Tonight, we're going to party like it's Two-Oh-One-Nine

Hello and happy New Years, my friends.
How is this day 365 or 365? like they say, "Don't blink".
I'll happily be at home tonight with my hubby and dogs. I remember exactly a decade ago. I had a sinus infection in the days leading up to New Years Eve. The possibility of not being well enough to go out was so upsetting to me. Oh, how the times have changed.

I'm not one for "resolutions" . Resolutions come across as far too cliche` to me. I feel that each year requires us to grow and that we should end each year more developed than how we were when we started it. ( This is as "deep" as this makeup blog will get!). Leading up to New Years day, I plan out "Intentions" which will encourage that growth.  Last year, I decided that I'd see more sun rises than I missed. I know that I had to be more specific to make it stick. so, I said that I'd see at least 20 sunrises a month. I'll tell you friends, this one was a game changer. In the summer months, the sun rises at 5:00 am. Since June, I've been getting up at 4:55 am. The amount that I can get accomplished at that time is astounding. The rest (most of) the world is still sleeping at that time. There is nobody around to disturb me. I'll never go back to sleeping in.

Without further blabbering, here are my growth intentions for 2019......

1. Stop holding on to clothes/shoes/makeup that I no longer wear

I'll be the first to admit, I purchase a lot of clothing #dink.  However, I don't get rid of stuff anywhere near as frequently as I should. While I love having lots of clothes, I don't like having clutter. I don't like having things sitting untouched for season after season when they could be put to good use by someone who needs them.

2. Have Friends over for dinner more often

This one is a no-brainer. I love to cook. I love to have people over. ( I hope you are reading this, Glenda!) I love making my friends feel as they are worthy of having someone make them a meal and make a fuss over them. Plus, recipes are so much more fun to make, when you are making them for a crowd.

3. Lean to drink my coffee black.

I know.... I know, I'm "supposed to say" that I plan on "cutting back" on coffee. However, I have 0 desire for that! I don't smoke, I might have 1-2 glasses of wine a month at MOST. Coffee is my "vice' of choice and I'm NOT parting with it. Plus, what makes it "bad" is the stuff we add into it. All the sugars and cream. I figure , if I can eliminate that stuff, I'll be golden (and energized!)

4. Use my flat iron one time per month or less

And here is the superficial one! Superficial, but necessary. I FINALLY have my hair healthy and growing! (Thank you, Kathleen!!) The most surefire way to ruin all of this is to go back to running 450 degrees of glowing hot ceramic on it.  Nope. No more. No breakage in 2019 and beyond!

Okay, So now its the part where you think of what your intentions for 2019 are. I'd love to hear them.

Have fun tonight my loves, but be SAFE. I want to see 2019 be your best year yet, with SO many more to come. 

Company Christmas Party Clothes

Happy Monday everyone!
Did everyone have a good weekend?  I just LOVE this time of year. It seems as if there is a party or gathering every single weekend. Extroverted 'ol me lives for that!
On Saturday, we had my company Christmas party. We had it at a restaurant that was built in 1734. If only those walls could talk!

I had put on to Instagram an outfit picture of what I wore. (I'm trying to get my IG linked here to this new blog layout #staytuned #technicaldifficulties #imnotgoodatthisstuff).
Anyhow, it got me to thinking about how much fun it is to get dressed up for events like this.
I know, I know..plenty of you are groaning now and saying something along the lines of "I hate shopping" or " Just let me stay in my yoga pants!"  Getting dressed up really can be fun though, I promise.

I've said this before, but horrors of horror..I'm over 30 and wear rompers #lockmeup.  I recently have even been dipping my toe into the waters of jumpsuit territory. For those of you asking "What's the difference between a romper and a jumpsuit?" The answer is that a romper has shorts, a jumpsuit has pants.
What I like about going the route of the jumpsuit is, the ease of it all. You thrown on one garment and you are dressed. No wondering "Does this go with that?". Plus, a one piece number ( This applies to dresses as well!) can get you out the door fast, if you are in a time crunch.
If you are considering trying out a jumpsuit, let me suggest the clothing retailer Venus. Venus Clothing
Venus was known first for their bathing suits originally. Now , they have the whole 9 yards...clothes, jewelry, shoes etc.
Venus sends out old school catalogs (along with having a web page). It's nostalgic. It reminds me of being a teenager in the late 90's and being excited to see what catalogs had come in the mail as soon as I'd get home from school.


This is the actual jumpsuit that I wore. It was only $29.00!!!!   Jumpsuit

Check out the open-ish detailing on the legs ( arms as well)

Because of this, I'm thinking that this will be in year round rotation.

To me, nothing looks better with black, than leopard. Back over the summer I bought these Louise et Cie pumps at Nordstrom during this year's anniversary sale. Like always though, the good stuff at the anniversary sale sells out FAST. Sadly, these are no longer available.

Keeping with the leopard theme, I used my ClareV  flat clutch. This one sold out in a hot minute. However, this very similar one is still in stock.    ClareV leopard clutch

The necklace is from JCrew and is now on a SERIOUS sale  Multi strand pearls



PS: In this posts cover photo, I don't have a sunburn. When creating the "Blog graphic" this template came with a filter. A filter I was unsure as how to remove. Plus, there is a part of me that doesn't mind looking not so Casper-ish right now. Even if its only make believe!

So, That's it for me today. I hope this last full week before Christmas is wonderful to everyone!
Do you like getting dressed up? Or, are you happiest when you are on your comfy cozies? Tell me!

XO
~S

What to ask for this Christmas

Hello my friends!
"Now, the calendar is just one page, and of course I am excited."
Boy, this year has flown and now we are in the throws of the Christmas/ Hanukkah season.
I'm a big believer in the "Done by December 1" philosophy for Christmas shopping. 
I love shopping for everyone else. Its a great feeling to give someone something that you know they either really wanted or could really use.

The trouble for me is when the tables are turned. When someone says "Sheila, what would you like for Christmas?" I shrug and say "Um...I dunno".

I think this is true for a lot of people. I put my thinking cap on and thought back to things that I have asked for in the past (or am asking for this year) that have served me well. Hopefully, this might help you out! Don't think there is some type of glory in telling people "Don't get me anything!"If someone wants to buy you a gift, don't be a jerk and make it unnecessarily hard on them by making them try to guess as to what to get you.

Below are my suggestions. Like I said I have either asked for these things in recent years or are asking for them this year. Also, if you have any suggestions, please do share! I'm all ears!!

With no further ado.......

1.  A vineyard Vines Shep Shirt
2. A pair of LL Bean Duck shoes or boots
3. A Tory Burch Tote

1. A designer key fob
2. Ugg Slippers ( Now available in Faux fur as well as the traditional genuine shearing)
3.  A cozy winter beanie

1. A full set of quality cosmetic brushes
2. A designer belt
3. Hunter rain boots

1. A Starbucks gift card
2. Classic gold hoop earrings
3. A luxury hair mask

1. A new perfume
2. A Clarisonic facial brush
3. A JCrew vest

Okay, That;s it for me today. I hope this post gets your wheels turning and helps you think of somethings that you'd like to get this year.

Like I said, don't play the martyr and refuse to give folks suggestions of what you'd like. I know I feel so much better when I know that I am getting someone something I'm certain they want. Its SO much better than trying to wing it and hope you get something they'd like!!

Most importantly though, be sure to take the time to relax and reflect this season. This is a time of love and joy. Don't cause yourself (or anyone else) unnecessary stress.

when all is said and done, what makes Christmas so wonderful is not the giving or the getting. Its the loving.

XO

~S