Kiss me @ Midnight

First Outfit of the New Year

   Out here in California, it does get chilly for New Years Eve. But thank goodness we aren't forced to cover our amazing outfits with huge wool coats... sorry East Coast. So this year I have picked my staple New Years Eve outfit items, and hopefully it will bring you inspiration for your pretty New Years look!! XO

J.Crew Color block Sequin Top $54  J Brand Leather leggings $895  Rag and Bone Silver Tuxedo Jacket (black) $495   Brian Atwood Tribeca Laser Heel $1695  Judith Leiber Jessica Clutch $350 

Jennifer Fisher Slice Feather Earrings $1250  Jennifer Fisher Gypsy Finger Ring $950 Party Crown $10

New Years Resolution Planning

Do you have your New Years Resolution picked out yet? I feel like everyone and their Mom will choose to "get healthy" or "exercise more"... but what do those goals really mean? If you chose to change your lifestyle habits, set more realistic goals for yourself- because sometimes it can get overwhelming.

Instead, try "I will pack a nutritious lunch for myself everyday, so I don't succumb to fast food."

Another one I like is " I will only indulge in dessert when I'm out for dinner on Saturdays." Then you have a sweet treat to look forward to all week.. and hopefully that will keep your motivation up.

Check this article from Shape Magazine, it helps you plan your resolution and keep it.. So you will make sure to have a bright future in 2013!!

give thanks & give back

my two Snowflakes that I'm sending in for the students at the new school

Lets take a moment to reflect and remember the 26 lives that were lost at Sandy Hook.
Especially, right now- it's so close to the Holidays. I don’t know about you but I want to help, but I can’t send money like a normal Red Cross donation- because they don’t need money… they need life.

We need to help the children of the world because these ridiculous massacres are getting to frequent. I don’t know if that will be stricter gun laws, changes to media and television programming or a better understanding of mental sickness. But we need to figure it out..

I read this article the other day and I knew I had found a little answer. It’s called the

26 Acts of Kindness

and it is in memory of the 26 lives that were lost in Newtown.

It can be as simple as opening a door for someone, making a donation, or my personal favorite… Someone called into the local Newtown Starbucks and gave their credit card number to pay for the next 100 customers’ orders. That is HUGE!!

As a special treat when the children return to Sandy Hook after their break, the National Parent Teacher Association wants them to be greeted with a Winter Wonderland theme. They’re asking to please cut out some paper snowflakes and send them to the address below so that the school can be covered with them. The snowflakes are due by January 12^th … so get cutting J

Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12. Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

 26 Acts of Kindness page on Facebook.
or on Twitter- #26ActsOfKindness

As for the 26 acts of kindness, you should invest in humanity and kindness this Holiday Season

Give Back!! xo

Merry Christmas

I hope you're enjoying your Christmas morning with your family and friends!

and I hope Santa was good to you too [[wink* wink*]]

Santa came early to my house and brought me a pretty Audi, much better than a leather jacket

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Holiday Wish List :: Host & Hostess

With the Holidays here, I'm almost positive you will be invited {at least once } to a Holiday gathering. I never like to come empty handed to a party- either I bring a dish to share or a gift for the Host! Enter my holiday gift guide for the perfect Host or Hostess gift.  I'm sure you can find something to give, or even love yourself... plus almost every online store is offering free shipping now!!

Happy Shopping <3

1. Pure Black Coffee $30 :: 2. Popcorn Machine $48 :: 3. Wine Decanter $80 :: 4. Glass Cocktail Shaker $39 :: 5. Pineapple Jewel Box  $30 :: 6. Indoor Bocce Set $75 :: 7.Speakeasy Serving Tray  $69 :: 8. Marble Cheese Tray $40 :: 9. Apples to Apples Game $20 :: 10. Sees Candy $20 :: 11. Z Gallerie Candles  $20 each :: 12. Bulldog Bottle Stopper $16 :: 13. Cheese Gift Box $90

casual thursday

wearing :: thrifted tweed jacket + craft store flower pin + Zara green cropped trousers + cheapy tee from Target + Black Michael Kors heels.

This out fit was worn the other day and I have to say it was one of the most comfy things I could wear to work. the tee was soft and casual but looked put together with the blazer. The pants were cuffed a bit and hit just the right length. The shoes would have been better had they been a strappier version. I really want to learn how to do a topknot, but I have really long hair.. Any suggestions?

