A Few of My Favorite Winter Things...

Baby, it's getting cold outside!  As winter approaches, I gladly embrace festive red manicures and Cinnamon tea with open arms {or hands, rather.}

I'm loving OPI's "Bestille My Heart" for my nails at the moment; I love red nails - red in general dresses things up a bit, and also serves as its own kind of neutral when paired with basics. 

My tea selection is an all-time favorite:  Good Earth's Sweet and Spicy Tea.  It has a full bodied sweet cinnamon flavor with a kick of spice.  Such a treat; I enjoy it all year.

Cozy and comforting all around.

Giving Thanks

Happy Monday After Thanksgiving!  After a long weekend full of delicious food and drinks coupled with wonderful family time, it's back to reality!  We had a great holiday.  My parents hosted and my extended family came over to celebrate.  In the true fashion of my family, there was a lot of laughter, story telling, plenty of good wine, holiday jazz music and big hugs.  I'm thankful for all of those things being a constant in my life. 

To kick off the holiday, my brother Mike made us some of his famous and amazing Bloody Marys.  They.  Are.  Spectacular.  And strong.  Haha.  It was a great way to kick off the day of festivities.  Below is a photo for your viewing pleasure. 

Mike's Famous Bloodies

I'll Bring the Cocktails...

I'm blessed to come from a family where the men love to do the cooking.  My dad and brother are both wonderful cooks.  My dad's love for cooking has grown over the years; our family members eagerly anticipate the wonderful holiday feasts he prepares...myself certainly no exception! 

Although "But Dad...seriously...what can I bring?" is a good problem to have, I still love to cook and entertain myself, so I like to think up fun ways to contribute. 

This year, I've determined that with the help of my bartender brother, we'll contribute the fun cocktails :) 

Upon a quick google search for fun ideas, I stumbled upon this blog, called The Kitchn (http://www.thekitchn.com/drinks) - their "Drink" section is so fun!  I plan to make at least one recipe.  I do love a good Manhattan...so there's always that.  We're also quite big fans of "Hot Tottie" varietals in my family as well...so perhaps a "Hot Apple Spice Hot Tottie" for after dinner consumption would be in order.

I love food/drink blogs with visual aids to get me inspired...I will certianly post my creations after the holiday!

Cheers!

Recipe for "My Mother's Manhattan" from The Kitchn
 (http://www.thekitchn.com/what-did-your-parents-drink-my-mothers-manhattan-recipe-the-10-minute-happy-hour-175142)

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday and {almost} weekend! 

Hope everyone has fun plans; tonight I'm heading out for a night out at a favorite Irish Pub.  Tomorrow I'll be doing some cleaning and housework - so far that is all that's on the docket!  I also have a friend in town from Florida, so hoping to see her as well at some point! 

A birthday post will follow soon, but thought I'd share a picture from last week at Cafe Maude.  We enjoyed my favorite things:  live jazz, great cocktails and time with my beautiful friends. 

Last weekend served as a lovely reminder of how truly blessed I am.  Everything from my amazingly generous and thoughtful colleauges, to getting to hear my friend Kate's sweet baby Nina say "hi" to me over the phone for the first time, to all of the Facebook posts and then time with friends and family...needless to say my heart is full and happy.  :)



Kari, Mal, Ally and I at Cafe Maude in Minneapolis

Inspired in Heels

This morning I'd like to start a new Thursday morning post tradition:  I'm dubbing it Inspired in Heels Thursday!

Each Thursday morning, I will choose a favorite topic and share some favorite quotes that tie in.  The first week's quotes are all about Taking a Chance/Risk Taking.  I love to be inspired and know that my friends do as well...so I thought this would be a fun way to incorporate this passion into my blogging experience!

This first "theme" is one close to my heart...as it's not in my nature to take risks.  But I know how important it is and can be and therefore do intentionally try to go out on a limb as often as possible.  When I look to the best things that have happened in my life thusfar (my relationships, deciding where to go to school, new career ventures, etc.), they've all involved a pretty significant degree of risk in one way or another. 

"It's not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It's because we dare not venture that they are difficult." -- Seneca

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go." -- T.S. Eliot

"Go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is." -- Jimmy Carter

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." --Wayne Gretsky

What risks in your life are you grateful to have taken?

Gearing Up for Holiday Cheer

Crazy to believe the holiday season is fast approaching!  I celebrated my birthday this weekend {recap post to follow soon - so much fun} and capped the weekend off with a little shopping for the week.

I planned on just getting groceries and supplies for an art project I'm working on for my living room {another teaser of a post to come!} - but I came out with holiday decor and my favorite seasonal coffee from Trader Joe's - their Wintry Blend.  I'm a Trader Joe's nut - I just love the people and the products.  And this coffee is on my Top 10 of TJ's for sure. 

Infused with natural spices, this is like the holiday season in a cup.  Yum.  Great with Vanilla Creamer or just on its own...I look forward to the next couple of months with this delightful treat each morning!

Greetings!

Welcome to the freshly face-lifted Happy In Heels!  I know I've been M.I.A. for quite some time, but I'm ready to get back into the swing of blogging! 

It has been a busy several months...and I look forward to what is ahead!  With the holidays upon us, I'm certain there will be plenty of fun posts to share...

Looking forward to sharing thoughts, ideas, inspirations and recaps with you.

xo.