2012 in Instagrams

These are just a few of my favorite instagrams from 2012.  You can follow me along in 2013 here. (@laurenclay)  Happy New Years Eve everyone!

1. we like pizza...a lot  2. date  3. handsome  4. lazy  5. Colorado  6. goofballs  7. girlfriends  8. together  9. Idaho  10. beer drinkers  11. NY subway  12. brownstone love  13 & 14. brunch dates  15. Christmas gift  16. LOVE

A Personal Note About The Holidays

Holidays are always cheery and merry, right?  I don't know about you, but that's not so much the case for me.  As a child of divorce, holidays were always filled with mixed emotions.  If I was with my mom, I felt guilty about not being with my dad, and if I was with my dad, I felt guilty about not being with my mom.  And then I hated traveling back and forth and trying to please everyone.  It's hard and a tough situation for everyone involved even though I love my family very much.

This year is a little different.  It will be the first Christmas since my dad passed away this summer.  Although we had an estranged relationship for many years and the holidays were always difficult for me, the emotions are hitting me differently this year.  I can be fine and moving along just as normal one minute, and then BAM - sadness hits me.  Sadness followed by guilt.  Guilt of so many things that are/were out of my control. 

Most of the time I like to shove my feelings deep down so that I won't have to face them, but I've learned over the years that this is not the best line of defense.  I don't think there is anything wrong with feeling sad around the holidays, but I do think it's wrong to dwell in that.  Christmas is about so much more.  It's about hope.  Surely we can shift our focus off the things of this world and onto the precious gift of Jesus.  

It may seem so elementary, but I have to remind myself of that often.  I have to tell myself to not get so wrapped up in situations and feelings.  Christmas is a joyous time no matter what we have going on in our life.  It's a time to celebrate and rejoice.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

photo via here

Brows and Lashes

I have never been a big fan of makeup.  Don't get me wrong, I love it and wear it, but I'm more of a less is more kind of gal when it comes to the stuff.  First off, I'm not any good at applying it, and second off, it takes way too much time to apply all the different products and all the different layers needed to cover up those "misfortunes."  So, most of the time you'll see me in not much else than mascara, blush (that wears off after mid-day) and lipstick (that wears off after the first hour).  See, I was telling the truth, less is more!

One thing I am obsessed with are the eyes!  It's the main focus of your face, so if you're going to skimp out on the hours and hours of makeup it requires to look "photoshop" ready, don't skimp out on the eyes.  Brows and lashes, that's all you need.  (Say it with me - brows and lashes!) 

Lily Collins is a natural beauty, and she embodies my philosophy perfectly.  (Although, I'm sure she has a whole makeup team to apply her "full face" of natural makeup).  I would take those brows and lashes any day . . . and everyday!

via here

Christmas Galore

As you know from this post, the crafty bug bit me this past weekend.  I wasn't able to finish my snow globes because the sick bug also bit me, ugh!  (Why do I always get hit with a sinus infection when I am the busiest?  Why!)  On the positive side, I have all my supplies and plan on finishing this weekend.  But now, I have even more crafts I want to add to the list.  I found these wreaths and garland by Amy Merrick and want to make them all.  Will I have time to let all my Martha Stewart-ness flow out before Christmas actually gets here?  Who knows, but you can bet, I'll try!

To me, the best thing about these wreaths is the simplicity.  When it comes to holiday decorating, I like clean lines and a simple design.  What's your Christmas style?  More is more, less is more, more is less or less is less?  (Who even knows what those last two even mean, just humor me.)

found via here

Crafty Weekend

My DIY project this weekend is to re-create the adorable snow globes from Anthropologie.  Surely they can't be too hard, but we'll see.  I have been wanting them for quite some time, but can't bring myself to pay $40 when I could make them for $5.  I'll let you know if it's a success!

Is anyone else crafting this weekend?

Winterize the Maxi

Who says the maxi skirt is just for summer?  This winter (or what we've had of winter so far) the maxi skirt has become one of my staples.  Throw on a sweatshirt with your pleated maxi and you're good to go.  Add some layers and boots to your printed maxi and you have the perfect "I'm with the band" look.  There's so many options to mix that maxi up, but the best part might just be . . .  the comfy factor!  And let me tell you that during the holiday season, that goes a long way.  Holiday party and skinny jeans do not turn out well.  (Trust me!)

And I must add that the '90s half tuck (referenced in both pics above) has been a long running staple in my wardrobe and works perfectly with sweaters in the winter!

Would you rock these looks?  I'm curious to see if I'm the only one.  You can see more of my winter style inspiration right here.

via here and here

A Holiday Rue

A holiday issue of Rue?  Um, yes please!  I know what I'll be doing the rest of the morning.  Those lights are straight after my own heart!  I would have lights everywhere . . . if it weren't a fire hazard.

Just as a side note, one of my favorite times of the whole week is waking up on Saturday morning enjoying my breakfast and browsing pinterest, my fave blogs or online magazines.  It's pretty great and gives me that much needed downtime.  What are some of the highlights of your week?  Do share, so we all can join in!

And a little confession, we still don't have our tree up or any Christmas decorations.  I need to get on it!