Two Thousand Twelve

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2011 has come and gone – unbelievable, right?! I’m currently in Lake Tahoe, snuggled up next to the fireplace, drinking vino {thanks Tracy & Matt!} and can’t help but reflect on how incredibly lucky I have felt in 2011. Le sigh.

It was a big year for me in many ways, considering… I took a leap of faith and launched my own blog/website, which gave me the perfect excuse to explore my passions and travel the world {I can’t believe it took me so many years to do it}. I moved in with my boyfriend. I was named Woman of the Year. I was named one of the Most Valuable Lifestyle Bloggers by CBS. And now I’m embarking on a few new projects that I can’t wait to share! Despite the little bumps in the road, life isgood grand!

So, as we enter 2012, I invite all of you to jump on the bandwagon, discover new things and live your passions. I am wishing you great success and hope you find what it is that you love to do, and then make the jump and just do it! You’d be surprised what a little believing in yourself can help you accomplish.

Here are a few of my favorite snapshots of 2011! Ole!

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[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]P.s. There is so much to be excited about so let's start this year off with a bang! x[/typography]

Ugly Sweater Party

You’re invited to a special bash And here’s your chance to make a splash: Be sure to wear a Christmas sweater, The uglier it is, the better!

So mug a grandma, trawl a thrift shop, An elegant choice would be a flop. The most obnoxious earns the praise; Celebrate the kitschy side of the holidays!

This past Saturday my BF, roommate and I went all out and turned our 1896 Mansion suite into a Christmas wonderland for our Ugly Sweater Party. With the holidays in full swing, what a better way than to spread Christmas cheer! Right?

Ahhh, and the tackiness of the holiday sweaters… oh, the sweaters {or vests}. This is the time of year when ugly is good, hideous is better and hideously ugly is truly remarkable! From reindeer and snowmen to Bill Cosby, we had an ugly sweater collection that would make Santa Claus proud.

Scroll down to see our shenanigans unfold… Ole!

I couldn’t have asked for a more spirited and entertaining evening filled with obnoxious Christmas music, dancing, laughing and voting on the ugliest sweater {definitely one of the highlights!}. With so many hysterical moments and memories, I can’t wait for next year as this will now become an annual tradition!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]Happy Holidays![/typography]

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Give Thanks

Last night's Thanksgiving feast was decadent and delicious. It was so heartwarming to enjoy the company and conversation of 20 of my closest family members and friends. We did something a bit differently this year and went around our huge “Kings” table and asked everyone to say what they are thankful for. It got me thinking about all the things I’m thankful for in my life {especially today}.

Here’s a random list of little things I'm thankful for today:

Cameras My immediate family Skype Best friends *Best friend's new baby girl Adam My Mama Juanita’s Mexican hot chocolate My abuelitos Colorful leaves Feather down comforter Napa on ice {ice-skating!} Ugly sweater parties Dulce {our vineyard cat} Puss Puss {our cat} Laughing Kisses My cruiser bike Pandora Cuddling Dancing Books Movies {Breaking Dawn!} Fro-yo Sweater dresses Dresses Mac book pro Crisp mornings The color yellow Wine Tea {Jasmine + Earl Grey} Supportive, motivating & inspiring people Being able to travel the world Living my passions…

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What random little things are you thankful for?

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! I can’t wait to have some leftover stuffing and pumpkin pie for breakfast. 

P.s. This weekend my housemates & I are throwing an Ugly Sweater Party! I'm so excited and can't wait to share pictures next week. Ole!

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Have a great weekend! [/typography]

Trick or Treat

 [typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Eat, drink and be scary...[/typography]

This past weekend was packed with nonstop parties filled with feasting, dancing and attempting to be really scary {or glamorous}. I went for the more glamorous look and put together my best effort to be a Grecian Goddess. Down time was spent carving pumpkins, spending time with the family and indulging in way too much spiced pumpkin ice cream.

Tonight I’m excited to pass out candy, watch scary movies and start packing for my trip to London. I’m London bound tomorrow and I can’t wait! I’ll be mixing business with pleasure and I'm looking forward to exploring this magnificent city. Stay tuned for more details and lots of pictures… Ole!

{Spiced pumpkin ice cream with ginger cookies. Heaven!}

{Fall leaves welcoming the season}

{We had the dance party fever!}

P.s. what were/are you for Halloween this year?

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="24" size_format="px"]Happy Halloween![/typography]

Dear Fall, I Love You

[typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Napa Valley fall favorite: Stanly Lane Pumpkin Patch! [/typography]

I love fall! It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling just thinking about the crisp air, the cozy sweater dresses, spiced pumpkin pie & endless fall color patterns.

This past Sunday I thought it would be fun to celebrate the beginning of fall by stopping by the Stanly Lane Pumpkin Patch {which I drive by almost everyday on my way to work}. I’ve been going to this pumpkin patch since I was a little girl and it brought back such euphoric feelings and special memories.

This quaint little pumpkin patch is a Napa Valley Fall favorite. Everything about it, from the endless amounts of pumpkins, to the scarecrows and to the country windmill gives you that romantic small town feeling. Despite the ultra romantic draw it’s extremely kid friendly, especially with the giant haystack pyramid, rustic tractors and adorable little baby pigs. I promise you, it will put a smile on your face and will make you feel like a kid again… {at least it did for me!}.

Whether you live in Napa or the Bay area, it's well worth the drive. The countryside charm is truly what makes this place special. Happy Fall, friends!

{Max Studio Dress, J.Crew Hat, Steve Madden Boots}

Thinking of chillier days to come, I can’t wait to jump in leaf piles and curl up with Mexican hot chocolate on cool evenings to watch a movie or read a book next to the fireplace.

P.s. Is anyone else completely obsessed with this season? Please share what Fall is to you so I can sit at my computer screen and drool all over my keyboard. Ole!