Window Wonderland.

As some of you know, I work retail.  It can be a little hectic this time of year.  Believe it or not, not everyone is filled with Holiday joy!  One of my favorite things about my job is all the ah-mazing window displays retailers put out to celebrate the season.  Here's a peek into my morning walk to work...

Anthropologie.  Ok, this is a NYC store, but my local store is going with this same concept.  A million little slides shaped in to a tree.  So unique and unexpected - just like Anthro. 

This is Halls, which is a local version of a Saks or Neimans.  It was founded by the Hall family back in the day, who are the same folks behind Hallmark.  Their windows are always special and the Holidays are no exception.



The Crew.  Loving the black, white and modern snowflakes - let the clothes be the pop of color. 

This year everything seems especially cheery and festive!  Happy Holidays!

What's for Dinner?

I'm breaking out of my cooking rut.  We are usually on a heavy rotation of all things Ina:  Parmesan Chicken and Arugula Salad, Goat Cheese Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes and my fave cold weather go to, Weeknight Bolognese.  My taste buds are bored.

Everyone knows how amazing Pinterest is.  And now it's becoming one of my favorites for finding a quick recipe. 

Mexican Stuffed Shells

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chopped Salad (I add chicken to it)

Balsamic Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Rosemary Garlic Chicken Skillet

I have made all of the above and they will definitely be worked in to the rotation.

Where do you find dinner inspiration?

The Bar Method.

For the past few weeks I have been trying a new exercise class, The Bar Method. 

Normally, I am a boot camp kind of girl - lots of sweating, running, squats and feeling like I might pass out.  The Bar Method is definitely a calmer form of exercise, which is a welcomed change for me.

So what is it?  The Bar Method is interval training with muscle training isometrics.  Each class is an hour long and starts with warm up, free-weight exercises and push-ups focusing on the arm and moves on to thigh work (a killer!), tush toning and abs. Lots of stretching is in between each section to elongate the muscles you just worked.  It really goes after all those "problem areas" that women typically complain about - arms, abs, thighs, tush. 

After 11 classes, I think I can tell a difference.  I do feel tinier and think my legs are looking less jiggly.  I also really enjoy going to class.  I feel challenged during the workout and exhausted after.  I can really tell that I am fatiguing my muscles.

Locally, The Bar Method is at Park Place.  There are also studios in other major cities or you can purchase the DVD's to get your bar on at home.

Anyone else doing Bar Method?

Homeland.

If you aren't watching Homeland, you need to be.  One of the better shows on in a while.  It's on Showtime, which is odd that I am watching given that I had no idea we even had Showtime!

It follows the story of the return of a MIA Marine Sergeant (Damian Lewis) and the CIA Agent (Claire Danes) who doesn't quite believe his story.  (She actually believes he's been turned and is working for Al Qaeda.)

It's INTENSE.  I can't watch it right before I go to bed because I get so freaked out!

Anyone else watching?

The Bookworm Party.

Books.  They are a prominent part of our household.  From my crazy late night reading, The Texan's constant rotation of library books and The Bug's ability to (still) sit in my lap for hours on end reading, we are a household of book worms.  Which is why we wanted to celebrate it at the 4th Birthday Bash - the Bookworm Party. 

I had the most amazing time planning and executing this event (seriously should have been a kids party planner in a previous life).  But the best part?  Going through all the pictures and seeing a smile on my little man's face.  I truly think it was the time of his life. 

A big thanks to all the amazing people who helped me pull this off and look crafty (and Etsy for existing.)  The cupcake toppers and door signs were from Pinwheel Lane; the pom flowers from PomLove, the pinwheels from KlipsNscraps and of course the beautiful photography is by Ever Ashley Photography. 

And for those local people, I highly recommend Jo Ho Storytelling.  Every single child loved her!

For more images of the special day, visit Ever Ashley Photography. 

Now - on to next year!  Anyone have any good theme ideas?  I gotta admit, RHOBH Taylor had a pretty good thing going with her County Fair party....

J.W. Hulme

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  And one of the more wonderful parts is the "gift guides" most retailers put together.  I love them.  I love getting ideas for friends and family and also just seeing what cool things are out there.

Like these J.W. Hulme Co. bags. 

Mini Excursion Satchel

Linwood Bucket Bag

Based in the good ole U S of A, they have been hand-making leather, purses and accessories since 1905.  Found these while exploring the Anthropologie gift guide.  Two of my favorite things about these bags?  They come with a lifetime guarantee and they can be monogrammed.  

Legacy Shoulder Bag

With Monogram

I am beyond obsessed and thinking about calling an audible on my Christmas list and requesting one of these gorgeous bags.

Their website is really worth checking out.  Anthropologie's collection is only the beginning - many more styles and amazing colors online.

Have you heard of J.W. Hulme Co.?

Moscow Mule.

We had drinks and dinner with friends over the weekend and I was introduced to a new fave drink.  I am normally a Vodka Gimlet kind of lady.  (But only one or else the wheels come off.)  I now have a new drink in my repertoire - the Moscow Mule.

It's made with vodka, ginger beer and lime and is quite refreshing - sweet, but not too sweet.  I could probably have a couple without getting a stomach ache.   At the restaurant we went to, they garnish it with a lime and a fresh slice of ginger.  Delish!

Thinking I may have to whip up a batch of Mules to celebrate Thanksgiving....might result in a wild night!

Try it.  You'll like it.

1 1/2 ounces vodka
3/4 ounce lime juice
4 ounces ginger beer

Have you had a Moscow Mule?