I know I said I’d be back next week but maintaining three other blogs, a tiny dancer and christmasifying my life has taken over.  MISS is requiring more organization and behind the scenes work, Chanel had a fashion show this week which means lot of news and I need to stay on top of Lil’ Miss because it’s a little baby.

And then Christmas! It’s not easy planning a black and white Christmas. None of the stores I’ve gone to (many, many) don’t have white and black Christmas ornaments! WTF?! So, I had to order my ornaments online and I hope I get them in time. AHHH! Is it too much to want to decorate in a way that’s not cheese ball? Jeez!

Ok, gotta get back. The tiny dancer is crying, I have 15 pending blog posts and the coconut “snowflake” cupcakes need some icing.

Ciao.

Hahaha, my baby sister Giovanna sent this to me and made me promise that I’d wear this on my birthday since “I’m not another year older, but a year sexier” – funniest card ever.  Complete with leopard print and all.

This year has been a truly wonderful year and it’s been most appreciated since coming off the heels of last year which was full of difficult decisions and changes.  What they say is true, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.  Last night Ali said something that made a lot of sense:  Whenever you have tough times ahead you know you’ll get through them so put the seat belt on, go along for the bumpy ride, and at the end you’ll have thought it was easier than you originally thought. Here’s to more sexiness in the years to come!

I’m sitting on a plane as I write this, and yes, I’m really wearing one of those masks.  It’s not the most comfortable but I’m trying not to get sick. It wouldn’t be such a big deal if I were just concerned with myself.  But, I’ve got a little one on the way and with all the media hype about what H1N1 does to pregnant ladies, I’m not taking any chances!

I’ve been pretty much the worst blogger the past few months and it’s a combination of being extremely busy AND growing up.  Ali and I are expecting a baby and we bought a house.  We’ve been prolonging “adulthood” for as long as we can but it was time for us to grow up – but we’re still kids at heart.

As I adjust to everything I’ll be blogging more.  In the mean time, if you are sick, stay away from me – I mean that in the nicest way possible.

Sorry!!! I’ve been a bad, bad blogger!  The past two months have been very busy.  I’m still in a bit of shock that the year is almost over – it zipped by so quickly.

I’ve been busy building M.I.S.S. – whether its the content or the team, it all needs constant nurturing.  And of course, I started yet another blog under the M.I.S.S. umbrella – one devoted solely to my favorite brand, Chanel.

Last week I went to LA for some meetings and I also had the chance to attend some cool events.  The first was a Gigi luncheon where AII launched the new Gigi packaging.  I had the pleasure of meeting the Gigi team, as well as experience a paraffin hand dip for the first time – it was very nice.

The second was the opening for Three Apples, an exhibition celebrating Hello Kitty’s 35th Anniversary.  As a big fan of Hello Kitty, it was like dying and going to Hello Kitty heaven.

Hello Kitty 3 Apples 35th Anniversary

I’m back in SF and I’ll be making a quick stop in NY in a couple weeks, and then again over the holidays.  I’ll try to make it down to LA again as I didn’t get to spend much time there last week – I didn’t even have time to go to Roscoe’s!

I’ve got some cool new additions lined up for M.I.S.S., but you’ll have to wait to hear about them.  For now, I need to get back to work!

Dear Coffee,
It was love from the very moment my grandmother made me cappuccino as a child. At the time, I enjoyed you with lots of milk, cinnamon and sugar. As I’ve gotten older and my tastes have grown, you’ve been by my side, constantly evolving yet always a stable friend that I could count on.

Oh Coffee, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love the warmth you bring to my soul and the vitality you bring to my mind. I start each day with your gentle coaxing and you get me through the afternoon lows. I enjoy you hot, iced, with chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon and sugar. You’re feisty as a short espresso and your smooth and steady as the American variety.

I couldn’t imagine my life without you.

Love Always,
GDK

This is how a typical day starts off – with a massive to-do list.  If I don’t write it down, it may not get done as it’s hard for me to keep everything in my head.  I like to take the Einstein approach…he was said to not know his own address.  He felt that there was no need to clog his head with information he could find elsewhere.  Though I’m not creating theories of relativity, I do like to keep my mind free to think and analyze, and I leave the remembering everything I need to do to my trusty Mead marble notebook.

The past few weeks have been busy prepping for coverage of the Vegas tradeshows and NY Fashion Week.  It’s been an exciting few weeks but sometimes overwhelmingly busy.  How can it not be with a daily list like that??

Today was one giant technical difficulty that left me completely drained.  I have a gigantic headache and have been on the verge of smoking a cigarette all day – but I didn’t.  I did realize just how much of a control freak I am.  I’ve always been a “if you want it done right, do it yourself” kind of gal but when your business grows beyond what you can do by yourself, you have to let go:  Lesson 1 Management.

Unfortunately, I don’t have the technical skills to be a web developer and this is an area that I constantly have to rely on other people.  I think today I found someone that will help me through this but getting there was difficult.  I’m glad this day is coming to an end.  I know when you run a website there are always going to be technical issues – it’s just a sign of our growth – I just hope we won’t have another one of these bumps in the road for a while.

Ali and I recently celebrated our 7 year anniversary and we’re both surprised that much time has gone by.  We’ve actually been a couple for 11 years and I’m happy to say that I love him more and more each day – I didn’t even know that was possible.  He’s my best friend and he can always lift my spirits and make me laugh.  After 7 years of marriage, we are still silly as ever.  Here’s to a lifetime more….

My natural state of affairs involves me on the hunt for chocolate – dark, bitter chocolate. Today, I had an especially strong for desire that could only be fulfilled with a chocolate glazed, creme filled donut. Heavenly. Now, I have to be sure to work out with Jillian Michaels tomorrow morning – but totally worth it.

Ali and I are celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary in a few weeks and he surprised me with a surprise early gift!  I’ve been needing a new everyday bag that would fit my laptop, notebook,  headphones and the kitchen sink.  I’ve always been a fan of the double G’s because (1) I’m a G; (2) It’s Italian like me; and (3) love the green/red stripes (see #2).

I got a Gucci pattern canvas tote – the laminated kind – very practical.  I’m a girl-on-the-go and this is an everyday tote, so I didn’t want it to get filthy.  It’s also the perfect size – I love big bags but since I’m petite sometimes it’s hard to find one that doesn’t make me look like a munchkin.  This bag is perfect because it holds a lot without overpowering me.

Thank you Ali!  I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you!!