Day 1512

Yes, I know, I totally blew it on this recent project. But I promise, I have a really good excuse. Since Christmas Eve, I have had the full on stomach virus. And let me just say, for the record, Christmas Eve was probably one of the worst days I've ever had...and that's saying a lot, because I've had a lot of not-so-great days. To sum it up, I had Day 1 of the full-on stomach virus, but still arrived at the airport at 3:30 PM to be followed by an 8-hour flight delay that finally got me to Memphis at 1 AM on Christmas morning, then my fabulous sister and brother-in-law picked me up from Memphis and drove me home to Little Rock, final arrival time after 3 AM on Christmas Day. Let me just tell you for the record, the airport is probably one of the top 10 places you don't want to be stuck at while with a stomach virus. Ugh, it was awful. Anyway, I'm slowly but surely feeling better...still a bit queasy this morning, but hopefully today will go off without a hitch so I can actually see some friends tomorrow before I leave on Thursday morning back to DC. So this trip isn't exactly as I'd planned it. But at least I've had these 5 days off work to just sleep and recoup...sometimes that's all your body needs. Here's to better and healthier days in 2011!

Day 1507

Day 10: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Yes, I know, beyond cheesy! But whatever, I'm flying home tomorrow night and am so incredibly ready to be go...that and my work-induced delirium has finally taken it's toll on me. Anyway, you can ask my aunt...pretty much every time we go shopping, I am looking at the watches, and I think that the best mid-level priced watchmaker is Michael Kors. Two years ago, I almost bought the oversized gold watch (but went with a cheap version instead), and then last year, the white one almost came home with me. But I'm glad I didn't purchase that one, because I am now IN LOVE with this black and gold number. I have a feeling I will be buying this for myself very early in 2011! LOVE it!

Day 1506

Day 9: The Statement of all Statement Necklaces

I have been OBSESSED with this necklace for well over two years now, but at a hefty price tag of $395, I have a feeling I will be swooning over it for many years to come. However, if you feel the need to really knock-the-socks off of your lady friend, this amazing piece is just the thing to put you on her good list for a long, long time.

Roarke NYC Le Charlot Necklace


Simply perfection. And done.

Day 1505

Day 8: A Collector's Item

If your giftee is like me, an innkeeper of odd items, there's not much better of a gift than to find a great piece to add to their collection. I actually have a few items that always make me happy...Santa Claus ornaments, piggy banks (though I've run out of room for my pigs), and maps. I love, love collecting maps of all of my favorite places...Arkansas, fun vacation spots, places that I have great memories of. Funny though, I don't have an actual map of the entire District of Columbia. This one would be the perfect fit! I love it!

Day 1503

Day 6: For the Aspiring Martha Stewart...

Oh how I wish I had that woman's skills. I suppose practice makes perfect, and I need to get to practicing quite a bit more. Here's a few things that may entice someone to do just that.

How about a trio of gifts for the domestically inclined...or those who just like to fake it but look fabulous! I don't think you can go wrong with an adorable apron, a cookbook from the Master, and beautiful new serving dishes!

Day 1502

Day 5: Cozy Goodness

Considering that I am still sick and have been wrapped up in my bed with blankets, hot tea and a movie marathon today, I can think of nothing better for today's favorites than cozy comforts. And since I am still under-the-weather, there is just one perfect cozy comfort I am sharing today.

Faux-fur throws



These throws are luxurious, yummy and oh so cozy. This would be a fabulous gift for any stylish girl that loves to cuddle up. Plus, it is gorgeous! Oh, how I would be in heaven, and possibly healing much faster, if I had this perfect throw.

Day 1501

Day 4: The Gift of Giving

Today I received an email today with the most amazing news...Walmart is donating $30,000 this year to be the Presenting Sponsor for the annual charity gala I work so hard on, Taste of the South. With such a hard year economically for so many businesses and charities, this news is such a blessing and an amazing early Christmas present.

So in the spirit of this wonderful charity to TOTS (and please, contact me if you're interested in attending or donating to Taste of the South:)), I can think of no better theme today than the Gift of Giving.

There are thousands of nonprofits out there for any cause under the sun, and many well known for holiday outreach, like the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Toys for Tots. But here are a few select ones that I especially respect and support...all that are near and dear to my heart.

