Twenty Eleven

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If 2009 was a year or rebounding and starting over, then 2010 was a year of rebuilding and letting go.  2010 had it's ups and downs and although the downs ALWAYS suck the life out of you, they also teach you how to lift your head back up and dust off your shoulders. 

2010 brought me new friendships, a new career opportunity, and new love.  It also brought me financial woes, tested relationships and a whole lot of self revelation. 

So while there are definitely some times I wish I hadn't experienced, I know that all those hard times taught me some sort of lesson and also have made me stronger, more confident and ready to tackle 2011.

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I am starting 2011 with a clean slate and gearing up for a fantastic year.

Goals for 2011:

*Working on my fitness

*Dusting off my passport and hoping to head to Europe

*Career advancement

*Paying off those darn credit cards/student loans

*Organizing my bedroom

*Busting open the cookbooks

*More concerts

*Read more, watch less TV

*Write more

They may seem simple and ordinary but they are everything I want and need to feel complete (for now)....

Cheers to you and all of your goals!  Let's make 2011 the best yet!

Song Of The Week: Coming Home

Happy New Year my loves!  I am sorry I was totally MIA for the past two weeks but traveling and the holidays will do that to you.  In any case I'm back and ready to kick off 2011 with some great music, beginning with Coming Home by Diddy - Dirty Money. 

This song marks the return of Puffy, Diddy, Sean John, whatever his name is.  I love the beat and it reminds me of his earlier jams that I loved in high school.  Coming Home is a funny term, I used to and often still do refer to Seattle as my home, but really I have noticed lately that my "home" is really shaping up to be the lovely city of LA.  Weird, I know....

What do you think?  Is home where you currently reside or is home where you grew up?  Can you refer to both as "home" even though they have completely different meanings to you?  Seattle was where I was raised, my family lives, I made my friends and experienced college.  LA has been hardships, new friendships, new beginnings, and new love.  I believe I am who I am due to what I learned from both cities and want to consider both my "home".

Call it greedy but I don't mind Coming Home to either city anytime of the year. 

Word Up Wednesday

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Planning on doing exactly this in Seattle....

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Also head on over to Covet Living and check out their Santa Lists from fellow bloggers (including moi).  Stephanie and Karrie are absolutely darling and their blog is one you will be bookmarking for sure. 

Gift Guide #4 ~ Nifty Gifty under Fifty

I am dying to own this luxurious Belmacz Glow Lip Balm and I am pretty sure any other gal in your life would too.  It has a pretty color with actual flakes of gold that blend in to make the gloss a shimmery goodness. 

For the hostess with the mostess or the party that needs to get started, the 80's Table Topics will make sure there aren't any crickets present at any future parties.

The Capri Blue Mercury Glass Jar not only looks gorgeous when lit but also fills the home with a delectable scent. 

For your accident prone friend, why not help her cover her boo-boos with these cute Cynthia Rowley Band Aids Dress Ups?  My fave is the sequin one, I may have to fake an injury just to use one.

I have been dying to try the EOS lip balm and what better way to introduce yourself or someone you love than this EOS Lip Balm Smooth Sphere Holiday Bag. 

Story of my life.  I need this f*cking bag to use at the grocery store.  Also perfect for the eco-friendly cute boy you have been stumped on what to buy.

Smelling good is never a bad thing, and options are even better.  The Juicy Couture Spray Pen Set is perfect for the gal on the go or to split up and pass along to your coworkers. 

I love the message associated with this Pearls of Love Dogeared Necklace.  Whoever you give it to is sure to feel incredibly loved.

Another eco-friendly and incredibly stylish gift for the go getter is this Red Jonathon Adler To Go Holiday Mug .  Throw in a little Sbux gift card and you are sure to be a favorite.

Last year my gf Christy gifted me this awesome Lash Stash set from Sephora.  They are all travel size mascaras that you can try before you buy.  And let me just say that the danger is finding numerous mascaras that you not only like but LOVE!  The Hourglass and Laura Mercier were my faves in last years batch.  Perfect for the girl who is always up for trying something new. 

GAP Giveaway Winner!

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Thank you all so much for entering this fun giveaway courtesy of the people at Gap and Brand About Town.  There were 46 of you that entered and when I plugged the numbers in over at Random.org... 

Lucky Number #30 was the winner, which turned out to be the fabulous Miss K over at Love, Lipstick, and Pearls!

Enjoy your new pair of jeans Miss K! 

Thanks again to all for entering, I hope to host another giveaway very soon!

Song Of The Week: I'll Be Home For Christmas

Whenever I think of holiday music, first name that comes to mind is Bing Crosby.  I love his classic voice and the thought that his music is still being enjoyed by people of all ages.  I'll Be Home For Christmas on Thursday the 23rd, flying into Seattle and am trying to stay motivated for this week of work!  I am looking forward to seeing family and friends and introducing a special friend to all those that I love. 

Are you heading home for the holidays?  If so where do you call home?  Are you starting a new Christmas tradition this year? 

Wherever you are spending the holidays, hope you are spending it with the ones you love!

Happy {Holiday} Weekend!

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Happy last weekend to finish all your holiday shopping!  This weekend I will be doing just that and also a little dining and catching up with old friends. 

Don't forget to enter the Gap Denim Giveaway.  I will be drawing a winner on Monday afternoon! 

Cheers and Good Luck!