Anatomy of a Do: New Year’s Eve Sparkle

Posted in Fashion, Holidays by C.

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With Christmas behind us, it’s time to look forward to the all important task of how to ring in the New Year! Whether you’re going all out at a big NYE bash or sitting across from someone special at a quiet dinner for two, this ensemble has you covered from head-to-toe with fashionably flawless inspiration.

What makes this look pure perfection is that your eye is always drawn to the main focal piece, this stunning gold sequined mini. If there’s ever a night where bling is a-okay, it’s on this celebratory occasion.

However, it’s in the details that elegantly add to, rather than distract from, the dress. The dramatic eye make-up paired with subtle lips keeps attention on the “windows to the soul” when chatting with others throughout the night. The red mani gives a slight pop of festive color to an otherwise two-toned ensemble augmenting a little playfulness as you hold your champagne flute. The small box style clutch is the perfect accessory to carry the night’s essentials without competing with the dress (and who in their right mind would want to lug a tote around all night anyway?). And speaking of accessorizing, this is not the time to go overboard on the jewelry – I love that our model kept things completely clean. Finally, the opaque tights that lead to black statement high heels work two-fold, by keeping her warm during one of the chilliest nights of the year, while yet again, highlighting the glam of this amazing mini dress.

This is the Anatomy of a New Year’s Eve Do. It’s the definitive way to end one year on the right note, while appropriately stepping into another with just the right amount of sparkle.

Happy New Year to you! May you bring in 2014 in style!

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30Dec2013

Photo Diary: Christmas Travels

Posted in Holidays, Travel by C.

road trip

Home, sweet home. LA, I’ve missed you!

After a rather chaotic start to our holiday travels with an unexpected visit to the ER, things luckily fell right back into place just in time for Santa and our post-Christmas trip to Half Moon Bay. The weather gods were particularly, if not unusually, nice to us. We found ourselves exploring much of Northern California with clear skies and sunshine above.

Christmas was everything I’d hoped it would be. I was in good company, had lots good conversation and laughter, food and sweets were abundant, and Santa was very kind to me. I felt blessed to have such fun and loving people to share Christmas with this year.

And the merriness wasn’t over on December 26th. My boyfriend and I planned a little trip further up North to Half Moon Bay for 3 extra days of R&R to get away from it all.

I have to say, every time I travel – I find myself beyond delighted at the adventure, the change of pace, and change of scenery. Though I’m always grateful to get out of town and lose myself in new surroundings and to new experiences, I somehow discover just that much more how I love this crazy little world we call “LA.” Dorothy really was on to something: there’s no place like home.

And with plenty of time before I head back to the “real world” of work deadlines and emails – I’m excited for a little stay-cation before I have to return back to everyday life in 2014 and it’ll be right here at home.

A picture is worth a thousand words, so I thought I’d share some of my favorites. Here’s a little photo diary of the highlights during our Christmas travels with our California neighbors just above, some 300 miles away. Enjoy!

{Christmas cookies as designed by my boyfriend’s sister. I can’t tell you how many of these things I ate. Ugh. So worth it though.}

greenery

{On the Road to Half Moon Bay – the greenery of Highway 1.}

pompinio

{A pit stop at Pomponio State Beach. What a gorgeous day and my favorite shot.}

ryan serious

{Ryan’s serious looking into the distance face.}

outhouse

{The not so glamorous part of traveling – this “out-house” like bathroom was an experience. yuck!}

hotel

{Hotel.}

{Across the Golden Gate Bridge we go. On the way for a day trip to Sausalito.}

goldengate

{…But not before stopping atop the mountains for a million dollar view.}

cocoa

{Hot chocolate for 2 in Sausalito.}

beach

{Morning beach walk.}

ryan tree

{Boys and trees. I guess they never grow out of it.}

fire

{My favorite part of our hotel stay. Sitting near, gazing at, and warming by the fire.}

manuels {A rare Sunday afternoon cocktail before heading home.}

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24Dec2013

In the Spirit of Christmas

Posted in Holidays, Life by C.

Blend2 Greetings from Santa Cruz, CA!

It’s been a whirlwind start to our little holiday vacation, that thankfully seems to be settling down just in time for the festivities. Unfortunately, my boyfriend had been experiencing very serious stomach pains off and on during our travels up North yesterday that eventually landed us in the E.R. until the wee early hours on Christmas Eve, but it now seems all is well. It’s always hard to watch someone you love in so much discomfort, so I’m happy to see him doing better – that’s a Christmas gift in and of itself. I made a small joke while we were waiting for his lab results that this might turn out to be one of those cliché Hollywood movies where the entire family pours in to a hospital room, decorates the space, and opens presents over the hospital bed. You know, “we’ll bring Christmas to you!”

