Say Cheese

We had such a fun night on Thursday at our company's holiday party. Jered and I got to be part of the planning process so we knew exactly what we were in for including some amazing comfort food, a fun Christmas mix that I put together earlier in the week, a photo booth and lots of cheer.

We had it at Revolution Brewing Co. and it was such a great venue with its great beer, warm fireplaces and cozy booths.

The highlight for us was obviously the photo booth. We couldn’t get enough of it and as a result the collection on our fridge has grown.

This weekend I’m planning on laying low, burning lots of fires and finishing my Christmas shopping. It’s next week after all… And there’s still lots to do!

Happy weekend!

xox

A cozy night

My little sister Julia has been staying with us all week and it has so fun. She’s on break from school through the beginning of January so she had some free time to kill and decided to spend some of it here in Chicago with us.

Last night when I got home from work we poured ourselves some cider and played our favorite game, Bananagrams, while chicken and veggies roasted in the oven (recipe here). It was so cozy and fun.

I miss having sisters around all the time.

Oatmeal Obsession

When it comes to food I have a tendency to get hooked on certain things. Bonus points if it’s something I can make on my own—because getting hooked on something from a restaurant can become quite the expensive and unhealthy habit.

Oatmeal is my latest obsession and I’ve nailed down what I think is the perfect "recipe." After a brisk commute to work there’s nothing better than a hot bowl of oatmeal to accompany a coffee. And with the right amount of healthy ingredients you can really cut back on the amount of sugar you add and still appease your sweet tooth.

Directions and ingredients are below. Enjoy!

1.      Add 1 cup water to 1/2 cup quick 1 minute Quaker Oats - microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes

2.      Once cooked—add chopped apple pieces, a pinch of light brown sugar, pumpkin spice Milk and Honey granola and dried cranberries (or substitute for your favorite toppings!)

3.      Enjoy!

Weekend Recap: Country Comfort

This past weekend we escaped the city and headed to Central, IL. where Jered grew up.

It’s nice to get out of the stressful city every once in awhile, especially for a quiet weekend in the country. Our weekend was filled with great sleep, lots of fresh air, good food and the most beautiful sunset I've seen in a long time. 

And then on Sunday our couch was finally delivered! I took the loveliest nap with it that afternoon and realized how much I’ve missed having a couch.

How was your weekend? 

Country 

The most beautiful sunset I've seen in a long time

Salvaged barn wood for a side table project we're working on

Corn fields

Cozy, fireside

Much-anticipated couch delivery 

The perfect Sunday night dinner, a bowl of turkey chili 

Grandpa's Chair

My grandfather used to sit in this deep, pale blue leather chair that was in my grandparent’s family room. It was his chair. He sat in it after work to read the paper and have a scotch and watch Wheel of Fortune. And sometimes if we were lucky we could sit on his lap in the chair.

We called it Grandpa’s chair and had this mystique about it.

My aunt has it now. It’s in their finished basement on an oriental rug. My cousins read books and play video games in it. But even though it has changed locations, it will always be my grandfather’s special chair.

Jered and I are on the hunt for a special chair of our own. I want something with character, a chair that adds a special touch to our room.

I think any of the below would do the trick.

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Rainy Day Pinspiration...

It is so grey out and has been for the past few days. And not only is it rainy, it’s cold and windy. On days like these I miss college when I could skip class and curl up in bed with a good book and a cup of hot coco.

Here’s a little Pinspiration on this rainy Thursday… Stay dry.

xo

all images via Pinterest