Showing posts with label festive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label festive. Show all posts
Friday, October 30, 2015
Monday, June 30, 2014
mix-matched moments
These pictures seem to capture my state of mind perfectly. Dozens of eclectic and whimsical chairs arranged, waiting to be filled with people and/or activities that are just as interesting and festive.
I have found life lately to be a constant search between the extrovert or introvert psychology. As much as I desire one, I seem to find equal comfort and peace with the other. I classify under both personality types - meaning I am energized by spending time alone and by being around others. Basically, I am a social butterfly who likes doing her own thing.
I think it's a pretty winning combination, but I may be biased :)
At this point, the pre-party set-up is exactly how I feel things are right now. There is no denying it's a beautiful view with all things aligned for a fabulous party, but there's a calm and serene moment before the chatter, dancing, and celebration.
Is it lonely? Sometimes. Is it desirable? Sometimes.
I think, more than anything, it's just acknowledging and making the time for introspect.
And so, for those quiet moments...
"Proper idleness is the soul's home base. Before we plan or love or decide or act or storytell, we are idle. Before we learn, we watch. Before we do, we dream. Before we play, we imagine...
I'm convinced that time spent idle makes for a healthier state of mind. We want less and are more at peace when we get it. We sleep better and work harder. Simpler things bring us joy. When we daily observe our immediate surroundings, we are more grounded in our context, more attuned to the rhythms of whatever season or place we are in...
Plus, the changing shapes of clouds need our attention."
Sunday, December 22, 2013
christmas party
I threw a little Christmas party last night. It was a small gathering with friends, many who I haven't seen in a long time. Since graduating from college and entering the grown-up world, it has taken some adjustment to join the social world. To be blunt, sometimes I feel like it would be just wonderful to have a fraction of the social life I had in college! Although I am happy with this new phase of life, I miss the festive nature in gathering with friends, having parties, and attending other events that seemed effortless in school. I haven't been out too much in the Cincinnati scene, with working six days a week between the PR firm M-F and then the boutique on the weekend, sometimes all I want to do is relax at home. And, hangovers are 1000x worst when you're 22. Taylor Swift should have wrote about that in her song...
Anyways, I decided to start small with what I do best. Put on some tunes, pop the champagne, cue the lights, and let conversation, stories, and laughter flow.
In true Christmas spirit, I was happy to let all of our holiday decorations steal the spotlight and be enjoyed by the company. As for food, I am not a culinary queen, by any stretch, so a quick stop at the grocery store to get crackers, cheese, summer sausage, humus, fruits, veggies, and cookies was sufficient. I offered white and red wine and made a signature cocktail which was a HIT for the evening.
Here's the recipe for the most perfect holiday punch:
6 cups of cranberry juice
2 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 bottles of champagne
Mix the juices together in a large punch bowl and add the champagne last. For a festive touch, cut up an orange to add the slices into the drink. The recipe serves 20.
Of course, I had to give this outfit another go, and sported my most favorite holiday necklace EVER. Let me know if you have attended any fun holiday gatherings over the past few weeks. Do you have any favorite recipes, drinks, or outfits you'd like to share?
I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season because it truly is the most wonderful time of the year, merry, merry & toodles!
fyi - the illustrations are by inslee, one of my favorite illustrators.
AND, there are still a couple of days before Christmas...plenty of time for a party! See the playlist below for your perfect party tunes, in case this list didn't suffice earlier this month :)
Friday, November 15, 2013
J.Crew Commercial
I am smitten with this MasterCard ad starring J.Crew. It's the brand's first sneak into a television ad and it was quite a successful (aesthetic) partnership, if I do say so myself.
I was able to pin the fashions as J.Crew-wear within seconds of seeing the commercial play, and it definitely made me smile to see the stylish family kick-off the holiday season in festive and classic looks. I can't say I am more inclined to use the MasterCard easy-pay plan, as was the focus of the ad...but I am definitely interested to look as darling as the commercial stars!
Take a peek at some stills of the commercial below and watch the ad.
(image & film via Ad Week)
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Happy Halloween!!
Halloween is one of my most favorite holidays. I am blessed to have so many tremendous memories spent with family and friends. From crazy halloween costumes to neighborhood "ghosting" to trick or treat to categorizing the candy lot at the end of the night to the crisp fall nights, I love everything about Halloween (save for trashy costumes). My mom threw great halloween parties with festive treats and perfect decor. We would have guests come over to celebrate and my dad would take my brothers and I around the neighborhood for trick or treating. At the end of the night, while we'd be battling sugar comas, my brothers and I would dump our bags and make piles of our treats around the living room floor. I also love dressing up. Even if it's not in a costume, I'll sport my festive orange + black.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday celebration, toodles!!
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