Best December Ever! 8 Savvy Tips You Need Before the End of the Year
How is it already December! I have been lucky enough to spend several chunks of time jetting around Europe and the Middle East, and I guess that’s how time flew so fast. One of the best things about expat life is the ease and freedom of travel, but one of the worst is the time away from home this time of year.
The holiday season here is still jam-packed, but it’s just not quite the same as spending Christmas and Thanksgiving at home. However, since I’ve been away from the intensity of life in New York and the expectations and obligations of family, I have actually had time to really reflect on what I love and hate about this time of year, and what I want to get out of the new year on the horizon. Here are 8 things to do in December to stay centered, enjoy the holiday season, and get ready for the end of the year!
Best December Ever!
8 Savvy Tips You Need Before the End of the Year
Practice setting boundaries
This time of year, you can find yourself pulled in a hundred different directions, but put your foot down! Don’t want to host this year – just say no! Not in the mood for elaborate holiday decorating. Pass! Don’t have the budget to buy gifts for every friend, cousin, niece, nephew, and coworker? Too bad for them!
Decide what is most important to you this month and focus on that. It could be more time spent relaxing with family and friends, or just ensuring you have adequate time for solo self-care. You are the boss, and you can decide how you want your holiday season to look, instead of once again being dragged along by other people's expectations of you and decisions being made about what you should do.
2. Keep your portions in check
I personally will not be over-indulging this holiday season since I’ve got a big beach trip coming in January. However, you can still find a balance in between watching your weight and still enjoying your favorite holiday foods.
Want to know the easiest strategy for watching your calories this season? Just literally use your hands! Keep protein to the size of your palm or bigger if you are focused on adding muscle, carbs the size of your fist, and vegetables to around 2 fistfuls – preferably of raw, leafy greens. And if you want to go a little harder or are actively trying to lose weight, just double down on the protein and skip the carbs and starchy foods. Feel free to give yourself a break on Thanksgiving and Christmas of course, just try to eat mindfully the rest of the season.
3. Be a morning person
It feels nearly impossible to get anything done after work these days, largely because it’s pitch black by around 4pm every day! Try to push yourself to get up earlier and start knocking things your to do list. I have taken to getting up 30-45 minutes earlier to give myself time for miscellaneous things like tidying up, paying bills, business work and online holiday shopping. And since I am someone who works out 5 times a week, twice a week I get up even earlier to get some of those workouts out of the way. Keeping a productive morning schedule ensures I get certain things done before anything else can distract me, and leaves me feeling inspired to maintain a certain level of productivity throughout the day.
4. Treat yourself.
If you think I’m only buying Christmas presents for others – think again! I have been bookmarking thing I want for months, just counting down the days for those Black Friday sales. Save some room in your budget to treat yourself – you 100% deserve it!
5. Pick some habits – one to choose, one to lose!
I haven’t set New Year’s Resolutions in ages. What I do instead is consider the things I do (and don't do) most days. Then I pick one habit I want to really focus on making consistent, and one that I really need to stop doing. Then I put them into mindful practice and see what happens! In 2021 that habit was a daily core conditioning workout for at least 5 minutes. I kept up with that, but didn’t set one for 2022, so it’s time to play catch up.
6. Make a budget/tax prep
This is a chore but trust me you will thank me later! If you have anticipate having a particularly complicated return, check in with your tax professional before December 31st! Go over your tax situation and anything you may need to do before year’s end to lessen your burden. Depending on your situation you may or may not be able to do anything, but it’s worth at least being informed and having all your documents in order.
Granted, this may not be anyone’s picture of holiday fun, but you’ll be happy to have this part out of the way!
7. Plan a Vacation
You guys know I don’t need any reason to start booking flights! But lately I have taken to adding vacation deals to cart around Black Friday! Yes, airlines, hotels and travel booking platforms all offer a host of deals and steals around Black Friday and Christmas, so take advantage of those discounts. A lot of platforms also offer flexible cancellation policies and no pre-payment so you can plan a dream trip without being on the hook to pay for weeks.
Plus booking early helps you save a lot and have your pick of the best places to stay, so do some early planning for your summer 2023 trips!
8. Reflect on last year's resolutions
If you are someone that makes resolutions, take some time to reflect on how you did with your goals for 2022. It’s hard to accurately weigh your progress considering all the external factors that may have thrown you off, but give it some thought and see where you could have improved. While not everything is in your control, some stuff actually is! Take charge of what you can control, improve and learn from.
If you fell short of your goals, don’t worry – you still have time to take some baby steps toward improvement. And if you aced every goal you set out to accomplish, go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back!
How are you feeling about the last few weeks of 2022? What are you looking forward to most this holiday season?
New Years Eve Outfit Guide - What to Wear to Ring in 2020!
So the year is just about over! I’m very lucky to say that 2019 has been a fantastic year for me, so I’m super exicited to celebrate it. I’m keeping my plans low-key since these wedding deposits are no joke, but I still want to dress up and have a blast. If you are looking for the perfect outfit, I rounded up some of my favorite looks to ring in the new year! I know 2019 hasn’t been great for a lot of people, but at least you can toast to the fact that you made it through and are on to bigger and better things. If 2019 hasn’t been amazing, at least your outfit for the last night of the year can be!
