2009-Lessons In Letting Go

For some reason, I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself, on this post. I think that basically sums up New Years, anyway, no? A lot of fucking pressure...it has to be better. It has TO. Right? I mean, I know that's all I'm hanging on to lately. I'm going to forgo the usual resolutions...yes, I ate like it was going out of style this last month and have ignored the gym, my trainer-HI STEVEN, and Jillian Michaels.

Speaking of...remember when I talked mad shit on the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders workout DVD? I totes put it on my Christmas List, and yep...those bitches are staring at me right now. I'm eating a cake ball and they're staring at me with their judgey eyes. Also? Cake balls are weird, if you really think about it. Which I am, for some reason.

See, this is what happens when I put pressure on myself to write. Aren't you the lucky ones...

I did not like 2009. My 2009 is the equivalent of a mean muggin whore with bad hair. Like so many others, I got laid off. My sister got laid off. I spent a lot of 2009 sick. Lit-rilly. I have tonsils that need to be removed, but that's a little tricky after you get laid off. Turns out, good health insurance is mighty important. I was involved in a very unhealthy relationship. You know the story, if you've been around for a while. Basically...

2009 bitch slapped me with a heavy dose of reality.

The slap echoed that of Snooki's...it was hard, unexpected and totally messed up my hair. I'm not going to rehash every hardship this year has presented me, every morning I wake up and I am positive I am being punked (Ashton, seriously, you made your point), every time my heart has been hurt, every night I have gone to sleep alone, lonely. Shit happens. Life happens. I'm moving on. Letting go. That is my resolution. Letting go.

I'm not where I thought I would be, but I am learning that maybe I'm where I am supposed to be. I'm standing on the edge of a huge jump, one that I'm doing on my own...without a ring on my finger, without a hand to hold. But with more confidence and sense of self than I have ever had.

2010, I welcome you. Can I get you anything?! Make yourself comfortable! Love your shoes! And 2009, I would like to thank you, ON YOUR WAY OUT. Without you, pushing me, punking me, throwing up road block after road block, I fear I would still be that girl breezing through life, shopping to numb my feelings, dating douche lord after douche lord, wasting my heart, money, time. Throwing my amex and my hair around while taking everything, and everyone, for granted.

Empty.

2010 isn't going to be better magically. It's not like on Friday morning, bam, all my problems will disappear, I'm aware of that. I'm also aware that this new year will be what I make of it. And I plan to make it amazing. Fabulous. Fulfilled. BADASS. Cheers, dolls!

2010...the Unbeweavable journey continues. With you :) Happy New Year! Be safe! Back on Monday in full force :)

(Images 1 and 2 via we heart it. 3 is mine.)

P.S. 20sb'ers...I think I have a chance, I'd really appreciate your vote. Besos!

"For Empty Seats and Elephants In Rooms and Dreams That Feel Impossible"

This week I'll still be in and out, but I wanted to say HI! Tell me everything! Happy Holidays so far??

Mine was SO good...but I'm glad it's over and I can catch my breath, you know? Next up New Years-and then 2010!! Big changes! HURRY UP! There were moments of holding back tears, of forcing a smile. But I got through it.

I'm not going to list all the presents I got-I don't know, something about that bugs me because it's really not what Christmas is about, to me-but, because it's relevant to the bloggy, I will say that I did get a Flip HD Camera, so now I can video blog without looking like a bobblehead, so yay. :)

More important things are on my heart and mind tonight, though. For all that I've been given, I HAVE to give back just as much.

To Write Love on Her Arms is Non Profit organization that I support, however I can. It's near and dear to my heart.

"To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery."

{I'm kissin balls for TWLOHA on Socialvibe.com}

On Christmas Eve, this blog was posted on the TWLOHA website, and I wanted to share it with you too. I'm not going to lie loves...I had to read this over a few times this week/weekend. It brought me strength, and will continue to, and just in case even one of you needs some strength...

FOR EMPTY SEATS AND ELEPHANTS IN ROOMS AND DREAMS THAT FEEL IMPOSSIBLE.
DEC. 24, 2009 AT 11:53PM

Hey Guys.
My heart is light tonight. And it feels almost strange to type that. Because i remember so much wrestling and the weight of so many different Decembers. i don't know if it's the holidays or the year's coming to a close but this time of year has a way of reminding us what's missing, reminding us what hurts... i feel like i've been there a lot in recent years.

