Thursday, December 31, 2015

Peanut Butter Fudge


If you think I'm going to stop sharing yummy treats just because it's the New Year and some people try to convince themselves they will suddenly start eating better and working out (and then it lasts for all of a month - body related resolutions are just ridiculous!), then you've got another thing coming.


I do not believe in New Year's Resolutions as I think it sets us all up for disappointment and failure. Sure, it's great to want to improve our lives and well being but to think that we can miraculously change or improve on a whim is crazy! So many people rush to the gym upon New Year's fully motivated. Most then give up after 4 weeks. Stupid. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself!

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Shopping In Seattle: Diva Dollz


A couple weeks ago, as you may recall from last week's Christmas-y post, I spent a few days in Seattle with my co-workers. For the first time, I wasn't traveling to work a booth or any kind of event! Nope! This time, I was spending a couple days in EMC's Seattle office for 2016 planning and some much needed face time with my manager and other team members. I also got to attend their Christmas gala - nothing like getting dressed up, sipping on free drinks, and dancing the night away with co-workers!


It's been such a different experience this year having half my team located on the other side of the country. Jenn, my local teammate, and I have handled it pretty well. I know if I didn't have Jenn sitting beside me, it'd be a different story. Since the team is split pretty evenly, we manage. Jenn is definitely like a manager to me as she has been planning tradeshows for companies for years. I definitely learn a ton working alongside her and love having her guidance when our manager isn't available (or just not awake yet!).

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Styled by Cody: An Outfit for the Birthday Boy


For those who don't know, my boyfriend, Cody, was born on Christmas Day. I KNOW! I love it. I think it's cute. I love calling him my Christmas Baby (not in the sense that he was MY baby to have but, you know, baby in the pet name kind of way...oh never mind). Christmas is my favorite day of the year so I love that it is also his birthday! I like to think it was meant to be...


I actually know A LOT of December birthdays. My Bubbie is a Christmas baby with Cody (and she LOVES that they share a birthday, by the way! Have I expressed how much my grandmother loves my boyfriend? She sends him mail and never sends me any. HE GETS MAIL FROM MY BUBBIE, PEOPLE!) and then there's Red on December 30th. My grandfather's was December 28th and there's a whole bunch of other friends in the first weeks of December, too. It's just crazy.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Christmas in the Office: LindyBop's Renee Green Alpine Set


This is the BEST week EVER! I love love LOVE Christmas! But you know that already, my little cookies. I express my joy of the holiday season all the time!

As I write this post, I am sitting in my hotel room in Seattle, Washington, waiting to get ready for our company's holiday party. Not only am I excited to attend with my team (out of my direct team of 5, 3 of them work out West so it's nice to be togethet!), I hear it is quite a fancy affair. Apparently, our company out here in Seattle goes ALL out with open bar, awesome food, photo booths, dancing, live music, and all out themes. Tonight is Monte Carlo and I have high expectations.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

What's Sara Reading? December Edition


It's the most wonderful time of the yeeeaaaar!!!

If you don't agree, well, then maybe we shouldn't be friends.

I'm kidding. I love you all too much.

Holiday cheer aside, Happy mid-December! I am beyond amazed that 2015 is coming to a close in just a couple weeks. What is THAT about? Are the years flying by faster and faster lately or is that just me? It's shocking. It is also shocking that this week marks Cody's and my 4 year anniversary. Ahhh! That's small potatoes for some but this is my longest relationship to date. I'm not sick of him yet so I guess I'll keep him around...

I am also on vacation next week - holla! - for Christmas. I am so looking forward to that! This weekend I am taking Cody to Ogunquit, Maine for our annual Birthday/Anniversary/Christmas/End of the Year Getaway! I started doing this two years ago as a way to celebrate his birthday apart of Christmas (he is a Christmas baby!) but now it's become our tradition to plan a small one or two night getaway to just celebrate everything! We've gone to some great spots (a brewery and inn in NH, Vermont for some touristy fun, etc.) and this year will be no different! I booked us two nights at the Meadowmere Resort and managed to find a package that included an interactive dinner with the chef and massages. Yes, please! There is also a fireplace in our room, an indoor poor, and an outdoor hot tub! I am very excited, to say the least! So stay tuned for more on that.

Before we take off for our mini-cation, here is this past month's reading roundup!

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

White Chocolate Dipped Oreo Pudding Cookies


What's better than Oreos? Oreo pudding. What's better than Oreo pudding? Oreo Pudding Cookies. What's better than Oreo Pudding Cookies? White Chocolate Dipped Oreo Pudding Cookies.

Have you caught on yet?


Thursday, December 10, 2015

100% Book Worm - and Proud of It!


Happy 5th night of Chanukah! Sick of latkes and dreidels yet? OF COURSE YOU'RE NOT!

I knew this new ModCloth dress had to go live on my blog during Chanukah. Why? Well, in my house, books coincide with Chanukah. OK, if I am being honest, in my house, books coincided with life in general but books and Chanukah kind of went together like PB & J.


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Traditional Potato Latkes for Chanukah!


Happy Chanukah, blogosphere!

Growing up with a Jewish mother and Catholic father was interesting. We volleyed back and forth between both religions over the years - attending church every now and then and also attending temple for the high holidays. We attended many a cedar for Passover but also had Easter egg hunts in the backyard.

The best part of having both religions in our house? Celebrating both Chanukah and Christmas. Before you ask, no, we did not get double presents. I have 2 sisters, remember? What do you think, my school teacher Mom and factory workin' Dad are made of money?

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Portions for Foxes


Bonus points to anyone who knows what my title is referencing!! Post in the comments for a prize (OK I should disclose the prize will be a virtual hug...or high five if you like your personal space)!

Title and invading personal space aside, how adorable is this dress? Look at the foxes! The prancing foxes! There are a few sleepy foxes too! I love it! I have to stop using exclamation points!


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Family Photos at Wolf Pen Farm!


Happy December! Since it is officially December and the Christmas countdown is on, I thought it'd be the perfect time to share some casual family portraits I captured a couple weeks back at a Christmas tree farm called Wolf Pen Farm in Southborough, MA. 

I was extremely excited to work with this family - mainly because Mom, Sayra, hired me at EMC! She is now our team's director (and no longer my direct boss) but she is still very much involved in my development at EMC and still has an office roughly 10 steps away from my desk. She's made a great impact on me in these past 2 years there so I was over the moon when she asked if I'd photograph her family this year.