Navy Sheath

This sleeveless sheath dress has been a staple in my work wardrobe every single week since the summer.  I just can't stop restyling it!  

Perhaps it's because I never had to wear a school uniform, but I love the look of a plaid shirt under the navy.  I topped it with a soft vest, but often also include a blazer or cardigan.  Navy sheath, you are a dear friend.

Dress, Vest, Tights: Gap

Button-Down: J.Crew Outlet

Boots

Winter Sangria

Happy New Year, world!

Although the holiday parties are coming to an end, last night I threw together a winter sangria for a few friends, and thought I'd share the recipe. This is the first time that I attempted any sangria, so I can't wait to play with more recipes and adjust the fruit seasonally!

1 bottle of white wine
1/2 cup apple brandy
1 cups cranberry juice
1 liter of sparkling water
apple slices (I used some Gala and Granny Smith to have both sweet and sour)
1 clementine or orange
2 Tablespoons of sugar
Dash of grenadine

Goodbye, 2012

Goodbye, 2012.  This has been the most challenging year of my life, for a number of reasons, and while I'm feeling grateful for the emotional growth it has provided, I couldn't be happier to move forward.  

This year will forever be remembered as the year I married my best friend in front of so many loved ones.  It was the year that I learned just how loving and generous our family and friends could be.  It was the year I became a tenured teacher and the year that Erik and I travelled alone together for the first time.  It was the year of job changes, and the year my parents said goodbye to my childhood home.  It was the year that we gained family, and lost family.

And so despite some hardships and losses that have been faced this year, I'm putting my best foot forward into 2013.  I'm resolving to commit myself much more to running this blog.  I'm committing to being excited to turn 30 in 2013.  And I'm committing to move my relationships forward even more, because so many moments throughout this past year have shown me more than ever that life is about the incredible people who surround us each day.  So goodbye, 2012, and hello new year.  You're going to be the best one yet, I'm sure of it.

 Sweatshirt: Loft

Hat, Leggings: Gap

Boots: Anne Klein