Merry Christmas blog friends!

Diana vs. Kate

Look who was channeling Princess Diana (in my opinion, one of the greatest fashion icons ever...maybe the greatest) a couple of nights ago:

Kate, 2011

Diana, 1981

I, of course, approve! Also, I think Kate is looking particularly skinny, so I still choose to stand firm and not believe the pregnancy rumors. Until its confirmed by people.com, it just isn't true!

Week Ahead

I'm not sure how its possible, but the weeks leading up to Christmas somehow go by insanely fast and drag quite a bit at the same time. I think it has something to do with the fact that I have a lot going on socially (holiday parties, seeing friends and family--all things I love!), and I have a lot less going on at work (also thankful for this, but it does make for longer days). Its such a balance, but I know once work picks back up in the New Year, I'll be wishing for a little more time like right now!

I have one gift left to buy for John for Christmas, and cards to address and mail out, but other than that I am finished with all my Christmas prep! I decided to wait until I arrive at my parents house next week to do my real giftwrapping since everything will look prettier if it hasn't spent a 6 hour drive to my parents house in my car. Fresh wrapping is always best. So, the only thing I am really dreading in the next few weeks is the long, boring drive to NC. At least I have Bojangles to look forward to during the drive, and then a few days off to spend with my favorite NC people. A road trip to Winston-Salem might even be necessary.

I hope y'all have a great weekend and do something Christmasy to enjoy this most wonderful time of the year!

Update

You might remember my post here about my love of Elizabeth Taylor, and particularly her jewelry. The much-anticipated auction was held this week and it brought in over $115 Million. A girl can dream...

The Taylor Burton Diamond

Time Magazine's Person of the Year

Y'all know that I would've gone with Kate Middleton. But, alas, they didn't ask for my opinion.

Holiday Spirit!

In the past 24 hours, I have gift wrapped, wrote cards, listened to Christmas music, gazed at my own Christmas lights (I have a Moravian star now too!) and found a Christmas cookie recipe that I plan to make this week. I am officially in the Christmas spirit. I took a few poorly lit photos of my decor last night:

I'm still doing some rearranging--its my first year getting to decorate my very own mantle, but its exciting! Obviously, I enjoy the red/gold/green/sparkly theme.

A question worth thinking about

Could you (or your family) live on $50,000 per year?

December

I can't believe the last half of November flew by so quickly! I've been a terrible blogger lately, but I've been a very busy girl! I've been home for Thanksgiving and did a little wedding planning with Julie, I went to Asheville for a weekend away with John, I've been doing plenty at work, and I've finally been reconnecting with some friends I've gone way too long without seeing!

So, now its officially my favorite time of year. All of my Christmas has been up around my house for a week now (pictures to come--but I assure you, its incredibly festive). I saw the Rockettes in Raleigh, and John and I went on the candlelight Christmas tour at Biltmore this weekend, so I'm fully in the Christmas spirit. I have bought most of my gifts, but would happily take suggestions for my mom and for John (they are the hardest part of my list!).

I'm really looking forward to a work trip to Knoxville next week, and then a little over a week's worth of vacation time over Christmas and leading up to New Year's Eve. And no, my Deacons have thrown a littlw wrench into my otheriwse tame (lame) New Year's plans by playing in a bowl game in Nashville on December 30. Oh, what will I do?! At least everything is a great option. I adore December!