Saying Thank You!!

"No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks." - Unknown

My thank you notes this year

Do you write thank you notes?  I do... or at least I try to remember to as much as I can.  Now as we are playing with our new gifts and gadgets from the holidays and feeling all jolly tis' the time to say thank you to all those generous folks in our lives! 

Learn how to make your own Polaroid cards below

I am not sure when my giving thanks streak started but I am pretty sure it was about the time I got my first set of personalized stationary.  I remember the thick, ivory tinted card stock with my name embossed on the top as if I was someone of great importance.  Even now I find myself perusing Minted or Tiny Prints for new and pretty paper products to pen my next hand written note or thank you.

Aren't these thank you notes precious? (via Minted)

There is something special about pulling out the old pen and paper and scribing a little note to someone special.  Especially when you are thanking them!  

Destination: Grand Haven, Michigan

The day after Christmas always seems like a haze.  I am a little hungover from all of the food, drinks and festivities.  I am also a bit stir crazy.  Day-after Christmas shopping seems to be the perfect solution to get out of the house and stretch my legs.  Instead of heading to the mall (which I HATE) Joe and I decided to get our "shopping local" on and make the half hour drive to Grand Haven, MI.

"Coast Guard City, USA"

Grand Haven is popular tourist destination nestled on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan.  The town is known for boating, fishing and its picturesque lighthouses.  There is also a huge Coast Guard presence.  So big that President Bill Clinton signed an act of Congress to officially designate the town "Coast Guard City, USA" back in 1998 (random Jeopardy fact for the day!)  It is also where Joe's sister lives.

Best Brunch in Grand Haven

Our first stop was Dee Lite Bar and Grill right on the town's main drag Washington Avenue where we met up with Joe's family.  (I mean, who can shop without a little bit of nourishment??) This is such a cute, eclectic neighborhood spot with amazing egg dishes and tasty coffee.  I had an incredible egg white spinach wrap filled with lots of asiago cheese and roasted red peppers that would make Pop-eye proud.  If you are looking for a place to grab brunch this is the place to go!

Veggie Christmas Wreath

One of the reasons I love the holidays is cooking up a storm with family.  Whether it's recipes passed down from generation to generation or trying out new tasty delights.  Thanks to Pinterest I have a new holiday treat to add to my Christmas repertoire!  

Our first attempt at a Vegetable Christmas Wreath

Introducing the Vegetable Christmas Wreath!  It's the perfect combination of crispy veggies and creamy ranch all wrapped around a toasty crescent dough wreath.  When my soon-to-be mother-in-law spotted it on Pinterest last week we knew we had to make it for Christmas Eve!

Packing up Presents for Christmas Travel

So like many folks out there I am preparing to pack up and head home for the holidays.  Specifically my soon-to-be in-law's home in South Western Michigan.  Ever since we moved to Chicago two years ago we have enjoyed the quick three hour journey to visit with his parents and the holidays is no exception.  With two adults and a dog packing us up is never really a problem... but Christmas means presents... lots and lots of wrapped presents!!  

I love, love, love all of the wrapping options at World Market!!!

 Ladies (and some Gentlemen) you will understand my struggle!  I spent hours and hours of time personally wrapping these gifts to give our family for the holidays.  I picked out every bow, craft-fully curled every ribbon and color coordinated every box and piece of wrapping paper.  

Our Home Depot Christmas Tree :-)