If you can relate to any of that tonight - to things missing or things changed or lost or broken - we just want to take a moment to say that it matters. Your story and your pain, your hopes and fears and dreams. It matters. You matter. Tonight and tomorrow and ten years from now. We're sorry for your hurts, for empty seats and elephants in rooms and dreams that feel impossible.

John Mayer said it well in a tweet earlier tonight: "Sending a heartfelt Merry Christmas to those who feel loneliness this time of year. You're not alone. Hang in there."

We'll add to that: Keep going. Keep fighting. Talk to someone. Get the help you need. Your life is worth fighting for. Your dreams, your story, the things that make you come alive - those things deserve to shine. You deserve a friend. You deserve to be loved, to be known. Whatever you're carrying - whatever aches or haunts or steals - you were never meant to carry it alone. Bono sings "We get to carry each other." He suggests that it's a privilege, that it's the best way to live. You were meant to walk with other people, to invite other characters to play parts in your story.

Wherever you're at tonight, however heavy or light the night is, whatever scene it finds you living - please know that you matter very much. Please know that you are something priceless, something beautiful and entirely unique. There is hope for you. There is hope for all of us. 2010 has never happened before and the same is true about tomorrow.

A prayer for you, or perhaps a wish if you prefer it said that way: We hope these things feel true. We hope you know you matter. We hope you find your smile. You deserve it -you absolutely do.

Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays / Happy 2010.
Peace to you tonight.
jamie

If you made it through all that...Thank YOU for walking with me, for being such an important part of my story this year. We deserve to shine...and shine we will. Thank YOU for being a reason for me to SMILE. Lots of love to you all, can't wait to catch up. xoxo

If you have any questions...or need to talk...you know how to reach me. Do not hesitate. :)

Happy Merry Holidays! (SATC, Bangs and a Winner!)

Aww you guys, I feel so bad. I have barely opened my laptop in the last couple of days and have been a horrendous bloggy buddy. I'm sorry...but I'm hoping that since we're all busy, you won't hold it against me?!

You look really good today, too. Just sayin. That color makes your eyes just absolutely sparkle.

Awkward...anyways. Random post #2 of the week, because umm why not. Have you guys seen the Sex and the City 2 Trailer yet...omfg I die! Can't wait doesn't even begin to describe it. Here you go if you haven't seen it...or want to watch it over and over like I have all night.

Watch more Moviefone videos on AOL Video

The winner, randomly chosen by Kristin, of the Isette Mane Necklace is Meredith of (Flash) Pasteurized. Yayeahh! Email me lover! I want to make sure you get the chain length of your hopes and dreams.

I am no Grinch, but I srsly can't wait til life gets back to normal...and 2010 is going to be a good year, damn it. Lot's of adventures...in New York. WHAT WHAT.

Here are the bangs!! I didn't take too many pictures this weekend because I was drunk busy, but this is on the way to Cali Christmas #1.. And do I look pleased? NASOMUCH. We were late and still had to stop by Best Buy for a last minute present...nothing like a good lil holiday procrastination, of which I am the queen.

Merry Merry Christmas to you and yours!! Puffy heart you all. 3 more single girl Christmas parties to attack woop! I get to see my Papa on Friday yay! I'll be back on Saturday to stalk...prob in a hungover food coma trying to avoid the mall. FABULOUS. If you're traveling, please be safe!! XOXO

Cali Christmas #1, A Winner and a Giveaway!

This is going to be a random post. I'll be posting "sporadically" (RIP Brittany Murphy ugh so sad) until after Christmas-just a lot going on. There are some exciting things in the works for It's Unbeweavable! in 2010-sorry to be vague, I know that's annoying, I'm just not allowed to talk about them yet. Boo.

So! What have you been doing/drinking/wearing/buying?! I miss you! I have new hair that I will be posting about-hint, the bangs are BACK, and I have been running around with my crazypants on all weekend, shopping, post officing, wrapping, and working. Shoot me in the face. I mean, yay.

