18 out of 30- Pop of Color

Slowly plugging along on the 30 for 30 challenge, for my outfit number 18 added a pop of color to try and rejuvenate myself a bit. The challenge is really starting to get difficult and I am dying for something new.  I have really enjoyed reading all of the other bloggers that are participating in the challenge, you are all so inspirational. Keep up the great work!  How is everyone else doing on the challenge?  Are you feeling like you are in a rut and have lost your creative juices? 

Day 18 outfit includes:
Dress- Simply Vera Wang
Sweater- H&M
Belt- Forever 21
Shoes- Jeffrey Campbell
Tights- Hue

Frasier Fir

My friends at Cathedral sent me this fabulous candle that fills the air with the crisp scent of fir needles. This was just the thing to get me in the mood yesterday to start decking the halls.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.  A little cold here in the bay area, but that did not stop me from having some fun times with family and friends.  How was your holiday?

Thymes Frasier Fir Candle $27.50

Candles can be found at Cathedral

Day 17 outfit includes:
Skirt- Gap
Shoes- Jeffrey Campbell
Tights- Forever 21
Jacket- Bellatrix

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I had such a wonderful day with friends and family and have so much to be thankful for. Much love to you all.

Day 16 outfit includes:
Top- Amanda Uprichard
Leather shorts- Club Monaco
Tights- Hue
Necklace- Simply Vera Wang
Shoes- Jeffrey Campbell

Thanksgiving Tradition- Shoofly Pie

Thanksgiving is about family, friends, food and traditions. Many families have certain items that are must haves at the big feast and my family is no different. My mom asks me every year to make her favorite pie, Shoofly.  This treat is a fluffy molasses pie considered traditional among the Pennsylvania Dutch.  I made it last night and thought I would share.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Shoofly Pie

1 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 cup light or dark brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup hot water
2/3 cup dark molasses
1 unbaked 9" pie shell

Preheat oven 350 degrees

Combine flour, brown sugar, butter and salt, rub mixture to form crumbs.  Dissolve the baking soda in water and combine with molasses.
Pour molasses into pie shell, sprinkle in crumbs.
Bake 30-40 minutes or until filing is set.

Woo Hoo- Half way there on the 30 for 30 Challenge!
Day 15 outfit includes:
Jacket- Hinge
Pants- The Limited
Tee- Club Monaco
Flats- Simply Vera Wang
Necklaces- Flying Lizard
Cuff- Stella & Dot

And so it Begins

And so it begins, the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I am starting to get excited as lights are starting to be strung and holiday tunes are being played. I also get a little stressed as there is always so much to do and so little time to do it.

Here are a few tips that I try to follow to help me slow down and enjoy the holiday season:

1. Have a plan and make lists.
2. Shop for gifts early (don't wait until the week of);
3. Pick and choose holiday activities (you don't have to do everything);
4. Build time in to relax and enjoy the holiday spirit around you.
5. Take a walk or drive and view holiday lights and decorations;
6. A glass of wine (of course, that goes without saying);
7. Ask for help. Have a gift wrapping gathering or bake cookies with a friend.
8. Address Christmas cards a few at a time (who says you have to do them all at once).

A few aromatherapy products that I love from the Body Shop: These treasures help me reduce stress.

On another note, almost halfway through the 30 for 30 challenge!
Day 14 outfit includes:
Dress- Tucker for Target
Belt- Anthropologie
Tights- Simply Vera Wang
Booties- Steve Madden
Necklace- Vintage (my Mom's)

13 Going on 30

No, I did not wake up on my 13th birthday and become 30. (I always manage to watch that silly Jennifer Garner movie whenever its on).  I am on day 13 of the 30 for 30 challenge. Must admit it is getting a little harder, I miss being able to wear other items (shoes especially).  How is everyone else doing with the challenge?

Day 13 outfit includes:
Jeans- Gap
Sweater- H&M
Boots- Target
Necklace- H&M

What movie do you end up watching over and over? 

