Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas!  Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season!
I'm in Texas for the next couple of weeks.  Tonight we're getting a light dusting of snow - a white Christmas!

xo
d.

image via unknown

The Monday After

This will always be the Monday after.

The Monday after unspeakable acts were committed against innocent lives.  The Monday after twenty sweet lives were senselessly ended, along with six brave heroes charged with teaching them, and keeping them safe, no matter the circumstances.  This will always be the Monday after we struggled, collectively as a nation, to come to some minuscule amount of understanding as to why someone would do this.  This will always be the Monday after a weekend spent glued to news coverage, only to later turn it off for a moment's reflection.  This will always be the Monday after during which moms across our country, and perhaps the world, struggled with the everyday task of sending their precious children to school.  This will be always be the Monday after countless tears were shed by people from every walk of life.  Tears of sadness, compassion, frustration and sympathy.

There is a great debate brewing over gun control and mental healthcare.  I can't even begin to go there yet.  For me, it feels too soon to debate these issues.  I still need to simply remember those I never knew, those who have now become a part of our collective family.

Our immediate reaction is to gather our loved ones closer, hug them more often, utter more "I love you's."  And I plan to do just that.

With love and prayers for the friends and families of Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Town of Newtown, and for all of mankind,

xo,
d.

On Moving On, and Moving Forward

We don't all agree, and that's what makes this country interesting, and that's also what makes it a free country.  We are free to disagree.  What a blessing.

While I am not that political, I do have my beliefs, which I normally keep to myself.  But, after being bombarded for months and months with political ads, innuendo,  mail, etc., I'll admit I planted myself in front of the television Tuesday evening and fervently watched as the numbers rolled in.

Once it was clear who would succeed, I anxiously awaited the speeches from the competitors.  Alas, nature called for one of my dogs, and I missed the concession speech by Mr. Romney.  I heard though that he was gracious and humble.  Well played, Mr. Romney.

I'll admit that I loved President Obama's speech.  And while it is my belief that one man alone cannot possibly make all the changes needed to heal our country and move it forward, one man can indeed lead that effort, and he feels like the right choice to me.

So I'll leave you with this sentence from his speech.  It moved me, and has been on my mind for the last two days.

And with that, you shan't hear from me with regards to politics for at least another four years!

Happy Thursday!
xo
d.

Today is the Day...

Make it a great day!
xo
d.

photo via

Closet Confession

Do you ever have one of those days when you open your closet and feel like you have nothing to wear?  Absolutely. Nothing.  I'm having that day - only it's been going on for about 3 months.

I thought with the arrival of fall my fashion woes would be cured as I'm partial to cooler weather clothes over summer duds.  However, 2 problems:  (1)  Southern California has yet to get the memo that fall is here to stay (80 degrees today) and (2) even in the evenings, when it is cooler, I still am not digging my clothes.

And here's where the confession comes in:  I don't think I really know how to dress and accessorize myself.  Oddly, and in my humble opinion, I recognize great style (and not so great style too), and I Pin the heck out of cute outfits.  But, when it comes to actually putting outfits together for myself, I get a big ol' F for Fail.

I think the root of the problem lies in a couple of different places.  First, I don't shop in outfits, I buy pieces.  I think the key to "outfits" is buying all of the whole ensemble at once.  Secondly, and I know this issue plagues women of all shapes and sizes - I'm not happy with my size, and tend to think "when I lose weight, I'll look better in this..."  Sound familiar?  And, to be a little fair to myself, my life has changed drastically over the past few months - going from a corporate work environment that I enjoyed dressing for, to working from home, where yoga pants and pj's are the norm.

I'm literally so disgusted with my closet right now that I'd like to take everything to Goodwill tomorrow and start over.  However, that's really not feasible or a good idea, so I'll continue to wear my very comfortable yoga pants until I figure this whole "style" thing out.

What about you?  I would love to hear how you shop and how you "style" yourself.

Happy Monday!
xo
d.

image via here.

Have a Great Weekend!

