Holiday Gifts for Girls - Head to Toe...

It's time to kick off the holiday season with a few gift guides! 

Canada Goose Fur Trapper Hat // Kelly Wearstler Horn Earrings // Marc Jacobs Chunky Wool Hat //
Ray-Ban Wayfarers // Astley Clark Blue Quartz Earrings // Tory Burch Velvet Fox Loafer // Frye Black Boots // Michael Kors Stud Earrings // Asos Gold Toe Heels // Hunter Boots // Kate Spade Blue Suede Wedges // J.Crew Cashmere Socks // Joie Smoking Flats // Kate Spade Brown Suede Boots

Happy Friday...

Hop hop hop. I saw a bunny on my way to work today - a real live person dressed up in a suit standing outside the Peninsula. We laughed as he waved at us driving by. I'm excited that it's the weekend!! I just adore this table - it's decorated in beautiful pastels, adorable

Happy Valentine's Day...

I'm a very lucky girl to be celebrating this hallmark holiday with my love. Tonight we dine on sushi and enjoy a date night on the town. We both feel really grateful to have found one another - and to think, all I had to do was...


Say yes, to my company offering to move me from NYC to Chicago to start an office here and grow the Central territory - at first my reply was 'no', but I packed my bags and relocated to the windy city. And then, one day at the tail end of winter, I reconnected with a former co-worker on LinkedIn - somehow after jaunts in CA and NY - we had both ended up in Chicago in the same industry. The fellow has a knack for creating fun and getting groups of random people together...and invited me out one Thursday eve in June. At first, I said 'no'. Because I had plans with a girlfriend, but as fate would have it, she was not able to meet for dinner after all. So...I could meet my friend and his acquaintances - 6pm at the Bucktown Pub. I walk in, see my handsome man (a stranger at the end of the bar), he looks at me, I look at him. And a few minutes later we are all getting corralled together as we are unknowingly in the same group. I ended up at dinner at Club Lucky with 5 guys. It might have been one of the funniest evenings I have ever had and I laughed till the wee hours. One of those gentleman is my bf. The man I saw instantly when I walked in the bar. If many things had been different - I may not be where I am today, living with my lovey and our pup. I think about that a lot...it's very Sliding Doors;) Enjoy some champagne and sweets tonight with lovers, or friends or just a good old movie with your sweats on...if you have found love - hold on to it, and if you haven't, just wait, it's around the corner;) 

Something Sweet...

Valentine's day makes me think of anything heart-shaped, flowers, sappy cards and sweets! Here are a few great easy recipes you can whip up for someone you love. xx


Red Velvet Macaroons // Heart Cookies // Black and White Cookies // Chocolate dipped Strawberries // Chocolate Fondue // Black Bottom Pie //  Brownie Heart Cupcakes // Fudge Hearts // Pear Raspberry Pie

Valentine's Day Gifts...

Fun little gifts inspired by love...


Heart Straws // Gold Initial Necklace // Personalize Poster // Embossed Python Pouch // Eat Love Cookbook // Ban.do Sequin Heart // Forever 21 Bangle // X & O Earrings // Love Pillow // Pink Nail polish // Madewell Heart Tote

L.O.V.E...

Hello! Hope everyone had a great weekend. This week is all about the L.O.V.E. I know that Valentine's day sometimes gets a cheesy rap, but I just adore any festive holiday. I'll be talking cards, gift guide, recipe, hot date spots and date night outfits. I'm so lucky to be spending it with my sweet bf! But even if you don't have someone special at the moment, some of the the funnest holidays are spent going out with friends;) What are your plans?


images via pinterest

Festive Tablesetting...

While the holidays near and guests are days away from arriving there is much to do! Well, I'm not hosting - but I can imagine. I collected a few beautiful images for entertaining with style. Cut some greens, light a few candles and don't forget the sparkle. {images via pinterest} x

Walking Around Gift Guide: Hostess...

Gasp, one last gift guide...just a few things  you might bring along with you when you visit friends and family that are hosting holiday festivities. Hooray for the hosts who bring us cheer. 

