Dressing & Impressing - tis (nearly) the season!

Fact... Until February. I'll be over it by February.

Ladies... we are officially at mid-November which means in 4 short weeks "Holiday Party Season" will be upon us (possibly sooner depending on when your December social calendar commitments begin!) I always love and simultaneously hate Holiday Party Season because:

1) dressing for these parties can be tricky, especially if it's an office or work-related function;

2) dressing for these parties can be pricy, since stores know just when to mark up their holiday-perfect pieces;

3) dressing for these parties can be glamorous, because there are so many chic black, gold, red and deep green options out there; and

4) dressing for these parties can be fun because holiday cheer looks great on everyone!

Here to help you get ahead of the shopping rush are a few gorgeous dresses I've spotted recently and how I'd wear them.

I absolutely adore this dress. I think it is chic, feminine, ever so slightly sexy, but without question elegant. Perfect for a holiday season wedding or a cocktail attire seasonal party, though a bit pricey, this dress is sure to turn heads. And just think, it will be perfect for Valentine's Day too:) Buy it HERE.

Is your office holiday party at the office or does it begin immediately after work making a "costume change" impossible (or maybe just inappropriate?) All three of the dresses above could transition beautifully from desk to dancing, have a little pop of holiday cheer (love that sassy gold belt!) and won't leave any co-workers questioning your taste for the office or the party! Buy it HERE, HERE and HERE.

If you're looking for a bolder, more unique holiday party look that is still unquestionably sophisticated, I love this jumpsuit. Pair it with high heels, statement earrings and maybe even a thin gold belt to take the look straight into holiday party rock star status. Buy it HERE.

Finally, if your holiday party is all about bringing the glam, this dress is the one for you. Just as fancy, but a whole lot more sassy than the lil red number I posted first, this dress does beading and sequins without screaming dance costume or flapper. I think it's stunning and could be paired with strappy, sexy shoes or black tights and heels depending on how high you want to turn it up. Buy it HERE.

For the Kiddos

Sassy summer Mama

Even though it’s easy to start getting the ho hums about summer whizzing by (have you seen the back-to-school commercials?) the reality is that summer is most definitely NOT over. In fact, we have an entire glorious month to go! And since the kiddos are still hanging at home (and parents/babysitters are likely running out of ideas and inspiration to keep them entertained) I thought today would be the perfect day to have a Summer Inspired For the Kiddos post. So round up the lovely littles in your life, check out the goodies below and let’s make the most of this August!

* Paper plates have never looked so good!

I love doing craft projects with little kids, especially ones that they can easily execute on their own. These 20 paper plate projects from Spoonful are low maintenance, low cost, and absolutely adorable. Sounds like the perfect children's activity no!? Pin ‘em HERE or visit the full site HERE.

* Close by and Hands Free

This gem comes from the supermom of my adorable niece and nephew (aka my sister-in-law) and I think you’re gonna LOVE it. Have you heard of the Go-Pod? If you haven’t, this easy to pack, pop-up and use contraption is perfect for your littlest babes who just want to be nearby and have a great view for the family BBQ, evening at the beach, or picnic in the park. Sold everywhere, the Go-Pod just might become your go-to for the 4-months and up member of your posse.

* Stylin' Summer Outfits

There are few things more adorable than babies in rompers; but I think babies in printed rompers might be one of them. I absolutely LOVE the collection of prints from Winter Water Factory, like those little fishies above or these anchors or maybe sailing ships? And while you’re shopping for baby clothes, don’t forget to check out what they carry for adults because those really are some sassy/fun prints!

* Deliciously Adorable

Stop right now- we have to go and make these Star Fish S’mores… that’s right, they’re S’MORES!! And while I confess this recipe is a bit more detail-oriented than what I typically go for, I think all you Betty Crockers’ out there should do it while the rest of us get inspired to make a simpler version (dip star-shaped sugar cookies in chocolate and then use the exterior instructions from there?)

* Make mealtime more merry!

How adorable is that plate? I just discovered that Shutterfly now has an entire home décor section including these fun plates that you can customize for the entire family (they remind me of those draw-on then bake-in-the-oven plates I made for all my grandparents as a kid!) These would make an adorable gift or how about a picnic perfect gingham and stripes combo for your own family!?  Let your kids help pick their favorite pictures and I guarantee dinner is about to get way more fun!

