The past four days feel like they were a whirlwind of celebrations, and it’s hard to believe they’re already over. We made a spur of the moment decision to head down to San Diego, for a pre-birthday celebration, for a couple of nights. We spent time at the zoo, hiking, and relaxing… and then headed home to celebrate with my family… then headed back down to San Diego for a NYE pajama party (we all literally wore pajamas….) with friends and our little kiddos. Now, as I sit here and write this, it’s hard to believe that the holiday season is  officially over…

It’s always an interesting end of the year for me… as my birthday falls one day before NYE… which is often the two times people reflect on the year they’ve had and on the year ahead…. I get to do both all at one time. And as I reflected on my 33rd year of life I realized how much I became increasingly more comfortable with myself… more confident with where I invest my time… and overall realized that a little sweat, tears, a hug, and a libation now and then (along with lots of prayer and faith) are pretty much a great antidote for anything. I’ve always said that age is a state of mind, and sometimes I can’t believe I am 34 (and have a child… and have responsibilities… wasn’t I just 18 yesterday???)….

And, as I look ahead to 2018, I have so many hopes… to be increasingly more present with my family… to sell our little condo and move to our first family home…. maybe even add to our little family… and to work on not sweating the small stuff (I kinda do that a little too much sometimes….). I hope to run my first half marathon since having little miss (I ran 4 prior to her arrival) and to continue building memories with our little clan…. They’re really quite simple, but ultimately provide immense fulfillment. So, with that, I hope you all have a wonderful first week of 2018, thank you for all your support in 2017, and I can’t wait to see where 2018 (and my 34th year) take us! xx

(Super casual in an oversized sweater + favorite studded booties for happy hour fireside)

(All she cared about was this arial tram and the fish… figures…..)

(We became slightly obsessed with Flower Child…. delicious + healthy food… and the cutest decor….)

(We spent plenty of time sipping bubbly fireside….fleece (borrowed from TJ), sneakers)

(My one birthday request was a morning hike at an old favorite: Torrey Pines State Park… such spectacular views…. lace up sweatshirt, perforated top)

(Birthday casual for an evening celebration with the family…. cardigan (other cute + casual cardigans), tee, bag)

(Who knows what was going through my mind when I stayed up until 12:45am on NYE…. slippers, joggers, pullover)
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I loosely started the Tone It Up detox meal plan this week. As I started looking at it, I decided I was going to make some mild modifications based on lifestyle (i.e. instead of a wrap everyday, I might opt for a salad following the same guidelines). I’ll share at it goes at the end!

 We’re getting a new dresser today (thanks to a generous Christmas gift) so I spent some time finally cleaning out the dresser drawers and realized how much I love basics…. and how frequently I wear them. Since some needed some updating, I took to finding a few great options and I’m loving this basic tunic top, swing tank (which would layer perfectly under cardigans or jackets), oversized hooded henley (mine arrives today), and linen blend henley top (I like the gray color). This v-back lightweight sweater is also a great everyday options when paired with jeans. A few pieces that work as everyday options, but aren’t quite basics, include this fuzzy off the shoulder sweater and this blush/nude balloon sleeve sweater.

Something TJ and I are committing to in the New Year is more date nights (we do lots of date days). Getting dressed up and heading out is something I find so fun to do with him… and so, I’m eyeing this gorgeous white top, lace sweater (love the fit), dusty pink wrap top, and my favorite lace camis (love wearing them solo with jeans or layered under a blazer, cardigan, jacket).

I also received some birthday money and a few gift certificates and have my eye on these blush workout crops, beaded lounge pants, and this cozy parka fleece for early mornings at the park with little miss. I also invested in this gorgeous sweater dress (perfect to wear with OTK boots), but also think this white one would be super cute too…..  and I love the button detailing on this top.