Friday, November 30, 2012

Girl Friday

After being out of town the past 2 weekends, I am looking forward to a fun weekend in the Lou.  Tonight all I want is to go out with just Dr. Beautiful for a quiet, yummy dinner...


Saturday we are in full holiday mode.  I am starting off the day with the girls doing one of our many holiday traditions.  The Big Bear Christmas Brunch at the Ritz...



with a special visit from you know who...



After brunch, the girls and I are headed to a Sprinkles and Cookies class...

where I am pretty sure we will be eating our homework!




Saturday evening, my favorite part of the city is hosting their annual Christmas walk.  All the shops and restaurants have decorated their storefront windows....




 their will be plenty of street carolers, hot wassil, holiday cheer, and the main attractions...



then onto dinner with the kids at one of our favorite pizza joints...



Sunday, I have grounded myself during the day.  I need to finish putting up our decorations...


and to start puppy proofing our house...


Sunday night there is a really lovely Christmas program at my daughter's school.  It is only for moms and it is called "Advent by Candle Light".  The school gym is transformed into a beautiful, festive room.  Tables are set and decorated with holiday china, centerpieces and plenty of candles.  Coffee and desserts are served and we have a guest speaker who is there to remind us what the holiday season is really about, how not to lose sight of the true importance of Christmas, and most importantly to remember and practice this belief after the trees have come down.  It is a very calming and peaceful night...


Have a beautiful weekend, and ho ho ho!!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

The Bigger the Better!

Lately I have had a thing for the big, chunky, statement necklaces.  I just cannot seem to get enough of them.  The perfect necklace can take any outfit from boring to fabulous.  I have found a few that not only do I love, but they are at the perfect price point for the gift exchange I do with my sisters and friends















Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Thanksgiving Weekend

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone and this one goes down in the books.  Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays and I got to spend it in one of my favorite cities so I knew I was going to have a great weekend.

What better place to spend black Friday than the Magnificent Mile...





the whole family loved it!


Friday night the kids were happy with room service in the hotel, and the hubs and I were very happy to end the day with a delicious dinner with all my in-laws and late night cocktail at the Redhead Piano Bar



Saturday we had an early lunch and lots of fun at the American Girl Doll store...



then stopped by the Lego Store and saw the amazing Chicago skyline made entirely of legos.


After lunch and a little shopping, we headed over to the Christmas Market at Daley Plaza...




we sat on Santa's lap...


and walked around Santa's village listening to Christmas music.


After being in the cold for a couple of hours, my mother in law and I headed to the Walnut Room with the girls to warm up with a glass of pinot noir and see the beautiful, great tree...


and the girls got some fairy dust from the Sugar Plum fairies.



After we finished our wine, we headed outside to see the windows.  I never tire of these displays...



This year's theme is "The Magic of Christmas"






After a great time in the city, on Sunday we headed out to the suburbs and we picked out this little nugget...

I will be back to get him in 2 weeks!!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Girl Friday, Chicago/Thanksgiving/Early Edition

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I hope everyone has a love filled, fun filled, beautiful Thanksgiving...


We are off to celebrate in Chicago...



and all its glory on Michigan Ave....



We have reservations at a restaurant that has been on my radar....



and also at a restaurant on my girls' radar...



I will do some black Friday shopping here...


here..


and here...


We are also headed to Daley Plaza...


for a visit with this guy...


and to Macys on State Street...



to see the famous window display...


and to check out the great tree in the Walnut Room...



I will not see my bestie blogger friend this trip, she will be out of town...


but I will spend time with my brother and sister in law before they have their baby...


Our last stop before we head home on Sunday is to a farm to check out one of these sweet little pups...

Just in case we decide to get one, you never know....

Have a beautiful holiday weekend!!