Party Separates and 2-Piece Sets for New Years Eve
2 piece sets started out as a trend and have pretty much become the new normal when it comes to getting dressed. There is a set for almost any occasion, so why not New Years Eve? Whether you want a tiny crop top and oversized pants, or a 70’s chic sequined fringe suit, you’re sure to find your match made in heaven! There is a great selection everywhere from Asos to Nordstrom, so you can find something at any price point! Some of the pieces below are sold together and others have separate links so you can mix sizes. When shopping you may have to browse for the matching piece if it’s not linked on the main product page.
Party Dresses for New Years Eve
You can never go wrong with a dress, so why not a playful, sexy, or sparkly one for New Years Eve? I am obsessed with the oversized bow minidress, and love the elegant blush pink draped number. If sequins aren’t your thing, a shimmery satin or crushed velvet will still feel festive and eyecatching, without being over the top. I think a mini dress with tights is more fun and playful, or go for a maxi dress for a more formal or glam occasion.
Statement Tops for New Years Eve
If you want to make a statement with your blouse these are perfect! Pair with everything from boyfriend jeans to leather joggers. The fitted styles or bustiers would even be great with wide leg palazzo pants. There are great options depending on how little or how much coverage you want, from the tiny cropped bustier to the oversized sparkly t-shirt!
Let me know where you end up celebrating the New Year and of course what you will be wearing!
My 2017 Style Resolutions
It’s a new year, and the perfect time to think about your look. Everyone suddenly becomes obsessed with fitness and workout tips, but I’m really thinking about honing in on my personal style. Every woman’s body changes, but if you nail your look and some core style principles, looking amazing on a daily basis becomes a much more manageable task. Here’s how I plan to step up my style game in the New Year!
1. I’ll find new ways to wear sneakers and comfort footwear.
The days of lugging around flats or suffering in heels all day are over. It may take some experimenting until I figure out enough ways to dress them up for various occasions, but finding the balance between style and comfort is a necessity.
2. I’ll have fun with color, especially on my face.
I love makeup, but have found myself with a seemingly endless array of shimmery neutral eyeshadow palettes, and taupe or blush lip stains. Occasionally I would do a classic red or burgundy lip. However this summer I stumbled upon a cobalt blue liquid lipstick and wearing it was one of my favorite style statements of the year. A bit of bold color on the lips or eyes, or even both is an easy and inexpensive way to make your look pop. I promise to have more fun in the makeup department, even if only on weekends or special occasions.
3. I’ll spend less time shopping and more time shopping my closet.
Working in fashion for almost 10 years has helped me build up a pretty impressive wardrobe, thanks to constant sample giveaways, insider discounts and private sales. I usually adopt a golden rule while shopping – if it doesn’t go with 3 different things I already own, I don’t buy it. I slacked on that rule a bit in 2016, largely due to the sudden emergence of some really exciting trends in Spring and Summer. But in 2017 I’ll channel my creativity, get thrifty, and be more environmentally friendly by inventing new ways to rock some of the amazing things piled up in my closet.
4. I’ll invest in a quality, timeless designer handbag.
I’ve been wanting a bag upgrade for a while, but whenever it came time to bit the bullet, I spend on something else, usually an experience. That approach has brought my amazing memories, but I never stop wanting the bag. This year I will strike the compromise between splurging on a luxury item vs an unforgettable experience by stalking sample sales and the famous Barney’s Warehouse Sale.
What are your style resolutions for 2017?
*This post was originally written for Luxe Radar
All That Shimmer
New Years Eve means bring on the bling. For the last party of the year I'll be dancing it up in this sequined tuxedo and bandage crop top. Can you believe this entire look is from H&M?! The top is from a few years back, but I stumbled upon the jacket and pants in one of their flagship stores a few weeks ago and immediately fell in love.
And since the event I'm attending is a surrealist theme, this silly, sexy lace bunny mask is the topper, which I found in the H&M Halloween clearance bin for $5!
The end of the year has me ready for fun, but also feeling reflective on everything that has happened this year. There has been immense joy, sorrow, pride and fun in my life this year. I'm choosing to not dwell on the bad, but to learn from it. In 2017 I promise to be more attentive not just to my close friends but to the all the people in my life, because they are here for a reason. I promise to stick to the promises I make to myself - to maintain the shape I'm in instead of letting it swing back and forth; to have adventures in the moment without compromising my future financial security; to embrace wholeheartedly what is worth clinging to and let go of what is not. Here is to a new year, and the same old me, only, maybe, a little bit better.
Last Night of 2016
It's one of the last days of 2016 This year has been an intense one, and for me, largely positive. I got a lot of the things I wished and worked for. I made accomplishments in my career, strengthened my relationships, and had bucket list worthy experiences. I'm ready to welcome 2017 with open arms and try to remain optimistic through some very difficult political changes. Let's bring on the new year and take on all of the joy and challenges with mindfulness, grace, and of course, style.
If you are still trying to figure out what to wear for the last party of the year, I break down 3 different looks on Accidental Fame. This is one of my favorite looks. It screams old school glam and reminds me why velvet was the hot texture of the season.
If you are still scrambling to figure out what to wear, here are a few looks I love! it's almost as if Urban Outfitters knew you weren't going to be ready, because all of their amazing party dresses are 25% the price listed! If you can't get overnight shipping most of these babies are still available for in-store pickup, so reserve online then get to your nearest shop!
Silence and Noise Sinderella Sparkle Dress $69
Silence and Noise Mesh Bodycon Dress
If you are wondering what I'm actually wearing tomorrow, stay tuned for my next post! The only hint I can give is that the party called for a surrealist theme, so a headpiece will come into play!