New Year's Resolutions: Better Late Than Never

I hope everyone’s 2014 is off to a great start so far! Since my family was here visiting from Christmas through last week, I’m just now getting back into the swing of things after an amazing holiday in New York City and a wonderful time introducing them to some of the DC area’s best museums and landmarks.

Even though we’re already a couple weeks into the new year, I figure it’s better late than never to share a few goals and resolutions. And really, any time, new year or not, is a good time to set goals for improving your life, right? 

Here below, with the help of a couple simple prompts I discovered via fellow bloggers, is a quick look at several of my goals, along with my chosen "word of the year."

A Bad Habit I’m Going to Break: 

Overeating

A New Skill I’d Like to Learn: 

Cooking more healthy meals

A Person I Hope to Be More Like: 

My Nana

A Good Deed I’m Going to Do: 

Donate on behalf of causes I support

A Place I’d Like to Visit: 

New York City’s Metropolitan Opera

A Book I’d Like to Read: 

The End of Illness by David B. Agus 

And many others, as well. As of right now, I have 98 books on my “To Read” list. During 2012 and 2013, I read 20-25 books per year while taking part in the Goodreads Reading Challenge. I hope to continue that trend by getting through at least 20 titles this year.

A Letter I’m Going to Write:

One allowing me to reconnect with someone I've lost touch with over the years

A New Food I’d Like to Try:

Crab sushi

I’m Going to Work Harder At: 

Believing in myself

A Project I'd Like to Finish: 

A final draft of my first novel 

I'd Like to Spend More Time: 

Exercising

I Want to Eat More: 

Fruits and vegetables

I Want to Wear More: 

Colorful clothes and jewelry, instead of my usual neutrals

A Class I'd Like to Take: 

An online writing seminar via Writer's Digest

Word of the Year: 

Confident 

Did you choose a "word of the year" or set goals for 2014? 

Sweater Weather Blog Tag

I love reading tag posts to learn more about my fellow bloggers, and since I also love doing them myself, I decided to play along with this tag I recently saw over at the fabulous Elle See’s blog. Read on for a quick look at a few of my holiday season favorites!

1. Favorite candle scent?

Right now, I love all of the Bath & Body Works holiday scents, especially Twisted Peppermint and Vanilla Bean Noel. Even more than the candles, I tend to go for body lotion and shower gel.

2. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate?

Hot chocolate. I’m not a big coffee drinker but will occasionally drink mint or green tea during the colder months. I also have a container of Mountain Thunder’s Kona Coffee Cherry Tea that I brought back from Hawaii and absolutely love.

3. Do you switch up your makeup routine for the season?

Not too much, although I sometimes gravitate toward darker shadows with a bit more sparkle. I also like wearing holiday-themed jewelry and nail polish.

4. Favorite Thanksgiving food?

Peppercorn salmon, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie, all of which we had this year. I also miss my Nana’s delicious mashed potatoes, since no one can make them the way she did!

Peppercorn salmon makes for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. 

5. Hats or scarves?

When it’s really cold, both, along with gloves. I can’t stand being cold!

6. Most-worn sweater? 

My cozy brown LOFT sweater cardigan, which I’ve been wearing for at least three seasons now. It’s warm and easy to pair with a dress or top.

7. Must-have fall nail polish?

Green and purple jewel tones, along with glittery top coats for the holidays.

8. Football games or jumping in a pile of leaves? 

Leaves and being outdoors earlier in the season, and staying inside with a good book once it gets colder. I never have been and probably never will be a football fan.

Staying warm indoors with a good book is my idea of a perfect snow day. 

9. Skinny jeans or leggings?

Leggings or yoga pants for days around the house, and a dress with tights or jeans for going out.

10. Boots or UGGs?

This is a silly question, as UGGs are, in fact, a type of boot. I have plenty of boots I love, but must admit I don’t even own one pair of UGGs!

