Ringing in the new year...

I am in awe at how quickly this year has flown by! I don't know why it always surprises me, but it does. We had a great Christmas this past week with my family, however as much fun as it was, I am very much looking forward to the new year. What about you guys?

Every new year seems to bring a fresh start for us all. New dreams and goals we all hope to fulfill THIS year! With that being said, I feel it is only appropriate to bring in the new year in a way that feels good for you. I hate to say it, but I am so over going out in the crowds and freezing my tush off in little sequined dresses! This year, not unlike the past few, will most likely be spent in the comfort of our theater room with a good movie, homemade pizzas, and a glass of bubbly in hand. It very well may look something like this...

 And New Year's Day may look something like this...

 Or maybe this...

What are your plans for the New Year?

XO

Sparkle in Sequins

Happy Friday, guys! Hope your week has treated you well! With the holiday party season in full swing, I find myself digging through my closet for anything that sparkles. Can you relate?

As cute as my sequin blazer and sweaters are, there is one item that I am truly wishing was in my possession this holiday season! The sequin maxi skirt!

This one is so good! What do think? Be sure to stop over at AV's for more sparkle inspiration!

Have a wonderful weekend!

XO

Life Lately...A New Boutique!

It's true. I've been away for a little while. However, I can finally tell you what has been occupying my time. It is this beauty...

 

 

I can now, gratefully say that I have become part owner of this pretty boutique! I am beyond appreciative of the previous owner and founder, for such an amazing opportunity! If any of you are in the area please stop in and check it out! The store is full of so many gorgeous things, and tons of great holiday gifts!

 

Hope the week is going well!

 

XO

A Rekindled Love...

Hi guys! It's been WAY too long, however since I've been gone I have rekindled an old love...reading! I am now asking myself, what have I been waiting for!? Our weekend back at home was very low key so I had lots of time to cozy up by the fire with a warm cup of coffee, and become a little book worm. Lets just say my ibooks app on my ipad has quickly become my new best friend.

Here is a list of some books I have been reading lately...

The Happiness Project-I know this one has been around for a while but I really did like it. It gives some good insight and tips on how to make daily life more enjoyable for yourself and your family. I am now inspired to start my own Happiness Project!

Heaven is For Real-I don't talk about it as often as I should, but I am a strong Christian and I love God. My dad recommended this book to me, and even if you are not Christian, you should definitely consider picking it up. It is an incredible true story about a little boy who dies and goes to heaven, and miraculously comes back to life. It gave me chills all the way through and reconfirmed my faith, that heaven is for real.

Madame Chic-This is a little bit of a lighter read but I did enjoy it. I am always intrigued with other cultures and their way of life so when I came across Madame Chic, I was instantly interested. This woman lived in Paris during college and she later writes this book to capture what it was like to live there-as well as how she has embraced French living even after her return to the states. It hits on simplifying different aspects of your life and learning to appreciate art, music, and good food. Just like the French!

The War of Art-I am still in the process of reading this one but so far so good. For all you creatives out there who struggle with fear and resistance this book is for you. This guy discusses (very honestly) the different reasons why some creatives are often unable to reach their full potential. He goes into detail on how to combat these struggles and how he has personallly overcome any resistance that has stood in his own creative path.

Beauty by Lauren Conrad-I have her style book so figured I would check out her newest book, Beauty. This girl impresses me with her numerous businesses, and to be honest this book actually impressed me as well. It is full of good tips and reminders of how we should be taking care of ourselves. Hair, body, skin, and mind. A good, entertaining, and easy read for a car ride home this holiday season.

See, I had a lot of time on my hands this past weekend, but took very few pictures! This one however was my first glimpse out my window on Thanksgiving morning. Love my parent's house.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend with family and friends! And please share any book suggestions you may have! In need of some more good reading material. Have a great week!

XO

Little Things...

Happy Tuesday, friends! Life seems to have gotten a little busy all of the sudden, however sometimes in the midst of the busyness it is the small and simple things that seem to make you the happiest! Such as...

Visiting a holiday fest in the middle of the country on a gorgeous, Saturday afternoon...

Purchasing a sparkly new notebook (my love for gold continues to deepen)

Adding pretty hand soap and lotion next to the kitchen sink...

And sometimes when things get busy, I get a little crazy with my free time-which apparently  can result in painting our k-cup holder gold!

Hope this short week is going well!

XO

Thanksgiving Daydream

I am still in shock that Thanksgiving is one week from tomorrow! I really do not know where the time goes? B and I go back home for Thanksgiving however I dream of the day when I can host everyone at our house. The idea of coming up with an amazing tablescape, making delicious food, and having a house full of family makes me beyond happy! Although that day is yet to come, I still can't help admiring some of these Thanksgiving ideas...

I am really loving the softness of these white pumpkins. Such a pretty and simple center piece these guys make.

