Bits and Bobs

In an attempt to make dinner that my increasingly picky three year old would eat, I made fondue the other night (inspired in part by this lovely lady's recent post). Used the super delicious and easy recipe from The WASP Cookbook (beer+ sharp cheddar +mustard + salt) and expected my kid would love it because it combines two things he loves, dipping and cheese. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when he asked if he could please have some ketchup to dip his food in instead of the "yucko" stuff. Sigh.

When the baby gets a little fussy in his high chair, he immediately brightens up if I sing "Pants on the Ground" to him. What does this say about him? Or me, for that matter??

In case I needed another reason to be excited for out upcoming trip to Florida (also known as the "February in Chicago SUCKS so let's get the heck out of town" Trip), I present you with reason #4,305: Sweet Waters, a Lilly shop located on the property. And the staff? Outfitted in Lilly.

Mr. TC sure knew what he was doing when he booked us at this hotel!

Back in November, the Junior League of Chicago hosted its annual Gazebo Holiday Market. It's one of my favorite events of the year (umm, knocking out requirements while shopping? yes, please) and I've been meaning to write it up ever since. You know, for the last two months or so.

There were some new vendors this year that I really loved (more on them another day), but one of my favorite parts was that I got to meet the fabulous Lara of La Plates in person! We had emailed back and forth about promotions and giveaways a while back, but it was a riot to finally meet. She is such a doll (and not just because she said nice things about my blog) and I got the cutest place mat for M. This specific design combo isn't shown on the website, but if you want the same one, just email Lara. She was so helpful and is totally willing to customize.

On one side, the "Manners" design below. M actually really loves this and lines all of his utensils up in the proper locations (and gets mad if he is lacking a spoon or knife to line up!)

The other side is the "Elementary Print Handwriting" on a green back ground with his name. It is so adorable.

(not his name, all photos courtesy of La Plates)

And, it has held up very well over the past two months. (One thing I am learning is that in a house of three boys, things must be extremely durable!)

I don't have any of the actual plates yet, but I've been so happy with the place mat that I think I will eventually get some for the boys. And maybe me.

*I have not been paid for this review nor did I receive anything for free. Totally unsolicited by Lara, and I paid for the above place mat. Does that cover all those silly requirements??)

Avec Shearling or Sans Shearling?

What say you, Internet? God knows I love me some shearling, but is it worth doubling the price? I have some LL Bean dollars just burning a hole in my pocket....

TCP's Winter Survival Guide, 2010 Edition

It seems that most of the country is experiencing the lovely "Artic Blast" that we Third Coasters see multiple times every winter. Looks like it's time for my annual winter survival list (see previous versions here and here):



1. Hot Toddies. My recipe is a mixture of tea, hot water, bourbon, lemons, honey, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and a little sugar. I just eyeball the measurements, depending upon (a) how cold I am and (b) whether I need to get up and be productive in the morning.



2. Tree Hut Shea Butter Body Wash. I like to switch up my products seasonally, and this is my winter choice. It smells AMAZING (a key requirement for me) and it's really moisturizing. You can find it the grocery store (Jewel, for those on the Third Coast), too, which makes it easy to pick up, since I am there every damn day.




3. Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Recovery. My hands are a DISASTER. Between the constant washing/hand sanitizer use and the cold temps, the skin on my hands is incredibly dry. This scrub/lotion helps (and I need all the help I can get).
4. Long underwear. Yep, I said it. A necessary evil when the mercury dips this low. My personal fave (with props to Heaven in a Paper Cup, who alerted me to this particular brand/style) is the unfortunately named "Cuddl Duds". I know, the name is gross, but it's comfy and I like the camisole as a layering piece.


5. Most important? Something to look forward to, preferrably something warm and tropical. The TCP family is heading here in February, and I am repeating "Marco Island, Marco Island" like a mantra as I stuff squirmy children into snowsuits and slip-slide my way around town.

Stay warm!

Want.

Murfee scarf. As if you didn't already know.

Palm Springs 2010

Every two years, I get together with about 10 of my girlfriends from college for The Girls Trip (always capitalized, thankyouverymuch). We all met in our sorority many several years ago, and even though we're spread out over many states and now have babies and/or husbands and/or high powered jobs, when we get together, it's like no time at all has passed.

I just booked my flight and I am BEYOND EXCITED. And already mentally packing my bag.