Additional New Year's Resolution: Learn Italiano

So I started my new job earlier this week (February 9th) and it dawned on me that if I want to take my new position seriously and to really have a strong career in luxury, then I want to learn Italian. My first instinct was Rosetta Stone. So for $549 I will get Lessons 1-5 (on-line special for Valentine's Special - I'm sure specials come up frequently, otherwise find it on Amazon for the same price).

At first I was really skeptical about how someone could successfully learn a language via computer program. It was the demo that turned it all around.The program appears to be very interactive and the one part that I think the program needs to push more on is speech recognition program that coaches on pronunciation and the live on-line lessons.

Can't wait to get my Rosetta Stone in the mail!!!

Starting the Year off Right

Every year I try to find a more unique New Year's resolution rather than just to lose weight. One year, I cut soda out of my diet completely and now I seldom drink soda (maybe once or twice a year).

My Resolutions for 2011:

1. Learn a creative trade - possibly knitting.
2. Find a new job.
3. Contribute more to my savings.

Sounds generic enough, but these are easier to achieve than to just lose some weight (though I should work on that too). I joined The Sports Club/LA a year and a half ago on the Upper East Side and I was really good about going, but most days I find it really hard to get myself all the way there. My gym isn't conveniently located by my apartment or even on the way home, so usually it is a struggle to get myself there.

I've always wanted to learn how to knit and I think making it a New Year's Resolution will get me there. I'll look into classes in the Spring time when it's much nicer out and I'll be more willing to leave my apartment on the weekends.

As for the new job, it's about time for me to find a position back in the Buying world.

I would like to contribute more to my savings as well. This will be a battle. It's only the second day of the New Year and I couldn't resist the after Christmas sale at Bloomingdale's. I'm starting the year off right with some Chanel and Prada shoes.

The Chanel sandals were on sale from $575 to a nice $199.99. The Prada flats, not so lucky, I purchased them full price. The oversized bow made it the must-have for me. Also, I was grappling with myself on these Chloe boots.. the ones with the straps that wrap and criss-cross around and up the boot. So gorgeous. After trying them on, I realized that they're not as comfortable as I had hoped, so there I saved myself from spending another $800 on shoes. Whew~

Now for the next 363 days, I need to have more will-power.

The Homemade Holiday Cards - Season's Greetings!

As I started to receive requests for my address mid-November, it dawned on me that the Holidays were right around the corner. Usually, I would purchase my holiday cards, but this year I decided to make them a little more special. Inspiration - most of my friends have a pet or child now and they are the ones on the holiday cards. I really don't think anyone would want a picture of Marcos and I, so I ventured out on ideas and little did I know what would come to fruition....

My first stop - Paper Presentation in the Flatiron District. This is an amazing store for all sorts of paper, invitation and craft needs. I purchased two different size hand hold punchers along with glitter and paper.

First, I hand hole-punched a snowflake design.

With some calligraphy practice, I wrote "Season's Greetings" on each card.

Added dots of glitter and viola!

Each card took approximately 45 minutes to make.

 

One month and two dozen cards later, my project was complete.

This was definitely a fun yet time-consuming project, so I'm not sure when I'll do this again.

Life: The Perfect Holiday Card

Finding the perfect holiday gift is always a challenge. At least for me. Every year, I love to go above and beyond just to satisfy the person I'm sending a gift to. This year has been not exception and if anything it gets harder every year. It all starts with the card... finding the right card... and today I came across the perfect holiday greeting card and had to share.

Tibi came out with their own holiday cards with a bow and charm! There's only one version, but it is perfect. I wouldn't know what to do if there were two different sets. They do offer a stationary with charm for everyday, which I'm eyeing as well.

Tibi Holiday Sationary with Charm ($42 for set of 10)

I wish I had found this earlier. About a week prior to Thanksgiving, I decided that I would make my own holiday cards this year. It's been a huge production, but I'm very proud of my work so far. More to come....