Magnolia Bakery

We discovered a fun new place when we were downtown on Friday: Magnolia Bakery. Apparently it's from New York, but this is what the Chicago location looks like. It's a really cute little place with fantastic cupcakes (kind of expensive, but fun for a special treat).

France Luxe Hair Barrettes

When I was downtown on Friday it was snowing and windy. My hair was a disaster, but I was not prepared! So I popped in Nordstrom Rack and bought a France Luxe barrette. Aren't these lovely? I got an oval one and a star-shaped one. Don't you love the Scottie dogs?

Pretty Potholder

My sister Sara sent me one of her famous potholders for my birthday. It is lovely. And it has mylar batting so I could actually use it (if I wanted to...). Thanks, Sara!

Friday Featured Etsy Seller: Five Sisters

I just bought some beads from a fellow Anne who operates the Etsy shop Five Sisters. It's a fun coincidence because my family has five sisters. Her beads are lovely - perhaps I'll have to order these next...

Thursday Tunes: Standing on the Moon/Halcyon Days

For my birthday last Friday we went to see Bruce Hornsby in a solo show. It was incredible. As an encore number, he did the Grateful Dead's Standing on the Moon combined with his Halcyon Days. So beautiful. Go here for the lyrics to Halcyon Days.

ASL Pewter

On our way home from the orchid show, we stopped in Louisiana (Missouri), and visited ASL Pewter. I bought a cookie stamp from them before, and this time I got this snowflake ornament. It is very intricate and rather heavy. It is fascinating to visit their foundry.

Gardenia!

When we went to the orchid show they were having a big sale in the gift shop. So, Tony bought me a gardenia! It is so beautiful and fills our home with a heavenly scent. I hope I won't kill it!

Tangerine Lavender Honey Hot Chocolate

King Cafe in the 900 Shops on Michigan Avenue has tangerine lavender honey hot chocolate. Yes. It is delicious - it kind of tastes like a chocolate orange. A nice treat for a cold day!

Friday Featured Etsy Seller: Dutch Recycling

Susan Lambeck from Breda runs the Etsy shop Dutch Recycling. It is just what it says - she makes things from recycled materials. I love these paper flags. So festive.

Thursday Text: The Hobbit

In advance of the movie coming out, my book club is reading The Hobbit. I tried to read it once before and just could not do it. This time I'm liking it so far. Have you read it?