12.31.2014

Highlights of 2014

I know this may seem like a cop-out but for my last post of 2014, I'm going to do what most bloggers do. Yep, highlight outfits of 2014...only 10. But I'll do something even more special and that is to include some of my favorite instagrams shots.

I hope 2015 brings you all your heart's desire.

Best,

H.




















12.28.2014

Meanwhile, One Month Later...

I can't believe how lazy I have been. Well, yeah... I can believe it. I guess I have just been living and working and just too busy for the written word. 

December is almost over and during this month, I have witnessed both the miracle of life and the finality of death. My niece gave birth to an itty bitty little boy (this makes me a great aunt), and one of my friends lost her father to cancer. The one thing that still resonates with me is that at her father's viewing, her mother said to me, "He was my caretaker. He was always taking care of me. " I really couldn't find any comforting words at that moment, but thanks to the hubster, he said to her, "Well, he'll still take care of you from up there. And you know, he's already having a good time up there." That made her laugh. 

I still haven't grasped the whole viewing thing, but...

Earlier this month, we also had our Christmas party for the vet hospital. It was successful...even though I miscounted and accidentally left out...that's enough of that story. 

December also allowed for a mini-vacay (exactly 2 1/2 days and 2 nights) with the family. There's something always magical about Hershey, PA. There's always something magical about the Hershey Lodge; one of my favorite venues. The Lodge is currently decked out for the holidays with a huge tree, a sleigh and poinsettias. So many poinsettias in fact, that while the kids were enjoying hot cocoa, and I was enjoying my chocolate martini, we decided to count how many were in the lobby (from the front door to the bar area). I guessed around 40 (I love counting games) but the actual count was 16. I was a little bit off (I know what you're thinking, and no, the martini had nothing to do with my exaggerated estimation). We also took the kids to see the Sweet Lights, over 600 illuminated light displays stretching over 2 miles. And the highlight of the trip for me was the the Holiday Dinner Musical. And believe me, I'm not a thespian who needs to go see shows on Broadway, etc. But what made it nice was its Christmas theme, and that I had 3 of my favorite people in the entire world with me.

And of course, December 25th. This year, we went to my sister's house and celebrated with my brother and his family and my parents. It was nice...having Christmas at my parents' house feels like home though. 

One Christmas down, another one to go. 

Hope you had a blessed Christmas!

Best,

H.


Scenes from the office Christmas party.





Scenes from our mini-vacay

Don't know who this kid is but he would not get out of my way.

Sweet Lights display #1

Sweet Lights Display #2

Sweet Lights Display #3

Playbook for Dinner and Musical show

The show's actors caroling before the show.

I had to throw in a picture of Cuddy.

And our sweet puppy, Gracie.

Blog features my sister-in-law, Gina. My brother snapped these pictures for us outside of my sister's house on Christmas Day.

A green Christmas this year. I love how Gina's blue cape flutters in the wind.

I can't remember what she was saying here, but she could have been saying, "take it easy;" "hang loose;" "call me, maybe?;"  or "aloha."

I like this color palette; blue, black and white. 

Gina's watch is a Michele. Find similar here

Tory Burch. Find similar here. 

Jewelry by Sabika.


Love this guy! Had to sneak a picture here too.


11.30.2014

Thanks Giving

Today's sermon was about being thankful for everything that God has given us and what he has allowed to be taken from us. Basically, to thank God for everything: the good, the bad and the ugly. Our priest went on to ask how many of us are thankful for the air we breathe? Or thankful for having our five senses? How many of us are thankful for the little things we may take for granted? We have dedicated a day just for thanks giving; but everyday should be a day of thanks giving. 

I am definitely thankful for having a family to love and loves me; having friends who help me appreciate friendships; having a body that takes a licking but keeps on ticking; having God in my life and helping others to find HIM...

Best,

H.
I am thankful for this.


A sweet note from a friend. Totally unexpected. Totally beautiful. 

Another totally unexpected gesture...A fresh wreath from a business associate.

These photos are not altered by any means. Yes, the snow has melted in 24 hours. Gotta love PA.

Here's the look:
Skirt: Worthington via jcp, old
Jacket: Ruby Rd., old
Shoes: Aerosoles


I bought this ring when I was working at the non-profit. I remember telling my friends at work that it was on sale for $5 (originally $80 or more), and the store had a couple more. It ended up that 4 of us bought this ring. Love sharing a bargain with friends.

A little Sabika on Sunday never hurt anyone. Like I said, I love ALL jewelry.

11.29.2014

Black Friday Shopping with Ronaldo

Happy Super Saturday! Did you all go Black Friday shopping? I sure did... NOT. I don't know; I just never wanted something so badly like that...badly enough to get up earlier than I normally would to go to work. Well, maybe if Ronaldo (himself, in the flesh) was selling autographed jerseys? Nah. Maybe if Ronaldo was shirtless while selling autographed jerseys? Thinking about it. Maybe if Ronaldo was shirtless while selling autographed jerseys AND later bought me a soy, gingerbread latte from Starbucks (you know, to wake me up)? Done deal.

It amazes me how many people are already done with their Christmas shopping. Do they have helping elves? How do they do it? I still haven't made a list of names. Insert *panic attack!*

Thanksgiving was quiet this year. Since my parents were away (they're back) and the hubster was on-call, the boys and I stayed home. Oh, no, no, no don't feel bad for us. We were invited to partake of the Thanksgiving festivities (you know, the overeating, the loud and meaningless conversations and the endless heartburn) at friends, but I just didn't feel like going without the leader of the pack. So we had tilapia and calamari with all the fixings. Just so you know, this screams COPTIC THANKSGIVING!

But going back to Christmas shopping, I plan on doing some of that today. And to do that, I need to be C-O-M-F-O-R-T-A-B-L-E. How you may ask? With L-E-G-G-I-N-G-S!

Enjoy your Saturday!

Best,

H.
Here's the look:
Sweater: jcp, very old
Leggings: no name
Boots: Judith, very old. Find similar here. 
Viscose wrap: Italca, very old
Very old seems to be the theme of today's outfit.




Love these studs. Find here at chloeandisabel.com/boutique/heidir

Love, love, love! Find all at chloeandisabel.com/boutique/heidir