Snow Day!

A major snowstorm on the East Coast shut down DC yesterday, and with over a foot of snow, even I got to stay home from work on Thursday!  I'm back to work today, but it was really nice to have the yesterday off.  I did some chores around the house, dug out my car, and watched a lot of Olympics coverage.  Nice and slow...just what I needed after a busy work week!  Happy long weekend everyone!

Little Corn Island

 

 

 

These frigid temperatures here in Washington is making me long for my upcoming vacation even more, and last night I started researching lodging options (primarily to look at the gorgeous, sunny scenery).  We have pretty much nailed down our itinerary, and then I came across the Yemaya Island Hideaway & Spa on Little Corn Island, Nicaragua.

Um, if this isn't the picture of paradise, then I don't know what is.  Yes, no matter what else we do while there, I will be staying here in August.  I can just feel the good vibes radiating through me already, can't you?  It might be 7 degrees in Washington, but staring at this incredible place warms me up just right.

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!

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!

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!