What fabulous plans do you have for the weekend?  Mr. Nice and I are cleaning windows...  :-/
It has to be done, and while I started on it earlier this weekend, Mr. Nice offered to help me on the weekend - such a sweetie!  Afterwards, he is going fishing and I will be spending the afternoon with my digital magazines.  We're also planning to see the new "Bourne" movie this weekend - excited for that!

This afternoon I'm taking off for a walk on the beach - perhaps I'll don a "swimming costume" from the period above?  :-)

But first, a few links that tickled my fancy this week:

I saw a post of Cup of Jo about the Humans of New York photos, and I couldn't get enough!

Did you see my post about "Grand Exit" dresses on my wedding blog?

And, I also posted a slide show of my own weddings photos!

I love peeking inside other successful businesses - particularly when they are women-owned businesses!  Lucky for me, The Everygirl regularly features women who started their own business.  I particularly enjoyed a peek inside the workings of one of my favorite blogs, Elements of Style.  So inspiring!

I'm off to the beach!  Have a great weekend!!

xo
d.

Date Night!

I feel like my life has been split into two parts (like a great novel, right?!) - before "re-org" and after "re-org."
Frankly, I like the after re-org girl much better.  She's relaxed, not stressed, and as time moves on and I recover from the shock, this girl is up for just about anything!  Trip to the mall?  Sure!  Taking the dogs for extra walks?  You got it!  Dinner out on a school night?  Count me in!

Last night the husband (Mr. Nice from here forward because (1) Nice is in the title of my blog, and (2) He really is the nicest person and I love him so!) came home from work craving seafood.  Well if you know me, you know I can hardly stand the smell of fish, so it rarely gets cooked in the Nice household.  So I suggested we make a date of it and go out for dinner, which is exactly what we did!

You're probably wondering why this is a big deal since we have no children (except 2 fur babies), are gainfully employed (well, one of us is anyway...lol) and are generally free to do what we want in the evenings.      I think it's a big deal to make each other feel special, and going on a "date" feels more special than just running out to dinner.  When we just go out to eat, I may or may not be guilty of wearing yoga pants out.  For last night's date, I dabbed on a bit of makeup, put on a fun outfit and generally felt like a girly girl.

So, off we went to one of our favorite haunts, Ye Olde King's Head pub in Santa Monica.  You could even go so far as to say that this establishment bore witness to the early stages of our relationship.  We spent many, many evenings here over plates of fish and chips, laughing and getting to know each other.  And last night, we did that again.  And bonus, they have gigantic TV's everywhere and since they are proud Brits, were tuned in to the Olympics.

Mr. Nice, Fish and Chips and the Olympics - can't get much better than that!!

Are you hungry for lunch now??  What do you and your Mr. Nice Guy do for date nights?

xo
d.

photos via (1) Pinterest and (2) Something-Nice-To-Say

Ahhhhh....hello weekend!!

Have a great weekend!!!

xo

d.

image via here

The End of an Era...

Something has happened.  The party is over (literally).  A chapter has closed.

After 13 years, countless events, late nights, early mornings, hundreds of colleagues (many I now call friend), my time at my day job has come to an end.  It was more than a job to me.  I poured my heart and soul into my work there.  I was dedicated and loyal, to a fault.  But alas, as things go, the organization has been overhauled and there is no room for me.

I'd like to say I'm sad, and I was in the beginning, but I've had four weeks to think about it and get used to it and I can honestly say, I'm ok with it.  It was inevitable, and other than the way it was handled, I really am ok with it.

So, thank you, big (I won't name you) university on the west side of Los Angeles!  You were my home in so many ways, you taught me SO much, you opened up my world in a way I never dreamed of.  When I came to Los Angeles I knew no one.  Thirteen years later I can say I know tons of people, and most of them through a connection with you.  In fact, I can hardly go anywhere in this massive city of 9 million without bumping in to someone associated with you.

What will I do now, you ask?  My mind is whirling with ideas!  Stay tuned as I roll out the next chapter....

xo
d.

I need to be here. right. now. Please!

