Pretty Pretty Bang Bang

Christmas has come and gone once again and now it’s time to start thinking about how to ring in the new year. Of course, my first thought is, what am I going to wear?

New Year’s Eve can be a tricky fashion event because it’s easy to get caught up in the mentality that you have to buy something new to wear. Because it only comes once a year, I say it’s best to start your outfit with items from your own closet and add some inexpensive accessories for punch. For those who have no idea where to start, I’m here to help you with some suggestions.

• Most of us own a little black dress. This year, I bought a knit wool one from Banana Republic and I plan to wear it for many years to come. Take your LBD, add a sparkly cuff bracelet or two (this one is a favorite), some black tights, colored pumps and a metallic clutch and you’re ready to go. See my post from November 18 for pictures of this kind of ensemble.

• Another great outfit, if you’re not a dress person, is a tuxedo. A few years ago, I bought a satin tux from the Isaac Mizrahi line at Target and have worn the heck out of it. The great thing about investing in a women’s tux is that the pieces can be separated for even more flexibility. Wear the jacket with some dark jeans, sexy earrings and pumps and you’re ready for a more casual party. Take the pants and pair them with a satin blouse or fur trimmed sweater for another look.

• Every woman should own a good pair of dark denim jeans in the style most flattering to her figure. The great thing about jeans is the versatility of them. Worn with a jacket or satin blouse, they can look polished but sexy. Flats and a dressy sweater can keep you comfortable and warm without sacrificing style.

• If all else fails, think black. Black pants paired with a black blouse or sweater can be made interesting with some great jewelry and accessories. Get out your grandmother’s vintage rhinestones or pile on several silver or gold necklaces. Add a sequined clutch and some funky shoes and you’re set. I like taking an outfit such as this one and adding leopard print pumps.

These are just a few hints and I’m betting that most of my readers already know how to put together a great outfit. If you’re looking to buy something new for the holiday but still want to save money, most stores have sales right now so you won’t have to pay full price. And don’t forget to check out the Isaac Mizrahi line at Target for some great deals on party wear. Now go out there and have a fashionable 2008!

When my sister and I were little, Christmas meant more than just presents it also meant celebrating the birth of Jesus. Sometimes we attended Christmas Eve services at church, but often we would stage our own celebration in my grandparent’s living room. We would read the passages from the Bible, sing songs, pray and remember why we celebrate the season. Although I don’t consider myself a religious person, I do consider myself a spiritual person. I may not attend church much, but I do believe in a higher power. So, in light of the season, I’d like to share with you the true meaning of Christmas.

Luke 2:1-20 (New International Version)

New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register. 4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14″Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

May you have a peaceful and blessed holiday season.

Well, it’s December 23 and Christmas will be here whether I’m ready or not. Ralph, mom and I have all the meals planned and I have only one more trip to the grocery store before the baking frenzy gets into full swing. I think all of the presents are wrapped, but it’s not unusual in my family to forget something on Christmas Day and go running to the closet to find it. Or to forget it completely, find it in the summer and hope it makes it to the recipient next year. At least we’re consistently weird.

My sister and her family are on the road to Springfield so the waiting game begins. For me, Christmas doesn’t really begin until I see them. Because the girls are small, this will probably be their last Christmas in Springfield for several years. Lydia and Julia should be home waiting for Santa in the future, but I’m so glad they’re here this year.

Merry Christmas to all of you. I hope you get all the things you wished for but, most of all, I hope you have the love of your family with you on Christmas Day.

Many of you who read my blog know that I’ve been working out for the past four months with a personal trainer. No, I’m not all thin and buff, but I can still kick your ass (kidding!). Anyway, Pavel, my Czech trainer challenged me the first week to give up some of my bad habits. The first thing he wanted me to give up was Diet Coke. I seriously thought the man was insane. Here I was, a two can a day drinker for about 20 years, and this guy wants me quitting cold turkey?! Not only that, he wanted me to give it up for three months?! About two weeks later, I did it. I completely gave up Diet Coke (and all carbonated beverages, well except beer). Two months later, I informed him that I hadn’t had a Diet Coke in two months so he should be proud of me. He was, then declared he should make the challenge harder. I should give up something else for one month. At the end of that time, he would reward me with a new iPod Nano with video. Hmmm, compelling, but what to give up? I chose one of my favorite things: sweets. The challenge started on November 19th which meant that I would go through Thanksgiving and most of my holiday parties without any kind of sweets. Let me tell you, it was hard but after a while I just didn’t have the desire to eat them. This last Wednesday, December 19, I won my challenge and today I got my iPod! It’s so cute and cool! Pavel wanted me to continue through Christmas but I said I deserved a little goodie or two during Christmas.

Now that I know I can do it, I want to keep it up. I don’t plan to return to drinking Diet Coke and I’m going to be really careful about the sweets and desserts. Thank goodness he didn’t want me to give up alcohol! I’d have never made it!

Here’s the iPod along with a card from Pavel that says “Merry Christmas” in Czech. I got the silver iPod and a cool case for it in the orangey-red color!

