Anthropologie gift book

‘Tis the season to buy overly expensive gifts for your loved ones, friends, acquaintances, office mates, neighbors, neighborhood cats and strange secret santa requests. If you’re looking for brilliant, fashionable gifts at a slightly elevated price, hello! Anthropologie houses everything you could ever want to put under any kind of tree or stocking. I’m not looking to spend large amounts of cash on a single gift, but these photos and products are beautifully unique and I couldn’t help but showcase them. If anything, this is an inspiration gift book- gift lookbook.

Spread that happiness, girl. xx

*All images from Anthropologie’s December catalog. However, added text is from me!

Lingerie dreams: the 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

My mom and I have a tradition, a wonderful tradition, of watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show together. This year was gorgeous, of course. So many fresh faces and all of my favorites walking the runway in lingerie I wish they sold in stores.

The gold wings at the beginning were breathtaking. My favorite were Karlie Kloss’s because they were closed, as if she were about to take flight. A metaphor perhaps? I wasn’t a huge fan of the Exotic Traveler portion of the show, but the stage was amazing. By far, the 2014 Fashion Show has had the best set. I was beginning to become slightly disappointed after the Pink walk, but when everyone came out in black, lace, ultra-sexy outfits, it made up for it all. Lily Aldridge’s black feathered wings! Amazing.

Oh, my favorite part had to be watching Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima walk in the $2 million bras almost caused a tear to fall. They’ve been modeling together since they were 15! And now they’re walking together as two of the most influential Victoria Secret models ever.

I’ve never been a fan of Taylor Swift, but thanks to VS, she may have gained another fan.

To more lingerie inspired nights. xx

Visiting the Stanley Hotel

A few months ago I traveled to Colorado. The Rocky Mountain National Park, rivers, lakes, animals, and the Stanley Hotel.

The Shining ranks high on my list of favorite books as well as favorite movies, and when my family announced our trip would be to Colorado, I knew I had to visit the hotel where Stephen King drew all of his inspiration for such a horrifically amazing book.

The hotel was everything I imagined. Memorabilia of the movie was scattered about the hotel, photographs of animals that were spotted on the property during the midnight hours and a display of butterflies, all of which were dead. I’m not sure if this was done purposely, to create an eerie atmosphere, or if they all just happened to die at the same time.

The Stanley Hotel wasn’t all about horror- the vintage decor was gorgeous, the staircases kept my attention and the Steamers Cafe had amazing desserts.

The best part about the Stanley? Every television has one channel that continuously plays the Shining. xx

What I’ve learned as a public relations professional

As the work week comes to an end, I’m taking time to ponder about everything I have learned so far in my public relations career. At the beginning, I was stressed, and maybe a little crazy. Now that I’ve had time to familiarize myself with public relations as a whole, I can think clearer. What have I learned? I’ll share just a few things with you because I’m on a deadline.

Deadlines
They’re important. Make them, keep them and don’t forget about them. Planners are a must-have.

Prioritize
In any given day (specifically Monday) you’ll have at least 50 things on your to-do list. Don’t freak out! This is not the time to freak out. Instead, take a few deep breaths, make a list, and start prioritizing. Press release vs. trade article due next week? Urgent emails vs. blog posts? You know what do to.

Look up from your computer
Sometimes, I’ll go four or five hours without looking out the window in front of me. On the 10th floor, we have a gorgeous view of downtown and I don’t want to take it for granted. Look up and look out- today is a beautiful day and it doesn’t revolve around your planner and keyboard.

Talk to people
In public relations, you talk to ten to fifteen to fifty people a day- all with different needs and very different personalities. Every conversation is important, but some of the most important conversations take place with the people you work with. Whether it’s a coffee break or a lunch date, taking time out of your day to talk with people who work in the same industry as you will keep you smiling, all the way until next Friday.

xx

‘Tis the PR Season

“I work in PR.”

No, I’m not just quoting Sex and the City again, I really do work in PR! What is public relations? My coworker came up with a great way to describe it- we try to make our clients famous.

With the holidays coming up, our PR firm is showing our gratitude to our clients by creating gorgeous fall boxes to spread some holiday cheer. Another one of my coworkers put these boxes together and as soon as my eyes fell upon them, I took out my camera.

Simple, yet beautiful and filled with the holiday essentials. Wine or coffee, whichever you prefer, it’s coming your way! I’m excited to deliver these boxes, however, instead of being dressed like Santa, I’ll be wearing this grey, floral sweater I found at Target. If you’re looking for a gift to give a coworker, a client, a friend or a loved one, choose a beautifully printed box and don’t forget the hand-written card!

By the river

November at Free People

Knits, lace, velvet, crop tops, faux fur, ridiculously gorgeous necklaces and hair styles that I have to try (the rope intertwined with the braid?!). Free People is officially my inspiration for all things fall. If only their items weren’t so pricey. I may have to just draw inspiration from their gorgeous pieces and find other versions at stores that won’t leave me crying at the checkout.

Too much inspiration right now, especially with Delta Spirit playing in the background. xx

*All images from Free People‘s November 2014 Catalog.

November

November. A new month has arrived, however, I feel as though it’s a new year.

I feel I have grown the most in 2014. My goals, my inner happiness, my relationships, my love for the world and others, has grown exponentially. Usually on Sunday nights I would lay in bed stressed about Monday morning, but as I sit here calmly, completely in the moment, I know I am no longer the person I used to be. I look forward to what is ahead of me, and I no longer look at my past with regret; only for guidance.

Is this what it means to grow older? If so, I am looking forward to all of my upcoming years. xx

All Hallows Eve

All Hallows Eve, how I love you. This year, you were unlike any other. I applaud it all. xx

13th Floor Horror-fest

I cannot fathom that the date on my calendar is true. October 17?! My favorite month is slipping through my tight grasp as time continues to spin around my head causing me to fall to the ground. I feel as though I haven’t had any time to sit down and appreciate the gory and horrific nature of my favorite Halloween movies, which is why I have made no plans for my weekend so I can spend my day watching terrifying movies with every blind shut and all of my candles lit while trying on horror makeup and nail designs.

Last night I spent my evening at the 13th Floor with all of the delightful monsters. The group photo is epic. Every character was truly committed to their character and even when I attempted to have conversations I was either met with stares or a comment that made no sense.

Oh well, we’re all monsters here, xx.