Greetings from the polar vortex! This last month of the challenge is really challenging me with its frigid temps and conditions, in terms of making it hard to, you know, LEAVE THE HOUSE. I'm beyond fortunate to be a freelancer and am currently working from home (hallelujah!), but sometimes going outside is still inevitable. 

Even though I've lived here for 17 years, I still am surprised and sometimes delighted by snow, especially the first one of the season. We actually missed the real first ones while we were in Hawaii (I was not mad at that) so when I pulled up the shades today and saw the powdery white flakes covering the neighborhood I was like a giddy little kid. Until I went outside. It's bananas cold AF. 

...these are a few of my favorite things! (I hope you sang that with me). It took me a shocking amount of winters living here to find the perfect outfit equation to be warm, cute and comfy. I think I actually used to wear Converse during the cold months?! No wonder I couldn't feel my feet for days. If you have not-amazing circulation like moi, shearling or fur-lined boots are a revelation. Yes they're also usually an investment, but in the case of investing in not losing any toes to frostbite, I'm totally down

For quite awhile I've been dreading the big 4-0. I even made us travel across the globe so I could be somewhere else when it happened. And now that it's here, I really don't know what I was so scared of. I've never felt so profoundly grateful—for my family, and the friends I call my family. For what I've achieved.

Today we set out on one of many Hawaiian adventures. This one was to the Nakalele Blowhole. It's a natural geyser where the pressure from waves forces trapped seawater out of a small hole in the jagged lava rock. The column of water shoots up to 100ft in the air! And against a stunning backdrop, it's truly a magical natural event. 

We arrived in Maui today after a day and a half in Hana. We did the Hana Highway (famed "Road To Hana") which was amazing and took alllll day. I'm so glad Dan did excellent research to know we should book a room in Hana and stay for the night. If we had tried to drive back to Maui after all that...let's just say it would NOT have been good for our marriage!

I really never thought I'd see the actual Banzai Pipline or Pipline beach, where surfers shred insane swells. But here we are on the North Shore of Oahu, soaking it all in! And yes, maybe Dan even got his camera a little soaked. Oopsie. 

Many times I've gotten on a long flight to California or even London and am flabbergasted to see women in nice dresses, pants or anything remotely constricting. Any flight longer than 3 hours and you can bet your bippy I'll be in the mushiest ensemble possible. [See Photo]

Ah, sweaters. Everyone is atwitter when the slightest chill hits the air, proclaiming "It's sweater weather!" Indeed, I used to be one of those proclaimers. Until I realized I was in a constant battle royale with those woven warmers. I am ashamed at the amount of sweaters I've owned and gotten rid of in my 17 year tenure on the East Coast

Whenever we meet up with my longtime friend Peter and his wife Chrissy, it's always for dim sum. We've tried many of the different places in Chinatown, which is also part of the adventure each time. Also, I generally have no idea what I'm eating so there's that too. 

Today I awoke with a closet goal: wear a pair of jeans and boots I haven't worn yet. In writing that, it seems so simple. Yet if you're anything like me, you have 2 or so go-to, soft as a blankie, always look great pairs of jeans that you wear allll the time. And then about 10 other pair that are just hanging out wishin' and hopin' and prayin' for some air time. 

Today it was just me, my shadow and my trapeze dress. Also some nice mild fall weather in which to wear said dress. 'Cause let's be real—I cease all dress activity under 50 degrees! 

Today my closet welcomed me back from Texas with open doors and limited options. I'm really starting to work through the racks! I got both this chunky knit sweater and ultra-suede skirt 2 years ago during one of my treasured shopping excursions (maybe "frenzies" is a better word?) with my bestie and fashion expert Jendel.

I love hearing about everyone's family holiday traditions. Thanksgiving is one of my very favorites. Every year since I was a teen my family has been lucky enough to spend our Thanksgiving day on our close family friend's ranch in Tarpley, TX. I call them my faux Aunt, Uncle and cousins since I grew up with them and treasure them like family. Their property and houses are incredible and it's so special to eat our feast outside in nature.