a few of our favorite things: holiday edition
Part gift guide, part festive-local-chicago-activity-guide, part self-care-reminder-because-the-holidays-can-be-overwhelming-guide + a playlist….Here are a few (12 to be exact) of our favorite things this Holiday season.
Kicking this thing off with a gift that keeps on giving, and happens to be under $50 too. Lemon Scented Granola, Pistachio Crumble, Super Seed Sprinkle and Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. Pantry staples from our kitchen to yours / theirs.
Sarah Britton of My New Roots has inspired us for years with her healthful and delicious recreations of comforting favorites. This gingerbread is no exception. We make a batch every year on Christmas Eve.
https://www.mynewroots.org/site/2014/12/healthy-holiday-gingerbread/
A vintage movie theatre, two of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time (It’s a Wonderful Life + White Christmas) a sing-a-long at intermission. What could be better? What started nearly 40 years ago on a snowy Christmas Eve night has become a beloved Chicago holiday tradition that truly shouldn’t be missed. www.musicboxtheatre.com
A craft for the non-crafter. In a few simple steps you’ll have pretty little dried orange slices to use as a gift topper, string into a garland, decorate a table…move over Martha Stewart.
These Shop Noble organic waffle sets come in the best colors, are made with organic cotton and double as the perfect base layer for those extra chilly days. They also come in kids sizes if you’re into the whole coordinating pajama thing. www.shopnoble.com
Festive cheer for the ears with FARE holiday playlists. We’re playing these all season long https://open.spotify.com/user/31liludw5z3htmr5hd7dpsg2yaga
We try to keep it local when shopping for gifts and there are SO many great Chicago neighborhood spots. Currently we’re having a love affair with Andersonville and its eclectic mix retailers. From vintage shops to toy stores, bougie bodegas to natural wine shops. You’ll find something for everyone on your list. Some of our favorites include; Andale Market, Scout, Five Elements Home, Play, Women and Children First Books and Uvae Fromagerie + Tasting Room
Fact: food tastes better when eaten out of beautiful handmade ceramics. Lucky for you (and us) the stars aligned and we had the good fortune of collaborating with local ceramicist Ashley Lin Ames to create a gorgeous collection of bowls and mugs sold exclusively at FARE. They are hand thrown and hand dipped and perfect for gifting or gracing your holiday table.
We all know exercise has many benefits, physically and also mentally. In our opinion a great workout can set the tone for your day or week and carving out some time for intentional movement each week is essential to get through the hustle and bustle of this time of year. Naturally we’ve got a few favorites. Our top picks for a great sweat AND also a great community are; Basecamp, Pilates + Coffee, Common Language, The Garage Chicago, Chicago Strength
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I love a plaid table moment and no one does ginghams and plaids for the table better than Los Angelos based textile brand, Heather Taylor Home. One of these perfect table clothes and a set of coordinating napkins is on the top of my holiday wish list. I sure hope Santa reads our newsletter ;) https://heathertaylorhome.com
Catching up with a lover or friend in a cozy and busy bar with solid drinks, tasteful Christmas decor and good lighting is holiday season must. Our go-to? RL. A drink and bite to eat here is always on our December to-do list. RL Bar - 115 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Amidst all the gathering and shopping and eating and general holiday-ing, don’t forget to take time to just relax and soak it all in, literally. One of our favorite self-care rituals, in the colder months especially, is an epsom salt bath. Two cups of epsom salt to a warm bath + a few drops of your favorite essential oil, if you’re feeling fancy, helps remove toxins from the body, relieves sore muscles and relaxes the body. Yes, please.
Happiest of Holidays from us to you!
xoxo Britni + Kasia