11. What is your favorite thing about fall?

The start of the holiday season, complete with tasty food, pretty decorations and Christmas carols.

12. Do you have a song that gets you in the fall mood or a song you're loving at the moment?

I recently discovered Idina Menzel’s “Let It Go” from the new Disney movie Frozen. I truly love it and have been playing it nonstop!

13. What is the fall weather currently like where you live?

Winter has pretty much arrived here in the DC area, with two snow days already under our belts. I definitely think snow is pretty to look at, but don’t especially enjoy going out in it.

Tag, you’re it! What are a few of your own favorite things right now? 

Spring Style: J.Crew & Anthropologie

With April now officially upon us and my allergy attack/head cold finally on its way out, I’ve definitely been eager to pack away my winter gear and break out the spring styles, including the teal J.Crew flats and printed Anthropologie top I snapped up on sale over the holidays. Though I admittedly sneaked in a couple wears of these pieces during the waning days of winter, there’s something about the combo together that makes me feel especially excited about the warmer months ahead.

I still have a long way to go in learning how to best shoot and display outfit photos, not to mention fix my hair and makeup in a way that photographs well. (Shooting these with an iPhone while we were in a hurry to leave probably wasn't the best idea.) But it’s OK to take a stab and then set a goal to keep improving, right? 

Which spring pieces are you most looking forward to wearing, and what’s your advice, if any, for staging great outfit shoots? 

Reader Q&A Answers: Part Two

As promised, here are the rest of my answers to your Q&A questions. I had so much fun doing this and definitely hope to do it again sometime in the future. Cheers!

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

I’d have the power to see the future, giving me the chance to try changing certain things for the better ahead of time.

Tell a story about an embarrassing moment.

Slipping and falling down the stairs at work a couple years ago while rushing to a hearing. Luckily, I wasn’t hurt, and my friend was there to help me up. Tons of other people saw it happen, though!

How has the transition been from working in government to working in the wedding industry?

While there were many things I enjoyed about my job in government (my salary, for one), since leaving over a year ago, I’ve really been able to see how the environment and responsibilities were stifling my creativity. Though I still go through  "identity crisis" feelings now and then over all the recent changes I’ve been through, overall, I can see a huge difference in my happiness and outlook compared with back then. In exploring my love of weddings, I’ve also reignited my passion for writing, imagining and daring to dream big. I’ve become more comfortable speaking my mind and being vocal about issues I care about, without the past concerns about whether doing so would be a conflict of interest with my government role. My publishing grad program has also opened my eyes to a ton of new opportunities and has shown me that I definitely don’t have to box myself in. The future feels so much more exciting now!

What is your favorite food to eat? To cook?

My favorite food to eat would probably be a platter of spicy chicken enchiladas. My favorite food to cook is pesto pasta, because it’s tasty, fast and too simple for me to mess up!

What is the one little thing that brings a smile to your face?

Petting my kitties and watching them play. Animals are so innocent and inspiring to me.

What do you enjoy about being married?

I love spending every day with my dearest friend and dreaming about what the future holds for us.

What is your favorite upcoming spring trend?

I’m really excited about pastels and color-blocking. Pastel nail polishes have always been favorites of mine, and I’m looking forward to trying out some new shades and combos this year.

When you moved to the East Coast, was it your first time seeing snow?

My first time seeing snow was actually when my family visited Big Bear in California’s southern mountains when I was about six. Moving to DC brought my first experience seeing snow in a city, non-resort environment, though, and it was definitely exciting, even though I’m not a fan of snow overall. Somewhere, I have a picture that was taken by a fellow intern my first winter here, showing me standing in the snow with the Capitol dome rising behind me. I love thinking back on it and remembering my first few months in DC!

Have you had to deal with any bridezillas yet? If not, how do you think you would handle one?

