Inspiration for next Year’s Christmas card.
(image via)
A Great Start
Between these countdown cookies,
outstanding seafood pasta and orrechiette with vodka sauce at Volare,
and watching the fireworks from our apartment, I would say that 2012 is off to a great start. Our little party of 6 shared some lovely toasts, equally lovely bubbly and our goals for the new year while listening to Auld Land Syne. Cheesy, maybe. But hearing your friends speak about the things and people they love so passionately and honestly is beautiful. I don’t usually love New Year’s Eve but this one, this end to 2011, was one for the books.
Thankful Thursday
(image via PinkCityFitness‘s Thankful Thursdays)
NYE Essential Ingredient
2012 begins a mere 72 hours from now and while I don’t love New Year’s Eve, I rarely turn down an opportunity to wear sequins and drink champagne. So, sparkles and bubbly this Saturday night, it is.
Whole Foods has some great sparkling cocktail ideas and a little crash course in all things carbonated. The classic champagne cocktail will definitely be making an appearance at our post-dinner ode to 2011 and heaven forbid there are any leftovers the next day, a little morning mimosa will be just the thing to toast 2012, while still in my jammies. Click here for the full article.
(image via)
Skyline Snowman
It’s so chilly out that I think a little skyline snowman is the least Mother Nature can do. At least before this holiday business goes stale and I start being ready for Spring, right?
2011 Favorite Blogs
Just A Chi Town Girl has existed for 2 years, 3 months, 16 days and approximately 5 hours.
In the time that this has been my little corner of the Internet, there have been several other blogs that have provided endless inspiration, entertainment, and genuine joy for me. I ran into Emily from Emphasis Added at J.Crew last week and once I was done being starstruck (blogstruck?), I introduced myself, gushed over how much my friends and I love her blog, how adorable her little girl Hazel is and wished her a happy holiday. Walking away, I realized how cool this whole blog thing is. People invite you into their lives, their views on style/politics/family/relationships, their likes, their dislikes, all in hopes at maybe it will speak to someone. I think that’s really generous and considering how much this blog community thing means to me, I really appreciate it.
In the spirit of end of the year high fives, here are my favorite blogs of 2011:
Emphasis Added: Chi-town wife, mom, fashionista and lover of all things Chicago.
Ramshackle Glam: Jordan is über stylish, creative, crafty, resourceful…and writes about it in a way that makes you feel like you can be too, almost encouraging her readers to take chances in any area of their lives because hey, nothing can turn out so bad that it can’t be redeemed. A very real, very feel good read.
Hollywood Housewife: This wife of a Hollywood director gives a very entertaining look into life in LA. Super down-to-earth, I love this blog for it’s great links, book recommendations, and clever party ideas..
Cup of Jo: New York magazine writer and blogger who has a fantastic eye for design, style, food, wine, you name it. Super thought provoking while still being relatable.
Haute Like Couture: Homegirl says what she thinks, be it about fashion, celebrities or her personal life and inspires me to be just a it bolder…and maybe make up some words while I am at it.
Confetti and Cocktails: Because I love confetti. And cocktails. (Seriously gorgeous Pinterest-like blog.)
What are YOUR favorite blogs? Any I should add into my daily roll?
Christmas Snapshot
Luna Bell by tree light.
A fireside table at RL.
Christmas Day drive to Lake Michigan.
Christmas night Old Fashioned’s, courtesy of Santa leaving some Maker’s under the tree.
So much merry for three little days.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Hope you all had a wonderful holiday! I am just getting back to Chicago and settled in after a lovely time in Michigan. It’s always so nice to spend time with my family and good friends.
And since it didn’t happen before Christmas, tonight is for snuggling in for a viewing of It’s a Wonderful Life. Clarence’s note to George Bailey gets me every time…
Homeward Bound
The car is packed and we are on the road to Michigan for Christmas!
Luna Bell tried to camouflage herself with that Saks Fifth Avenue bag but we found her and she is Mitten State bound as well.
Safe travels and Merry, merry Christmas to all! Enjoy this time with the people you love- it truly is the most wonderful time of the year!