Merry Christmas 2015

Christmas 2015

I'm not a particularly festive person, but I had the most random dream last night. I dreamt that I was sitting in-between my grandmother's legs and she was combing my hair. Mind you, this never actually happened in real life with my grandmother while she was alive. Anyways, she was trying to tell me a story of historical significance to our family, but I woke up before she could finish and I woke up with the funniest feeling -- just instantly feeling like I needed to celebrate Christmas NOT really for myself, but as a way of honoring all of those who have left and aren't here to celebrate.

I've never bought into the commercialized hype of how materialistic Christmas has become, but the focus on family, love, and togetherness has always been important to me. There was something about waking up still feeling the warmth, security, and just overall feeling of love I had in my dream that really made me smile. And I should note that while my grandmother was alive  (maternal side) she wasn't necessarily known for her warm touch lol. I think that's why I was so blown away by the comfort I felt in my dream.

With that said, Happy holidays to everyone across the Globe using this time to reflect on their blessings, celebrate the loved ones in their lives, and turn up OR down. I woke up this morning and spent time walking the water with Khaleesi, taking in nature and meditating on the year we've had. I'm also spending my Christmas day watching Netflix/Hulu, double-fisting wine AND eggnog, and regretting on now buying more snacks when I was at the grocery store yesterday. Domino's is closed. My heart is aching lol.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas from Seattle

Hola from Seattle! I meant to post this 2 days ago, but the turn down has been real y'all. Being able to enjoy a few days without the obligation to do anything has been pure bliss! As for Christmas, it was full of love, laughs, and relaxation! Oh, and presents! Black Santa brought me a snazzy new laptop (touchscreen!!! Praise him....), Garrett's popcorn (instant Chicago fix), a NutriBullet (obsessed!!!! *in my Oprah voice*), and a cool water filter for my hikes.

I haven't been festive about Christmas in years, so this was the first time in a long I got into things (as evidenced by my Mrs. Clause outfit to the left lol).  We did a mini-throw down for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner, but have been avoiding food comas and just chilling out.

I hope your holiday was amazeballs (or as my BF has started saying, "Elite Juice" -_- )

My First Real Christmas Tree

'Twas the week before Christmas and this Seattle transplant couple finally decided to get festive and buy a tree! Whole Foods was selling 6-7 ft Fir trees for $40, which I considered a great deal for a luscious, full and REAL tree.

I know this might be basic holiday fare for most, but it's a new thing for me as I've never had a real tree in my life, and hadn't done the holiday decorating thing as an adult.

Now, we have a beautiful tree, ornaments for days, and even stockings with bells! It's a Christmas explosion (by my terms) in our house. As we trimmed the tree, sipped on wine, and listened to holiday music it instantly spread holiday cheer. I was like, oh... NOW I get it lol.

How do you celebrate the holidays?

Nike Dunk Sky Hi Sneakers

I'm the furthest thing from a sneaker head, but life in Seattle has been making me feel a bit more hipster. Seattle has this extremely relaxed vibe that has been inspiring me to add a bit more comfort to my style. Of course this comfort is not going to come at the expense of having actual style... don't get it twisted, some Seattle folks take their comfortable style and look a bit too boho (read: homeless) and that's NOT what's up. I'm back commuting to work and I promised to never be one of those chicks on public transit rocking hideous gymshoes as I come and go. No way, Jose.

In an effort to have comfort and shoes that make my eyes twinkle, I thought the Nike Dunk Sky Hi line of sneakers would be the answer to my commuter shoes prayer. The 3 styles I'm currently googly eyed over are the Nike Dunk Sky Hi, Nike Dunk Sky Hi Paris, and Nike Dunk Sky Hi Sneakerboot. As of right now I'm telling myself to just pick one (the sneakerboot is in first place)... but if my money is looking right I just MIGHT snag all 3.

For all of my commuters, what's your shoe of choice for the Fall/Winter?

Nike Dunk Sky Hi - $120

These shoes are absolutely gorgeous and speak to my soul! The army green and black leather make my life force delight... I can already imagine rocking these with leggings and a bold, red lip! Winter uniform.

Nike Dunk Sky Hi Paris - $225

When I initially saw these shoes I could only see the Gold. That alone was enough for me to buy them... let's be honest, my inner Persian was doing a 2-step. The quilted print is giving me a Chanel vibe, and although I'm not obsessed with the brand I do love the hints of black in the print. Black is my favorite color and these would be a dope way to add some pop to an all black get up.

Nike Dunk Sky Hi Sneakerboot - $180

These shoes make my heart sing. They were divinely made for the soles of my feet to survive my first winter in the Pacific Northwest. Maybe "survive" is a dramatic word since the winters are much more mild than Chicago... but I am beyond thrilled to welcome these sneakerboots into my wardrobe. I'm still on the fence about which color to get, but seriously... you can't go wrong with either.

Hello, my name is Scrooge!

It's here...it's officially the holiday season.

Not only will I be forced to hear Christmas music in every store I visit from now until mid January...but I'll have to compete with parents and their strollers the size of SUVs in the malls....there's nothing worse than navigating the aisles of your favorite store only to be stuck behind crowds of slow moving people...all the while your ears are being ransacked with reminders to "have a holly, jolly Christmas."

The snow will begin to fall and actually stick to the ground...managing to stay beautiful for a matter of minutes before buses, trucks, cars, and pedestrians with their dogs distort the lovely white color with shades of black, gray, and sometimes yellow!

The temperature will drop to freezing and patches of black ice will attack your vehicle landing you in a ditch on the side of the road...that is if your car hasn't been blocked in by the snow and salt trucks that bogart their way down the streets.

Yes, it's the beginning of the winter holiday season in Chicago and all I can do is think about the last 5 years I spent in Arizona. There's something refreshing about waking up on Christmas morning to beautiful temps in the 60s, sunshine, palm trees and endless mountain ranges! As I stare out of the window at gray skies and snow flurries, I find myself very nostalgic about the days I spent in Arizona. It's a gorgeous place and though living there isn't for everyone, I suggest you go and visit...