I have so much to write about my trip to Australia with Oprah…but I also have to get ready for New Year’s…so here’s a photo to hold your interest until I can fully expound on my amazing experience.
Wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR! I can’t wait to see what 2011 is going to bring….
Today started off beautifully. I woke up to a winter wonderland. We got approximately 16 inches of snow…a few days late, would have preferred this on Christmas morning. Is there anything better than a White Christmas? But the storm was sandwiched nicely between Christmas and New Year’s, so it counts as festive and inspiring.
I have been on a running kick lately. I ran 3.5 miles on Christmas Eve, 3.5 miles the day after Christmas and 3.5 miles today. It has actually made the holidays that much more enjoyable because I can eat ALL the goodies I want without feeling any of the guilt. I have been in PJ’s since Saturday morning, only changing into running clothes, then showering and slipping right back into my pajamas. I don’t know about you, but this has been the absolute perfect way to spend the holidays.
I was just reading the January issue of SELF with Jillian Michaels on the cover. There was one particular paragraph that really jumped out at me and I just HAD to share it.
Be fearless. If you make only one resolution this year, let it be to live boldly. You control this moment: Rather than cautiously test the water, dive straight into life with freeing abandon. Imagine the person you want to be and the life you want to live, then simply commit to them. Believe in yourself. Embrace your beauty. Discover a new passion. And whatever you do, wherever you go, don’t be afraid to make a splash. (p. 24)
Also, I spent today’s treadmill session watching an episode of The Biggest Loser. Am I the only one who cries when the contestants get to see their family after they have lost significant amounts of weight? I was crying on the treadmill! Luckily I was at home instead of at the gym. I have been known to laugh out loud while watching something humorous at the gym, but crying?! I need to maintain some semblance of cool at the local Y.
So here is my advice to you: Be healthy, be fearless and be who you’ve always wanted to be (even if it means crying on the treadmill).
And I know the holidays have passed but there are still opportunities to give gifts (housewarming parties, holiday parties, family visits) so here is a little suggestion that has a beautiful cause behind it. Tea Forte is my all-time favorite tea and there is honestly nothing better than having a cup of tea at the end (or the beginning) of the day! The proceeds from these Tea Forte Gift Sets go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Because the true meaning of the holidays is sharing love and helping others. Happy Holidays!
No, that is not a typo in the subject line. Yes, the line is traditionally “slow and steady” and is usually followed by “wins the race” but this post is not about being slow and steady. It is not about winning (or losing for that matter). It is actually taken from a comment in author Aidan Donnelley Rowley’s blog, Ivy League Insecurities. She writes that she started her blog because she needed something that would force her to slow and study the moments of her life – the good, the bad, the middle.
How perfectly Aidan’s simple comment captures the sentiment behind most of our blogging endeavors. I have kept a diary throughout my entire life, a private one. The style I have adopted has varied, sometimes my entries look like a grocery list of key moments; the grades, the jobs, the fights with my sister. Other times it has been a long and detailed essay about the way I was feeling at the time. I’m still not sure which method or approach I like better. Sometimes I want to look back into a diary and know exactly who I spent Thanksgiving with, who was missing, who was fighting, who forgot the pumpkin pie. Other times I want to know how I felt. Either way, I love having a record. So why take something as personal as a diary into a public forum? Why expose ourselves? I have certainly had this debate with myself over the years and here is the conclusion I have come to. First of all, it is wonderful to be able to open up your thoughts and questions to a public audience, to create a dialogue with people you would have never met or connected with otherwise. It is also a great writing exercise to put yourself to the task of writing a coherent, concise piece that is ready for public consumption. My diary entries look nothing like the posts I write for my blog. I am not as exposed in a blog post as I am in a diary entry. I am not as vulnerable and my emotions are not as raw. I try to organize my thoughts in a more professional way. I try to see all sides of a situation, I try to be logical and fair. In a diary entry I am on one side only, my side. Usually I am ranting about something that has bothered me or rubbed me the wrong way. It is very specific with little room for interpretation. However, with the blog, I can explore the bigger issue, the more universal problem, whether it be difficult relationships or facing responsibilities, it is approached with a clearer head and a more even keeled tone. My diary is a rant, my blog is an exploration, a course in the intricacies in life, the nuances that so often get overlooked or ignored. My blog is a way to slow down and study the life I am living. It is a way to be more appreciative and grateful for the blessings, the tiny details that make an ordinary day a great day. Because when you are writing an essay for public consumption, exploring the meaning of life, you need to have a reason for writing. This forces the writer to stretch their mind, to see beyond the annoyances and search for the hidden gems of meaning and happiness. Blogging (and writing, in general) is a blessing because it forces you to rise above the mundane details of life and find the beauty in the ordinary. My goal for 2011 (because what is a New Year without a resolution) is to follow in the steps of Rowley and blog every single day. I am not doing this for a larger audience, good publicity, a book deal, I am doing this for my own personal story, to give myself the blessing of clarity, to slow down and study life.