Kathleen at Just a Small Town Girl is the winner of Downtown Chic! Merry Christmas, lovebug! I will hand deliver it to you in Vegas.

In other news, I had my first family Christmas party on Sat night that I am still recovering from. Child of divorce=like 4 family Christmas celebrations. I'll be honest. I started to get a little emo getting ready, worrying about the whole "single" thing. I may have cried and called Brooke. But then, you know...it passes. For lack of a better phrase, I got my shit together. Took a deep breath. Put some more mascara on.

And baby jesus had my BACK. Because while this side of my family-the Colombian side-always likes the umm sauce, and parties hard...this year we took it to new levels..high or low? I can't really decide. It was ridiculously fun, and nobody had to be on their best behavior because of a boyfriend/stranger/guest being there, you know?

The scene-Dads House-new boots, wine in hand, presents to the left, lots of food to the right.

My dad-the Colombian corporate financial planner marathon runner social butterfly who still sees Gabby and I as 12 yr olds- was informed of my blog.

Oh noes!

I think he was pretty impressed though...but I CERTAINLY pray he doesn't read it. I know hope he was a lil tipsy when I showed him, because after seeing this lil piece of heaven, he started proclaiming just about everything UNBEWEAVABLE!! The steak he was grilling? "It's Unbeweavable!" My stepmom realizing that she did, in fact, have internet on her phone? "It's Unbeweavable!" Taylor Swift's Christmas CD? (Don't ask) "It's Unbeweavable!"

Good times. It really was. I was one hundred percent focused (as much as one can be 100 percent focused when she's on her 4th glass of wine, that is) on just being present with my family, and it was nice. First single girl Christmas celebration will be filed under "Success". Booya. 3 more to go...

So to bribe you make up for me being non existent in bloggyland this weekend and probably this week, let's do another giveaway!! Happy Holidays, dollfaces.

Etsy Shop Isette is full of gorgeous, whimsical things, including some mustache necklaces and earrings...just sayin, Summer. :) Today's giveaway is the lovely Mane Necklace.

This necklace features a Victorian flourish with just the hint of a lion's head in the center. Made with laser cut black acrylic, the necklace focal is 3 inches wide. Sterling silver chain and clasp - this piece is adjustable from 16 to 18 inches.

I love it. Kinda badass, no? Badass Victorian. We'll be getting to know Isette more in 2010, so this is just a lil teaser and intro.

Just leave a comment, make sure you're a follower..and the winner will be announced on Wed!! Be sure to check out Isette too :)

Happy Monday, miss your faces...and Happy Birthday to my girl Erika aka Ms.Cafe Fashionista! Love you!!!!

I love this...watching it right now. Le sigh.

"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around."- Love Actually

Sixx Design-Amazing Decor Book Giveaway!

“You might live in a box, but that doesn’t mean you can’t think outside of it.
With tips on decor from Sixx Design’s Robert and Cortney Novogratz, you’ll be living large in no time.” -DailyCandy.com

“Hottest new home decor book!” -New York Daily News

Anyone miss Domino Magazine? I do. So when the AMAZING Sixx Design offered to send me a copy of Downtown Chic-Designing Your Dream Home From Wreck To Ravishing, I was super excited. Sixx Design's work might look familiar to you, as they are a favorite source of inspiration in the blogosphere. They also have a reality show premiering on Bravo in January. They're kind of a big deal...

Whoa, dolls...whoa.
The book itself is so gorgeous I actually gasped when I opened the box, and I am crazy inspired. I have a big move coming up, and this is my new bible-SO many tips and tricks, and a peek inside not only a fabulous design duo, but a wonderful family.

New York City–based couple Robert and Cortney Novogratz have been renovating and designing unique and hip homes for families for over ten years. Describing their signature style as a sophisticated but bohemian mix of high and low, new and old, they offer their realistic advice on how to create original, warm interiors with ease.

One part practical guide, one part inspirational volume on creating a look for the home, the book pairs humorous anecdotes about the pitfalls and pleasures of renovation with a treasure trove of decorating tips: how to use both boutique and flea-market finds; how to inject lots of personality into a room affordably; how to decorate kids’ rooms so they appeal to children and adults; how to easily rehabilitate outdated furnishings; and many more.

