Keeping It Simple

New Year's resolutions are overrated.  For me, the entire year is just a bunch of ongoing resolutions anyway (stay in shape, work hard, be good to my fellow man, etc.), so why add even more pressure on top of that with big goals?  Besides, sometimes life happens and many things are beyond our control making it impossible to achieve those goals.  Then, the guilt sets in.  Who needs it?  Not I!  Don't they say that guilt is a useless emotion?

So, last year I went a slightly different route with my "Nouveau Year's Resolutions."  How did I do, you wonder?  Not so hot!  But, for each thing I resolved to do more of, less of, or better at, I can say I made progress in each case.  I certainly made an effort.  I can confidently report that Starbuck's made a lot less money from me in 2010. I stopped cutting my hair and I floss more than before.  I failed miserably at learning French (because I didn't try!).  And the making money thing?  I'm still working on that!

This year, I decided to make it easy on myself.  In fact, that IS my resolution -- be good to myself.  Above all.

Happy New Year!  Make 2011 count.

Puffers

We've only had two days in January above the freezing mark here in Manhattan and although temperatures are supposed to warm up slightly for the weekend, I know it will be short-lived.   I'm a warm weather and sunshine kind of gal, but a Manhattanite through and through.  So, I just suck it up and tough it out every winter complaining every step of the way!  I generally spend as much time as possible inside during the months of January and February.  Mornings are particularly difficult.  When I feel the cool air on my arm as I stretch for the snooze button (which I've resolved to only hit twice!), I feel like I would sell my soul in exchange for spending the day wrapped in my cozy comforter. 

Fashion takes a bit of a back seat (only slightly) during this time of year because I basically live in my puffy jacket for eight weeks.  On one hand, this is a good thing.  Since I'm covered down to my ankles, it almost doesn't matter what I've got on underneath if I'm just running around town doing errands and such.  But, on the other hand I have a hard time (as do most of you, I'm sure) wearing the same jacket for TWO MONTHS!  I need options, dammit.

Norma Kamali shawl collar puffer

Luckily, Norma Kamali offers a variety of posh puffy jackets. While on a camping trip in 1975, Ms. Kamali came up with her most famous design, the "sleeping bag" coat.  She realized how cozy it was to wrap a huge sleeping bag around her at all times -- not unlike the way I feel snuggled in my comforter every morning.  Stay warm darlings!