Merry + Bright

The cooking prep has begun, the errands are all ran, and one last holiday party tonight, then it all really starts. The laze in pajamas, carols at church, feasting to no end, gift giving, frizzy champagne, and fantastic family time. 

And the best part, really most important of all, is sharing traditions, laughter, and the magic of Christmas with two very sweet kids. Who have literally melted me this year with their little smiles, emerging minds, and sweet hugs. 

We consider ourselves insanely lucky and this year there is so much to be thankful for. Both professionally and personally there has been plenty of good to celebrate. 

And with each year comes refIection. I have noticed the harshness of the world feels closer to home even when tragedies happen thousand of miles away. Maybe that comes with age and the understanding of reality more. So we do the things we can to keep our worlds turning, including giving back and holding the kids extra close when something dreadful happens. 

So time to get cozy, warm cups of coffee, the weight of little bodies in our laps, gazing at trees and fires, and soak up the love. We are all so lucky to have it in all the forms it comes our way. And to you, the readers I cherish so much, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope it's the best yet. 

xo

Erin

Turkey Sausage & White Bean Soup

The kids are kind of getting into soup, which makes me extremely happy since I would eat it every night if possible. The concept of everything mixed together is still a little questionable to them, so I have to admit that sometimes I am fishing out just the stuff they like from some of my favorite soups. Of course I swore I would never do that, but here I am. 

This soup required minimum "sorting" so I call it a winner. And because it is so full of flavor, they missed the fact that they (god forbid) ate an onion piece or two. This soup is easy, a crowd pleaser, and generally healthful. It is best served with a giant heap of Parmesan sprinkled on top (still healthy in my book. ha) and a few dashes of hot sauce if you are into heat. We ate it for dinner one night and I consumed the rest at lunch. Yes, a hot lunch! crazy. 

Turkey Sausage & White Bean Soup

Imperfect Polish 2015

serves 6-8 

olive oil

26oz smoked turkey sausage, like kielbasa, cut lengthwise, then chopped

2 leeks, cleaned and chopped (if leeks freak you out, just use an onion)

3 carrots, chopped

3 celery stalks, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 cup of white wine

2 - 15oz cans of white beans, like cannellini 

15 oz diced tomatoes

1 1/2 teaspoons of salt

1 teaspoon of pepper

1 teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary

6 cups chicken stock

1 cup chopped kale (about one small bunch)

juice of half a lemon

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving 

In a large pot, heat about two tablespoons of olive oil at medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the sausage and brown, stirring occasionally until it is all browned a bit. Remove sausage from pot and place in a bowl. 

Add the leek, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sprinkle with just a bit of salt and sauté until starting to soften, about 10 minutes.  Add in the garlic and cook for a minute. Then pour in the wine and scrape up all that browned goodness from the pot and let cook until reduced by about half (about 5 minutes. It needs to boiling, so if that is not happening, turn up the heat a bit). 

Add in the beans, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Stir everything together and let cook a few minutes. Then add in the stock and and sausage, and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to low and simmer for 30 minutes. 

Turn off the heat and add in the kale and lemon juice. Stir until kale is just wilted and taste for seasoning. Serve warm with heaping spoonfuls of Parmesan cheese. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Site to Love: Fame & Partners

One of this year's holiday parties called for black tie and I have been wanting to try the site Fame & Partners for awhile. It is semi custom formal wear with tons of fun, modern styles. Even though it is winter, I spotted this pink gown and loved it's simplicity and perfect pink hue. 

            

I got it in the recommended color and did not make any changes to the design, but most of the dresses can be made in a variety of colors and tailored to change the design to fit you best. I was totally surprised at the quality given the price tag and will absolutely use them again. Would make a great resource for bridesmaids dresses, too. They also have a pretty impressive amount of two piece options for any size. 

                       

I was obsessed with my earrings by Elizabeth Cole that I found 60% off on the Outnet. And I never wear anything by studs. Not pictured is the black and white plaid clutch I used since there was a plaid theme. Loved that it was a modern take. 

And shout out to Rachel for my make up. If you are ever looking for a make up artist in Chicago or the suburbs, she is the best. 

                            

Matt will hate that I posted this, but he looked so handsome in his green jacket. Such a fun night for a great cause. 

Fame and Partners has a buy one dress, get the second half off right now. So if you need anything for New Years Eve, weddings, or upcoming trips, now is a great time. Easy returns too! 

xo

Erin 

PS: This is a totally unsponsored post! I really just loved my dress so much. 