Days of Wine and Roses

Had a fabulous, rainy Saturday enjoying Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association Passport Day.  If you ever are in Santa Cruz, it's a must try, there are so many great wineries.  See here for information.  Hope all of you are having a great Saturday. 

Day 12 outfit includes:
Jacket-Trouve
Jeans- Gap
Tank- Old Navy
Scarf-H&M
Hat- H&M
Clutch- Forever 21
Boots- Target

A favorite winery.

Deer we saw on the way to another winery.

Time for Cocktails

After a long week of work, 30 for 30 challenge remixing, working out and chores, I say hip hip hooray it's Friday and time for cocktails!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Day 11 outfit includes:
Skirt- Gap
Blouse- H&M dress worn as a top (as a dress see here)
Booties- Steve Madden
Necklace- Vintage Carolee
Ring- Forever 21

10 Things

Ever have one of those days where you just feel you are not worthy and hate everything about yourself. Harsh I know, but true. Today is just one of those days.  Thanks to all my blogger friends for being inspirational everyday. 

Decided to list 10 things that tend to make me feel better:

1.  Snuggle from my hubby;
2.  Glass of red wine;
3.  Rhinestones;
4.  Fresh hair cut (tomorrow, woo hoo);
5.  New magazine waiting in my mailbox;
6.  Pretty pedicure;
7.  Vase full of tulips;
8.  New shade of lipstick;
9.  Chocolate and sea salt;
10. A successful shopping trip.

What are things that make you feel better?

Day 10 outfit includes:
Jacket- Trouve
Jeans- Gap
Shoes- Simply Vera Wang
Ring- Betsey Johnson
Tank- Old Navy
Flower Pin- H&M

Wish List- Sparkle

The sparkle of sequins or glitter has always been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl. Everything is better with glitter right? This is the time of year when sequin or glittery apparel and accessories come out in full force tantalizing me. Each item I see beckons to be purchased. Since I officially can’t shop until mid December after I have completed the 30 for 30 challenge. I started a small wish list of all the things I just have to have.

1. Express- Slouchy Sequin Hobo Bag $59.92
2. Simply Vera Wang- Sequin Knit Hat $26.00
3. Steve Madden-  Caryssa Glitter Pump $129.95
4. J Crew- Drapey Sequin Tee $79.50

 

Day 9 outfit includes:
Cardigan- H&M
Skirt- Halogen
Silk Tank- Halogen
Tights- Simply Vera Wang
Boots- Target
Belt purchased at Therapy in Campbell

Things I Love- Holiday Dishes

With the holidays just around the corner (only 39 shopping days left) I am starting to get excited about bringing out my Pottery Barn Reindeer dish collection. I started collecting the dishes in 1997 when they first came out with the dessert plates and have collected a new piece every year since.

Tell me, do you have a favorite holiday collection that excites you every year?

How is everyone doing with their 30 for 30 challenge pieces they chose? I must admit I wish I had picked a few different items, oh well such is life.

Day 8 outfit includes:
Dress- Simply Vera Wang
Boots- Target
Jacket- Hinge
Necklace- Forever 21

It’s Monday, Where did the Weekend Go?

This weekend was a complete blur. I am still on a mission to clean and organize the basement (13 years of stuff down there), so must admit I did not ever get dressed on Saturday. PJ’s all day was a good thing! Ever have those moments when you are excited you have the whole day to do whatever you want and the next thing you know it’s over?

On Sunday I headed out to the San Francisco 49ner game with my best girlfriend (hurray we WON) and did not get a chance to take a picture of myself in my outfit number 6 of the Club Monaco white tee and Gap Jeans with boots (very boring by the way).

In keeping with the idea of a dressed down weekend I decided to keep with the theme. I pulled out my olive green tunic and leggings. It’s going to be 78 degrees today and think a walk at lunch will be in order to get rid of my Monday blues.

Day 7 outfit includes:
Tunic- Trouve (Nordstrom)
Shoes- Simply Vera Wang
Necklace- Simply Vera Wang
Leggings/Tights- Simply Vera Wang

High Five!

