Posts Tagged ‘Craazy Holiday Fun’
My Christmas Card
This year I sent Christmas cards for the first time (another Bucket List item I crossed off!). It was super fun to mail something to all my friends and family, and receive their texts and phone calls after receiving my card. Snail mail is such a rare things these days with all the digital communication, that it seems extra special, and even more important when you’re living hundreds to thousands of miles away.
I went down to a park on the North side of the Golden Gate and enlisted some strangers to help me take my Christmas card picture. (Can you believe this sunny, gorgeous blue water picture was taken in November?!) With a little help from PhotoShop and VistaPrints - voila! My 2011 Christmas card:
<disclaimer> If you’re reading this and consider yourself in-person friends with me – know that I only printed 30 and had to send the majority to my family (and only sent to those outside of San Francisco), so please don’t get your feelings hurt! I love you too! </end disclaimer>
Currently Feeling: So happy to be home for the holidays and have so much good time with my family. I miss them so much!
Currently Anticipating: Decorating cookies tonight with some of my high school girl friends.
Currently Loving: My mom’s homemade pie! Can’t stay away.
San Francisco SantaCon
I participated in my first-ever SantaCon this year (on the 10th anniversary of it’s inception in San Francisco)… it’s definitely a new favorite “holiday” and excuse to dress in costume* that I’ve added to my ever-growing list. I think this always-celebrating, pub-crawling, costume-partying city was made for me…
Also, I’m working my way on being the World’s Best Grandma with the costume box I’m building. Since here, I’ve added Ursula, Wish Bear and Santa to my costume box (and re-worn a hippie and pirate costume). That’s five costumes in seven months. I can’t wait to get my nylon World’s Best Grandma hat someday and wear it proudly with my skinny jeans, Uggs and poncho – the future definition of out-of-date granny gear.
*The red dress I wore for SantaCon, and the green dress I wore for my CareBear costume for Halloween, are both American Apparel’s Nyloc Tricot Figure Skater Dress, which I’m OBSESSED with for costumes and truly want one in every color!
Currently Feeling: So exhausted today after a busy, but SUPER fun, weekend. Totally worth it, but man do weekends like this take it out of me! *Ahem, almost 30, ahem*
Currently Anticipating: Spin class tomorrow, and trying out a cranberry sorbet recipe with some leftover cranberries I have.
Currently Proud Of: A few aesthetic and functional fixes on my blog – click through to see if you’re in a RSS viewer! (I’ve added a “Pin This” button to each post and a small Pinterest feed in my sidebar, among a few other small updates.) 
Holly jolly jolly
The tree is up! My apartment is festive and ready for a holiday party I’m throwing this Sunday for my San Francisco girl friends. It will, of course, be a theme party, and I’m really excited to share the details with you once it’s over. But I’m MORE excited for the party. Holiday parties are a good excuse to eat potluck finger food and drink tons of wine. Two of my favorite things.
This year I got rid of the red bulbs and went with a jewel-tone Christmas tree. I added a few special ornaments to the mix that are really “me” – a couple sparkly butterflies, a painted peacock bulb, a platform heel, and a glass of wine.
Growing up, we always had “themed” trees that looked like they belonged in a department store. I used to get really frustrated with my mom and complain that we didn’t have one of those funky, kitschy, eclectic trees that had ornaments from a family’s collection through the years. I loved looking at those ornaments as a kid, and friends and neighbors trees felt more homey and special. (By the way – I feel super bratty writing this. #firstworldproblems) My mom would always say to me, “When you’re an adult, you can do the tree anyway you want.”
Turns out I’ve gone with a mix of a themed tree and some sentimental ornaments through the years, strategically placed and matched. Best of both worlds.
How does your family, or you, decorate your tree – themed or eclectic?
Currently Feeling: Like the master cook these days – I can’t lose with any of the recipes I try off Pinterest, and it feels awesome.
Currently Anticipating: Coming home to the sparkly lights of my tree for the next two weeks before I go home for Christmas!
Currently Loving: Totino’s Party Pizzas. So gross. Yet so, so delicious at the same time.
