Baby, it is cold outside

Like really cold. I apparently should have been training for this sort of weather because my body is not conditioned for the cold. Nope.

We got our first snow in December; an early winter in DC terms.

Some of us were more excited about it than others.

By the end of January we'd had more than 7 seven inches of snow and maxed out the allotted number of snow days for our school district. Internet,snow days are only fun one day at a time. Four consecutive days of school closures equals too many hours of a stir crazy child. I hit my limit about three days before she did.

Sure, it looks all beautiful and romantic, but really it is cold and wet. And more cold. With a side of ice. It looks like Narnia up in here!

And now The Washington Post is projecting another 5 to 14 (14!!!!!) inches before the end of this week. Good thing Emily thinks shoveling snow is a type of fun.

Also, she acquired this really awesome hat.

Smiles make everything awesome. Even snow days.

If I had a million dollars...

Yup, I'm still lost in fantasy, dreaming of all the perfect presents a million dollars could buy.

I'm supremely lucky because I've had almost three decades with excellent parents. Now that I'm a parent I can more clearly see how many sacrifices they must have made to give me such a great childhood. I'd love to give them something they've wanted for a long time now. If I had a million dollars...

I'd pay off their house so they could find a dream home in New Mexico.

via RatestoGo.com

That photo is actually from the Albuquerque Balloon Festival (the largest in the world!), and my parents want to live in Ruidoso, but I think they'll forgive me for choosing that photo.

I love you, guys, and I cannot wait to see you for the holidays!

If I had a million dollars...

As I said last week, I love to gift  I really love buying things for my daughter. It is actually a challenge for me to not buy her things. Alas, money and the logic of good parenting dictate that I cannot get her everything.


However, if money were no object, darling daughter I'd get you...

..a fantastical playhouse that sings of fairies and smells like the hours just after rain.

via a Place Imagined

an Emily space that makes all your reading, writing, and 'rithmatic a little more magical

via A Beautiful Mess

a day at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Hope, a wild dolphin cataloged in the Clearwater Aquarium Phinventory.

And, of course, any number of things with sparkles, fur, or shades of teal. I love you, baby.

If I had a million dollars...

Holidays. Holidays are hard. There is this strange ritual in which we exchange gifts with just about everyone. Except, we're all so stressed and strapped for cash that what we actually end up doing is buying the most thoughtless gift-that-seems-thoughtful for 90% of our intended recipients. It stinks, but we do it because the alternative is to either go into serous debt, or expend an enormous amount of energy fighting the social pressure to give give give.

Don't get me wrong; I love gifting.  I am passionate about finding that perfect gift. But at the holidays I just can't do that for everyone no matter how much I want to.

Still, if I had a million dollars...Well, honestly, I'd pay off my student loans and buy myself something ridiculous. But after that I'd buy the perfect gift for...

That man I love so much

a vintage bit of haberdashery

Par Brand stiff collars from Timeless Muse

a complete tuneup for his Bonneville

an amazing collection of fine red wines, and an amazing place in which to store them

via Connelly-Campion-Wright

Someday, baby. Someday...

Oh, what to wear?

Since I was talking about an out-of-the-box host gift yesterday my mind was whirring with thoughts of holiday parties. I doubt I'll be throwing any, but I might get to go to one or two. What to wear?

Originally, I was just going to show this chic bronze, bedazzled number recently featured on The Coletterie.

Bronze dress from Dear Golden via The Coletterie

Then, I started clicking around in Dear Golden's shop and Oh. My. God!

I'll take this for a Christmas Eve reception.

1950s wool plaid wiggle dress from Dear Golden.

For this I'll have to find tickets to The Nutcracker followed by cocktails.

1940s green taffeta gown from Dear Golden

And for New Year's Eve I wouldn't hesitate to trade my LBD for this beauty!

1920s beaded chiffon dress from Dear Golden

Smashing, aren't they? I've shown you my holiday dream closet, so now you tell me about yours!

In the City

Today I am actually traveling again, but you guys have already seen a travel outfit. What you didn't see was my interpretation of a tourist. On Wednesday, before the cocktail dinner shindig, my travel buddy, Carrie, and I met up with the Tara Gentile for lunch at the Reading Terminal Market. Other than lunch and dinner, Carrie and I had no plans so we decided to wander the city a bit.

So what does one wear while strolling the farmer's market and artsy areas of Philly?

For the longest time I avoided wearing black with navy.  I have no idea why; it is really quite sophisticated. obviously, I am writing this before I actually leave for my trip, so I'm still on the fence about the scarf.  The sweater is a v-neck so I know I'll want something to fill in the negative space.  I'm just not sure silver is the way to go...

