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