I generally try to avoid the term “bridezilla,” since it is such a loaded, emotionally charged word. I think that too often, many brides (including me), have on occasion been afraid to speak up for what they really want in fear of being called or considered a ‘zilla. That said, I think it’s also very important, whether as a bride or wedding professional, to make sure that your personality and communication style are compatible with those you choose to work with. When two people understand one another and communicate well, it generally eliminates instances of intense frustration. I've had a great experience with each one of my brides thus far. Though they have each had different personalities and desires, in every case, we were able to work extremely well together, ensuring a positive experience on both sides. 

Reader Q&A Answers: Part One

First, thanks so much for your many supportive and thoughtful comments in response to yesterday's post about my decision to part ways with the Catholic Church. While it has been very freeing to share my honest feelings and emotions, it was also in some ways a difficult post to write and make public. It really means so much to know that many of you can relate to the way I feel, or at the very least respect my opinion, which so many in our society and the media don't.

In other, more fun news, I've finally had time to compile my answers to your reader questions! I got such a great response that I've actually split my answers into two posts, which I'll be running today and on Thursday. Here's the first batch below.

What is your favorite clothing store?

My longtime favorite for both work and play has always been LOFT. I love the classic, feminine styles, and the prices are generally reasonable for my budget. With the proper care, I’ve also found some of the pieces to be pretty long-lasting.

Image Source: city-data.com

What is your favorite cuisine when eating out?

This is a tough one, since there are so many types of cuisine I love, including Mexican, Indian, tapas and sushi. Lately, I’ve also been on a Thai food kick, especially since we recently discovered a great new restaurant in our neighborhood. My husband has even been experimenting with making shrimp pad Thai at home, which is delicious!

If you had to re-plan a completely different wedding for yourself, what kind of wedding would you have?

I loved my wedding and will always enjoy looking back on those memories, but if I had it to do over, I would definitely skip a church ceremony and instead go for something more personalized and low-key outdoors. I would also probably go for an even smaller celebration, though our 75-guest wedding was definitely pretty tight-knit to begin with. If and when we do a vow renewal, I’d love a vineyard or Hawaiian beach ceremony.  

What do you think is the hardest part of being married?

It can definitely be hard to make sure your goals are consistently in line and that each partner is able to pursue his or her passions. My husband and I made the tough decision a couple years ago to turn down a job opportunity back in California – where we ultimately want to be – since I had just been accepted into grad school here in the DC area. Now that I’m about to graduate, we’re also trying to consider all of our options and arrive at the most mutually beneficial decisions.

Image Source: Damien Smith Photography

What is your favorite game (any kind, board, app, etc.)

I love the group party game Apples to Apples! It’s fun in just about every scenario.

What is your go-to office supply?

Post-It notes. I’m constantly making notes and to-do lists to help keep myself on track and make sure I’m not forgetting anything important.

If you drink wine, what is your favorite kind?

When it comes to whites, I love crisp Pinot Grigios, along with typically sweeter Vigoniers. I also love smooth reds, including Syrahs.

What do you like to pair with your wine?

I love wine with a good meal, but also love to pair it with gourmet cheeses of all types. For Christmas, my father-in-law gave us a membership to the Cowgirl Creamery cheese-of-the-month club, which has given us tons of great options to try out!  

Since you're a Cali girl transplanted in a wintry paradise, what's your one winter must-have?

Comfy and cozy boots with great traction! 

Have a great day, everyone, and see you again tomorrow for my ROW80 check-in and writing update. I can't believe this round is already nearing its end! 

Fashion Focus: Sleek & Chic Headbands

While necklaces, earrings and bracelets all have their place in my collection, it’s the headband that’s hands down become my favorite accessory over the years. Just how much do I love these stylish and functional pieces? So much that you might typically find me sporting one no matter what I'm up to. 

For instance, I just love a headband while enjoying a summer's afternoon of wine tasting...

Or admiring the fall foliage in DC's Rock Creek Park...

Or taking in the sights and sounds of a peaceful Caribbean butterfly farm... 

Or posing for springtime engagement photos at the Old Town waterfront...

