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.