A giving of thanks

this year, much like every year, i find so many more things to be thankful for.

Central Park - November 2011

for my boyfriend turned fiance who is always so supportive and just a great listener.
for my parents - especially my relationship with my mom that's strengthened over time.
my job because well, its pretty awesome. and my company is cool too.

Barcelona - March 2011

for the chances and ability that i have to travel to new and old places; i'm so very lucky.
for fuzzy socks, warm bedsheets, and caramel macchiatos that make bad days just a bit better.
for being able to spend time with my family - and for all the in law family members that i'm going to gain next year because they're really fantastic people.

for being able to live in such an amazing city as san francisco.

for friends - good friends, old friends, and new friends, because life is so much sweeter with a good pal.
for my fuzzy best friends - rosie, frankie, and ollie who bring joy and unconditional love to my life.
for the ability to have an awesome place to call my own in cyberspace - and for anyone out there who is reading this.

Hope your Thanksgiving is full of good food, kind people, and warmth.

Is there anything extra special you are thankful for this year?

Holiday nails

Readers, I apologize for my absence over the past few days. I came down with a horrid cold that kept me cooped up for most of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I'm still suffering from congestion and a runny nose and cough, so hopefully I'll be better before getting on board that plane on Sunday.

Today I thought I'd talk about something that I love... indulging myself in manicures and pedicures. Seriously - when I look down and see nicely colored nails there's a little part of me that squeals every time. With Dave's holiday party on Friday night, two get togethers on Saturday and then vacation starting Sunday I decided to look into the new gel manicures that have been gaining popularity. It's similar to having acryllics put on but there's no nasty formula that goes with it or ruins your nails - and its supposed to last 3 weeks. So I ponied up my 28.00 (which is cheaper than a manicure a week + tip, mind you) and plunked myself down for a gel manicure.

The process itself took quite a while. It took about an hour because you have to let each layer of polish dry invididually underneath a dryer. So you're looking at 5 layers - your base, three layers of color, and then a top coat. But let me tell you... today is day 5 and my nails still look as if I got them done earlier today. Sure the process is a bit intense, but the major difference is that they were dry right away. Which means not having to worry about smudging or messing up my manicure.

Here's a photo - I quite enjoy this red. It's very similar to OPI's "I'm not really a waitress". So needless to say... I'm happy. We'll see how well it holds up after time in the sun and swimming pools...

And just so this isn't text only - a lovely shot of my hands on day 4. Four!!!! (sorry for the awkard lighting in my office... but there's no chips or anything).

Holiday gifts for under 25.00

Hello readers! I apologize for my absence - the Thanksgiving holiday and the weekend surrounding it was full of family, friends, lots of food (3 thanksgiving dinners!) and multiple trips across the bridge. With the official count to Christmas being only 26(!!!) days away and the first night of Hanukkah tomorrow night I thought I'd do a spotlight on some of my favorite little things for under 25.00.

For the person who loves doing manicures but hates to spend the money I found this while looking around at nordstrom. The Essie nail corrector pen would be a fantastic gift - and priced at 14.00 it would make an excellent stocking stuffer! (I should probably take my own advice and pick this up, lord knows my nails would thank me).

Over to etsy I've found an abundance of gorgeous, handmade goodies to get for friends. Some of my favorites happen to include the sapphire blue swarovski drop necklace from shingingstones. Priced at 16.00 it's an adorable piece that is sure to draw attention!

For the earring lover I also found the Aventurine ear studs by LoveErica which I think would stand out fantastically against darker hair. Another awesome jewelry piece that won't break the bank these earrings are only 14.00.

If you have a drink mixer in your life, Crate and Barrel's "500 Cocktails" book would be a great gift (along with some mixers, perhaps?) to enable anyone to create awesome cocktails without ever having to leave their apartment. At 16.95, this book would leave you with some extra cash to perhaps purchase 1 or 2 of the Dizzy cocktail glasses to complete the whole gift.


And for the person who just needs to relax (hey, I think I qualify for that) I spotted the Virtuoso candle at Anthropologie last night and stopped hard in my tracks. Not only does it smell good, the tin is adorable - and I'd probably use it for something to store little trinkets in when I'm finished burning the candle. Now, my only issue is which scent to get, they all smelled really good..

So let me know what you guys pick up and who on your naughty and nice list will be getting what this year.

Hope you have a fantastic Tuesday!

Gearing up for the holidays

With the now drastic turn in weather (goodbye high 70's) and gloomy wet forecast for the weekend its starting to finally feel like November. Hurrah! So I thought I'd compile a little list of things that's making me excited for the holidays and finally feeling like this time of year should be.

The great tree in Union Square is on its way up - towering over the annual ice skating rink that takes over a large part of Union Square. And the Macy's windows are already lit up with their wreaths, too!

Another great addition to Macy's (jeez I sound like a Macy's ad!) are the SFSPCA Holiday windows. In need of a new furry companion? Look no further - from November 19 (that's today!) through January 2nd walk yourself down and check out the cute puppies and kittens available for adoption through a partnership with the San Francisco SPCA and Macy's. Not in the mood for a friend but would like to help out anyway? Volunteers are still being accepted. And who wouldn't want to play with a new furry friend for a few hours while helping to raise money for them?

Also, if you haven't seen anyone walking around lately, the holiday cups are back at Starbucks. Even your overpriced mocha latte espresso is dressed up in holiday spirit! And.. just these upcoming few days - Nov 18-21 from 2-5PM all Starbucks holiday drinks are buy one get one free. Just in case you needed a little extra push for your favorite drink you can feel good by getting one for a friend... (or keeping it for yourself for later, hah).


Chunky sweaters. Finally - weather to support layers! I'm actually really digging this one from the Gap. I love the cowl neck and the zipper detail. Want it? Get it at the Gap for 54.50. And with 5 colors to choose from, I really have no idea which one I would get (I'm pretty indesisive most of the time...).

And you can't have a rainy season without rainboots! I'm beyond thrilled that with the storm slated to slam into San Francisco later this evening that I'll finally get a chance to pull out my adorable new pair of red rainboots with beige socks. SO.EXCITED. I don't think I could possibly put it into words. But now - my feet will stay dry, warm, and look (hopefully) good while I get to frolic in the rain.

And you thought that was just for kids, didn't you.

Have a fantastic Friday!