Thursday Loves

Whoa.  The baker inside of me is infatuated with these toys!  I haven't been baking too much lately (although that really should change) but these are the kinds of toys that make my eyes light up!  Via  Thanks for pinning, Krystal!

I love everything about this coat, mainly the color.  And funny enough, I bought a camel-colored coat from H&M this year that is so similar in looks, size and shape.  The price isn't so bad, either! Via

This image has been making the blog rounds but I really wanted to share it too.  I love how the sheepskin makes it look like snow at the bottom of the tree.  There's no way it would work well in my house with the dog and cat around though :) Via

Another step towards baby Badger's nursery is complete! Thanks to a sale which basically knocked off shipping, these Oh Deer - Retro decals are going up on the walls.  Everything is coming together a little faster than expected but it's so nice to have the decorations coming together early so we can focus on all the expensive items we have to have when it matters most.  Via

Erin of Reading My Tea Leaves put together a stocking stuffer gift guide roundup that is featured on Etsy today!  It features some of the coolest finds around, and I would love to have them all in my stocking come Christmas morning!

Hope you're all having a lovely week - and that you all had a lovely Thanksgiving.  We played host to some amazing friends, followed by a visit from my parents.  It was a great time and definitely left me in the Christmas spirit.  Happy almost Friday, friends!

Thursday Loves

Here's a beautiful photo to freshen up your Thursday.  The colors are so pleasing to the eye, don't you think?  Be sure to check out the rest of this post!

I love this oversized sweater with two handsome bucks adorning the front.  But the part I love the most is the fact that it's only $32!  Via SheInside Via Krystal's Pinterest.

It really is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas around my neck of the woods.  Sure, there may not be decorations outside of stores or anything that really signals Christmas being here but the feeling is definitely in the air.  As I drove to work yesterday morning, a herd of deer crossed the road ahead, the ground was covered in frost and a new Bob Dylan tune (let's face it, I thought I was hearing Louis Armstrong for a minute) graced the radio.  It just felt so very Christmasy.  And this year I have kraft paper, bakers twine and high hopes of wrapping some gifts from this inspiration!  Via

Dear husband, this one's especially for you.  Especially now that I'm eating for two....please forgive anything negative that might come out of my mouth.  The lil' chief inside me is awfully demanding!  Look at me, already blaming my unborn child for mean things I might say, haha.  Poor thing.  Via

Mo pie, please!  With Thanksgiving being right around the corner (hello, one week!) it's time to start dreaming of pie again.  Recently, we attended a lovely wedding with copious amounts of pie for dessert in lieue of the traditional cake.  One of the pies was persimmon pie, and let me tell you, husband is 100% on board the persimmon pie train.  What will you be having come turkey day? I'd love to hear!

Happy Thursday, everyone!  It feels good to be posting again, even if it's not on a regular basis.  Thanks for sticking around with me and making my day brighter with your sweet comments.  Hope your weeks have been treating you well!

Long Weekend Recap

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Hello, everyone! I hope you all are doing well! We just got back from a 4 1/2 day stint in Kansas and it was definitely well worth the 11 hour drive.  My family was awesome and I felt truly blessed as I looked around and took everything in.  Knowing I have all of them in my life makes me ooze happiness and I am thankful for each and every single one of them.  Some highlights of the trip include ::

• Extended family Christmas - all the siblings between my mom and stepdad (there are 5 of us and we're all married) gathered at my folks house to celebrate a few days early.  All 9 of the kids opened presents, we had some incredible bite-sized peanut butter pies and sat around for hours chatting and making each other laugh.  It was the perfect welcome home!
• My brother had a work party on Friday afternoon so I insisted my nieces and nephew come over to play.  A nerf war ensued - for hours, my husband, mom, stepdad and the kids hid behind forts and army crawled around the basement, laughing hysterically the whole time.
• Friday night pizza and a game - my favorite kind of night
• Friday Night Lights the movie - it is weird to see Billy Bob Thornton play the role of coach.  The movie is good but it's just not the same seeing Connie Britton married to BBT and not Eric Taylor.  I did however learn that my stepdad lived in Odessa, TX during Permeon's hay day.  He described everything about it and I couldn't help but listen in awe!
• Saturday my husband took me out to visit my father's grave.  Last Wednesday marked 18 years without my father.  I hadn't been to visit his grave in a long while but it felt really good.  
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - holy me oh my, this movie ruled.  If you're a fan of the book or just a fan of Daniel Craig (oh, Mikael), I suggest you clear an afternoon/evening and spend it watching this film.  
• Christmas lights! We drove through a display, checked out a house with lights set to music on the radio and admired it all.  While listening to Christmas music the whole time, of course.
• Baking - my stepdad and I made pumpkin pies, I made a raspberry chocolate trifle and we all worked together in the kitchen to prepare dinner.
• Family arrived late afternoon, we opened presents and ate, then spent the remainder of the evening playing nearly all the boardgames we all got for each other (can you tell what kind of family we are?!)
• After we said our goodbyes, we journeyed over to my stepbrother's house for their annual Christmas night party.  I reunited with a friend I've known for 22 years (whoa!), made friends with a childhood friend of my brothers and ate the crap out of Georgia's world-famous hummus.
• We finally made it back home to Louisville with just enough time in the evening to exchange gifts with each other.  

