Prayers for Newtown

The events of December 14^th are indescribably horrific. I keep thinking we’re all just supposed to wake up from this massive nightmare any second. This morning, when sorting through the many news articles concerning Sandy Hook, I was profoundly moved by the following excerpt (taken from this article on CNN.com):

Grace McDonnell would write messages for her mother in the bathroom window. On the first day without Grace, the bathroom fogged up and mom glanced at the window. And right there was a message from beyond the grave. The little girl had drawn the peace sign, her favorite symbol. Above it was a heart with the words: "Grace, Mom."

 Grace McDonnell was amongst the young victims that day. As 2013 approaches, I resolve to keep Grace’s message and spirit, as well as the 25 other victims, their families, and the heroes of Newtown, in my thoughts and prayers. May 2013 bring peace, kindness, empathy, and friendship back into this world- where the simple  idea of valuing love over hate seems to have gone astray.

My Strange December and Merry Christmas!

Yes, I'm still alive. These past few weeks have been nothing less than pure insanity. INSANITY I TELL YOU. Somewhat out of the blue I was offered a dream job with the only catch being that I had to start 2 days later. Ever since, I've been in this whirlwind of finishing up my former job, training for my new role, Christmas shopping, and trying to sleep every now and then. I promise I'm not complaining-- how cool is it when these kinds of opportunities present themselves? I'm just more or less stunned by the surreal-ness that has been the month of December.

In an effort to get through at least a few of my holiday post ideas, today I've decided to share my holiday wish list that I threw together one afternoon in a moment of utter brain-deflation. Ya know- that's when your brain can't take anymore so you maybe just hop on polyvore.com for 10 minutes and pull together a dream board of gifts you wouldn't hate finding under the tree?...No one else does that? Well then...

In all seriousness , I know this post doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of what's important this time of year. So before scrolling through my list of dream goodies may I just tell you all that I hope you have wonderful holidays and that you're able to put aside everyday stresses, relax, reboot a bit and fully enjoy being with the ones you love. Merry Christmas!

2012 Christmas by amychat featuring chanel lipstick

Print dress
factory.jcrew.com

J Crew cashmere cardigan
jcrew.com

Hunter boots
$130 - coggles.com

J Crew satchel handbag
jcrew.com

J Crew flower statement necklace
jcrew.com

Smashbox
nordstrom.com

Chanel lipstick
nordstrom.com

Capri Blue Mercury Glass Candle
anthropologie.com

Latte Bowls
anthropologie.com

Canon EOS 1100D 12 Megapixel Digital Camera and 18-55mm Lens
$645 - littlewoods.com

Glitter Thursday- Shine bright like a diamond but don't be that girl

One of my favorite parties to go to every year is my company Christmas party. The reason being that the people watching is fantastic! Technically that's an un-Christmasey thing to say but don't you dare act like you don't know what I'm talking about. There's flat-out nothing like witnessing an over-served colleague thrust and flail around to 'Jingle Bell Rock' on the dance floor in a mini skirt that leaves little to the imagination. 'Tis the gift that keeps on giving.

This year, my holiday events have taken shape in multiple forms: the company Christmas party, swanky work "celebration" dinners, and good old fashioned parties with friends. Since I'd like to look festive for each whilst maintaining a certain level of pride (especially at the work related functions...let's be real friends, as long as you don't exceed your 2 drink tickets then you're probably golden), I've planned out the following outfits that should not only help me avoid perturbed glares from my boss, but are also equal parts glittery (it's the holidays, gotta do it) and pretty.