Wrapping up 2015!

The holiday whirlwind is finally over. I spent the last 2 months settling nto a new job, traveling to 6 different states and entertaining my on-a-winter-break-from-grad-school boyfriend in my studio sized apartment. It was so great to come home to his face (and sometimes cooked dinner!) everyday, but it made time go by so quickly.

I posted this quote on Christmas but I thought it was so perfect:

"We ate well and cheaply 

and drank well and cheaply 

and slept warm and well together 

and loved each other." ~ Ernest Hemingway

We drove up to my parents house in Wisconsin for Thanksgiving. It was a quick trip because he was severely allergic to their dog (I know...we had the 'But what if we can never get a dog!?' convo on the way home). We were able to stop in Madison for an impromptu Engagement party/ baby announcement on the way home {don't worry they were separate couples :) }. I have to say it is amazing to be there and experience these moments with my college friends. For so long I was so far away and felt so detached. It's exciting to be able to sit with them, see the smile on their faces and smile back.  On the same cheesy note, it was super weird/great to have the BF there. I realized he's the only person in my life who knows both my California and College friend in a similar context to me. It was kind of special.

The week before Christmas we headed to Denver for some winter festivities with his family. Not before we missed our flight and spent the day in Ohare though.  We literally ran through the exact same terminal that they did in Home Alone with Christmas decorations and all. When we got there it was fun to be able to actually experience Denver with him, I went back in September and he had gotten mono so a lot of it was spent by myself or with his parents.

We split for Christmas; I headed back to Chicago for 1 day to work and then braved the airport, once again to get to Florida where I spent Christmas with my family. I had packed for San Francisco weather since the pan handle is usually pretty temperate, it was crazy weather though. 80 degrees and 100% humidity.  Once I relaxed I was able to spend a day or 2 in the sun with a book. 

I made it back to Chicago for another quick trip. Luckily I made it before the big storm. It was my 29th Birthday and some of my local college girlfriends put together quite the day of sparkles, catching up, champagne and gold! It was probably my favorite birthday yet. The BF making his heroic arrival at the end of dinner through the snow storm and flight delays.

The BF and I then flew to New Orleans for New Years Eve. Neither of us had been before so we were ready for the full the experience. The food was absolutely delicious and we ended up staying in an AirBnb a block from the LaLaurie Mansion....which was a little terrifying once we found out. 

We went out to the Bayou one day to see alligators. Unfortunately, its the cold season so we were only able the eyes of one peaking out of the water. There were tons of cute little raccoons though. Our guide said they've tried to feed them so many items and the only thing they respond to is marshmallows.

I'm settled back in Chicago now attempting to get ducks in a row for 2016! 2015 was filled with lots of exciting events and tons of self discovery, I can't wait to see with 2016 will be about!

Winter Skin Care

2 years ago at Christmas I came back to the midwest for about 5 days. By the end of my visit my skin felt like and was peeling off my face. There was nothing I could do to keep the moisture in. Last year, I purchased the Kiehl's holiday 'moisture rescue' pack just for my trip. It contained all of their intense moisturizing products in travel size. Perfect for my quick trip!
Needless to say, I'm spending a little more than a week in the depth of midwest winter this year. I started scrambling for every cream, serum and mask I could find about a month ago. I've finally widdle my collection down to the select few below!

Olay Total Effects Moisturizer Plus - Mature Therapy 
This is my everyday, every season moisturizer. Why "Mature"? Apparently during menopause your skin dries out so you need a better formatted moisturizer. I did try the regular version and I just didn't feel like it penetrated deep enough. It did a great job on the surface, but I find the "Mature Therapy" to be more cream like and moisturize thoroughly.

 

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask
So easy, convenient and DEEPLY moisturizing. When my skin gets really dry it starts to feel "crispy" underneath my skin. This gets rid of this feeling almost instantly. I also have really dry skin on my arms that this works great on. I imagine it would have divine effects on the feet, but I haven't tried it yet.

Aveda Hand Relief
It is a little greasy, but I like the smell much better than Keihl's hand cream and you can get it in purse size!

Kiel's Creme De Corps
I normally use Aveeno, but in the winter I've switched to this. It gets moisturizes deeply and gets rid of the "crispy" feeling on your body.

Baby its cold!

In honor of the first snow in Chicago this weekend, I can't help but post this adorable Barnes and Noble spot. I was delighted to find out bookstores actually exist in Chicago! In San Francisco I could count everyone I knew of on 1 hand.

 If anyone asks, its not Christmas-y its just discussing the weather.

Girls Weekend in Denver

2014 is off to quite an interesting start.  Started a brand new project at work, neck deep in Junior League adventures, 6 months to find a new apartment....it's a little overwhelming. Perfect time for a girls weekend away!

MLK weekend I headed to Denver for a mini-college reunion with some girlfriends. I'd never been to Denver (well outside of the airport) and honestly, I quite remember why it was chosen. It was great to see everyone and explore a new city...also I'd be lying if I didn't say I was excited to put my new, Christmas, cashmere to use! Lots of good food, vintage shopping, microbrews . absolutely gorgeous snow covered mountains in the back drop. Can't wait to go back!

Rocky Mountain Backdrop

Some of the girlies and I on the gondola up the mountain in Breckenridge

So not a skier on any level

Cashmere and Fur

12 carat sapphire in a vintage jewelry shop on Larimer Square