Guest Post : Liz

Hello! It's Liz from the fashion + style blog Sequins and Stripes and I am thrilled to be here today to ring in the new year! When Allyson asked me to participate in this fun little series, I was super excited to reflect on 2011 and focus on the year ahead.

2011 was a special year for me. I started a new blog, left my desk job to pursue my dream of personal styling, I spent a month traveling Europe with my sister, and I booked my first few clients! Starting my own business was a huge leap of faith, but it has been the most rewarding decision I have ever made. I think these words by Steve Jobs taught me a lot about the true definition of work.

In 2012, I hope to expand my personal styling business and get published. I'll check back with Mimosas in the Morning readers and let you know how this dream pans out!

A HUGE thank you to Allyson for hosting me today, and don't forget to stop by Sequins and Stripes to find daily inspiration for a styled life! Happy 2012!

Guest Post: Annemarie

In honor of the end of 2011, I'll be spending the next few days checking in with some of my favorite bloggers to see what their year brought them. I asked them each to share one thing they learned in 2011 as well as one thing they hope to accomplish in 2012.

Yesterday we heard from Mackenzie from Design Darling and today is Annemarie from Brunch at Saks (another of my daily reads).

Here's what she had to say:

One thing I learned in 2011: I learned that it's not selfish to make time for yourself. In the past, I've been so fearful that spending time on myself would lead to other's thinking I was self-involved, or worse, that my family would think I'm letting them down in some way, but I realized that doing something small, even if it's painting my nails or reading a chapter in a book, has been a healthy and welcomed pastime in my life.

One thing I hope to accomplish in 2012: I hope to be a better sister, daughter, girlfriend, and friend to those in my life. The stress of work and every day life can become such a hinderance, and I hope to manage my time and efforts more efficiently so I can spend time with those I love the most.

A big thank you to Annemarie and make sure to check out her blog for all sorts of fabulous. 

Humpday Motivation

I hadn't forgotten about the weekly motivation. I've been working on quite a few things. One of them being updating old blogs with new pictures. This means lots of cooking and lots of happy full bellied friends. Check the recently updated ones out here, here, here, and here. 

Guest Post: Mackenzie

Today I'm starting off a fun little series in the spirit of the steadily approaching end of 2011. This year was full of change for me: it brought on fantastic and terrifying things all at the same time. I'll be spending the next few days checking in with some of my favorite bloggers to see what their year brought them. I asked them each to share one thing they learned in 2011 as well as one thing they hope to accomplish in 2012. Hope you enjoy!

First off is the wonderful Mackenzie from Design Darling. In my earliest blogging days, I wrote about my love for her blog and I can honestly tell you that since then, it has not wavered in the slightest. 

Here's what Mackenzie had to say:

One thing I learned in 2011:
This year I learned the importance of following my heart and going with my gut. So far it's led me to interning in San Francisco, doing PR in New York, and now starting my own company in Connecticut! Hopefully third time's a charm ;)

One thing I hope to accomplish in 2012:
I'm hoping to make some serious progress on my 101 in 1001 list! I crossed off 21 tasks in 2011 and I have a lot to do before my 1,001 day mark in 2013 — launching my company, moving into my first apartment, and throwing my first dinner party, to name just a few!

A big thanks to Mackenzie!

Back To Work!

Christmas is over and it's back to work. But of course only fun work because today is yet another holiday. How wonderful is that? In true spirit, I'm trying to make Christmas last a wee bit longer. We had a big family breakfast this morning consisting of this and this. Followed by lounging, a nice walk with the dog, and (I'm crossing my fingers) hopefully watching Elf. 

How are you savouring the last few moments of Christmas?

Merry Christmas

Christmas is finally here! All the gifts are purchased and wrapped (see above) so now the fun begins.

Since I don't have a really fabulous Christmas card to show you (like all the other bloggers), I figured I would share what I'll be wearing on Christmas. I can't wait to hear what my parents have to say about the red skinny jeans.

[top, bottom, bow, watch, boots]

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. Travel safely and enjoy the time with your family! Thank you so much for continuing to click over and read Mimosas in the Morning.

When Good Blogs Go Bad

Sometimes you start a project off with the best intentions but things just don't go as planned. This was one of those times. It started when I saw a post on Cupcakes and Cashmere about these:

I felt incredibly optimistic so I did some research:

[and had a major girly squeal with the reply since I'm a huge fan]

And I set out on my journey. On a trip to Whole Foods, I saw this mix and it was a done project. I thought to myself "A mix?! That is way easier!"