I continually find myself caught off guard by the collision of my expectations and the reality of what I end up experiencing. After bracing myself for a treacherous trip to the mall to finish up my last minute Christmas shopping, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed my trip! To think that three days before Christmas I was able to leave the mall smiling…and I actually accomplished the shopping that I needed to finish! I think it had something to do with the significant sales that greeted me in every store. It made shopping for my loved ones that much more enjoyable (I mean, come on, who doesn’t like a good discount?!). My favorite moment was when I took a break to have a hot pretzel and a diet coke and was able to watch all of the children lining up for Santa Claus. There was an even split between those who were really excited and couldn’t wait to tell Santa what they wanted and those who were absolutely terrified. The best was when I was able to spot the children whose parents had made the trip specifically to visit Santa, their children dressed in matching outfits with bows in their hair and shiny, patent-leather shoes on their tiny feet. How excited they all must be for Friday night, when Santa and his reindeer will pay them a visit. These same children who cried at Santa’s feet will be waiting in anxious anticipation for his visit because honestly, it’s much easier when you don’t have to actually come face-to-face with the legend himself but can still enjoy the treats he leaves behind.
I am in the center of the most beautiful city in the world. A world I never thought in my wildest imagination that I would be visiting with Oprah Winfrey. As part of this amazing “Ultimate Australian Adventure” the details I can give at this stage in the game are few and far between but what I will say is that I am officially in love with Australia, Australians and everything in between. The sun is brighter here (they say it is because there is no ozone layer, but that’s a detail I tend not to think about as I stare at their golden, sun-kissed, flawless skin), the sky is bluer and everything is larger than life, especially the personalities. One thing about Australians is that they love to party and they come ready! You can’t walk down the street without encountering a group of ten to twenty friends bustling by, laughing boisterously and slapping each other on the back. They will throw a party for any reason and jump in with both feet. A night has not gone by that a group of revelers hasn’t passed me in the street dressed up in costume. Costumes! In December! From what I’ve heard, and seen, they really enjoy dressing up. They are also the nicest, most congenial people I have ever met. They are genuinely interested in talking to strangers. They are vibrant and enthusiastic and full of life. Their smiles take up their entire face and they have a squeaky clean, fresh scrubbed look at all times. These people just ooze youth and vitality. Maybe it’s all that sunshine? Maybe it’s the missing ozone layer? Whatever it is, it’s working.
I also met some great people while traveling in the land down under…
Sometimes I do things that really emphasize how girlie and silly I can be. Today was one of those days. I bought a body spray at PINK because I liked the look of the bottle! Yes. I really did this. Did I smell it first? Nope. But do I love the way it looks on my bureau? Yes! I love the color combination of pink and turquoise and I love the clean square shape of the bottle.
And guess what? I ended up really liking the smell! So it was a win-win situation! PINK is having some great sales for the holidays so you should definitely check it out for the girlie-girls in your life.