In each of the ten projects featured—which include a townhouse in New York City (cough cough), a country house in Massachusetts, and a beach house in Brazil—before and after shots document the agony and ecstasy of any renovation project, as well as revealing the design duo’s vision and remarkable ability to see through the most awful of spaces to the amazing home that lies within.

I am obsessed with this book...it looks beautiful on my coffee table but I can't put it down! So naturally when they asked to send me a copy, I asked for two so one of you could win one, because I love you. :)

Just make sure you're a follower and leave a comment. Yay! I'll announce the winner on Monday.


I'm super busy (who isn't) and probably won't be posting again til Monday. So have a fabulous weekend, and I'm doing my best to swing by your blogs! Besos!
Thank you to Rizzoli for the (partial) info.

Date Night by Liz and Kristin!

Another Liz and Kristin production...This time, we've styled each other for DATE NIGHT. First up, Liz for Kristin.

Couple things you should know-Kristin's hubby likes her in black. He also really likes the movie Underworld, so I took a few cues from Kate Beckinsale's character, minus the guns, etc. My goal for this ensemble is for hubs to be so mesmerized that after he picks his jaw up off the floor he will immediately go and buy Kristin a pair or four of Loubies and put them under the Christmas tree. Hi hubs!

I've had the pleasure of meeting Kristin in person (woop!) and I KNOW she could pull this sexy, badass look off and get her Loubies. We play dirty.

H&M Dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs Sequined Cardigan, YSL "Court" heels, YSL leather clutch, Swarovski cuff at Asos, House of Harlow 1960 Black leather and crystal cocktail ring

Next time I see Kristin, I am so doing her makeup because she basically has the perfect face...for date night I would smoke her eyes out in blacks, greys and purples and keep her lips fairly neutral...kissing is way easier that way. RAWR.

Kristin for Liz...
Ok, ladies. We all love our Lizzy like mucho right? You wouldn't be reading this otherwise. So, I'm sure you can feel me when I say that basically it's gonna take one HELLUVA kick arse guy to be good enough for her in my book. Therefore, I put together a look that I think this Mr. Right would said...sexy, yet classy! I'm not even going to attempt to address makeup. That would be like me telling Rachel Bilson what to wear. Liz has got that covered. I did however include my new favorite scent. He'll be like a moth to a flame. Like there was ever any doubt!

Oh, and the next time I see Liz I'm gonna give her a HUGE bear hug as I don't get to hang with her nearly enough! Sigh.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dress, Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Toilette, Lulu Guiness Clutch, Topshop Bangle, Joan & David Heels

I think she'll get her Loubies and I'll get my man, no? :)

P.S. Kristin is giving away some Perricone Cold Plasma...check it here!

P.S.S Liz the giveaway hooker/santa is in the house tomorrow.

Reality Bites.

Thank you so much to my darling Summer for her post. I L-O-V-E-D it and I think it was exactly what so many of us needed.

I live in lala-land, and today I want to live there figuratively as well. So indulge me, will you? I always keep it real, I always pour my heart and soul out all over my blog, and I just can't today.

Do you ever wish life was like a movie? With expert editing, a happy ending and a fierce soundtrack? Oh, and a WARDROBE DEPARTMENT?

Who would play you in that movie? I assaulted some of my closest friends whom you may know with this question this evening. Like literally attacked them. They played along. Note-I didn't include anyone I couldn't ask...I know this is a touchy question, so Sum and Klaw, etc you got lucky! ALSO NOTE-I do not wish that myself or any of these loves are anyone other than themselves. We are cooler anyway lol. But life is a little too realistic today, so we're playing.

Cut me some slack, yo and play along.

I'll go first.

If I had a dollar for every time I was likened to Liv Tyler, I'd have umm...twenty dollars. hahaha...I think it's the lips.

Brooke is prettier than Carrie Underwood. This is a fact people. But Carrie almost looks as good as her in this picture.

Kristin's hubby has his very own Kate Beckinsale!

Eva Mendes would kill it as Mayra, don't you think? Almost as hot as my badger.

Hanako66's hubby had to help us out. "The chick from Fast and Furious Tokyo drift" umm off to Google, then I texted "OHHH YOU DO!" See? It's fun to be my friend. Hanako >Nathalie Kellie kthxbai

Istvan IS Victoria Beckham personified. Get into it.

