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!

Friday Five: Allergy Safe Holiday Cookies

To be honest I used to be a bit uncomfortable with the idea of a cookie exchange. Swapping baked goods without a lot of detail on them (or the people made them) doesn't create the best picture in my head. Then I went to one. As a busy adult with work, shopping, holiday parties and general life errands  finding a weekend to bake dozens of cookies all of different varieties with quite difficult. Being able to combine cooking and socializing in one event is fantastic AND you can walk away with as many bake good varieties as you like!

With my own {and lots of others} food allergies I've been searching for a crowd pleaser for my upcoming Junior League cookie exchange. Here are 5 of the most delicious looking gluten and dairy free options!

Caramel Glazed Donuts from Against All Grain

Gingerbread Men from Deliciously Ella

Coconut Meringue Nests by Simply Gluten Free 

Gluten-Free Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies from Gluten Free on a Shoe String

The frosting has butter in it, but I found this Dairy-Free Recipe

Peppermint Chocolate Macaroons from Against All Grain

Beautiful Boxwood

Christmas decorating is in full swing in my apartment and I'm loving the chicness of boxwood. From wreaths to garland to present wrapping, the round leaves adds a classic but modern look to Christmas. I'm hoping the wreath will last me through spring (just changing out the ribbon to be seasonally appropriate).

Pantone's Pastels

Pantone just announced their 2016 color{s} of the year to be the dusty pink, Rose Quartz and soothing blue, Serenity.

I love pastels...especially in winter. I have been rocking my white jeans with cozy ivory and blue spring sweaters well past Labor Day. Add a little sparkle and they make the understated tones perfect for popping Holiday Parties. I'm obsessed with these 2 Miu Miu numbers. Top them off with a long, classic camel {or, even better, ivory} wool coat and you're ready to celebrate the end of 2015.

Metallic Jacquard Mini Skirt

Cotton Jacquard Mini Dress

Jewel Toned Holidays

I'm definitely a self-proclaimed neutral girl. When I wanted to "add color" to my bedroom in my old apartment I added Black. In my new apartment I went with a deep navy blue. I was able to acquire a gorgeous navy blue, velvet sofa and arm chair. I've been adding color with deep red and purple accenting floral arrangements. I've learned to love the elegance that jewel tones bring to the neutral palate and I've been dreaming of these jewel toned table settings for the upcoming holiday's. Now to acquire an apartment with a dining room....

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.

Sniffle Season

Like clockwork, right around Christmas {usually during} I get a bad case of the sniffles. With temps in the high 20's out here this weekend, I think they were brought on early, with a raging sore throat. I've been trying to stay warm and hydrated with lots and lots of tea. I'm straight tea drinker. No sugar, cream or honey ever.  My favorites are Bigelow Constant Comment, Peets Masala Chai and Winter Solstice and Numi Rooibos Chai. All very citrus-y, spicey and Christmas-y.

There is something in cough medicine and drops that makes me really nauseated, so last night, when I needed to up my game with this sore throat business I decided to give the mysterious Hot Toddy a try. I think it comes up every winter at holiday parties and general, what is a Hot Toddy? I was chatting with a co-worker at a party recently who told me even when she was a kid her mom would make her Hot Toddies for when she had a cold. If a mom swears by it enough to give alcohol to her child it has to do something right?

 

1 oz brandy, whiskey, or rum
1 Tbsp honey
1/4 lemon
1 cup hot water
1 tea bag

 

Directions:

Coat the bottom of your coziest mug in Honey

Add the shot of your favorite liquor

Add Juice of 2 lemon Slices

Heat Warm Water and Soak Tea bag

Add Tea, Slice of Lemon and Cinnemon Stick to Mug

Enjoy

To google I went and found a whiskey based recipe {I just can't stomach rum much any more and I'm not old enough for Brandy}. A little honey, whiskey, lemon and Constant Comment tea in my mug and it was suprisingly soothing! I don't know if it was the whiskey or the honey, but one of these before bed does things Nyquil wish it could. Also, it's Christmas-y and I support all things Christmas.

Thanksgiving Weekend {a.k.a Christmas Prep}

I chose to spend Thanksgiving in San Francisco again this year. The stress of 2 days of traveling for 2-3 days of Family and Friend chaos has just proven to be exhausting. Especially if I'm returning in a few weeks for Christmas.

Thanksgiving itself was pretty relaxed. The BF and I took a small hike through the Presidio, watched a little of the Cowboy's game {....I napped} and went to his former co-worker's house for the meal. His co-worker is Philipino so it was kind of fun to have some different food mixed in with the usual Thanksgiving fare.

The rest of the weekend was prepping for Christmas. With only 25 days to celebrate this year, I wanted to jump right in!

