Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Busiest Time of the Year



Although most companies are wrapping things up for the year, we're still as busy as ever here at Local Marketing, Inc. Most of my day was filled with meeting after meeting, so it's always nice to pull out a professional yet chic sheath dress, like this one from Jay Godfrey, to help give you a boost of confidence. I believe that the right outfit not only allows you to feel good about yourself, but helps you perform better as well!

Dress: Jay Godfrey Macon Colorblock Sheath Dress

Shoes: Casadei Blade Peep Toe Pumps

The closed-toe version of these shoes were very popular among celebrities, and were spotted on no less than fashionista Victoria Beckham! The heels are very high, even for me, so I can't stand in them for long... but aren't they beautiful?

Things should start to slow down in the office tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to two long weekends in a row. Although Christmas doesn't mean as much to me as an adult, it's still a wonderful time of year to connect with loved ones and see old friends.

Friends who moved away often come back home this time of year, and I spent Saturday afternoon catching up with my good friend, Laura, whom I've known since 7th grade. Last night, I met up with another good friend, Erin, whom I also met in middle school. We ate Indian food at a great place in the suburbs: Urban Spice. I included a few pictures below.

Happy Holidays!

With my friend, Erin (12.21.2015)
With my friend Laura (center), her daughter and son, and her sister, Taryn (right), with her little son (12.19.15)

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Ugly Christmas Sweater - Pug Edition

Today was the annual Local Marketing, Inc. holiday party, and while we normally take the team out for a nice dinner, this year, we changed it up.

  • We ordered food in from a local caterer, Figs and Honey. We decided on a mix of heavy hors d'oeuvres, and some of the eats included crab stuffed mushrooms (my favorite), deviled eggs, stuffed potatoes and much more.
  • Everyone brought a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
  • We had our annual white elephant gift exchange. I ended up with a camel shaped candle holder. It will make an interesting addition to my office.
For the first time, we held an ugly Christmas sweater contest. While I did not win, I did have fun wearing this sparkly pug Christmas sweater from the Blizzard Bay brand, which you can still buy on Amazon! As you can see, not everyone participated in the contest, but we had a decent turnout. Jordan, in the middle with the Dolphins Christmas sweater, was the clear winner!


We had 17 people total at our holiday party, the highest number we've ever had. I looked around during the party and felt so proud. Puneet and I have really built an amazing company, and I continue to feel happy every day I come to work. It's not always easy, but it is definitely rewarding.

Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 14, 2015

How Dressy Is Too Dressy for Work?

This fit and flare dress seems more suited to a party or evening out than a day at work, but since I spend most of my time working, why not wear something that makes me feel good about myself? Even if it means dressing up a little more than usual, if it makes you happy, then go for it!


Dress: SB by Sachin + Babi Faria Dress (Find it on eBay.)

I can't normally afford Sachin + Babi, a favorite brand on the celebrity circuit, but I can afford its little sister line, SB by Sachin + Babi.

My mom bought me this dress from Anthropologie. I am a big fan of fit and flare dresses with cap sleeves, and the flattering neckline is just an added bonus. Plus, I love all the colors... blues, purples, greens and red. You can wear it any time of year, really. We've been having some amazing weather in Atlanta the past few days - 70-degree weather in December! - so while it doesn't really feel like Christmas, I am enjoying not wearing boots and a jacket every time I go outside.

Shoes: SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Sandals (no longer available)

Walter Update:

I appreciate all the sweet and encouraging comments about Walter that I've received here on the blog, on Facebook, and on my Instagram account. Every day he seems to feel more and more comfortable with us.

His personality is also emerging. I heard him bark for the first time yesterday! He loves going for rides in the car, and this morning I came downstairs to find that he had curled up on the couch all on his own. His former family trained him well; he stands by the door every time he needs to go out outside for a potty break, which is a much appreciated change from Norman. (Norman enjoys leaving revenge poops in the house if he feels he is not getting enough attention!)

We have Walter on a grain-free, heavy fish diet, and gave him a bath over the weekend. His coat seems a little softer, but it hasn't even been a week yet, so I'm probably just imagining that. Chapin is amazing with him and is already Walter's favorite. He cooks actual salmon and has been placing it on top of both Norman's and Wally's food each day. He didn't eat on Day 2, but now he devours his meals in typical pug fashion.

I was hesitant at first about opening our home to Walter, but I'm so, so glad we did. There are always risks in life, but those risks come with some amazing rewards... and I'm so happy this little pug has a home for Christmas.

Enjoying the sunshine in Inman Park: Walter, Chapin and Norman (December 13, 2015)

Friday, December 11, 2015

Welcoming Walter

It's the holiday season, and what better way to celebrate than by giving a lonely little dog a new family. So, without further adieu, meet our new addition: Walter, or Wally for short.


Here are the details:

Where we found him: Clayton County Humane Society (via Petfinder).

His situation: All we know is that he was at the Clayton County Humane Society for about a month. His past owners, who called him "BJ," short for "Bentley, Junior," gave him up. We have no idea why. I don't know how anyone could part with this sweet little pug.

Health: Overall, Walter is in fairly good shape - no heartworms or fleas. His main health issue is a skin condition. He doesn't have any fur on his chest, which you can see in the photo above. We are starting him on a grain free diet to see if it helps. He's also underweight, and probably malnourished. He could have something like Celiac Disease, where his diet is preventing him from properly absorbing nutrients.

Age: Walter turns four in late January.