Expensive heels and priceless moments
- $24.95 for a cobalt blue, tafetta strapless dress (Forever 21)
- $5.50 for a rhinestone belt (Forever 21)
- $9.50 for a crystal and rhinestone flower ring (Wet Seal)
- $7.50 for silver, rhinestone dangle earrings (Forever 21)
- $2.50 for gold and silver glitter, coconut-scented nailpolish (Forever 21)
- $89 for the most fabulous pair of Enzo Angiolini gold platform, disco glitter heels (Nordstroms)
Le Sigh
- $35 + $7 tip to get my hair curled and styled at Habitude Salon in Fremont (they did a great job)
- $28 for a custom airbrush tan from Tropical Tan (seriously, once you go airbrush, you’ll never go back)
- $10 for a bottle of Chateau St. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc for prefunking (Sav Blanc is my all-time fav white wine)
- $65 for tickets to a silly expensive party at a waterfront cruise terminal event center in Seattle, featuring Jermaine Duprie (Ha!)
- $15 for town car trips to the party and back
- $18 for two whipped cream vodkas and soda water + $3 for a bottle of water (I drank a lot before the party)
= The most ridiculously overpriced evening of my entire life
Not paying a single dime to hear a crush of mine tell me sometime after midnight that “I’m good at life”?
PRICELESS.
Currently Feeling: In love with new restaurants and wine. I’ve been trying to be good and tone down the meals out, but I tried Ravish in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle tonight, and it was FABULOUS. Worth every calorie.
Currently Anticipating: First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square tomorrow with my family to celebrate my dad’s birthday.
Currently Reading: The Hangman’s Daughter by Oliver Potzsch. (Only $3.99 for the Kindle!)
Twelve Holiday Gift Ideas for You from Je
(Singing not included this time, I promise).
- Handmade Moccasins from the Darlingtonia Moccasin Company, $130
I found these moccasin’s from an ad on the side of a new fav blog of mine, A Beautiful Mess. My sister and I have been drooling over them ever since – hand cut, stitched and delivered in a pretty bag and box! Le sigh. - Panjore Lychee Voluspa Candle in a Decorative Tin, $25
Purchased this from a boutique a month ago, and have lit it every night since. It fills my room with the most pleasant smell – I’ve started to fall asleep with it lit (safe, I know). I love it so much it’s nearly gone already! Guarantee to make mom, best friend, aunt or coworker smile. - Book Chandelier and a Copy of my “Best Book of 2010,” The Help, $80
Have you ever seen anything more elegant? I want one hanging above my dining room table so bad. I think this pair would be the ultimate gift for a book lover. And if you haven’t read The Help yet, read it immediately. - Humanity for All Leather Wrap Around Bracelet with Crystals, $30
I blogged about this earlier, but I bought this recently from Duque Salon in Ballard, and it is THE most complimented piece of jewelry I’ve ever owned. I love to read the positive message every morning when I wrap it around my wrist. - NorthFace “E-Tip” Gloves, $40
Is there anything more annoying than peeling off gloves because your iPhone can’t detect your fingers through them? Solve that problem with special gloves from NorthFace that have silicone gripper palms are ingeniously designed with material at the thumbs and index fingers, allowing you to easily use touch-screen cell phones, laptops and MP3 players without removing your gloves. Great for male or female gift! - lululemon’s Stride Jacket, $118
I bought myself one of these two months ago, and want one in every color! This jacket is perfect for throwing under a winter jacket, or over yoga clothes on the way to workout. It has the sleekest, softest material of anything I own and of course includes the infamous lulu thumbholes. Loves! Purchase it for the exercise lover in your life. - Handmade Wood Laptop Tray, $60
An ex-boyfriend of mine gave me this for Christmas last year, and it’s one of the most thoughtful, useful gifts I’ve ever received. When I work from home, I can do so comfortably now on the couch or in my bed, AND have a spot for my mouse and cup of coffee. Awesome. Gift it to the 9-5 desk jobber, and they’ll love you forever. - A Clever Skin for a MacBook, $12
I love these cute vinyl sticker skins for a MacBook that use the Apple logo in a clever way! Apple Fan Boys and Girls will love it too. - Seattle Neighborhood Poster (or the city of your choice) from Ork Posters, $35
I started a buying frenzy when I featured this poster I bought on my blog two years ago. These are the ultimate cool screen print to have hanging in your house. Seattle pride! - Morse Code Necklace from COATT, $36
Dainty and feminine with a fun or sweet secret message – like invisible ink, but more fashionable. The fashionista in your life will swoon! Great gift for mom or sister too. - Amazon Kindle, $140
If I had to purchase only one thing in 2010, it’d be the Amazon Kindle. I love, love it. You can read the 10 reasons why I think it’s amazing here. - Pickle of the Month Club (or Bacon of the Month Club w/ Bacon Wrapping Paper), $135+
There is no gift like the gift of bacon. The end.