So, Christmas Eve has found us spending much of the day resting, in part, because we didn’t get back to our hotel until 3am and later this morning took a short jaunt out to the pharmacy and the store to buy more stomach friendly foods. After a bit of rest, I’m very much looking forward to a nice dinner out with his family and then our annual drive around town to see the Christmas lights. This should do the trick to bring things back on track.

It’s funny how life works. Among all the stress and pre-planning for the holidays, the to-do lists, shopping lists, celebrating, thinking ahead toward the New Year and what you want out of life – it’s when things like this happen that the universe is reminding us of the undeniable importance taking of ourselves and those around us. It’s interesting sometimes how that particular bullet-point doesn’t always make it on our “to-do” lists.

With that, I want to use what happened to us as we embarked on our holiday adventure to also remind you to take care of yourself and those dear to you. Be present. Be in the moment. Be in the spirit of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you!

23Dec2013

5 Reasons This Week Will Rock: Good-bye, LA. Hello, Santa Cruz!

Posted in Holidays, Life by C.

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Good-bye, LA. Hello, Santa Cruz!

Today begins my journey up North for the holidays and I couldn’t be more excited!! My to-do list is done, my bags are packed, and I’m ready for a holiday adventure. This Christmas, I’m spending some time with my boyfriend’s family – after which, we’re extending our Northern California vacay with a trip for two up to Half Moon Bay for little post-holiday R&R for a few days. If that wasn’t enough to look forward to, there are a few other sweet things going on right now that’s simply the icing on the cake.

Here are 5 reasons this week will rock:

1. I dropped off my car at the body shop this morning after smoothly working out the details with my neighbor for the recent damage to my car. My baby is being fixed and will look good as new when I get back into town next week.

2. My second ever full-sized Birchbox purchase, the Coastal Scents® Neutral Mirage Palette Set, (which was FREE thanks to my Birchbox points, hello!?!) arrived at my front door just before leaving town. I wasn’t even expecting it so soon! I’m now looking forward to experimenting with a more dramatic look for the holidays. With 88 shades to choose from, dressing up these brown eyes of mine will be tons of fun!

3. I adore road trips. Particularly, when I get to sit in the passenger’s seat, gaze out the window in the middle of nowhere, and zone out – not a work deadline or bill to think about. When I’m not in the mood to stare blindly out the window, I’ve got my Kindle full of new books to read and like 4 months worth of Glamour to get through. Even better, I get to talk to my favorite person for hours on end.

4. Nothing in the world makes me happier than when I’m traveling or exploring some place new. It’s when I feel the most alive. Our stay in Half Moon Bay where we’ll drive up to Sausalito, and perhaps into San Francisco, is a highlight to our trip that I’m excited about. I’ve never been to Half Moon Bay or Sausalito, but I’ve heard nothing but good things.

5. Duh, Christmas! All week long – you’re around great people, sharing gifts, good conversation, good food, lots of laughs, and too many sweets to count. What more could you ask for?

Oh, I do love this time of year. And unlike last year, I’m not taking a 2 week break from blogging. All That Glitters is going on the road! I hope to share some of my holiday adventures as they unfold. Happy Holidays to you! Have a great week!

love & light,

Candice

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20Dec2013

Highlights

Posted in Life by C.

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{A shot I took when I stepped outside during a rather chaotic day and was greeted by something magical.}

Whew! What a week it’s been…and a lesson, I suppose. By nature, I have a pretty worry-some personality. In other words, there are times when it feels like everything just comes all at once or goes wrong to the point where I start stressing out. Unfortunately, my first reaction is to sit and worry, particularly when whatever is giving me cause for concern is an area that’s completely out of my control. And since 95% of things that stress us out are likely out of our control, this is a bit of a character flaw in me that I’ve dealt with my whole life. The great thing is that I’m not in denial about it, and even better, I consciously understand it’s completely unhelpful. In fact, I catch myself doing it and have an internal dialogue/war in my head that it goes something like this:

(Internal Dialogue)

Will this work out? What if something goes wrong? What am I going to do?

Stop it, Candice, you’re just stressing yourself out!

I know. But, really what am I going to do?

Worrying gets you nowhere. Remember that saying that “99% of the things you worry about never happen anyway?”

I know, I know…but…..what if…

CHILL OUT!

The point is that I always divert to worse case scenario whenever something goes wrong. It’s my defense mechanism: to always prepare myself for the worst. The disappointment is much less harsh if I was expecting it anyway, right? The caveat is that it seems my worry-wart nature has been on steroids over the last few weeks and it’s likely the cause for why I’m just so exhausted and SO looking forward to this particular holiday vacation.

