Making A Move

So...I'm moving. When I joined the blogging world back in June I did so with relative blindness. I knew next to nothing about blogging [still true today] or what I wanted out my piece of the world wide web [no longer true]. I've made the switch over to Wordpress reluctantly - the opportunities for customizing Once is Enough to be exactly what I want it to be are endless here, but also much more intimidating. Right now, we have a new address for a new year but that's about it. Same me, same material, new address, new look. If you're coming at me new, thanks for stopping by.  If you're an old friend, thanks for following along for the next piece of this journey. Now, you can follow me, receive email alerts of new blog posts, and check out some of the amazing blogs that inspired me to do what I'm doing, all on my fancy new sidebar. Expect new features over the next few weeks [as I learn how to work them, or that they exist in the first place].

2013, I have big things planned for you

Click here [or the link at the top of this blog post] to transfer to my new site. Bookmark, favorite, and email alert over there. This site won't stay active for too much longer.

NYE manicure

The first tutorial I ever created on my blog was a half moon manicure [found here]. A few weeks ago I saw Emily sporting a sparkly rendition of this personal favorite of mine and I've been working ever since to recreate the look at home. I tried to same process as the original half moon, with disastrous results. I came up with a new method earlier this week and I finally feel happy with the result - just in time for new years.

You'll need: a base color [I used Essie's ballet slippers], top coat, glitter, tape, scissors, and a coin [a dime was the right size for my fingers].

let your base color dry overnight

trace and cut out a half circle using the dime. trash the half circle 

you'll use the piece that the half circle was cut out of

line up the tape on your nail so the cut-out half circle is lining the area you want to glitter.

paint the area with top coat and pour the glitter on top. the top coat 

will serve as the glue that holds the glitter to your nail.

Once fully dry [at least 20 minutes] apply a top coat over your entire nail. Enjoy!

Wardrobe Bucket List

Everyone has one, I'm sure. Actually, I'm jealous of the people who don't have one because, probably, this means they don't need one. Before I knew there was a name for it, before there was a movie [which, admittedly,  I've never seen] I had one, or rather I had multiples. I have what I call my ultimate bucket list - skydive, visit every continent, learn to speak italian fluently - and I also have smaller bucket lists; equally as important to me but significantly less important in terms of world view and cultural experience. My wardrobe bucket list is probably the smallest of the bunch. Classic items that I would never purchase for myself, that will never go out of style, and that will, in all probability, be passed down to my children [and grandchildren?] one day. A week ago, my wardrobe bucket list had three items on it - the classic tan burberry trench coat, nude Christian Louboutin stilletto's, and a short mink fur [I know, but I can't help it]. Today, or rather as of two days ago, I am crossing one of these items off my list.

I'm not sure how you're going to top this for any and all future Christmases, dear fiancé. But I'll gladly watch you try. 

Sans Santa

This Christmas, in particular, felt a little bittersweet. My older siblings and I recognize this is probably the last one we will have with a Santa Clause - our much younger sister is ten and while she still believes, you can see the doubt creeping in. The obvious logistical concerns have been brewing for a few months, and she had a major safety meltdown the night before Christmas eve [if he can get in so easily, what's stopping any body else?!] I have no doubt the rest will come during 2013 and next Christmas will be the first Christmas in my twenty-six years on this Earth without a Santa. I'm a little grumpy about this, and not looking forward to giving up an aspect of the day that my peer group has, in all reality, given up more than a decade ago.

It's gotten me thinking lately about Santa Claus, and whether or not I'd like my future kids to believe in him.  For me, the season is about pausing for thanks, for giving rather than asking to receive, for appreciation of the beauty around us - whether it be physical beauty, emotional beauty, religious beauty, or any other type of beauty. Does Santa take away from my reasons for the season? Or, better question, is it possible to have him without losing those reasons?  There are some very interesting articles out there, written by parents who told their children about a very different Santa than I knew,  growing up. My favorite: Santa is a fictitious person, representing a real piece of each of us. Santa lives inside of each of us and believing in him shouldn't be something that ever goes away.

