As for my holiday- it was great, despite the fact that I was pretty darn sick for most of our visit to North Carolina.  A brutal cold sidelined me, from which I am just now feeling better. I have to admit, I feel like I kind of half-assed Christmas this year. I only got half my cards out, did not decorate beyond a tree and really did not get into the merriment and festivity of the season.  I like to call it “My Hot Mess Christmas”. There’s a lot on my plate right now plus the economy took a toll and I let that totally get the best of me this year. So here I am, proclaiming that next year I will rock out Christmas- bake goodies, get cards out on time, shop early and have a party. Mark my words, readers!

Santa did bring me a MacBook Pro so I can blog from everywhere now, which is really exciting. I also got some other great things on my list- Child perfume, a cobalt blue Nano, my black Converse All Stars and lots of other goodies. The one gift I am up in the air about was the hand held video camera Andrew got me. He bought it so I could video blog for you guys, but I’m not sure that’s something that applies here. Thoughts???

A snapshot of our Xmas in CT…

View at sunrise+gifting excess (Oliver looks overwhelmed):

The table is set + hand-knit stockings from our childhood:

Cookies + flowers

Post dinner begging + mom’s new McKenzie Childs teapot (it rocks)

The most used gift: the ping pong tabletop for the pool table my brother bought the family. These two were doing their best to mimic Forest Gump.

I was busy admiring my new kicks.

And the view.

I am now off to the gym to work off some of that overindulgence I participated in so happily. If you feel the same and need a little bounce in your step on the treadmill, here’s my cardio mix which might help with the motivation!

My Serene Dream Home Tree (which magically would negate all holiday tension and stress)

My Remote Country House Tree (which causes inexplicable desires to bake cinnamon scented goodies)

My California Home Outdoor Tree (perfect for drinking cold beverages around and laughing at those who live where it snows)

My City Living Tree (because to get a big tree would require removing the sofa from the apartment)

My Uber-Modern Designer Chic Tree (because retro is sooooooo in, even at Xmas)

My Unabashedly Girlie Tree (pink, pink and more pink-who says it has to be green and white)

My I Could Leave This Up Year Round Tree:

I hope everyone is getting their shopping done and getting ready for some time off!

I gave it a go, and went a bit out of my comfort zone and combined a casual, traditional menswear inspired blue button down with an uber-feminine sequined mini.  Add in some sparkly gold and crystal accents (playing off the chandelier and mirror) and top it off with a cream classic wool coat and you’ve got a preppy-luxe outfit that will have party goers impressed with your ability to mix and match.

Room to Outfit: Holiday by elementsofstyleblog featuring Juicy Couture bags