I am packing for a very big trip next week and am trying desperately to figure out what the essentials are that I need to bring. I’m heading to Australia with The Oprah Winfrey Show and I am hoping to blog while I am there…so stay tuned. They have kept everything very hush hush so I don’t know where I am staying, what I am doing or what to expect. It is quite possibly the biggest leap I have ever taken in my life. I am a planner. I like to make to do lists and follow them religiously. This trip is the exact opposite of my comfort zone. I trust that I am in good hands (hello! Oprah!) but I am still a ball of frenzied emotions and nerves.
I can’t wait to see what Australia has to offer! I am hoping to get some good shopping time in (just in time for Christmas). Now I just have to figure out what to pack?????
{photo credit: Yvette Inufio}
THE DOUBLE WALLED TUMBLER! I was searching for a cup earlier today to put ice water in and I stumbled across my brother’s Starbucks tumbler. Do you want to know why it’s AWESOME?? Because it doesn’t “sweat”. Do you know what I mean? When a cup of ice water gets all beaded up with water along the outside and then gets everything around it wet? Well guess what???? This doesn’t do that! And I’m kind of in love with it. I tried to order one from Glitzy Glam but it seems that they are out of stock. But you can bet the minute they come back I will be stocking up on these little gems! Here are some other links for the double walled tumblers.
http://www.amazon.com/Oggi-16-Ounce-Double-Tumbler-Drinking/dp/B003UEQYGW
http://www.starbucksstore.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=222227
I keep hearing great things about MAC and I can’t believe I don’t own a stitch of MAC makeup?! It is probably the number one makeup product talked about and blogged about and I think it’s time that I jump on the MAC bandwagon!
Here are the products that may be coming home with me in the very, very near future.
I am officially obsessed with the way JCrew is taking on the holidays. Everything is sparkling and glittering like diamonds. This particular little number will look absolutely perfect paired with a “Little Black Dress” for a holiday party. It is simple and elegant and dresses up any outfit. You will be amazed at how your mood can be lifted when you are carrying something as glamorous as this party clutch. 
Here are a few more sparkling items from JCrew.
Drapey Sequin Tank in Warm Taupe
Dulphine Sequin V-Neck Sweater
In an interview with Bella Sugar, actress Diana Kruger gave readers a tiny glimpse into her makeup and skincare routine. Because I am obsessed with finding out what products the A-Listers use, I thought I would share what I learned. [Side Note: I once stopped Julianne Moore in an airport to ask her what cleanser/moisturizer she used because her skin is FLAWLESS. Yes, she was completely caught off guard but so sweet and genuine and really got into answering my question. FYI: She’s an Olay girl all the way.] Now back to Diana…
Cover Girl CG Smoothers Concealer: “You’re going to laugh, but it’s Cover Girl. It’s really good, honestly! A lot of makeup artists use it because the consistency. I like it because it’s not too dry.”
L’Oreal Triple Active Day Cream: “There is a cream by L’Oreal I really love called Triple Active Day, which is really light.”
And finally, because every beautiful woman in the world uses it, might as well add Diana to the list, as well. Cetaphil. (Side Note: Cetaphil was part of my CVS haul the other night and because of a great sale at CVS that is running from November 21-November 27 I was able to get the Cetaphil Daily Cleanser and the moisturizing cream for half off!)
The Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is an amazing product and I can’t believe I am only just discovering it now. I put a small bit on my hands last night and it got rid of any trace of dry skin!
After Oprah announced yesterday that one of her “Favorite Things” was Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar, today Philosophy now has the news that they are being acquired by Coty for (reportedly) $ 1 Billion. Coty is the world’s largest fragrance company, and holds brands including Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole and Davidoff.
This morning I realized that I have been doing my body a disservice. I have been using boring “soap” in the shower. I don’t know what I was thinking or why it never occurred to me to bring a little luxury to my shower. And when luxury comes in an affordable $5.99 (PINK!) bottle, it’s just icing on the cake. I am officially in love with Olay’s Body Wash Plus Creme Ribbons.