ZERO-The Project to End Prostate Cancer

Obviously, the support of Prostate Cancer awareness, research and education is extremely important to me. I honestly believe that if dad had known and received treatment in the earlier stages of his cancer, he would still be here with us today. I've just recently become aware of ZERO, but have immediately been impressed by their mission, advocacy work, and efforts to raise awareness. This fall, my family and I have decided to run in the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge/Dash for Dad race in honor of dad. Better start training! And don't worry, I'll be reminding you all of this again this fall!

Arkansas Children's Hospital

Many of you may already know this, but when my sister Lindann was a sophomore in high school, she was in a near-fatal car accident that changed all of our lives forever. We are so blessed that she's happy and healthy today, and I attribute so much of that to the amazing care and therapy she received at Arkansas Children's Hospital. There are so many ways that you can support Children's, from telethons to volunteerism to one-time donations. One great way to support them during the holiday season is to buy their Christmas cards, featuring designs by some of their patients.

Mamie's Poppy Plates

Last year, my dear friends Sarah and Taylor suffered an unimaginable loss...the stillbirth of their daughter Mamie, a few weeks before Sarah was expected to deliver her. Through their pain and loss, Sarah had the amazing ability to turn that, with the help of her incredible photography skills, and make it her mission to work to comfort others who have to go what she went through.

Miscarriages and stillbirths are far more common than the public realizes, and Sarah's work and advocacy has really turned a light on this issue. I couldn't be more proud of my dear friend, and her organization, Mamie's Poppy Plates, is a glowing example of what a caring and strong person she is.

These are just a few of the many, many worthy charities out there. But when thinking about what to give this year, also think about the gift of helping others. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Day 1500

Day 3: A Bit of Pampering

On a day like today, where my newly present head cold has me longing for some serious TLC, I can think of no better gift to give than a bit of pampering. Almost every city has some at least one place to go for a massage, a facial, even just a manicure/pedicure, and it would be a welcomed gift for almost anyone I know (the only exception would be my mother). Dad always believed that massages had healing powers, and I couldn't agree more. Today I need one more than ever!

There are a few spas with locations around the country, which would make an easy gift for someone cross country.



Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas is one of my favorite places to go for a bit of pampering, but you can also look at other full service salons, like Aveda or Blue Mercury. If you don't want to spend so much, massage therapy schools are a great alternative for better priced spa treatments.



In big cities, many hotels now also have spas onsite. In Washington, one of the most popular is Bliss Spa at the W Hotel. Devoted exclusively to the Bliss beauty product line, this gift would be an indulgent treat to any who love a bit of luxury.

And now, I'm going to do a little at home pampering of my own...hot tea, my warm blanket, steaming chicken broth and then a large dose of nighttime cold medicine to make me doze away and (hopefully) wake up tomorrow refreshed and with a clean bill of health. Until then...

Day 1499

Day 2: Tickets!

As a sports fan, a music lover, and a sucker for the classics, you could never go wrong getting a girl like me tickets for two. This is a great gift for your man too...get him two tickets to his favorite whatever, and a note to "Have a boys night on you." I have no doubt he will worship you forever. As would I...here would be some of my pics.

Sports Tickets

Since I already have my coveted Sugar Bowl tickets, I guess my next best hot item sports ticket would be Steelers tickets...or Redskins, or Capitals, or Hoyas basketball tickets...all would make me a happy girl!



Concert Tickets

If you have a real music lover on hand, you probably can't go wrong. Hard to get tickets like Lady Gaga or U2 tickets are a dream gift, but a gift certificate to a local venue like 9:30 Club, or tickets to a great summer music festival like Wakarusa or the Virgin Music Festival would make her shriek with joy!



Theater Tickets

Living in Washington, I am lucky to have so many amazing venues for cultural experiences and live theater. The Kennedy Center, the Washington Ballet, the National Symphony Orchestra, Opera in the Park...all would be a fabulous gift for someone equally fabulous in your life.

Day 1498

It's 12 Days before Christmas, and I thought it would be fun to feature the 12 wish list gifts any girl would love...me included!