The name: It took us a looooong time to decide on Walter. Many people suggested Cliff, because of the Cheers reference (Norm and Cliff), but I'm not a big fan of that name. We knew we wanted a nerdy, old man type of name, so after a lot of back and forth, we finally narrowed it down to Jack, Walter and Henry. Last night, I came home, and Walter watched me walk across the room. Chapin said he was wall-eyed, so it looked like he wasn't really focusing on me. I said "Wall-eyed...Wally! That's it!" It's also the name of my favorite Pixar character, Wall-E. It does seem to suit him.

Personality: He's only been with us for a few days, but so far, Walter is fairly quiet. He loves, loves, loves my husband, but doesn't seem so sure about me and Norman yet. It probably doesn't help that Norman is always in his face, and I'm always at work!


He is house broken, and walks very well on the leash. He doesn't like being crated during the day, but he could be a little traumatized from his time at the humane society. Hopefully, with time, we will see more and more of his little personality.

I was talking to my sister, Laura, last night, and we both agree he looks like a combination of George and Izzie. He even has snarled bottom teeth like George, which I always loved so much.


Walter is fitting in well with our family already. My mother-in-law texted her congratulations earlier this week, saying "Walter is one lucky pug!" We hope he agrees.

Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Match Made in Heaven

Today's blog post title is not only referring to the fact that my shoes and colorblocked dress match up perfectly, but because we have decided to open our home to a new pug.


First, the outfit:

Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Colorblock Drie Dress

The dress is still available (and on sale) at the following retailers:


Beware, though: This dress wrinkles easily! I even ironed it before work this morning.


Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Soundtrack High Heel Sandals

These suede sandals, in a port wine color called Currant, are still for sale at the following sites:


I absolutely love the name of these shoes! In high school and college, before the days of iTunes and Pandora, I was obsessed with buying movie soundtracks. I have so many CDs now of soundtracks from a variety of 90s movies, from Aladdin to You've Got Mail. I don't really buy CDs now... does anyone?

Now, the pug news:

As many of my readers know, I have struggled this past year with getting over the death of my first pug, George.

George was extremely important to me. He was my baby, my buddy, my best friend. He was there for me always - never judging, just loving.

Last week, we discovered a pug available for adoption at the Clayton County Humane Society, and today, we are picking him up and bringing him home. I'm excited, scared, and dreading such a big change. Those who know me well know I don't like changes in my routine or my world. Chapin pushed me (hard) to get me to say yes, and I finally relented, because this little guy needs a home. He's thin and has a skin condition, and wasn't well cared for during his short life. He's four years old, fawn-colored, and currently unnamed. I'll keep you all posted!

Maybe he's a gift from George. Tomorrow, George would have turned 11 years old...

Monday, December 7, 2015

Silver Shoes

Although most people think of ruby slippers when that infamous pair of shoes from The Wizard of Oz comes to mind, the ruby slippers were actually a Hollywood creation. L. Frank Baum, the author of the Oz books, actually fitted Dorothy in silver shoes. (Hopefully you will answer that trivia question right the next time it comes around!)



"She took off her old leather shoes and tried on the silver ones, which fitted her as well as if they had been made for her." -The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900)

Today, I feel like I'm in my own version of those silver shoes. Although they are black and sequined, they catch the light and sparkle just like I imagine Dorothy's shoes once did.

These shoes are actually quite special to me. Chapin bought them for me on a trip to San Francisco, when I deemed I had nothing to wear with the dress I'd brought for my cousin's wedding. While I was in the hotel room getting ready, he sneaked out and bought them for me. I was so excited (and surprised)... although not happy he paid full price. I do like my bargains, after all.

Dress: Nanette Lepore Daydream Dress with Embellished Neckline

Available at Amazon, Saks Fifth Avenue and Zappos.

I like how the shoes and the jeweled neckline both shine in the sunlight!

Shoes. BCBGMaxAzria

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Sparkling

I'm wearing one of my favorite dresses today, this sparkly fit and flare dress from 4.collective, because it is a special day in my house. Those close to me know why!


Dress: 4.collective Verona Jacquard Cap Sleeve Fit and Flare Dress

It's hard to tell, but the dress is actually made with silver thread, so it sparkles! It's a fun dress to wear to work, and it's perfect to go right out to dinner or drinks with friends (or your spouse).

The dress is also available for purchase on the 4.collective website, or you can rent it on Rent the Runway.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Abel Patent Leather Disco Hologram Pump

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Spanish Influences

It's been a busy few days since we returned to work following the Thanksgiving holiday. I took full advantage of the extra days off to relax, and watched plenty of old episodes of Gilmore Girls! I loved that show when it aired, and it's been fun re-watching the series on Netflix.

Today's dress, to me, has some Spanish influences. Although it doesn't fit quite right in the bust, and the length is a little long for my frame, I still think it's a fabulous dress... and one that is fairly unique. It's hard to see, but the pattern has hints of light blue that I decided to play off when choosing my earrings and footwear.


Dress: Shoshanna Clark Embroidered Dress

You can still buy the dress in white on Shoshanna's official website.

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Peep-Toe Blue Pumps (no longer available)

Here is a photo from Thanksgiving Day. We had my parents over to our home, and Chapin cooked the turkey. He did some inventive things this Thanksgiving - turkey confit using duck fat! - and all the food was wonderful. Chapin is such a good cook, and you can see he's wearing his chef's coat. (Fun fact: The duck fat cost more than the turkey!)


Norman spent a lot of time in the kitchen supervising Chapin's efforts. I included a photo of him below.


You can also see I'm wearing my George necklace from Three Sisters Jewelry. I've been thinking of George a lot lately. I often find myself thinking of this comic from New Yorker cartoonist Charles Barsotti. It comforts me when I'm missing George the most.