Who knows if I can actually go through it, this modern idea of a Santa. I certainly don't need to make a decision anytime soon. Did any of you grow up without a Santa? Or know of someone who is currently raising children this way? I'd love to hear!

picture source: flickr via lisa

Christmas time.

Wishing you a very merry Christmas.

and a prayer for peace on earth within our time

photo courtesy of Sandals Resort

Beauty

It's almost as if, regardless of what preparations you do to avoid it, the week leading up to Christmas is a nonstop jumble of last minute gift buying, ribbon curling, cooking baking, and running to the store for more tape [how is it that I am always running to the store for tape?!] And by almost I mean its exactly like that - every year.

For the past couple years, my parents have become very involved with a charity, Embrace Kids. Each year they "adopt" and provide Christmas for a family with a child with a lifelong illness. I attended the gift exchange for the first time earlier this week and it really was a remarkable night. Battling leukemia, this fourteen year old boy and his family had such a positive outlook that is still moving me. It's a flaw in my makeup [and probably a flaw in the makeup of most of humankind] that I need a situation as saddening and dire as a child with leukemia to remind me of what's important. Running out of glue in my glue pen that can only be purchased online and would not ship in time for the holidays is not the end of the world [although you wouldn't have known that based on the fit I threw a few days ago. Doesn't anyone know of a good craft store in Monmouth/Ocean County, NJ? And no, Micheal's and A.C. Moore don't count] But we're not going to focus on that. Today, I'm making it my goal to focus only on the beauty of the season.

Here goes...

Connecticut

I'm not sure how to write about the tragedy in Connecticut. There's so much to say, and yet nothing at all. Even here in Jersey, we went into lockdown on Friday. At the time, us teachers didn't even know what happened. We'd been at school all day, we hadn't seen the news yet. When I first heard there was a shooting in a school somewhere in Connecticut I was, of course, shocked and saddened and horrified. I was also planning what Mondays lessons would look like. Character education is something that is focused on pretty heavily in my classroom, especially now as we work on a unit project focusing on bullying in our school. However horrified I was by the events in Connecticut, I was also very excited about the types of conversations it would spark with my middle schoolers and the lessons that could be taught as a result.

So when I learned that this particular school shooting was nothing at all like your textbook school shooting [isn't it horrifying that we have a textbook school shooting?] - that bullying wasn't the cause, that the shooter wasn't a member of the school, and that it was an elementary school, no less - the entire scene took on a different kind of terrible.

We will discuss gun control. We will argue about mental illness. We will lock our classroom doors, and password protect our schools. We will hug our children tighter, and thank any and all higher powers for each day we have with the ones we love.

But we live in a world where a five year old, sitting down for story time in a kindergarten classroom, can come face to face with a gun. Is this really a world we are interested in living in?

For the Good of Mankind

Have you ever gotten completely consumed by a television series? I've been watching Dexter on Showtime for the past three years and about a month ago realized that seasons 1-5, which I missed, were on demand but...only until December 18. I have spent so much time in Dexter's world lately that I forget my own reality. That red truck? I'm pretty sure it was behind me yesterday. Am I being followed? Wallet, phone, chapstick...where's my M99? Oh. Right. I don't have any.

Considering this weekend is the season seven finale, and that I have officially watched five of the seven seasons in under thirty days, I think it goes without saying that a book review this week just isn't going to happen. I have three books a-patiently waiting for me but you know what? Killers are loose out there and someone's just got to do something about it. And I have to watch them do it.

It's for the good of mankind.

Twelves

Today at exactly 12:10, as the bell rang to start the lunch period, approximately eight twelve-year-old students came running into my room begging could they please PLEASE use their cell phones to snap a picture of the clock at exactly 12:12:12 on 12/12/12 because, after all, they are twelve years old and did I know that one of them was born at twelve noon? And another's soccer number is twelve? And a third's favorite number is actually three which, wouldn't you know, is the sum of the digits of twelve?