Holiday Wish List :: The D.I.Y. Gifter

Parties, new outfits, trips, Holiday events, buying gifts and having enough money leftover to pay the mortgage... phewww!! I'm on overload already, just thinking about it.

 I love showing someone I'm thinking of them during the Holidays, but gifts can get expensive. Insert my love of Do It Yourself gifts. It shows the reciever that you took the time to make the gift and we all know that a person's time is worth a LOT!

These are three projects that are easy and fun. Plus, the result is usable, festive and relatively inexpensive.

Happy Holidays

ciao xx

:: Infused Vodka ::

it's great in hot coco or for a festive cocktail!! cheers

Using a mini food processor, pulse 12 full size candy canes to a fine powder. [[about 30 seconds]]

Using a funnel, pour candy cane powder into 750 ml of vodka  [[I like Sky or Grey Goose]]

Screw the lid on and shake to mix. Let the Vodka sit and every 5-10 minutes give it a good shake.

Let the candy disolve, and the Vodka turn red- takes about 30 minutes.

:: Biscotti ::

Baking can be intimidating, but baking biscotti... that's not! Its a cookie thats meant to be hard!!

2 cups wheat flour, 1.5 tsp baking powder, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 stick of unsalted butter, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped, 2/3 cup dried cranberries, 12 oz chocolate 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grab 2 bowls- One for the flour/baking powder- One for the sugar, butter, lemon zest, and salt. With an electric mixer, blend the "wet bowl" and add the eggs in one at a time. Then add the "dry bowl" slowly to the wet. Add the cranberries and pistachios

Form the dough into a foot long, 3-inch wide, 1-2 in tall shape and bake for 40 mins. Cool for 30 mins.
Cut inch wide slices, then flip them on their side and bake again for 15 mins [[lightly golden] cool&
decorate with melted chocolate and Holiday sprinkles.

:: Bottle Toppers ::

check out my previous post here.

Get as many corks as you need [either from your own bottles or Michaels] Either buy decorative cabinet knobs from here or here OR get fun toys and trinkets like I did in my post. Use a heavy glue to adhere the objects to the cork and let them dry.. DONE!!

Recycled Wrapping Job

I am the girl who never wastes anything. If it can be recycled, I'll find a way. I even get mad at my boyfriend when he throws out my old magazines, in my head I automatically think that they could be used for something else…Well, when I found this

little project

on Pinterest the other day.. I knew that I had to share it with you! It was originally done by rabbitfoodformybunnyteeth.com. Which, is a very healthy concept if you think about it.

I like to wrap my gifts in brown paper bags, hey it's free and they would just end up in a landfill somewhere? This cute bow is the perfect compliment to my D.I.Y. wrapping paper. I have tons of magazines, their pages would be perfect for this project! I hope you add a little D.I.Y. to your Holiday this season, show Mother Nature a little appreciation :)

Keep up with my Pinterest for all things food, fitness, fashion and fun!!



Holiday Wish List :: The Jetsetter

Do you listen for hours on end about their last holiday, do you feel like you're experiencing their trips through the decor in their house... if this in your friend than this gift guide is for them. Send your friends off right for their next vacation, or give them a gift to enchance their travels while they are at home. From packing necessities to great home goods to reminisce about the latest trip- you've got them covered.

Happy Shopping!!

1. Holly Go Lightly Sleep Mask $15 2. The Cities Book $ 25 3.Eiffel Tower Bookends $30

4. Havaianas Slim Flip Flops $26 5. Camera Jewelry Box $33 6. Around the World Leather Watch $40

7. Plot your Course Passport Cover $25 8. Kate Spade Laptop Case $50 9. One Hundred Book $10 10.Universal Travel Adapter $15 11. When Pigs Fly Ring Holder $10 12. Dirty Bikini Bag $18

13. Evian Face Spray $14 14. Paris in April Print $90 15. Benefit Ooh La La Lift $22

Holiday Wish List :: Mr. Gadget

Does your guy get excited every time the new issue of Consumer Reports gets released? Does he know about the newest Apple product before Macrumors.com publishes anything? Instead of wishing for World Peace does he hope for a bigger size external hard drive? If you answered yes to any of these questions, or even thought about answering yes, then this shopping guide is probably for you. This list of gadgets will make any guy swoon.

enjoy xx

1. Lytro Light Field Camera $399 :: 2. Bamboo Capture $99 :: Glasses Pillows $32 ::

Kindle Fire $499 :: Waterproof Notebook $11.50 :: Zboard $649 :: Vestal Calculator Watch $40 ::

Tesla Model X $45K+ :: Circuit Board iPhone Case $39 :: Toothpaste Tube Wringer $22  

snoozin'

12 Steps to Better Sleep.

You have heard the rules for better sleep before; drink a warm glass of milk, don't eat too late, no spicy food before bed. As you can see some of those rules are a little ...well... outdated. Does anyone over the age of Four even warm milk up anymore?

