Happy New Year! I hope you are all safe and well! 2015?! Ready or not, here it is.
Can you believe it? It actually snowed at our house on New Year’s Eve! And I mean snowed! My husband woke us all up at six in the morning and we played in the snow while our neighbors slept. I am going to hope they were sleeping and were not peering out their windows at this getup. It was so peaceful and odd and thrilling. I managed to squeeze in five outfit pictures. I had worn these clothes throughout the week (minus the gnome hat, but now you know I have it. The secret is out), but my husband was gone until dark most nights so we could not get pictures. So this setup worked out perfectly. I got to quickly photograph what I wore and it was so fun! This sweater was one that I picked up at the flea market a few weeks ago. The snow was mostly gone by the time the sun set. Wouldn’t it have been crazy if it had done this last week? It was never something I ever hoped to dream of. A white Christmas. But now I ever shall do so in the future.
Here is another peek of an outfit post coming up that I took that day. I went to Anthropologie on Monday and did some reviews that I will be posting soon. This is the one thing I bought besides the most amazing Christmas tree skirt for next year’s small Christmas tree. I just had to quickly talk about this ruffled sweatercoat while the 25% off sale promo is still going on. It is amazing. It is slimming. The color (plum) in person is a zillion times better than what is shown online. This might be my best buy of the season. I used some of a gift card on it. I sized down to a small. I am wearing a black tank underneath it so it is kind of hard to see the exact shape. I am so surprised that this hasn’t sold out yet at its sale price. It is reminiscent of vintage Anthropologie.
Oh my goodness. My husband and I were driving through our town the day it snowed and when we drove by this park we saw it was filled with about thirty to forty snowmen that different children had built throughout the day. It made my heart surge with joy at the rare sight. At this point other kids had come along to destroy the creations. I wanted a picture of the snowmen while they still stood. Well, I was wearing my slippers so I could not get out of the car. As one is wont to always do after a snowstorm. My sweet husband got out of the car and as he was walking along taking pictures with his phone, the other parents (that actually had kids at the park, imagine that) stared at him leerily. I dissolved into giggles so hard that I was crying because the poor guy looked like a creeper at the park. Oh, I owe him big time.
On Monday we also drove down to Los Angeles to go to The Pompei Exhibit. I had wanted to go all year and had been planning for months to get there during Christmas break. Well, it was poor planning. The exhibit was sold out. I tried not to cry and succeeded but it was a huge disappointment.
We went to The Natural History Museum. We had planned on going there after The Pompei Exhibit, because we make a trip there any way once a year. There used to be the coolest exhibits in the children’s wing for kids, but it was different this time. Their extensive live bug collection used to be worth the trip alone, but it has dwindled in size, which was a bummer. We did enjoy the dinosaurs. They have an amazing dinosaur exhibit.
I think this mask at The Natural History Museum looks oddly like my husband. I wasn’t going to say anything, but the lady next to us looked at the mask, then looked at my husband and said, “Hey! It’s you!” So I had to get a picture of it.
Christmas presents. I received the sweetest and most thoughtful presents for Christmas this year. My mom and stepdad actually found me this antique gnome book from Poland. My mom handmade me a sweet present I will post about in a few months. My dad and stepmom gifted me the sweetest bracelet and bird hooks. My sister and brother-in-law hunted down the vintage letters with my husband and my initials and I cannot wait to display them! And my mom and stepdad gave me three unique pieces of jewelry from Etsy. Every time I will wear them, I will think of them. My sweet friend gifted me the yummiest treats, most awesome peacock ornament and a beautiful trivet.
I found my mom a vintage mother of pearl brass jewelry box along with a few other things (including framed self portraits the kids painted) and the Tavia Peasant Blouse from Anthropologie. For my stepmom I purchased a Durango Vests in purple like the one I have. My sister and brother-in-law wanted Disney gift cards to buy passes this year so we contributed towards that and I picked up my sister this shirt in the khaki color from Anthropologie. And now I want it after seeing it on her. I hope to grab mine on sale one day.
Now get thee to a Trader Joe’s stat. These Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Salted Caramel Truffles are the very best things ever. Ever. Must go hoard some more.
It is hard to think of things that happened in December without Christmas looming ever present. We went and saw the final installment of “The Hobbit” a few nights ago. I really enjoyed it, but I have liked them all.
