LIFE: I AM THANKFUL FOR . . .

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

I hope those of you celebrating are enjoying it with family, friends and/or those who simply fill your heart with joy!

Rosi, with whom I work, was so sweet to invite me and my parents to celebrate Thanksgiving at her place with all of her friends. 

We already had plans to go to our friend's restaurant in the city for a special celebration he is hosting, but I love how this holiday brings everyone together as a family, whether you are or not! ❤ 

In honor of Thanksgiving aka Turkey Day, I thought I would post a few of the things I am thankful for right now in my life.  

I have always known how fortunate I am in life, but it is days like today that remind me to take a moment and truly appreciate things and life, even the small moments, and tell those I care about how much I love them.

For what are you thankful?  Let me know in the comments below! :)

(image altered by moi)

My extraordinary family who has been a wonderful, ongoing example of what love, support, patience and guidance truly is.

My role as aunt to 3 adorable and incredible nephews who inspire me to be a better person.

Childhood friends, who have never change, and with whom I've grown closer to than I thought possible since all being back in the same area for the first time since high school.

Trying new things this year to create my own opportunity and possibility.

Volunteering with 2nd graders in Harlem who have reminded me how fortunate I am and warmed my heart in unexpected moments.

Christmas music, which I can begin playing tomorrow, and this song that will be heard on repeat.

Peppermint mochas from Starbucks, they bring a little joyful treat in a cup.

Twinkle lights, which glow during the holidays and simply make me happy.

Kenny, our maintenance man and garbage guy, with whom I shared a lovely conversation yesterday, after passing him in the hallway heading to do laundry, he left me inspired. 

New York City, which will always hold a piece of my heart no matter how short or long a time I stay, it strengthens and teaches me daily, and keeps things real through all the ups and downs.

Hope, something I'm feeling more of lately, while remembering to enjoy and live in the moment.

LIFE: THANKFUL THANKSGIVING THURSDAY

Happy Turkey Day, Everyone!!!
I can't believe it is Thanksgiving time again, where does the time go? :)
Last year, I joined the lovely Sheila, from The FailteHouse, and posted a Thankful Thanksgiving Thursday post.  Since then, I have fallen in love with the concept behind it, and want to continue the tradition.
So, here I am with all of mine from this past year, which taught me so, so much!

(image via my Instagram)

 • Getting caught in an unexpected NYC Winter Wonderland with great company.

 • The supportive, kind and wonderful friends I've made in Blogland, new and old.

 • Moving back to the city that holds my heart.

 • My truly incredible family.

 • My job with lots of fun, positive, personality-filled people, and all the opportunities it's given me.

 • Miss Jenny's hospitality, shepherds pie and all of our city and Brooklyn Heights adventures.

 • Residual checks, from past TV shows I worked on in LA, rolling in.

 • Thanksgiving with my entire family, enjoying yummy cheese, food and cocktails.

 • The smile, patience, respect, acceptance, comfort and calm he always brings into my life.

 • A lovely glass of red wine shared in great company in the evening.

 • All that Hurricane Sandy taught me, the togetherness it brought and appreciation it enforced.

 • Getting to see the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular this holiday season.

 • Starbucks peppermint mocha holiday cups and Coffee-mate peppermint mocha creamer.

• Road trips with my extraordinary dad and with the family.

• Handwritten thank yous, from children in Brooklyn, for the school supplies my donation gave them.

 • Local NYC delis, and the super friendly deli men who look out for me.

 • The new friends I've made in the city.

 • The possibility and world travel ahead for me.

 • My little fashion blog and all the opportunities and wonderful things it has opened up for me.

 • My Rioni travel tote, which has yet to let me down.

 • Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll from OZU Sushi in Brooklyn Heights.

 • Giving up excessive Diet Coke drinking and enjoying fresh water instead.

 • Pinterest inspiration, DIY and crafty projects, ideas and organization.

 • Instagram, oh how I heart thee, and the ease of documenting my life in pictures.

 • Being curled up next to a cozy fire, especially when there is no power or heat.

 • The free, hot showers the YMCA provides during Hurricane Sandy.

 • Colorful Brooklyn Heights sunsets.

• The importance of kindness and listening to your heart.

• My nephews, their love, big hearts and all they continue to teach me.

Feel free to leave some of what you are thankful for in the comments below or do a post of your own, I'd love to read them!

