Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Out of Print













Top, skirt (similar), necklace: c/o Our World Boutiqe; Jacket: The Limited; Heels: c/o Lulu*s

Sometimes I feel so excited about the holidays that I give myself a sore stomach. As a little kid, I used to get horribly sick on any and all holidays. I remember one particular Thanksgiving that need not be described in detail, but I was so sick that my parents ended up calling the emergency room to see if I needed to be brought in. I was simply overjoyed at the thought of celebrating with family and made myself violently ill. A brief history of my life could be titled "I'm So Excited I'm Puking" and it would really only need to be a cover and a title page. 

I'm not sure what it is about my dysfunctional emotional brain, but the holidays really set it off for me. I compete with a few different emotions during the November to December months. First, I get so excited that I work myself into a Christmas frenzy on November 1. That means that by November 15th I can hardly hold off decorating and usually get out a sparkly pine cone or six that Ben then makes me put away. Once Thanksgiving dinner is in the oven, I'm over the turkey holiday and ready to wrap gifts. By the time Christmas finally rolls around, I've been planning and fretting and squealing for two months too long. And I suffer crippling defeat and disappointment.

I'm a nightmare. There's no winning. It seems like my painstakingly planned presents always fall short with somebody in the family. The ordered and addressed Christmas cards (Rifle Paper Co this year) are only in my hands for a few minutes before disappearing out the door. The Christmas tree, needles so bright and green at the end of November, are brittle in late December and one strand of lights has gone out already (always in the middle of the tree). And then it's horrible January and we have no space in the house for the new things and about five more months of Northwest winter.

I need to take a chill pill about the holidays, so I've put a few plans into action:

1. Buy the gifts early and slowly (starting now), so that I can enjoy a thoughtful shopping season that lasts!
2. Ben and I are going to give one gift, from the both of us, to family members so that we don't have to fret about buying the perfect thing for someone else's Mom. It also stretches the med school dollar further.
3. Lower my expectations and go with the Christmas planning flow. No need to worry about having the right Prosecco glasses. This year, I'll just focus on getting the right Prosecco. 
4. Adhere to Ben's rule - no decor before the turkey leftovers are finished. 
5. Plan something awesome for the early months of 2014 to defy the Christmas-come-down. 

Do you guys struggle with these issues? Tell me your ways!

21 comments

  1. Really nice skirt! You look fabulous xx

    www.lam-style.blogspot.com

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  2. such a bold combo. You pull it off perfectly. Super fabulous, love. xo

    www.fashboulevard.com

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  3. Oh I fully embrace the Christmas season; but, this year I'm not ready for it yet. I'm not sure if that's because we're having such a lovely fall or if it's actually STILL fall here?? Typically it's snowing already by now. I'm lucky and don't have a laundry list of gifts to purchase so I usually cram it all into one disorganized weekend - although my gifts are usually carefully thoughtout. :)

    This look is GORGEOUS, I love the monochromatic pattern mix.

    xo, Nina
    afterthe40barfinish

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  4. You looking absolutely gorgeous in this printed white dress. I am very thankful to you for giving me idea of surprise gift for wife. I am sure if i buy this type of dress for her she definitely admire me and give me a hug in excitement. Thanks again!!

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  5. Loved how you matched the prints. So alike but not the same. Great, really great. =)

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  6. I love this print mixing, so sophisticated! The holidays stress me out so I'll be happier when it's January and they're over with.

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  7. oh my goodness, I LOVE that skirt. And the top looks so good with it. So pretty <3

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  8. I love the geometric design of this skirt
    Great look
    xoxo
    www.welovefur.com

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  9. Great look, loving this mix of prints in fashionable black and white palete!
    You look very attractive!
    www.impromp-two.blogspot.com

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  10. That skirt is so fabulous! Great idea on holiday shopping.

    -Jenny, DaisyGem

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  11. You mixed these two prints perfect! You look amazing!

    Please vote for me--> http://www.onlineshoes.com/monthly-shoe-styling-contest

    http://kacieskloset.blogspot.com/

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  12. Love the clash of prints :)

    Ruth x


    www.kimkimipie.blogspot.co.uk

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  13. I love the holidays too. My problem is that I like things to be perfect and when they are not I rather do nothing at all. Extremist I know. I'm working on enjoying the moment instead of fretting about the perfect table decor.

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  14. What a fun look Kelsey! This time of the year is really stressful because I feel like my family thrives on the stress and I really want it to be low key!!

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  15. First off, you look gorgeous Kelsey! Now this is how you mix prints! Perfection.
    Second, I totally relate to this. I think my husband actually told me to take a chill pill last year…so yeah. I read your "rules" and nodded with each one. :)

    Cheers friend!
    xo - Marion

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  16. Sounds like the perfect plan! This year I'm off to Europe so let the frenzy begin!
    xo
    styleontheside.com

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  17. I am obsessed with this look. That skirt is perfection!

    xo Amy

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  18. love love love the black & white mixed prints!

    Maddy
    http://cassidylou.com

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  19. I'm an over excited holiday planner too - so I totally get you lady! Here's to starting early, and going slow to really enjoy the whole season!

    Also, the outfit... Nailed it!

    xx
    Here&Now

    Enter vote my current giveaway!

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  20. LOVE these mixed prints! Well done. I always try to get ahead of the holidays each year, but life happens and as much of an obsessive organizer as I am, there's just always SO much to do over the holidays. C'est la vie - I just roll with it ;)

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