It's almost a new year....

(blouse-target, cardigan-random, skirt- forever 21, boots-random, earrings-charming charlie)

A wonderful friend sent me these beautiful earrings in the mail the other day, from Charming Charlie. I absolutely adore them--they are feathers, of course I do :) 

Have a wonderful New Years Eve! I can't wait to get into my Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's dress and enjoy a night with my family, a good book, some good writing, painting time, and sewing time. Sounds like the perfect way to bring in 2012 to me ;) 

Cheers to a new year!

Peace. Love. Joy.

Merry, Merry Christmas :)

This Christmas started with a lovely breakfast of waffles and fresh fruit with the family, then we went onto an afternoon hike, and finally ended the day with an amazing dinner. (Dessert, coffee, and a good movie are happening shortly...yippe!)

(skirt-Forever21, blouse-thrifted, blazer, Liz Claiborne,shoes-thrifted, random jewelry)

I pray each and every one of you had the most fabulous of days; grasping exactly what this wonderful Christmas season is all about! xoxo

Peace. Love. Joy.

31 Bits.

Still, looking for that one special gift for someone on your list. Watch the videos below and then head on over to 31 bits to pick some super chic, fun, and fashionable jewelry made by Ugandan women. Make sure to check out the "collections" section, where they have collaborated with Not For Sale, with jewelry specifically targeting trafficking. Exciting!! :)





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Go to 31 bits now, and pick up your jewelry!!

Peace. Love. Joy.

Gingerbread

Tonight, was my first night off in about 3 months (not counting weekends). It was nice, and a bit odd to say the least. A good odd though. You know when you never have time to do anything...literally (the last few months of my life) and you think of every possible thing you'd rather be doing with your time? But, then when you do get time, you are left feeling slightly off kilter, and a  bit awkward with the whole thing? My night precisely. Hopefully over the next month or so of winter break, I will get back into the swing of resting and spending time aside from work,doing the things I love most.

Alas--tonight, I managed to get over the awkward feeling and make a gingerbread house--embrace my inner child, find some joy admist recently hard events. And, of course catch up on Vogue and some other reading, as well as do a little shopping ;)

I hope you had a wonderful evening yourself, and are shaping up for a fun, relaxing weekend :)

I, for one, am SUPER excited for my new running shoes to arrive this weekend. I haven't run all week, which equals, feeling quite lazy. ;)

Peace. Love. Joy.

Irish Soda Bread.

My 92 year old Grandmother just got out of the hospital, and one of her favorite things is my Irish Soda Bread. So, as an early Christmas present (since she won't be here on Christmas day) I whooped up 2 loaves just for her ;)

If you're a fan of baking, and Irish Soda Bread, use the recipe below, its totally wonderful--you won't be disappointed!

Things you'll need:

* 4 cups flour

* 1 cup white sugar

* 1 teaspoon baking soda

* 2  teaspoons baking powder

*1/2 teaspoon salt

* 3 eggs

* 1 pint sour cream (16 oz.)

* 1 cup raisins

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease two 8x4 inch loaf pans.

2) Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs, sour cream and raisins and mix until combined. Distribute between the two pans.

3) Bake at 325 for 1 hour.

Hope you enjoy! Let me know if you bake some; love to know how it turns out!

Peace. Love. Joy.

The Nutcracker, and the city :)

This past week has been insane. My dad, and both of my sisters had their birthdays, so there was much celebrating (and way too much cake!) haha :) We went to see The Nutcracker, and spent some time in the most amazing city in the world, D.C. (I may be a bit bias!)

We got to go see the new MLK monument, which was, to say the least, an amazing experience. If you're in the area and haven't checked it out yet, I highly suggest you make some time to pay a visit ;)

(H&M dress, Random booties-worn here)

Peace. Love. Joy.

IJM Benefit Dinner.

Thursday night I had the honor and privilege to attend IJM's annual benefit dinner. It was a night of wonderful food and fellowship, as well as very moving stories. It stirred an even deeper love in me to see justice prevail; to fight for those who are enslaved globally. Hearing stories of two specific girls who have been rescued, and are now pursuing their dreams is such an encouragement to me of the amazing work being done globally, by IJM as well as other non-profits.

I would deeply encourage you to go to IJM and become a Freedom Partner now. It's only $24, a month and you have the 100% satisfaction of knowing your money is literally going toward rescuing these individuals, as well as providing futures and much hope for them. Do IT...you won't be disappointed.

(Skirt-LC Lauren Conrad, Silk Blouse- Random, Blazer-LC Lauren Conrad)

Peace. Love. Joy.

Presents for Him

Presents for him...this is where it can get a tad bit complicated, especially for us girls. It's easy to go out and buy something for our best bud, but the guy...that can require a little more thought.

Here are a few ideas I have rounded up to help you out!

1) Ticket Galore. Buy all the guys on your list, depending on what they love, tickets to see their favorite band live, or their favorite sports team. Ticket Master is a great place to start :)

2) Best Buy Giftcard. I have to admit, I don't know any guy who couldn't buy something they absolutely love at Best Buy, haha ;)

3) Clothes! Most guys don't spend their time or money on clothing...at least not like most of us ladies do. So, I think it's nice to surprise them with something nice in the apparel department, that they might not otherwise pick up themselves. Here are some nice things I found:

American Eagle (psss...all sweaters & sweatshirts 40% off)

JCrew (outerwear 30% off)

ZARA

Urban Outfitters

Hope this helps you get started on those gifts for the men on your list ;)

Peace. Love. Joy.

My Christmas Wish List

  Here are a few of my favorite things that I am eyeing right now :)

Michael Kors Hamilton Satchel

Cafe Capri Tweed Pants, JCrew

Paper Crown Skirt

DVF Wrap Dress

Steve Madden Loafers

20 days until Christmas! Yippeee :)

One of my favorites for the season:

Peace. Love. Joy. :)