Day 1: Marc Jacobs Crossbody Handbags

These bags are really the perfect gift for an big city girl! With all the walking that we do, Crossbody bags are the perfect handbag...they are more comfortable and accessible than a shoulder bag, and are the perfect size (not too big, not too small) to transition into the best going out bags for night. Oh, and did I mention the feel of his leather bags? Like buhtah!

There are a few that I absolutely adore, but any would be fabulous gifts!

'Classic Q - Natasha' Crossbody Flap Bag



I have been searching for a great black purse for years now, and this black leather bag is gorgeous! The gold zipper and hardware is a spot-on trend this season.

'Totally Turnlock - Percy' Crossbody Bag



Although this red number is a bit smaller than I'd prefer, the tomato red color is just adorable...and perfect for any Razorback game day. I'm thinking New Orleans, Sugar Bowl...perfect accessory.

'Classic Q - Little Ukita' Convertible Crossbody Bag



This bag is my absolute favorite, but it is sold out everywhere in all my favorite colors. Ideally I would want this in first black, then red and third camel, but if I had to chose from what is out there, the midnight blue color is gorgeous! Hands down, the Classic Q Little Ukita is the perfect crossbody bag!

Happy Hunting!

Day 1489

It's December, my favorite month of the year! Lots have been going on in the past month...two trips to my grandparents' house, Thanksgiving, more football, my sister visiting...it's been a busy, busy fall, but am so thankful for all of the time spent with my friends and family.

Anyway, it took almost a full week to put my trees up (yes trees, I have one large, one medium and two minis) and tweaked to my liking, but I think I am finally good with how it looks tonight. So beautiful! My mom bought me some really beautiful ornaments for me this year, and I think with those and a few new ones I recently bought, that my tree has definitely been taken up a notch! I love to turn it on as soon as I get home, and tonight was so wonderful snuggled up on my couch with a movie, hot cocoa, and only the tree lights on. Christmastime just makes me happy...hope the Spirit is in all of you as well this December!

My Santa tree...love it so much!



My gorgeous Christmas tree! I just love all my feathers that I used for a tree topper!

Day 1166, Part II

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I decided to stay home and take it easy instead of head out this Saturday night. Problem is, I'm bored out of my mind, so I decided to start playing around with some of my favorite photographs I've taken over the past few years. I have a very large wall space above the couch in my bedroom that desperately needs brightened up, so I thought I may display a collection of these...what do you think?

Cinque Terra, Italy, 2003



Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy, 2003



Florence, Italy, 2003



Jack Shooting Hoops, Washington, DC, 2009



President Barack Obama, Presidential Inauguration, U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, DC, 2009







U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, Washington, DC, 2008



Democratic National Convention, Denver, Colorado, 2008







Lovey Dovey, Teddy Bear Donnellan, Washington, DC, 2008



My Favorite Subject, Donnellan Kids, Florida, 2008













Cherry Blossoms Near Washington Monument, Washington, DC, 2008



U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, DC, 2008



U.S. Capitol Building in Blizzard, Washington, DC, 2009

Day 1147

Mom went all out this year for Christmas! She and Marissa decorated the house beautifully, and all our Christmas meals were so, so yummy! Everything was so great, I'm not sure what I would choose as the highlight...maybe Christmas night, when we feasted on steak and lobster and chocolate bread pudding, played a very competitive few rounds of BINGO, and finished the night with The Hangover. Good Christmas night.

When we were little, it seemed like we had a Christmas tree in every room of the house, but in recent years, the house (and we) just didn't have the Christmas spirit in us like in years past. This year seems to have changed for the better though, and there were smiles, laughs and Christmas happiness back in the Blair house once again.

Below are pictures of all the Christmas decorations...the house was just beautiful!



















Marissa and Rooster



Opening presents











Lindann and Neil's house looked so beautiful too!










I am starting my own collections to build on year after year, but have a ways to go on both my big tree and my Santa tree & collection. I also definitely need a Nativity scene and beautiful skirt to put under my tree...just isn't complete in my eyes without the two.

Here's what I finally ended up with, just in time to leave town and then take it down when I get back to Washington. At least I have pictures of my first Christmas in my first owned home.





Hope everyone else had a great of Christmas as my family and I did!