If it’s good enough for Oprah, it’s good enough for me.
This morning, the Queen of Chicago announced her “2010 Ultimate Favorite Things”, her biggest show of the year which gifts her entire studio audience with everything The Big O deems amazing.
While I won’t be dishing out these goodies (O and I do NOT share the same bank account), in the spirit of Chicago Women divulging their favorite things, I wanted to give you Just a Chi Town Girl’s 2010 Favorite Things. Some are Chicago-centric, some are just fabulous but all are things I love. And hope you will too.
Have Joy.
1. Lush’s Love Lettuce Mask
A nice little pick-me-up, mini-spa-at-home treat. It smells like lavendar, uses crushed almonds to exfoliate and has seaweed in it to get your skin nice, clean and green. Oh and if you return 5 empty pots to Lush, you get a mask for free. Positively Lush-ious.
2. Kiehl’s Coconut Lip Balm #1
A little shine, a lotta moisture and the coconut adds a taste of summer year round. Perfect stocking stuffer (hint, hint, Mom.)
I first found K. Amato when I lived in Lincoln Park- she has a little storefront that is by-appointment only but my roommate and I attended her 3x a year open houses religiously. The Wabash necklace was my Christmas gift from Ryan last year (in a gorgeous smokey quartz), a statement piece I love! Her designs are sophisticated, unique and affordable. Plus, Kristen is a Chicago girl- gotta show her the Chicago love!
4. Aspen Bay’s Capri Blue Candle– #6
I fell in love with this candle years ago at Anthropologie. The flame looks beautiful through the blue glass and the smell is just to-die-for. I change candles seasonally in my kitchen but this is my standard, spa smell that I just can’t live without.
5. lululemon athletica Groove Pants
Oprah and I share one thing: our love of lululemon and our belief that their pants make your rear end look new and improved. My favorite are the Groove Pants; wearing them as I type, in fact!
More Cupcakes are the best cupcakes in Chicago. Hands down. Visit their Delaware Street boutique on any given Saturday and the line is out the door. Perfect ratio of cake to frosting is hard to find but More has nailed it. Try the Black and White- it’s my favorite!
6. Goose Island’s Sofie
I am a diehard 312 fan (I live in Chicago, how can I not be?) but Goose Island has a new kid on the block: Sofie. Sofie is a tart, dry sparkling ale that has the citrus taste we know and love from 312 but there’s a smooth, vanilla aftertaste business to Sofie. Reminds me a bit of champagne, a bit of beer…aka, the perfect holiday drink!
If you have ever been walking down Michigan Avenue and smelled Garrett’s Popcorn wafting it’s way toward you from down the block, you know what I’m talking about. There’s really no way you can’t give in the that smell. The cheese-caramel popcorn mix. Enough said.
8. Burberry Cashmere Scarf
Burberry is definitely not a Chicago brand but sometimes, you just have to go across the pond for some luxe. I know this is not an original add to my Favorite Things List but this scarf is snuggled against my neck from November to March. There’s something about Burberry to me that just signals the holidays. Maybe it’s the classic plaid.
9. Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist
A beautifully woven collection of essays, author Shauna Niequist‘s first book had me at “celebrate”. Cold Tangerines explores the idea of celebrating (gasp!) the everyday, ordinary parts of our lives because guest what? The things we constantly overlook are exactly the things that are take-your-breath-away amazing. Shauna is a Chicago author and person that I just adore– I look forward to her books just like I do a great meal. And I devour them immediately.
I know I didn’t send anyone on a cruise but I do have a giveaway, my VERY FIRST giveaway, coming up next week. Stay tuned and get excited- it IS definitely one of my favorite things!