Then I set out baking. I determined the shapes were a little grandiose and settled for regular cookies. (I hope you can see the decline of this project. First the inclusion of the mix and then deciding not to do shapes... I was dooming myself)

Beautiful right? Well, they tasted HORRIBLE. I even tried coating them in home made icing and it just failed to alter the overall effect of cardboard cookies. 

They were instantly thrown away. But the yearning for Gingerbread in some sort of shape did not subside.

And here I am. One gingerbread latte and a Great American Cookie later, I somewhat satisfied my craving.

Death by decapitation. Thanks for saving me GAC.

Maybe by next Christmas I'll be more like Emily.

4 Days

There are FOUR days until Christmas! Are you ready? I will admit that I have not done much in regards to shopping (other than making an extensive list). I'm not even sure what I plan on wearing. Needless to say it will be a busy week.

Humpday Motivation

Wish List.

I'm over at Jillian's wonderful blog, Cornflake Dreams, this morning sharing my Christmas wish list. Stop by and check it out!

What is on your Christmas wish list?

Peanut Butter Blossoms

As far as holidays are concerned, I really enjoy embracing them whole heartedly. For Christmas, first it's the decorations and then the presents. Sometime in between all the craziness needs to be cookie baking and gingerbread houses. This recipe is a classic staple at any Christmas party so I thought I would try my hand at recreating. The cookie itself has a great, melt in your mouth texture. I used this recipe with butter in place of shortening and extra Vanilla. These are, without a doubt, one of my new favorites. They will be promptly packed up and sent to a friend so I don't eat the entire batch.

Lady in Black

Right now, all I want to wear is black. Call me crazy, but I'm totally obsessed. It can make almost any look instantly fabulous and sophisticated. And when paired with sequins or an amazing heel? It is unstoppable. 

It's even amazing in decor. [see office above where it adds sophistication in spite of the questionable wall art and vintage desk]

What colors do you find yourself gravitating toward?

Britney Spears Gets Engaged

[www.perezhilton.com]

One of my all time favorite celebrities, Miss Brintey Spears, is engaged! It was rumoured that her boyfriend, Jason Trawick, was going to propose at her 30th birthday party on Friday, but he popped the question a day early. Britney confirmed the engagement on Twitter and Facebook which ignited a media frenzy.

And what does the ring look like? Here is the first image of her 3 carat round stone.

Congrats Miss Spears! It is so nice to see your life moving upward!

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

I made this wonderful recipe over Thanksgiving and recently realized I had never shared. Yes, it is almost Christmas now- but better late than never. The recipe is relatively easy, unless you are unfamiliar with sifting flour. And yes, it is more than necessary so don't try and skip it. I brought the cake over to my boyfriend's family Thanksgiving and let me tell you, it was a crowd pleaser. Not only did it fill the house with the most intoxicating smell, but it was the quickest to fly off the table.

Reading List

[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

As I've said before, one of my favorite things to do is read. However, that pesky thing known as "college" gets in the way of it. Now that I'm free for break, I plan on taking full advantage of the time to indulge in great books. Here are a few that I have piled beside by bed.

Any suggestions?

Accessories

Many would say that a pair of shoes can change your life. And while I don't necessarily agree, I also haven't spent much time in an uncomfortable pair (I hear it's quite the deal breaker). But I do love a beautiful pair of shoes or a handbag. These photos demonstrate how easily they can transform from fashionable accessories to unique pieces of decor. 

[Matchbook Magazine]

I'm also madly biased because I have a handbag addiction.  Need therapy.

Cheesy Chicken Soup

One of my favorite things to do in the kitchen is take something simple and give it what is lovingly referred to on Project Runway as the  "wow factor".  Not only does it make me feel creative, but it also shows other women who don't like to cook that it is relatively simple to make something delicious. I started with Cookwell & Company Hatch Verde Tortilla Soup. It is one of my favorite brands for bottled products because it is all natural and low in calorie count (120 for one cup). I added in seasoned shredded chicken breast, a small Velveeta, 1 cup of chicken stock, and fat free half and half. After a bit of simmering and stirring, the added ingredients completely changed the soup to a creamy sophisticated dish.