Ready for 2012

{A little sparkle for 2012}

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Happy New Year’s Eve! As the year closes, I have been reflecting on 2011. The year was full of ups and downs, but overall, I have had much (and many) to be thankful for. While I have a few resolutions I am planning to implement in the new days ahead, I have to say thank you to my family and friends for always supporting me in my ventures, no matter what they may be. I appreciate all of you and know how lucky I am to be surrounded by such truly loving and inspirational people. Xs and Os to all of you!

And now…though I feel like resolutions sometimes just set me up for failure, here are my top three declarations to open 2012.
  

1. I will try to live each day focused on positive, beneficial aspects that make me happy. I feel like I am ready to think more about how I am living my life, rather than how others are perceiving how I am living my life. I want to focus on making myself and others happy, and not fill my life with so much “stuff.”

2. I will try and do one thing every day that does not directly benefit me. I want to think more about how my actions can positively affect someone else, no matter how small my action may be.
 
(I guess numbers 1 & 2 are kind of similar, but that’s okay. Less room for error, right?!)

And finally…

3. I need to drink more water!

Hope everyone has a lovely and safe night ringing in 2012!

Hip Hip, Hooray for H&M



{H&M storefront on the Kansas City Plaza}



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Right before Thanksgiving, the long-awaited H&M store finally opened on the Plaza in Kansas City. Fashionistas all around the KC area flocked to the mecca of style with an affordable pricetag. While it took me a little longer to make my way down there, I was able to make my maiden visit a few weeks ago.  Yay for fashionable dresses, blazers and button-downs that even this teacher can afford. I managed to update my winter wardrobe and scoop up several darling dresses, a top (perf for work!), some jewelry, and my New Year’s Eve dress, all for ridiculously reasonable prices. The completely sequined black mini-dress was exactly what I had pictured in my head for ringing in 2012, and I was ecstatic to find this glitzy piece that didn’t break the bank. (I’ll be sure to post pics of our NYE soiree soon!) Much love for H&M in Kansas City!

Happy Holidays!

{The Christmas tree at Union Station}

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Happy Holidays! My Christmas was filled with family, relaxing, and tons of tasty treats. I had to share a few pics from our fam’s outing to the Kauffman Center last Friday to taking in a viewing of The Nutcracker. While the ballet was beautiful and quite impressive, the center itself was remarkable. The sleek lines of the clean glass and steel architecture was amazing. The sun was pouring through the Brandmeyer Great Hall, highlighting the impressive view of downtown Kansas City. And the theatre itself was just as interesting, showcasing modern inspiration throughout. After the show, we headed down to Pierpont’s in Union Station for a cocktail and fresh oysters before trekking down to the Plaza to take in the lights and some pasta. It was a lovely day and night that definitely put us all in the holiday spirit.

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{The Kauffman Center}

{Inside the Brandmeyer Great Hall...so sunny!}

{The stage inside the Muriel Kauffman Theatre}

{Oysters at Pierponts inside Union Station}

{Yum!}

I Was In A List-Making Mood Today...

{The Kansas City Plaza, all lit up}

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The Things That Drive Me Crazy About December In Kansas City

1. The traffic. I sat through THREE cycles (yep, count 'em, THREE) of the traffic lights changing at the same intersection on Monday night. Really? Why were so many people in their cars, obviously headed somewhere, and yet no one was moving? I was baffled. And annoyed. And I maybe yelled at a few cars. But in the holiday spirit, I kept my hand gestures to myself. That was my gift to the rest of you, cars who would not move. You're welcome.

2. Lines. In stores. That are forevvvver long. I popped into Barnes and Noble after a half-day at work on Tuesday, thinking, "okay, it's raining, it's 1:00 pm on a Tuesday, I should be good to go.” So. very. wrong. There I was, searching for only a giftcard, and instead of running in and out, there were 50 people already in line. Holy moly. I about lost it.