What a holiday! How were all of yours? I'd love to hear! And if you don't celebrate Christmas, I'd still love to hear how your weekends were!

Here's to a terrific last week of 2011!

xoxo

Traveling

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Today we leave for Kansas to visit my family for Christmas.  I am excited to see everyone again, to get together with extended family and to stay cozy and warm in my parents home.  We'll play lots of board games, eat lots of food and play with those cute lil' kiddos.  I just wish it didn't come paired with a 12-hour drive.  Here's hoping the weather is good the entire duration and that our audiobooks and new music will make the time fly by.

Posting will be sparse until we return.  If you don't hear from me, I wish you a very merry happy holiday!  

Weekend Recap

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Good morning, everyone!  We're back to reality after a blissful weekend and I'm already counting down the days until my work week is over.  Christmas is SO soon and we leave for our trip to Kansas on Wednesday! Yowza's.  This weekend was excellent and I'm really in the Christmas spirit big time.  Some highlights include ::

• Holiday music + baking whoopie pies and "chicken" buffalo dip
• Holiday party! The potluck was a success and we merrily partied the night away 
• Cozy Saturday in our pj's
• Dinner at the Village Anchor - it was incredibly cozy inside and quaint on the outside, it was decorated for Christmas and the fire was lit.  
• Yahtzee in front of the fireplace.  Even Gus hung out in the box...
• Sunday fun day - friends/family came over for dinner and we all watched Home Alone.  Sunday's are really pretty great when spent like that
• A new dresser! The mister's grandpa made us a beautiful walnut dresser and it was dropped off as an early Christmas present.  It smells so wonderful and looks absolutely stunning.  I'm in love!

How were your weekends? Festive and warming, I hope.  Here's to a lovely week, my friends!

Weekend Recap

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Good morning, everyone!  Although I wish it was still Saturday morning, it's nice to say hello again to all of you.  The weekend was great - it flew by as fast as possible (as it always does), we had a lot of fun and I'm sad it's over.  Some highlights include ::

• Dinner + high school girls basketball - the in-laws treated us to dinner and took us to see my husband's stepsister beat their rivals in some bball.  It was pretty freaking awesome.
• Lazy Saturday - I wrapped Christmas presents, ate chilaquiles, took a long, hot shower and had a mid-afternoon cocktail.  
• KU victory over Ohio State!  Oh how sweet it was.  Then it was followed by IU beating UK and I was in heaven!
• Birthday dinner! The mister turns 30 on Tuesday so our friends came out to dinner with us and we feasted on deliciousness at Ramsi's.  
• Mini birthday party!  Just the way we like it.
• Christmas shopping - we're getting so close to being done now.  There are a lot of presents wrapped under the tree. Needless to say, there are some lucky family members, ha ha.
• Our Idiot Brother - it's really pretty funny (although, as with every movie in this genre, it gets cheesy/sappy toward the end) and I enjoyed the cast thoroughly.  It's the perfect movie for Sunday nights when you need a good laugh (we did, we watched the Bears blow a 10 point lead in the last couple minutes against the Broncos.  No good, Bears, no good.)

How were your weekends? Excellent, I hope!  Here's to a great week!

Thursday's Randoms

I think I might have to copy this.  If the candles really do make the house smell like coffee, well then I am 100% sold.

Isn't this garland + red house combo just delightful? I love how cozy it feels and how rustic it looks.  Surely they painted that red just to achieve perfection during the holiday season!

It's time to get a new calendar for the coming year, and this simple but sweet one from Anthropologie is looking like the new front runner.

This artwork is so stunning.  That's all I can say.

It's that time of the year again.  Time to make sugar cookies and put those cookie cutters to use.  To ice and decorate - of which I am no good at.  But I will still try.  I've got one batch of crinkle cookies made and ate, I guess it's time to start making more.  If only I could do half as good as the Flourishing Foodie.

What's inspiring you today?

Gift Guide :: Boys + Girls

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Bear leggings, badger finger puppets, sophie the giraffe and train sets!  I think I might have had a certain little booger in mind for this one (he loves Sophie, or at least used to), but I couldn't resist.  