PSS: None of my posts are ever sponsored and all content is my own, if I have not made that clear before! My only link to retailers is a small commission should you ever purchase anything. And there is no influence on what shops I use, just what I truly like. xo

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

These are not just stocking stuffers, but also gifts that would be perfect for hostess gifts, teachers, nannies, you know all those people that keep our world going round. Here are a ton of options to put a smile on her face...

First some beauty finds

1. Nars Orgasm multiple stick, because it looks fab on everyone $39 / 2. Shiny hair guaranteed with this Morocccan Oil glimmer spray $14 / 3. Loving this sleep mask with anti-aging benefits $35 / 4. The best hand creme from L'occitane $28 / 5. A cute manicure kit $22 /  6. SK-II masks that everyone is obsessed with. $17 / 7. An eye creme for everyone by Clinique $32 / 8. OBSESSED with this foot peel. Literally gets all the dry skin off your feet. $25 / 9. pretty red polish by essie $8 / 10. Kiehl's hydration essentials $29

Because she loves to straight chill 

From Left: The cutest hippo tea diffuser $14 / Apparently these are huge stress relievers and fun to do while binge watching $12 / Super plush heart socks $16

Because she loves an earring moment

From Left: a great modern drop earring $38 / pretty rose gold and pink studs $33 / resist a tassel $32

Because she is always on the go 

1. The perfect beach/airplane read by Mindy Kaling $25 / 2. A cable knit beanie to look cute on snowy commute days $28 / 3. Because she always packs the good heels $30 / 4. She has never missed a selfie moment (this is what the Kardashians use, fyi. that's why they always have great light!) $49 / 5. She always needs coffee and is trying to be more green $26 / 6.  Gilded pineapple iPhone case to remind her of her tropical travels $35

For the hostess or just home lover

1. Loving this ornament from Kate Spade $30 / 2. Luxurious candle with a fresh scent $16 / 3. Every time she uses these cute measuring cups she will think of you $32 / 4. Because she has a sweet tooth $28 / 5. So her house can smell like Christmas all winter long $25 / 6. The chicest gold salt and pepper shakers $26

Check out my other gift guides here. 

Happy Shopping. 

xo

Erin 

Can't Live Without: Holiday Edition

Last year we talked about traditions, which I loved. So this year I thought I would ask a few great ladies what they Can't Live Without during the holiday season. I only allowed one answer, which I know was really hard since there are so many great things about the season. My answer? Christmas lights. They make everything look magical. Cheesy, I know, but you know it is true. Now on to the other girls...

1. Love Actually
2. Sitting by the cozy fire, looking at my family's stockings. It is a dream come true! 
3. Nordstrom for gifting: Free shipping, easy returns, and something for everyone
4. Personalized Gifts from Head's Up Boutique 
5. Mom's Frosted Butter Cookies (recipe below)
6. A Peace Carol: John Denver & The Muppets
7. My leopard print Ugg slippers 
8. With all the after work parties and events, Clinique all about eyes is a must. It's amazing for dark circles and under eye bags!  Clinique All About Eyes 
9. Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart by Wham
10. Ugg gloves
11. All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah
12. My nightly ritual of looking at the glowing Christmas tree with my son with the lights dimmed, preferably with a cup of hot coco. ("Ooooh, mama, it's so beautiful.")
13. Wine! Lots of Wine! 
14. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

I hope you all have a great weekend. It is going to be sixty degrees in Chicago. Which I have mixed emotions about given it takes us even further from a white Christmas. But, it makes for great temps for holiday parties. Which we have this weekend. Combining that with outdoor walks with the kids and hopefully a cozy pizza night in. If you need some gift ideas for weekend shopping, check out the guides here. More to come next week. Cheers! 
xo
Erin  

Mom's Frosted Cookie Recipe

by Katie's Mom :)

Preheat oven 350

In a mixing bowl cream 1 cup ( 2 sticks) soft butter; gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 egg and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Gradually blend in 2 and 1/2 cups sifted regular all-purpose flour. Divide and make 2 balls roll them in wax paper, chill dough for easy handling. About half an hour.

Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8th in thickness (each time to roll dough, dust surface and rolling pin with flour). Cut into desired shapes. Rub cookie cutters (sharp side)  in a little flour. Place on baking sheets. Bake 8-12 minutes. 

Remove to a wire rack or to a cool surface to cool. Then frost using recipe below. 

Put 1 pound of powdered sugar in a bowl and add about 1/4 cup of milk and mix and if needed, add more milk slowly until smooth and spreadable. Divide into several little bowls and put some frosting and a couple of drops of different colors in each, saving the rest in big bowl to mix up when needed. Tape down wax paper when decorating, then all you need to do is pull it up and throw it away for easy clean up. 