Yes, those are shorts and, yes, those are tights.  Again, please note that I am not wearing tights as pants. I'm wearing them under (short) pants. But can we please take a second to appreciate these sweet hounds tooth leg cover picked out by my savvy husband?

Awesome, right!?

Sweater: TJ Maxx
Shorts: Hand-me-downs
Tights:Target
Shoes: Gianni Bini circa 2009
Scarf: Hand-me-Down

I also packed some jeans just in case I was too cold to wear the shorts and tights.  I'm stylish, not stupid.

But tell me, what would you put on to tour the big city?

Cocktail Hour

My second night in Philly will be spent "working" on some of the last minute details for the Art of Earning LIVE. From what I understand I'll be meeting some of the super heroes involved in this wondrous affair for dinner at Square 1682.

Matchbook Magazine via Belle of the Ball

I was told to wear wear "something you'd wear out with your girlfriends to a swanky bar but don't get all Academy Awards fancy."

Internet, I was born to dress as though I were meeting girlfriends at a swanky bar. It took me about four seconds to pinpoint my perfect outfit.

Dress: Old Navy, Thrifted
Sweater: TJ Maxx
Bracelets: Gift (thanks, Grandma!)

I cannot stress the importance of accessories here.Those bracelets are adding just the right amount of color. They're pretty awesome, but my new boots are going to kill!

I have been coveting these Betsey Johnson boots for over a year. They were a bit pricey so I'd told myself I couldn't have them until I reached a certain number of sales. Well the time came in January, but before I could buy them I found the perfect gift for Ben, an antique valet. It cost the same as the boots (give or take $10), but I couldn't pass it up. It would be just lovely waiting for him when he got back from deployment. The very same day Ben sent me an e-mail saying he'd got me a little gift to celebrate a promotion he'd received. Care to guess what it was?  Crazy, right!?

So now I have the perfect boots for my perfect cocktail dinner outfit. It all goes very nicely with my perfect husband.

What would wear for a "working" dinner with small business geniuses?

Leavin' on a jet plane

Today, today, today! Today is the day I leave for Philly and a week of "well mannered frivolity" at the Art of Earning Live!  I'm so excited! Are you excited? I'm excited.

I know a lot of people like to, shall we say, dress down for travel, but I just can't do it.  As a child, my mom always dressed me in my Sunday best for the airplane. When I was16 she bought me a swanky black suit just for traveling. I just feel better when I am done up. Nobody notices a tired 20-something in sweats, but when people see a smartly dressed lady, they wonder, perhaps jealously, where she's going. At least, that's what I tell myself.

button by Carbon Copy, via Pinterest

The only problem is, it's warm in Florida and very very cold in Philly. Tricky, tricky. But I think I'm up for the challenge.

Sweater: derek heart, hand-me-down
Skirt: Merona, Target circa 2008
Scarf: gift
Tights: who knows, but please note: I am wearing them as tights, not pants.
Shoes: Franco Sarto, DSW
Book: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

That should do for the actual travel.  Once I get to Philly I can throw on my warm coat, a hat, and some gloves.

How do you dress for travel?

Holiday Tips

There are two types of tips this time of year: the kind that help us survive and the kind we give to thank those who help us survive the rest of the year. It is definitely better to give than receive - even more so when you give graciously.  For those of us prone to making a mess of every social situation, Sarah from This is Glamorous has prepared a lovely guide. (and didn't she include the most divine images?)

Whether you are traveling or will remain at home this Christmas, it is always thoughtful to think of those whose services you require on a regular basis, for a well-mannered traveler is always grateful for good service.

via This is Glamorous

Beyond a spoken thank you, tipping is essential in many cases, and for services above and beyond, a handwritten thank you note is always an elegant and appreciative touch.

via This is Glamorous

As for your regular go-to services at home, it is a wonderful gesture to acknowledge their continuous service during the holidays . . .


Continue

Treasury Tuesday

Remember in the way back time when all the taboo stuff in romantic movies was hidden by a slow pan to the roaring fire? That is exactly what a glowing hearth makes me think of.

Snap, Crackle, and Pop

a winter treasury by Never a Plain Jane Designs

What's your favorite thing to do when the embers are glowing?

Treasury Tuesday

Look! I was included in a Holiday Bride Gift Guide!

Please click on the image to visit this treasury at its Etsy home

Omigosh, do you see those Rose Garden Wedding Candles!

Keri O'Hara put together this striking red treasury of what she calls "exquisite items from the WedEclectic team." Well thanks, Keri, but if you want to talk exquisite, let's discuss some of your picture perfect, charmers!

Christmas Tree Photo Ornament

Keepsake Necklace with Custom Photo Pendant and Sterling Heart

Custom Christmas Photo Ornament - Just Married

What would be on your winter wedding wishlist?