Coming up in January:
The Perfect Dress
Cheesy Salsa-Chicken Empanadas
The Talent Show
Making a Snowgnome
Reading: Throne of Glass (series)
I cannot believe it is January. Instead of making a giant goal for the year or resolution, I have decided to break it down and try to do small monthly goals instead. I need instant gratification or a realistic thing to shoot for. I am trying to lose the fifteen pounds I gained last year. So, in January, I made a monthly goal to not eat anything after dinner or 7:00. Back to iced water only for me at night for the next twenty eight days (and then I hope it becomes a regular good habit again) .
Yesterday was the second anniversary of my grandmother’s passing. Instead of the usual “Overheard In” post that would typically follow this one, I wrote about the last conversation I had with my grandma. It was hard.
What did you enjoy most about December? Are you excited it is a new year? Did you make resolutions? If you live in Southern California, did you make it to The Pompei Exhibit? You still have a few days to get there before it ends and moves on to Seattle. I don’t drive on the freeway so my opportunity to see it is unfortunately gone. Maybe one year I will make it to the real Pompei.
I am so jealous of your white Christmas! I flew home to the East Coast for the holidays, where we get white Christmases not infrequently and snow every winter, but alas, not this year. I love snow and really miss it now that I live in California; I don’t ski but I’m hoping to learn this year.
I wasn’t sure about your crocheted afghan cardigan when you first posted it, but seeing it on you, it is perfect! And so is the ruffled sweatercoat. I actually tried that on in-store during the early sale days, but it was too big on me (I wear XS so I can’t size down) and hence not flattering. I agree that the plum color is really lovely though.
I’m looking forward to your post about Throne of Glass! I actually have read that book since the days when it was just a really popular story on FanFiction.Net, and again after she significantly revised and published it.
You missed a crazy phenomenon. But the east coast is so pretty. Hopefully it will happen again one day! It was so awesome! I have tried skiing once when I was thirteen and it was so hard! I am sure you will be better at it than me!
And thank you about the sweater! It is really bright, but fun! In my review on the ruffled sweatercoat I am going to put that smaller sizes will be sized out which is a bummer. I know it came in petite sizes but those always sell out so quickly.
I very much enjoyed Throne of Glass. I did not know its back story until after I had all ready finished it. It is not for everyone. I will have to finish that review soon, too! : )
Have a happy Sunday!
Jenni
A white Christmas! How magical for my favorite Gnome lover! Hey did you check out my plaid round-up? You’ll see your own gorgeous face! By the way, your husband is the best sport ever! Do you rent him out for weekends? 😉
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for the feature Dawn Lucy! I really appreciate it! I finally got around to catching up with some blogging things today. I still have some emails to do, but it was so nice to read my favorite blogs!
Thank you for saying that. My husband is a good sport! In fact, I was just telling him that yesterday because I appreciate his open-mindedness . Plus he is just nice. : )
Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!
Jenni
I heard about that freak snow storm. Snow is “pretty” when it just lasts a day. Beyond that it is a huge pain in the butt.
That mask does look like your husband! Ha ha. Weird.
Those chocolates sound divine! We don’t have Trader Joe’s here.
I really think you need to reconsider your thoughts about the meet-up. You are on my list of bloggers I’d really love to meet. Plus you’d get to see one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Have I convinced you yet? ; )
bisous
Suzanne
I completely agree with you. I could not imagine having to get snow off of my car or drive in treacherous conditions. I could not do it. But one or two days? Super cozy and fun!
No Trader Joe’s in Canada?! How did I not know that? Oh my gosh, it is the best!
I definitely want to meet you. I think we would get along so well! I would love to do a blogger meetup sometime. We have to meet someday and drink martinis and it would be the best time!!!
Have an exciting rest of the weekend!
Jenni
What a fun day in the snow. My boys are dying for some snow, and yet, still nothing here. We had some snow in November, but that is all. They have new snow shovels they are dying to use!
I would have loved to see the Pompeii exhibit. I have always been fascinated with it. Maybe they will come to Detroit or Chicago… OR I can go to the real place 🙂 That sounds better.
Your Christmas gifts sound wonderful and thoughtful. I am jealous you are such a good Anthro gift giver. Your lucky family! The tee looks awesome. I may need to try to find it to wish list it!