Image Source: Damien Smith Photography

...or partaking in countless other activities I could easily include but won't, since I'm sure you get the picture! All in all, I've got headbands at the ready in tons of different textures and fabrics, each one a unique and welcome touch to not only help keep my long hair out of my face, but also add a little something extra to my look. And while my styles are undoubtedly pretty casual, I'd love to someday rock a more formal band just like the lovely picks seen at last weekend's Golden Globes. 

Image Source: The Huffington Post 

Image Source: People 

Image Source: People

What's your signature accessory, and what did you think of the stars' sleek and chic headbands?  

New Year's Goal: A Fashion-Forward 2012

Happy Friday, everyone! I don’t know about you, but throughout the past year, I've lapsed into somewhat of a fashion rut, especially when things get hectic. Perhaps my work-and-study from home regimen is partly to blame, but whatever the reason, I continuously find myself reaching for the same tried and true staples again and again with little motivation to change things up.

Well, no more!  After a thorough cleaning of my clothing, jewelry and makeup collections last week, it’s my goal this year to be much more mindful of just how many options I have in all of these areas and, most importantly, actually put them to use.  

Between generous gifts from friends and family members, plus plenty of shopping trips with my mom and sister in Southern California, the holiday season definitely added more than a few new pieces to my rotation, helping me get excited about trying different looks and styles throughout the coming months.

Here, a glimpse at some of the fresh additions, which I hope you’ll see again in the more frequent outfit and fashion-focused posts I’m aiming to put together. In any event, here’s to a fashion-forward 2012!

This classically styled dress, purchased on sale for $20 at JC Penney, is versatile enough to wear on its own during the warmer months or paired with a cover-up when things get cool.  

 I just love the too-cute cat print accenting this lightweight frock, and especially loved its $26 price tag at thrift chain Buffalo Exchange. 

 Another bargain find, this A-line jean skirt on clearance for just $7 at H&M will be the perfect casual weekend piece throughout the summer. 

A chunky bracelet in some of my favorite colors can help punch up just about any basic style. 

I'll be New Year's Eve-ready come next December with the help of a twinkly necklace and earring gift set. 

A multicolored beaded clutch offers a welcome change from my standard black patent purse. 

Lightweight scarves in pretty patterns will carry me right through into spring. 

Though it wasn't on sale, I simply couldn't resist snapping up this $70 top at Anthropologie. With its neutral shades and eye-catching pattern, I'm sure I'll get enough use out of it to more than make up for the price! 

Fingerless gloves are just what I need to stay warm and stylish when facing down winter's chill. 

Last but not least, a Bobbi Brown bronze highlighter pen, NXY light blue liner and shimmery Stila Rhapsody palette allow for a variety of looks to best complement all the different styles I'll be wearing. 

Are you good about using all of the clothes, jewelry and makeup in your collections, or do you have a tendency to lapse into the same routine, like me? Did you come upon any great holiday bargains this season? 

Winter Wishes: What I'm Looking Forward To...

It’s no secret that winter, with its frigid temperatures and increased hours of darkness, is in many ways my least favorite season of the year. While I do love the holidays and the initial thrill that comes with drinking peppermint hot chocolate, wearing cozy boots and falling asleep beneath a warm quilt each night, it’s fair to say that by the time mid-January hits, I’m more than ready to welcome back the brighter days of spring and summer. 

That said, my winter this year will certainly be packed full with events and activities, including many that I’m genuinely looking forward to. Here, a few highlights that will hopefully help me keep the winter blahs at bay. 

Heading home for the holidays. This time two weeks from now, Stephen and I will be in California getting ready to celebrate Christmas with his parents, sisters and family friends. Since this will be the first Christmas I’ve spent away from my family in Southern California, it will definitely be a new experience that is both fun and bittersweet, though I'll still be heading south to ring in the New Year with my usual gang afterward. Best of both worlds!    

