First day of classes

Dress: Modcloth

Tights: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Naturalizer

Necklace: gift from Tommy

Earrings: Forever 21?

Well, today is the first day of school. Damn. Let's see what I accomplished on my "Things to do" list for winter break...

• finish chair redo
• read The Devil in the White City  (Okay, so I haven't finished it. But I'm determined to! It has been good so far.)
  
• visit Seattle
• rearrange room
• start doing yoga again
• drink more tea
• get passport
• get ready for photojournalism class next quarter!
• go to a few estate sales
• figure out plans for new years eve!
• finish gift shopping
• take a nap every now and then
• go see My Week with Marilyn

    Okay, so I failed pretty miserably. Although I didn't do the things I wanted to, I still had a really good break. I suppose completing a list of goals is easier when you refer back to the goals periodically. "Rearrange room," ? I must have been in a really motivated mood when I wrote this list. Rearranging my room sounds like the opposite of fun right now.

   My first class of the day is Photojournalism. I am nervous because I haven't taken a journalism class in so long, and it's not a "beginner" class. I would classify myself as a beginner when it comes to photography...but I really wanted to take this class before I graduated, so hopefully it won't be too far over my head. Ahh!

A New Year

  Happy new year! It's amazing how fast a year can fly by.  

Christmas Morning

 

 

Christmas Eve Peak

    Here is a little peak into my Christmas Eve!

 

     Christmas Eve has always been a bigger deal than Christmas day in my family. As always, we gathered at my grandma's house for a few hours of visiting, eating delicious food and opening presents. My grandma has a great Santa costume, and when I was young my dad or uncle would dress up as Santa, knock on the door and hand out presents. It was always the highlight of the evening, and I counted down to it the minute Christmas Eve arrived. 

     Of course the first Christmas in which I discovered the illusion was pretty devastating. But once I was in on it, it became just as fun to watch Amber and Mitch get excited for Santa. Now Mitch (my brother) is nine, and is still clinging on to the idea of Santa. Although he still believes (we think...he may just be playing along to get more presents), both my uncle and step-dad are tired of dressing up and playing Santa. So, until another baby comes around in our family, Santa is taking a break.

    

Merry Christmas!

   image via pinterest

  I am now home for Christmas, and I had the intention of updating as the Christmas weekend progressed. But when I got home, I realized I forgot my camera cord, and am unable to download any pictures. So, watch out for lots of cookie recipes and Christmas pictures. Until then, I hope you all have a great holiday!

Claw Foot Tubs

 All images via pinterest.

     If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have noticed I have gone a little claw foot tub crazy. I just love 'em! In my future dream house (We all have one of those...right? Not just me?) a claw foot tub will be my first request. I'm not a huge bath person, but the thought of a huge claw foot tub filled with bubbles is pretty dang inviting. Whoever took the last picture, with a little table for a drink and a fireplace nearby had the right idea.

Puppy love

    Sweatshirt: TNA (from Aritzia)

Skirt: Lily White (from Nordstrom)

 Tights: Hue (from Macy's)

Shoes: Aldo

Scarf: Urban Outfitters

Watch: Betsey Johnson

   So, there's a problem with this puppy. It's too adorable. I just want to squeeze her...probably harder than I should. Tommy and I puppy sat for Amber on Friday night (shhh, don't tell my landlords). We had a lot of fun snuggling on the couch, going for a walk and playing with her toys. I was pretty sad to see that little wiggly pup go. But Christmas is in just a few days (ahhh!), so I will get to see her again.

   I can't believe Christmas is getting so close. Although, work has definitely gotten busier and has been a lot stranger than usual. The large amount of short-tempered and demanding customers is a good indicator on how close Christmas is. I can sympathize in a lot of ways, the holidays are stressful. And while cheer and good tidings are everywhere...it's exhausting!

   So everybody, please take a deep breath. Buy some nice, modest presents. Eat some good food, and enjoy the company of others. If we let the holidays get the best of us, then really...what's the point?

How To Be Alone

I just had to share this video. Not only is it sweet, but it is filled with good advice. I highly enjoy alone time every now and then. It can be very peaceful, therapeutic and soothing. After all, we are all ultimately alone. And that's okay.