New Year's = the one holiday where rocking sequin, glitter-everything, red lipstick and drinking champagne is not only a given, it's a must. I mean c'mon, can a holiday get any better?
I will say I don't care what my plans are for New Year's, all I really care about is the dress. Yes, the all-glitter-everything dress is really my main objective, numero uno, #1 priority.
Let's be real, there are many perks of a holiday that ends (ahem...begins) with a champy toast at midnight.
24/7 Champagne Diet
In all seriousness, champagne is necessary to celebrate New Year's. I don't care if you don't like champy, add a little cranberry or a spritz of OJ and you'll be feelin' real good. So go ahead and stock up on Andre (I'm not picky) and some champagne flutes (the Dollar Store plastic flutes will rock your world...err...your drink and they won't break). **This Pomegranate Champagne Punch recipe is definitely going to make an appearance at my pre-game. There's really no question about it.
Sequins, Glitter, Sparkles, Oh-my
'Tis the season to rock and roll (and wear) in anything and everything that's sparkly, shiny, glittery and all things gorgeous. A holiday where rockin' a dress full of sequins is acceptable is ok in my book. If you're not into the whole sequin dress thing, give your nails a nice glitter mani. Your inner 5-year-old-who-used-to-take-ballet will thank you. I would also steer away from body glitter, but whatevs, if that's your thing then this is a no judgement zone.
Hellion on Heels
I love heels, I really really do, but there is a time and a place to where them. I will say I don't usually where them when I know I'm going to be knockin' back a few-too-many champys, but New Year's Eve is kinda sorta a heel-must. I know, I know, I will be drinking bubbly, but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do and that means full on foot/heel-pain. I fully expect to be walking barefoot at about 12:05AM, but hey pretty hurts.
Smooches
New Year's is all about the dress, the champy and the sparkle, but yes, the kiss is definitely a #1, as well. Why wouldn't you want to ring in the New Year with a smooch on the lips by a babe?! 2015 is off to an amazing start if you can 1) remember his first name 2) get a picture of your kiss and Instagram it 3) aren't walking barefoot.
This New Year, it's all about you. Drink champagne, party with your friends, embrace your sequin dress and kiss many boys. It's totally worth it. Now go pop some bubbly. Cheers.
Christmas Love
There’s something about Christmas that gets me into an emotional-overload. Whether it’s listening to Kenny G, dabbling in my mom’s old Christmas cookie recipes or remembering Christmas when my entire family was able to be together. Sometimes I get a little sad thinking about the past.
I love Christmas, don’t get me wrong, but when I start lingering on the past I never want the holidays to end. From baking Christmas cut-out cookies, making homemade spaghetti and meatballs, reminiscing over stories of my mom who passed away in 2004 - it’s always a bittersweet time. I will say it’s one of my favorite parts of the year, but it’s nice to take a moment and remember those who aren’t with us, whether it was a grandparent, a mother, a father or a close friend, it’s never easy to celebrate the holidays without them near you, but it’s important to keep their spirit alive.
This year, remember them in a happy way and a piece of them will be with you always, especially during the holiday season.
Take time this year and make one of their favorite recipes, play a Christmas song that reminds you of them or sit around the fire and tell your favorite stories about them – whatever it may be, they will always live on.
Outside Your Comfort Zone
Trying new style trends has always been something I've loved tackling. Whether it was rocking a fur vest, embracing the hot pink matte lipstick trend or those newsboy hats (can we say J.Lo?) in high school - I've always been the one game for trying a new trend and embracing it.
I will say it's not always easy. For the longest time I've been timid to wear the wide-brimmed hats that seem to be taking over fashion blogger's insta's on the reg. I've always been a hat person, but this trend made me a little nervous to give it a run. Will people think I'm trying too hard? Is it too big for my head? Do I look silly? Lots of doubts.
I know, I know it's just a hat. It's just a thing you wear, but as I had these doubts they made me realize, why the hell do I care so much? Who am I trying to impress? If I want to wear a hat, I'll wear it. I shouldn't care what other people think. I like the hat, I'll rock the hat, and that's that. And I did. I wore it to/from work, which might seem a little bold considering my work wear veers toward the conservative side.
We all have a tendency to think about what other people will think of us or what they will think of our appearance. It's human nature, but that doesn't mean we should be so caught with others opinions of us or our appearance. We need to start embracing new things, not only for the confidence factor, but to shrug off others opinions of us.
Fashion gives us an outlet to express not only our personality, but our mood. It really is art. Art that gives you confidence. Never let others opinions control your mind. Remember that. I know I'll try to.
