Ravioli with Butternut Squash

Having a party for New Year’s Eve and still trying to figure out what to make? This ravioli with butternut squash in a brown butter sage sauce with walnuts and shaved parmesan will make it look like you spent all day in the kitchen and days preparing, but only take 30 minutes!

Ingredients:
1 package cheese or mushroom filled ravioli
1 Butternut Squash, cubed
4 tablespoons butter
8 sage leaves
1/2 cup walnutsPreheat the oven to 375 degrees. Toss the squash with a couple teaspoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Cook for 35-45 minutes or until tender and slightly crispy. Cook the ravioli according to package directions. To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan until a golden brown color. Add sage leaves and walnuts and remove from heat. Assemble the pasta by carefully mixing the ravioli, butternut squash, and brown butter sauce in a large bowl. Top with freshly shaved parmesan. Enjoy!!

Party Pants

Gap sweater, Isabel Marant for H&M pants (sold out, but available on Ebay or similar pair here and here), Dolce Vita heels, Gorjana and Griffin necklace, Azza bracelet

For those New Year’s Eve parties that don’t call for a sparkly cocktail dress try taking a statement pant and pairing it with a simple top and fun heels. Add a little bling with a long necklace and a chunky bracelet or cocktail ring and you have the perfect casual, but cool NYE outfit! Happy 2014:) Pop, fizz, clink!

Holiday Outfits

Banana Republic dress (available in stores, other colors here), Gap Faux Fur scarf (old, great options from Etsy), Azza bracelet, Dolce Vita heels, H&M Clutch
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We got to spend the holiday with my husband’s family and will be heading off to Michigan to celebrate with my family. Here is a little peek at my holiday outfits:)

Azza cardigan, H&M tank, Zara leggings, Gap shoes (old, fun option here)

Christmas Decor

Merry Christmas!! I love decorating during this time of year. There is just something special about the warm glow of the twinkling lights and the smell of pine scented candles. Here is a little glimpse around our home during the holidays:)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

If you are looking for something other than cookies to make for Christmas this year, these chocolate peanut butter cups are the perfect choice! I made these twice in the last month and everyone loved them. If you want to add a festive touch, sprinkle them with red, white, and green sprinkles before the chocolate cools. Enjoy!

Holiday Glam

Dress from Von Z (similar here and here), Ily Couture necklace, Target booties
With only a week and a half until Christmas, holiday parties are in full swing! For a quick and easy look I love pairing a simple black faux leather dress and dramatic statement necklace. The outfit is the perfect backdrop for a smokey eye and sexy updo. What is your go to holiday outift?

Congrats to Megan Renee- you won the necklace from Frill! Please email me your address to I can get you the necklace in time for the holidays:)

Frill Accessory Boutique and a Sparkly Giveaway!

I am a huge believer that a great necklace, a pair of statement earrings, or a new clutch can instantly transform your outfit. If you have been following my blog, you may have noticed that I got a lot of these great accessories from Frill Accessory Boutique in Chicago. They are my go to store for the latest jewelry trends and classic pieces. The owners are beyond fabulous and you are sure to leave there feeling better than when you went in! I am so excited that they are gifting one of my lucky readers with this beautiful gold statement necklace just in time for the holidays. Click the link at the bottom of the post that says: a Rafflecopter giveaway to enter and good luck! Be sure to stop in at one of Frill’s many Chicagoland locations anytime you are in need of a little extra sparkle:)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mulled Cider

On a cold winter’s night, there is nothing better than a hot drink in front of the fire. The only thing that can make it better is if it’s filled with booze:) This mulled cider is delicious and as an added bonus, your house will smell amazing!

Ingredients:
1 bottle of apple wine
2 ½ cups of peach brandy
3 cinnamon sticks
¾ gallon of apple cider (or use the whole gallon if you have room in the crock pot)

Cook for 5 hours in crock pot on high.

Enjoy!!

Kiss me…

Forever 21 sweatshirt, Calvin Klein Jacket, Target yoga pants, Hunter boots, Beanie from Frill Chicago, Ray Ban sunglasses, Marc by Marc Jacobs purse
We had our first official snowfall of the season yesterday and it made walking the city streets feel so very festive. After finishing our errands early, we spent the day lounging inside with the Christmas lights on and pine scented candles lit. It was the perfect, relaxing Sunday!

Friday Photos

Loving the festive glow from our tree.Channeling my 1950’s doo-wop with a fab undo from Griffith Parc Salon and makeup from Salon Blonde Golden lobby at The Langham ChicagoFeeling festive in Michigan!A stroll in the Gold Coast while admiring the regal decor.