what I love about Christmas

It is a time to be thankful and appreciate the little things - the valuable things that actually could never be replaced. 

I am fortunate to be able to spend this holiday the way I do. For the countless individuals experiencing hardships, it is not only a time to reflect but to help. I have been lucky to grow up with this sense of responsibility to help the needy - whether it is picking up Christmas meals to drop off to families, collecting toys, or donating a small sum somewhere.

I am so so lucky that everyone I love is here.

According to forecast it will be 50 degrees and sunny on Christmas day. But I am thankful, even in the frigid unbearable  cold, to live in a place where we have winters.

Life seems to slow down on this day - the supermarket parking lot is eerily empty, but at the same time in a  good way. It is nice knowing people are in their homes, having a quiet morning, being with their families. I love that sense of quiet. It is sacred.

Merry Christmas to all!

ciao, xo

insta-lately {christmas eve version!}

Mmmmmmeeerryyy Christmas (eve!). I am loving the festive feeling of my latest instagram posts - seeing all of the wreaths, trees, the plaid - of course it puts a smile on my face. But nothing makes me happier than being home with S! It has been the loveliest couple of days (except we are both battling nasty colds, ugh). Despite that annoyance it is just comforting to know everyone is home for Christmas. Makes me theeee happiest.

For Christmas Eve tonight we will be having an assortment of cheery hors d'oeuvres and drinks. We are expecting it to be pleasant and festive and happy as ever! I cannot wait to see everyone - I am hoping this cold calms down so that I can really enjoy the night tomorrow.

I want the next few days to be a repeat of everything above. I have a ton to cross of my december goals list, and a lot of it I have been so far neglecting (working out? wooops) and desperately need to attend to. Another big to-do is grad school - which I will be getting ready to begin very, very soon! So lots of new changes coming with the new year, I am sure. But for the immediate future, I need to cure this cold with lots of blankets, fireplace hangouts, and hot teas.

okay, everyone - wishing you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

ciao, xo

blurry scenes from a winter drive

Yesterday was the winter solstice. We caught a brilliant sunset on a country drive, just S and me on our way for some last-minute Christmas shopping. It was a lovely, sunny day - and it seemed to be just us on the road - we even saw a hot air balloon! I am so glad my camera was with me. With it I was even able to get a glimpse of Bowman's Tower, which I should write about in a separate post because it is so cool. It was used in the days of the American Revolution. From the top, you can see beautiful vistas of the Delaware and into New Jersey.

Now that S has been back {which feels like forever, a good thing always} we have gotten so back on our track and traditions...tonight we are celebrating again with a dinner, just us, at a tavern nearby. All the festivities have put me so much into the Christmas mood. I have all of my wrapping done and all that is left is to finish the planning a little shindig on Christmas Eve. I'm in charge of the mulled wine (any tips much appreciated!)

enjoy your Monday! ciao, xo

What I Would Wear to a

sources for the looks: dress weddington way | 

coat The Limited (inspired by Scandal) |

 choker Loren Hope | shoes Manolo Blahnik | lipstick Chanel 

When Weddington Way asked me to create a bridesmaid look for a New Years' Eve wedding, I hopped at the opportunity! Winter weddings scream romance and glamour to me, so I went for these rich jewel-toned accessories to complement the equally rich plum tone of the dress. A warm and snowy white coat for coming-and-going offsets the drama, but both necklines really make room for the beautiful and opulent Loren Hope choker to adorn the neck. When I get married I dream of wearing Manolo shoes...so of course that little detail was necessary. Lastly, when it comes to lips, Chanel lipstick goes above anything else.

Thanks Weddington Way for inviting me to design this look! ciao, xo