Thankful

{His cousin's girlfriend Stefanie, me, and his cousin Sam}

{My love and I}

{Thanksgiving table ready for the feast}

I'm so thankful that my boyfriend's family has welcomed me with open arms since the beginning of our relationship and it's so fun celebrating holidays and events together. We went to his aunt and uncle's house in Kirkland, WA this year to celebrate Thanksgiving and it was a great time. (Don't mind the awkward photo of my boyfriend and I, but it was the only one we took together the whole weekend.)

Mother's Day

This picture was taken when my mom and I spent a long weekend in San Francisco after I graduated college.   It was the first, but hopefully not last, mother-daughter trip and we had so much fun.  She and I haven't always seen eye-to-eye (but really who agrees all the time with what their mom says?), but now I notice myself doing and saying things that she has always done.  I'm lucky to have such a great mom - Happy Mother's Day!

Valentine's Day Cooking Ideas

{Grilled Salmon with Mustard Sauce and Asparagus}

{Crab Cakes}

{Heart-Shaped Eggs in Toast}

Valentine's Day seems to fall into one of two categories for most people, they either love it, or they hate it.  I for one, love it because it's an excuse to show love and affection and be shown love and affection and not be looked at (too) strangely.  Because it is falling on a Tuesday this year, my boyfriend and I are celebrating the weekend before, and will probably do something small on the actual day.  

I think one of my most favorite ways to celebrate is to get somewhat dressed up, listen to nice music, and cook a delicious dinner at home.  Not only is it super relaxing, but it's also inexpensive.  Something my boyfriend and I like to make is fish with some sort of veggie and starch or breakfast for dinner.  Above are some recipes that I want to try cooking.

Christmas Weekend

How was your Christmas weekend? Mine was wonderful, I got to spend some quality time with my bf and family and was spoiled by each of them.  In addition to the presents, I was lucky enough to have a great walk on a spring-like Christmas day, and several rounds of games!

1. My bf and I after we celebrated Christmas early

2. My new camera! I can't wait to learn more on how to use it.

3. Cozy new JCrew slippers!

4. Christmas night Jenga game

5. Will Zumba Fitness 2, love it.

Merry Christmas

I'm so excited, and a little in disbelief that Christmas is this weekend.  My boyfriend and I are hopping in the car and going to my parent's house to spend the holiday with them.  I hope that everyone has a safe and happy Christmas weekend!

Outfit Crush

{Note to Self}

I am beyond excited to recreate this simple, casual, and comfy outfit over Christmas weekend.  Oregon, and in particular Portland has been particularly bright and sunshiny this December, and I am welcoming it with open arms.  So much that I'm willing to risk cold toesies to rock some heels that are otherwise left for dryer months.  Rock on December, rock on, I knew I always loved this month for a reason.

Outfit Fourteen

{Top: Can't remember, Cardigan: Old Navy, Belt: Target (came with a dress), Jeans: Forever 21, Boots: Steve Madden}

When I got off work I was too excited for my Valentine's day-evening plans to write a blog post.  After work I enjoyed some wine and talked fashion with two of my pals (what more could you want?).  Then when I got home I had some bubbly and exchanged presents with my boyfriend and had dinner.  It was the perfect little Valentine's evening, especially since we celebrated on Saturday.

Telegram -(stop)-

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Valentine's day isn't for a couple of weeks, but in my opinion it's never too early to think about presents.  A telegram is something that I've never seen in real life before, that is until I ordered one for my parent's anniversary.  Telegram stop offers old time looking telegrams at a great price ($5.85!), and it's so easy to make.  So go ahead and make one for your love, family, or friends. -(stop)-

Fill in the Blank Friday

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1.   New Year's is (awesome/lame/other): fun but a little lame at the same time.  I feel like there is always a build up about what you should be doing, but most of the time I feel like having a laid back evening at home with friends and watching the ball drop.

2.  Last New Year's Eve I: was still living in Eugene, and we went to a local campus bar.  I remember it being a great time with great friends!

3.  My New Year's resolution is: 1) donate money to the Oregon Humane Society so that they can continue to help pets like the cat we got, 2) really start working out on a regular basis - get out and walk more! 3) crochet another scarf to wear next winter. :)

4.  The best way to spend New Year's Eve is: with friends in a low-key environment. << I agree with you Lauren, the best way to spend any evening is with friends!

5.  My prediction for an up-and-coming trend in 2011 is: flare jeans becoming popular, which I'm hoping doesn't happen because they really are unflattering!

6.  This New Year's Eve I will: here it is New Year's Eve and we still haven't made definitive plans, but we will probably watch a movie, go out to dinner, drink some champagne, and watch the ball drop.

7.  A fresh start is: always a wonderful and refreshing thing to have in life.  This year I think I've had quite a few "fresh starts" and it feels better than ever!

New Year's Eve Cocktails

 {Sorbet & Champagne Cocktail}

{Red Currant Champagne Cocktail}

 {Pomegranate Champagne Punch}

It seems like everyone is talking about the end of a year and decade (can you believe that New Year's is tomorrow!?).  It got me thinking about what cocktail would be perfect to celebrate the new year.  Martha Stewart has some delicious sounding drinks on her website, click the above links to see the recipes.  What is your favorite celebratory drink?

Jingle Bell Rock

I am in full force Christmas spirit, I've been looking everywhere for Christmas decorations and even just seeing Christmas lights puts a smile on my face.  This holiday is and always has been so wonderful to me.  I've also been gathering some wonderful decoration inspiration from these pictures:

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