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

The Velveteen Rabbit, American Girl costumes, Adorable Modern dresses and a personal growth chart.  So.  Freakin'.  Cute!

P.S. - to make you laugh, check out what my nephew snuck onto his Christmas list!  

Gift Guide(s) :: Him & Her

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 

1 / 2  / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Here you have it, friends.  The beginning of this season's gift guides!  I know I'm a little late compared to many of you, but truth be told...I haven't even started shopping yet.  Woah!

I figured I would start with him and her, she and him.  There is so much stuff out there these days and it's hard to know where to even start.  I figured I'd ignore the fact that I'm probably buying nothing like this for my husband, nor he for me.  So you know, I'll embrace it virtually, or something like that.  

Is anyone else kind of at a loss as to what to get or where to start?  Do you have someone special in your life with a birthday near Christmas?  Boy, it sure does make it hard sometimes.  Not only is his birthday 2 weeks before Christmas, he's also turning 3-0.  No pressure.  But I digress.

Anybody have any ideas to share? I'd love to hear!

Weekend Recap + A Winner!

{we did it!}

I can't believe it's Monday again.  The weekend flew by - probably because I had an amazing time and did things I love with people I love and ate good food.  I mean, that's all it takes for a weekend to be terrific, right?  Some highlights include ::

• Christmas tree!!!  We picked ours out at a lot down the street and supported the marching band for a local high school.   Our tree was $10 cheaper than we ever paid in Chicago and we know where the proceeds are actually going.  It's all big and fluffy and even though it doesn't smell like a fresh tree should, it's still perfect.
• Decorating!  We bought the biggest outdoor bulbs we could find, bought a few wreaths and a couple strands of garland.  I had fun, needless to say.  And the mister did too - it's not every day he gets to climb out on the roof with a staple gun in hand.  We also couldn't resist the urge to light a fire while hanging the stockings and lighting the tree.  Total warm and fuzzies.
• Lunch with Nanny, my husband's grandmother.  She treated us to an afternoon in Shelbyville, KY, eating at The Science Hill Inn (which totally weirded me out, I felt like I was on the set of The Help and it was rather uncomfortable) and looking at very expensive antiques.
• Bardstown Aglow - Shop local was the theme of the night.  Even though we didn't buy anything, we enjoyed "shopping" the local bars afterward.  
• Wild Eggs - see where I'm going with this?  Lots of good food was consumed this weekend.  Lots.  My mother-in-law treated us "kids" to brunch at one of Louisville's finest spots - Wild Eggs, all for taking our picture.  Luckily we live down the street from their newest location because - It. Is. Superb.
• Last but not least, we stocked up our holiday bar (well, somewhat) and sampled our newest selections.  It's bad how much fun it is to go on a shopping spree at the liquor store.  I promise though, we're not as bad as it might sound.

How were your weekends? I'd love to hear!  

Finally - to announce our winner of the Marissa B. giveaway!  Congratulations, Erika of Tiptoe Butterfly!  May you rock those beautiful earrings all year long!

Happy Holidays from Mo Pie, Please!

Well the holidays are finally (almost) here and I'm so happy about it!  This is a scheduled post as we are currently all packed up and shipping out to Louisville to spend the holidays with the Badger family!  I am super excited because I've never spent Christmas with them (we usually go to Kansas to make my favorite children incredibly happy) and there are also so many friends I'm excited to get to see as well!  Gus is coming with us too, even though he isn't sharing his excitement.

I've downloaded Chelsea Handler's A Horizontal Life : A Collection of One Night Stands for the drive, have a ton of yarn to occupy my hands and a ton of cookies to munch on!  I brought my computer with me so I may or may not be posting - we'll be gone until the 29th so posting will definitely be light.

Happy Holidays dear readers - you've made this year completely wonderful for me!  If you're traveling, safe travels to you!

P.S. - Dancing Branflakes posted my Christmas tree along with some other awesome bloggers trees, go check it out if you haven't already!

* Images 1, 2, 3, 4

Comedians of Christmas

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If you're in need of a few laughs today, please listen to this week's episode of This American Life.  It's a Christmas special called Comedians of Christmas Comedy Special and it is wonderful.  Not only are there tidbits of humor from comedians like Wyatt Cynac (of The Daily Show fame) and Mike Birbiglia but there are some hilarious jokes from children about Christmas.  I've been laughing so hard, the kids jokes don't make much sense but that makes them all the funnier.

Holiday party time

It's time to get dressed up nice...

get in touch with that festive feeling....

eat some cookies...

drink some champagne...

and be merry!

Tonight we're going to a holiday party with many lovely friends and I can't hardly wait!  There is plenty of snow on the ground, cookies baked and deviled eggs on their way.  I'm going to don my perfect red lipstick, wear sparkly shoes and sip on champagne all night long! Well maybe not all night long but you know what I mean.

