'Tis the Season

Shirt: F21. Sweater: JCrew. Denim: Citizens for Humanity.
Boots: Frye boots. Earrings: JCrew. Pin: Gift from mom 

It's finally here. Christmas time. It's amazing how immediately after Thanksgiving everything happens to be in full blown Christmas mode. It seems everywhere you look, twinkle lights are on and Christmas Carols are playing. 
And I am not mad about it.

 The day after Thanksgiving, JJ and I decided to have a date day instead of participating in any sort of Black Friday sales. We walked around downtown (I must admit, ducking in and out of stores because it was so frigid!), drank some hot chocolate, ate an early dinner and went to see Skyfall. 

It was the perfect way to begin the holiday season.

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. Dinner and a movie = great date night. I've always felt like that's what people do when you don't have anything else to do but it really is wonderful. Saturday night JJ and I went out to Houlihan's (I recommend the fish tacos) and then went to see Argo (definitely worth your time and money.) M&M's and Sour Patch Kids don't hurt the experience either.
2. I don't get enough sleep. Nothing more to say about that. Sleep is valuable and I need more of it. (Don't we all though?)
3. The best way to spend a Saturday is with your mom. My mom came over Saturday afternoon to catch up and finally meet Clive. We sat at my kitchen table, looked a pictures from Honduras, talked about my brothers wedding, and drank coffee. Mom's are the best. 
4. Pinterest is slowly creeping its way back into my life. During the summer I decided I needed to take a time out when I realized most of my sentence's started with "I saw on Pinterest..." but come on, it's fall. So many great fall recipes and fashions. (Follow me here!)
5. "Rocky Ground" by Bruce Springsteen sounds so good with the windows down and fall colors everywhere. I know, I know, I'm a broken record. But come one, fall is the best!

Church Doors

Blazer: JCrew. Top: Anthropologie. Skirt: Nordstrom
Shoes: Pink (via Lori's Boutique) Necklace: F21. Bracelet: Renegade Art Festival. Purse: Borrowed (from my mom)

Since starting echo grace a couple months ago, I have started to look for different places that could be fun backdrops for pictures. This church is on the way from my office to the train station and have always made a mental note that these doors are great.

Last night JJ and I went out on a fancy little date to celebrate dating for three months (I know, huge milestone.) We were on our way there and got caught in some traffic so we decided to take a different route, right by this church. So guess what I made him do? Obviously take these pictures. 

As I got dressed yesterday I was really excited about this outfit.... I don't love it as much as I was putting together this post. Seems fair not to love every outfit I put together, right?

Here's to next time.

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. Sonic Happy Hour is worth a drive. JJ turned twenty five on Friday so it only seemed fitting to head to the closest Sonic (about a 30 minute drive) for happy hour. There's something so satisfying about a fountain diet coke with the little ice cubes in a styrofoam cup (and an ice cream cone.)
2. Racing horses have the funniest names. My personal favorite from Saturday: She's down with Jim. Too bad her odds were 30-1. Great name, poor racer. 
3. Petfinder.com is a very dangerous website. I want a kitten. Probably an unhealthy amount. Any name suggestions for my potential new kitten?
4. Cheap Chinese food makes a day significantly better. I'm always in a better mood after eating some sesame chicken. 
5.  oh, hello friend: you are loved. My new favorite blog. 

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. Some people are jerks. I flew to Malibu, CA to visit JJ for the weekend while he was out filming some videos for Pepperdine University. On my flight out there, someone stole my cell phone. Like we tracked it on my iCloud and I watched my phone travel around Inglewood, CA for an hour and a half stolen. I have returned back to Chicago sans iPhone. I'm embarrassed how much it has bugged me.
2. Surprises really are the best. One of my favorite bands for a long time has been Fun. I fell in love with them (well the lead singer Nate) back when they were The Format. On Friday night JJ surprised me and got us tickets to see Fun. at the Wiltern in LA! I had absolutely no idea they were even in town. And I loved it. Every moment.
3. My feet are always happiest in the sand. My feet got to meet the Pacific Ocean on Saturday. I hope this is just the beginning to a lovely relationship.
4. I'm a midwest girl. As JJ and I were driving around Southern California (which is absolutely gorgeous) I couldn't help but be reminded why I love the midwest. I guess I like green grass and neighborhoods more than I realized.
5. Penny from LOST is just as pretty in real life as she is on the show. Sunday morning we went to Marmalade Cafe in Malibu (I got a delicious mushroom, spinach, goat cheese fritatta - that was for you Gwen) and in walks Penny. I almost died. First and only celebrity spotting and my gosh, well worth it.