The "Cool Girl"
I haven't seen Gone Girl nor have I read the book (I really want to though), but I did see Lo Bosworth post a quote on Instagram from Gillian Flynn and it stuck with me.
“Men always say that as the defining compliment, don’t they? She’s a cool girl. Being the Cool Girl means I am a hot, brilliant, funny woman who adores football, poker, dirty jokes, and burping, who plays video games, drinks cheap beer, loves threesomes and anal sex, and jams hot dogs and hamburgers into her mouth like she’s hosting the world’s biggest culinary gang bang while somehow maintaining a size 2, because Cool Girls are above all hot. Hot and understanding. Cool Girls never get angry; they only smile in a chagrined, loving manner and let their men do whatever they want. Go ahead, shit on me, I don’t mind, I’m the Cool Girl.”
It stuck with me because as much as girls don't like to admit it - in some ways all girls try to be this girl. The girl who knocks back a couple of Bud Heavy's, ravages a bucket of wings, pretends to be super "chill" - all while managing to look hot doing it is the definition of the "Guys Girl."
You know those girls. The ones that either do it effortlessly or try a little too hard. We've either been that girl, envied that girl or tried to recreate that girl.
As much as Gillian's words are a little on the provocative-side, it couldn't be more true. I know in some ways, I've changed because of a guy. I've tried FIFA. And failed. I've tried to like cheap beers. But vino has clearly prevailed. And I've tried to be that girl at one point in my life.
Whether it was now, in college or high school; we've all tried to be that Cool Girl. The one guys want and supposedly fantasize about. Yes maybe lots of girls are this girl - they actually love football, poker, telling dirty jokes, burping in public and can eat burgers every week and not gain a pound (I envy you). If so, do you girl. But in some way or another we've all been that girl who changes to fit a guys desire.
The real question remains, why be anybody but yourself? If you like football or if you're more into shopping, who cares? If you love rocking rompers, but your boyfriend hates them - screw it. Do you girl.
You're you, there's no one else in this world like you and that, in itself, is cool. Whatever cool means.
Be Your Own Inspiration
The older I get, the more I realize that I am really my own motivator. I'm not saying the inspiration/motivation/weekly pep talks from your friends and family don't matter, but ultimately you make your own dreams come true.
No one else has control over your life, but yourself. It's as simple as that. The older I get, the more that really does start coming together. I will say I love getting praise - like most people, it's nice to get a pat on the back and a 'good job', but sometimes that's just not enough. I've realized that extra void we might have isn't because we need praise from others, but it's really to accept the fact that we have to be our own cheerleaders. No one else can push us forward like our own inner pep talks, our own 'you can do its' in front of the bathroom mirror or even the upbeat pop song that gets you ready to take on the day. The momentum behind our drive, our motivation, our ability to make it through that downhill day, that off-meeting or that 6am workout is you. Only you. You drive yourself more than anyone could possibly give you.
Cheers to you. The one who holds the control over your own life - your own cheerleader, your own mentor, your own pusher. The motivation comes from within and it starts with you. Only you.
Fall Bucket List
Fall. The one season we all go nuts for - I'm guilty of indulging in Pumpkin Spice Lattes, rocking leggings + riding boots and heading to a pumpkin patch to get the perfect Insta. Maybe we're all a little guilty of that? Opps. Go ahead and call me basic. Leggings, riding boots, flannel shirts, PSL's, pumpkin patches - it's all synonymous with basic. If being basic means being cozy + drinking yummy lattes, then I'm definitely not above it.
One thing I promised myself as the leaves started changing was that I was going to take advantage of this gorgeous season by doing all things fall-related - this meant I needed a fall bucket list. Here are a few of my must-do things:
1. Scary Movie + Dinner Night: It might sound pretty damn cliche, but 1) everyone loves a good scary movie during Halloween (and if you don't stick to Hocus Pocus) and 2) an excuse to have dinner with friends is always a good idea. Let me go ahead and let you know I'm doing this at a friend's place tonight - complete with a seriously spooky movie + Chicken Tortilla Soup - so really I just put this on here so I could cross it off. Don't lie, you do the same thing. ::satisfied::
2. Picnic Party: So I've always loved a good picnic - I honestly can't remember the last time I actually had one, but nonetheless how fun would this be? Am I right? I'm picturing a bottle of vino (probs Malbec), brie + crackers and matching flannel shirts (totally kidding), but hey a girl can dream. Damn you, Pinterest.
3. Parkway Drive: We live in Virginia - aka one of the prettiest places in the fall. I can't wait to take a long drive on the Parkway - it is one of the best places to admire the changing leaves. #Blessed. lolz.