Happy Holiday shopping, lovelies!
Currently Feeling: An awesome sense of balance right now.
Currently Anticipating: A “shop local” event tomorrow with Girl Power Hour, featuring gifts from women entrepreneurs only. Fun!
Currently Loving: Super bummed I bought all the stuff to make my wine cork board, and I’m still half of the wine corks off from it being complete. I’ve been saving for more than a freakin’ year!
When I was a kid
So, pumpkin time is here. So says Starbucks. And every blog, Twitter and Facebook account that have been talking about pumpkin lattes since they launched on September 1st.
You know what pumpkins make me think of – HALLOWEEN!
I’m not going to lie – the first, “What are you going to be for Halloween?” question came from my little sister during our road trip back from a cabin on Memorial Day weekend, four months ago. The two of us share a love for Halloween that far surpasses any love that creepy fat guy feels for double rainbows. Perhaps it’s genetic – the Halloween love, not the fat. Well, the fat might be genetic too. But then we’d call it “big boned.”
Anywhoosit – TANgent.
What my sister and I don’t share, however, that sometimes becomes painfully apparent to me, is a generation. There’s a gap. Sometimes that seven year gap makes no difference in the world, and then sometimes it slaps me right in the face and just makes me feel G.D. OLD. Take our conversation via the ole el telephono tonight:
Me: Have you decided what you’re going to be for Halloween yet?
My sister: Yeah – I think I’m going to be a green M&M…with a green leotard, paint a white M on the front, wear red lipstick and white gloves. I think it’ll be really cute.
Me: Are you just looking for an excuse to wear a leotard? I don’t get it – I thought M&M costumes were usually round.
My sister: Yeah – but I don’t want to be round.
Me: Oh, okay. Yeah, I guess you’re right. Round’s no good. That’ll be cute!
My sister: What are you thinking?
Me: Kristen, Adam and I have been talking about being Three’s Company for a couple years now, so I kinda want to do it this year.
My sister: Huh?
Me: Three’s Company!
My sister: …
…
Me: You know – “Come and knock on my door… we’ll be waiting for you…”
My sister: …
…
what?
Me: It’s this really popular 80s sitcom with three people who live in an apartment together, and er, one of them wears cute socks to her knees and pigtails and one girl wears a red sweater with hearts, and the guy is, er, Jack and he’s the only guy, and they’re um all friends, and well, it’s super funny and well known.
My sister: Oh. Well seven years and I’m totally socially out of it.
Or I’m totally socially OLD.
Gawd, save me from myself. I’m just years away from mom jeans and referencing, “When I was a kid…”
“…we had Blockbuster stores! Like ones you walked INto to rent movies. And I remember when we rented VHS!!”
Currently Feeling: Great that I ran around Greenlake tonight on a whim – back to boot camp tomorrow. This week is going to be a great fitness week.
Currently Anticipating: Knocking through my to-do list the next three days, so I can relax during my staycation next week. Going to visit some family down state!
Currently Recommending: “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” movie – it’s so dang good! Listening to Swedish and reading subtitles for two hours kinda makes you go bonkers, but totally worth it!
Five little updates on July
Well hello there, July 16th. Where have the last two weeks gone? Been busy soaking up the sun that finally came to Seattle – and as my GChat status says, “The summer sun makes me irresponsible.” Less time for blogging and computer playing, more time for outdoors, friends and barbecues. The best time of the year!
Life has been trucking along quite nicely these days – I’ve got a few little updates for you.
I finished my 30-day challenge – you can read my somewhat wrap-up thoughts here since they were the same for the last two weeks of the challenge. I was a couple days shy of the complete 30 days. It was tough to make it to class every day the last two weeks cause I became super burnt out. But for the most part, I did it! So, I’m back to boot camp a couple days a week, and hot yoga a couple days a week. I’m also walking to work now that the weather is nice! Two miles – 45 minutes of walking a day – so it’s been a great addition to my workouts.
Me putting the last star on the challenge board
My Fourth of July holiday weekend was one of the best ever. Choosing Lake Chelan over Seattle turned out to be the best decision I could have made since Seattle gifted everyone with grey skies and rain for the holiday. Meanwhile, I hung out in my bathing suit, drank BLs on the beach all day and finished the evening up with a crazy dance party boat ride to watch the Chelan city fireworks. Lots of funny pictures and memories of the weekend that, unfortunately, don’t belong on the Internet. Good times were had by all.