Wrap your skin in a fragrant, luxurious lather created from two intertwined ribbons—one cleanses skin while the other moisturizes—for visibly improved skin in only five days. Contains two intertwined ribbons of body wash and crème lotion for excellent moisturization while you cleanse.
And here’s the best thing, it doubles as a shaving cream! After the shower my skin feels hydrated, moisturized and smooth. Plus it smells absolutely delicious.
Disclaimer: I did not receive this product from the manufacturer. I am not being paid to write these things. I bought it and I will buy it again!
Following the suggestion of another beauty blogger, Miss Glamorazzi, I purchased the following items at my local CVS tonight. I haven’t tested them out, except for the L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Fairest Nude…which I already adore! You can tell that I am going for a very neutral palette but with clean, sharp eyes.
Cover Girl Eye Enhancers in Shimmering Sands
L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Fairest Nude
You can expect more than one post about Oprah’s Favorite Things on Daily Moxie. I live for these shows and this year, as Oprah’s Final Farewell, she outdid herself by doing TWO Favorite Things Shows. As I compile my own Christmas list, I thought I would share one of the items I am now lusting over. Coach’s Madison Patent Large Sophia Satchel in BRASS. Love!
The picture doesn’t even do it justice. This bag SHINES!
Here are a few other items I’m loving from her giveaway.
Nails are one of the most overlooked accessories. A particular nail color can change your whole style and can really give you a polished (no pun intended) look. I have recently discovered the beauty of really dark nails. They add a sophisticated glamour to any style and make your jewelry pop and sparkle like never before! The colors I am currently LOVING right now are Essie’s Little Brown Dress, Revlon’s Plum Night and Essie’s Merino Cool.
As a curly-haired girl, I am so used to seeing the shiny, sleek, straight hair flowing down the runways and across the pages in my favorite magazines. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to see the designer Tibi use models with flowing curls to strut their stuff down her runway!
Also, on a side note, as someone who has spent a lifetime (31 years) trying to master the fine art of curl maintenance, I think I may have finally found the solution! OUIDAD!! Oh my goodness, these products really work! I personally love the leave-in conditioner and the climate control gel. I haven’t tried the other products yet but I will let you know if I like them as much as these two gems!
When:
November 16, 2010
What:
Sweater: Theory “Liesele” Cashmere Sweater
Jeans: Gap 1969 Long and Lean
Shoes: Born
Where:
Home
Why:
I am being interviewed for a certain major women’s magazine (can’t divulge the details just yet) and was sent a number of outfits for the photo shoot. This isn’t the outfit I ended up going with but I just loved this sweater so much that I had to document it in my first ever FASHION POST! I am a late bloomer. Up until now, fashion has never really played a major roll in my life. I was much more focused on comfort over style. For the past few months, I have been feeling a bit different towards fashion. If you can believe it, I think I credit the internet, more specifically BLOGS. There are so many fantastic websites that put a spotlight on the world of fashion and they have really inspired me to take a closer look, to be more aware of the styles all around me and to appreciate fashion for what it is…art. So be prepared for more style, fashion, decorating and beauty inspired posts because I want to document my journey from t-shirt and jeans girl into something a little more interesting and lot more exciting. Because here’s the thing about fashion, there is such a great feeling of confidence and pride that comes from wearing something you love.
PS- This entire post style was inspired by What I Wore…if you have not visited this site I highly, HIGHLY, recommend you do so NOW! It is so fun and so interesting to get to peak into someone’s closet and see the creative ways they play with color and personal style and create beautiful outfits on a daily basis.
PPS- Excuse the hair…baby steps here, baby steps.