Enjoy your weekend!
I didn’t even know they made shovels specifically for the snow!!! It is a good thing it does not snow here but once every ten years. I cannot believe you guys haven’t gotten any yet! What odd weather! It is hard to predict it anywhere. It kind of scares me!
And thank you about the gifts! It is fun to pick them out! That tee is awesome! I have it wishlisted, too. I hope it makes it to sale.
Have a peaceful Sunday!
Jenni
What a neat snow that’s so cool. The sweater is amazing. I also would have been so upset about the Pompeii exhibit once on a trip to NYC we planned to go to a Tim burton exhibit and it was sold out….we were so sad as well. Luckily we have been to the real Pompeii and it is just amazing. At first glance I was not sure if the snow photo was even real or photo shop….what a wonderful surprise!
A Tim Burton exhibit?! That would have been awesome! I want to see the real Pompei but I made the mistake of watching a special recently talking about how the volcano could erupt again any time. So now I am scared to go. I heard the exhibit was amazing. I was so sad to not get to see it, but we still had fun. It just wasn’t the experience I was hoping for. The red hat makes it look fake! I thought the same thing! : )
Have a fabulous Sunday!
Jenni
The cooler weather has made me so happy. I have enjoyed seeing all the beautiful lights in the neighborhood during the holiday season. I am not a resolutions girl but I am excited about what 2015 has to offer. I have some goals I want to reach and am ready to get things underway.
I am looking forward to your Anthro reviews. It has been a while since I have been in the store since I avoid the malls like the plague during Christmas.
Janeane
http://www.designingfrommycloset.wordpress.com
Thank you so much! I have really enjoyed the this cooler weather as well. It seemed as though my air conditioner was going to run year long for awhile there. I like the cold much better than the heat. I am so excited about 2015. Nervous but excited! I hope you reach all of your goals!
My Anthro reviews should go up Monday or Tuesday depending on how much I can get done tomorrow! : )
Have a beautiful Sunday!
Jenni
i love your story about dh photographing the snowman! Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year
Thank you! I almost pulled that part out minutes before I published it last night because I wasn’t sure about it. So thank you so much for letting me know you liked it! I really appreciate it! My husband does, too. : )
Have a happy Sunday!
Jenni
too funny, we had the same thoughts on the snow….I literally said the same thing about the snowmen- they were everywhere! the park near our house was filled with snowmen, off the freeway in open fields….snowmen everywhere! so fun! we are planning on going to the Pompeii exhibit next week, can’t wait! sounds like you’ve had a wonderful holiday season so far!!
Wasn’t it so cool? I saw a random snowman who had still survived the sun standing all by himself in the middle of a green field yesterday. He must have been huge to have lasted so long! Make sure you purchase your tickets online days before you go! They are sold out the day of. I hope you love it! I am excited for you!
Have a fun Sunday!
Jenni
Happy New Year! OMG, I adore that sweater now that I see it on you! The one I purchased on eBay did not work out, but I have not given up hope of finding something similar. Your gnome hat is too cute!
Chocolate, peanut butter and salted caramel? 3 of my favorite things – yum!!!
I so want to see the Hobbit movie, but fear I will pay a babysitter for us to go out and then fall asleep in the theatre. Seems every time I sit down to watch something, I fall asleep so I’d better wait until I am getting some more regular sleep!
Thank you Heather! And I am so bummed your sweater didn’t work out! I hope you find one this season! I can see it on you!
I might not be able to buy those chocolates any more. I ate the whole bag. They are seriously the best things ever. I never would have thought caramel and peanut butter would be good together but it is amazing!
The Hobbit is so long! Definitely don’t go sleep deprived! There are a few parts that drag on and I wish they would have cut. I hope you get more sleep soon! Those first few months are the hardest! I remember watching marathons of “The Dog Whisperer.” But I remember it in a good foggy sort of way.
Sweet dreams!
Jenni
These photos of you in the snow are fantastic! And that last one looks like it belongs in a photo book! So pretty!
I love Polish art. It is always so interesting and complex.
I did not go see the Pompeii exhibit. I need to get to the Hello Kitty exhibit at the Japanese American Museum and do a blog post about it. I also need to write a blog post now. I took so much time off I think I forgot how!