4. Glitter Pumpkins: Carving pumpkins is fun and all, but glittering a pumpkin is just that much better. I can't wait to test this one out - while drinking wine, of course. We'll see how it goes. I'll keep you posted.
5. BYOP / Bring Your Own Popcorn: I think it'd be a fun party-theme to have guests make their own popcorn and have a taste-test party (of course with booze). Maybe they make a spicy popcorn, a birthday funfetti popcorn (bonus points if you make this) or even just the classic movie theatre kind - have guests judge each based on taste, creativity, etc. It'd be a fun twist on a weekend get-together - I'm definitely planning on trying this out soon!
Hello Virginia Beach: Marketing Conference
It's funny how a change of scenery can be just what you need. Last week I went to a marketing conference with the rest of our team. Major perk, the conference was in Virginia Beach. : )
The chilly temps and brisk wind made it feel like fall, but it was the ideal time to head to the beach. The beach was quiet and it was the perfect 'night cap' to end a great summer.
{ The horizon meeting the ocean. Gorgeous. }
{ Strawberry mojitos overlooking the ocean. You can't get better than that. }
{ Hung out with this guy for a bit. }
{ Work wear + coffee. }
Life's Too Short: Choosing Happiness Over Everything
“Life’s too short to even care at all.”
As I turned my car on, those were the first lyrics I heard on the radio. It got me thinking, those few words, lined up in one sentence, in one song had it completely right. It really couldn't have said it better.
Why waste your breath on the things, people or emotions in life that just don’t matter? As silly as it sounds, this song and these lyrics couldn’t have played at a better time for me. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with life, want everything to play out perfectly, want to accomplish all your goals at once or even want everyone to like you. It's easy to get caught up in your own problems, but in the end it doesn't mean anything.
For me, I know I have to remind myself to take a step back and not let my emotions get the best of me. What stresses me out now; won’t stress me out a week from now. The people that don’t like me; won’t matter a few months down the road.
Getting in a silly argument with someone I love; will eventually be solved. That’s the thing, eventually all of it will go away – all the complications, the arguments - soon they'll all be forgotten.
At 13, my mom passed away. I never knew something positive could come out of a situation that was so devastating. I learned at a young age that life is truly too short to care about the trivial things - the people or the things that don't matter. Or the people that don't care for you.
Remember to laugh with your friends, to spend time with the ones that matter and most of all, tell them that you love them.
That is what's important in life.
15 Things I've Learned As A 20-Something-Year-Old
Sometimes I want to press rewind to my 21-year-old self, but hey I’ve learned a lot these past 2 years and I don’t regret a thing (ok, maybe those straight bangs I got to channel my inner Zooey Deschanel - that was just a bad idea).
{ Patio cocktail parties are all more fun post-grad. Hello champagne. Ok, cheap champagne, but still champagne. }
I never thought I’d say this, but so far I’ve had a hell of a blast being out of college. I’ve learned a few things along the way too. Naturally, mostly about wine.
1. Painting my nails is not necessarily my strong suit. However, going to get a mani is definitely something I do pretty damn well.
2. Being 5 minutes late is practically being on time, right?
3. Life moves on – whether you’re ready or not. It’ll keep passing you by if you don’t slow it down just a bit.
4. Time with your friends cures just about anything. Even if it is the day from hell – laughing with them, cocktails in hand is actually the remedy.
5. Move at your own pace. You’re where you are for a reason; don’t feel the need to get engaged, pop some babies out and be an exec at work in approximately 1 year. It won’t happen.
6. QT with yourself should always be a #1 priority. Binge watching Netflix, in your PJs, with a glass of vino is important. If you must, add it to your to-do list. In black ink.
7. It’s ok that the ‘work you’ is different than the ‘home you’. Even if it’s just your outfit choices.
8. Finding time to be tan is no longer on your to-do list. *Note: never be tempted to use Jergens, you will be orange.
9. Bribing yourself with coffee stops before work is actually a normal thing. It can also make your day.
10. When days are rough, shop. (See #4 for one hell of a bad day cure)
11. Looking put together doesn’t necessarily mean you are put together, but hey no one else knows that.
12. Dating after college is a damn part-time job. At least according to my girl friends.
13. Being indecisive on your cocktail-of-choice can actually be a good thing. Hey, I never knew I would’ve rekindled my love for champagne again. My sophomore-in-college-self would be proud.
14. Be picky in everything. Hey, if you don’t show some high expectations in all aspects of your life, who will? Don’t settle for friends who consider you a wiping post or boys that don’t treat you well.
