{ happy 2012 }

I hope you all had a wonderful time ringing in the new year this weekend! If you're following along on Bedknobs & Baubles, you already know that I put forth a few New Year's resolutions that will be fun to keep:

1. Shop smart. Plan purchases. Save money. Invest in quality. Buy only what I love. Curb impulse spending.
   
   
2. Clean the closet. Store anything that doesn’t fit right now. Donate unloved pieces or give eBay a whirl. Bring not-quite-right items to a tailor. Get rid of shoes that aren’t comfortable or scuffed beyond repair.
   
   
3. Wear a bikini for the very first time. Eat right to prep for our Floridian vacation, but remember that no one has a perfect body. Don’t forget sunscreen.
   
   
4. Use vacation time liberally. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Relax. Bring back weekend adventures with Dave.
   
   
5. Raise a glass to champagne toasts. The little successes are just as important as the big ones. And, yes, accomplishing another work week is reason enough to celebrate.

What are your resolutions for 2012? Did you accomplish last year's goals?

2011 Resolutions

In 2011, I resolve to:

1. Meticulously edit, refine and perfect the sartorial shopping list.
   
   
2. Just say no to impulse purchases ... 90% of the time.


3. Let curiosity run wild. Read more. Travel more. Learn more. Play more.


4. Appreciate the value of the penny by hording change throughout the year. Add any unexpected monetary gifts to sweeten the pot. Purchase something delightfully impractical. (Big hugs to A Closet Fashionista for the idea!)
   


5. Take care of myself. Eat veggies. Exercise. Destress. Enjoy a glass of red wine. It's good for the heart.


6. RSVP "oui" to more soirees. Shyness be damned.


7. Live life with as much joie de vivre as a Kate Spade ad.

What are your 2011 resolutions?

Two Thousand Eleven

{photo via limite magazine}

New Year's Eve Resolutions: sip a glass of bubbly and kiss a potential suitor at the stroke of midnight. Let's start 2011 on the right foot!

I hope you all have a fanciful evening and best wishes for the new year.

Two Thousand Ten

I'm finally back in Madison after spending a week at my parents' house - with plenty of holiday cheer, and without high-speed Internet. I stared wistfully at the computer screen on Wednesday, not-so-patiently waiting for Gilt's final sale items to download. My efforts were futile, however, when the computer's slow speed let an Elizabeth & James plaid blazer slip away and a Foley + Corinna dress find a home elsewhere.

Needless to say, I'm thrilled to be back in my apartment, catching up on each of your blogs. Google Reader indicates I have 603 entries to read, so forgive me if it takes awhile! I didn't realize how much I'd miss seeing what you're up to - and how much I'd miss my own blog.

And without further ado, the quintessential first post of 2010: New Year's Resolutions.

1. Embrace jewel-tone colors - emerald, sapphire and ruby, oh my! - and playful patterns.
   
2. Read at least one book each month, or 1,000 pages monthly.
3. Shop often. Spend rarely. Focus on "quality over quantity" in terms of both fantastically unique and well-made items. And while I'm at it, put more hard-earned dollars into savings.
   
4. Sweat at least once a week. The workout isn’t fun, but the shower afterward feels amazing!
5. Experiment with new recipes - I don’t get Martha Stewart’s magazine for nothing!
6. Set out on a road trip with my trusty GPS and less-trusty Honda Civic. Destination to be determined.
7. Keep a bottle of champagne chilled in the fridge for impromptu celebrations.
   

photos via Charleston Style Concierge, Chocosho, FitSugar, FoBo, Cuisipro, Weekends in Paradelle, Bigger than Your Head

Ringing in the New Year

photo via Vintage Culture

Thank you for a wonderful 2009!
I wish each of you a happy and healthy 2010!

Cheers!