The Beauty File would be played by Emily Blunt. When I interrupted her studying tonight to ask-this is what she said-"That's a really effed up question." I die.

Cafe Fashionista..Michelle Trachtenberg may be up to the challenge. Almost as chic...almost.

Keira, you have some gorg shoes to fill if you want to do Lindsay of Shrimp Salad Circus justice.

Jennifer Garner, are you ready for your role as Kathleen...Just a Small Town Girl?

SO...WHO WOULD PLAY YOU?? Come on...it's fun. Thank you for helping me out tonight ladies and gents. Love, Liv. Oops, I mean....

love is...

Hi, Summer from B is for Brown here (aka a piece of SIZ + Ten). Don't worry it's not a family blog. It may have started out hoping to be that but it's more about me and my life around NYC with my husband and friends. I've come out of hiding to help a sista out and the topic that was chosen for moi was L.O.V.E. I am running a little low on it myself right now so maybe this was a reminder that I need to fill my tank up.

Our Liz had to run off and do some important things and will return on Wednesday, so I'm here. Oh and Liz said something about life sucking. So if you can, send our girl your l.o.v.e. K?
The dictionary's definition:

love

–noun

1.	a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

2.	a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.

3.	sexual passion or desire.

4.	a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.

5.	(used in direct address as a term of endearment, affection, or the like): Would you like to see a movie, love?

6.	a love affair; an intensely amorous incident; amour.

7.	sexual intercourse; copulation.

8.	(initial capital letter) a personification of sexual affection, as Eros or Cupid.

9.	affectionate concern for the well-being of others: the love of one's neighbor.

10.	strong predilection, enthusiasm, or liking for anything: her love of books.

11.	the object or thing so liked: The theater was her great love.

12.	the benevolent affection of God for His creatures, or the reverent affection due from them to God.

13.	Chiefly Tennis. a score of zero; nothing.

14.	a word formerly used in communications to represent the letter L.

However, love in the real world means this as well as something much deeper, at least to me and I like lists.

Love by Summer:

~ making someone special to you smile, when you can't smile yourself
~ having your cat or dog love you no matter what and give you that snuggle you need just at the right moment
~ making new friends
~ witnessing a birth of a child, a new flower, a new day
~ adopting a pet, a new plant or a child
~ donating your time or funds to help another
~ invisible and "through the miles" kisses from your nieces
~ a hot cup of tea or cocoa on a cold day
~ knowing you are making a difference and helping others even if it hurts you (at that moment)
~ having your heart broken to only find out that it will become a better heart
~ finding out your favorite ice cream (peppermint) is out for a limited time only
~ letting out a big sigh after a long week
~ people rebuilding after a tragedy
~ old jeans fitting and looking in the mirror and smiling at what you see
~ indulging in your favorite meal after a rotten day
~ being a good neighbor
~ snail mail from a friend, but not the electric company kinda friend
~ spontaneous dance videos
~ reconnecting with an old friend
~ making memories
~ forgiving and forgetting
~ long, stunning lashes all from an awesome mascara
~ putting tin foil and duct tape up to block out the cold in your little shoebox apt and laughing about it with someone you l.o.v.e.
~ starting new traditions and keeping up with the old
~ slow motion movie moments
~ family and finally understanding them
~ confusing and life changing at the same time
~ laughing until you pee your pants
~ holding hands
~ the Universe forcing you to run into your soul mate (literally) on the corner of Madison and 30th
~ hugging someone you care about
~ cleaning up after a sick child, pet, friend and not thinking twice
~ hearts pounding, sweaty palms and butterflies in your stomach
~ never giving up your dreams
~ listening to your fave song and putting it on repeat
~ having your Father walk you down the aisle but holding him up bc he has bad knees and cannot walk too well himself
~ finding strength deep inside of you that you never knew you had
~ listening and never judging
~ a new pair of fancy shoes or a pricey bag just because
~ blog friends turning into real life lovely friends

Ok, it's late here in NYC, folks. I loved being here and I hope this was okay. I so feel like a little, bitty chicky over here in Liz's (big chicken coop) world and I know I could never ever replace her and would never even begin to try. So, I hope you can tolerate me being here for a moment and helping her readers stay entertained. I am not a pair of new shoes or rad, new tights, but I did just get a new Marc by Marc Jacobs bag and maybe a new tattoo on my neck that reads - breathe and believe. Does that work for ya? Yeah, I was impulsive this weekend. Sometimes you need to be, right?