3. Irate emails from parents who demand (not inquire, not politely ask) to know why their child ended up with a "B" in my class. Well, since your kid has produced mediocre work the entire semester (and all of those assignments were posted online for overbearing parents like you to check), had a solid "B" for the entire 18 weeks prior to the final, and earned a 65 percent on the final that they obviously did not study for, I'd say a "B" isn't really that much of a shock. But please, feel free to tell me why this is all MY (the teacher's) fault. And next semester, perhaps you’d like to check in with me prior to the last day of the year.

4. Wintertime colds. I thought I had turned the corner and had warded off all of the bugs with my daily doses of Emergen-C, but those evil germs caught up with me this week. I blame all the snotty noses and hacking coughs that traveled around my classroom last week. And so, what did I have to do on my first full day off of work this week? Go to the doctor's office. It's a sinus infection. Sniff.


Okay. Deep breaths. Good thing there are…


The Things That Make Me Smile About December in Kansas City

1. The Plaza lights. So, so pretty!! I love all the different colors highlighting the unique architecture of the different buildings. Every time I head down there at night, it feels a little magical.

2. Christmas lights, in general. I love the little twinkling lights; I love the brightly outlined homes; I love the neighborhood in Mission Hills that strings strands of lights from the ground to trees and it looks like the lights are floating throughout the streets; I especially love the tree trunks wrapped in lights (I wish the whole city would do that to all the trees...that's not a ridiculous request, right?); and I even love the crazy houses that go all out. ALL out. You know what I’m talking about. Now, if my next door neighbors decided to adorn their entire roofline, porch, windows, yard and various objects in their yard (think trees, snowmen, candy canes, angels, maybe a windmill or two) in various colors of blinkers and twinklers and then sync it to music, I may have an issue. Or a seizure. But when it's three streets down from my house and I can pass it on my way home each night, that's okay in my book. I get a little kick out of it, every time I drive by.

3. Old friends coming back in town. My two weeks off from work will be spent lunching with pals and catching up with out-of-towners who I only see a few times a year. Can't wait to see all of them and hear what they have been up to.

4. Overindulgence. Now, my waistline will disagree come January, but I love all the excuses to meet up for a fabulous dinner party (Hillary, I'm looking at you!), or head out and grab a bite at a yummy restaurant, or meet for cocktails at happy hour. On a Wednesday. Or a Monday. Or whenever. (I’m on vacay.) And why not? ‘Tis the season!

5. Christmas plans with the fam. Every year, my parents, brother and I make plans to spend a whole day together before all of the traditional Christmas festivities begin on Christmas Eve. This year, we are heading downtown to check out the Kauffman Center and take in a viewing of The Nutcracker. I am super excited to see the beautiful ballet, as it has been years since I’ve seen it. We used to attend it annually when I was younger. However, as soon as my brother was old enough to realize what he was watching (dancing dolls? No, thanks), we switched it up and began attending A Christmas Carol at the Missouri Rep Theatre. This play holds a special place in my heart, as we attended for years, and it always puts me in a Christmas-y mood, but I'm looking forward to The Nutcracker this year. The music is amazing, I still love the story (dancing dolls and all), and I have read raving reviews regarding the Kauffman Center, so I can't wait to take it all in. After our afternoon of culture, we usually head down to the Plaza and partake in too much wine, pasta and dessert at our fav Italian spot, Figlio's. Yum. And of course on Saturday, I will roll myself (see item #4 on my list) back to my parents' house on Christmas Eve for church, more food and wine, and a visit from Santa. My brother and I still stay over at the ol’ homestead on Christmas Eve to make sure Santa doesn't forget our address, and Christmas morning is filled with gifts, family reminisces, and (more) food. I love our holiday traditions!

J'adore Paris

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With all of the dreary weather lately (rain, rain, and more rain…you know it’s bad when you’d rather see it snow!), I’ve been watching this video nearly every day to make me feel happy. I was fortunate enough to travel to Paris two summers ago, and this video makes me reminisce about everything we got to see and experience. I love the colors (the macaroons! Swoon!), the music, the language, the places this lucky girl gets to go…hopefully someday soon, I’ll make it back.