15. Find something you’re passionate about and go get it. No one can stop you, but yourself.
Embrace the Simplicity
Life is full of many moments. Some small, others large – but the teeny moments, those tend to mean the most.
For me, I feel like every single moment should be built on a large scale. Having a dinner date should be an event – everything and anything should be well-thought out, planned and mapped out. In this case, I'm the planner. Planning everything from what I’ll be wearing to what I’ll be drinking (hello Malbec) to the emotions I’ll be feeling.
It's exhausting.
I need to stop; relax and treasure the tiny moments. Dinner dates that include Mad Men episodes, sushi and silly company are the ones that really mean the most. I won’t remember the edamame, but I will remember putting chopsticks in our mouths like the narwhal in Elf. Yep, we’re that kind of goofy.
Stopping the car to take a quick picture of a gorgeous view (even if it means I’ll be 2 minutes late to work) makes me realize that I need to slow down, relax and treasure the small moments. Not everything needs to be planned – the littlest moments are the ones to savor.
Take it from me, pour yourself a glass (or two) of wine, kick your heels off and enjoy the simplicity of your life - it's really a beautiful thing.
The Keepers: Friends Mean the Most
Life has a funny way of introducing you to new people when you need them the most.
Living in my hometown (again), without a good friend base was quite difficult, but with a new Wednesday night tradition with a few new friends (of Malbec and cocktails, of course) it all seemed to fall together. Having your girl friends by your side is seriously something that males just can’t seem to compete with. The pieces just fit and it’s awesome.
They understand when you’re torn between wearing heels out vs. sandals (and know it’s normal to go back in forth between each option, 3-4 times), they get when you’re a little moody or that a quick coffee date/vent session can be the remedy to even the worst of days. Lattes can solve all probs.
Sometimes looking back on the friendships I’ve made, I look to the ones that not only made me grow as a person, but the friends I could call anytime, anywhere. The ones that could enjoy doing just anything, including watching Real Housewives re-runs. All day.
Those are truly the keepers.
Blue Print of Life
Ever feel like life has blue prints for exactly how you’re supposed to live? Or maybe it should? Maybe we all need a user manual. Cue: an architect and/or engineer.
Engaged at 25, married at 26, kids at 29, somewhere between all that jam in backpacking across Madrid, moving to New York City, shopping at Ikea for mod furniture, starting a new job, getting a promotion, etc. It’s a whirlwind, but it’s the standard norm for a young "adult" trying to conquer the world. Should I be tossing my job to the side, packing a North Face backpack and jumping on a jet plane to travel the world at the drop of a hand? Should I have already crossed these off my list?
Sometimes I have to remind myself to slow it down - take a break from looking at others lives and their accomplishments and focus on my own. It sounds easy, it really does, but sometimes getting caught up in how others are living their lives makes it feel all the more acceptable to be following their paths. Feeling as if, “Wow maybe I should be getting my own place now” or “Should I be traveling the world instead of working?” It’s confusing and overwhelming. Maybe Robert Frost can help...cross your fingers.
“Two roads in a wood and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Boy did Frost put the pressure on with this one. I’m still quite figuring out what I’d do in that situation - take the road less traveled or most traveled? For now I’d say screw the less traveled and most traveled roads, make your own road. This time forget the pavement, car or hell even the game plan, and make your own - you’ll get where you want in your own time. Key words: own time.
Life is an emotional battle between the so-called typical path-of-life and finding your own place in this chaotic world. For now, I’m happy where I am. Everyday my answer isn’t the same, but isn’t that what’s so special about life - the unknown? Right now I’m perfectly content and that in itself makes me happy.
Quarter Life Crisis at 22-Years-Old
Being in your 20s is the time when your college “fantasy” world and the real world, the stereotypical 9-5 job, coincide. In a bad way. It’s the time where living with your parents to “save money” (insert: rent, utilities, shampoo, a personal cook, free Bravo, etc.) is suddenly your go-to line to anyone and everyone who asks about your so-called “situation.” So you don’t have a job, so what? Because watching the newest episode of The Real Housewives of NJ and actually having cable and TiVo, obviously takes precedence over anything else.
Let’s be honest, being a 20-something-year-old is really figuring out who you are, who you want to be, and how exactly you’re going to afford those double vodka sodas 4-days a week. For now, I’ll give you some advice from a 20-something-year-old who’s still trying to figure it out.
