. . . for last year's new year's eve festivities, it was a silvery lavender silk crepe dress, accessorized, of course, with a party tiara and hand-held sparklers; this year, sheer, lacy, and sprinkled with a million glittery paillettes may be just the thing . . .
. . . and today was one of those that was filled with all kinds of running round -- cocktail and holiday dresses at the dry cleaners, a stop at the hair salon, and even braving the shops filled with hapless, last-minute men . . . and there are still gifts to wrap and suitcases to pack, but for now, just a few quiet moments before it all begins . . .