So while I was reading the latest issue of Shape Magazine I came across a list of sleep tricks that actually apply to this day and age. Take a look and see if you're falling short in any areas and what you could be doing differently to ensure that you'll catch that extra shut eye.

sweet dreams

ciao<3

Holiday Wish List ::: Mr Outdoors

The Holidays are tough enough, use my shopping guide to cut down on the stress...

Todays issue is for the "Sporty Guy" in your life.

Effortlesslii's shopping tips- Pick, click, buy, choose the free gift wrapping and you're done!!

[[ hey, that's how guys do it, right?!]]

1] Mens Reebok CrossFit Nano 2.0 $120 2]  Ugg Australia Byron Slipper $140

3] Lululemon Wet Coast Jacket $248 4] The North Face 'Boulder Peruvian' Beanie $35

5] Nike Sport Watch w/ GPS $169 6] Kiehl’s Ultimate Man Refueling Set $58 7] Malin and Goetz eucalyptus deodorant. $18 8] Vans I Phone Cover $28  9] Nike Fuel Band $149

10] Moonbeam Tapestry

Simply Smile

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Which means extra spending, longer To-Do lists, more parties and busier work loads. Holidays can be a little stressful, so I have been trying to stay organized and get ready for the month ahead. I know the time will fly by, so I am making an extra effort to enjoy it while it's here. I love the trips the Christmas in the Park in downtown and the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies when you walk through the door. Even though this time is busy and stressful, these are some photos that have been keeping me smiling lately.

cute cards for my party I'm having this weekend

delicious BBQ sauce, one of my clients brought me back from Texas.

getting out and exercising with Maddie

Beautiful views on my morning hikes in Los Gatos

always a kid at heart- collecting extra wishes

Dahlias {one of my favorites} + fresh persimmons

Completing the 10K Turkey Trot- my hip did hurt a little after : (
But I did it!!

Holiday Wish List :: Mr. Cool Guy

Probably every guy thinks that he should be in this category. My guy would definetly fall into this category (yes hunny- I think you're cool) but I'm not biased or anything. This prices range a lot in this collection- as to accomidate for the different "relationship levels" a.k.a. boyfriend, homeboy, cute neighbor down the street... whatever. Oh and bonus is that Mr Cool Guy doesn't dig wrapping paper, so throw your gift in a paper bag and you're golden.

Happy Shopping

1. Analog Recruit Button Down $58 :: 2. Brixton Cap $34 :: 3. Game $15 :: 4. Overnight Bag $350 :: 5. DA-E750 Samsung Speaker  $600 :: 6. Nixon Automatic Watch $1200 :: 7. Blue Coral Bookend $100 :: 8. The Walking Dead Comics  9. Stanley Classic Flask $28 ::



get your {{Holiday}} weekend on

image via

I love looking at the Christmas lights around the neighborhoods so far in December- but what I really love are the actual Holiday attractions that come with the season as well. On Thursday I'm going to Christmas in the Park, at Caesar Chavez park.  There are so many great events and activities going on around in the area  right now. To donate to the Christmas In The Park Exhibit Click Here. I've scoured the internet and compiled the ultimate Holiday Event List, so you won't have any excuse not to enjoy the sights of the Season. Hope you get to see a few or all off the list. Happy Holidays!!



Christmas in the Park- Downtown San Jose, Ca
101 West Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95112
Hours- 9 PM to midnight until January 1st.

Fantasy of Lights- Vasona Park- Los Gatos, Ca
333 Blossom Hill Rd. Los Gatos, CA 95032
Mon - Sun 6 PM -10 PM

Ballet San Jose- Nutcracker- San Jose, Ca
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
255 Almaden Blvd, downtown San Jose
Dec 8-23

Global Winter Wonderland- Great America
4701 Great America Pkwy.
Santa Clara, CA 95052
Every weekend Fri/ Sat/ Sun 4:00PM

Union Square Ice Rink- San Francisco, Ca
Union Square
San Francisco, Ca 94108

Drinking Stars Holiday Champagne Tasting- Enoteca La Storia :: Los Gatos, Ca
416 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA, 95030
Dec 8th 2:00 PM