Left: All the girls at the beach. Center: Boating it. Right: Wine tasting on our way back.
My summer garden is rockin’ and rollin’. I had to upgrade my basil plant because I used it so much, I dried the first one out and killed it. So, I purchased a bigger and better one. I have basil for days! My favorite summertime dinner meal these days has been some whole wheat pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, fresh mozerella, tomatoes and basil from my garden – finished with salt and pepper. Mmm. Someone told me our summers in Seattle don’t usually last long enough for peppers or strawberry plants, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed there. And I have a couple tiny green tomatoes that I’m watching with much love!
Caprese pasta - my summertime staple!
Turns out my work is sending me to New York City for the BlogHer 10 conference the first weekend of August. I’m super, duper excited and geeked out to meet so many bloggers and make some (hopefully) lifelong connections. I’ll get to hang out with Doniree for the first time, which I’m fantastically excited about. I feel like I’m the only 20-something blogger left in this world that doesn’t know her personally. I’ll also be hosting a fun Sex and the City walk through the city with a Kindle giveaway at the end. I think it’s going to be a fabulous, successful event, so that pushes my excitement that much further. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my job? By the way – this will be the first time I’ll have visited NYC while 21 and over. Trouble to be had! NEW YORK…. These streets will make you feel brand new…Big lights will inspire you…Let’s hear it for New York, New York, NEW YORK.
Can you think of a better event?! Excited!
I’m heading over the mountain pass again this weekend for a bachelorette party for one of my high school girl friends – lots of longtime girls of mine will be there. I hang out with all 10 of them about twice a year, so this should be interesting and fun. We’re starting off with a night out in the tiny town our cabin is in, wearing ugly bridesmaid dresses. (Thank you, Goodwill, for mine). We’re also floating a river Saturday in intertubes and then heading back out in matching tie-dyed tank tops with nicknames on the back. Mine? G-Spot Je-Spot. Yeah. That’s right. High school nickname I can’t seem to freakin’ get ride of. (For no other reason than my name being Je Anna). Should have some fun stories and pictures to share with all of you. Happy weekend!
Currently Feeling: A little bit of a nervous belly.
Currently Anticipating: Relaxing this weekend in the sun before a SUPER busy work week next week. Time to recharge!
Currently Loving: The new Eminem CD. Seriously – it’s so good. He amazes me, and brings me back to memories in high school when I used to listen to his first CD, all at the same time.
Fireworks, sunbathing & girls
I’m heading out for the weekend to Lake Chelan – a popular summer spot in Washington State – for the Fourth of July! It’s one of my girl friend’s birthday, so I’m road tripping it over the mountains with my best friend, a cooler full of bevs and flipflops on. I’ll finally get to wear the bathing suits I bought a month ago and haven’t been able to prance around in yet cause this summer has been gloomy thus far.
This will be the first year in forever that I’ve spent the Fourth of July outside of Seattle, and I have to admit that I’m going to miss the rooftop patio parties and fireworks on Lake Union like you would not believe. But I’m looking forward to a girly weekend of boating, sunbathing in 80-degrees, reading mags and laughing.
Hope all of you have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
God Bless America!
Finger Mustaches
I went to work this morning with a little remnant of half a mustache on my finger.
Totally worth it.
Cinco de Mayo was silly and fun, per usual.
Sometimes, I think about things I want to be reincarnated as in my next life. Mexican is definitely on my list. Such amazing food, people and culture.
Ole!
Currently Feeling: A little underwhelmed by Top Chef Masters – bring on the original Top Chef, it’s so much better!
Currently Anticipating: Sharing this totally awesome class I took tonight with all of you. (Stay tuned!)
Currently Loving: The Chinese Chicken Salad from Nordstrom’s Cafe. One of the best salad’s I’ve had! (And I’m not a salad person).
Te amo, amigos
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!
/From my 28th “Mustaches & Sombrero” birthday party
I wish you all the tacos, burritos, cervezas and cheese dip in your future.
Currently Feeling: A little burnt out after two bootcamps, Zoomba (which I’ll elaborate on later) and kickball in two days.
Currently Anticipating: Heading to the neighborhood Mexican joint tonight, but first – a TweetUp my company is co-sponsoring at a jewelry store.
Currently Needing: A new crush.