Taking a sushi-making class. Back in October, I was happy to discover a great Living Social deal for a sushi-rolling class here in DC, which we’re super excited to attend in February. Along with learning the basic rolling techniques and tools of the trade, we’ll be able to snack on our own handmade California rolls, vegetable rolls and spicy tuna rolls once we're done. Yum!

Celebrating my husband’s 29^th birthday. Yes, it’s true, we’re both officially coming up on the final year of our 20s, first Stephen in January and then me in September. It feels strange to think about, but not all too alarming so far, since from what I hear, the 30s really aren't half bad!

Rocking my new turquoise J Crew flats from here to flip-flop weather. Although I just bought these shoes less than a month ago, they've already managed to outshine some of my old standby faves for their amazing comfort, support and cheerful pop of color, which definitely helps beat back the winter blues.  

Image Source: imgfave.com

Kicking off the last five months of grad school. I still have one class meeting left before I can officially close out Fall 2011, but I've also already enrolled for my last set of just five more classes, set to begin in January. This coming semester, it’s my goal to of course keep my eye on the prize, but also take the time to appreciate the experience for all that it's been – a chance to truly learn a lot, explore my interests and career aspirations, and meet wonderful people who have been supportive both professionally and personally. In those ways, grad school has been more than just a mere race to the finish line.

Image Source: blogs.lawrence.edu

Serving jury duty. Yes, you read that correctly. While most people absolutely dread the thought of receiving a jury summons in the mail, I’m actually excited about the possible chance to sit on a case next month. Having worked on Capitol Hill and studied various types of law throughout college, I have a genuine interest in our legal system and feel that each juror makes an important contribution.

Over the summer, when there was so much public outrage over the Casey Anthony verdict, I couldn’t help but wonder how many of those disappointed with the jury’s decision would have balked or been completely disgruntled about actually serving on that or any jury themselves. Don’t get me wrong, I can definitely relate to the feelings of inconvenience when it comes to the time and scheduling logistics required, especially since they originally had me scheduled to come in the week of Christmas. But at the end of the day, serving on a jury offers the unique chance to make a profound impact within the community, and I hope I get that chance, if not this time, then at some point in the future. 

Image Source: funforward.org 

What activities and plans do you have lined up this winter? Have you ever had the opportunity to serve on a jury, and would you want to? 

Fabulous Fall Flats

After enjoying several beautiful weeks of “second summer” here in the DC area, temperatures are now holding steady in the lower 60s, and I think it’s fair to say that fall is definitely in the air at last. While that means the weather will be perfect for our friends' Halloween party this weekend, it also means bidding adieu to my trusty flip-flops in preparation for the frigid months ahead. Instead, I'll be making the transition to boots and flats, which I also happen to love.   

You may recall that just a few weeks ago, I blogged about Banana Republic’s intriguing new Mad Men-inspired line, including the two styles below that capture one of my favorite fall trends – animal print. But when I recently went to check out the collection in person, I must admit that I was, well, not so intrigued.

Image Source: Banana Republic

Image Source: Banana Republic 

Not only did the quality of the items strike me as being out-of-synch with the cost, but I was sad to find that some of the clothes looked and fit quite differently than I'd hoped. So, instead of splurging, I’ve decided to save my money and instead get my animal print fix in a subtle and much more affordable way with a couple new pairs of flats to carry me through the season.

Here, a few styles I’m considering from some of my favorite cheap-chic places – Target, Khol’s and JCPenney. 

Image Source: Target -- $12.99

Image Source: JCPenney -- $24.99

Image Source: Target -- $12.99

Image Source: Khol's -- $40

Image Source: JCPenney -- $24.99

Do you like to shop at bargain retailers for shoes and other essentials, and do you love or hate the animal print trend? 