Joyeux Noël at Chateau St Jean-

Kenwood, CA

Chateau St. Jean Winery

8555 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, CA, 95452

Sonoma County

Dec 8 + 9^th & Dec 15 +16^th

Old World Food Truck- San Francisco, Ca

Hanukkah Pop Up Dinners @ The Coffee Bar

Buy Tickets Here

1890 Bryant St., San Francisco, CA, 94141

Dec 8^th 5:30

A Christmas Carol- San Francisco, Ca

American Conservatory Theater
415 Geary St.
San Francisco, CA 94102

Dec 7^th – Christmas

Buy Tickets Here

It’s a Jewish Christmas- San Francisco, Ca

Make Out Room Bar

3225 22nd St.
San Francisco, CA 94140

Tuesday, Dec 25, 2012 5:00p

28^th Annual Christmas Show and Antique Market- San Rafael, Ca.

10 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael, CA, 94903

Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Holiday Wish List :: The Girly Girl

You know that one girl... who doesn't go out without make-up on, has to have someone else kill spiders for her and who can tell you the top trends for three years from now. Well, if you have a friend like that than this gift guide is for you. It has all the sparkly, cute and chic items on her Holiday list, maybe even a few for you!!

Happy Shopping

ciao xo

1. Kate Spade Ipad Case $85  2. J.Crew Everly Jeweled Pumps $350 3. Sparkle Track Jacket $ 59

4. Pretty Pansy Vase $18 5. Ban.do Cosmic Collar $75 6. Jennifer Fisher Skinny Bone Cuff $190

7. Kaitlin Fold-over Clutch $150 8. Chevron Frame $28 9. Lipstick Queen Kit $48 10. Dior Book $14

11. MAC Makeup Kit $46.50 12. Pyramid Icon earrings $28 13. Ciata Caviar Mini Nail Bar $29

14. Cuddle with Lavender Satchel $8 15. Marc Jacobs Fragrance set $38



Soup :: Lentil // Pumpkin // Black Bean

The weather has been cold lately, and when it gets chilly I really love a bowl of hot soup at the end of a long day. Sarah over at NewtritionSavvy has been sharing the most amazing soups so far this winter and I was completely inspired by her to come up with one of my own!

This one is so easy and has a great cook time- so you can make a salad in between. The other night I raided the pantry and found black beans and pumpkin soup, both courtesy of Trader Joes. I also had some red lentils in the house and I boiled those for about 10/12 minutes. While the lentils were simmering I threw in some cherry tomatoes and let them soften a little bit. I added {{to taste}} paprika, red pepper flakes, basil, rosemary, Siracha and Trader Joes  21 seasoning salute. I would cook the lentils/tomatoes first then mix in spices. Then add the black beans (w/water) and pumpkin soup and let it simmer for another five minutes. serve and enjoy xo

Holiday Wish List :: Your "go green" Girl

I feel like it has really become trendy to be earth and environmentaly consious... Finally

I'm so glad that something good is finally catching on. This wish list is dedicated to your friend who is determined to save the earth one reusable shopping bag at a time. Well, I'm here to help you do your part. Grab that reusable shopping bag and get to it -or- order online and save the gas it would take you to get to the store. Your friend would be so proud!!

1. Reversible Blanket Coat $398 2. Organic Cookbook  $29.75 3. Tangerine Andalucia Organic Cotton Dress $53 4. Mighty Wallet $15 5. Tan and Coral Bag $36 6. Organic Lip Crayon $10.95

7. Soy Candle $16   8. Stina Handmade Jewlery $68 9. Metallic Toms $54 10. Geode necklace $26

11. Herb Garden   $20 12. Cute Reusable Bag $7

Funny for your Monday

This video is halarious, don't worry that you can't understand what they're saying.

Wait for the last Guy- He is my Favorite!!

Happy Monday everyone!!

Holiday Shopping Stress Relief

This is the start of December- so you have exactly 25 days to get your shopping on and get ready for the Holidays. This month I will be featuring my Holiday Wish List's for everyone on your list. From the manly-est of Men to the daintiest of Ladies- I've got you covered!! I even have some great do-it-yourself options for my babes on a budget. Enjoy what's to come... and maybe you'll even find something for yourself <3

:: get your weekend on ::

The start of the Christmas season is upon us.. and this weekend is the first weekend in December!!

