One of the many things I look forward to every New Year is the opportunity to reflect, to edit, and to watch the Hollywood attend fancy award shows draped in black tie fashion. Hey, all work and no play makes for a dull life. Yet, technically I am both working and playing when reflecting on celebrity fashion. A win win.

Check out this 2019, fashion friends. Isn’t she gorgeous already? I know it hasn’t even been a haute couture minute just yet – we’re on day two - but I can’t shake the feeling of something on the horizon and the ripe opportunity to renew.

The holidays are just days away. For many they are already merrily underway. If you’re stressing about the last bits of preparation, don’t fret; I’ve got you. I’ve prepared a must-do list of everything that will keep you on track – and become everyone’s favourite - this holiday season.

Holiday preparations have consumed most of the people in my life. I realize not everyone starts as early as I do so I must be kind. There are presents, parties, wrapping, dinners, drinks, and festivities galore. Ho ho ho holy moly it is sensory overload.

You know what season it is? Of course you do: it’s engagement season. Every year when the holidays come ho-ho-ho-ing, it’s time for third ring fingers to get glow-glow-glowing. Forget jingle bells, it’s bling ring dinging.

Some girls dream of wedding days. Other gals dream about a home full of children. Others yet dream of their name on a wall at a fancy office. Some dream of all three or none of that. Right to choose, right? Getting back to it, since I came to know about Paris, this prairie girl dreamed of going there.

When you’re asked to be a bridesmaid, in November, in Ireland, the first outfit that comes to mind is not a strappy, flowy cocktail dress, right? Honestly, a duvet blanket surrounded in lamb’s wool sounded more like it. I wasn’t sure I wanted to start the new duvet dress trend so I had to think of better options.

Fashion can be such an expressive thing. I should clarify: I think it is an expressive thing even if you aren’t really trying, that in itself, says something. When I packed my bags for my trip to Ireland, I focused mostly on layering, warm pieces. I knew my usual flair would be somewhat limited to luggage space. I hoped I would find inspiration from locals.

As we approach the eleventh day of the eleventh month I can’t help but to reflect. Seeing the veterans canvassing about town and the poppies gently pinned on lapels of coats ensures that it is a sobering time. It’s time to remember the fighters and the fallen.

After the festivities tonight and the inevitable horrendous, yet sensational sugar come down, you may be thinking about weekend plans. Why not include a stop by the pop-up shop I have been whipping up for y’all?

It’s a bundle of excitement around here as I’m deep into preparation for my first, at home pop-up shop. It’s been a tizzy getting everything ready and as per usual I’m sweating a bit crossing off the seemingly insurmountable list of to-do’s while also taking sweet, delectable joy in the work along the way.

As a self-proclaimed continuous improvement junkie, I’m always testing myself. I like to try new things and see how I react and what emotions or stuff bubbles up. In the summer I read what seemed like thousandth article on “unplugging” and it finally grabbed me: perhaps I could check myself off of social for a bit?