Would you do me a favor and leave some comment love for Liz? Maybe cheer her up a little and then tell me what love is to you in one or two sentences? If you need more, go on and take more. Life is too short not to. ;) PS - love you, SIZ. You are beautiful - inside and out.

L.O.V.E.,
Summer B. (and my cat Ollie bc he nuzzled me while I typed this). OK...big awwwww. Yeah, I am cheesy.


all images from here

Ornament Exchange and Winners!!

My favorite Twitter drinking buddy Michelle said this reminds her of me. I have no idea why. I I am innocent...

Might have something to do with my Badass, slightly naughty Christmas List and admitting to umm, dating around. It's called being single and having FUN, right? Right.

In NICE NEWS, (Santa, can you hear me? I'm totes nice!)

I participated in the lovely Micaela's Ornament Exchange. I was a blog exchange/swap virgin! It was so fun! I sent off an ornament and some Christmas Pop Rocks to EQ in NYC (whom I blog crush on p.s) and I just got my ornament from Carly at A Girl and Her Blog!! Look! LOVE!

{I wanted to show you the cute owl in the corner! (And my Essie. lol)}

Carly got it at a Fair Trade store...it's called a "Bird of Hope"

Hope has kinda been a theme around the blogosphere this week. We aren't losing hope. Thank you sososo much Carly! OH AND! She also sent me this really cool purple ring that I will show you next time I'm holding a martini. Which I'm sure will be soon, like this weekend. Yay.

Ok now I'm totally ready to play Santa. Winner Time!

The Winner of the Ruffle Tunic from Dyanahar is Mara at M Loves M (TWINS! We can rock em around L.A together!)

and

The Winner of the membership to Emompreneurs.com is Treacle at Stockings Addict Lingerie Blog

Yay!! We'll talk.

I love you guys. This week I am really feeling the blog love, both online and when I check my "real" mail...it's amazing and wonderful and here is just a little bit of what I'm talking about...

{I spy...some favorite bloggy friends under my tree. Fabulous. Thank you!}

How can I be a Grinch? You guys won't let me!

More giveaways next week! Giveaway hooker in the house. I totes should have done "The 12 Days of Christmas" giveaways, that would have been cute...but I didn't, so yeah good talk... :)

Happy Weekend!

I Just Haven't Met Him Yet...

I've had this other post sitting in my drafts for over a week now. I don't usually write like that. I may put something on hold for a minute but I usually just explode all over my blog. I like it that way. I have feelings, I find my words and share them, release them. But this post wasn't flowing, it wasn't "Liz"...I was trying to write about my first Christmas as a Single Girl, and how emo I am about it, and depressed and boohoo. But it's boring even me, because...maybe I'm not that sad?! I'm over it.

We have lot's of new people around here, hi, I adore you! Lot's of you have been on my journey with me though. Quick refresher-started a blog. Had a douchebag boyfriend. Cutesy, lovey, picture-filled posts of our dates. I was totes a "couple" blogger. If you really want to see them, they're still there. Broke up. Badly. Since then, it's been up's and downs, redemption and forgiveness, good dates and bad dates, online dating, decisions not to date and learning to love myself. I wrote my "single love story" here.

Everything is so magnified this time of year. "I'm Single" becomes "OH MY GOD I'M SINGLE NOBODY LOVES ME I THINK I'LL CRY ABOUT IT, THERE WILL BE NO CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR BECAUSE I'M SINGLE." Well. Here's the thing, yo. I'm not crying anymore! I'm chilling the eff out. Is it a little bit lonely and do I have memories and flashbacks of holidays past with someone I love? Of course I do! But I am D-O-N-E being all sad. I'm at a new place in my life, on my journey. I'm dating a few guys, not blogging about them because A. not sure how to do so without sounding a wee bit skanky and 2. they aren't worthy of my lovelies just yet. I also don't think HE resides on the West Coast. So I'm just having myself a good old time for now, because I Just Haven't Met Him Yet. This is my new anthem. Heard it in the car the other day, and it flipped a switch. Emo off...I JUST HAVEN'T MET YOU YET on! (Best.Song.Ever.)