Positano, Italy.  Simply Lovely.

sigh....

xo
d.

The week, in shoes...

Just a few of the pairs that I wore this week for work, play and even a little workout!  It was a good week.

Life has been b.u.s.y.  With a very large event looming next Wednesday (let's just say that my first meeting on Monday is with Secret Service), tons of weddings this summer, and oh, I'm married now, the days and weeks are flying past.  I'm hoping that after Wednesday I can relax a little and enjoy spring.  I did just manage to spend a couple of hours out on the balcony in my new chaise lounge - and I loved every second of it.

Also, wanted to get back in the habit of sharing some of my favorite weekly links.

Have you ever wondered why so many people drink lemon water?

Custom cupcake colors!  I'm totally doing this next time I make cupcakes for the husband.

Are you a fan if Nie?  Her story is amazing.  I'm currently reading her book "Heaven is Here" and love it!

I thought I knew how to eat dinner, but I learned a thing or two from a Cup of Jo!

And, while this isn't a link, it's one of my favorite photos from our wedding!  We received a few photos so far, and I'm so anxious to see more!

Happy Weekend!
xo
d.

Happy Friday! And a sneak peek....

I'm happy to report that we have returned from our wedding in beautiful San Francisco and the deed is done - we're officially Mr. and Mrs.!  It was such a fun day, and I will be sharing photos soon.

In the meantime, above is a sneak peek of my hair and makeup.  Mei of Triple Twist Hair and Makeup did a fantastic job.  The hair was literally a last minute decision, and I could not have been happier with the finished results. 

Oh, and see those pearl pins in my hair?  I made those!  I'll be sharing a tutorial soon on how to make your own.  It was super easy and the finished product looked amazing (if I do say so myself!).

Happy Friday!
xo
d.

Make it Work Monday

Came across this photo when I googled "pearls and a twinset."  This is a great Monday outfit - easy-peasy (yet still adorable!) hair, lots of beads that say "I'm a serious business-person yet I remember what a fabulous weekend I just had," and basic black top.  Perfect for a Monday when it's 80 degrees out and all you really want to do is stay home and enjoy the weather!

Happy Monday!
xo
d.

photo via here

Celebrating Life Changes

Today was my friend and colleague Nicole's last day at work for awhile - she's in the last few weeks of pregnancy with her first baby, a little girl, who will be making her debut very shortly!  As we were hugging goodbye at the end of the day, she said "Next time I see you you'll be a married woman," and I replied "Next time I see you you'll be a momma!" 
Those simple words really struck me, in more ways that one.  First, both of our lives really are changing in the next few weeks.  We wondered aloud about what it would be like for her next Monday morning to wake up and not have to go through her normal work day routine.  But more than that, I was imagining the anticipation she must feel waiting for her little bundle to make her appearance.  To the world, she's waiting for her baby, but to her, she's waiting for her daughter, someone she will know and love for the rest of her life, someone she'll share joys and heartbreaks with, undoubtedly, the love of her life.

And to the world, I'm waiting for my wedding.  But to me, I'm anxiously awaiting the day I marry my best friend, a wonderful man who I plan to love for the rest of my life, with whom I'll share joys and heartbreaks, undoubtedly the love of my life.  The fact that I'm going to be his wife in a few weeks is really beginning to set in, and I'm beyond excited.

The other thing that struck me is how naturally we, as women, celebrate each other's life changes.  Our office is comprised of mostly women, and though we might not spend our time after-hours time together, we certainly spend most of our days together and tend to celebrate and support each other in many ways.  We cheer each other on, listen when a good vent is needed, offer hugs when one announces her pregnancy, scream with joy when another becomes engaged, provide a tissue when a tear falls, and generally offer each other the proverbial shoulder or outstretched hand when needed. 

What lucky girls we are!!

Happy Friday!!
xo
d.