December has been a roller-coaster month: being sick, then on antibiotics, stressing over finances, dealing with a complex project at work, going back and forth with my neighbor who hit my parked car, and just a general lack of energy that comes year-end when stress seems to be more prevalent than any other season.

Though, I have to say I’m proud of myself. Despite all of this, it didn’t completely kill my Christmas cheer. Haha! And with all of this internal dialogue running through my head, I always try to keep things in perspective and focus on the good and be grateful, even when I’m preparing for the bad. That goes something like this:

(Internal Dialogue)

I’m grateful that I have health insurance when I’m sick and can see a doctor; I have a roof over my head and food in my house – I have everything I need.

I’m grateful that I have a job that is challenging me to do and be better; and while no, I’m not happy that my neighbor hit my car, I’m grateful she left me a note and gave me a check for the damages.

The funny thing about this week, that was chocked full of situations that were ultimately outside of my immediate control, that I then spent way too much time obsessing about away, naturally worked themselves out or somehow fell into place with a little patience. Of course, those areas where I could control, I did my best to make sure I was on top of things. There really is something to the commonly shared saying that “the only thing you can control is you and how you choose to react to any given situation.”

So if I’m aware of all of this, why did (and do) I still fall into such behavioral patterns?

Needless to say that as I begin my much-needed winter vacation today, I’m making it a point to really work on being present and enjoying the spirit of the holiday season. It really is a unique time of year that finds me with more time on my hands to do and be around the things I truly enjoy. I cannot say I won’t worry about x, y, or z; but I can say that I will make an attempt to listen more to the voice of reason during that internal dialogue/war going on in my head.

I made it! Let the holiday vacation begin.

Have a great weekend!

18Dec2013

Last Minute Gift Guide: For Her

Posted in Holidays by C.

Believe it or not, Christmas is exactly one week away from today. And while all of my holiday gift giving has been squared away this season – there was a time in my life not too long ago (read: last year) where I wasn’t quite so organized and would wait until the last minute to think about what to buy for particular people in my life. Admittedly, part of the pressure is off this year. Aside from a few small gifts to hand out on Christmas morning, my boyfriend and I made a conscious decision not to exchange presents this year. Instead, we decided to use the money to jointly fund a short vacation just after Christmas, which I’m very much looking forward to – more than anything under the tree.

However, I know there are those out there looking for a little inspiration for ideas on what to get the lady, sister, mother, or BFF in your life. I’m here to help. Here’s a last minute gift guide for her. If Santa dropped off any of these goodies under the tree for me, I’d be ecstatic. I know the gal in your life would be too. xx

Sugar Spots Apron – Anthropolgie, $38.00
Floating Triangle Layered Necklaces – Etsy, $52.00
Conair Waterfall Foot Spa – Amazon, $39.00 (as of posting time)
Metal Floral 8×10 Picture Frame – Maison Midi, $42.95
Etched Leaf Mirrored Jewelry Box – Urban Outfitters, $48.00
Birchbox Gift Subscription – Birchbox, $30.00-$200.00
Rainbow Moonstone Pearl Drop Earrings – Etsy, $32.00
Keep Not Settling Print (8×10, Gold Foil) – The Everygirl, $30.00
Voluspa Makassar Ebony & Peach Candle – Kitson, $18.00

16Dec2013

5 Reasons This Week Will Rock!

Posted in Life, Series by C.

Three more days until my winter holiday adventure begins! While I still have to get through a pretty busy week at the office and get prepped for the holidays in general, it’s hard to concentrate on anything more than my upcoming 18 day fun-filled, adventure-packed, then totally relaxed, much-needed awesome vacation. Patience is a must this week, so while I slowly make that transition from everyday life to a “vacay state of mind” there are a few things I’m looking forward to, to pass the time or finally cross off on my “to do” list. It always seems like time slows whenever you have plans you’re looking forward to – as if to taunt you with anticipation. So while the universe makes me wait another 72 hours …here are 5 reasons this week will still rock:

#1. I’m really enjoying and hoping to finish what is turning out to be a great holiday read – Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple. It’s light and funny and fun! I literally do “LOL” at these completely neurotic Seattleites. I recommend it if you’re looking for an awesome new read.

#2. Attending a studio screening of American Hustle. I’m really looking forward to this one given such positive reviews.

#3. Now that I’ve secured an estimate for the damages to my car a couple of weeks back, I’m looking forward to tightening up the details this week and taking her in for repair soon! Who-hoo!