Take time for others yourself:
Take it from me when I say “me time” is beyond necessary. Get in touch with your self and what you enjoy doing (no, this doesn’t include drinking). You’ll probably have a ton “me time” because most of your friends have either a) completely left town and/or have moved to a new town b) are pulling the Van Wilder and are still in their college town finishing their degree or adding a new one c) are hibernating in their parents house and haven’t been seen in weeks. “Me time” can be described as doing an activity that makes you feel some sort of happiness - ex: a newfound addiction to hot yoga classes, grabbing your laptop and heading to a local coffee shop to try every espresso drink on the menu or perusing a local book store and snagging a quick read or hell, even working out in the AM just because the waking up early aspect makes you feel like a badass. Whatever makes you happy.
Pay homage to your parents
You live under their roof, therefore, their rules apply. Sound familiar? Thought so. For me, the biggest game-changer is moving back home. Checking in with your parents is definitely a buzzkill. Sneaking back into your house at 2am is sounding a little like your high school days, however, free food, electricity and HBO somehow makes your “situation” a little better...or maybe the more you say it to others, the better you feel? Either way, make sure to make your rents feel like you’re extremely grateful they’re letting you camp out in their basement for a few months…or year. Try unloading the dishwasher, actually loading the dishwasher (with normal dishes not Solo cups) and maybe even volunteer to DD your parents - yes, I said it.
Single?
Everywhere you turn, or scroll, there’s a new insta pic of a girls fresh mani accompanied with a sparkler on her left hand. It’s the unspoken newly engaged protocol to post a picture of ones diamond ring and hashtag it with anything related to #IFeelSoSpecial, #LoveIt #OmgYayyy. If you can’t help but want to throw up in your mouth, you’re not the only one. Most of the time I can’t help, but think it seems so quick, so sudden - yes, there are those couples who are destined to end up together, hell they basically act like a married couple (ex: never seeing them in public since they started dating or their names end up turning into 1 combined name), but for the rest of the newly engaged, I must ask - why? Most of the time when my family asks why I’m not engaged or ready to settle down (mostly during the holidays) it’s usually a quick, “I mean what’s there to rush?” They laugh and move on to the next subject, that is, until the next holiday. I’m not saying that everyone is making a mistake, but for me and the rest of you 20-something-year-olds, I say flaunt your relationship status - travel, collect moments, date, don’t date, focus on your career, meet people you won’t forget, focus on your love for late night pizza or Nutella, your love for Girls, but most of all be selfish because now is your time.
Be pro-spontaneity
Right now most of us don’t have plans - it’s scary because college has been 4 years of knowing (well at least for most of us) where we’re supposed to be, what classes we should be taking, what bars we’ll be at 4 days a week, but now we have no idea where we’ll end up in 10 years, much less tomorrow. We don’t know what our first job will be, or when we’ll get married or have kids. It’s scary, but it’s reality. Looking back at my planner in college my life was easy, but most of all my life was written out for me in black ink. Not knowing where we’ll be in the next few years is the norm for all of us, but we must appreciate the unknown and learn to accept that there shouldn’t be guidelines for how we live our lives. Embrace the spontaneity of life - take that last minute trip to visit your friends, don’t make plans on a Friday night, but most of all realize life isn’t meant to be planned or predicted. Make your own path - and if you must write it, write it with a pencil.
No New Friends
Maybe DJ Khaled knew that his “No New Friends” song would perfectly depict making/having friends post-graduation. I’d like to think so - props to you, DJ Khaled, props to you. The days of hitting the bars with friends after class (or during class) are over. Sigh. The most difficult part of post-college life is probably losing your friend base to new jobs, new cities, etc, etc, etc. When I’m with new friends I often find myself worried they won’t get my sense of humor, my lack of coordination, my goofy personality or my love for blasting music in my car with the windows down. I mean who doesn’t like blasting Iggy Azalea’s “Murda Bizness” and driving with the windows down in 40-degree weather while simultaneously laughing uncontrollably? Am I right or am I right? These weird tendencies we share with our closest friends are what I remember most about college. Tom Petty was right, we don’t remember the exams we crammed for or the late nights we stared blankly at our laptop screens for any kind of hope to finish a research paper, but we remember the moments we shared with friends. Making new friends post college is different - now we must keep our drinking to a minimum (a night of drunken fun is now referred to as “networking”) we must pretend to act professional in pencil skirts, lipstick, cashmere cardigans and engage in conversations that don’t give away that we still feel like we’re in college. To put it simply, networking has taken the place of our so-called college definition of making friends. Now we casually grab drinks with co-workers, mingle, exchange business cards and pretend we’re all adults, but deep down we’re all still college kids.