Pantone released their pick for “Color of the Year” and I highly approve, seeing how it’s my favorite color- Emerald! The color of prosperity, I think it’s a good sign for 2013.

December! Merry, merry, merry and loaded with champagne!”- Fresh Everyday

Amen.

Last year, it was December 22nd and I was making a midnight run to CVS for more supplies. This year, all of my cards are in the mail…on December 4th. Progress, I say! Progress.

(Pats self on back)

Meeting your main squeeze for lunch in a village made of Christmas joy has got to rank as the best lunchtime activity ever.

Extreme excitement for people I don’t know…and extreme excitement about things in general. Kinda my gig.

PRINCESS KATE IS HAVING A BABY!

Omg. I am so excited. I adore the Duke and Duchess, as can be seen here and here and while all babies are all sorts of awesome, a royal baby is pretty darn special.

Did someone say “competition”?

While leaving my dear old gran’s assisted living home in Michigan last weekend, I noticed a flier that said “Door Decorating Competition” with a promise of prizes for 1st and 2nd place. Decorating? Competition? Prizes? Oh, it’s on.

One trip to Big Lots (an awesome Michigan dollar store’esque place) and I was ready to decorate the hell out of my grandma’s door. The theme? North Pole Nights. I forgot string to hang the star ornaments to which my 95 year old grandma was solution read- “I have floss- use that.” Pure holiday genius.

The finished product door has caused quite the stir and since the “competition” isn’t for a few weeks, I hope that my grandma’s door glory gets other residents and their families into door decorating action. The more, the merrier is the saying, right?

I must say, however, that if she doesn’t win…I am asking for a recount. North Pole Nights 2012!

Christmas tree hunting in Michigan.

Let’s consider this cake an important addition to Just a Chi Town Girl’s Favorite Things.

If you live in Chicago, you know Jonny Imerman- smiley, tirelessly positive, heckuva nice guy wearing his Imerman Angels t-shirt all over town. IA is his non-profit that pairs cancer survivors with people currently battling that same kind of cancer so that they have peer support. Incredible organization, incredible guy.

You know what else? He has family THAT MAKES CAKE. And not just any cake. Organic, all natural, GMO-free, mind-blowingly delicious cake. Brother Jeff and darling Mom Jane founded Imerman Cake Company to share their passion for baking organic goodness with us all because seriously- what we put in our bodies affects our health.

I had the pleasure of working with Jeff on a event for my company in Birmingham, MI and tonight, I got to sample my fair share of cake. It’s beyond. The chocolate chip is perfection and the cinnamon crumb is making me question my loyalty to all thing chocolate. And it’s not full of chemicals and preservatives and pesticides! This cake is practically health food, right? Did I mention a portion of the proceeds go to supporting Imerman Angel’s life saving work?

This is the longest post about cake ever but this company marries things I am so passionate about- healthy living, local businesses, and philanthropy. Luckily, Imerman Cakes online shop recently launched so it can be a cake Christmas for everyone!

I think Santa would prefer cake anyways.

When making my lists for Christmas gifts, I can’t help but think of products that I have been loving all year. I am sure your dashboards and inboxes are full of gift guides but I want to share some things I adore and am so excited to give because I have loved them so much in my own home. So, back for the 3rd year, Just a Chi Town Girl’s Favorite Things!

JillyInk is a wildly talented Chicago writer and artist who has the most incredible handwriting. Wedding invites, stamps (I use the “N” she gave me for Christmas a few years back all the time), signage, tattoos…she designs it all in her signature script. I can’t wait to attach these JillyInk tags to my gifts this year- taking “sent with love” to a new (handmade!) level.

I bought this as a little luxe housewarming gift (for myself) when we moved into our apartment in February. Now on my 3rd one, I cannot live without Nest’s Moss and Mint diffuser– fresh, clean and delicious smelling without being overpowering or too perfumey. In other words, Ryan-approved (what is it about candles or good smelling things that boys cannot stand??).

The holiday season is one great excuse for celebration…and therefore bubbly! I am in love with these champagne flutes and their matching wine glasses. I received both as birthday gifts and cannot wait to pay it forward (drink it forward?) by giving more as gifts. The unique shape just ups the special factor, don’t you think?

Lipstick means an instantly put together face. Red lipstick? Upping the ante because let’s get real, life’s too short to not be bold. This NARS red is my absolute favorite but NARS Dolce Vita is my daily go-to for a little punch. You need something to get on that champagne flute, right?!?

It’s no secret, I am UB-sessed with Flywheel. I would rather be sweating it out with my fav instructors Michael & Antonia and all my Fly friends (Ashlee, I’m looking at you) than doing almost anything else. Giving the gift of health AND fun? Flywheel gift cards for everyone!

New reader? Just a Chi Town Girl’s Fav Things 2010 and 2011.

A run on the lake in 60 degree weather, a round of Jenga with on Luna Bell, a full to the the brim Thanksgiving table.

Not pictured: a trip to the Kristkindlmart for spiced wine and strudel, a festive holiday kickoff meal at RPM Italian, some solid Michigan Avenue shopping and time with people I love, love, love.

I can’t remember a more enjoyable Thanksgiving. Thursday and Friday were busy in the best possible way with my parents while Saturday and Sunday were met with zero plans. Christmas cards? Ordered. Laundry? 100% done. December social calendar? Nearly planned.

When I thought of writing the typical “things I am grateful for” blog post, it didn’t feel necessary. In the last few months, I’ve gotten very clear about what I want for my life, what I want in my life. This weekend had quite a few of those “I can’t believe this is my life” moments so I suppose there’s not so much a list as there is a word: grateful. All day, every day.