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.

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#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

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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

6Dec2013

Highlights

Posted in Life by C.

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When it rains, it pours. To say that this week was a bit overwhelming is an understatement. Though I’m trying to keep positive (it is the holidays after all) December is off to a rough start. Where do I begin? I’d like to rant for a bit if you don’t mind…

For the last 3 months, I’ve been trying to find out why my allergies have been bothering me as soon as I hit my head to the pillow every night. Every. Single. Night. Without. Fail. It got the point that I was on medication for a while to help with the discomfort and started desperately digging for causes. I already avoid “down”-anything like the plague because me and feathers just don’t mix. I washed my sheets, cleaned everything I could think of, minus my comforter because I had it dry cleaned recently. And note to self: don’t read about dust mites on your phone at 4:00am when you can’t sleep and start researching bed allergens to pass the time. I suppose the good news is that I’ve located the source after months of torture this week and realized it was that damn comforter all along! It was the first time I’d taken it to the cleaners since buying it and apparently whatever chemicals they used to dry clean it didn’t make my sinuses happy… At. All.

On top of my allergies, I’ve been dealing with the “joys of being a woman.” I won’t go into detail about what specifically, and it’s certainly not life threatening and very much a common “joy” that comes with being a woman, but suffice to say – in my next life I want to be a man! Thank god I have great health insurance and a Cedars Siani doctor I can email at any time.

I walked out to my car yesterday morning and there was a lovely note on it from my parking space neighbor. It wasn’t a simple “hello!” or “I love your car!” No, it was what I had dreaded. As soon as I saw the paper tucked into my windshield wiper, my stomach dropped. I was hoping it was an annoying flyer for psychic healing services or something. But no. No one else in the parking lot had a “flyer.” It was, in fact, a note letting me know that my parking space neighbor hit my car while parking hers the night before. The reason I’m not furious is because I’m beyond grateful that the damage was mild and that she actually left me a note with authentic contact information (and actually answered the phone and took total responsibility!). I’ve been burned by this before. Not too long ago, I come out one day and my then still pretty brand new-ish car had a nice sexy dent in it without a note so that I could get it fixed. (Asshole). My insurance company couldn’t help either based on my deductible. The damage would be less than it so I’d have to cover the repairs entirely. So despite battling #1 and #2 above, I’m just more annoyed by the inconvenience – the taking the time to get an estimate and now finding the time to get it fixed during an already crazy busy month.

I suppose that with anything, perspective is key. With every scenario that made this week a complete and total pain, there was and is a silver-lining. I have my health (at least the whole I’m still breathing/alive aspect to it), I have health insurance, and there are still good people in the world who own up to their responsibilities when they make a mistake. Not only did she immediately offer to pay for the damages to my car, she emailed me a list of highly rated auto body shops in our area within just a few hours of speaking to be helpful.

Boy, am I glad it’s the weekend…

5Dec2013

Birchbox Review | November

Posted in Beauty by C.

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How the latest and greatest in beauty made my November feel a little bit more gorgeous…or not so much.

Product reviews are from left to right.

DDF® Amplifying Elixir | When I saw DDF in my box, I got a little more than excited based purely on reputation alone. Wow, the DDF. In my Birchbox. Turns out, there wasn’t too much get excited about. My first stint with the famous DDF brand was experimenting with their Amplifying Elixir used after cleansing and just before moisturizing. The product touts that it “transforms skin, boosting its natural moisture barrier up to 50%” (whatever that means!). To give it some credit, this may be a product that takes frequent use over a period of time to really notice anything happening, but I wasn’t impressed. It burns upon application and makes my skin feel a bit sticky. This product retails for $70. For that cost, I should be more assured by now. This is a pass. Just use a good moisturizer and you’ll be fine!

Tiossan Body Cream | This is a really nice body cream. I received it in the “Terranga” scent, which I wasn’t too crazy about at first use, but decided it wasn’t too bad after all. It has a great texture and went on silky smooth without any residual greasiness (don’t you just hate that in a lotion!?!). The reason I’ll stop writing any further about this product is that it’s $38.00 for the full size. Mind you, full-sized is a mere 6.5 oz. No body cream is worth all that, unless it’s made of gold.

theBalm® cosmetics Stainiac | This did absolutely nothing for me. Aside from the fact that I’m really over “lip/cheek stain combo” products in general because they never seem to work with my skin tone – I didn’t like the way the product felt upon application nor the shade I received, “Beauty Queen.” It didn’t show up on my lips very well and when I went back to look at my lips mere minutes later after several layers of applications, what did faintly show up 5 minutes before was gone. Perhaps this would work better on a gal with very fair skin; but if you have some color to your skin, like myself, skip this product. It’s worthless.

Color Club® Harlem Lights Collection | If you recall, from my very first review of Color Club’s nail polish, I’m a fan. I continue to share this sentiment as I’ve begun experimenting with their “Baldwin Blues” shade in their Harlem Lights Collection. It’s my first time playing with dark blue nails, and I’ve been having too much fun with this color! A huge perk worth noting? This polish was on for almost a week before I noticed my first chip!

Folle de Joie eau de parfum | Folle de Joie which means “Crazy With Joy” in French makes me happy just thinking about the name. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something unique about this scent. It’s light, fresh, floral, but citrus-y. I was surprised this product came in my Birchbox so late in the year. I know Birchbox’s aim when curating samples is to think about season and themes when selecting products. This fragrance, although okay year-round, would pair nicely with Spring and Summer. I think a bit more drama is necessary in fragrances as we approach winter. As much I like the sample and will contiue to enjoy it, this product retails for $98. There are too many other exciting fragrances on the market to justify the nearly $100 cost at this time. Either way, it makes me crazy with joy!

Ahmad Assorted Teas | What was right on time and themed appropriately to the chilly temperatures developing outside was Ahmad’s tea assortment. As of writing time, I’ve only sampled the English Breakfast and no complaints here. I found the sample flavorful and bold. I’m anxious to try the Black Raspberry next. In fact, tonight might be the perfect time to head home after a long day and brew a spot of tea. Baby, it’s cold outside!

3Dec2013

Photo Diary: Thanksgiving Weekend

Posted in Holidays by C.

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{A Thanksgiving feast!}

Rather than do the traditional turkey feast, Thanksgiving was a Honey Baked Ham-filled weekend; complete with the best Bristol Farms sides ever! No shame here, we cheated and bought a wonderful catered holiday meal that we ate in many variations for the next 4 days straight. This is the caveat when you order a lot of food for only 2 people – leftover central. Ham and eggs for breakfast, ham and mashed potatoes for dinner. Every. Single. Night.

When we weren’t eating, we spent plenty of time watching movies, reading, sleeping, okay, a little more eating; and yes, general all around laziness as needed. I tried to build a weekend that would bring equal parts fun and relaxation to keep things lively, yet un-rushed. Mission accomplished.

Here’s my Thanksgiving weekend photo diary. And p.s. I can’t even look at another piece of ham for quite some time.

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