Sweet Stocking Stuffers

While running around this weekend, trying to finish up my Christmas shopping, I ran into my fav stop, Anthropologie, to pick up a few girlie gifts for my pals. An hour of admiring knick-knacks and home decor (I want-slash-need this and this) and obsessing over the window instillations (they had hung old-fashioned mini picture slides from clear wire, and the colors in the pictures reflected in the sun. Gorgeous and totally original idea! I’m kicking myself for not snapping a pic) later, I finally picked out gifts for my gals and was about to head out when I was drawn to the Lollia section. This lovely line promotes soft, floral-y fragrances in perfumes and indulgent handcremes with beautiful packaging. My current fav is the “In Love” fresh petal scented handcreme, but I also love the “Wish” fragrance. They're both so light and just make a girl feel pretty. Santa, if you’re reading, feel free to stuff my stocking with any of these lovely smells!

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{Lollia "In Love" Handcreme-love this flowery smell}



{Lollia "Relax"- a sweet lavender and honey scent}



{Lollia "Wish"-the sugared pastille scent smells good enough to eat}

Out With A Roar

Several weeks ago, my friend Haley turned the big 2-9. Instead of celebrating the final birthday of her 20’s with a “bang,” she decided to celebrate with a “roar.” And so, her 29^th fete was themed as “The Roaring Twenties,” costumes NOT optional. Excited by the prospect of costuming myself in the classic elegance of the swinging decade, I proactively ordered a “Gold Gatsby Girl” ensemble from an online costume store a week before the big party. However, I was horrified when a horrendous yellow-lace, shapeless dress showed up in its place, just the day before the gathering. The Friday afternoon of the party found me frantically running to Hobby Lobby, Target and Off Broadway Shoes to try and throw together an appropriate flapper look. Luckily, I was able to find everything I needed (amazing what my closet has hiding in the back), and while I was sewing my headband together literally minutes before I left, I think my ending getup turned out pretty cute. And the soiree? So much fun!! Hillary and Chris were (as usual) magnificent hosts, and the theme did not disappoint.  The girls (and guys) looked appropriately swingin’, the cocktails were flowing, and a dance party broke out before too long. What a fabulously Fitzgerald evening!

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{The birthday girl, Haley (in a fabulously feathered Sue Wong dress) and Crystal. I adored the handmade paper "Happy Birthday" sign strung up behind them!}

  

{Jess, Crystal and me in our fab flapper-wear}

  

{Haley, me, Crystal and Hillary with our best "surprised Flapper" look!}

 

Giving Thanks



{Turkey Day decor...those little pilgrims have been around longer than me!}



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This past week, my mom’s side of the family gathered at my parents’ home to celebrate Thanksgiving. Our family has much to be thankful for, and this particular holiday is very important to me. My mom has hosted for as long as I can remember, and I love getting the chance to catch up with aunts, uncles, cousins and my Grandma. While our dinner isn’t overly-formal or fancy, the food is always delectable (twice baked sweet potatoes and the traditional sugary sweet potato casserole? Yes, please!) and the company makes it a very special day. I hope they know how thankful I am for all of them, each and every day!  

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{The "Adult" table...the kids are positioned out in the kitchen}



{Turkey napkins are a must}




{Digging into the spread}




{With my cousin, Caitlin}



Flare for Fashion

As the colder weather rapidly approaches, I've been seriously searching for a pair of super-duper flared denim. Bell-bottoms seem to have come back into style (yet again), and I must say I am quite enthusiastic about their return. While I have embraced the skinny styles (and yes, I even gave into a few pairs of jeggings, if you can believe it), I have always felt that the bootcut or flared styles are more flattering on my figure. I’m thinking I need to procure a pair of super dark, super flared jeans with a wide hem at the bottom that would ideally hit the floor, even with a tall heel or wedge. That’s the trickiest part in finding fashionable denim for me—the length. While most styles are an adequate length for ballet flats or flip flops, I have had a tough time finding a pair that are suitable for a higher heel. I’m digging the Supermodel cut from Hudson with the 36” inseam (wowzers!), but I’m not sure if they are flared enough to achieve the retro-inspired look I’m going for. 7 For All Mankind offers a fab flared pair in the Jiselle style, also with a 36” inseam, but I've been fooled by 7's promises of length before. J. Crew also offers a bell-bottomed look with their Classic Flare in jezebel wash. Their “tall” length offers a looooong 37” inseam. With their price tag looking a little more affordable than the other two, these just might be the winner!