The rain has been crazy here in Northern California and it sure does feel like Winter is here. This weekend there is an amazing indoor festival being held right down the street from my house, I mentioned it here before. The San Pedro Square Market, is one of my favorite places in downtown San Jose- there are so many fun places to grab a bite and concerts happening almost every weekend.

funny for your weekend

SJ Made Holiday 2012

It is being held in the large building near the coffee shop. It opens at 11am and lasts 'till 6:00pm. There will be a TON of individual artists, crafters, clothing designers and so many other artisans...it's a vendor fair for local San Jose makers, labels, brands, small businesses, and artists showcasing and selling current projects and goods.

 It will be like the ultimate "Pop Up" shop!! Feel good about buying gifts for others while supporting your local economy and small business owners.

Santa's Village in Willow Glen

This event is Saturday night only from 5-8 at the Lincoln Glen Church. This is another community event that shows off the local talent with a shopping event with other small shops and Santa will be there at 6pm.. if you have little ones in your life. Go out and support this adorable town.

maybe I'll spot you at SJmade.

enjoy your weekend

xo ciao

runnin' in the winter months

as you know I really like to run.

So how "down in the dumps" do you think I've been because when I leave for work in the morning it's dark and when I come home at night it's dark too! I usually run in residential, well- lit areas just because sometimes drivers aren't paying attention. I came accross this article in Runners World and thought I'd share it with you in case you needed some running tips for the current conditions.

Some of my favorite night run gear



Lululemon U Turn Pullover



The North Face Torpedo Jacket

Brooks Nightlife Reflective Jacket



New Balance Running refelct jacket

out with my sistah

The other day, I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with my baby sister. Of course we had to go shopping, what else? I ended up with a new top, even though I am on the hunt for a nice black wool peacoat. Any Suggestions? I grabbed this sweater at Black and Brown the other week- it's actually a light blue/mint color. My pants are from Target, major score!! Boots are Aldo. and Maddie is in a Juicy Couture Bomber, yes my dog has classy taste. My necklace was a gift from my hunny - it's a vintage pendant with inscription from the Khoran, I believe... Babe correct me if I'm wrong.

Now the game is on for Holiday Gifts!! Next month I will be featuring my gift guides for Holiday shopping for everyone in your life. I hope you like them. Stay tuned. Happy Shopping <3

p.s. all shots were taken from my sisters new phone- she's so excited. follow her on instagram @lilmissgingerr

get your weekend on :: Small Business Saturday

image

After a wonderful dinner yesterday and getting to catch up with my Dad's side of the Family, I am truly blessed and thankful for this Holiday. Getting to have dinner this year with both of my Grandmas was so special and I loved getting to spend extra time with them. I know I'm lucky to still have both of mine around and I enjoy learning about their lives and hearing all the old stories. I hope everyone had a fantastic Holiday.

Now onto the weekend.. I didn't participate in any of the Black Friday craziness, did any of you? I used to work retail and I can honestly say I would never voluntarily choose to go shopping at that time. I even have to go to Target for a few things today, and I'm still scared.

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As you know, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving {sometimes at 12:01 am} when large retailers give amazing deals to kick start the Holiday shopping. <-- not too fond, but love this--> Small Business Saturday partnered with American Express.

It's the Saturday after Thanksgiving where you give back to the community by shopping at the local boutiques and individually owned shops to help promote the economy. I think it's a great way to make sure the large corporations don't hog all the business and we allow the smaller "mom n pops" to prosper.

So rethink your shopping destinations and check out the Small Business Saturday tomorrow November 24th. Some Northern California local shopping destinations I would highly recommend are Los Gatos, Los Altos, Mountain View, Morgan Hill, Santa Cruz, Palo Alto on University and Pleasanton. I would say San Francisco but there are so many locally owned shops- you should go to every neighborhood. Some of my favorites in the City are; Noe Valley, Marina, Hayes Valley, The Mission and The Height.


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So please get out there are support all those adorable local shops you always promise yourself that you are going to go in- because tomorrows your day!!

On the road...

Happy Thanksgiving!
On my way to the central valley, with a pit stop at Starbucks- don't judge me

gobble gobble ♥

This year has been fun. Reflecting on the past 326 days really can boost a person's spirits... because in all honesty you only remember the good things and you do forget the bad. This just further shows you all the things you should be thankful for. And if something bad did happen, I'll think good thoughts for you. I'm in the Central Valley today celebrating with Family from near and very far away. I hope you can spend today with those you love- close friends, family, co-workers, other couples or even just your dog. <3

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

&& to those of you venturing out for the Black Friday Sales, I wish you good luck.