Select your thoughts like you select an iTunes playlist...

CAPES [something empowering] You select your thoughts like you select an iTunes playlist - weeding out the bad ones from the good ones. Remember: you are in control.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I got this umbrella for Christmas. Now I'm outside just waiting for it to rain.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] This past year, I did not leave the country once (surprisingly, the south doesn't count). In 2011, I have some making up to do...Africa and Europe, look out!

Don't drive everything. Gas is expensive.

CAPES [something empowering] "I'm not pushing this, I'm just driving it"...a quote said by my sweet mother the other day regarding all the VP family Christmas plans that she was organizing. I've definitely inherited the "planning" gene...which made me think about all the things that I "drive". Choose wisely, don't drive everything. Gas is expensive.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I love watches because I like being able to know what time it is at any given moment, but also because they can be colorful and stylish. Here is a watch that is unique as well as "green" - it's made from bamboo! If I was a guy, I would totally buy this men's watch.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Is it me getting older, or are the Folgers commercials really that emotional? I get teary-eyed every time when I watch "Peter comes home" commercials - like the current one, or the one from the 80s.

"If it's not either of us, tell me who are we fooling?" (Brooke Fraser)

CAPES [something empowering] Learn the art of holding your tongue. And that's all I have to say about that.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I am really loving the new Brooke Fraser album, featuring Aqualung and William Fitzsimmons.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] For my 29th birthday, I asked for another niece or nephew. And come April of this year, I'm getting my wish! Cooper will be a big brother to the newest baby boy of the fabulous VP family. Congrats to my brother and sister-in-law!!

"Anything that's not growing is dead." (Lauryn Hill)

CAPES [something empowering] העם ההלכים בחושך ראו אור גדול The people that were walking in darkness had seen a great light.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I have the circulation of a 90-year-old woman. To get the blood flowing, I've taken to eating 1-2 pieces of candied ginger per day. Not only does it help your circulation (source), but it also freshens your breath.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Keep your vitamins in a place where you'll remember to take them everyday. I have them next to my ground espresso.

"You must always know how long to stay and when to go..." (Patty Griffin)

CAPES [something empowering] I'm no over-achiever and I'm no under-achiever. I'm just an achiever.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I got these stockings as stocking stuffers for my brothers, only to find out they would never wear them. So, I guess that means two new pairs of Holland Happy Socks for me, yes!

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Find a balance between the reality/expectation split-screen* of your life. Keep expecting, while staying grounded in reality.

*ignore jonathan kim's review at the end of the clip