Have to give myself a high five today for lasting the week without shopping.  I know, I know, nuts right? I mean really how hard can that be?  Online shopping so easy and convenient that going for five days without a quick purchase online is quite an accomplishment.  So, high five to me for a job well done!

Happy Friday!

Day 5 outfit includes:
Cardigan- J Crew
Pants- The Limited
Tee- J Crew
Booties- Steve Madden
Necklaces- Vintage (My mom's)

Bedazzled

Here is one of the purchases I made right before I accepted the challenge. I had to mix in something new since I was not going to be able to shop for 30 days. You know you did the same, don’t deny it. I love the bead work on this jacket, it has just enough sparkle that can be dressed up or down depending on your mood. Today for day 4 I decided to dress down and pair my jacket with flared jeans, a basic black tank  and flowing scarf.

Jacket- Bellatrix- Purchased at Nordstrom
Jeans- Gap
Boots- Mossimo for Target
Scarf- Simply Vera Wang
Tank- Old Navy

Anchor's Away

Look at me; I am sailing through day 3. I found this Gap skirt the other day when I was cleaning out my closets (still have not finished that lovely project by the way…ugh). Not sure if I am digging the outfit, totally stepping out of my comfort zone as I am usually not the type to tuck in a tee and wear a belt. This challenge definitely has me thinking about trying new ways to wear things!

Tee- J Crew
Skirt- Gap
Belt- Target
Necklace- Betsey Johnson
Shoes- Steve Madden

If you would like to see check out all of the other bloggers that are participating in the challenge, see here. (Such fun to take a peek at all the fun outfits and personalities)

Table for Two

Had a very productive morning! Got a nice workout in and was able to get dressed with time to spare. With all my clothing being laid out neatly, day two seemed like a breeze (I may not be feeling this way by day twenty). I am having a harder time deciding what to make for dinner tonight rather that what I am wearing. Maybe I can get the hubby to take me out.  Not sure if he will, he was not feeling the dress. He does not seem to like leopard print. How can you not love leopard print I ask? That is crazy! Too bad honey, I LOVE IT!

Dress- H&M
Boots- Target
Belt- H&M
Bag- Kenneth Cole

We're Number One!

Clap your hands! Stomp your feet!  Remixers can’t be beat!
Come on team you can do it, just put some remixing power to it!
Goooooooo Remixers!  Whoo Hoo!!!

Channeling my inner cheerleader today with outfit number one of the 30 for 30 challenge. Can't wait to check out all the other bloggers and see their choices. I must admit it was nice not to stand in front of my closet this morning wondering what the heck I was going wear.  My closet can feel some what intimidating at times. I wonder why, could it be because I have too much stuff crammed into such a small space?  Probably.  I am feeling so organized with only 30 pieces neatly hung on the back of my bedroom door.  I wonder if I will say that 2 weeks from now.

Jacket- GAP
Jeans- GAP
Necklace- Forever 21
Ballet Flats- Simply Vera Wang
Black Tank- Old Navy

30 for 30 Challenge- My Picks

Picking my pieces for the 30 for 30 challenge was a week long project. All my friends know I stress easily about anything and everything, especially projects. This project was no exception. From the second I committed to the challenge I have been thinking about what to choose. Will I pick the right things? Do I have enough? Will the weather cooperate with my choices? Wow, I have a lot of black! You would think I was being graded on this.  After hours of thought and without further adieu, here are my items:

4 Pairs of Shoes (Jeffrey Campbell Mary Janes not pictured at Cobbler's)



5 Jackets (Khaki Jacket not pictured at dry cleaners)



3 Dresses

3 Pairs of Pants/1 Pair of Shorts

3 Skirts

11 Tops

Excited to start tomorrow! What should my outfit number one be? Yikes, more decisions. Thanks Kendi for hosting such a fun challenge (the no shopping part, not so much, but my wallet and hubby thank you).