It's Already August!

Yes, it is already August.  It is week 33 out of 53 in the year.  Schools are starting, and families are winding down summer vacation plans.  Personally, I've already made plans for New Year's Eve!

Don't fret- technically, fall doesn't begin until mid-September so take advantage of your office's summer hours (if you're so lucky) and the calm summer weather. 

Below are a few last-minute summer fun ideas:

Catch an Outdoor Music Festival
Check your local listings for information on the ever-popular jazz festivals in your area.  Some are free, especially in parks and museums.  In Los Angeles, we boasts several outdoor venues such as The Greek Theater and Hollywood Bowl- both venues offer discounted seats and some allow attendees to bring their own picnics!

Attend an Outdoor Food Event
They're happening everywhere and featuring all sorts of themes (i.e., Crawfish, Lobster, and Beer)- check Groupon.com for deals!

Visit an Amusement Park
With school starting in a lot of areas in August, lines will be shorter and you can still enjoy longer summer hours!  Fairs are going on and offer delicious treats, cool vendors, and fun rides too :)

Get out and have fun, before holiday season takes over MUAHAHAHA *villain laugh*

xo, S.S.

Thanksgiving: To cook, or not to cook?

For the past couple of years, my family has gone out to eat for Thanksgiving Dinner.  I'm not complaining since that means less cleaning duties for me, but I think the shortage of Thanksgiving menus on the L.A. restaurant circuit has us thinking that might not be the way to go this year.  I mean, who wants a brunch buffet on Thanksgiving Day...3 years in a row?!

To tell the entire truth, we never really got away from cooking food on Thanksgiving Day anyway.  My mom and grandmothers still cooked food for us to just "have at the house" after dining out, and that food had to be packed up at the end of the night, so we still find ourseleves preparing food and cleaning. 

I'm so happy a cousin of mine spoke up about our shenanigans.  She (and my sister) are the catalsyts behind us cooking on Thanksgiving again.  I'm already excited for the menu and to make my own contributions (dessert and decor).  I think Thanksgiving Dinner is a love-filled experience that stretches beyond the day-of festivities.  For me, it is about swapping recipe ideas, and pulling out fine china and silver, and decorating.  Family events like these are especially sentimental for me, as I form my own holiday traditions with my husband.

So my question to you is, "To cook, or not too cook?"  What is your family tradition?  What's your contribution to Thanksgiving Dinner?  Do you have any awesome recipes to share?

xoxo, S.S.

Making a List...and Checking It TWICE!

 

 

Every year, I tend to go overboard on my holiday spending.  Even when I "don't have it", I somehow, semi-miraculously, "get it" and I over spend.

I'm really trying to be organized with my shopping this year.  No more impulse purchases.  One of the best things I could do is create a concrete gift list.  I started my holiday giving list much earlier than I normally would, and that allowed me time to research the items (and to make sure I was on the money with my gift ideas for my family and friends).

Even with events like the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for Women & Children around the corner, I'm prepared only to pick up the items on my list.  This year, I'm giving more from the heart and less from the wallet.  I'm focusing more on creating a fond memories for my loved one, rather than just trying to impress them with the most expensive gifts I can afford .  Below are a few gift ideas I've fallen in love with this season:

My mom LOVES spa treatments!  Spa gift cards are always a hit, and super easy to pick up, BUT sometimes they can be costly.  A cool alternative for the spa fiend in your life is purchasing a membership to their favorite spa!  Most spas offer free access to their facilities and amenities with membership, as well as special deals on popular treatments.  This is a cost-effective way to please the day spa junkies in your life!  Another inexpensive idea is a gift card/certificate to your friend's favorite nail or hair salon.  They can apply your gift toward a future visit :)

Anything monogram!  I'm not talking your summer camp L.L. Bean monogram items either.  Shown above are the Everyday Leather Zip Pouches from Mark and Graham.  This a great gift idea that is USEFUL, STYLISH and COST-EFFECTIVE.  Instead of trying to break the bank on a handbag or designer wallet, why not buy your sister or best girlfriend something they can actually use and still look cute in the process?!  Check out www.markandgraham.com  (a Pottery Barn sister company) for some of the trendiest, well-made, personalized gift items on your list!