#4. I’m in the mood to shake things up on the mani/pedi front for the holidays. Thanks to Pinterest, I found some inspiration to play with two-tone nails. One night this week, will find me at home on my couch experimenting with festive colors.

no_pills

#5. Last, but certainly not least, I’m starting to feel like my old self again after completing a short round of antibiotics last week. It certainly wasn’t anything life threatening, but man does it remind me to treasure my naturally good health. It always seems that you take it for granted until you’re not feeling so hot. Here’s to health!

13Dec2013

Highlights

Posted in Holidays, Life by C.

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{a little holiday cheer in my home.}

It’s been a battle for Christmas cheer this week, and while it was a tight race – Christmas cheer is winning! I’ve been a little under the weather the last couple of weeks and am now on antibiotics; so naturally, things have been slightly off and Scrooge was pushing his way through to say the least. I’ve managed to keep things festive over the last few crappy (then medicated-infused) days and indulge in the holiday spirit. The best way to do that I found, was to watch tons of holiday movies, listen to lots of Christmas music, and focus on the fact that 10 days from now – my boyfriend and I are heading up North for Christmas for a week. I’m looking forward to the change of scenery and the drive (well, because I get to sit and look out the window for 6 hours).

I have to say, last weekend in particular, was especially helpful in keeping my spirits bright when I was feeling my crappiest. My boyfriend brought me a little something to decorate my place (this adorable wreath) to give my humble abode the smell of Christmas since I decided to forego a Christmas Tree this year, along with In-N-Out and my favorite candy. He sat with me all weekend, watched Holiday movies and took really good care of me. I have to give him a special shout-out! Finally, I’m looking forward to a full recovery over the weekend. Who-hoo!

And since last weekend found me trying to lay low and rest (which is not necessarily easy for me do in general), I’ll have to spend some time this weekend catching up on life. This includes laundry (like desperately), grocery shopping, and finally getting around to getting that estimate on my car (full story here).

And in case you want to know…

My Prescription for Holiday Cheer

WATCH:
* Love Actually
* The Holiday
* The Family Stone
* Mr. Bean’s Holiday (which isn’t a Christmas-themed movie, but boy did those silly antics keep me entertained for an hour and a half!)

LISTEN:
* Duh, to my Spotify Holiday Hits Mixtape.

SMILE AT:
* THIS…

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Have a great weekend!

11Dec2013

What I’m Lovin’ Right Now

Posted in Holidays by C.

Tis’ the season for all things Christmas. This week, I’m sharing everything that stirs up some holiday cheer. From food, to fashion and beauty, to decor – there’s plenty of inspiration here to keep the festivity of the season around you. With exactly 2 weeks to go and this being my last post in the “WILRN” series for the year – here’s an expanded version of What I’m Lovin’ Right Now.

…and in cased you missed it, it’s all things Christmas.

Blend - food

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate | forkandflower.com
Maple glazed carrots | myrecipes.com
Eggnog Martini | marthastewart.com
Marshmallow Snowman | katiemariedanner.blogspot.com
Santa Hat Christmas Brownies
Christmas Tree-shaped Fruit & Cheese Appetizer (for you health nuts!)
Christmas Lasagna | foodwishes.blogspot.com
White Chocolate Dipped Cherries
Mini Sausage Wreath

Blend - fashion

Blend - decor

Candy cane wrapped vases with your favorite flowers
Burlap Pillow Cover | etsy.com
Garland wrapped front door
Crafty holiday centerpieces (upside down wine glasses with ornaments inside, topped with candles)
Iridescent Orb Tree Lights | anthropologie.com
Mini stocking stuffer silverware holders
Holiday candles garnished with snow-covered pine cones

9Dec2013

Mixtape Monday: Holiday Hits

Posted in Holidays, Music by C.

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It’s official. Some light holiday decorating and a weekend filled with watching some of my favorite holiday movies and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I thought it would be fun to curate a list of some of my favorite Christmas songs – old and those that are destined to be new favorites. My two “go-to” Christmas CD’s have always been Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas and Josh Groban’s Noel. There are also some great tracks on Celine Dion’s These Are The Special Times that are nostalgic to Christmas when I was a teen. To mix it up a bit, I decided to check out new releases from both Kelly Clarkson and Mary J. Blige. I have to say, I think Mary’s new holiday album, A Mary Christmas, will make it into rotation for years to come! And Kelly Clarkson’s Wrapped in Red has solid tracks that capture festivity in a fresh way.

So let’s tame some of those chilly Monday Blues with a cup of hot cocoa and my Holiday Hits playlist. Just go ahead and log in to your Spotify account, hit play, sit back and relax, or get to work on those emails with this mix in the background perfect for bringing some holiday cheer!

*If you like the mixtape feel free to subscribe to it on Spotify:

All That Glitters Mixtape Monday: 12.09.2013