Make it Work Monday

I kind of have an obsession with trench coats...it's kind of a problem!  I have at least 5 trenches currently hanging in my closet, and 2 more lined up on my shopping wish list.  Scratch that...3 on my shopping wish list, including the lovely coat above.  That bow is so cute, and I NEED a stone colored trench, I really do.  Also loving the contrast of the sweet trench with a structure tote in a fabulous orange!  I kind of also have a thing for orange bags, but I'll save that for another post...

Happy Monday!

xo
d.


photo joffer.com via sasha souza's pinterest page.

Inspired by...Thursday - Bar Carts

I love this bar cart.  Bar carts fascinate me and I'm always drawn to them on blogs and publications.  Each one is so different, yet the same.  You can be snazzy or casual, chic or ultra-laid back, and I love each one.  The once pictured above catches my eye for multiple reasons, the small and large wheels, the oval shape, and it doesn't hurt that there are more than one shots of the color turquoise infused in the mix.  Love it!

Happy Thursday!  Only one more shopping day til...Friday!  :-)

xo
d.

image via KiKi's List

Something Nice to Say...about a stomach bug?

This past weekend was a long, long weekend, in more ways than one.  In addition to our country remembering the great work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I had an unfortunate and epic case of the stomach bug.  Not fun.  However, this blog is where I like to say nice things, so here goes:

First and foremost, I am the luckiest girl ever.  No, not because I was sick, but because I had the best "nurse" ever in the form of my fiance.  Poor guy.  He saw and heard things this past weekend that I hope I never have to see or hear from him!  To say I was in misery would be a huge understatement.  And not knowing that a stomach bug was making the rounds, I assumed I had food poisoning.  It certainly felt like some sort of poison had taken residence in my stomach.  Saying the word "poison" kicks the worry factor up several notches, and I'm sorry for that.  He nursed me, he covered me with blankets, brought me cups of water and soda, put balm on my lips and moisturizer on my face, and assured me that I didn't smell when I'm sure I did. He really is the sweetest man ever, and I am truly lucky.

Secondly, and here is where the girly part of me jumps and clicks her heals....I lost 7 pounds in one day!  Seven!  I'm sure some of that was pure dehydration as I couldn't even hold down a sip of water and I'm sure some of it will come back.  However, seeing the scale down seven ticks has inspired me to be more careful of what I'm eating (that, and thinking that I had food poisoning has somewhat put me off food for now). So I'm taking a day of misery and parlaying it into a reason to eat better.  Not a bad deal, really.  Except for all of that pesky throwing-up.  Yuck.

Third - I spent two whole days in bed!  Well, the better part of the first was spent in the bathroom, followed immediately by being in bed.  Why is this a good thing?  Well, those of you who know me know that I burn the candle at both ends.  I have a full-time job, and have a small business one the side that has (fortunately!) turned into a full-time endeavor.  It's not unusual that my days are 12 or more hours long, plus I like to have a life outside of work!  So I usually go go go until I crash.  One of my New Year's Resolutions was to take Sundays completely off (so far, so good!), but before, it was not unusual for me to work 7 days a week.  So, being forced to lay around after being sick was a good thing.  The bigger battle in my  head is usually feeling guilty for laying around, but I reasoned with myself that since I was sick it was BEST if I relaxed and rested.  Good stuff.

So, there you go, nice things to say about a stomach bug.  I just hope that none of you have the unfortunate experience of getting that same bug.  Stay well, friends!

xo
d.

Cozy Bedroom

There is something so cozy and wonderful about this bedroom.  I particularly love the bookcases.  The last frontier (ok, not exactly the last, but the next...) in decorating our house is doing something to our bedroom, and I'm really loving the idea of giant bookcases at the foot of our bed.  I would love to have a fireplace there too, but alas, I will probably  have to settle for putting a flat screen on the wall as we both also love to watch TV in bed.  Do you watch TV in bed?  I especially love watching my Tivo'd shows in bed!

On another note, sorry for the long delay and silence, but I was away realllly enjoying the holidays!  I have pictures and stories to share, but that means I have to download the pictures from my phone, so I'll get to that later this week.

Meantime, happy Tuesday!

xo
d.

photo via unknown (let me know if you know!).