Leap Day!!

Happy Leap Day!! Shouldn't it be a holiday?

As a kid my dad would remind me that this was the only day a girl could propose to her boyfriend based on an old Irish tradition.  I remember giggling in my loft bed thinking he was crazy that girls should never do that.

However is it a crazy tradition?  Engagements, to me should be somewhat of a surprise & obviously a celebration.  However women get tired of waiting, men don't want to deal with the hoopla & I know many people who plan on getting married without a proposal.  You know like Big & Carrie, no romance, no celebration;

 “I guess its time we get married” “Yea I guess it is, ok” “Great, what’s for dinner?”

I have no doubt this can work for people but why wouldn’t you want the excitement of it all?  Too many people feel like marriage is just the next logical step & there's nothing wrong with thinking that.  However just because it's supposed to be whats next, doesn't mean its the right thing.  Shouldn't the man want to ask you in a grand or thoughtful way? 

If there is no excitement about getting engaged, will you be excited to plan the wedding, to actually get married?? I think the engagement can set the tone of the wedding & who wants to sit through a business lunch reception. 

Maybe the Irish have it right; if your boyfriend hasn’t proposed to you & you don't want to wait, why not use this day to break the norm.  Get excited, plan something fitting for your relationship.  What a great story to tell your friends today & grandchildren in the years to come. 

So ladies take the "leap" & pop the question.

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Never enough time

Right now I am really struggling to have time for everything in my life.  I know I am in control of my schedule but sometimes it just seems all out of my hands.  I am terrified I am letting people down personally & professionally yet I don't have energy to be 100 % in any aspect of life.  I have a million ideas, dreams & to do lists running through my mind that I can't keep up all the time.

I have talked before about making changes but somehow I just keep finding reasons why I can't follow through.  I am trying so hard to get past those feelings but it's hard to leave jobs you love & are comfortable with to possibly pursue my dreams of making Stella Jewelry successful.  Honestly, its hard concentrating on the normal everyday things I need to do.  Right now I am spending all my free time working on a Spring Collection & can't wait to launch it but due to other commitments I haven't got the time to meet my deadlines.

In effort to become more intentional with my time I am signing up for Teuxdeux, it seems like a great website/app to keep track of everything going on & what needs to be done.  I hope that I also can get a better grip on what I can do to make my free time more productive because to be honest right now I am so drained on the weekends I don't feel like doing anything. 

Has anyone used it or do you have any good advice on time management & pursuing your dreams while working full time?

D.C.

My week has been a complete whirlwind since Tuesday.  As I mentioned I went to D.C for a couple of days to complete my citizenship testing.  Thankfully I passed & now I just have to wait for an appointment to take my pledge.  

I have a longer blog to post about my Citizenship in the near future but today I wanted to  post a few pictures from my quick trip to the Capital.

To celebrate the passing of my test we stopped by Georgetown Cupcakes.  I have never seen their show & didn't go in there with high expectations.  Cupcakes often look better than they actually taste.  I have to say these were amazing, they were the perfect size, great flavor & the icing was light.  If you visit you must try the Cookie & Cream. 

We also stopped by World Market to stock up on some of my favorite English items then we popped in some fun stores like Kate Spade.   I really do love the Capital, its a great city & filled with so much culture, however I can't stand the traffic!!

When I returned to work I was greeted with patriotic treats & decorations.  I mean how sweet are they?  Thank you Beth & Tricia. 

  

Red Carpet ~ Oscars Edition

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I have to say I was a little underwhelmed by the Red Carpet tonight!  However, I knew someone had to wear one of the Elie Saab gowns I am obsessed with.  Berenice Bejo looked amazing in the long sleeved dress, I just wish her hair style was a little fuller & not so stiff.  I almost feel the same way about Guiliana Rancic, the look is so perfectly fitted with exquisite beading, yet her hair & make up are to severe.  

I think a side bun like this for either ladies would have lightened up the looks.

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What do you think?  Did you have a favorite from tonight?

I pledge allegiance

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This Wednesday I head to D.C. to complete my citizenship test, it is such a long time coming.  13 1/2r yrs to be exact.  I had a hard time leaving my life, friends & comfort zone to move here where honestly I have never 100 % felt complete.  However, I have had a great life here & look back on those years & can't help but be thankful for the opportunities that this country has given me.  I do wish sometimes I was not insecure in my twenties had taken full advantage of those options.  I am excited to know I that in the near future I can truly call both England & America home.

I hope you all had a great Presidents Day yesterday, perfect day to study American Civics for the test.  Now if only I could remember how many states there are?  Oh god now I'm nervous!!

P.S You can take the Citizenship test here.  Let me know if you would pass :)

Snowy Days

It's really hard for me to relax, I work all the time & when I am off I have a million things to do & think about.  However, when it comes to snow days I love it, I am pretty much forced to stay home.  They are the perfect days to stay warm & cozy on the couch or catch up on my to do lists.

Until I get cabin fever then I might stalk facebook all day because I am bored!!

What are you favorite snow day activities or do you hate snow days?

Lets Fly Away.....

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My list of dream vacations is endless.  There is so much beauty to enjoy & cultures to experience, I can't imagine a life without travel &Greece comes close to the top of the list. Gorgeous blue waters, amazing weather & interesting history to learn about.  Ill just ignore their awful economic situation right now!

For today's Friday Fancies, I was inspired not only by the gorgeous colors but also by European style.

  

Vacations really should be about relaxing, for filling life long dreams & creating memories.  However, photographs will last forever so your outfits are almost as important! To ensure I don't waste my time stressing about how I look I like to make sure I have great accessories along with layering & versatile pieces.

Light dresses are always perfect for Spring Vacations, they are easy to pack, comfortable while site seeing in sandals & can be dressed up with fab heels  for those endless nights of dancing & a few too many wines!  Aren't these color block heels perfect??

What are your favorite travel pieces?? 

p.s. hope on over to {longdistanceloving} to see the other looks!