friendship | reconnecting

One of my goals for the month of May (hello there May!) is to reconnect with friends, both near and far. I am so guilty of taking the people I most love for granted and being lazy about our friendships. After a long day of work the last thing I usually want to do is talk on the phone, but writing a letter or even sending a text doesn't take much time at all. And who doesn't love to receive a little happy mail every now and again?

In the spirit of that we had dinner with dear BC, whom we haven't seen in months. He had a major life change recently - quit his job of 18 years and is now in what he terms, "semi-retirement." He plans of taking the summer off to enjoy life and decide what he wants to do next. What a great night we had, talking, drinking wine, catching up, eating yummy food and reconnecting. And all it took was a simple text from me asking if he wanted to have dinner. A little effort for a big reward. 

Now to decide who is next on the list :)

Cuteness at 2+3

DD is talking so much more these days! And he is more amenable to giving his auntie kisses instead of the usual "no!" I would say every other request is met with a cold shoulder but one out of 2 ain't bad!


JJ is my sweet albeit a bit naughty boy. He always gives auntie kisses even while pushing the boundaries of what he can and can't do.

Still feeling super blessed that we live so close to these guys so I can watch them grow up (and be close to them as well). I love that they feel super comfortable around me and there's no being shy around auntie. Gotta treasure these little moments!

working wardrobe | lucky girl

top: Anthro / cardi: Target / skirt: Uniqlo / shoes: Tory Burch / earrings: gift'd

When I am in a sour mood, I always try to remind myself how lucky I am with any multitude of reasons. I suppose anyone who has extra time and resources to be able to blog at all is a lucky person.

This weekend I feel lucky because I have a hubs who doesn't mind painting with me, and who would rather plan an Oscars party than a Superbowl party :) (I assume the Ravens won, but don't know for sure?).

working wardrobe | the LBD

dress: CK / cardi&necklace: M+O / vest: Uniqlo / tights: Hue / shoes: b.o.c.
As we near the end of the year, I am still counting my blessings and trying to remember to appreciate all the good things in my life (and not worry about the things that aren't perfect).


On days when thinking about what to wear to work it too hard, a good LBD always works in a pinch. This one is perfect for both warm and cool days.

a month of gratitude | the end

As we head into December and holiday festivities (and memory keeping!), just a couple thoughts. My December Daily album this year is a small and manageable size. My plan is to keep it fairly simple with one holiday-related story per day while keeping Project Life regular day-to-day stuff (with more holiday events as well I am sure).


{photo taken at work; we haven't put up our tree yet!}
The holidays are so great yet so stressful so I want to remind myself to not sweat the small stuff. And to remember that the number of presents given does NOT equal the love that is there. Sometimes less is more.

Happy December and happy weekend!

a month of gratitude | stop and smell the cinnamon

As I was slowly waking up this morning, I suddenly realized today is already Thursday. Where the heck did the week go?


Being a bit under the weather this week has made me a bit lazy (well, how about lazier than usual). Now I feel like the week "grace period" between November and December is all but gone and I am way behind in my holiday preparations!


I am glad I managed to help celebrate this little man's birthday (again). I can't call him Baby J anymore, as he is clearly no longer a baby. Sigh.


I am still trying to take things day by day. Enjoy the little moments. Do one thing at a time...and not stress. The holidays are supposed to be fun and enjoyable. I think we just invent things to be stressed about when it's really not that big a deal.

a month of gratitude | giving thanks

I am thankful for the love of my life, even though he can drive me bananas some times :)


I am thankful that I have our holiday cards all printed!


I am thankful to spend time with my fabulous family.


I am thankful to catch funny little moments like this one - luckily we got the cupcakes out of his reach in time!


I am thankful that a turkey feast includes lots of sides that don't involve any kind of animal product at all!

Happy day after Thanksgiving. Hope your holiday was full of family, friends and food!

a month of gratitude | little details

This week I am thankful for:

1. Coco water in a can that almost tastes as good as the real thing.
2. A warm safe place to sleep in.
3. An early start to my December Daily album.
4. Finding a good old-fashioned photobooth.
5. The beautiful view from our living room of our not-so-beautiful city in the early morning hours.

What are you thankful for this week?

Fall Colors | teal(ish)

top&shoes: Old Navy / jeans: Gap / scarf: Orla Kiely for Uniqlo / necklace: gift'd / bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Happy Monday! I actually have the day off today so am going to try to be more productive than I was yesterday.  The weekend was a pretty lazy one for me - the hubs went to Austin for a boys trip and I stayed home the majority of the time. Sometimes I like not having anything on the agenda.

Some weekend gratitude:

I am thankful that Luis had a cancellation and I was able to get my color touched up sooner than December. Those white hairs keep popping up more and more!


I am thankful for hanging out with the hubs and watching some chick flicks - Sex in the City (never get tired of the 1st one) and He's Just Not that Into You (a bit silly, but something touching about it too).

Here's to a great week :)

a month of gratitude | it's the little things

I am thankful to have a hubs who doesn't mind and even sometimes enjoys making dinner.


I am also thankful to have a car that's been paid for, works well and is fun to drive.

Here's to a fantastic weekend!

a month of gratitude | hugs

I am not sure when my buddha baby became a little boy but am so glad that he isn't saying "no" to his auntie all the time anymore!
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P.S. Go U.S.A.!

a month of gratitude | it's the little things

I am grateful to have a working TV that acts as a radio too. The U-Verse music stations are actually pretty good. (P.S. Wanna have a kiki?)


And this early morning I am grateful to share my am coffee with my best friend.

a month of gratitude | morning yums

Today I am grateful that although I am still hacking up a lung, I did get 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep last night and woke up early to have breakfast and fell (somewhat) refreshed.

a month of gratitude | yums

Today I am grateful to gobble up some carrot soup we made today. Helps soothe my throat and cough, albeit temporarily.

a month of gratitude | welcome november

Today was a beautiful day. I am grateful to be able to see and enjoy the clouds in the sky.

So thankful

My birthday weekend was a beautiful one. We used my old big camera for the rest of yesterday so no photos yet; my new big camera needs to have its battery charged! And instead of being sad that I am a year older, I am happy that I have made it through another one and thankful for my health, family, friends, and Joe.

Counting my blessings

2011 was definitely an interesting year. I am unbelievably lucky that I have had more highs than lows and thought I would share some of the best moments of the year here.


1. The best friends.


2. The best room in which to practice yoga.


3. The best new friends.


4. The best buddha baby nephew, with a nose that looks like this girl :).


5. The best concert.


6. The best sparkly wedding shoes.


7. The best 40th birthday trip..


8. The best movie.


9. The best sunrise.


10. The best zombies.


11. The best newly-two-year-old nephew.


12. The best families.


And, of course, the best man with whom to share my life!