Enjoy your time with family, friends and/or loved ones and remember to eat lots of yumminess...calories don't count today! ;)

THANKFUL THURSDAY: MY FATHER, MY SUPERMAN

Happy Thursday, Fashionable Friends!

First, I am so sorry for being a bit MIA these past couple weeks, but last Wednesday was a very critical, stressful and emotional day for my family and me. It al began at 5AM when my mother, sisters and I headed to the hospital to be with my dad who as many of you know is our world! There isn't a person who has crossed his path who doesn't love him from the moment they meet him.

He is the most extraordinary husband, father, friend and person I know and is considered a 2nd father to most of my friends who refer to him as Daddy Ehardt. He is one of the happiest, most positive, smilie, patient, helpful, supportive, genuine, encouraging, loving and thoughtful people I have ever met or known to this day, and I don't know how I got so lucky to have him not only in my life, but as my father!

My extraordinary father and me then in London where we used to live and now in Los Angeles during one of my parents visits.

This past week, I have been beyond thankful to still have him in my life and that my mother, both sisters and I were all able to all be with him for his open heart surgery and the new maze procedure that were both very successful. I don't think I can express how difficult it was giving our last hug, kiss and "I love you" before he was wheeled away. He was smiling, joking, being positive and happy, just like he has been throughout my entire life, before everything and showed more strength and courage than I think I have within my entire self.

Every nurse just loves him and there hasn't been a day since he first entered the hospital a week ago that he was not smiling, happy to see us, upbeat and positive, which truly is one of the most refreshing, reassuring and heartwarming feelings and qualities in the world! He is so kind to everyone and was having fun with all of them, which is quite simply a part of who he is and his personality that everyone just loves.

Even on his weakest and hardest day, in the recovery room after surgery, the nurses kept saying how nice and pleasant he was, even though he was apologizing to them for not having as much energy or being what he called slightly "grumpy," which they all said was anything but the case.

I am also so thankful that he was in such good hands when everything happened, prior to and during his surgery and beyond. As well as at a hospital for this that is rated 4th best in the nation! I have been at the hospital with my mother and sisters each day and I will continue to be by his side with all of my love and support during the many weeks ahead to help do things in any way I can throughout the day and night, as I have been, which is the least I can do after everything he has done for me!

I know I don't normally post things like this, but so many of you have followed me for so long and I consider many of you friends who have always shown such support and kindness! This is a life, design and style blog, so, it fits into the life section and is something I could not be more thankful for if I tried! To me having my dad with us is the best Christmas present a girl could receive and I have asked for nothing more this year than to have my family together!

Thank you again all for your patience and understanding while I haven't been as consistent on this blog or stopping by and commenting on all of yours during everything, but please know how much I appreciate each of you! Be sure to check back tomorrow for a fun and trendy giveaway that I promise will take us back to the fashion part of this blog.

SIDE NOTE: I received news on Tuesday from a friend that someone we know in our circle of friends was tragically hit by a car and died on Monday night, which was harder on me than I expected and caused my heart to once again sink. I say this only to remind everyone how important it is to live each day in the now and never take those whom you love and care about for granted because life truly can be very short! Something that I was reminded of last year and again on two separate occasions this month. My thoughts are with his family and friends and my heart goes out to each of them!

FASHIONABLE THANKFUL THURSDAY

Happy December, Fashionable Friends in Blogland!

I have a fun and different post for you today that I hope you will all enjoy and even be a part of in the future! Sheila from The FailteHouse and I are taking Thankful Thursday to a whole new level by mixing fashion and gratitude to help you arrive at Fashionable Thankful Thursday, a new and fun Thursday post option.

This a new series where we will put together great ideas using different items we are thankful we already own and pair them with a few great new fashion finds. So when we combine the something old with something new, so to speak, we create a new outfit, accessory item or even gift idea.

OK, let's get started...

Black Steve Madden heels from Marshall's ($29.99) that I've had for 8 years and wear all the time.
Gold Fancy Feet shoe clips from Target ($6.99) that I recently purchased, but haven't worn.

Put together and you get a fun, new, dressier shoe by only spending a few extra dollars.

Black Sarah Jessica Parker line BITTEN dress ($8.99) from Steve & Barry that I have worn a lot over the past 4 years.
Bold silver necklace from Charlotte Russe ($8.00) that is like a statement piece.

