A few thoughts...

I hope everyone is doing great! Happy Thanksgiving and I cannot believe it's already Christmas time! I feel like it comes around so quickly, then it's gone again.

The MBA program is going well. There is only 2 weeks left until the semester is over and I am so excited for a break. Zions is good and very secure, so don't worry your money is safe. You should all be proud I have not fallen once this whole month, so I don't have any of those stories to tell you.

Since I do not have the pleasure to talk to each and every one of you on a regular basis, here are my latest thoughts...

Fashion

With winter fast approaching, what is the latest fashion craze? That is a good question. It seems like this year, there isn't a must have for winter. In previous years, it was the pancho, rainboots, but what about 2009? After careful research, here is my list of top 5 must haves for winter...

1. Black, grey, red, and white dress coat. This is a great fit for every girl and it gives an extremely sophisicated look.


2. Purple, teal, or fushia purse. Winter is more subdued colors, but you can still look young and hip with an accented purse.


3. "Designer" boots. Don't think you have to go spend $100 on Guess boots, but you can find knock-offs that have similar designs for more than half the price. This way you get the look and the feel.


4. Knee-high boots. These are must haves in every girl's closet. Knee-highs go well with any outfit. You can dress them up with a cocktail dress or even a skirt to go out on the town. The cutest look is knee-high boots, short black dress, and a peacoat to your knees.


5. Accessories. I know you may ask, what type of accessories, but no need. I will tell you. Over the past few years, gold has been all the rage, but silver is always timeless. You must be very careful not to OVER accessorize. The first step is to chose which item you want to highlight. If you choose a pair of fancy earrings, make sure to wear a simple necklace, so you do not take any attention away from the earrings and vice versa. Make sure all of your jewlery are in the same tone as well (all gold, all silver). Also, be careful with trying to match too much. For a younger look you can try mixing and matching different jewelery.

Entertainment and Hollywood

For all of you, the Jonas Brothers are the hottest thing out there along with Hannah Montana. So if you haven't listened to them... DO!

Still a fan of Brad and Angelina. I love their kids too.

Britney is making a comeback, hopefully it lasts for a while. Her poor kids!

Economy

1. We are officially in a recession. Do not panic... We've been in it for a while and this is something the economy goes through every 10 years or so. The only reason this time is worse is due to the credit crisis because of the subprime lending.
2. If you have money to invest in the stock market... do it now! It's a great time to buy, but you have to research your stocks carefully and decide if you would like to be a day trader or longer term holder. In this market, it is not ideal to be a long term holder, but if you are, you can get some stocks at great prices. For example.. Aeropostale, which is one of the strongest retailer now is priced at $12.75. It was at $37 just six months ago. If you are a bigger risk taker, look into stocks that have potential to go back up from a consolidation or corporate restructure like Starbucks or Freddie and Fannie.
3. The housing market in Utah is still strong. It has slowed down substantially, but prices for condoes have not fallen yet, which means we are still doing ok. Once the condo market falls, then Utah has joined the leagues of other states facing a housing crisis like Nevada and California.
4. Job versus education. While I am doing both, I do think that this is a perfect time to further your education. The job market it tight right now and skill advancement is always a plus. Also, if you've mastered those skills and graduated, the market may be up by then, which is a win win for you and your employer.

Life

1. Love, laugh, breathe, and be kind.
2. Smile as much as you can... no one likes a grouch.
3. Give back to others... even if it's just making cookies for a neighbor.

Bye for now! Love you all. MUCHO LOVE!!!