Gift Guide: Under $100

How is your Christmas prep coming along? I have everything up but the tree, a few ideas for holiday meal planning (I am hosting this year), still not done with the shopping, and getting the kids in the spirit with tunes, movies, and that damn elf on the shelf. I will say seeing that they are understanding of the season is so fun. And the endless treats and parties don't hurt. 

Now on to more gift ideas. 

The options for gifts under $100 were kind of amazing this year. Not only are these all under $100, a lot are way below that. So you may even get to snag a couple of gifts. Or better yet a little holiday pick me up for yourself? (check out the beauty, lux, custom, and my list gift guides too!)

1. Over sized shades she will love (I wear these!). Warby Parker $95

2. A pretty French press that will look stunning on her counter top $$50

3. Because a pink sweater makes everyone happy. J. Crew $69

4. Her current sneaks are a little sad and these are on sale. More colors too. Tretorn $39

5. For a the beauty junkie, all the best selling skincare for her to try from Sephora $68

6. High quality and festive pajamas from J. Crew $95

7. A cheeky cake stand for baked goods. $78

8.  A gilded tray for her high stand or coffee table. $34

9. I've gifted this a few times to great success. It is the perfect clutch from Rebecca Minkoff $95

10. A slouchy pom pom beanie $44

11. Super chic and fun gloves for cold winter days. $50

12. Because she takes her foundation seriously. Make Up Forever brush $48

13. A giant scarf she can wear 100 ways. Asos $33

14. I have heard great things about this cook book. $24

15. A classic Panama hat for her upcoming vacation $58

16. Because the girl loves marble and this would make the most glam fruit bowl. $49

17.  Throwback kicks that look great with skinny jeans $79

18. Because she loves the smell of Roses and likes fancy candles. Diptyque $60

xo

Erin 

My House Dressing

Since we are getting deep into the season of eating, throwing in a salad most nights is usually a good idea. To make sure this actually happens and that we are eating healthy, I have been making big batches of salad dressing to keep on hand. This dressing is easy, uses ingredients that probably already have, and will last in the fridge a couple of weeks. Add to any salad, use as a dip for veggies, marinade chicken in it, the possibilities are endless. 

And an extra tip for making salads in advance, yes it is possible. As you can see in the picture below, I cut up the avocado or apples or any other fruit of veggie that will turn brown after cutting and mix it in with the dressing. I then add the other veggies/cheese/nuts, then the lettuce. Refrigerate and then toss when ready to serve. 

My House Dressing 

Imperfect Polish 2015

makes enough for 2-3 big salads

2 cloves of garlic minced or pressed

2 heaping Tablespoons of Dijon mustard

1/4 cup light mayo

1/4 cup red wine vinegar (really any vinegar would be ok)

2 teaspoons honey

salt and pepper

1/4 cup olive oil 

Combine all ingredients except oil in a bowl or mason jar. Whisk in the oil (or add in oil and shake if using a jar). Taste and adjust salt and pepper as necessary. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide: My List

This list obviously helps out those that are actually gifting to me each year, but I also like the thought that I am giving some of you ideas to add to your list. And better yet, those gifting you have a place to find some great ideas (forward on!). This year has been especially great and any of these would just be the icing. Some are practical replacements, some are much needed additions, and others are pure pleasure. 

1. Wine, always the gift you know will be enjoyed. Loving a pinot noir or malbec right now. 

2. Valentino dreams in a cross body bag $2,545

3. A pretty new iPhone case $39

4. Because all of my lulus are looking pretty sad. $98

5. I can never have enough of this DryBar dry shampoo around. $22

6. A very smart/savvy friend intro'd me to these great cold weather Nike boots. size 7.5 $180

7. Need a refill on my go to mascara. in black $28

8. Missing some pale pink flats in my closet.  Tawny sand, size 7.5 $109

9. Faux fur slippers to replace my holey ones. Size M $36 

10. Still eyeing this initial necklace. Love the asymmetry. M-T-M $360

11. Been coveting this J. Crew coat for awhile. Size 4 $365

12. I am embarrassed to say I have zero cast iron pans. $59

13. Want to try out this Boy Brow in brown and would love the mask set from Glossier. $16-38

14. As many of these SK-II masks as you can fit in my stocking, please $17

15. And because my obsession with Valentino runs deep, these heels would be killer. 8m white $995

More ideas for gift giving in my other guides: 

Custom gifts

Lux List

All About Beauty 

xo

Erin