12 Days of Christmas: Day 2

Going to a holiday production is a family tradition for us. Last year we saw the Vienna Boy's Choir (amazing by the way!) and this year we are going to Tchaikosky's The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker never gets old for me. I love the glitz, the costumes, the children's chorus and the amazing choreography put on display.

We have the world renowned Joffrey Ballet showcasing the Nutcracker here in Chicago. They are known for putting on the best Nutcracker production in the U.S so we are quite spoiled. Speaking of spoiled, Jack got us front row seats on opening night as an anniversary present (1st year!!) so we are in for a treat! It really is a great way to spend time with family and friends- I highly recommend it!

12 Days of Christmas: Day 1

It's the season for giving and merriment so I thought I would do a series of posts reflecting my favorite things to do during the Christmas holidays. Nothing over the top- just simple pleasures that I enjoy with my friends and family. First on my list is watching Christmas movies. I love, love, love watching Christmas movies (or ahem, cartoons!).

High on my list are:
-Love Actually: I love this movie-love it, love it, love it
-Home Alone: I remember watching this as a kid and I LOVED it. I still do.
-National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: This movie always made me realize how normal my family actually was:)
-It's a Wondeful Life: A heart warming classic.

And let's not forget the cartoons: Charlie Brown Christmas and my two favorite 60's animated movies: Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. I will NEVER be to old to watch these gems:) I know I left many out so I'm curious- what are your favorites?

Christmas Wish List

Here's my own little list:)

Chocolates: My biggest vice is chocolate. I'm trying to be good this holiday season but these holiday truffles from Vosges are calling my name. The eggnog and Jamaican rum sound delicious.

Books: Publishers Weidenfeld & Nicolson recently came out with special edition hardbacks that are pretty awesome. Oh and the Penguin Classics are out in stores guys! You can find them at most bookstores and at Anthropologie. Oh and maybe this thumb thing too. Yes... I'm totally serious.

Hot Water Bottle: Having a warm toasty hot water bottle close by would be great this winter. I'm always cold and these heart warmers from The Spoon Sisters are so cute!

Journal: I've been using Moleskine journals since college. I can't get enough of them. Moleskine just came out with these gorgeous jewel toned color a month daily planner in 12 notebooks. I'm drooling!

So what do you want in your stocking this year???

Christmas Shopping: For the Guys

I have a long set of goals I've been working on these past six months and one of them is to get my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. There is nothing I hate more than strolling through crowded malls frantically trying to find something last minute. But not this year! Shopping for Jack is a tricky thing because he rarely asks for anything. I think part of that is because the things he really wants are incredibly expensive (how about that sailboat hun?) and he usually takes good care of buying the inexpensive things he needs in advance. So while we save away for that sailboat I have to find a middle ground in gift giving. Here's a short list of cool things to get for that special man in my life:

1. Navigation Set: I'm thinking Jack will put this elegant navigation set from West Marine to good use next week during our Key West Thanksgiving vacation. Can't wait!

2. Briefcase: I have had a devil of a time trying to find a tough, durable yet ruggedly stylish briefcase for Jack. His is pretty worn down and he desperately needs a new one. This one from Filson looks promising.

3. Chocolates: Because nothing says I love you like a bottle of beer and bacon chocolate from Vosges Chocolates. Yes, bacon chocolate. It really is delicious- trust me.

4. Slippers: Jack hates wearing socks at home so his feet get super cold in the winter time. Ugg scuff romeo slippers should do the trick (I hope!)

P.S. Honey- one day that sailboat will come!

Bell'occhio

It's stores like Bell'occhio, and others, that make me want to move back to San Francisco oh so badly. Need a pretty box for presents? A place to store letters? A new hat box? Well here you go!

The Muppet Show - Mahna Mahna

I know Jack is in a good mood when he comes home from work singing Mahna Mahna- a classic, infectious Muppets Show tune. It features my favorite crazy, wild Muppets character Bippadotta. Warning- you might get this tune stuck in your head. Enjoy!

On My Radar

Shopping: My favorite budget friendly store is now in Chi-town! It's about time! I used to shop in Zara when I lived overseas (it's a Spanish brand) and now I can shop to my hearts content. Beautiful, chic clothing at a bargain price. The image below is from one of their advertising campaigns in Paris...yes I wish that was us!

Cheap Beauty Products that work: The beauty blogosphere has been raving about Best Bath Store products so I gave them a try. I ordered a sample of the acne facial bar and toner and my skin has never looked better. I am officially addicted.

Eye Candy: If you need home decor inspiration then stop by Desire to Inspire. I just discovered this wonderful site and I can't get enough.

Good Eats: Jack made Alice Waters beef stew recipe from her acclaimed The Art of Simple Food cookbook and boy was it a big hit. Simplicity at its best. I want her french market bag by the way. And her organic food lifestyle too. Le sigh:)

I hope you have a great weekend!

More Etsy: Cupcake Social

More Etsy goodness.... the cutest cupcake holders from Cupcake Social. This would go perfect with ceramic cupcake stands from Farmhouse. Michelle- this post is for you!

I Want

This:

Blue Bell Bazaar is a shop on Etsy that turns vintage frames into chalkboards. Beautiful huh? The one above is no longer available but the one below is. I think chalkboards are not only decorative but practical...especially in the kitchen. I can see myself scribbling out our shopping list for the week or favorite wines to buy.