brighten up your winter wardrobe

via Ever and Wright

Colored jeans. It took me a while to get on board with this trend (maybe it seemed too 80's at first?) but now colored skinnies are #1 on my birthday wish list (I think I'm partial to the deep red color). I just moved into a new house, so curtains, rugs and organizational tools will be the majority of my birthday gifts from mom and dad, but if I get to choose something fun that doesn't involve decorating, that's what I'll go for!

bella alhambra

via thelook4less.net

via thelook4less.net

Maybe I'm late to the party with this, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about these necklaces by Van Cleef and Arpel for months upon months. Too bad the "real" Van Cleef & Arpel alhambra necklace (worn by the coolest chick ever... see Reese above) retails for thousands...

Luckily, I've seen knock-offs abound! I picked up some look-a-like black earrings with gold trim with that pretty clover shape at Eastern Market (a sweet farmer's market in DC) for about 20 bucks. They look like a cheaper version of these:

via coolspotters.com

I wish I had gotten a necklace while I was there, but once the weather starts warming up, I plan to head back to hunt for some more alhambra-inspired jewelry.

life is too short

In an effort to start the year in an optimistic and maybe even naive way, I'm stealing Marc and Angel's "20 Things Life Is Too Short To Tolerate" and putting my own spin on their list. I may even change up some of their ideas... bolded thoughts will be theirs, and italisized will be mine. Here we go...

20 Things Life Is Too Short To Tolerate

Starting now, stop tolerating…

1. People who bring you down. – As much as you can help it, spend time with people who lift you up and challenge you. People who make you feel good, and people who are positive and smart.
2. A work environment or career field you hate. – If you hate your job... think about what would make you happier. Then CHANGE IT. Is it your work environment-- the people, the hours, the office space, your daily tasks, your boss, what? No one is 100% happy at their job all the time, but I certainly know people who are happier than others.
3. Your own negativity. – I am SO guilty of this. I say mean things to myself in my head. I need to stop. And so do you! If you catch yourself thinking something negative, try to change your thinking about it in your head. I know it's harder than it may seem, but you can do it!
4. Unnecessary miscommunication. – If you don't understand something, keep asking questions until you know for sure.
5. A disorganized living and working space. – If you don't use it, get rid of it. Whatever it is, you probably won't miss it if it's gone. And trust me, the extra space and less clutter will just make you breathe easier.
6. Your own tardiness. – 9 times out of 10, snoozing after your alarm goes off does nothing but make you more tired and rushed and anxious and cranky. Get up earlier, and make that your new normal.
7. Pressure to fit in with the crowd. – I know I spend too much time worrying about what other people will do, or what they think. Do what you want, and don't just agree to be agreeable. Oftentimes, people will respect you for having a different point of view.
8. An unhealthy body. – It's not about being skinny or toned or ripped or jacked. It's about feeling good, day to day, and liking what you see in the mirror. If you don't like it, we all know how to exercise and eat better. And if you're motivated, set goals.. and then tackle them.
9. Fear of change. – Life is change.  Every day is different.  Every day is a new beginning and a new ending.  Embrace it and make the best of it.
10. All work and no play. – Have a weekly date night with your best friend or your boyfriend. Have something fun to look forward to after you put in a day's work.
11. People or beauty ads that make you feel inadequate. – You're different, and that's what makes you cool.
12. Not getting enough sleep. – Or too much sleep!
13. Doing the same exact thing over and over again. – You can't get different results by continuing to do the same thing.
14. Personal greed. – Volunteer. Give. It will make you feel better when you do splurge and get yourself something nice.
15. A mounting pile of debt. – If you don't have the money sitting in front of you, DON'T spend it!!
16. Dishonesty. – Don't lie, and don't tolerate people who do.
17. Infidelity. – This goes for friendships, too- if someone isn't being true to you, in any way, they aren't worth keeping around! (see #1).
18. An unsafe home. – (OK, I don't have anything to say about this one)
19. Being unprepared. – Keep a coat in your car just in case you get stuck somewhere. Carry cash. Be responsible.
20. Inaction. – You can talk and think about something ALL DAY LONG. Pull the trigger. Apply to that cool job. Ask him out. BUY a plane ticket to see someone you want to see. Ask for a raise. Do it.

Hope this list inspired you to be better- it certainly inspired me! 

daily inspiration

"DO WHAT YOU CAN, when you can, how you can, with what is in front of you." - Bethenny Frankel

holy headbands

via Etsy

via Cosmopolitan

via wedding-beauty.com

via sweetest things weddings

via dailymakeover.com

 There are few things that can make me happier than a cute headband to complete a look. Call me 4 years old, but I haven't let them go! Not sure they'll be "in" during 2012, but for something so functional and pretty, I'll keep wearing them regardless.

all that glitters is gold

via stephanie a nguyen

via oh, hello friend

via we heart it

via The Glitter Guide

via Christina Diaz

 

 

via the paris apartment

via pretty worthy

Maybe it's the Ke$ha in me, but I'm loving seeing glitter and gold everywhere I look... especially on nails. I got mine done in OPI's Glitzerland on Christmas Eve... we'll see if they last through my move tomorrow and are salvageable for NYE. Oh-- and see that last glittery crossbody pursebagthing? Well lucky me.... it was a Christmas gift from my brother, and I can't wait to wear it on new year's eve night!

festive little cocktails

In the words of Sandra Lee from Food Network.. it's cocktail time! These festive drinks from Real Simple Magazine definitely put me in a holiday mood. Plus, they are all pretty simple to make, and sound absolutely delicious!

Spiked Sparkling Cider: 

• 4 bottles cold Prosecco (or some other dry sparkling wine)
• 6 cups cold apple juice
• 3/4 cup cinnamon schnapps (such as Goldschlager)

Mix together in a large bowl and enjoy!

 

Pomegranate-Lime Fizz

• 1 liter club soda
• 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
• 1 1/2 cups vodka (12 ounces)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, plus wedges for garnish
• 1/4 cup triple sec (2 ounces)

Mix together the club soda, pomegranate juice, vodka, lime juice, and triple sec in a large pitcher. Serve over ice, garnished with the lime wedges. 

 

 

Simple Cocktail

• 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) vodka, chilled
• 2 cups (16 ounces) cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
• 2 cups (16 ounces) pomegranate juice, chilled
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  

In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine all the ingredients. (You can cover and refrigerate for up to several hours.) Add ice and ladle into martini glasses or plastic party cups.

 

 

 Winter Sangria

• 3 bottles fruity red wine (such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 2 liters black cherry soda
• 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
• 3/4 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup Triple Sec
• 4 pears, cored and thinly sliced
• 2 oranges, thinly sliced
• ice, for serving

In a large bowl, combine the wine, black cherry soda, pomegranate juice, brandy, Triple Sec, pears, and oranges. Serve over ice. 

 

 ENJOY!