buying those new shoes may make me feel, it makes my checking account sad.  No more sad allowed in this house!  And now that I've aired my dirty laundry, it feels great that you all can now also help hold me accountable for this.  So no temptations either friends! 

So, that is the test...think I can do it?  I gave up spending for Lent this year, and ended up losing 10 pounds in the process, so hopefully that will be an added bonus this time too!  There are a lot of great online resources that can help you form a budget, keep track of spending, and give great advice on managing your finances. The two I use most frequently are Mint and LearnVest, but if you know of any that you prefer, let me know!

Let the spending freeze begin!

Currently Craving: Game Day Dresses!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...college football kickoff week!  For a Southern girl, football is king, and there is not much more exciting than the start of a new college football season.  For me, it's the promise of a fresh start and new beginnings, and always a fun Fall full of tailgating, friends, watch parties, thrilling wins and (hopefully not) a bit of heartbreak too.

Sadly, I do not think I will be making it back to Arkansas this year for any football games.  But rest assured, I will be watching and Calling the Hogs from here in DC, all decked out in my Razorback Red.

Since football season starts off in the brutal August heat and (in a good year) ends in the cold winter month of January, a Southern girl's game day wardrobe usually sees both summer, fall and winter fashion.  It's like the first day of school...have to look your best for the first game of the season!  If I was planning on going back home for the Razorback game this Saturday, I would most likely be picking up one of these two dresses for these first few game days.  You want to be a bit casual yet stylish while tailgating and in the stadium, and since it's typically a very long day, comfort is key. 

1) Hive & Honey Double Layer Hi-Low Maxi Dress from Piperlime and 2) Rebecca Taylor Striped Dress from Shopbop

For any of you Arkansans in the DC area, our official Arkansas Razorback watch party location has been changed this year to Hawk n' Dove Bar and Grill (329 Pennsylvania Ave SE, approx. 2 blocks from Eastern Market metro).  Come join us starting this Saturday as the Hogs kick off the season vs. Louisiana-Lafayette at 4:00 PM EST.

Moto Mama

Bernardo Asymmetrical Leather Moto Jacket

How amazing is this jacket?!?!?!  I'm kind of obsessed, and thanks to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, it's now currently taking up residence in my closet!  These fabulous mid-80s temperatures this week + my fall shopping splurge has really made me looking forward to the fall!  I have been dying for a black leather jacket for a few years now, but have had such a hard time finding one that fits both my waist and the girls.  The asymmetry on the jacket really does the trick, and I can wear it full-zipped, half-zipped, or totally open, and it still looks great!  I plan to wear this with flowy maxi dresses or skinny jeans and long tunics...either way, I plan on wearing it a lot!

I also went ahead and picked up these faux leather leggings from Not Your Mother's Jeans.

NYMJ Faux Leather & Ponte Leggings

Now I know based on previous purchases that you must go one size down in NYMJ, so I ordered these in a size 8, but I think I still need to go down one size further.  The size 8s bunch up in the knees and around the ankles, and I like my leggings a little bit tighter than that.  That aside, I'm kind of in love with them.  They are thick, and the faux leather both looks and feels really nice.  Since they are so high-waisted with an elastic band (and of course, because they are leggings), I will only wear these with long sweaters, boyfriend shirts and tunics.  My rule for leggings is, if you can see your ass or your potential camel toe (ha!), then girlfriend get a longer shirt on!

As anxious as I am to try out my new garb, I'm not wishing fall here just yet.  One more day until August recess is officially here!  Bring on the relaxation for a change!