Belated Thanksgiving

{A tongue-in-cheek post-it labeled with my last name (and often nick-name) that a colleague used to label my paperwork.}

This sticky note, fittingly attached to a daunting stack of November paperwork in my mailbox at school, succinctly sums up the constant feeling of running a lap behind and scrambling to stay on top of daily / long-term tasks and goals.  I've been feeling the pre-winter overwhelmed frenzy over the past couple of months, and this reminded me to take a deep breath and chill.  One way or another, everything does manage to get done or else isn't quite as pressing as, in the clutches of neurosis, I tend to think.

Love-Stoned:  This outfit, in neutral, stone, and taupe hues, got me through several fall weekends and holidays this year.  Brass hoop earrings: Forever21; statement necklace: Target; cable-knit sweater: Old Navy; cords: brand unknown, T.J. Maxx; booties: Dolce Vita found at Marshalls.  This year's Thanksgiving was spent with family and best friends (the Slotkins) over a super-relaxing meal and wine.  As the year draws to a close, I'm definitely counting my blessings.

{Elementary graffiti near one of our favorite restaurants; a great, simple message.}

{Delicious brick-oven pizza - I am thankful for you.}

{Candy-pink nails to keep my Color Project going; one of the best fall InStyle issues.}

It can be difficult to keep centered and positive when life gets hectic.  I'm about to start a week of winter break, a luxury in itself, and am ready to keep my eyes peeled for the beautiful moments every day, for the "freshest and the best" (Fitzgerald has been in my head lately), and the slowed-down, in-between joys that punctuate the whirling merry-go-round.

-xo

28th Birthday

{Birthday card and leopard-papered gifts from my wonderful parents; white wine that tasted oh so delicious after a manic Monday.}

To celebrate my 28th, my husband took me to Union League in New Haven, one of our favorite French restaurants, where the travails of work and daily stress felt light years away.  I took advantage of the occasion and donned some super-sparkles. The shimmering gold sequined shoulders of this cream blouse make it a special item.  All year, I wait with bated breath for the shameless, incandescent glitter of the holidays, which so perfectly excuse some of my favorite words: shimmer, shine, glimmer, and gleam.  Even in elementary school, one of the primary reasons why I sucked at recess dodgeball (besides poor hand-eye coordination) was that I was often scouring the ground for shiny items in the hopes that the playground might turn up unexpected treasure.  (Pehaps a discarded dentist's office ring?)  This year, I managed to curb excessive sparkly purchases by reminding myself of this wise adage: Sequin season will come again. 

What I Wore: Fleur-de-lis tights and sequined blouse: Imaginary Journey, Marshall's; black camisole, gold "pyramid" stud earrings, black A-line "brocade" metallic mini-skirt and gold/rhinestone charm: Forever21; vintage bracelet and ring, watch: Burberry; pumps: "Lomack" by Aldo.

{Shrimp ramen made by the hubby for a late-night weekend snack.}

{Crackle manicure - Sally Hansen Ink Splatter over Milani Neon Fresh Teal.}

{More hot home cookin': David Chang (Momofuku) rices cakes with spicy pork and Chinese broccoli with Szechuan seasoning and crispy shallots.  In Chang's own words - oily, spicy, and bangin'.}

This $32.00 Forever21 camel-colored jacket, my gift to myself, is much warmer than it looks but soft as a sweatshirt, making it the ideal topper for a chilly Sunday brunch.  It's also been perfect for the fairly cold mornings lately, but doesn't add extraneous bulk, which I hate when rushing around in the morning before school.  Jeggings: Tyte @ Macy's; scarf: J.Crew outlet, glasses and earrings: Forever21; motorcycle boots: DSW; Coach bag.
All in all, it was a food-filled, incredibly relaxing birthday, giving my plenty of reasons to be joyful and grateful.
-xo