There are moments when I feel that my time is not my own. People pulling at me from all directions. Wanting something from me. Wanting my words, my advice, my thoughts, even just my presence. More often than not I want desperately to give my time to these people, these loved ones or colleagues. I am more than happy to be fully present for them. I am honored that they want my time. But sometimes there are days when I feel burned out, when I feel that the treadmill I am running on is set too high and I need to take a break. I need to jump off, regroup, rest and catch my breath before I end up stretching myself too thin and ultimately snapping.
When I snap I don’t do it externally. I don’t yell or cry or become a difficult, tempestuous person. No, I internalize. I over analyze and stress and worry. I fear I am letting people down because I am not able to be fully present. I question my choices and calculate my options. I push myself to the breaking point and then wonder why everything starts falling apart at the seams. I break plans, I break promises, I break down.
I can’t be everywhere for everyone. I can’t do everything, be everything, solve everything. Sometimes saying “no” to someone else is saying “yes” to myself. As hard as it is for me to say no, worrying that I am letting someone down, it is imperative that I stay focused and centered, that I allow myself time to rest, time to regroup, time to breath. Because it is in these moments of silence, of solitude, of rest that we are able to rebuild and strengthen. Like a muscle that has been pulled too hard and throbs with tension and pain, the only way to heal that muscle is to rest. So I am resting. I am regrouping. I am finding my center and ultimately peace. And then I will be able to jump back in to my busy, hectic, exuberant life and give all the time in the world.
Last night I curled up in bed, exhausted from a long day and desperately in need of something to take my mind off work and the tasks that lay ahead. I always have to read before I fall asleep. I need to allow my mind to go somewhere else, somewhere outside of my own life. I need to immerse myself in someone else’s reality, even if it’s the made up reality found in fiction. I read everything and anything that strikes my fancy. At the moment I am reading a novel by Lisa Verge Higgins that doesn’t release until January (perks of my profession is getting my hands on advance readers copies). The novel, The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship, details the emotional journey that three friends undergo when one member of their group passes away at a tragically young age. But she doesn’t go quietly into that good night, she leaves behind advice in the form of a letter for each of her friends. Each woman has a task laid out before her, something that she would never have considered doing if not for the advice of a daring, adventurous friend. These women find themselves stepping out of their comfortable lives and taking risks and chances they never would have even considered attempting.
Because I tend to feel that everything comes into our lives for a reason, I couldn’t help but wonder what this book was trying to teach me. Why had I picked up this particular novel at this particular time in my life? Do I need to take more chances? Risk more? Adventure more? I tend to live in the comfort of my routine. I work all day, try to get to the gym every night and curl up in front of the television after dinner. I like my routine. It works for me. It provides solace in a world that can sometimes seem overwhelming and daunting. But do I take enough risks? Do I live spontaneously? Do I seek adventure?
Here’s the interesting thing about adventure, it doesn’t necessarily mean jumping out of an airplane (as one character does) or doing something that scares or frightens you. Adventure and risks can come in any shape or form. Just stepping out of your routine can be an adventure, can teach you a lesson you never expected to learn. Taking chances means opening your heart and your eyes to the life that surrounds you, the beauty, the brilliance, the excitement, the danger, the passion that can be found every single day. Taking chances means not analyzing every step, every choice, weighing the pros and cons. It means jumping into something with both feet, feeling the exhilaration of truly living your life, not just watching it go by. Learn a new language, go on a trip, take a dance class, learn to knit, there are so many small ways we can take chances in life, so many opportunities to learn and grow. We need to take advantage of every day and appreciate the beauty and wonder of being alive and being free.
I’m sure today I’m still going to stick to my routine, I have work that needs to get done, a doctor’s appointment, a personal gym schedule, but at least that seed has been planted. I am looking at my life differently and I am taking stock of the things I do for fun, for pure enjoyment and exhilaration. I want that list to be longer than the list of obligations and responsibilities. We only have one chance at this amazing ride and I want to get everything I can out of it.
Do you take risks? Do you seek adventure in life? Do you think it is important to do these things in order to live a fulfilling life?
