Maybe the Canadians are on to something with celebrating Thanksgiving and October, and therefore spacing out Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year we went straight from Thanksgiving parties to Christmas parties without a break in between.
Let's start with the event nearest and dearest to my heart. The Windy City Blogger Collective, a group that I started with some friends in January had it's first holiday party. And it was HUGE. It was one of the most incredible nights because WCBC members are simply the nicest people ever. Del Frisco's very generously provided the event space (their gorgeous 3rd floor bar and dining room) and wine, champagne, and apps.
I attended Fashionsgiving at Kokopelli hosted by Janet Mandell of Fashionaholic. Kokopelli is a new Mexican place in Wicker Park. We were served gourmet salsa and tacos paired with tequilla based drinks.
DreamDry opened in Chicago, and I got to meet co-owner Rachel Zoe! DreamDry is in Lincoln Park on Armitage just a couple of blocks from the el. They offer blowouts and braids. I got a great blowout the day before these photos were taken, and it lasted for 3 days!
I met up with my friend and Windy City Blogger Collective co-founder, Erin, at Blue Door Farm Stand were we met our new intern Amy. We jokingly told her that binge watching Gilmore Girls was a job requirement, and she started watching the show before the interview. I assure you that we will be giving Amy actual projects once she officially starts working for in the New Year.
I participated in the Lincoln Park Shop Hop. I partnered with Oh Olive, and I got to meet Santa.
After the Shop Hop a dozen of my blogging friends gathered at Summer House Santa Monica for drinks and dinner. The manager came out and gave everyone some of Summer House's famous giant cookies to take home.
I hosted a Cookie Party for some of my blogging friends. Decorating Christmas cookies is definitely my favorite hobby. You can expect a post about cookie decorating next week, but how pretty does that cookie look?
I joined a group of bloggers for a Holi-diy party hosted by event planner Debi Lilly and my friends Megan and Katie. Debi's DL Loft is a beautiful event space with a kitchen. Debi's attention to detail was seriously impressive and the event space looked like a Pinterest dream in the best way possible. (photos via Donna Binbek/Donna Binbek Photography)
I returned to DL Loft a couple days later for the #FashionFriends event where we sipped on Prosecco and indulged in some sweets. Debbi Lilly's DL Loft space is simply stunning, and she certainly has a talent for putting together the most beautiful floral arrangements.
Last night I went to a mini launch party for my friend Tek's Gimme! Gimme! Burger at Chicken Shop at the Soho House. Chicken Shop is one of the Soho House restaurants that is open to the public, so anyone can try this burger topped with bacon, mushrooms, and mac and cheese!
The big news is that my home office is coming together! I love having my very own space to write.
And, I finally checked out Umami Burger. This weekend is busy with holiday parties, and the last of my holiday freelance work. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