And for the sports enthusiasts in your life, a vintage tee or beanie from their favorite sports organization might be the gift you're looking for!  Yes, some rare vintage threads can be very costly.  As a more cost-effective alternative, you might be able to find vintage sportswear on Craigslist, eBay, or even your local thrift shop (I.e., Wasteland, Buffalo Exchange, and Goodwill).  Not only are vintage threads fashionable, they bring up memories that are priceless!  This is an awesome idea if you don't feel like buying the cliche-hot-ticket-sneaker or sports jersey of the season.

I hope my ideas were helpful in planning your holiday shopping this season.  Let me know what other alternative ideas you might think of!  Happy gift-giving (and getting)!

xoxo, S.S.

And just like that...2013 Holiday Season is here!

Judging from my last couple posts, time flies by!  Life happens quickly, and time waits for no one.

As I'm sure the same is true for you, a lot has happened since my last post in June 2012 *lol*...a new job has come and gone, and come again...a wedding AND first year anniversary...two grandfathers have passed away...challenges and growth, etc.  I will not complain because my good days outweigh my bad, and honestly, I'm learning to find the good in it ALL!

I just cannot believe how quickly Thanksgiving and Christmas is approaching us this year!  I say it every year: "I'm going to start shopping and planning out my holiday party-hopping earlier than I did last year..."  I guess it's not too late to get a head-start on that!

Luckily, my husband and I have already planned out our routes for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve and Day, but there are so many mixers, toy drives, galas, and gift exchanges- oh my!

What do you have planned for the holidays?  Are you cooking for Thanksgiving or going out?  How do you plan your holiday appearances with family and friends?

xoxo, S.S.

Personal Fitness Challenge: Day Uno!

Like most of you, I did NOT make a New Year's fitness resolution, but I'm making one now.  It's officially five months away from my wedding and honeymoon, two months away from my 30th birthday, and I'm just tired of being tired of my dress size.

So what did I do to improve my health/fitness today?  I watched what I ate and worked out this evening. Yep, that's it.  I mean, my body didn't transform in a day, but if I keep it up, I'm sure I'll writing about all the results I'm noticing *hehe*

Writing about losing weight might seem cliche, but this is more than just a fitness challenge for myself; it's about utilizing my time in the best fashion possible, EVERYDAY.  Life is so short and unpredictable and I feel like I've taken time for granted.

What type of challenge or goal(s) are you working toward?  Whatever it is, it starts with a choice and some will.  Just do it!

xoxo, S.

Calling All Do-Gooders!

Happy September 1st y'all!

How do you plan on helping others this month?

Do you know of any service projects or events coming up? Are you looking for volunteers for something coming up? Whatever it is, send it to me and I'll help you promote your need!

If you're looking for an opportunity to serve, I may be able to help you find the organization or project that suits your interests...let me know!

xoxo, Shamira

Welcome!

Hello All,

Welcome to xoxo, Shamira...

I'm addicted to reading blogs about almost anything. I just wanted to share my random thoughts and ideas with you and create something that's not entertainment-based or full of juicy gossip. I'm not trying to sell anything, nor self-promote. Instead, I want to encourage you to become and stay positive in your energy, thoughts and actions.

A lot of my friends know I love all things community service-driven and I volunteer my free time serving for different organizations, supporting various causes. If nothing else, I would love to use this blog as an outlet of my experiences in giving back to my community and would love to encourage others to sign-up and volunteer to give back (in time, talents or other resources) too!

I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you and [hopefully] striking up some discussion about common-thoughts and ideas we may share :)

xoxo, Shamira