And because I was so shocked by the speed at which they added 1 + 2, never mind that they used the math words sum and digits correctly in a sentence, I nodded my head yes. Then we organized a countdown starting at exactly 12:10:30 and proceeded all the way to 12:12:12, when we all snapped pictures and jumped up and down and turned a cartwheel and threw confetti (read: small pieces of paper highlighted in all the different colors we could find during our 90 second aforementioned countdown). Then we missed recess as the teacher that was, for ninety seconds at least, the absolute coolest became the like, worst ever because is it the custodians job to pick up the confetti that we threw in admiration and celebration of just so many twelves? No. I think not.

Happy triple twelve day, folks. I'd bet most of us adults out there didn't stop our lives and take the time to marvel at all those twelves. So thank you, twelve year old's, for forcing me to do exactly that. I might be your teacher but I have a thing or two to learn from you guys, too.

Back Again

You'll have to forgive me, dear readers of mine, for my horrific manners of late. You're looking at the new peer mediation advisor at my school which I'm thrilled about (but involves a TON of work) plus since Fiancé's job moved him back down to monmouth county (hooray!) he's been without a computer in his new office, and borrowing mine. But I've missed you all, and hope you've missed me as well. I've made the background of my phone the picture below earlier today and I can't tell you how much it's helped my mood this dreary Monday. Here's to sunnier (and snow-free) days ahead!

A Christmas Revelation

For all my complaints about winter, there is no season of the year that makes me happier than the holiday season. The lights, the songs, the giving, [the receiving]...it's such a magical time, and it always feels full of such potential. I love turning the car on and catching the beginning of a Christmas song. I haven't heard any of my favorites yet this year but I did hear "A Holly, Jolly Christmas" for the first time this season. This particular edition of the song has been around since the 60's - so I've been hearing it my entire life. And today, the third day of December in the year of our Lord two thousand and twelve, just realized that the lyrics go "somebody waits for you, kiss her once for me". I remember as a child wondering exactly what a "griswald" is, and why one is waiting for the singer of this song. I filed it under "adult jokes that I don't understand" back in the early 90's and never looked back. It was on my way home from yoga this evening, listening to the song in the car, that it clicked - Griswald's aren't a thing! Or even a joke from before my time! "...Griswald's wait for me" is not even the lyric to the song!

Has anyone else ever misheard a lyric - for years? I can't be the only one...

Blog, Inc

This week two books have been fighting for my attention. I'm in the middle of reading this, and so far, so good; I'd recommend it if you're looking for a good book but I find myself putting it aside to read Blog, Inc by Joy Deangdeelert Cho. It really is a great resource for anyone starting a blog, or hoping to take their blog to the next level - either creatively or financially. You might have noticed our makeover last week, what with our fancy new header picture and all. You [well, I] can thank Blog, Inc for that. More updates and fancy-pants upgrades to come, this book is like the best friend who knows everything there is to know about blogging and can sit down and discuss it with you whenever you wish. If only I had a friend like that...

Happy Weekend!

Road Rage

Yesterday, as I was walking through the parking lot at Target [because, really, where else would I be?], I was forced to screech to a halt [truly, my shoes actually screeched] as the car I was almost walking behind began backing up. The woman walking towards me, who was also forced to stop so the other end of the same car didn't hit her, said to me "And it begins. Holiday lights go up, and the crazies come out to play." I had never thought about it before but she's right. Why is it that during the holiday season people suddenly forget how to drive? Or maybe it's just that we all are in such a rush we notice the poor drivers more?

When I saw this video today I thought it couldn't be more perfect. How many times do you just wish you could have had the opportunity [or the chutzpah] to do this?

The Blues

I would say normal people probably utilize the Bluetooth function in their car when making a phone call...and probably at no other time. It's difficult to find other uses for a feature who only boasts one quality: hands-free phone calls. However, and maybe this is just me, the post-thanksgiving deals this year were significantly better around these parts than in years prior causing an inappropriate amount of shopping to be done on my end. One's Bluetooth can also come in handy when you're searching your entire car, and its numerous bags, for your cell phone for, oh, five hours [probably 3 minutes, but it felt like 5 hours] only to realize you're on it. In my anger at not being able to find my phone, I accidentally touched [slammed] my hand to the Bluetooth button on my steering wheel and heard Siri's beautiful voice informing me, Phone in use. End call before beginning new call. So thank you, Siri, for reminding me of the basic rule for phone use. And thank you, Bluetooth, for telling me what I so desperately needed to know: my phone is not lost. It's attached to your ear.

