say no to crack, and yes to cigarette [cut jeans].

CAPES [something empowering] C.S. Lewis once said that "the heart never takes the place of the head: but it can, and should, obey it." So, it's okay to follow your heart, but don't forget to use your head.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Tired of skinny jeans that you're constantly yanking up to keep your crack from showing? Here's your remedy: high rise skinny jeans. The cigarette high-rise cut from Urban Outfitters are simply amazing and come in super bright colors.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] It's a sad fact that when it snows in Seattle, my volvo cannot make it out of my parking lot (lame excuse: my parking space is in the middle of a small sloped hill). Luckily, I have two capable legs that can get me to work and back if I need to make a run for it.

fizzy hydration

CAPES [something empowering] Love > Fear

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I got a Soda Stream fizzy water maker for Christmas, and not only do I love it, but I have actually woken up in the middle of the night craving fizzy water. My favorite additives are tangerines, mangoes, and fresh ginger slices. Hydration has never been so easy.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] About a year ago, a trooper and a grad student walked into a gun range, and BANG!...a lot can happen in a year.

I Love the Toll Troll

CAPES [something empowering] Real friends say what they need to say. The act of withholding, while it may be easier to do, is actually unkind and unfriendly.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] The makers of Words With Friends have their own take on hangman: Hanging With Friends. I dare you to hang with me (username: annievp).

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] The 520 Toll has begun...use the application "Toll Troll" to find out rates as well as traffic updates comparing I90 and 520.

"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.