Casual December

I realize it's been a while since my last outfit post.  I apologize.  I got busy... and well, sometimes inspiration is just lacking.  Plus, when you start to wear a regular rotation of outfits, it seems silly to continue to post pictures. :)

December is officially "casual" month in the office.  I find this more difficult than regular work attire since most of my wardrobe consists of "work appropriate attire" and "work out gear".  There are few items that fit the casual-but work appropriate category, but not enough for a month.  I guess I will be wearing business wear a couple days.

Anyways.... long story short, I hope to start taking more outfit pics again now.  First up, casual Monday.  This outfit could really use a great pair of trouser jeans - which I have yet to find and purchase.

*shirt & jacket - JCrew, jeans - Nordstrom, shoes - Nine west

Also,  I am not sure if I mentioned this before but I was asked by one of the associations I belong to to write a 100 word statement on why I am attending their upcoming conference in January and what I hope to achieve while I am there.  It is going to be printed in one of their daily newsletters while we are onsite.  In addition, they wanted a photo.  Yikes!  I have no professional head shot, because I never had a need for one.  So while home for Thanksgiving, I asked Melissa to take one for me.  

Turned out, she only needed to take two shots, and we both liked the first one.  With some editing on her part and a quick crop by me, we were ready to roll.  Isn't she turning into a good photographer?

21 - The Irish one

You can't have Christmas without the king of Christmas music, Bing Crosby.

So, of course, he is a repeat offender on my Christmas countdown.  Up first is a fun favorite.  Who doesn't love this Irish twist?

I can't help but sing along with this song.

22 - The Sad one

As awesome as the Christmas holiday is.  It can be kind of lonely when you are single.  Although, I'm not going to lie.... this holiday will be 10 times better than last year. Obviously.

So sometimes a sad song can be great.  Which brings me to today's song.

Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley

A little sad and yet lovely song.  Done only by Elvis.  (Michael Buble does a version on his new CD.  It's good, but doesn't hold a candle to Elvis.)

On dating... or lack thereof

Living out here alone gives you a lot of time to think.  A. Lot. Of. Time.

And a lot of time to reflect.

My relationship ended roughly a year ago.  If I honestly reflect on how things were, they were pretty rough the three months prior to the break up.  So, point being, it's been a while.  I've had a lot of time to get over the break and give myself some closure....  I saw give myself because I honestly feel that I was not going to get it from my ex, so I had to realize what I felt went wrong and make that closure myself.

Where am I going with this?

Well, it's been a year and I am ready now.  I am ready to move on and *gasp* ready to date again.

I consider the moving on stage a two fold process.  First, you become ready.  Check.  Then, you start dating.  

Um......

Yeah.  So.... I need to start working on the second step.  Actually dating.

But, I think (even though it took me a bit longer) that I am ready now.  And that will certainly make things easier.  Hopefully, moving to an area where I am closer to people and don't feel so secluded will help with the actual dating.

23 - The one Elf made popular

Elf is one of my favorite Christmas movies.  Not the most favorite, not even second, but it is way up there!

Why am I talking about this movie on my music festivities?  Because I would consider Elf to be the reason today's song is so recognizable.  Everyone knows the shower scene when he sings along with the girl he likes at the store.

So today, enjoy a fun, holiday duet.

Baby, it's cold outside by Dean Martin (my favorite version)

24 - The famous 90s one

I'm sure you all remember that original Christmas song "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey.  (I really hate this song btw.... okay, not so much the song, just her.... which is why I am only linking to the song.)

I have been waiting for the Michael Buble Christmas album to come out since the fall.  I pre-ordered it in September.  I love him.   Seriously.

So, when I finally got around to listening to the CD on my drive home from Chicago after Hawaii, I was a little worried when I saw this song on the playlist.  Of course, I gave it a shot.  Honestly, it's one of my favorite songs on the CD.  He makes the song enjoyable (and not just because I would love it if he sang the directions to program my DVR.)

So here is his version - my favorite version.  Also, as a heads up.... get used to seeing this image.  He comes up quite a few times on the list of 25. :)

And if you haven't already done so, BUY the CD.  It's awesome.

25 - The ringtone one

I'm starting off my Blog Christmas celebration with the one Christmas song that has been my holiday ringtone for the last few years.

Sleigh Ride by Ella Fitzgerald

It has a great jazzy beat and just makes me happy.  Which is exactly why I changed my ringtone in early November.... :)