You might think the aforementioned shopping escapades of this weekend would deter me from Cyber Monday. You might be wrong. Here's the deals I'm loving today, with a few gift idea's at each place.

Ann Taylor Loft: 50% off everything with code todayonly. They have the comfiest pj's and cutest slippers. Perfect for an overworked coworker or friend. Attach a little note [relax this holiday season! with love, ....] to these two things, and maybe stick in a holiday movie favorite to encourage the ultimate relaxation weekend.

J.Crew: 25% off everything and free shipping (no minimum) with code monday. I've discussed my infatuation with the Minnie pant here. For the stylish friend or family member who has it all, introduce them to this pant and you might just change their life. They also have the most adorable passport holders, and stationary for those pesky workplace secret Santa's. [as a sidenote for those of us less obsessed with labels, jcrew factory is having 50% off today only with code yourgift. Just don't buy the Minnie there, not the same and not worth it]

Piperlime: 20% off everything with code cyber. Piperlime is the place for boots, in my opinion. The best part is the company that owns Gap and Banana Republic [30% off with code cyber] also owns Piperlime and Gap/Banana gift cards are honored there. Run, don't walk. And definitely hit up the boots section.

Club Monaco: 30% cashmere with code monday. This is the store that I would buy exclusively from if I was a billionaire. I say billionaire because I'm fairly certain millionaires still can't afford to buy exclusively from here. What I am certain of is that every single thing you purchase from this store you will fall in love with, and is comfortable enough to sleep in. Buy these, and don't look back.

Thankful

Thanksgiving meant just a little more this year. I spent the day surrounded by family and friends - a number of whom flew in from all over the east coast and saw their own homes, and the devastation, for the first time. It was a bittersweet day- wonderful to see everyone, especially those not normally in Jersey for the holiday, only slightly dampened by the reason they were all in town. From the words of  my uncle during our 'round the table sharing of all we're thankful for this year:

Tough times don't last. Tough people do. 

Hope you and yours had a blessed day. We certainly have much to be thankful for this year. 

Men in Fall

Maybe its because I now officially have a turkey in my house but I'm finally getting into the fall groove. If only the snow can stay away for awhile [like, maybe, forever?]. I spent many a days during the hurricane switching my closets around and after years of careful and strategic shopping I finally feel like I have my ideal fall/winter wardrobe. I've now moved on to my fiance's closet. This fall, I'm loving all patterns and textures for guys.Velvet, gingham, rubber, plaid....yes please!

 

 

 

Images courtesy of here, here, here, here, here

WBR: The Orchard

Finally, a book review. I have to apologize, dear readers, for the last - what? Three weeks? I know I can blame at least two of them on a lady named Sandy. You may have heard of her, she's not too popular in these parts lately.

I'm so happy to be writing a book review, and what a good one I just finished. The Orchard by Theresa Weir is a fabulous memoir about life on an apple farm. Lately, I've been getting more and more into the organic lifestyle (not enough to stop eating fudge brownies, mind you) and the perspective from an ex-orchard owner is very interesting. Theresa Weir wrote the book as a love story in the first person. That, too, was an interesting take on a memoir and it was not until I read the About the Author (which I never do - not until the book is over) that I realized it was a memoir. Fun fact: Theresa types her name only once in the novel - can you find it? (I can't...so please share if you do!).

As an added bonus, The Orchard put me in the fall groove, a season that seemed to skip us East Coaster's this year. No fall = extra winter is about the worst equation I can think of so I was happy to at least internally feel the introduction to flannel shirts, apple pies, and the harvest moon.

Happy Reading!

Hot, Hot, Hot

A few days ago I decided I couldn't handle the cold around here any longer. Outside of moving to Miami, I wasn't left with many options after making this decision. Luckily, I found a Groupon for hot yoga and jumped at the chance. I'm attending my first class tonight and while I can't wait to be warm for the first time in days (my work is still blasting cold air) I tell ya what, I'm a little scared. I heard a few horror stories about people passing out or getting dehydrated during class.

