{Happy New Year}

I hope you all have a lovely New Year's Eve!

I really love this time of year because it allows me to reflect back on the past 12 months and all that came with it: the ups & downs, the learning experiences, the opportunities, the moments that changed my life and everything in between.

This fabulous year has been one for the books and I am so very grateful for all that has happened. I think it is awesome to have New Year's resolutions, but I think it is more awesome to look back on the past year as a reference point for going forward.

I also think it is extremely important to be proud of yourself, for all that you have done and will do, and to remember that you are your true best friend.
Your happiness is top priority.

I knew 2011 was going to be big, but I am honestly a little nervous because I have no expectations for 2012! Well, other than to be as happy as possible and seize the world one day at a time of course ;-) I guess it would be a little naive of me to pretend I don't have any expectations...

I have no problem sharing with you how proud I am of myself and all of my accomplishments. I never quite knew what I was made of until this year! I am chasing my dreams and succeeding my expectations...a truly amazing feeling.

I want to thank my family and friends who continue to love me unconditionally and support me in everything I do. I'm learning more & more about love every single day. I'm learning what it takes to be the best version of myself. I'm also learning to treasure each day more...in a way I hadn't before.

So cheers to another year of life.

Another year of big decisions.

Another year of following your heart...

...and making your dreams a reality.

Another year of blessings & lessons learned.

Another year of love.

Make it count.

Images via Pinterest

{Juice Beauty 102}

Today, I am loving...

Juice Beauty

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend! I know I sure did! Awhile back I mentioned here about my introduction to Juice Beauty and the wonders of its organic skin care line. Well, they have since sent me two products to test out and share with all of you fine readers! I must start off by saying that I absolutely love both items, so I am excited to give you the low down on each...

Cleansing Milk

I actually prefer this over the Blemish Clearing cleanser I've been using. It's super soft on my skin and uses grape seed & sunflower oils, as well as chamomile & calendula. I don't like using oppressive or harsh cleansers on my face, so this is the perfect balance between a light cleanser + makeup remover.



Antioxidant Serum

I actually get excited after my shower to put this on. I am in love with aloe, and this serum reminds me so much of it! It is lightweight and jam packed with vitamins and antioxidants, with the goal of preventing free radical skin damage and smoothing fine lines.

If you like a little cleansing followed up with a lot of glowing, both of these products will become your new best friends! Thank you Juice Beauty for the fabulous products!

Images via Juice Beauty

{Christmas Delights}

Indulge in...

Christmas Delights

I've been inspired by others in the blog world to reminisce about the things I like most about Christmas. It is one of my favorite holidays and, although this year feels a bit different than the ones before, I feel very blessed to celebrate it with the people I love most. I have so much joy in my heart that I can't help but pass it on to you!

{Favorite Christmas Tradition: Stockings}

I love waking up to a big breakfast and listening to Christmas music while opening gifts, then eating more food, then watching football or movies...but my absolute favorite part of the holiday is the evening. Since I was a little girl, I have always been excited to open up my stocking at night!

{Favorite Christmas Movie: The Grinch}

I can probably quote every line from this movie. It is my absolute favorite and I never get tired of it. Ron Howard and Jim Carey are geniuses.

{Favorite Christmas Song: All I Want For Christmas Is You}

It makes me want to jump up and dance every time I hear it...which I have been doing pretty much every day at work...in the car (I try to stay seated)...and every place I walk into.

{Favorite Christmas Cookie: Oatmeal Butterscotch}



Delicious. Simply delicious.

{Favorite Christmas Cocktail: Spiced Rum Apple Cider}

I love apple cider and I love rum...so a cup of this while sitting next to a fire and staring at a beautiful Christmas tree is my ideal situation.

{Favorite Christmas Story: The Tale of Three Trees}

This is a beautiful story. When I was a little girl, I remember reading it to my family...and tears filled my eyes as I finished it. Needless to say, I think the rest of my family was in tears as well.