I got this gorgeous bay leaf wreath at Trader Joe's for only $10!  I 'fake' hung it with red grosgrain ribbon. I didn't trust the ribbon to hold it on it's own so I used a wreath hanger and then pulled the ribbon up from the top! I'm kind of obsessed with how perfectly it goes with our new Red Front Door!

I purchased gifts for my Grandma's a few months ago, and have since been looking for the perfect ribbon to go with my classic brown wrapping paper. I love how simple and elegant it looks! I ventured to Britex in Union Square {braving the crowds of out-of-towners}. I'd never been there before, but for having 3 stories filled with every button, ribbon, fabric, sequin you could ever want I of course found what I was looking for almost instantly. This dark evergreen ribbon, it's grosgrain with a little stretch for fitting around the packages.

Saturday night Emily and I went to Book of Mormon! First time seeing it and it was spectacular! Everything I hoped for and more. I'm going again Thursday with the BF and cannot wait. We tried to get a pic doing the exuberant jumping pose from the banner. Obviously #nailedit.

Fancy Halloween: Daisy Buchanan

Hope everyone had an amazing Halloween. Although I didn't party it up last night, the roommates and I decided to throw a party last weekend for the annual event. Quite honestly, it's probably one of my least favorite holiday's, but the day after marks the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year!

I've been lusting after a tulle skirt for a while, so with the intention of incorporating some sort of sparkley witch hat I thought I had my costume figured out. The skirt came and the zipper was broken so with 2 days to go before the party I needed something new! Lucky for me, net-a-porter popped up with this Oscar number on my Facebook ads. I knew instantly I had to be Daisy Buchanan. Add this stunning headband and faux fur scarf and it would be absolutely perfect! 

However stunning that version of the costume would have been, the price tag is a little much for a house party. Where do you go to find cheap, yet semi-chic costume supplies? Forever 21. I originally ventured in looking for a tulle skirt, but ended up finding the perfect Daisy alternative:

                           

Dress, Pearl Necklace, Gold Necklace, Headband

New ABD Coffee Mugs!

If you haven't seen already Ashley Brook Designs just released a new set of her darling coffee mugs {including a holiday one} here they are! I am absolutely obsessed!!

I'm so happy to see the 'Miss Fancy Pants' for the fabulous single ladies and absolutely cannot stop laughing over 'You Can't Sit with Us'!  I think it's going to come down to these 3 for me:

Or I could just go for broke on 4. Not quite sure what the BF would think of this, but if it matches mine it's cute right??

P.S. She may or may not already have her Holiday Shop up at running and I may or may not have already been browsing!!! {t-2 months}

Thankful Thursday

Now that the season of giving {and receiving} is over it's time to be thankful....aka write thank you notes! With all these new fangled forms of technology, you might wonder what is the most appropriate way to go about thanking someone for a gift.  Emily Post's most recent etiquette guide says a phone call or e-mail is completely acceptable now and, if you open your gift in the presence of the giver a verbal "Thank You!" suffices.

In my personal opinion you can never go wrong with a hand-written note. Especially since it's even more appreciated as hand-written correspondence is  becoming an antiquity.

Mrs. Post says you should write thank-you notes for holiday gifts as soon as possible and suggests a good standard is to do so before New Year's day. .....Well, I've officially failed at that so I'm hoping to get them out by this weekend!

Now come's the tough part....with so many darling Thank-You cards out there, which one do you choose?

Sugar Paper - Delicate Thank You in Pool

Sugar Paper - So Sweet of You

Kate Spade - Letterpress Check-it-off Fold Over Card

Minted.com - Chic Graffiti Thank You Cards

last, but not least (sorry I just couldn't resist)

Etsy "Creatively Engaged" Funny Christmas Story Inspired Cards

Countdown to Christmas: Personalized Gifts

We've all been there, invited to a party hosted by an aquaintance, struggling to find a gift for the person who has everything or the person who has extremely specific tastes. In these situations I find it best to stick to the simplest gifts. Those things that everyone needs. Napkins, candle sticks, clutch, hors d'eorve tray, stationery...Maybe you use it everyday, maybe you use them once a year, but you cannot go wrong with a classic, functional gift. The problem with gifts like this is that they're usually pretty plain and come off as a little impersonal and that is the exact opposite of what a gift should be.

How do you spruce it up??? Well, with personalization of course!!  Here are some of my favorite personalized gift ideas!

The Everyday Leather Zip Pouch {mark&graham}
You can use it as a clutch, put your iPad in it, carry travel documents etc. Really it's an all purpose and unisex gift that anyone will appreciate! I love it in Porcelain Blue with a center monogram!

