Auld Lang Syne

Well, it's almost over.  2011 is coming to a close. The year was filled with a lot of emotions, a lot of decisions, a lot of heart-felt lessons, and a lot of changes.  In fact, it was a life-changing year.  It was a year in which I had to spend a lot of time focusing on myself, often with mixed reviews on what I saw.  Now I'm ready to start looking outward in 2012 and giving back.  But before I put down my resolutions for 2012, I want to reflect on 2011 as the clock winds down.  In 2011 . . .

~ I ventured out into the world alone for the first time in a long time
~ I fell in love with the other half of my spirit
~ I learned what it means to love and to forgive
~ I climbed to the tippy-top of Africa and became part of a new family
~ I needed friends and they taught me how to be a better one
~ I faced my biggest fears, and survived.

It was quite a year.  I hope all of you darling Kichaas can look back and feel blessed by the year that is about to end and full of hope for the one that is about to begin.

XOXO

Where is Everybody?

It's that funny week between Christmas and New Year when everyone seems to be out of the office.  No one is on the train.  There are hardly any cars on the expressway.  No long lines at Starbucks.  It's pretty nice.  Maybe it's me, but this is exactly the time when I want to be at work -- when no one else is.  Call me anti-social, but I never schedule this week as vacation time.  No phone calls.  Just a few spam emails.   I really like it.  

So what did I accomplish today?  Well, I finished all of my online compliance training for the year.  I also made several trips to the shredder, leaving me with an almost clear desk.  I actually stopped at 3:00 PM for tea and a scone.  I organized my emails into separate, chronologically ordered folders.  I fielded one substantive question from a poor guy sitting in our Kansas City office.  I organized one conference call (and I'm absolutely sure everyone else was in their pajamas).  I created a new Pandora radio station (Ella Fitzgerald jazz).  I found new covers for my iPhone and iPad here, and a new coffee sleeve for all those grande mocha non-fat lattes I'll be ordering in 2012 here.  I think that was a pretty successful, civilized work day, don't you Kichaas?

Are you working this week or returning Christmas presents that didn't fit (and picking up some new goodies on sale)?  I'd love to know.

XOXO

Noteworthy

Now that the guests have all left, now that the presents have all been unwrapped, and now that Santa has delivered everything on your list (by the way, that sweater looks lovely on you), it is time to start writing those thank you notes.  I don't know about you but I used to dread this task as a kid.  Now I look forward to handwriting a personal note on some beautiful new cards that I find each year.   I love the look of letterpress stationary.   So clean and crisp.  That's why I love these ladylike letterpress notes created by Kirtland House Press.  Don't you agree?


Kerrie Kirtland, the proprietress of this noteworthy establishment, finds inspiration in all things vintage and retro.  She mixes her own ink (she uses soy ink and recycled fibers) and puts her delightful touch on every card, note, announcement, calendar and print she produces.  She's also a fellow Chicagoan!

So order a  bundle of these gorgeous notes here and get writing Kichaas!

XOXO

All images Kirtland House Press

Christmas Preparations

It's finally here.   I've been running around getting ready and doing some last minute shopping.  So here's my Christmas wish for all of my darling Kichaas:   Whether you are busy preparing the holiday meal for family and friends (here are some pics from my holiday lunch at the Four Seasons with my best girlfriends -- I just loved the gingerbread hotel they created along with the sugar snowman) . . .

 Or admiring all the glitter and bows in the stores . . .

Or tying the last ribbon, signing the last card, and hanging the last ornament . . .

Try never to forget the true meaning of the day.  Allow yourself some time to actually feel love and peace.  Rejoice in the company of family and friends.   Spread some joy.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
XOXO

Winter Solstice

O Winter! ruler of the inverted year, . . . . I crown thee king of intimate delights, Fireside enjoyments, home-born happiness, And all the comforts that the lowly roof Of undisturb'd Retirement, and the hours Of long uninterrupted evening, know. 

-William Cowper

Image here

All About Love

Image here

It's all about love this holiday and I love love love this dress by Alice + Olivia!  It would be perfect for a beautiful, black tie holiday or New Year's party.  Almost makes you feel like your floating up, up, up with the stars.  

Add these gorgeously simple Valentino shoes and this delicate Sydney Evan Love ring (isn't it cute?!) and I'm in Heaven!  So pretty.

XOXO

What Ever Happened to Brandy Alexanders?

When I was growing up my parents would throw a Christmas party every year.   My parents didn't entertain all that much, but you could always count on neighbors, my dad's work colleagues, and all the church folks coming by sometime during Christmas week for Ralphie and Rosie's holiday blow out.  And what do I remember most?  The blender buzzing in the kitchen kicking out Brandy Alexanders by the pitcherful!  I remember this because even as a tiny tot no bigger than Tiny Tim I was allowed to sample the cold, sweet, ice-cream-like concoction.  It was considered a real treat to get a sip of the "grown-up" drinks being passed around.

It's Christmas week this week and my mom just called to say she was getting ready for the annual holiday party tomorrow.   I asked if Brandy Alexanders were being served and she said "Oh no!  We haven't served those in years.  They kind of fell out of style."  That got me thinking.  Whatever happened to Brandy Alexanders?  They were so, well . . . holiday-ish!  What a cool retro cocktail!  Don't you agree?

I for one have decided to conjure up some cocktails of Christmases pasts this year and Brandy Alexanders will be served on Christmas Eve.   Here's Rosie's recipe if you'd like to try them, too.

XOXO

For Four Servings:

• 4 tablespoons brandy
• 4 tablespoons creme de cacao
• 1-1/2 c. milk
• 1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened
• Dash of cinnamon 
• 
  

Whirrr everything up in the blender.  Divide equally into 4 glasses and top each one with a dash of cinnamon.