My Apologies

I apologize for my lack of communication in the past week or so. To be quite honest this winter break I've spent most of my life disconnected , and it's been actually enjoyable. Who knew there was a life without a phone and computer on your hip? (Joking. Kind of). The past few days I've been in lower Michigan spending my time with The Boy and his family. It's been very relaxing and great. Yesterday we went for a long walk, in the sun (!!!!) on his grandparent's property. I must say it was beautious.

So maybe I'll post tomorrow. Maybe I'll wear an outfit. Maybe I'll talk about New Years goals and the good things about 2011. Maybe I'll post again in my New Year's Eve sparkles. Maybe. You'll have to wait and see. I like to be mysterious like that.

The Thing About Red Pants

Sweater: Old Navy, Shirt: Forever21, Pants: NY&Co., Shoes: MIA via DSW, Necklace; Gift

So I had every intention of posting these pictures yesterday, but sometime between taking them and posting I came down with a pretty viscous flu that I'm still trying to completely get rid of. Appears though I am not alone in fighting the flu, since a large portion of my facebook feed is full of flu complaints.

Now let me tell you what I have learned about wearing red pants (I've been coveting a pair of these bad boys for a while and Santa thought I needed them). You have to be ready to be stared at. Red pants kind of demand attention, so if you don't want people looking don't wear them. Also, be ready for comments from family. Such as rude ones from your little brother, and nice ones from your mom :). But, in all seriousness I dig these pants and like the idea of pairing neutrals with them so they aren't super shocking around your closed minded brother.

Best Laid Plans of Mrs. Claus

Jacket: Thrifted, Top: NY&Co., Jeans: American Eagle, Belt: Thrifted, 

Shoes: Payless, Watch: Kohl's 

You ever hear the term best laid plans of mice and men? Well, I experienced the meaning of that yesterday. The boy was flying home yesterday (he lives out in Massachusetts right now, I don't know if you all knew that), and of course holiday air travel got the best of our plans. Instead of getting back into the mitten around 2pm, he didn't get here until 7pm. Which of course caused a lot of anger and stress for everyone involved. Luckily though, my favorite Christmas present made it back at all, and we were able to go share a very late dinner with family and friends. Now he is here for an ENTIRE WEEK. All mine (and some other important people's) for a whole week. I'm so excited!

So about my outfit... this is what a modern day Mrs. Claus would wear. In case you were wondering. This is what I would wear to a big fun holiday party. Sparkles and bright red are exactly what the holidays call for, but due to my plans of just family parties this weekend I toned the outfit down with a less crazy blazer and no belt. More classic with sparkles (naturally).

I hope everyone has an exceptional weekend of holiday happenings with your loved ones! I know I will! Of course I will have some great photos to share in the next couple of days.

Merry Christmas Eve my friends! Eat those cookies, open those presents, and experience all the love of Christmas!

Evil Knievel

Shirt: JcPenny, Skirt: Urban Outfitters, Tights: No idea, Boots: Nine West,

Necklace; NY&Co. Belt; Grandma

These pictures are not high quality. I literally had to beg my youngest brother (Yes Isaac I AM calling you out) to take them, and he was very uninterested in such an inconvience to his video game playing. Regardless it felt nice to put a skirt on today instead of my jeans, or sweats, that I've been living in. This is also the playground I grew up on, at my elementary school and in my neighborhood. I'll probably have to revisit it for another picture session.

In other news, I mixed black and brown today. Call me a Evil Knievel, 'cause I'm a risk taker! I like it too. I just had to Google how to spell Knievel, lets just say at this elementary school spelling wasn't my best subject.

Cookie Decorating!

These are some pictures from the cookie decorating extravaganza last night with some of my cousins and brothers! So much fun for everyone. And that really cool bell in the last picture? Yeah, I made that. And yeah, I'm going to brag because that's as artsy as my non domestic skills get.

The Thing About Braids

Sweater: Macy's, Tshirt: Banana Republic, Jeans: NY&Co., Belt; Grandma's, Boots: Nine West,

Bracelet: American Eagle, Ring: Threadsence

This is what you wear when you plan to wrap presents for Grandma, take your cousins shopping for their mom, and decorate Christmas cookies all day. Although in retrospect the beige shirt doesn't mix with colored frosting well.

Getting ready for Christmas around my family requires a lot of multi-tasking and being able to go from one activity to another without major hassle. This simple outfit did just that for me today, and comfortably. I also threw a braid in my hair today for two reasons. One is because it's a cute way to keep my hair out of my face, and second because my grandpa gives me extra kisses when I have them. I'm pretty sure braids move you up in the favorite grandchild pole (not that I needed a big boost). But don't tell my cousins that ;)

Rawr!

Shirt: Old Navy, Jeans: American Eagle, Blazer: Thrifted, Jewelry: Forever 21

I am really fighting with the light these days. Since tomorrow is the first day of winter it means the shortest day of the year is a night away, and in turn means I was trying to take pictures at 4:30pm up in this northern state today and it was super dark out already. Total bummer.

I took some blazer advice from Jentine at My Edit from THIS post. If you don't read Jentine's blog, then you are unaware of her magic thrifting abilities. They are preeettty cool. So anyways, I took her wisdom and used it to pick myself out some blazers on the cheap. In fact I got this lovely lady for $2.50. Yes you heard that! $2.50! Making it ten times awesomer than it was before I spent the money.

P.S. Thanks to my Dad for taking pictures of the leopard in the tall grass tonight!