Category Archives: General

On a Clear Day



(SOLD Design Lab jeans, Vintage blouse and scarf, Forever 21 blazer, 80%20 boots)

So my family and I really wanted to see a little snow before the end of our holiday break. We took a drive up past Frazier Park. I found it desolate, cold, but so peaceful. It was hard to take photos when your fingers are practically going numb. We didn’t find too much snow, only dried up leftovers from the previous storm. There was a bit of sun that day so we got a nice glow as a backdrop. Sometimes it’s necessary to get away from civilization for a good 3 hours.

I haven’t really been thinking about what to wear these past few days. Basically, throwing on any blouse with a pair of skinnies and a chunky scarf. Parka always comes in handy for cold nights out so I have it shoved in the backseat of my car. And you won’t believe it, but it is SNOWING outside my window right now. I see a soft white blanket covering the rooftops and it is so darn pretty! I hear my parents begging me to come downstairs and take photos in the snow, but I’m glued to my desk chair at the moment and my feet are frozen. It’s a magical way to kick off 2011! Come next week, and I’m back to work. This holiday break was short, but long. and surprisingly fun. Hope yours was too!

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Calista Holiday 2010 Video

First off, I want to wish you all a very happy new year!! I hope everyone’s holiday break has been amazing! I cannot believe all of the incredible things that have happened this past year. I got to travel, meet new people, work, all while having the time of my life! I swear dreams really do come true. I’ve had so many unforgettable experiences and I’m extremely happy I put time into this blog to jot it all down. It will make looking back at everything that has happened so much fun. I know I’ll even choke up at times seeing how I got from point A to point B! Sad, I know haha. But throughout the year, I pretty much learned to be grateful for everything that I have: family, friends, loved ones, and all the wonderful opportunities. Another important thing I’ve learned to do, and I hope you will too, is live in the present moment. That really brought me happiness and joy, while allowing me to appreciate everything in my life. I want to wish each and every one of you happiness, health, love, and prosperity this the new year! 2011 is going to be one crazy ride, I just know it!

Thought I’d kick off the morning with a “behind the scenes” video of my shoot with Calista for their Holiday 2010 collection. I’m so happy the wonderful designers made this video. It brings back so many memories of that day in New York. I swear it was the hottest day over the summer, but luckily we had an awesome studio to shoot in and an amazing team! (miss you all btw)

Once again I have to thank all of those who have followed me through this journey for over a year now! You’re the best! I just want to give you a bunch of hugs and kisses right now. Most importantly, I have to thank my big sis Dylana for being there with me through everything this year, keeping me grounded, and photographing one of the best times of our lives.

Apothica $50 GIVEAWAY!

Starting today, I am giving away a $50 Apothica gift card to one lucky reader!!

A lot of you have been asking what types of makeup, skin care, and hair care products I use. Well, Apothica is one online shop that I can always go to for the latest beauty products. They have all of my favorite brands: Smashbox Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Nars, Too Faced, YOU NAME IT, THEY HAVE IT! I’m really excited to be giving away $50 to my favorite online beauty store. (The gift card can be used at SkinCareRx.com, Apothica.com, and SkinBotanica.com!!)

To enter this giveaway simply:

1. Follow me on BlogLovin’

2. Comment below and leave your email address!
3. Visit Apothica.com and either Tweet us (@Apothica and @Natalieoffduty), write on Apothica’s Facebook, OR tell me what you think about Apothica in a blog post and link it in your comment! The choice is yours!

This contest will run for 2 weeks, until Thursday, January 6th, where the lucky winner will be announced!! GOOD LUCK!

Don’t forget to follow me on TWITTER for timely updates as well as to see who won the contest!

Slots of Fun Part 2

(Vintage salmon blazer, Rich & Skinny Jeans)

Here is part 2 to my holiday trip to Vegas! I had lot of fun frolicking the old streets of downtown for a morning. It was nice to get away from the Vegas Strip for a little bit and see the older hotels and a little bit of Vegas history. It became obvious why everyone has migrated over to the brightly lit Strip where the hotels are new and the people are trendy. Right now, the “it” hotel is definitely The Cosmopolitan. It is absolutely beautiful! It was strange walking through a quiet and much less crowded Venetian. Makes me think that one day in the future I will look back at this post and laugh seeing that The Cosmopolitan hotel is “old”. One new hotel, and suddenly the others seem like old news. Anywhooo, back to what I wore.
I packed this lovely vintage blazer that I found thrifting in Silverlake. It’s such a nice coral, salmon color. Made of cashmere and wool, it is priceless! Once again, I had to wear the dotted sweater. Sorry, but it’s one of my faves! I only brought one pair of skinny jeans by Rich & Skinny in my suitcase. I swear they never stretch out and fit like a glove. I did so much walking, eating, and shopping in Vegas. It was definitely an unforgettable mini vacation! I’m so happy that I still get one more free week at home before the new year. I’m taking advantage of this time to meet up with old friends and finally pick up the books I’ve been wanting to read.
I cannot believe 2010 is coming to a close. I’m excited for whats to come, but also a bit nervous. I’ve got a lot on my plate but I promise to make the best of it! I’m wishing you all a very wonderful week and signing off this year with a kiss!

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