On Valentine's Day I was greeted with a beautiful bouquet of lilys and tiny yellow roses, as well as a delicious (expensive!) bottle of Italian wine. That night I wore my new favorite red velvet blazer from Pretty Penny Vintage, a sheer polka dot collared blouse, myI Heart Ronson mini leather skirt, black tights, and black suede wedges. I put my hair up in clips and sported a dark red lipstick. It was understated and sexy, romantic and comfortable. In short: I felt cute. Which is something I have been struggling with recently. I am trying to be nicer to myself on a daily basis. I realized that I was putting myself down every single day, all the time. I was so mean to myself. Do you know what that's like - to never be satisfied with what you have? It's exhausting and oh so negative. So lately I am smiling more, standing up straight, and loving myself for what I am currently. On our date we went to FIVE for cocktails and, naturally, I got a French 75 and he ordered an old fashioned. Then we headed to the tiny old movie theater to see My Week With Marilyn. Afterwards we got a late night din at Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe (owned by Mike Dirnt of Green Day) - I had a salad, he had a patty melt. Twas a great evening.
Here are some poorly taken photos of my fit:
Peanut sleeping on the internet modem, as per usual.
Colored vinyl....one of life's little pleasures.
My newest nephew, Sebastian Jove Huntzinger.
Isn't he handsome? This was his one week old doctors check up.
New Years Day 2012 on the Embarcadero in the city.
San Francisco lights on the water at night.
Breakfast in Oakland at....
....Mama's Royal Cafe. Great place.
Peanut, my love.
Two of my nephews passed out in the back seat of my car on the way to Grandma's house.
So precious, melts my heart.
Friends at a Golden Globes party I attended.
We had our own ballots and chose who we thought would win.
There were some upsets (Kelsey Grammar?!!), but we had a fabulous time
looking at all the pretty people and eating and drinking. :)
These are some of my friends from Chico and they play in an awesome Christmas holiday band called The Yule Logs. I look forward to seeing them every year. You HAVE to see them in action. Such a great time! But if you aren't fortunate enough to see one of their shows, buy the album on iTunes!
I am partial to the big old fashioned Christmas light bulbs. But no matter what kind of lights, there is a warmth and happiness that comes with being around such festive glow. This year, I felt quite content to be in bed snuggled with my kitty in my dark apartment with only the sparkle of lights coming from my small tree.
This has become a new family tradition in the past few years. My parents buy enough ready made gingerbread houses to accommodate our family and the grandkids (there are 12 now!). Everyone brings candy galore. My dad makes some awesome frosting/glue and then we all just go at it. We are pretty competitive by nature so everyone wants to have the BEST gingerbread house. I just love that we all get together and have a great time. Call me a sap, but I love being with my family. :)
Those are my parent's old records I acquired last year.
Listening to Bing Crosby on the record player while decorating made me so happy!
Wrapping presents with my cat around was a challenge to say the least. Maybe I should have done this.
My boyfriend's bamboo tree all lit up with my presents underneath.
Pretty cute if you ask me. I was inspired and surprised by his Christmas cheer this year!
This is the outside of my parent's house. So festive!
I took these last two photos at a shop down the street from me called Juniper Tree Vintage. They go ALL OUT for Christmas every year. There are multiple trees decorated to the max and everything is sparkly and kitschy and awesome. Oh, and they always have really cute vintage dresses, shoes, jewelry, etc. Go to this store or check out their blog. You won't be disappointed!