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{Hudson Supermodel}

{7 For All Mankind Jiselle}

{J.Crew Classic Flare}

Before All the Leaves Have Fallen…

I’ve been meaning to post about a fabulous day trip I took with my mom about a month ago to the Red Barn Farm in Weston, Missouri. The weather on that autumn Saturday was crisp and ideal, and after lunching at an adorable restored home that had been turned into a little bistro in the charming downtown Weston area, we headed out to the Red Barn Farm in search of juicy red apples and cheerful orange pumpkins. The scenic farm was not only rustic and beautifully landscaped, but it also was brimming with yummy fall refreshments (not gonna lie—we indulged in both sweet caramel apples and sticky caramel corn). As I look out the window at the gloomy grey sky today, I’m so glad we had the chance to take advantage of the gorgeous weather this past fall and enjoy our visit to the “punkin patch.”

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{The historic downtown area in Weston, MO}

{The darling city park, nestled back behind the main drag}

{Unique storefronts line Main Street}

{Love the brightly striped awning and cheery flowerboxes}



{The Weston Red Barn Farm}



{So many different colors and shapes to choose from! I was particuarly fond of the white ghost pumpkins.}

{Tiers and tiers of the vividly orange pumpkins}

In Memory of Lucy

A couple of weeks ago, my family had to make the decision to put our dear kitty Lucy to sleep. She was about 20 years old; her vision and hearing had started to fail and her diet consisted exclusively of the oh-so-easy to digest Cheez Whiz. Lucy was particularly special to me, since I had picked her out as a tiny calico kitten back in third grade, and it made me quite sad to have to let her go. But, I know the decision was for the best, and that she’s in a better place now. Here are a few memories of our beloved Lucy-Lou (as I liked to call her).

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{Lucy with Elvis, one of her kittens we kept around for a while, and Moosey, another of our kitties who has passed on to Kitty Heaven, 1995}




{In one of her favorite spots, snuggled up on a pillow on the back of the couch, 2005}



Happy Halloween!

{The spooky little guy, perched on a few of my favorite reads in my classroom}

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October has been a ridiculously busy month. It seems that every spare minute of mine has been spent at school, getting papers graded; at high school football games with my cheerleaders (mostly watching the boys lose); or fixing things up around the homefront (ah, the joys of an old house). While I still have some pics to post from our fabulous trip to the Weston Red Barn Apple Orchard, those may have to wait until next month (pumpkins still work in November, right?). I thought in honor of the upcoming holiday (my most favorite of the year: Halloweenie!), I would post my favorite find from Nell Hill’s this summer. This sleek and spooky raven is all jazzed up in his glittery witch hat in bright Halloween colors. I brought him to school to perch on my desk, and of all my cheesy pumpkin decorations in my classroom, the kids (and I!) have definitely enjoyed him most.

Happy October!

{Love-love-loving this gorgeous fall wreath!}

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My favorite month has finally arrived, and I'm so glad the weather has been cooperating—bright, sunny days and chilly nights are the epitome of fall for me. It’s time to pull out the autumn accents and fall-ify my home. I visited an apple orchard and pumpkin patch a few weeks ago (more on that trip later), and found some perfect pieces to welcome the season. I’m still currently searching for the perfect wreath to hang on the front door (aren’t these two great? I adore the top look with the rustic ribbon added) and haven’t yet found just the right pumpkin for my porch (kinda digging the white “ghost” pumpkins…they spice up the traditional orange approach!), but I plan on taking advantage of these idyllic days this weekend and adding the finishing fall touches to my home.