* Tips for Travelling with Littles

Summer vacations aren’t always easy when you have tiny travelers to contend with, but thankfully the always cheerful Naomi of Love Taza has some expert tips for hitting the road with kiddos while ensuring summer fun. From the obvious notes (be flexible with your schedule) to fun insider tips (cough up the $$$ for a centrally located hotel room to maximize time spent out and about), click HERE for Love Taza’s full list of tips.

Do you all have any fun summer plans? What do you do to keep the kiddos entertained on hot summer days?!

Pinterest-ing Lately.

I needed to pin this. Obviously.

I am a Pinterest addict. I absolutely LOVE the site as a source of inspiration, information and mindless entertainment (not to mention crucial to my blog content!) and I actually get stressed if more than a day or 2 goes by without time to scroll through my feed (how will I catch up on all those pins!? What if I miss something epic-ly awesome that I NEEDED to re-pin!?) Some of my pins have a clear purpose (recipe, craft idea, decor or fashion inspiration) while others are just because they make me smile (I have an entire board dedicated to "Disney Dreams" and another simply for things that are "Beautiful to Look At"!) So here for your Thursday clicking pleasure are some of my favorite Pins from lately:

How simple/sexy/chic is this look!? I have all the pieces in my closet (black blazer, ripped boyfriend jeans, grey t and black clutch).Add some strappy heels for additional polish... Friday night are you here yet!? Pin it HERE.

OMG this is brilliant. Perfect for road trips, tailgating or general ready-for-anythingness! Pin it HERE, buy it HERE.

So true.

I keep my sunnies collection balanced on the top of my bedroom mirror, but this storage/display solution is pretty cool (plus I always find that keeping all my options visible is key to remembering all my options!) $50 to buy for those of you that aren't craft-inclined, but I think you could easily DIY this with some ingenuity and assistance from Home Depot. Pin it HERE, buy it HERE.

This dessert... this Nutella, berry bruschetta dessert, must get in my BELLY! Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

Hump Day Distractions

Happy Allergy Season!

And then it was springtime and Merry Meri awoke, so puffy and stuffy from her allergies that she almost resented the beautiful blooming flowers... almost:) Anybody else suddenly TOTALLY socked in the face by seasonal allergies this week!? While I invest in a lifetime supply of Zyrtec and debate life in a bubble, here are some delightful distractions from around the web. Enjoy!

* I'm either ridiculously on trend or ridiculously typical. I prefer to think the former.

* Shut up with this beautiful/adorable/royal perfection. (those cheeks, I can't even!!)

* This kid is the man.

* I hate myself for desperately wanting to eat THIS. It looks So. Damn. Good.

* And obviously I'll be having some Wonuts for dessert (#FatKidForLife)

* "Condom truck tips, spills load"... and other brilliantly cringe worthy headlines!

* I absolutely love THIS story. Totally worth five minutes of your time. (via exPress-o)

* Brooklyn is in bloom!! Track the cherry blossoms HERE.

* I still love Queen Bey, but THIS made me un-follow her Instagram account.

* I could stare at pictures of this adorable duo all. day. long.

* This is in fact that cutest party ever.

Hump Day

Get it!?

Happy happy Hump Day to you!! I've got to confess I'm cheating a bit today as I'm already well over the hump of my week, with bags packed and ready to go on a quick getaway with Dr. H to visit a favorite friend who is currently living in Costa Rica. But for those of you not boarding an airplane this evening, I've got some fabulous distractions to take you to the other side of this week. Enjoy!

* Hand written thank you notes are making a comeback (as they should!)

* A brilliant cork-to-candle craft for your next dinner party. 

* Ahhh to fall asleep in a sea of watermelons... 

* Currently reading (and loving) the Goldfinch, just put several more of THESE books on my to do list!

* If you watch Game of Thrones, you absolutely must watch THIS.

* This outfit is spring 2014 perfection.

* I'm usually too lazy to mix fancy cocktails at home, but this lil guy looks worth the effort! 

* In case you haven't seen this already, here is precisely why you should be buying HoneyMaid products.

* Have you heard of Babysuiting?

Workin for the weekend.

Peek-a-Boo Friday! There you are!!

