Keep Austin Weird

This past week I was in Austin, Texas for work, which is the reason for lack of posting last week. I had little time to really explore Austin but the things I did get to see I really enjoyed. I also got to stay in an amazing hotel with lots of history, so I can't complain. I'll be putting together a full Austin post shortly but wanted to quickly check in. I'll be doing a separate post on the one place I wanted to visit most while I was in Austin... Kendra Scott!

Also Angie over at Angie's Closet is hosting a full giveaway, so don't forget to enter, I already did!

Where's the snow?

Nelson and I had a great weekend in Lake Placid, NY. However it was missing one thing.... all the snow. In the years we have been going this was the first time it wasn't covered in snow and the lake frozen over for skating. We were slightly bummed but still managed to have a good time.

On New Years Eve we decided to ring in the New Year doing something thrilling.... the skeleton ride down the Olympic course. Now Olympians start at #1 and for us we start at #5 so we pick up significantly less speed but it was still amazing and scary at the same time. Normally they go around 80mph and we only did around 40mph, but you still feel like you could flip off the sled at any second.

Before it was our turn we spent the evening staying warm by the fire outside the track.

We also took silly pictures with the bobsleds. The skeleton track is the same as used for the bobsled.

Almost our turn!

Away I go!

I actually got a really good time, faster than most they said. I could seriously see myself moving and training to do this professionally, I'd love it.

Someone not so happy about coming in 2nd!

After the skeleton ride we finished our NEW YEARS EVE celebration with a tasty dinner and drinks...

..and a stroll around Lake Placid on Main Street.

Perfect start to the New Year!

Happy New Year

Better Late Than Never!

I wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fabulous NYE. Husband and I spent the weekend in Lake Placid, NY. I had a nasty cold but still managed to enjoy myself.

I've decided to do the unthinkable for a New Years resolution.... give up chocolate for a year! Husband is giving up soda. We thought it would be fun to learn a lesson in self control and test ourselves with our favorite things that really aren't that good for us anyways. So good riddance chocolate. I cringe just saying that. The positive I didn't give up all sweets so I won't be completely lacking sugar highs!

This will also be the year I spend a lot less on clothing and start shopping my closet more. I'm starting to realize I have more than enough clothing and need to spend more time appreciating what I do have instead of focusing on buying new stuff all the time. That being said the saved money will go towards school loan debt and saving for a new house, one can only deal with a 1 bedroom condo for so long (thankfully it has a TON of closet space).

And there is one other thing I hope the new year brings me, but I'm not saying just yet. And no, it's not a baby for all those hoping. If I have it my way (and I think I will) this won't be the year for children. We'll save that for 2013 perhaps.

My Life in iPhone Pictures

Christmas morning excitement

Humorous JCrew Gift Card

Christmas Lights at Homestead Gardens

Enjoying my new Kindle Fire

Wearing my new Selbu knitted hat from JCrew even at work

New ballerina painting

Dinner at 2941 in my JCrew moonbeam sequin blazer

Cat naps People naps

The Holiday With Us

I hope everyone had a Happy Holiday this past weekend. Our weekend was spent spending time with family.

Our Family Holiday Picture.

Christmas Eve my brother and his wife hosted dinner, games and present exchange at their house.


On Christmas day husband and I spent the morning around our Christmas tree exchanging gifts and helping the fur babies open theirs! Afterwards we met up with my mom for ice skating.

We ended the day spending time with Nelson's family, which is always fun, especially seeing our niece and other new niece that was born a week before Christmas. Hope you all had a magical weekend.

The Best Christmas Gift Of All

My siblings and I all received this email from our mom on Christmas Eve....

Dear Kids,

This Christmas made me think about how tough it is not to have the things you need to celebrate. In all of your names, I donated to the following places to give a little something to those who have even less than me:

Nick: Planted 25 trees in the tornado ravaged area of Alabama through the Arbor Day Foundation.org
Lina: Gave measles vaccinations to 30 children in developing countries through Doctors Without Borders.org
Summer: Bought a dog or cat food for 5 weeks in an animal shelter through the ASPCA.org
Nelson: Gave 8 hours of prepaid phone service for a soldier stationed in Afghanistan to call home during the holidays through Cellphones through Soldiers.com
Zak: Bought 50 books for a school in Africa through Books for Africa.org

To be honest,I didn't come up with this idea on my own. It showed up on my Kindle Fire:

http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Spend-a-Little-and-Give-a-Lot-Small-Donations

That's not to say I didn't also wrap up a little present for you too.
Merry Christmas Eve!

Mum

I hope you all remembered that Christmas is also about giving to those less fortunate. Of course my mom donated to the ASPCA for me because I'm an animal lover and I'd give up any and all gifts to save the life of a fur baby. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas Eve

From my family to yours,
I would like to wish you all a fabulous, wonderful, exciting, joyful and amazing Christmas with your family and friends.
Love, Toshi "Kitty Clause"