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Walking Around Gift Guide: Something Pretty ~ For the Girls...

I have been so excited to kick off gifts for gals. First up, something pretty, then something practical and top picks!

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Walking Around Gift Guide: Get the Guys Something {Top Picks}...

Last is the favorites: Top picks for guys gifts!

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Tomorrow: The trio of gifts for the gals;)

Happy Friday...

I woke up today to our first light dusting of snow. Hooray! I can't believe this week, month and year is just flying by. The closer we get to the holidays the more giddy I am. Not only to see family back east, but to have little vaca with the bf and friends. To get you into the holiday spirit I have added a few songs to my Christmas Playlist {called Cozy Winter Mix}. What could be better than gazing at your Christmas tree, drinking hot chocolate (with marshmellows of course!) and sitting by the fire with your loved ones listening to festive tunes. Fa la la. This weekend we'll be hosting friends for cocktails and I plan to whip this up: Winter Sangria. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! {images via pinterest, tumblr}

Walking Around Gift Guide: Get the Guys Something {Cool}...

Next up for the gents...something cool! Dress him up and hand him a whiskey glass;)

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Walking Around Gift Guide: Get the Guys Something {Crafty}...

I hope you all found something in the home gift guide, to inspire and desire:) I have put together a trio of favorites for the guys: Something crafty, something cool and the top picks! Here we are starting off with crafty presents...let's hear it for the boys!

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Walking Around Gift Guide: Deck the Home {Kitchen}...

The last of the home gifts trio - but not least...items for the kitchen! 

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Other gift guides for the home: 
LIVING ROOM // OFFICE 

Next up: Gifts for MEN

Walking Around Gift Guide: Deck the Home {Living Room}...

Tres chic living spaces always can use an accessory or two. I rounded up a few things on the holiday wishlist for the home. 

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Walking Around Gift Guide: Deck the Home {Office}...

Walking Around is kicking off this year's gift guides. For HOME // HIM // HER // and HOSTESS.

I'll be starting on the home front! Each Gift guide will have three themes. For the home, I'm inspired constantly by Office, Kitchen and Living spaces. Today...we'll visit the office wishlist. 

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Happy December...

I can't believe it's December 1st...this year is flying by so quickly. We have yet to get our first sprinkles of snow in Chicago, but it's near, I can feel it in the cold air. Just three weeks left before closing the office for a week. So much to do! Christmas shop, trim the tree, have people over for merry merry cocktails and treats. All before the bf and I head to RI to spend Christmas with my family, and then jet off to Mexico for a lovely wedding and some fun in the sun. What's on your agenda for this season of cheer? {image via pinterest}

Happy Thanksgiving...

Have a wonderful time with friends and family this week. I'll be heading to the burbs of Chicago with my bf and can't wait for turkey, stuffing, vino and QT with everyone. 

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Thanksgiving Menu: Two Ways...

This Friday night I'll be hosting 14 friends for a pre-Thanksgiving feast. Since I don't want us to all get too stuffed on turkey before the holiday, I've put together a menu with a twist and included a traditional menu for next week's festivities too! 

Menu 1: 

Appetizers

Shrimp Dip

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Main Course

Pork Tenderloin

Side Dishes

Scalloped Potatoes

Lobster Mac & Cheese

Sauteed Brussel Sprouts

Maple Butternut Squash

Desserts

Pumpkin Chocolate Tiramisu

Apple Cranberry Crumble

Menu 2: 

Appetizers

Deviled Eggs

Stuffed Mushrooms

Salad

Caramelized Pancetta and Fennel Salad

Main Course

Deep Fried Turkey

Side Dishes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamed Spinach

Roasted Root Vegetables

Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing

Desserts

Pumpkin Cake

Pecan Pie

Sweet Pie...

So happy to kick off this great celebration week with some yummy recipes. I love seasonal pies and might have to rollout the dough, pick up some peaches and bake myself a sweet birthday treat. 


Apple Pie
Blackberry Pie
Cookie Cake Pie
Peach Pie
Raspberry Pie
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Go check out Danielle's Sweets post for cake, martini and fondue recipes!