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{Another pretty mix of berries and flowers}

{Love the white gourd and watering can}

{Ghostly little guy}

Girl Misses Man (Who Shops Globe)

{A few looks from Anthro's fall campaign. Loving the prints!}

{Fall flats}

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Not too long ago, my cable supplier decided to reorganize their networks and moved many channels around. Not only has this confused me on several occasions (what’s the channel for Bravo again??), but I found myself completely infuriated when I searched and searched (with no avail) for the Sundance Channel. I’ll be honest; I had actually kind of forgotten about this independent channel for a while, and its absence on my cable box had gone unnoticed. However, I ducked into Anthropologie the other day to pick up something cheery and bright for my kitchen (their whimsical tea towels and colorful mugs always make my day a little bit better), and as I shopped around, I recalled a delightful show I used to watch called Man Shops Globe on the Sundance Channel.

In a nutshell, Anthropologie buyer Keith Johnson has “the greatest job in the world” (so he claims—and I completely agree!) as he travels to countries all over the globe and hand picks décor for Anthropologie stores. Sometimes he commissions artists to create multiple pieces for the store to sell; at times, he finds one-of-a-kind antiques or home furnishings to add to displays and create ambiance in the stores. Each episode would find Keith in a different area of the world, finding truly unique and inspiring pieces at flea markets, craft stalls and showrooms. My reminiscence of this entertaining and fascinating show led me to attempt to find it online, since it appears Sundance is no longer in my cable line-up at all. (Frown.) Alas, when I found the website, it appeared there are no scheduled showings anytime soon. (Double frown.) I suppose for now, I can catch up on past episodes and cross my fingers that this enchanting show returns soon!

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{Keith in action; Season 2}

Bootie-licious

Shoes have always been a weakness for me. Growing up, I developed a passion for buying new shoes at any chance I could get. My closet at home was overflowing with footwear, organized by color and style, of course. My dad fondly (I like to think) referred to me as Imelda Marcos, the Pilipino woman known for, among other things, owning over 1,060 pairs of shoes.  Now, my collection wasn’t quite comparable to hers. At first (I’m thinking middle school here), my closet was full of Doc Martens (clunksters!), assorted Nikes and bright pairs of Old Navy flip flops (why own only one color when you can own 15?). In high school, I added platform foam sandals (really?), clunky-heeled boots and chunky-heeled oxfords to the mix. By the time my college years rolled around, the styles had materialized into pumps and skinny stiletto-heeled boots (chunky heels were sooo out!). I managed to find several shoe stores in the Manhattan, KS mall that offered brightly colored pointy-toed pumps (the ‘80’s were making their way back around, and I didn’t even know it…or care) that I would rock with my Gap and Hollister jeans (sigh) at the local bars, or pair with trousers or dresses for chapter on Monday nights. My collection included a pair of pointy white pumps with small metal grommets around the toe (my mom was appalled when I wore those to church for Easter Sunday) and multiple candy-colored patent pairs of stilettos. I had a pair of powder pink heels that I was in love with. I wore those babies out…literally. (The soles came off the sides of the shoe. I’m thinking the cheap pricetag may have had something to do with the construction. Remember, I was on the college budget—most of my cash went toward “textbooks”…AKA cocktails at Porter’s and Kites.)

Yep, I have always had a flair for footwear. Now that I’m standing on my feet all day, one would think that I would now favor flats and perhaps even sensible clog-like things with orthopedic arches. How wrong you would be! I still rock the heels and wedges to school as often as I can, and one of my latest purchases (in addition to those Tory wedges that I did end up buying!) has been a reincarnated pair of booties that seem eerily familiar, yet updated. I was all over the heeled oxford trend back in middle and high school, and I’m completely into the latest version of men’s wear-inspired footwear. I found these grey, suede lace-up booties at (of all places) Old Navy (no flip flops this time). I’ve been itching to jump on board the bootie train since last winter, and I’m thinking these completely fit the bill. Plus, bonus—they were an affordable $34.50. I’m thinking I’ll pair them with cuffed boyfriend jeans and a blazer, or maybe with a belted dress and cardy. I heart fall footwear!

*Update: I wore these darling lace-ups below with cuffed dark jeans, a white tank and a navy cardigan with accentuated shoulders to school last Friday. While the booties weren’t the most comfortable, I did get many compliments on my look!

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{Old Navy Women’s Sueded Oxford Ankle Boots}