2013 Diary {Smythson}

For the more traditional calendar keepers you can't go wrong with a datebook. Smythson offers a variety of sizes, fun colors and personalization options! And the leather bound covers make sure they'll never wear out. Graphic Image offers some equally stylish, but less expensive options.

Letter or Zodiac Pillow {Jonathan Adler}

I have been pining for one of these letter pillows in black and white!!! Jonathan Adler also offers some  more whimsical personalization options with his Zodiac collection as well.

Silver Plated Julep Cup {Pottery Barn}
A GREAT hostess gift idea! It's a classic shape will fit in almost any room and she can use it as a candle holder, a vase or even a Julep!

Lilly Pulitzer Personalized Serving Tray {Lifeguard Press}

You can find these everywhere on etsy right now, but I like the fun designs that Lilly Pulitzer offers!

She has her classic 'ropes' print or you can go crazy with one of her more signature bright, palm beach designs. If you're looking for something a little simpler Design Darling has a adorable standard monogrammed tray too!

Lilly Pulitzer's 'Rope' Pattern

Cleaner look from Design Darling

Happy Shopping!!

November Goals {Follow Up}

So December is finally here!! We got our Christmas tree last night and I'm feeling especially Christmas-y now! That also means it's time to evaluate my progress on my November goals.....

#1) Be more Positive! - CHECK!...?
I don't really know if there is a way to evaluate this one, but I do feel like I made an effort to stop and remind myself that there is a silver lining to everything! I don't know if it is because I've been busier or actually just looking on the bright side but I feel pretty satisfied with my life last month. Looking forward to the craziness of December and keeping my November goal in mind!


#2) Finish 1 Book - eh?
.....well, I didn't exactly 'finish' a book, but I did make more of an effort to read!  I've gotten about 3/4ths of the way through The Great Gatsby. Which, considering I bought it LAST November and had only read the first chapter, is faster than I was averaging :) I love the book though! It is completely different than I remember from High School, but in a good way. I absolutely cannot wait for the movie to come out!!!

#3) Workout 3x a Week! - CHECK!
It took me a week and a half to get into it, but since November 11th I've been hitting up BurnSF at least 3x a week. I love it because it's close to my apartment, but also it incorporates cardio, strength and Pilates all in one!!! I've been reading more and more how you have to start strength training in your twenties to keep your muscles and your metabolism up. I am definitely not one to get up and go to the weight room on her own so I've experimented with a couple classes. I did a weight class at the gym, which wasn't that challenging for me and then I tried the Bar Method this summer. I liked the Bar Method, but if I went 3x a week I felt like I had put in my workouts and never did cardio, which is still necessary!! BurnSF brings it all together and adds Pilates to keep us short gals as long and lean as we can be!


#4) Be more Budget Conscious  - CHECK!...?
I haven't been sticking to my budget completely, but I have cut back on lazy cab rides and un-necessaries (which may or may not vary depending on the moment). I did set up a budget on my bank's website though so I got a start! And I also rejiggered my 401k accounts so hopefully I'll be rich when I retire! It's like when you're dieting.....baby steps right?

#5) Get Christmas Shopping Done! - CHECK!
I'm officially checking this off, because even though they haven't been created yet I've picked everything out.

Brother- I have purchased my brother's gift and mailed it home for X-Mas! I got a GREAT deal at J.Crew on cyber Monday.

Parents - For my parent's I've decided to make them this:

My family has moved A LOT; 10 houses and 6 states. So I thought it'd be cute to get a snapshot of our family at the time we lived in those places and frame them with the map.  I have my Grandma's on picture patrol, but if they can't come up with enough I have this as my backup. I think instead of hearts I'll just cut out the states and put little hearts on the cities we've lived in!

Grandparents - I bought one sets of Grandparents tickets to the Nutcracker in Chicago when I'm back, followed immediately, by my Dad's gift to them of a "delicious" Swedish Smorgasbourd dinner in Andersonville. If you sensed sarcasm you were right. Silver Lining (see goal #1) - no worring about Holiday weight gain that night!

Co-Workers and Acquaintances -I am going to attempt to make homemade Caramels next weekend for my co-workers!....stay tuned for a blogpost on that. Considering I lit the Thanksgiving Pecan Pie on fire, I'll probably be an interesting one.

Friends- Christmas Cards & appropriate gifts have been purchased! Addressing them next weekend!

Wrapping - I am pretty excited for wrapping this year. I LOVE the simple wrapping and fun ribbons. On Pinterest that someone suggested using left over paper bags. (of which we have a ton of in San Francisco since plastic are outlawed....seriously.) I 'm going to use those and get some cute ribbon at Michaels and tie them all up beautifully!

#6) Blog 2x a Week {at least} - CHECK!
Um...did you read them!??

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!?

