a little glitz

Happy New Year!

For me, celebrating each new year holds extra special significance. My husband and I were married on 1-1-11, and that glitter-filled sparkling evening of New Year's Eve doubles as an anniversary party for us. 

I treasure the memories of my wedding week, having our wedding party and all of our family in town, gathering together the night before the wedding with great food and cheer. I wore a shirt that declared: "Start the new year with me!"

I absolutely loved everything about that night and the following day.

It's also special because I grew up with New Year's Eve being a special night. It happily extended from the Christmas holiday week and rolled over into sparkling cider, creme brulee, bonfires and fireworks, with family and friends all celebrating in the backyard desert of my parent's house.

It's probably my favorite holiday of the year. 

Bangles: Kate Spade, Polish: OPI (glitzerland + when monkeys fly!), Knuckle Ring (shop!): Sweet Peeps on Etsy

This year was the first year ever that I spent away from my parent's house. We stayed here in Virginia, and I don't think I've ever ached for the Arizona desert so badly. The crisp air, the sky at sunset, the crackle of the bonfire. We were very fortunate that some of our friends (who share our festive anniversary, they were married on Dec. 31st!) wanted to spend the night with us, because otherwise we would have been very sad human beings, probably resigned to spending NYE in our pajamas watching Friends. 

(Alright, so that doesn't really sound like the worst thing ever.)

Having a place to be and a party to have gave me a reason to glitz up my nails, wear something sparkly, dab some glitter on my eyelids and pop confetti poppers. It was worth it to resist the pajamas in order to properly celebrate 2014, our very last (half) year in Lynchburg, Virginia.

P.S. A little Insta-look at our fabulous NYE!