Enough.

My parents are famous for their "looks." I don't mean how attractive they are (but let's get real, aren't they?). I mean those looks. The "Don't make me turn this car around," or even "So help me God, if you don't stop doing XYZ, you will not live to see tomorrow." A bit overdramatic, but when I was losing my mind via temper tantrum, these key phrases usually got me to sit down and shut up. 

More than any other assembly of fighting words, there was one word - just one - that stopped me in my tracks. Maybe it was the sideways glance and the dagger eyes that accompanied the one devil word, but I knew that when I heard it, it was time to stop blubbering:

"Enough."

Growing up, getting into and out of relationships, jumping from job to job through college, there has been too many instances when I tolerated too much. When I would call my mom crying every day, when I would come home with a pit in my stomach - when I kept telling myself "it'll get better, it'll get better" - I should have just whipped around and said, "You know what? Enough." 

As I get older, I'm getting better at it. I'm learning to stand up for myself, and more importantly, when to stand up for myself. I'm figuring out when I need to bite the bullet and fake a smile, swallow my pride and move on. More often than not, I take the high road. But sometimes, I think taking the high road is letting the world, or even just one person, know that it's not okay. I think the higher road is letting someone know when you've just had enough. XO

Welcome, December!

It's December! Like many people, it's safe to say that the holidays are one of my favorite parts of the year. It's crazy to think that Halloween and Thanksgiving have already come and gone, and all that's left to celebrate is Chrismukkah (I grew up half-Jewish, dontcha know) and New Years....and then it'll be 2015. Unreal.

I have officially put away my pumpkin candles and Fall decorations in exchange for gold tinsel, sparkly lights, and a menorah. Later this week I'll be putting up my Christmas tree, and I've already started burning my holiday wreath candle. I've even subjected myself to a few Christmas movies. The holiday spirit is in full force, and with time flying by as quickly as it has been lately, I'm trying to soak in every moment before it flashes by in an instant.

Between a good friend's wedding, Ryan's birthday, and our official one year anniversary, December looks like a promising month. I can't wait for holiday parties (and cookies!), champagne toasts, and finding the perfect gifts for my favorite people.

Happy Monday, everybody. Try not to let it get the best of you. XO

Currently, Pt. 1

I came across The Daily Tay on BlogLovin' the other day, saw this post, loved it, and immediately wanted to replicate. Maybe it'll even become a weekly thing. Or something.

Currently

Listening to: I mentioned Spotify's Afternoon Acoustic playlist awhile back, and I just started listening to it again. Right now I'm listening to a cover of "Fast Car" (originally Tracy Chapman) by Kina Grannis and loving it. I've also been excessively listening to Taylor Swift's 1989 deluxe album - current favorites: All You Had To Do Was Stay, Clean, Wonderland, and New Romantics. If you're a fan and haven't picked it up yet, do it. Now.

Loving: Pure Barre! I'm going to sound 100% like a yuppy but I tried it out a few weeks ago and so far I really like it. I bought one month unlimited, so I've been trying to go as much as possible. If you're not familiar with barre, it's basically a lot of small, small movements to elongate and strengthen your muscles. Every class, you spend time working your arms, thighs, seat, and abs. And it burns...a good kind of burn that you start to crave. It is, however, an expensive habit, and if I don't switch up my routine every couple of days, I can definitely see myself getting bored with it. But like I said, I love it!

Doing: Cleaning up my computer. Or my startup disk. Or whatever keeps pestering me to "clear because it's getting too full." Perhaps it's the 20,000+ photos I have saved. I have to say, even though it's proving to be a real pain at the moment, it's also kind of refreshing to delete unnecessary clutter and in truth, unnecessary people from my life. And by life, I mean my Macbook. Okay great.

Watching: Rewatching Grey's Anatomy season one, because I truly miss it. Seriously, I got into that show in November 2012 and finished the first nine seasons by August 2013. For more hardcore Netflix goers, that might not be very impressive, but I digress. I really feel like I have a group of best friends that just so happen to be surgeons. I'm also in love with Patrick Dempsey, so there's that.

Wishing: For it to be after 5 p.m. today because that means it's a four day weekend! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, so I'm really looking forward to spending time with my parents, grandparents and Ryan. My sister and brother-in-law live in Europe, so they won't be with us this year...which means I just need to plan another visit over to that side of the pond next year [insert hair flipping emoji here].

XO

Gifting Ideas - Courtesy of Savannah.

When I was in Savannah, I spent most of my money on food. Rather than accumulating a bunch of goofy souvenirs that I would later forget about, I like to research the best eats in whatever city I'm visiting and get to...well, eating. 

Ryan and I spent a good chunk of our Saturday in Savannah shopping along Broughton street. While we stopped into stores we could find back home like J. Crew, Urban Outfitters and Banana Republic, I made sure we stopped into a few shops that I felt were unique to the historic city. Two of my favorites were The Ancient Olive (later found out they also have a couple stores in Florida...whatevs) and Savannah Bee Company. I bought a little something for myself in both stores, but later realized that these would be great stores to pick up a few holiday gifts, so I thought I'd share!

• The Ancient Olive - This store is also a tasting room, so as a foodie, I was pumped about it. In addition to a wide array of olive oils, they also had hot sauces, jams and marmalades, and balsamic vinegars. I bought myself a chipotle infused olive oil, which I drizzled on a frozen pizza earlier this week and it was superb. Yes, superb. And it was only $13. If you're buying for a foodie like myself this season, I'd hop on over here. I was also intrigued by the basil infused olive oil. 
• Savannah Bee Company - To be honest, I wish I spent more time in here. When you first walk in, there's a honey tasting bar, and a bazillion different types of honey to choose from. As usual, I headed straight for the bath and body care and fell in love with this orange blossom honey lotion. I picked up the travel size for $5 and I'll probably end up buying their body wash to match. I was also really close to buying this Doggie and Me Balm . It works to moisturize your own elbows, heels and knees, while doing the same thing for your pup's foot pads, nose and dry spots. As far as holiday gifts go, I'm planning on purchasing the four pack of travel size lotions and distributing them to a few of my faves. 

Enjoy, and happy shopping! I'm hoping to have all of my holiday shopping done before the Black Friday madness ensues. Here's hoping. XO

Ready to reset!

It's finally Friday, and despite the fact that I had another four day work week, I am so ready for the weekend. I feel like I desperately need to hit my reset button and start next week fresh. And what better week to start fresh than yet another short work week?! Thanksgiving and the day after are both paid holidays for me, which [tis the season, right?] I am really thankful for. It looks like reestablishing a routine for myself will just have to wait until after the holiday season.

Having said that, I can't believe we're more than halfway through November - I haven't even had time to complain that Christmas music is being played before Thanksgiving. In all honesty, I think I've secretly enjoyed it this year, only because it reminds me to keep an eye out for potential gift ideas. Well played, department stores. Well played, indeed.

In other news, I'm really looking forward to this weekend. I'm making Ryan watch Maleficent tonight, and then tomorrow we're going to take Einstein on a little adventure, go and see Mockingjay Part 1 at Cinebistro, and end the night with an engagement party. I hope everyone has a superb weekend as well! XO