The 12,000 Calories of Christmas

12 shops a shopping

11 thousand cookie calories

10th holiday luncheon

9 o'clock late dining

8 ( ate ) too much at lunch

7 champagne glasses

6 smooches for Daddy

5 KATE SPADE BANGLES 

4 guests arriving

 3 bottles of scotch

2 Air Ipad presents

And one grateful, blessed family wishing you a 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

December 20, 2013

OMG, another day another festive dining with friends.

If you care what my hostess wine gift wore :)

December 19, 2013

Tomorrow is my friend's 50th birthday so I took her to my favorite restaurant literally right on the sand in Laguna Beach. 

This is the perfect California Christmas tree in front of the restaurant.

And while we were inside celebrating a torrential rain storm raged outside.

Which made the 15 minute hike back to the parking lot a muddy adventure.

But, so worth it!

December 18, 2013

Another day, another luncheon!

Daytime parties are challenging to dress appropriately…

I bought this very subtle gold metallic top just for today.

And today was the Dana Point City holiday luncheon and I won the centerpiece at my table.

Yay for me.

A few of my fellow commissioners being our serious selves.

Accessory Close-up

New crazy fabric shoes with the perfect gold subtle gold metallic to match my top :)
Brought out the big bling; diamonds and Rolex

December 17, 2013

Final class of Fall 2013. 

Literally give the final and it's over…

thought I would rock a traditional red and green holiday look but, stumbled upon these gauchos (?) and decided to be different.

Also, attended the Division holiday luncheon and I like to think I'm fashionable amongst my colleagues.

Accessory Close-up

Favorite classic brown leather boots from Aldo
Holly brooch that is really old
Sparkly bracelet, posts and ring

December 15, 2013

 Really meant to go to Fashion Island shopping mall in Newport Beach today but,

 got seriously sidetracked by a bunch of rabbits at Newport Beach City Hall.

Newport Beach has just built a giant, brand new, visually interesting City Hall.

The landscaping around the City Hall building is really whimsical.

Lots of round plants and funky trees.

I truly felt like I was walking through a Dr. Seuss book!

But, I came to find the rabbits.

A lovely stroll along part of the 1.23 miles of trails over hills and dales and fun bridges and I found the warren of rabbits that can be glimpsed while driving by.

And although each rabbit cost $13,800 ( !! ) they are not meant to be precious or sculptures.

The rabbits are for kids to climb and interact with instead of a playground.

As public art I think the rabbits have a nice impact;

as a playground I think kids would prefer swings and a slide :)

Just saying.

December 13, 2013

I have become quite civilized in my old age and am enjoying going to a proper tea.

2950 Grace Lane, Costa Mesa 714 540-9500

Today's high tea was at Queens Bakery nestled amongst industrial buildings in Costa Mesa.

The inside was a blaze of wonderful colors.

This place is as girly as it gets.

I felt like I was inside a jewelry box.

And although I throughly enjoyed an afternoon with my friend…

we both agreed the high tea experience here was a little disappointing.

So many wonderful treats in the cases, on the shelves, and on the menu but, what was served with the high tea was not very memorable.

December 12, 2013

Before teaching my afternoon class I squeezed in a quick outing with my good friend.

Destination: Deja New in Costa Mesa, the resale store for the amazing nonprofit 

Women Helping Women.

This organization focuses solely on providing comprehensive employment support services to women unemployed or under-employed

Deja New at 711 W. 17th St, Ste A10, Costa Mesa, CA 949 631-2333

The store is pretty small and the hours are erratic 11:30 to 4pm but, definitely call to confirm if store is open. I think it probably depends if volunteers show up to work.

While we were trying on other fabulous clothes by Valentino, Badgley Mischka, Neiman Marcus and Faconnable ( to name a few ) this GORGEOUS St John ensemble was put on the mannequin. 

My friend spotted it immediately and it fit her like a glove !!!!

To say the prices are reasonable is a ridiculous understatement. 

A picture is worth a thousand words and here is the photo of the price of the two piece St John ensemble.

We went to lunch and toasted our great finds at Deja New.

What I had to buy because it was such a great deal

Beautiful silver metallic top by White House/Black Market $6
Brand new green faux snakeskin loafers by Talbots $20
My amazing, remarkable, gorgeous, no sign of wear, slate gray velvet jacket…

by STELLA McCARTNEY for $25 !!!! And it fits me perfectly.

I'll be back.

December 10, 2013

This is my subtle nod to the holidays; green corduroy jeans and a red scarf.

Accessory Close-up

Cotton scarf by Cecil Beaton for Uniglo purchased in London
Rainbow steel bracelets from Bowers Museum, Santa Ana
Black and white faux leather loafers from Zara
Little red bow earrings from cheap-o mall store
Smiley face Santa found in my jewelrybox

December 7, 2013

On a wonderful chilly holiday-feeling Saturday I chose to go to the Laguna Beach High School Holiday Boutique over numerous other boutiques because Laguna Beach is known as an artist enclave.

I thought the caliber of items for sale would be high.

The boutique did not disappoint; there was an interesting eclectic mix of vendors and goods.

Heck, even Santa came by to do some gift shopping. 

Hope he knows I should be on his ' nice ' list.

A most enjoyable afternoon even if people kept referring to me as " the purple lady ".

The day ended with our annual dinner and drinks and drinks and drinks with friends.

Wake up and do it again…

Only this time it was a formal cocktail fundraiser.

I did more this weekend than I normally do in a month!