"Champagne for my real friends, real pain for my sham friends" (Fall Out Boy)

CAPES [something empowering] You can't start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Count. It. Down. What will you be toasting when the clock strikes 12? My favorite drink from the past year is champagne with a splash of St. Germain.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I'm a stickler for New Year's Resolutions, and once gave up sweets for 2 years, so I have to be careful when resolving. For 2012, I resolve to read a bit more and skim a bit less. And finish school.

we are freedom adults, not single adults, thankyouverymuch.

CAPES [something empowering] Does anyone else hate the term "single adults"? Thanks for defining us by what we are not. I've decided to start calling our group "freedom adults". Join me.*

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] They aren't just for your 80's acrylic sweaters...Lately, I've been using my $2 lint buster on anything I can get my hands on! I recently reinstated my favorite Lululemon beanie, restored a few pilly wool sweaters, and brushed up my toggle jacket. Goodbye fuzz!

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I just heard this new tip to avoid razor burn! Simply dust a bit of baby powder on the problem area after you shower for zero burn and zero redness. The powder I use has cocoa butter in it and smells fabulous: Silky Underwear Dusting Powder from Lush.

*While I associate myself with freedom adults, I am in a relationship. Sorry to all my interweb-blogging-hopefuls out there.

if our hearts are never broken, then there's no joy in the mending...there's so much this hurt can teach us both (Snow Patrol)

CAPES [something empowering] People are bound to let you down. Instead of getting bogged down about it, find your joy in the mending.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Making delicious drinks from scratch and listening to this song on repeat....in December drinking horchata...

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Here's an important message regarding Evite/FB event etiquette: If you're the first to respond and you cannot attend, wait a few days before posting your decline. That way, the first thing that future people viewing the invitation see won't be your decline. Also, it's an act of courtesy towards the host of the party.

Gratitude: go back for seconds and thirds.

CAPES [something empowering] There's always room on your plate for more spoonfuls of gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Make a list of what you're thankful for, and then add to it things that people have done for you that you're thankful for. As you watch the list grow and grow, and you'll find yourself truly grateful and truly satisfied.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Speaking of being satisfied...I'm very thankful for the Honey-Caramel Apricot Tart topped with crème fraîche whipped cream. This year marks its fourth appearance at the VP Family Thanksgiving.

cupcake sandwiches and a sweet girl turns eighteen

CAPES [something empowering] As often as you can, avoid the "maybe" reply. "Maybe" communicates lack of commitment, and we see right through your "I'll be there unless something better comes up" cover-up.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Do you own belts that are too big? Or when you wear them over a cardigan, they flare out in an annoying way? Solution: beltloopy.com. Love these.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Tonight I had the privilege of attending the 18th birthday of someone super special, not to mention she is probably the most faithful reader of this blog. The cake for the festive occasion came in cupcake form, and I was so proud to see all the ladies correctly eat their cupcake sandwiches (which allows for equally proportioned cupcake-to-frosting bites).

"No one can be un-cheered with a balloon." (Winnie the Pooh)

CAPES [something empowering] Occasionally, there are no words, and that's okay. Sometimes life calls for a wordless chorus.

"Relationships can be..."

"Sure."

"...but they're also be..."

"That's right."

(George Clooney to Brad Pitt in Ocean's 13)

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] A while back, my good friend came up with the idea to velcro a tube of chapstick to her bed frame. That way, when dry lips came a-knocking in the middle of the night, she was ready. I think I'll use this idea in other places too - like my car (somehow, I always lose tubes of chapstick in my car).

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] For those of you in a long-distance relationship...a Scottish designer has the remedy for your heartache.

"I realize why I cannot fly," said the bird with the broken wing, "though my lift is gone, my voice is strong, and I can still sing." -The Elected

CAPES [something empowering] It's not about what you can't do, it's about what you can do. Stop defining yourself by your limitations, switch off your "comparison-mode", and start celebrating the things that you're good at.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Even Twistband supports Movember with their Mr. Mustache Collection.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] No-shave-November now has an official name. Happy Movember!