Happy Leap Day!

Happy Leap Day everyone!  I hope you're having a great day.  I started this blog in November of 2008 and have had a blast working on it over the years.  Lately, I haven't felt the same passion and excitement that I used to feel when I blogged.  I used to have to write down all of my ideas because they flowed so freely.  I'm fairly confident that a lack of fufillment in past jobs manifested itself in my former passion for blogging.  Now that I am MUCH happier at work, I don't feel the need to blog as much-if at all.  If you read this regularly (thanks Mamma!), you've probably noticed a decrease in my frequency of posts and certainly a lack of decent content.  I've decided to take March off to figure out if I want to continue to blog.  I used to do it for me because I loved it, and now it feels like a chore.  Since no one's paying me to blog, I need to reevaluate if I want to keep doing it.  You can always keep up with me on Facebook, Twitter (I gave it up for Lent ;), and Pinterest-and of course phone and email if we know each other in "real life."  I hope March treats you well.  I encourage you to take a leap of faith today.

And the Oscar goes to...

Jessica Chastain in a gorgeous McQueen gown!

As an avid Chastain fan, I had no doubt she would work the red carpet...and boy did she ever!  Her dress fit her perfectly (unlike many ladies this awards season), and her hair was to die for.  Chastain (or her stylist) really understands fit, color, and dressing appropriately for one's body type and age.  Well done!

Octavia Spencer also rocked the red carpet in a sparkly Tadashi Shoji gown.  It was her best look to date.  Congratulations to her on her Oscar-well deserved Ms. Spencer.  You make us proud.

Stacey Keibler took my breath away in a fitted bronze Marchesa gown-so glad she finally stepped out of her beau's shadow and had her own big moment.

I also LOVED Meryl Streep's gold Lanvin dress.  She's made some interesting wardrobe choices over the years, so I was quite pleased to see her bring it last night.  I thought Viola Davis would win but was incredibly thrilled for Meryl.  She is THE BEST actress of her generation, and I just love her.  Her speech thanking her husband brought me to tears.

Honorable mention goes to the always lovely Emma Stone in a bright red Giambattista Valli gown.  I didn't love this shade of red on her, but she looked gorgeous.  Her bit with Ben Stiller was HI-larious.  Well played Miss Stone.

All in all, it was a nice evening.  The speeches were extremely thoughtful and appropriate, and Billy Crystal was great.  I'm sad to say goodbye to awards season but look forward to seeing you on the red carpet in the fall.

(photos courtesy of www.instyle.com)

She's All That

Jessica Chastain strikes again!

This time the stunning redhead rocks a bright green Elie Saab gown for a pre-Oscars event. As a fellow redheaded friend of mine pointed out, she really knows the right colors to wear.  Best of luck to her on Sunday!

"Ladies with an attitude, Vogue!"

Say what you will about her, but Anna Wintour just EXUDES style.  This photo from New York Fashion Week is one of my favorites.  Her look is to die for!  The orange collar is perfection.  She can WORK some high fashion like no one else.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day my loves!  I hope all of you have a fantastic day regardless of whether you are single or in a relationship.  I'd like to think that everyone has at least one person who loves them (God loves everyone :), so I encourage you to celebrate love in all of its many forms today.  I've been single for over 4 years, and I still love Valentine's Day.  I have a LOT of love in my life, so I feel very blessed every day.  While I still hope for God to bless me with romantic love one day, I cherish the love I have for my family, my friends, my dog, and most importantly, my Savior.


If you are in a relationship, enjoy today-even if Valentine's Day isn't your thing.  I don't think you have to pull out all the stops with a fancy dinner, flowers, chocolates, champagne, etc.  But, why not make today special for your loved one?  Show them you care by making them a meal or telling them how you feel in a homemade card.  Today doesn't have to be about spending money.  Keep in mind that many people would love to be in your shoes, so don't take your loved one for granted today or any day.  Even if a girl says she HATES Valentine's Day, I highly doubt that she would be offended if you did something special for her today.  


If you are single, spend today celebrating your platonic relationships.  Go out with friends tonight or stay in and watch a fun movie and enjoy a nice meal.  Or, just celebrate being YOU!  You are special, beautiful, and worthy of being loved.  AND, God loves you, so you are set!  You never know, love could be just around the corner for you.  Stay strong, believe in yourself, and focus on the blessings you currently have in your life.  God will figure out the rest.

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!  XOXO

If someone gave me a heart-shaped pizza 

(Papa John's makes them!) today, I would love them forever :)

Six-word memoir

I recently read about the six-word memoir project.  Author Dave Eggers wrote Not Quite What I Was Planning, a collection of six-word memoirs written by a variety of well-known individuals.  It got me thinking-what is MY six-word memoir?  As a woman of many words, summing up my life in just six words is an extremely daunting task.
  
Here is my attempt:  Dancing dreamer, hoping and living fully.

What is your six-word memoir?  For more information on this initiative, go here.