Paired together it makes it look like it is part of the neckline of the dress and gives me a whole new look.

Same black Sarah Jessica Parker line BITTEN dress ($8.99) from Steve & Barry from the previous look that I've had for years.
Silver leaf belt from H&M ($8.90) that has an elastic waist band to make it versatile.
Paired together it looks like it is a part of the dress from afar since the black belt band blends in and
looks great worn as an empire waist accent.

Thankful OLD Finds

Black Steve Madden Heels

Marshall's - $29.99

Black Sarah Jessica Parker BITTEN Dress

Steve & Barry - $8.99

Thankful NEW Finds

Gold Fancy Feet Shoe Clips

Target - $6.99

Chunky Silver Necklace

Charlotte Russe - $8.00

Silver Leaf Belt

H&M - $8.90

1. Gold Buckle Shoe Clips

Price: $10.00

Buy: Absolutely Audrey

2. Bold Silver Circle Necklace

Price: $6.00

Buy: Charlotte Russe

3. Gold Leaf Belt

Price: $13.00

Buy: LuLu's

Isn't it fun to see how you can still appreciate things you may have had for years, but then add a little something to make them feel like new and be thankful for then in a whole new light! When I find something that is classic, fits well and I love, I can wear it till the cows come home year after year after year with a little repair, from time to time, on shoes and things thanks to my fabulous shoe man! :)

Feel free to join us by being a part of our series and tell us how you mix and match for the season! I would love to hear how you took something that has been sitting in your closet and made it feel brand new!

Since this is a Thankful Thursday, I would also like to add how thankful I am that my dad appears to have 9 lives, if not more, he is an extraordinary man, father, friend and person whom I love more than words could ever express. I'm thinking of him during this time and my mother whose strength inspires me...they make my world a better and brighter place!

THANKFUL THANKSGIVING THURSDAY

Happy Thursday & Thanksgiving, Everyone!

I know I don't usually post on Thursdays, but last week I was on Shay's lovely blog The FailteHouse and after seeing her Thankful Thursday post I just knew I wanted to be a part of it, and what better day to try it out than on Thanksgiving!

Simply trying to twirl, shine and always remain positive and thankful in life.

So, this week she and I have linked up to do our Thankful Thursday post, which consists of everything we are thankful for this week.

I love the idea of this because I think it is always important that no matter what you are going through in life, you remain positive, stay thankful, kind and not bring others down around you just because you might not be having the best day, but build them up. Even more so on a holiday like today!

• My extraordinary parents, family and true friends who continue to build me up, inspire me and always look on the bright side through the ups and downs of life.

• A little Thanksgiving of my very own with friends, complete with appetizers, cheese, turkey, sides, treats and fun drinks, in a lovely Beverly Hills home followed by what will be my first Black Friday shopping experience.

• The truly amazing and supportive friends I have met through blogland and everyone in this wonderful blogging community for their kindness, encouragement, support, willingness to offer a helping hand and unwavering positivity and belief in others.

• Franklyn, an adorable, happy man in his late 70's who happened to cross my path, and our 45 minute chat before saying goodbye as he turned back and said to me, "consider yourself happily met," a phrase I had never heard before, but meant so much and left me feeling more inspired than I have in a long time.

• Jim and Jennifer, whom I consider my 2nd parents, for their extraordinary support, kindness and love this past weekend after inviting me to come stay with them...it was exactly what I needed.

• Being paid a super sweet and meaningful compliment by a stranger who said,"I exude the most beautiful smile, energy, kindness and positivity they had ever seen in their lifetime," all despite going through a not so happy time, but while still trying to be who I am, the only way I know to be.

• The opportunities in 2012 that have recently opened up to me on fronts I am so passionate about, one of which is something I have hoped to do since I was little and is on my bucket list.

• The start to the holiday season with holiday cups at Starbucks, Christmas music, holiday themed movies and specials, peppermint hot chocolate and more.

I hope you all have a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving and kickoff to the holiday season! Good luck if you are braving Black Friday late Thursday night or early Friday morning!

Check back tomorrow for LOTS of savings and discounts to help you save on your holiday shopping whether it be for others or a little something special for yourself! Also, tomorrow is the last day to enter my Poshlocket Necklace Giveaway!