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Have a cheerful weekend!

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I'm so happy the weekend is here!  I've been looking forward to it all week long, mainly because tonight I have two different dates with two very special peeps.  First, I'm meeting Anna-Maria at Millenium Park to get all merry and stuff with Christmas carols.  Then we're strolling over to the Christkindlmarket which always makes me warm and fuzzy and full of happiness.  It's the perfect dose of Christmas + girl time all in one.  

After that, I'm meeting the hubs for dinner and a birthday date part 2 - we're seeing Jerry Seinfeld tonight at the Chicago Theater!  I'm seriously so excited about it!!

The rest of the weekend should be chock full of baking for our upcoming holiday party w/friends, hopefully we can see Black Swan and also get to visit with friends on Sunday.

What are all of you up to?  I hope you all have wonderfully cheerful weekends!

Gift guide :: For her, pt II

I fully endorse everything on this list as a gift I would personally love to receive (if you're reading...)

1.  Luxurious leather and virgin wool shoulder bag
2.  Bailey's Home and Garden cozy organic cotton bathrobe  - heaven
3.  Lomography Diana + Dreamer Camera
4.  Pickles Cashmerino - Soft Coral but any color would be lovely
5.  A present for a little girl - it would be so neat hanging above the bed, you don't have to be a baby to enjoy a mobile!
6.  Nate Berkus Durrie Rug
7.  Mod Cloth Light Ride Sweater
8.  Intelligentsia In Season gift box - you can never have too many coffee mugs and their coffee is deeelish.
9.  Papercraft - so she can learn a new hobby which leaves you with more time to play video games...
10. Primary Confection measuring spoons - she'll bake you great stuff with such cute spoons
11. Misty Flower posts - because the sparkle will match her eyes
12. For Me, For You Brass Drops Necklace
13. Pigeon Toe Ceramics Airplant Wall Tile

What's on your Christmas list this year?

Gift Guide :: For Her, Part 1

 

I thought I would join in the festive fun and create my own gift guides again this year.  It's so much fun to create and shop around for things.  Plus, it's never too early to start Christmas shopping.  Here are a few things from around the web that make my heart flutter and probably many other female hearts too!

1.  Hand woven loop scarf from Secret Pocket - it's scarves like these that inspired me to learn to knit.  With 5 different colors to choose from and adorable liners to boot, you can't go wrong with a gift this nice.

2.  Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polish in Black Russian. It screams holidays and sexiness all at once.  This color would look great on any feminine hand.  In fact, any of their shades would be a perfect gift.

3. The Gap cable knit sweater.  The design is unique and on trend, plus a cable knit sweater is a winter staple. 

4. Dolan Geiman artwork.  I'm just a sucker for his style.  Art work of any kind should do the trick though!

Stay tuned for more!

Christmas card (early) round up

I know it's quite early but I couldn't resist sharing these superb Christmas cards with everyone.  These letterpress cards are fantastic, don't you think?  I know quite a few people who would be thrilled to have these arrive in their mailboxes - I know that I'm among them.  

1. French Bulldog says Joyeaux Noel

2. Caroling creatures spotted via Poppytalk

3. Scratch and Sniff Egg Nog card

4. Not pictured - Candy Cane Peep

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Today, Badger & I have packed our bags and are *hopefully* headed south to good ole' Kansas.  It's snowing like crazy here in Chicago, and I have terrible luck when it comes to flights home.  So please, do me a favor and cross your fingers and your toes and your legs (but not your eyes) in hopes that we make it to KC tonight.  I can't wait to hang out with some of my favorite people, like Jess & Gracie, and if we don't make it there I won't see them - the thought of that KILLS me inside.  So, we're thinking positively and it's all going to work out.  Right, Paul?

Yes, by tonight, you will be "Simply having a wonderful Christmas time." - Paul McCartney

I heart my mum

The annual Christmas package has arrived from Blighty - thank you so much, Mum :-)

I know better than to open it until Christmas morning, but I opened the box and just checked that everything was safe (so spills, breaks, smushes). On top, I found these beautifully wrapped little parcels, which I have put under my tree. So thoughtful and pretty *sniffle* :-)

xx oo <3 xx

Any ideas?

I've had some good ideas for albums to give as gifts this year (see here and here for some suggestions), but I'm leaning towards buying them as mp3s because:

1. it's greener, and

2. no one listens to CDs any more. Also,

3. it's so near christmas, I don't trust they'll arrive on time

4. plus it's cheaper, so I can buy everyone more music!

So for all those great reasons, I don't think it's a faux pas to give people music this way.

But: how do you present someone with a gift like this? Can anyone think of any cool creative ways to actually "give" these albums to people on the day? Idears, please.