Today Steve did something I’m way too chicken to do - he had his wisdom teeth pulled. Two teeth had cavities which were resulting in daily headaches so he finally decided to take the plunge and have them all removed. Apparently, the surgery was extremely easy and he did very well. It only took about 40 minutes and required no stitches. We’re home now after stopping at Mickey D’s for a large chocolate shake so the poor guy could eat. Now, the recovery period begins. Wish him well!

Oh. My. God. We have only 7 days until Christmas. Where in the world did the time go? It seems like just a few days ago we were in Des Moines celebrating Thanksgiving with my sister and laughing at how much time we had until Christmas. The only laughing here is the maniacal sounds of my sanity vanishing. I am sooo not ready, mentally that is. Sure, the gifts are wrapped and the shopping is done, but I’m just not ready to face the holiday. I need more time to prepare. I need more relaxing celebrations. I need more Valium!

I predict I’ll be mentally ready to celebrate Christmas come mid-January.

Yesterday it was big news. We were going to get hit with a massive snowstorm. Five to ten inches were expected and everyone needed to get out and stock up before it came. Snow was to begin sometime after 9 p.m., continue through the night, let up in the morning, and keep going throughout Saturday afternoon. Last night, we went to a party and I put my snow boots in the car just in case things got bad. When we left at 10:30 p.m. it was raining but I just knew we’d wake up to a world of the white stuff. This morning, I woke up and peered out the window to a big load of…nothing. Just wet ground greeted me. So much for the 5-10″ everyone was predicting. Now they’re saying we’ll get maybe an inch this afternoon. Yeah, yeah, yeah like I’m going to believe that one!

Now in our family “the big lie” has another meaning. Years ago my cousin, John, was visiting my grandfather (Keck) in the hospital. My grandmother (Grammie) asked John if he’d told his wife Sherri that he loved her that day. Grammie said,” I tell Keck I love him every day. I don’t always mean it, but I tell him anyway.” This just cracked us all up and has become known in the family as “the big lie.” So have you told anyone the big lie today?

What’s your favorite Christmas memory/story? I just have to share mine of the Christmas when my older cousin and I drank almost an entire case of Corona beer. It probably sums up my lovable, twisted family the best.

It was 1987. Mom and dad were divorced, I was still in college and my cousin, John, had supposedly graduated from MU. I say “supposedly” because no one actually witnessed said graduation and we’ve never seen a diploma. Anyhoo, mom got John a case of Corona as a graduation gift (appropriate since I think all of us honed our drinking skills in college). John turned to me upon receiving said gift and said, “Here Cuz, have a beer.” As it was my first Christmas being 21 and I was thrilled to be sharing a drink with my cooler, older cousin. One beer turned into another, then another, then another. Over the course of the day (about 10 hours), John and I drank all but two of the beers in that case. We were never really drunk, but not completely sober either. My sister and I spent the night at my aunt and uncle’s house so my cousin greeted me the next morning with the last two beers instructing me to finish what we’d started. I’m not exactly sure I drank that beer, but I remember thinking he was crazy. All in all, a fun Christmas memory and one we talk about every year. I wonder if I could do that again? Hmm, I doubt it. My days of being able to handle that much liquor in one day are over. Plus, think of all the calories! I’d rather eat cookies.

The house is finally decorated and almost completely clean - yes, that’s a major accomplishment. Next up - wrapping gifts. I have them all bought, except for a few for Steve, but have not felt the urge to wrap them. Under the tree is the poinsettias I bought for my booth at WinterFest so at least it looks festive. Still, I miss the wrapped packages. I’ve been working this week on special order jewelry pieces and have one customer coming today to pick his up. I always feel great when these things go out the door and they are no longer on my workbench! Now maybe I can get some wrapping done.

This year, I’ve made the decision not to do Christmas cards. I feel a pang of guilt whenever I go to the mailbox and find them from other people, but I just can’t do it this year. It’s not like I have a family portrait to share so I don’t think they will be missed by most people. I just feel so behind! I told Steve I’d probably be in the mood for Christmas sometime in mid-January.

Despite my procrastination with the holidays, I do enjoy them. The lights are so beautiful, our aluminum trees (yes, more than one) look great, and we have a party to attend this Friday night (because it’s all about the parties during the holidays). So Merry Christmas everyone! I hope Santa brings you lots of goodies and good cheer throughout the season.

I admit that once again I faced the threat of an ice storm with skepticism. Last time I did that we tore up the bathroom and were without power for 9 days. This time, however, I thought there’d be no way we’d get hammered as hard again. So far I’m right, but it’s just nasty outside with freezing rain and slick, wet streets. I got up this morning at 6:30 to go to the gym and had little trouble getting around until I almost bit it on the sidewalk outside. Guess I’m going to plan a day inside getting some things done around the house rather than braving a trip to Target (which is probably a madhouse anyway). I’m going to count my blessings as my dad in Jefferson City has been without power since yesterday. I think he’s still in the dark since his answering machine didn’t pick up when I called this morning. Hopefully, he found a warm place to stay for now (one that will take in his dogs too).

Here’s a couple of pictures of what we’re experiencing right now. Yuck!

Here’s what the cats are doing to weather the storm. Don’t you feel sorry for them?