So, this is my first Single Girl Christmas.

It's going to be different. But you know, today I was reminded of something. I do have a really special guy in my life. A guy who has never let me down, who I love more than anyone in the entire world. A guy who, when I think about why I am not settling, comes to mind. He has set the bar high by being a shining example of what a man should be...how he loved my Nana is how I want to be be loved one day. He is my favorite person in the Universe. He has been there for Gabby and I everyday of our lives.

My grandpa. Papa. I am getting a little bit choked up writing this-ok, a lot a bit...see, he's 85. And I don't like that one bit. He's also getting a little forgetful. I really don't like that. It scares me. This man is SO loved, and my heart will shatter into a billion pieces when I don't get to hug him on Christmas Day. This year, again...I do. I'm the luckiest girl in the world. It's going to be a Merry Christmas.

Someone told me- Liz, this year, your family and friends get 100% of you. They don't have to share you with a guy and his family, so be present with them. And that's exactly what I'm going to do. I know exactly what my Papa would tell me if he knew I was upset about being single this year...

"Oh honey...You Just Haven't Met Him Yet."

P.S. Reading some comments...I am NOT down-that was kind of my point, ya'll. :)

My Badass Christmas List!

Hey Santa,

I don't know what got into me tonight! I'm pretty sure some of the things on this list will put me on a one way train to Naughtyville, but Santa, trust when I say this is the innocent version. And I'm really nice usually, and say BADASS in a loving, warm fuzzy kinda way. Anyways, here is my Badass Christmas list...some things I need, some things I love and some things that are just pure badassery.

Denim and Lace=Badass. 80's Purple $57

Love this jacket! Size down so it's extra cute and not at all practical. I live in Southern Cali, yo. We don't exactly take our outerwear seriously. Obey $100

{I've got a runner in my pantyhose...I'm not wearin pantyhose...}

These boots...I have no words. Well, I have lots of words but I'm trying to keep it a lil bit classy, if that's even possible after posting these! BADASS. I don't know if I could pull them off, but I would certainly give it my all, but not in a leotard. Fun holiday tip from Liz-Send picture of badass boots to guy you're dating. Await reaction, it'll be a good one. Naughty, naughty...sorry, Santa. Report Footwear $400 Speaking of being at a loss for words...
Wendy Brandes Swear Rings. Need I say more?! I die over these omfg. These are the epitome of Badass, and so is Wendy-check out her fabulous blog here also.

Alexander Wang Coco Duffel. Le sigh. Never gonna happen. I know. Mayra, hold me.

I wouldn't kick this bag out of bed though! Super cute and look, sparkly! Diesel Photoscience Bag $382
My Mom has always worn Movado's. Hers is small and dainty. I, on the other hand-get it?- only wear men's watches, and I like them big, blinged out and badass. Movado Mens's SE Extreme $4, 495 Umm yeah. SANTA, you look really good today. Just sayin.
Fragrances are always on my Christmas/Birthday lists, they're easy and people can't go wrong. Gucci Rush is my favorite for Badass evenings...sexy and I've never met a guy who didn't like it. One of my favorite badass makeup tricks is to heavily line the inner bottom rim with black liner. You need a really good pencil for this, and I've been on the lookout for a new one. So, I asked bff/makeup artist/all knowing beauty product whore Istvan and it was settled. Armani Smooth Silk Eye Pencil in #4-Black.
Oh I know. STOP WITH THE COLD PLASMA, right? Well, loves...I can't. Stuff is GOOD. I've been having lot's of late nights and the guy I'm currently making out with has sexy scruff so my skin should be all messed up, but since I started using this lil bit of magic in a jar not so much. TMI? Whatever. It's badass, I highly recommend it, and nobody paid me to say that. Perricone MD Cold Plasma $150

Yeah...lot's of late nights lately, so when in doubt, a badass girl needs some new sunnies to hide all evidence...and all that smudged Armani eyeliner. Ray-Ban Wayfarer Square $189

Happy Wednesday!