The Snowy Common

After a lovely lunch in Beacon Hill with local fashion blogger Katy Rose, I couldn't wait to take out my new Canon T2i (one of my favorite Christmas presents!) and roam around the Boston Common. Mustard is such an eclectic color - one I don't wear a lot of, but always admire on others. It was hard not to pass up the playful ruffles and $13 price tag of this skirt! (buy it here)

The Common ebs and flows with the change in seasons. On this brisk, wintery afternoon, it was a wonderland of snowball fights and half-made snowmen.

A purple collared shirt from Forever 21 offered some structure, while black sweater tights shielded me from the 35 degree temperatures! My Steve Madden suede booties were last seen in this outfit post. They are so comfortable and seem to go well with a lot of items in my closet.

I can't believe tomorrow is New Year's Eve! I'll be celebrating with friends, paper tiaras, and fruity drinks.

Be Merry

{Photo I took on December 30, 2006, San Diego, CA}

Wishing you all a safe and festive holiday weekend! Other than planned gift exchanges with my family and boyfriend this morning, I'll be spending the day at my Aunt's house feasting on lots of food, including my Mom's yummy homemade macaroni & cheese!

Eleven Days Til '11

It feels like it was only a few months ago that I donned a strapless dress and grey grommet booties to ring in 2010. Now, Christmas is only a mere 4 days away and it's going to be that time to start thinking about 2011, and what our resolutions are and what we hope for. Some on my short list? I want to try a mimosa, because I never have in my entire life! I want to re-watch Season 1 of Gossip Girl, in all its glory. And I want to continue traveling and going places and seeing the world.

2010 was a pivotal year for family and friendship. Two of my bests moved to California, (and I got to visit them both!). My youngest sister moved to Chicago for school. Epic nights out at Mohegan Sun and Boston bars.

2010 was also a year of blog friends. I love everyone I have had the opportunity to meet!

In 2010, Steve and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary while we were in San Diego. He has always been that person in my life - supportive, encouraging, and loyal.

Throughout 2010, I polished off many a good cocktail. Everything from free cosmos on a work trip to an overpriced and underwhelming drink from the Cheesecake Factory. And I even tried a wine that I kinda sorta liked(!).

And lastly, travel. A hobby that fuels my passion, excites me, and inspires me. I flew 14 one-way flights this year and racked up 30 nights away from home. I love everywhere I go, and it would be hard to pinpoint one favorite from the places I went this year.

I am excited for 2011! What is one of your resolutions for the new year?

My Christmas Wish List

It's funny - when it comes to the holidays, I feel like I ride a fine line between being on the ball and ahead of the game, to complete and utter procrastination. Luckily, I made it a point to wrap gifts as I got them, so at least that part is done. (Don't they look pretty?)

What's on your Christmas wish list this year? Here are a few of the goodies I asked for:

• A new camera that I can explore photography with and have more fun with!
• This adorable Kate Spade desk calendar
• A cashmere scarf
• Gift certificate so I can go snow tubing this winter!
• A bottle of Polka Dot Riesling
• A ticket to BlogHer. (For anyone interested, you can buy an early bird ticket for $158 using code BlogHerGift! Such a good deal, as the price will rise to $298 in February!)

Hush City

My weekend was a blur of a lot of things I like. Cocktails, Boston, and date nights! A standout moment was strolling through a quiet street in Boston at 11PM on Saturday, with a hushed ambiance of street lights and Christmas lights.

Of course, there were other standouts.

{Cocktails at 28 Degrees in the South End with Stephanie}

I am anxious to share a guest post I am writing for 28 Degrees' blog, to be posted this week!

{Yummy half-chicken and macaroni & cheese at Highland Kitchen in Somerville}

{I love date nights!}

{Watching interesting fashions come down the runway at the Santa & Stilettos charity event in Boston} It was practically a requirement to come to the event in heels!

{Stephanie's red hot heels looked adorable with polka dot tights}

{Katy and I at the Santa & Stilettos event last night}

Today just so happens to be a cloudy and rainy kinda Sunday, so I'm looking forward to staying in, wrapping presents, and catching up on blogs!

December Dragonberry Delight

I got to be a little bit domestic during my weekend in Virginia. It's kind of rare that I show this side of me on the blog, but I love decorating, organizing, and well, baking is a different story. I think the only thing I can bake well is corn muffins from Betty Crocker. Rather than a lavish and expensive night out, I helped my friend Kerrie plan an equally amazing birthday bash at her boyfriend's new home.

I wore a one-shoulder dress that I purchased at a department store in Montreal, paired with my lace Arden B leggings (seen here). Layering two colorful beaded necklaces gave the look more of a fun, party feel.

{We baked 24 funfetti cupcakes, and frosted them with buttercream frosting}

{We adorned the living room and dining room with pink and grey balloons and crepe paper.}

{Pink drinks were the hit of the night. Dragonberry Lemonade can be made by combining pink lemonade with Bacardi Dragonberry rum. Simple but oh so good!}

{Our cupcakes turned out yummy!}

It was a quick trip that went by way too fast! Happy 25th Kerrie!

The Skinny Dip

While I was in Virginia on Friday, Kerrie suggested we go to a new self-serve frozen yogurt bar in town called The Skinny Dip. I've gone to local ice cream stands, I've walked the North End in Boston, gelato in hand - but have never gotten fro-yo from a fro-yo bar. Crazy!

I was anxious to mix and match flavors. I chose Snow White Vanilla and Cotton Candy. yum! Kerrie mixed Dark Chocolate and Yellow Cake Batter. The best part of the experience was selecting our toppings. There were so many to choose from!

I sprinkled a little bit of pie crust, crushed Reeses, Oreos, and a few white chocolate chips, while Kerrie opted for fresh fruit, brownie bites, and white chocolate chips.

I pretty much devoured the entire thing, it was so good! What's your favorite kind of frozen yogurt?