The Holiday Season is in full swing... along with work and workouts and Junior League! I've literally only been in my apartment to sleep this week!

I had a (brief) moment to catch my breath, aka scarf down a sandwich between meetings, and had a minor panic attack about all the things I need to do in the next three weeks. The answer to minor panic attacks? To-do List! So I put making a to-do list on my to-do list and after a quick drink with friends to ignt, crossed it off.

Looking forward to a productive weekend, squeezed in between birthday parties and volunteering!

San Francisco Thanksgiving Staycation

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was relatively quiet this year. I chose to avoid the crazy and exhausting holiday travel and stay in the city. One of my roomies stayed this year too, she had just been home the previous weekend for her brother's wedding.

It was a perfect weekend, the weather was beautiful, we got out and ran, saw out of town friends and did some fun touristy activities. We also cooked an absolutely delicious Thanksgiving for 2 (that could have fed 8)!

Our Thanksgiving Table

Only 1 minor mishap when the bourbon I was reducing for the Pecan pie caught on fire, but everything came out unscathed (including the pie).

Friday we decided to get out and be active so we rented bikes down at Fisherman's Warf. The original plan was to bike the bridge over to Sausalito, but we ended up going through the Presidio to Ocean Beach. I hadn't ridden a bike (outside of spin class) in maybe 5 years and never did anything super adventurous then. The Presidio is pretty hilly so the first part of the ride tested our endurance. The biggest ( not steepest, but longest) was at the end of the Presidio, but the down hill is along the coast and looks over Sea Cliff and China Beach.

It was absolutely stunning and made the entire ride worth it! I had run the hill before on the Nike Half Marathon, but nothing beats flying down the hill on a bike. It was definitely one of those "only in San Francisco" moments and I'd recommend the ride to anyone coming to visit. Unfortunately I was too busy soaking up the moment to take pictures, but I found this one on google! It doesn't really do the view any justice and it was a much nicer day, but its a little glimpse of what I saw.

Countdown to Christmas: The Nutcracker

I realize this is pre-mature (only 2 days, but whatever). I am just too excited! One of my favorite Christmas things is the Nutcracker. I don't know why, I just started going when I moved out on my own. Kingsley and I went to my first one in San Francisco and I've been going every year since.
Maybe it's because they make it snow outside as you walk in and actually feels like Christmas.

I just bought tickets to take my Grandma and Aunt to the Joffrey's Nutcracker while I'm in Chicago this year and I'm so excited! The sparkles, the dancing and maybe even some REAL snow!

This is my favorite part: The Grand Pas De Deux. The music is absolutely beautiful, I could listen to it all day.....and maybe I have been :)


P.S. 33 more days 'til Christmas!

Countdown to Christmas: Holiday Cards

I hope you've all received your December issue 'Real Simple' which includes a fabulous checklist of all the things you should be doing to minimize the stresses of the Holiday Season.

 First up on their list is to order your holiday cards by November 30th! I would say a little earlier to insure there are no bumps in printing or delivery, but that's just my anxiety prone self. 

Needless to say I've already begun my search for the cutest Holiday Card ever. Between Kate, Lilly, Ashley, Etsy & Minted I don't know how I'm ever going to make a decision!  Below are my favorites so far!

Kate Spade's 'Shine On' Holiday Card, because the holiday's are the best time to sparkle!!

Inside Reads: 'tis the Season to Sparkle

Love the Art-Deco lettering and fun Turquoise! A New Year's card is great for a neutral Holiday card and it gives you a little more time to get them out! Definitely the best choice if you're going to be busy entertaining for both Thanksgiving AND Christmas!

Inside Reads: Happy New Year

"Spread" The Cheer Cards from Kate as well, because who doesn't love some "cheesy" holiday humor?

Inside Reads: Spreading Good Cheer

Lilly Pulitzer's "Falalala Lilly" card is fun and sassy!

Ashley Brooke designs has a lot of fun, unique options as well! 

Both her "Favorite Things" & "Santa Baby" cards come in folding cards AND postcards!

She also offers gorgeous customizable cards for the couple and the single gal! She does have ADORABLE photo cards available, but what is more custom than a portrait of yourself??

They make me want to get a twirly skirt for all the upcoming Holiday Parties!!

Minted is a stationery/card website that allows you to design your own cards and share your designs with others (& vice versus). I found this card last year on Tumblr and fell in love with it! I sums up the holiday's perfectly for me! Maybe I'll suck it up and get it this year??

So now that I've shown you all these fabulous options where on earth can you find them?

Kate Spade's Cards: Nearest Kate Spade Store or Crane Stationery website
Lilly Pulitzer Cards: Lifeguard Press Website

Ashley Brooke Designs: In her Holiday Shop Of Course!

Minted: Minted.com