OOTW: Monday

The weather has finally dropped here in Dallas and it's freezing cold (by my standards).  On one hand this is great because I can now wear my cardigans and sweaters, on the other hand I really hate to be cold.

I purchased these skinny jeans at a boutique in New Orleans called Bliss.  I cannot find them anywhere online, so I provided a similar pair from Gap in the link.

Cardigan: Banana Republic (similar) / Shirt: Banana Republic (similar) / Scarf: Happy Scarf / Jeans: Bliss (similar) / Wedges: Payless

Happy New Year's Eve.  My husband and I are going to a wedding tonight.  I'm really looking forward to it. The dress I'm wearing tonight is rented from Rent the Runway. So, look for a blog post soon about how that works and if it all turned out okay.

I hope you all have a fabulous evening.  Please be safe and thank you for reading my blog.

Also, I'm linking up today with Molly & Carly, because it's #YOLO Mondays.

Lola. Dog

My Dearest Blog Readers,

I hope you all enjoyed the holidays with your family and friends. I had a wonderful holiday vacation, even if I did get in trouble for eating an entire tootsie roll... And a pistachio shell. It's whatever. It was so nice and warm in Corpus Christi and so cold in Dallas when we returned. I can't believe Christmas has already come and gone. The New Year is just around the corner. It is tradition to compile a list of resolutions with each New Year. This year will be no different, and I've already begun my list. I give you, my resolutions:

1. Lose weight. Now I know this is such a stereotypical resolution. The truth is that I have put on a little extra cushion around my mid section. Ideally I would like to lose at least 8 ounces. I mean, I know it seems extreme, but if I stay motivated I am confident that I can achieve this goal.

2. This leads me to my next resolution, which is exercise more. Sure, I hate the outdoors and the dirt and the leaves, but in order to achieve my ideal weight, I need to maintain a healthy diet and do more walking. The big ones love taking me on walks. They love walking around surrounding neighborhoods or taking me to the park. I'm the unmotivated one. Not this year. I am a new me.

3. Make new/more friends. I have friends. They just all happen to be human. I do have one really good dog friend. Her name is Libby, but I haven't seen her in ages. Years, even. I'm not the easiest to get along with. I need to work on my social skills. Maybe I will join a club or take a class. Yes, that will surely help me.

4. Read one entire book. I'm the worst at starting new books and never finishing them. I get too caught up in the news. I also watch entirely too much TV. Books are a great outlet from stress. They also happen to lull me to sleep. I'm confident that I will achieve this goal. I just need to do some research to find the perfect book.

What are some of your goals and resolutions?

I wish you all a fabulous New Year and I will catch up with you next Friday. In 2013.

Until Next time,
Lola

It's so cold!

Lola.Dog

My Dearest Blog Readers,

First things first, I get to announce the winners of the Giveaway.  Congratulations to:

thefordhouse: I would like to try the Stunner stick!
hollybeckerley: I would like to try Stunner!  Thanks, ;)

The woman will be reaching out to both of you to set up delivery arrangements.  Thank you for participating in our Giveaway.

Here's a list of my random thoughts:

1. So, the end of the world is... today.  In preparation I packed up some water and some dog food.  I threw in a rawhide bone for good measure.  I bought a helmet for Sheldon... then I started thinking.  If the world ends, then that probably means I just die, yes?  (Sheldon, too).  I'm going to have to re-think my preparation strategy.

2. Next week is Christmas!! I'm so excited.  I really love this time of the year.  Mainly, because I don't get left behind when the big ones go on road trips. I get to see my Nana.  And I get to eat food that I'm never allowed to eat.  I also get to spend entire days with the big ones.  That rarely happens.  They work, they run errands, etc.  The only other time I get the entire day with them is when one of them is sick.  That truly is not fun at all.

Merry Christmas Blog Readers.  I hope you all get to spend it surrounded by family and/or loved ones.

Until next time,
Lola

Yes, I'm still wearing that tattered green ribbon.

DIY Gift Idea

Have you entered to win the Blastflipstick Giveaway??  Enter here!

I wanted to make a small little something for our couple friends this year.  So, of course I perused Pinterest until I found a neat little gift.

Source: Pinterest via Happiness is... via Creative Gift & Party Ideas via Delightful Distraction

The above photo is the actual photo from Pinterest. My jars did not turn out quite so cute.

You will need 2 lemon wedges, 1 lime slice and 2 orange slices per jar.

Then add 3 cinnamon sticks, 2-3 tbsp. whole cloves and 3 bay leaves.

No matter what I'm making, I always make a mess.

Put all the above ingredients into a pint size jar and add water. 

I did not include a small strip of fabric under my lids, but I did tie some twine around the lid.  I also created labels with instructions.  Per the original post, the instructions should say the following:

Pour contents into saucepan on stove top and simmer

on low heat, add water as needed.

Refrigerate to keep fresh.

I, of course, made a jar for myself to test out.  I didn't want to gift some disgusting smelling concoction.  So, just empty the contents of one jar into a saucepan, simmer and enjoy.  It smells delightful.