But I'm going to focus more on the being warm part. Here's to hoping for the best.

Color Change

I must have painted my nails half a dozen times in the last week. At least. In theory I had some pretty nifty ideas but, unfortunately, none of them panned out. Your imagination will do amazing things once television and Internet aren't options.

I learned this dandy little trick for removing nail polish awhile back, probably on Pinterest, and it certainly came in handy this week. You use a capful of nail polish remover, and less than one cotton ball each time. For someone who paints their nails as often as I do, that's a very efficient use of materials.

A few helpful tips I learned along the way:
1) Dip only a very small corner of your cotton piece into the polish remover. If you dunk the entire thing in it drips down your arm, and makes a huge mess
2) Leave the pieces on your nails for at least two minutes - longer for very dark colors.
3) When removing the pieces, push down and away from your hand. The science behind this is lost on me (I looked it up) but if you push in any other direction your nails get very brittle and scaly.

Pumpkin Crafts

Today I made the decision to celebrate Halloween. This was not a thought-out decision, but rather one of circumstance. I had sequins, acrylic paint, and glue but absolutely nothing to paint and bedazzle. There was a tree blocking my car (thank goodness it wasn't on my car) so running to the store wasn't an option. This was a use what your momma gave ya moment - and my momma gave me pumpkins (a week ago...but they sat naked until today).

I sequined, studded and painted my little heart out in those pumpkins. While I'd still prefer to never have met Sandy, or Athena, one good thing that came out of this whole mess is a fantastic decorating idea for the future. Once my car isn't blocked anymore I plan on scouring the discount racks of my local craft store for plastic pumpkins. Next year, I plan on recreating these looks on something more permanent than a piece of fruit.

Fireside

48 hours of power and we're out again. I scavenged around in the basement for an assortment of sequins and acrylic paint. Tomorrow is officially declared craft-by-the-fire day.

Oh and Mother Nature, we get it. And whatever we did, we're sorry. Please - back off.

My City of Ruins

This last week has been a hard one. The outpouring of support from the people in our own communities as well as those from all over the country has been breath-taking. I am typing this from my own laptop with my own internet connection and damn, does it feel good. Now there's tears on the pillow darling, where we slept. My family and I found our boat in the living room of the house four doors down in Beach Haven West, we received power back last night, and were able to get down to our house in BHW on Thursday to assess damages. You took my heart when you left. And although our house needs to be gutted completely, we are one of the lucky ones. Our primary residence made it through with only one week of no power. We had running water the entire time and, most importantly, we are all safe.

Here's some pictures of life around here lately. No matter how many times I look at them, I still can't believe this is my hometown. Without your sweet kiss, my soul is lost my friend. That it's not just a bad dream. This can't be what happened to my jersey shore. Now tell me, how do I begin again?

                          

 

                          

 

                         

 

                         

 

My city's in ruins...

Sandy

A heartfelt thank you to all of our rescue workers who have been working around the clock as the jersey shore evaluates, cleans up, and regroups. Life here as we know it has changed forever. Our houses are destroyed and our favorite stores and hangouts have been washed away to sea. If we're lucky, our families and friends are safe. It will be years before we fully recover but we will recover.

With the help of organizations like these we'll rebuild our lives, and our homes. Please donate, if you can, and help the jersey shore get back on its feet.

Thankful

[author's note: this post was originally meant to go out last Thursday. In my allergy related, drug-induced state,

 I never pressed publish. Good thing, too, because now, even without power, I have a post for you all.

Sandy, be good to us. ]

Sometimes all it takes is the world's slowest moving week coupled with a massive allergy attack to make one really appreciate the little things in life [ever notice how the people who say fall is beautiful happen to be the same people who don't have allergies? I get it - summer's over. Bring on the frost and kill the pollen. PLEASE.] Not much can keep me going through the fall allergy season - but here's a peak at what is currently working.

[gorgeous sunsets off the boat]

[ice cream with sprinkles + a side of sprinkles]

 

[Orange lipstick + a fun Halloween manicure]

[leather pockets]

[Friday night wine club]