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. 

Baking for Good

Are you a big baker? It is hard not to feel bad over the holidays because baking is just not something that I am into. The eating of the baked goods I am super into, so I always find myself buying things or cramming in a sugar cookie assembly session a few days before Christmas. 

There are so many amazing local bakeries here in Chicago, but this one in NYC has me thinking I might be ordering from the East Coast this year. Baking for Good is an amazing small business run by a lovely girl named Emily. She uses local products, makes delicious goods, then gives 15% of the proceeds from your sale to a cause of your choice. Perfect idea for the holidays, right? 

They have some fantastic products, too. 

Who wouldn't want a box of a dozen photo cookies? I am Instagram obsessed, so I am super excited to order those. There are varieties of brownies, sandwich cookies, traditional sugar for every occasion, and even gluten or vegan options. 

When you check out it gives you options of what charity to donate to. A sugar rush and that warm fuzzy feeling of giving back. Perfection. 

xo

Erin 

Bella Bridal Shower

Sorry I have not been updating, but I am working on some things around here that I cannot wait to share soon. My posts may be a little sparse in the coming weeks, but I promise to share what I am working on and try to keep up as much as I can. 

One project that had my attention the last month is a bridal shower I threw for my future sister-in-law. I adore her and it was so fun planning this fun day with my mom. 

My brother and his future Mrs. got engaged in Italy, so we used this as inspiration for the entire event. Starting with the invitations....

These were custom printed from Envy Marketing, which I found on Etsy. The venue is one of my favorite Italian spots in Chicago, Quartino. It's rustic charm, delicious food and impeccable service was the perfect place. 

Her favorite flowers are peonies, which were incorporated into the arrangements along with beautiful romantic bouquets. 

We worked with Debi Lilly, from A Perfect Event, for all of the floral. And once again (she was my wedding planner) she and her team put together the most gorgeous flowers. 

She also used silver trays, julep cups, and mercury glass votives, which the perfect combination with the rustic wooden tables and candelabras. 

For the favors, we ordered these custom cookies to match the invitation shape. Their monogram was scrolled on them and they were tied with dried lavender. 

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the afternoon was filled with prosecco, pasta and laughter. The perfect combination. 

xo

Erin