L-O-V-E

Even when I am single, Valentine's Day has always been one of my favorite "holidays."  I love red and pink, hearts, flowers, chocolate, wine, and all the fun things associated with Valentine's Day.  Who says you have to be in a romantic relationship to celebrate it?  We all love someone-our family, our friends, our pets.  Make sure they know just how much you love them on Valentine's Day this year. Better yet, tell them all the time.  Let's fill this world with L-O-V-E.

And the Actor goes to...

Viola Davis in Marchesa!

The Best Actress winner rocked the red carpet in a gorgeous ivory gown.  THIS is how you do neutrals ladies.  A HUGE fan of The Help, I am thrilled for her big win.  If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, do it now.  You will be blown away by this powerful story.

Always one of my red carpet favorites, Sofia Vergara looked AH-mazing in a fuchsia Marchesa mermaid gown.  She is absolutely hilarious and never fails to ooze charm and sex appeal.

Julie Bowen, another Modern Family lady, worked the carpet in a  gorgeous purple Temperley London gown.  She is not normally one of my favorites at awards shows, but she knocked it out of the park this time.

E! host Giuliana Rancic had one of my favorite looks of the evening.

Her red Basil Soda dress complete with a stunning gold necklace was FIERCE.

Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners!

Inspiration for you!

I love everything about this photo.  STUNNING.

Talk about making an entrance...

This couple is just gorgeous-both of them!

Can I please have this rug?  Pretty please?

Peonies...one of my favorite flowers.

I apologize for the lack of posts this week.  It's been a long one.

I hope these photos leave you excited for the weekend ahead.

I know that I'm in need of a good adventure!

XOXO

No help needed

Congratulations to the always stylish Jessica Chastain on her Oscar nomination for her role in The Help.  Chastain plays Celia perfectly.  I love her classic, colorful, and ladylike style on the red carpet.  In a sea of blondes, Chastain shines in cheerful, bright hues.  I wish her and all of the Oscar nominees my very best.

Killing it!

(photo courtesy of www.instyle.com)

Elizabeth Banks kills it with a black, asymmetrical Versace dress at a screening of Man on a Ledge.  I love her entire look: her sleek hair, smoky eyes, and stunning dress.  It's rock-n-roll glamour at its finest.  She normally goes for a more traditional look, so I appreciate her effort to spice things up.  Happy Friday!

Deadline to register to vote!

February 6th is the deadline to register for the Georgia Presidential Primary on March 6th.  If you aren't registered to vote, please, go do so.  Countess people have sacrificed their time, energy, and even their lives in order to have the right to vote.  Exercise your constitutional right by voting.  If you aren't registered to vote (or if you are and don't vote), please keep your mouth shut when it comes to political issues for which you don't like.  Voting is something I am incredibly passionate about...as an American, as a woman, and as an educated constituent.  If you don't know who to vote for, take some time to learn about each candidate, so you can make an informed decision.  If you think your vote doesn't count, IT DOES.  Recent elections (ahem Miami-Dade county) prove that every single vote matters.  Let's make the upcoming election one for the books with the highest voter turnout rating in history!


Click here to register to vote in the state of Georgia.

A Somewhat Golden Night

Did you watch last night's Golden Globes Awards?  I was entertained but left feeling somewhat underwhelmed.  Ricky Gervais was quite tame, and the dresses were just okay.  Some ladies hit it out of the park, while others played it safe.  Here are some of my favorite looks of the evening.

Charlize Theron stunned in Dior Haute Couture 

complete with Cartier jewels.

Her hair and sparkly headband sealed the deal for me.  

20s glamour at its finest!

Nicole Kidman rocked the red carpet in a studded Versace gown with Fred Leighton jewelry.  Her dress fit her extremely well and flattered her gorgeous physique.

In my opinion, the Golden Globe for Best Dressed goes to...

Sofia Vergara for her peacock colored Vera Wang gown and Harry Winston baubles.

The color was absolutely stunning, 

and her gown fit her immaculately.  

She has the ultimate hourglass figure 

with a crazy personality to boot.  

I would have preferred her hair pulled back, 

but she looked amazing nonetheless.

Honorable mention goes to Michelle Williams in Jason Wu and Fred Leighton jewels.

Her jeweled headband was the highlight of her look.

In a sea of sculpted blush/nude colored gowns, I appreciate Ms. Williams' daring choice.  I have always loved her style and think she is one of our generation's most talented actresses.  Her win for My Week with Marilyn was very much deserved, and I wish her the best of luck at future award shows this year.  I hope she wins the Oscar for her performance!

Staying fashionable in freezing weather

I saw a few snow flurries on my way to work this morning.  

I'm actually excited that January is finally starting to feel like winter.  

My experience is that if we have a warmer December and January, 

February and March will be brutally cold.  

How do you stay fashionable when it's freezing outside?  

I find the best way to stay warm and stylish during the cold winter months is to add bright pops of color with my accessories.

Check out these images for some inspiration.  

Brunch at Pastis in January is always a good idea.

Her hat and coat are to die for!

LOVE her red boots-I actually have this exact pair.

Wish I could pull off liquid leather leggings.  Major!

Not sure what these peeps are doing, but I like it.

Breathtakingly beautiful.

These dogs have built in fur coats just like my Georgia :)