Morning Meeting Mimosas

This morning, we kicked things off with a little holiday cheer! Mimosas in hand, we chatted about what a great year we'd had together and how far we've come as a team. I am so thankful to work with such extraordinary women. *Cheers* to a successful New Year!

Promised Ya I'd Share!

So I finally got my grubby little paws on a few more pictures from my office holiday party! And since I promised I'd share...

Winning the raffle of $100 to Campanile!

(Check out my friend Graham in the background... haha!)

A moment with a new friend!*

*I met this girl a few weeks prior at an audition

and she sought me out at the party to thank me

for being so nice to her at the audition.

Made my night!

200 SOUTH HOLIDAY PARTY: MAD MEN

Don Draper Ross Lacy and his secretaries!

Now, I don't want to make anyone too jealous, but check out the pictures from my office holiday party. Oh, the benefits of working with artists!

My friends from work, Carinne & Mary Ellen.*

This picture was not staged. Amazing.

(*Mary Ellen made her dress.)

I just get such a kick out of Carinne.

Isn't she a hoot!

The Santa Monica Luskeys at the

200 South Holiday Party!

(All of the drinks were named after casting directors!)

Some of Mel & Liz Casting

Me, Mel, Mary Ellen, Carolyn & Carinne

Mad Men!

The party was a blast! It was so fun to dress up Mad Men style, let loose with work friends and introduce Brian to all of my co-workers. We even won one of the raffles - $100 to Campanile! There is a picture of me winning the raffle that I haven't gotten my hands on yet, but as soon as I do I'll be sure to share. Duh.

Thanksgiving in Saratoga

The Luskey/Lovgren/Wiman Ladies!

This year, the Santa Monica Luskeys spent Thanksgiving in Saratoga. The weekend was full of eating, family time, gift giving, eating, shopping and, of course, more eating! We flew to Saratoga early Thanksgiving morning (we both had to work on Wednesday) and immediately launched into dinner prep-mode. (Well, Shelley and I launched into prep-mode, Brian launched into football-watching-mode.) The Lovgrens joined us for Thanksgiving dinner and we all had a joyous time!

The Spread:

Roasted turkey, 2 kinds of gravy, stuffing,

green bean casserole, cornbake, squash casserole,

home made cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes

with marshmallow, and fresh rolls!

Heirloom tomato salad with feta and olives.

Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallow topping*

*Photo by Rich Lovgren

So happy with my Thanksgiving plate!

Doesn't get much better than this!

I mean, my plate is a colorful work of art.*

If I do say so myself...

*Note the bedazzled pumpkin Shelley made...LOVE!

Grandma Rosalie, Shelley, Jackie, Hayley,

Sarah, Maren and I enjoying our mid-shopping lunch!

No rest for the weary! The next morning we were up and at 'em and at the Gilroy Premium Outlets by 9:00am sharp. After a morning of shopping (and about a month's worth of paychecks gladly turned over to Saks, Ann Taylor, JCrew and Banana Republic) we refueled at In-N-Out Burger. Heaven!

Our loot from the outlets!

Not all of this is mine. (Just 15 of the 17 bags.)

Told ya I got a lot of stuff!

I'm trying to incorporate more color in my life.

Can you tell?

About five minutes after returning from our shopping spree, Brian's brother and his fabulous wife arrived! After showing off our greatest finds, and a well deserved post-shopping nap, we went to Red Pepper for dinner where we enjoyed an unnaturally colored margarita and some fine Mexican fare.

The boys with their blue cocktails!

The next morning we celebrated Chanukah with the NorCal Luskeys. Since Chanukah came so early this year (and since my lovely sister-in-law is about to pop) we decided to do our latke fry/gift exchange while we were all together!

Look who decided to put all of the buffet items on his bagel sandwich.

Latke, lox, tuna salad, cream cheese, eggs - you name it, it's on there. Yech!

My Chanukah brunch plate complete with the

Israeli flag courtesy of our beloved Goni.

Our Thanksgiving was amazing. We have so much to be thankful for and know how lucky we truly are. Although we missed the Harbergs, we are looking forward to more fun family time in Houston for New Year's!

Which reminds me... I need to start workin' on my resolutions list...

HAPPY CHANUKAH!

Happy Chanukah!

Love,

The Santa Monica Luskeys

*The above picture was taken just a few minutes ago after lighting our first Chanukah candle and opening our first Chanukah gift from Aunt Carla and Uncle Michael - a personalized serving tray that says, "Happy Hanukkah, the Luskeys." WE. LOVE. IT. (Thank you!!)