{Favorite Christmas Memory: The Christmas After Mom Got Sick}

Several years ago, when I was in high school, my mother was diagnosed with a rare virus in her spinal cord. It took her months to recover...as well as many hours spent in physical therapy to not only regain her strength, but to recover her motor skills as well. I'll never forget watching my Dad literally carry her on his back step by step, up the stairs to put her to bed on several occasions. It was the single most influential example of love I have ever witnessed.  So needless to say, the Christmas following her "accident" was one filled with so much love and gratitude that it is very vivid in my mind and one of my favorite Christmas' to date.

I love you Mom.

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.

What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store.

What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

Images via Pinterest

{Vogue: Top Trends of 2011}

Today, I am loving...

Vogue: Top Trends of 2011

For many, Vogue is the holy grail of the fashion world. It is the source of all things sacred and desired in the fashion industry; a medium by which trends can not only be captured but glorified. A place where one goes to understand the artistic expression behind fashion, beauty and style. It is an escape into a colorful world of creative thinking, risk taking and hard work. Therefore, in honor of reflecting back on a wonderful year of fabulous ideas and exciting new fads, I present to you...

Vogue's Top Twelve Fashion Trends of 2011

1. Wideleg Pants

2. Fruit Prints

3. Minimalistic Dresses

4. Western Attire

5. Bold Stripes

6. Decorative Edging

7. Punk Influence

8. Statement Suits

9. Earthy Florals

10. Colorful Lace

11. Accentuating Plaid

12. Snakeskin Couture

"Adornment is never anything except a reflection of the heart."

  -Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel

Images via Vogue

{Festive yet Fit}

Indulge in...

Festive yet Fit Gifts

It's official: my winter workout routine has begun once again! I've mentioned before that I tend to stay outdoors as often as possible and get back into the gym during the winter since the days are colder and much shorter. Well, I'm happy to report that I'm joining a new gym and have been kicking my butt all week in classes such as spin and body pump! I've got so much energy these days I have no idea what to do with all of it...so to the gym I go. No hibernation period for this little lady! And since we're smack in the middle of getting ready for the holidays, why not think about getting low-priced gifts for those in your life who also like to stay fit?

{Under $25}

Bic Bands

Add a little pop of color to your workout attire!

Wisps away sweat while keeping you lookin' flashy & bright!

GNC's PowerUp Digital Resistance Band

Tracks each rep after you've stretched to maximize your toning effort!

Camelback Groove Water Bottle with Built-in Filtration System

$10 goes towards Matt Damon's non-profit organization Water.org!

The Callet

I want this! Holds your cards & cash to keep you organized on-the-go!

Gratitude: A Journal

I firmly believe reflections make us happier!

{Under $50}

Bright and Bold Collapsible Silicone Lunch Box

Folds up flat when finished!

chicBuds Fauvette Speaker

Adorable and great for an impromptu dance party!

FitKit

Great for traveling - includes a jump rope, pedometer & resistance band!

{Under $100}

Go Run Sketchers

Featherweight and fun!

Asics Challenge Watch

This funky watch times intervals and is water-resistant!

"A strong body makes the mind strong."

-Thomas Jefferson

Images via Fitness Magazine

{Getting in the Christmas Spirit}

Hello there beautiful people! Both my professional and social life have been quite busy lately...but I have not abandoned this blog child of mine, I promise! I know, I'm a terrible mother these days...but I am hoping that will soon change. Between celebrating my birthday, accepting a promotion at work and preparing for the holidays, I have been a busy bee. My Christmas cards have been mailed out, all of my gifts have been purchased, and soon my whole family will be reunited again! Decorating the tree, baking cookies, watching our favorite holiday movies...there is nothing more I could hope for or want...except for perhaps a few small gifts here and there ;-)

Christmas Ideas 2011 by Chateau de Victoria

1. OPI in Roadhouse Blues
2. Moet and Chandon Champagne
3. Kate Spade Le Pavillion iPhone Case
4. Chipotle Gift Card
5. Beats by Dr. Dre Solo Headphones
6. Urban Decay Naked Palette
7. Urban Outfitters Cooperative Hardware Tote
8. H&M Knit Socks
9. Kate Spade Bangle
10. J. Crew Tights

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."
-Burton Hillis