Tis the Season {O Come, O Come Emmanuel}…

Okay, so I am not really known for being one to love and embrace the holiday season.  In fact, I often am more known as the scruge or the group.  There are many reasons for why that was.  Thankfully, I have friends that did not want me to stay there and have helped encourage me to let the holidays be redeemed.  And, over the last couple of years they have begun to slowly but surely get better.  One of the tasks I was given was to find good Christmas music that was new to me and helped me enjoy the season, and for some reason Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You wasn’t a long enough list (though it is still totally one of my favorites).  I was so thankful to find this set of Advent Songs – such an interesting take on classics – that I loved!

How do you feel about Christ mas music?  What is your first Christmas song you find yourself playing? 

Much love,

B

Wish List {Clutch}…

It is that time of year to be making a wish list and thank you Dolce & Gabbana for creating beauty that has taken over the top place on my list with this sparkly sequin and sassy leopard print clutch.  It is to die for.  And lucky me, it is on sale for nearly 50% off (though still over $900…don’t worry, I am not buying it…hence the wish list).  I cannot get over how amazing this clutch is.  It would be perfect for any holiday soiree.

What is on the top of your wish list this year?

Much love,

B

Styling Men {Socks}…

Now that we have men wearing short breaks, the next step is getting them great socks.  It is a man’s way of accessorizing, adding that final touch to a look – and still keep it completely manly.  Socks should be fun and a little out there because they just peek out from under the pants.  You may think they go unnoticed, but trust me they don’t.  When I see a man’s socks and they are stylish, I am so impressed.  If you do not want to make a huge investment in socks go look at H&M in the men’s department – there are always great options there.

So, men, what do you say – add a little spice to your style with some fun socks?  Ladies, what is your favorite pattern of socks?

Much love,

B

Tweed Dream…

It is that time of year where it gets to bitter cold in Minneapolis, including my office.  So, that means changing up the textures is very key.  The look needs to be warm, but not leave one looking like a marshmallow – sounds ridiculous, but it is not as easy as one would assume.  Tweed is the perfect solution to this predicament.  It is classy, chic, and still fashion forward – and extremely warm.  I will forever love Chanel, so that may also have something to do with my obsession with tweed, but whatever it is, it works.

How do you feel about tweed? How do you stay warm when it takes a turn for the bitter cold?

Much love,

B

Just a Thought…

Long Weekend…

A picture of the perfect long weekend if you ask me.  I cannot seem to get enough time at the coffee shop these days.  I said to a couple of my coworkers the other day I didn’t know if I needed the long weekend or if they needed me to have a long weekend more, but either way I am so thankful to have time away from the office (well…really away from the clinics…) and decompress some.  It has been glorious and I still have two days left to enjoy!  So, on that note…back to being refreshed!

What have you been doing with your extra time off?

Much love,

B

Black Friday…

So, loves, do you shop till you drop?  Or do you stay at home and leave the sales for everyone else?  If you did go shopping today, what was the best deal you got?

Hope everyone is having a fabulous holiday weekend!

Much love,

B

Five Loves…

My very own faux fur vest that I simply cannot get enough of.  I seriously wish it was socially acceptable for me to wear it daily.

My Sorel boots keeping me warm and fashionable as the snow season has clearly begun in Minneapolis.

Hot yoga.  Seriously, having a room heated to 94 degrees to escape to for an hour a day helps me deal with the bitter cold.  Plus, it is a great place to go and relieve some stress.

Enjoying the long weekend by curling up on the couch and watching a movie.  One of the simplest joys that I love doing when it gets cold and I have a little extra time.  It is a mini staycation, perfect for the day after Thanksgiving.

Lights stringing the streets to light up the cold air with the warmth of the holiday season.  I love it.  Walking around Uptown in Minneapolis, or the streets of Paris (yes, I know – vast difference…and that is an understatement), I can’t help but smile to myself.  It is like walking through a movie for a brief moment and I love it.

What do you love about this time of year?

Much love,

B

Thankful…

Today, here in America, is a day dedicated to giving thanks.  Really, it is something I wish I did everyday – as I truly do have a lot to be thankful for every day.  Today, I am specifically thankful for the following things in particular…

Time with my family.  I know holidays are normal for people to spend with their family, but that has not always been the case for me – so today is really special to get to spend time with my mom, sister and grandma – truly a blessing I am not taking forgranted today.

Friends that have become family to me, especially in the years when family was not available.  I also get to spend time with them today and I am so excited.  Yes, that does mean I will be having two Thanksgiving meals!  An odd thing for a veggie you would think, but trust me those side dishes are so good, it is really a vegetarians dream come true.

An amazing readership and blogging community.  I truly have come to love this place.  To know that I have friends across the globe that bring so much beauty into my life.  Love you all and am so thankful for each of you!

Fashion that is keeping me warm today.  We all know by now that I do not love winter, snow, or the cold – but I do love boots and coats.  So, I am glad that I can still look chic even in the land of the tundra!  Simple thing, but I am thankful!

What are you thankful for today?

Much love,

B

November Sleep…

Azure Ray is not a new duo by any means.  In fact, these lovely ladies have been around since 2001, which means if they are new to you – you have a lot of lovely new discoveries in front of you.  I feel in love with them when I first heard their song Sleep, which was released in 2001.  I also thought I should include Novemeber, seeing as how it is fitting with it being November currently.  There is something about this duo that is so soothing, that I felt it was the best choice as we head into a long holiday weekend (at least here in the States), that will hopefully be somewhat restful, even amongst all the family and shopping.

Have a fabulous long weekend, loves!  I could not be more excited for Thanksgiving – a day to rest and see my “family” (aka my dear friends that have become my family).

Much love,

B