Golden Birthday!

"To remain hopeful, kind, curious, and inspired-this, is to triumph over age."

Many of you know that tomorrow is my birthday-I'll be turning 31 on December 31st, my Golden Birthday.  While I know that 31 isn't 21 (thank goodness!), I know that I am still very young.  God willing, I have many years ahead of me to see amazing sights, to love and help others, and to pursue my dreams.  Not everyone has that chance, so I feel blessed to be turning 31.  The average life expectancy in Haiti is 31-anytime I worry about not being a spring chicken anymore, I think about this and feel blessed to keep celebrating birthdays.  In honor of the countless people who never got to celebrate their 31st birthday, I am incredibly blessed and honored.  Make the most of every year, every day, and every minute.  Cheers!

New Year's Eve Inspiration

I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas!

With New Year's Eve just two days away, 

here's some fun images to inspire your NYE look.

What are your NYE plans?  I'll be celebrating my birthday (yep, I'm a NYE baby!) and ringing in the new year with my dear friend Leigh Anne.  She has a fabulous condo situated on the highest point in Atlanta (seriously!), and her view is absolutely breathtaking.  We're going to cook some food and go to her building's party.  Just the right amount of low key and mixing and mingling.

Don't be afraid to try out a new look on Saturday-it's the one night to really go big and bold.  Trust me, people will either love your look, or they won't remember it.  Whether you're going out or staying in, wear something glittery and glamorous.  Enjoy your night, be safe, and have fun!

Merry Christmas friends!

I rounded up some fun Christmas pictures to share with you.

I'm in LOVE with the decor in this room: 

the tree, the shagadelic rug, the fireplace-DIE for it!

 Who doesn't love Christmas cookies? 

They're my favorite.  If you have extras, 
I will take them off your hands ;)

 LOVING this chic red and white decor-the hanging decs are amaze!

Hope there's a place setting for me.

 I admire the traditional stockings and mantle-
not my style but very lovely.

 This pink tree is AWESOME!  
I want to go to a Christmas party at this person's house.  

You know it would be a good time.

 Joyeux Noel mes amis!  I WILL do Christmas in Paris one year.

 Another party I'd like to attend
-LOVING the metallic theme and au naturale decor.

 This picture says it all-
a non-traditional tree, fun shoes, and a dog in a pink tutu.

I'm sure Christmas at their house is LOTS of fun!

I'm taking a few days off from my blog and will be back sometime next week.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas with your loved ones.

If you can't be with family and/or friends this year, 

God is always with you and loves you immensely.

Merry Christmas friends!

Take a moment this Christmas

With just 3 days before Christmas, I'm sure many of you are feeling overwhelmed with last minute items on your to-do list.  Instead of stressing over ever last detail, take a moment to give thanks for the meaning of the season.  For me, I kick it old school-Jesus is the reason for the season.  Regardless of your beliefs, I know we ALL have at least one blessing in our life.  It could be your family, your friends, your pet, your job, your health, or anything that's special and important to you.  


If you still have gifts you buy and don't want to fights the crowds in stores, order something online.  Or, take it one step further and make a donation to the recipient's favorite charitable cause.  The best way we can collectively celebrate the holiday season is to give back.  If you're out of funds, give with your time, your smile, your energy, and your positive attitude.  Let someone go in front of you in line, pay for the person's coffee behind you, or help an elderly person cross the street.  Taking a moment to offer up a prayer of thanks will help alleviate the pressure many people feel during this time of year.  Your loved ones will be glad that you're focusing on your blessings instead of finding the perfect gift, cooking the most amazing meal of the year, or deep cleaning the house.  When's it's all said and done, you'll look back on the happy memories spent with loved ones not how great the turkey tasted (or how bad it turned out ;).  Merry Christmas!

Tangerine Tango

Congrats to Tangerine Tango, Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year!

This slightly reddish orange dominated the runways during fall fashion week.

Not sure you can pull it off?

Try a small dose of it on a bag, pair of shoes, or lipstick.

 Still can't take the citrus plunge?

Opt for a splash of it in your home decor.

 Continue the color blocking trend by pairing Tangerine Tango with navy, fuschia, or even purple.  Go bold, or go home!

 I LOVE that this bride opted for a bold pair of stilettos instead of a more traditional shoe.

 These bow ties SCREAM Chuck Bass!

 You can always play it safe by carrying an umbrella in this cheery hue.

Will you be wearing Tangerine Tango in 2012?

Very trashy

As you plan your upcoming holiday meals, think carefully about what items you'll be using.  Instead of using disposable plates, consider serving your meals on your regular dinner plates.  If you're married, bust out your wedding china and other items you don't use often (or ever).  Now is the time to use the gifts for which your friends and family paid a LOT of money.  If you absolutely have to use disposable items, buy ones that are made of recycled materials and are compostable or recyclable.  Don't forget to encourage your guests to utilize your recycling and compost bins during your events and parties.  There's just no need to create any extra waste during the holidays.  On average, Americans throw away 25% more trash from Thanksgiving to New Years.  This is outrageous!  Let's make a pledge not to add to the problem but be a part of the solution.  Go green this holiday season!

Dumb girls

You're welcome.

Happy Friday!

Winter delight

Even though it's currently almost 70 degrees in Atlanta, I'm swooning over these gorgeous images I found on Pinterest.  Enjoy!

What's the weather like in your hood right now?

Keep Calm

Some words of wisdom from our favorite Duchess.

She is the queen of staying calm under what must be intense pressure. Cheerio!

Seeing red on the red carpet

I'm a HUGE Amy Adams fan-in my opinion, she gets it right on the carpet every single time.  I strongly disagree with Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger's claim that men aren't attracted to redheads.  (OR girls with curly hair for that matter)

As evidenced from Ms. Adams' stunning looks, 

I'm pretty sure that redheads really do have more fun.

Alternative gifts

As you continue your Christmas shopping, consider giving items that one can truly use or experience.  Go green and gift someone cooking classes, theater tickets, or a homemade food item.  Take it one step further by agreeing to spend time together instead of buying gifts.  The gift of time is one that you can't ever get back.  A "gift" that is always a hit is to make a donation to the recipient's favorite charity.  Show them that you love them by donating to a cause that's close to their heart.  Give wisely friends!

The Princess Diaries

Congratulations to the newly engaged Anne Hathaway!  As always, she rocked the red carpet.  Her classic Giambattista Valli gown, vintage Fred Leighton baubles, and sleek up do are reminiscent of a modern-day Audrey Hepburn.  She is America's sweetheart, and I wish her a lifetime of love, happiness, and success.  

Tunnel of Love-ticket please!

I saw this image here and absolutely HAD to share it with you.

Pretty sure this train track in Kleven, Ukraine leads straight to Narnia!

 It's called the Tunnel of Love-so fitting!

Do places like this really exist?

Apparently, they do.

(additional photos found here)

Make the switch

Buying new Christmas lights this year?  Go green and purchase LED lights.  They use just 1/10th the electricity that regular lights us!  They also last longer and are more durable than standard lights.  LED lights give off a more intense color and are also less flammable.  Instead of throwing your old lights away, you can recycle them here.  LED lights for the win!