 This is such a great idea for kids. The paper table cloth and crayons with the cute chalkboards, and chalk, make for a more enjoyable dining experience for the adults!

 If I were hosting, I would love to have a cute desert table. Would be even better if it was warm enough to have it outdoors and by a lake such as this. I also like the idea of these caramel apples for desert. More of a unique twist to your normal apple pie, and totally kid friendly!

 

Great wine and cocktails is a must for a proper Thanksgiving at our house, and having the luxury of allowing your guests to serve themselves makes for more time for you to prepare dinner! As far as dinner, is concerned I would look here for amazing tips and recipes!

 

What are your plans for the holiday? Will you be hosting your own Thanksgiving?

 

XO

My Beloved Faux Fur

Hey guys! How was the weekend? We had a great time back at home, and even witnessed our first snowfall of the season. It lasted a whole ten minutes but non the less, majorly increased my excitement level for the holidays.

The brief snowfall also reminded me that if it is cold enough to snow, then it is time to dig out the winter coats. It seems like my favorite black faux fur coat is ALWAYS the one I want to wear first. Shortly after I rediscover the coat, I then remember my beloved faux fur vests hanging in the back of the closet! This time of year I really can't get enough of it. What do you guys think of faux fur? Will you be wearing it this winter?

Have a great week!

XO

Friday's Fancies: Bonfire Attire

Happy Friday, to you all! Hope you guys have some fun things planned for the weekend. We will be heading back home to spend time with family and also attend a cousin's baby shower. It's always nice to go home even if it is just for a day or two, don't you think? 

On another note, it has been way too long since I have linked up to Friday's Fancies. One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to bundle up with a good glass of wine, and go out back for a cozy bonfire with friends. If I were to host a bash such as this, I would wear something very similar to this little number...

I think I have mentioned this before, but I am someone who is ALWAYS cold. I don't care if the forecast is 80 degrees and sunny, I always have a scarf or a little jacket in my purse. Unfortunately, I have a feeling those 80 degree days are long gone for those of us here in Chicago, so layering for an outdoor party is key. Scarves and gloves included. I am crazy in LOVE with those quilted Rachel Zoe fingerless gloves. I will be adding them to wish list immediately!

Have a safe and happy weekend!

XO

Birthday Vacation

Hey guys! How is the week going? I am playing a little bit of catch up after our amazingly, fun birthday vacay to the Bahamas this past week. B and I had a great time with some of our very good friends. Champagne by the pool, sunshine everyday, and great food and drinks with people I love...what more could a girl ask for? Feeling very blessed to have been able to spend the beginning of my 26th year in such a beautiful place...

 Poolside wouldn't be complete without a few gossips mags!

 

 

It's always bitter sweet to return home from a vacation but I have some really great memories and that what is important, right?

XO

Maxi Skirts!

Happy Halloween to you all! I hope your week is going well. Today, I am doing last minute errands in preparation for our journey to the Bahamas tomorrow. I have been on a search for any left over summer pieces which has been somewhat of a difficult task. So when all else failed, I did a little shopping in my own closet. Have you guys done this lately? If not, I totally suggest you do! I swear I found a dozen things that I love, but have forgotten about.

One of them being this pink maxi skirt! I know the color is very summer, however I think it will be very beach vacation appropriate, no?

Since my rediscovery, I have been searching for maxi skirt outfit inspiration. With the search, I also realized that with the right color and the right fabric, this trend can definetely be rolled into the fall/winter by simply adding a cute leather jacket or a great oversized sweater. What do you think about maxi skirts this fall?

I will be out for the next couple days, but will return on Monday. Have a great Halloween and a lovely weekend!

XO

Five Things...

Happy Monday, guys! Hope you had a great weekend. Ours was filled with an at home, Friday night date night. Pizza and wine included. A little early birthday shopping was done on Saturday, followed by a nice dinner at our friend's home.

Although the weekend has come and gone too quickly as usual, here are a five things I am feeling happy about on this Monday afternoon...


My new leopard booties. Snagged these beauties at a resale shop for $40!

So happy I was able to spend a gorgeous fall evening in the city with friends this past week.

 I received a package from my mom, and this adorable sweater was inside! Thanks, mom! Loving leopard!

 So looking forward to being here in just a few days!

And hopefully soaking up a little sunshine with a nice glass of wine!

Have an amazing week!

XO



Studs

It was a gorgeous day yesterday, so did a little late afternoon shopping. I was really on a search for any last minute sale items for our trip to the Bahamas next week, but I got a little side tracked. You know all of the beautifully detailed collars that seem to be every where this fall? I found an amazing simple black blouse with knock out gold studs that had to be mine...

You can find it here. A few others that I am swooning over...

Are you guys into the detailed collars as much as I am? Hope the week has been good to you!

XO