Fall Fashion Love: Banana Republic's Mad Men Collection

Ever since the fashion blogs started to buzz with news about Banana Republic’s fabulously feminine Mad Men-inspired fall collection, I’ve been itching to get in on the action. My pocketbook on the other hand, still recovering after shelling out a pretty penny for yet another semester of grad school, disagrees with me ever so slightly.

Still, I’m determined to add a little Mad Men flare to my closest this season, even if it means choosing just one statement piece from my list of standout favorites. So, without further ado, the lucky wish list nominees are…

Image Source: Banana Republic -- $130

This sweetly chic cream lace dress would add the perfect splash of 1960s flare at an early fall soiree. It would also allow me to continue wearing a light shade while simultaneously avoiding any sideways glances from East Coast die-hards set on packing away the bright whites after Labor Day.  

Image Source: Banana Republic -- $198

Though I undoubtedly love my comfy jean jackets and cozy winter peacoats, I’ve never invested in a good-quality trench to get me through the spring and fall shoulder seasons. While it’s definitely on the pricey side, this stylish coat would be versatile enough to pair with a dress or jeans.

Image Source: Banana Republic -- $150

Dressed up with heels or dressed down with boots, this dress features a truly gorgeous pattern and a subdued pop of color that would carry me right through fall, especially when paired with a comfy cardigan.

Image Source: Banana Republic -- $89.50

Speaking of cardigans, I’m crazy about them and already have a closet full of various colors, styles and fabrics, but none in this soft and pretty shade. From the relaxed cut to the elbow-length sleeves, I love everything about this classy pick.

Image Source: Banana Republic -- $250

Roomy and stylish, this satchel would be the perfect companion when heading out for an evening of classes or meetings. Still, at $250, I’m not sure I can justify the splurge, as tempting as it is.

And there you have it. Do you love this collection as much as I do, and which wish list pick do you think I should treat myself to, if any? 

Charmed

One thing the Caribbean's best known for is without a doubt all the duty-and-tax-free shopping, as prices on items from jewelry to electronics to liquor and more can be up to 40 percent lower than in the States.

St. Maarten is no different, and when we saw that our resort offered a complimentary ride to a jewelry shop in Phillipsburg, the main Dutch port that is usually crawling with cruise ships during the fall and spring high seasons, we jumped at the chance.

Image Source: TripAdvisor

Image Source: TripAdvisor

Image Source: The Gangway Gazette 

There was just one little problem... Once we got there, the shop’s owner promptly began trying to sell us “discounted” pieces that started at $700 and went all the way up to $10,000! Um, as much as I love a good deal, I’m in no position to spend that much on jewelry right now!

Luckily, to help avoid a completely awkward situation, the shop did have a few items that fit within our price range, including a classy $200 Seiko watch with tiny crystals and a blush face – the perfect stylish accessory to accompany me throughout a long day of managing a wedding or meeting with classmates to work on projects.

Image Source: Seiko

Also catching my eye was the Thomas Sabo Charm Club display, featuring sweetly chic bracelets with crystal and embellished charms to match. For roughly $100, I started my collection with a silver bracelet and a twinkly flip-flop clip-on, which has now become my avatar for this blog. Though some people might think of charm bracelets as more of a kid’s thing, the pretty yet not saccharine Thomas Sabo designs have just the right mix of style and simplicity to complement my casual wardrobe pieces and help personalize my look.

I can’t wait to add a few more charms to my collection, including these lovely little gems!

Images Source: Thomas Sabo Charm Club

Up Next… Exploring a Tropical Butterfly Farm

Travel Tip of the Day: Duty-free doesn’t automatically mean cheap! Set a clear shopping budget ahead of time so that you can easily deflect pressure and make confident buying decisions while traveling. Also, do your research before visiting a particular shop to make sure they have what you’re looking for at an affordable price.

Have a great weekend, everyone! I’m off to coordinate a rehearsal and wedding for a friend and former co-worker who is marrying her high school sweetheart of more than 10 years tomorrow. How sweet is that?!

What types of jewelry do you like to wear, and what are you up to this weekend?