Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! See you in 2014!

Isabel Christmas 2012. 

Today Christmas vacation begins! We are looking forward to spending two whole uninterrupted weeks upstate in our new home! We leave tomorrow... so today I will tie up some up loose ends such as buying my own Christmas presents...hey why not...Valentino's too busy so I told him I'd be glad to help out.

When we are upstate we will most likely just relax, entertain various friends we have coming to visit, try some outdoor activities like skiing and sledding, and maybe even tackle a home project...or maybe not. Overall,  it really will be about spending quality time together,  reflecting on the past year,  and planning for the year to come!

I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and New Year! See you in 2014!

If you would like some entertainment over the next two weeks...here are some fun things from around the web!

• Oxford dictionary word of the year...try to guess what it is before you click! I did and was so surprised I was correct!
• I wasn't surprised to read that this is a real life phobia.
• And since 60%+ people aged 18-43 have this phobia here are some pointers on how to detox.
• We ended up going to this restaurant for my birthday dinner...I didn't realize how much went into making the steak frites I ate until I read this. Fascinating! 
• I am a big fan of the 40 watt incandescent light bulb...like a really big fan. Um...did you know that after January 1st they will become extinct? Yep, better start stockpiling now!
• Finally...we should all have the chance to live carefree...even if only for a second 

A Must See!

My friend Bruno sent me this Unicef Holiday Ad last night...quite possibly the funniest thing you will see today! Enjoy! 

One Week Until Christmas!

 I saw this cheeky doormat at this store (which I love by the way) but you can get it here too! On another note...Christmas is only a week away. I can't believe I am saying this but I almost have all of my shopping done. Hurray! How is your shopping coming? Are you a last minute shopper? Or do you prefer to get it out of the way? One recommendation I have for everyone...ONLINE!

Speak and Spell: The Original iPad?

Yesterday when I was getting my hair done, my stylist and I were discussing Christmas gifts. I mentioned I wanted to get this for Valentino and asked her if she remembered playing it as a kid. She then reminded me of the Speak and Spell. We had a good laugh watching the commercial. Kids today wouldn't even know what to make of the creepy android voice, slow speed, and limited capabilities of a Speak and Spell...Take a look and see what I mean. 

And while we are on the topic of technology, have you ever asked Suri 'who let the dogs out'? If not ...I highly recommend you do! 

Happy Birthday to Me!

"The Clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." 

-Alice Morse Earle

Today I turn 37 years old. I am now in my late thirties...gulp! I need to make some big life decisions in the next few years. I want to face 40 with a stronger sense of self and a clearer vision of my future. Alot can be accomplished in three short years...right?

But...Since today is really all that matters...and since today is my birthday... I have the following planned...

• My amazing hair colorist is making a house call to paint me blonder! (She recently moved to Tennessee and is here for this week only)! 
• My children will be either at school or with a babysitter so I can indulge in full pampering!
• My dear friend Renee will be coming at 5pm with her two kiddos for a glass of wine and some birthday conversation.
• I will then meet Valentino in the city for oysters, steak, and cake!

A Lady and Her Fur.

***(Note to reader...no red paint please)

Baby,  it's cold outside. Yesterday when I was at the grocery store this woman strolled in wearing an amazing fur! She looked so fabulous...just jeans, sneakers, and this great fur! I couldn't help but notice her on a few different occasions in the store...maybe it was the fur or maybe it was just her aura but she shopped for her food with such ease and grace. In homage to that lady and the fur...a few choice pictures below. Have a great weekend...and stay warm whether it be in a parka, toggle, or fur (if you are so lucky)!

All photos taken from various street style sites.

The Sunshine State.

My Mom has decided to spend most of her winter in Florida instead of Illinois...my Uncle Mike has chosen to move there permanently! Good choice. Can we come visit soon?