I turn 26 today!

Last year I resolved to try to live life gracefully. This year I’m choosing a new philosophy and taking a bit of help from Susannah Conway (she says “I’m a work in progress…always) and from the ever poetic Coldplay…

I’d rather be a comma, than a full stop!

I think it’s perfect! Have a perfect and happy weekend!

One of the most exciting parts of Christmas is the Jewish tradition of Chinese food and movies. I’ve heard there are even Chinese food restaurants in Chinatown that take reservations for Jewish-Christmas dinner and have been totally booked for weeks. My plan is to order early, on seamless web of course, and just veg out at home. If I’m feeling really daring I’ll even go see a movie at the theater!….I’M A REBEL!!

Here’s some more information on the Jewish/Asian connection.

Now that Thanksgiving is over the Christmas season is officially underway. Which means SantaCon, the first official Christmastime celebration, is coming up. If you’ve never been and want to see hundreds of santas turn from jolly to jollier to drop dead drunk you should definitely join the party! (If you’ve never been and you don’t like crowds it’s not going to be your cup of tea and you should probably sit this one out.) This year I decided to switch up the ever common santa hat for a toy/wooden solider costume complete with big hat and black boots and red cheeks! Pictures to follow.

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving and the holidays, and New Years Eve, are just around the corner. This year has been an absolute whirlwind! There’s been a lot of good, some bad and a whole lot of fun.

I have a lot to be thankful for but it’s the special people in my life that really mean the most. Thank you to all of you, you know who you are, for sharing in my triumphs and supporting me during my trials and tribulations. You are all amazing and I am so grateful to have such wonderful, loving and giving people in my life. You have to admit, it may not be easy but it’s always interesting!

I just wanted to wish my parents a happy 32nd wedding anniversary. I love you both!

Passover really is one of my favorite holidays of the year, period. While the whole not being allowed to eat bread part kind of stinks, it’s basically like a second Thanksgiving, but I actually prefer matzo ball soup to stuffing! in case you were interested in what I can and can’t eat over these next 8 days here’s the best breakdown of chametz I’ve found.

Although I am currently feuding with an Etsy seller for totally swindling me out of a birthday gift I bought for my best friend in Chicago, I am still addicted to trolling the site to find new and exciting finds. This week’s find comes from Alexandra Ferguson’s sassy little pillow company. Her recycled felt throw pillow exclaiming ‘You’re Right‘ triumphantly sings my favorite song! It’s inevitable….this will be on my couch or bed in a matter of days!

via we heart it

As of 9:32am I am officially 25! I definitely don’t feel old but I have this feeling that once you turn 25 people assume they can take you seriously…This could be an issue!

I only had one resolution for 2011 so I decided to set some goals, and non-goals, for my twenty-fifth year.

1. I spent much of last year trying to figure out exactly what I wanted from a career and which career I wanted it from. I intend to continue to do just that and keep dreaming big dreams.

2. Breathe. Surrender. Live. Love. I want to stop giving up, giving in, pulling back, etc. This year I will learn to enjoy the ride even more.

3. I will to continue allowing my creative spirit to soar. More writing, reading, photographing, painting and working on my spiritual health.

4. Stop defining. I don’t need a title for myself, my personal style, my outlook on life, my failures/successes or my choice in men.

5. I want to celebrate my family and friends as much as possible. They’ve all earned it.

6. Drink water. Eat healthfully. Exercise whenever possible. And all that other good stuff.

7. I want to surround myself with good. Because when I do that I have a whole lot less to complain about and a whole lot more to be thankful for.

8. Try new things. Wear bright lipstick. Find cool coffee shops. See foreign films. Go on a cruise.

9. I must find time to decompress every night before bedtime. It wipes today’s slate clean so I can start fresh tomorrow.

10. Smile. Even when I’m not happy.

via we heart it

So much has happened this year, it’s hard to wrap my mind around it — and I know I’m not the only one! But no matter how challenging it was I’m excited to move forward and see what the new year has to offer!

I’ve only shared one resolution so far, stay organized (this time last year I had a whole list of things to do in 2010). But in 2011 I also want to work on living gracefully and giving myself a break when things get tough.

Have a wonderful New Year’s Eve and a very happy and healthy 2011!

via hippy shopper

Christmas is just a few days away now and as usual I have a pretty high level of Christmas tree envy. I know I could get one if I wanted but I have just never been able to bring myself to actually buy one. If this feel occurs next year, this bookshelf tree could be a great alternative!

Here are some other great options for alternative Christmas trees.