Holiday Camera Roll

Happy New Year! Here's a peek at our holiday...5 plane rides, 8 hours in the car, 3 different beds, and a wonderful time wrapped jammed into one week.

We used to be the couple who traveled with two carry-ons, no matter HOW long our trip was going to be. We are were expert packers. This is what we look like now....first stop: Chicago.

two large suitcases, two large carry-on's, and the infamous car seat bag LOL

We took a trip to my favorite.sandwich.shop.ever! I have been craving this for over a year, and finally got to indulge in my turkey with hot peppers...yummm.

My in-law's live in the suburbs, but we wanted to take a trip downtown to visit all of our favorite places. It was so much fun - we got to show Sophia all around the city...she was sleeping ;). 

tribune tree

gorg, new burberry store is finally done! 

My very first Chicago apartment - Michigan Avenue...oh, the memories! I lived on the top (38th) floor on the corner - you can see my old window (top left). 

the most delicious hot chocolate ever

After an amazing Christmas in Chicago, we hopped a plane headed to Iowa. We usually have Christmas at my parent's home, but my sister-in-law just had a baby and this meant minimal travel, so my OTHER sister-in-law and brother graciously hosted a beautiful Christmas. I swear, she is the best hostess and thinks of every detail! See what I mean? 

amazing centerpieces 

Sophia and her cousin, Gemma 

Sophia and Graham - these two are 3 weeks apart!

Papa & Sophia 

visiting my brother's new office that he built - so proud! 

How cute is this picture of my nieces? LOL - they love each other! 

The following day, we headed to my parent's house to spend some time and visit my grandparents. I don't get to see them often, and I really wanted them to be able to meet Sophia.

gorgeous sunrise from my parent's front yard

love spending time with my mama (and dad) - wish they lived closer

Sophia and her great grands - such a precious memory. 

airport living

finally home - enjoying a relaxing new year by the fire! 

Back to reality! 

My Simple Mantel

This year, our mantel is very simple - since our TV is mounted a few inches above it (uhg), I didn't have a lot of room to work with. After layering a flocked garland with some antler & turquoise candle holders, she is done. I placed my chrome garden stools in front of the fireplace to add some excitement to the space. Since the fireplace is next to our built-in bookcase, I like the simplicity of the mantel - it doesn't make the area feel too 'busy.' 

Monogrammed Gems

I have yet to write my letter to Santa, but when I get around it, I'll be sure to ask him for a piece of monogrammed jewelry with Sophia's initials.  There are so many beautiful baubles out there, and I've rounded up a few 'high' and 'low' pieces. My favorite is the engraved glass pendant - how unique is that? It reminds me of a family heirloom - swoon! There's just something so precious about monogrammed gems, don't you think? 

  

What's on your Christmas list? 

Currently Obsessed With

Happy Thursday! How are you? Today, I am sharing items I am currently obsessed with. Most of these fab items are part of my daily routine...and they bring happiness to my life. Enjoy!

1. Tazo Green Ginger Tea - A great way to start your day! Green tea has SO many health benefits - it fights heart disease, lowers cholesterol, burns fat, helps prevent diabetes, and best of all...it's delish! 

2. Barefoot Dreams 'Bamboo Chic Light' Wrap -  I looooove this robe! Barefoot Dreams makes amazing wraps and robes (I have two)...they are worth the $! They last forever and you can't imagine how soft and yummy they are until you feel it for yourself. I even had to buy my hubby one...he was jealous. 

3. Buxom Lash Mascara - I have tried SO many different brands of mascara...and this is by far my fav! The brush is amaze - my lashes definitely look the best with this...NO clumps! 

4. Vitamix - I got the Vitamix as a gift from my parents, and I couldn't be happier. This amazing blender makes smoothies, dips, steaming hot soups, ice cream, and so much more...well worth the $! 

5. Moroccan Oil - Great for gals with thick or curly hair! I have long, thick, curly hair and I only use a dime size amount of Moroccan Oil on wet hair. Cuts drying time, and leaves hair silky smooth! 

6. Alessi Tea Pot - We got this tea pot as a wedding gift and I am obv obsessed! Tea just tastes better when it's made the old-fashioned way...don't you think?

7. Clarisonic - I got a Clarisonic cleansing brush for Christmas, and I don't know how I ever lived without it! My face feels so much cleaner and more refreshed after using it. Check out all of the benefits on the Clarisonic website. 

8. The Firm - This new, NBC show is based on the John Grisham novel. Let me just say...it is addicting! New episode tonight on NBC...it's only the 2nd episode, so head over to Hulu to get caught up, you won't regret it! 

2012

Happy New Year! I know I am a little delayed on getting this message out...my apologies! The past few weeks were chaotic, but amazing. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your friends and family. We had a fabulous time, and I wanted to share some snapshots, enjoy!

Off to Chicago...love the mountains topping the clouds. 

Beautiful...St. Peter's Church downtown Chicago

Our home for the week - Hotel Allegro

Christmas night at my parent's home...lovely! 

Surprise gift from my sneaky hubby! 

New Year's Eve with my fab mama!