Yaaaaaaaay!!!! We made it through the first post-holidays 5-day week and now we only have to survive one more until the great Dr. Martin Luther King delivers another holiday-day off! Wooooo!!! This time of year, with winter in its "few, if any redeeming qualities" phase (once I've had some snow and a healthy dose of Christmas decor, winter has NOTHING to offer me) anything that makes the weeks pass quickly is welcome (so don't mind me if after MLK I've got laser focus on President's Day!) Here to welcome the weekend is a little bit this and that from what to wear, the movie you might want to see and a snack you just might need to fix up for yo'self! Have a good one :)

THIS winter grey with a pop of party manicure is on my lunch break "to do" list!

Hungry Girl (my favorite healthy recipe source) has THIS great recipe for "Healthy Mini Sausage and Kale Pizzettes". With basic ingredients and a waistline friendly 177 calories per bite, cook up these lil guys this weekend as a test run for your Super Bowl batch!! (ps- I really like fat free ricotta with just a little kosher salt for added flavor and swapping that for the low fat/light cheese the recipe calls for would make this snack even healthier!)

I love me some "Awards season" movies and though (as usual) I'm not fully prepared for the Golden Globes (give me until the Oscars to screen all the good ones!) my early favorite is American Hustle by FAR! If you're looking to catch a flick this weekend (and be "in with the in crowd" come Sunday's Golden Globes) I highly recommend American Hustle (way better than Wolf of Wall Street (which I also liked, but not as much!)).

How cozy casual chic is this winter weather look!? Cream cable sweaters are very much "in" this winter so you can find one anywhere (mine is from Forever 21 and is so soft that I default to it at least once per weekend lately!) Pair it with jeans and some classic winter colored plaid (and a floppy hat if you're feeling bold) and you have a winter weekend outfit that's equal parts stylish and comfy.

variety is the spice of life.

Pick a jacket, any jacket.

The other day, as I was throwing on my raincoat to run out for lunch, my colleague said "you have so many coats! It's like you have the perfect coat for every kind of weather!!" which I found a touch embarrassing (if a dude noticed, it must be very noticeable!) but mostly it just made me smile. "You're right!" I exclaimed, "I have a bit of a coat habit, but I wear them ALL so I think it's not such a bad habit to have!" 

If you ask me, coats, like shoes, scarves, jeans, jewelry and hats are items one can never have enough of. There's the heavy coat, the ski coat, rain coat, dressy coat, lightweight winter coat, lightweight spring coat, puffy vest, stylish cape-let, the list goes on and on. Outerwear can easily be an extension of your outfit and what better way to polish your shine than with the perfect jacket (or shoes or statement necklace) for that particular day!? I mean I've got enough pashminas to run my own street vendor business, but always having the "perfect" color or print makes me happy every time. I think the key is to focus on occasion and variety... it's not "I have a hat already" it's "do I already have a hat that I'd wear when I would wear this one?" Variety is the spice of life and in my opinion, the spicier the better!

Ed. Note: I've also been told I'm excellent at justifying things... purchases in particular :) 

Absolutely no effort at all.

I wish.

Today is grey, rainy, unseasonably warm, humid and pretty much just disgusting. Also it's Monday. As such, I have made absolutely no effort at all. Why wear makeup when you can just cover your face with your glasses? How about you put on those pants from the "Saturday outfit reject pile" in the corner of the room? Is your hair damp and flat from last night's shower? Ponytail!! This morning I looked out the window and knew that it was just one of those days when no amount of effort was going to make me feel glam, so I figured, why bother?! I consider it an accomplishment of epic proportion that I was able to drag my ass out of bed and into a coherent outfit at all. 

Looks like it's gonna be a wet one...

I personally think it's a-ok to take a day off from effort every once in a while. Really all I'm doing is saving my energy (and overpriced hair/makeup products) for a day when my effort won't be undone by damp, sticky air the second I step outside. I'm going for "dishelved chic" (or something like that).  As far as rising and shining is concerned, I'll shine again tomorrow... until then, fingers crossed I don't run into any ex-boyfriends or celebrity crushes.

Hump Day Distractions

Brings new meaning to "love your vegetables"

Another week another Wednesday. A 5-day work week is a real biotch after a few days off, but together we can make it through. Hump with me:

* Quite possibly the most awesome Facebook prank ever.

* A cheetah like you've never seen a cheetah before...

* One awesome reader sent me this link as a reminder that plenty of individuals are grateful for Jews on Christmas!

* I'll take one of EVERYTHING please:)

* THIS outfit is perfection.

* Children of the 90s and lovers of TGIF rejoice! 

* To God regarding dinosaurs: you did the right thing (and other adorable notes from kids to the big guy upstairs)