christmas music

I'm a big fan of christmas music. I could probably listen to it year-round if it were acceptable. one of my favorite christmas albums is sufjan steven's collection of five eps titled, "songs for christmas". it's a folksy mix of christmas hymns, carols & sufjan originals.  it's absoutely beautiful & puts me in the christmas spirit.

{do yourself a favor & don't download this album; the packaging is way too cool}

inspired by: white + gold

we pulled down all of our christmas decorations this weekend! I love all of the holiday decor we've collected over the years; everything is bright, colorful & shiny. but there's something about white + gold holiday decorations that I just love. so simple, classic & mature. here's a collection I put together of what I would add to my grown-up christmas wish-list.

champagne tree, $60. bone china pinecone ornaments, $6. gold faceted garland, $10. utopia man/woman menorah, $295. white beaded trees, $40, $60. snowflake stands, $18. floral bronze wreath, $175. ticker tape plate, $50. ticker tape mug, $50. 

winter "mimosas"

{strawberry pomegranate soda + champagne = delicious}

fun wrist watch

this would make a fun christmas gift.

{watch, $39 urban outfitters}

first day

the first day at a new job is never easy. but when you come home to a handsome husband & a house that smells of garlic & fresh herbs, all the stresses of the day just melt away.

{tossing veggies & potatoes}

{the most delicious roast chicken}

{my favorite cupcakes from our local bakery}

a fresh start

after 6 1/2 years of working at the same advertising agency, I have decided to move on. I took a job in a different field in the corporate world. it's quite a change & while I'm excited about the new opportunity, I will always be grateful for my time at the agency.

see, my first job was pretty special, in that it lead me to meet the man of my dreams. I never would have imagined that the good-looking art director would have ever glanced at the kid-out-of-college creative assistant. but sure enough, it quickly turned to love. I've been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with robert on commercials in some amazing cites, share lunch with him everyday in the lunch room & always have a fun date to sit with at employee-only staff meetings.

I'll miss working with my coworkers & all of the fun, but mainly I will miss my favorite art director husband, robert.

{the best  dance partner in the agency!}

thankful

I love thanksgiving & all of the traditions that come along with it. this year robert & I made some new things for the feast at the lakehouse. I love getting together with my whole family every thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for!

{ina's cranberry fruit conserve} 

{prepping the honey glazed carrots} 

{prepping the roasted garlic mashed potatoes}