a prediction on 2012's 'it' girl

I saw the movie the Descendants recently, with George Clooney.  SUCH a great film.  I highly recommend it - it's getting a lot of buzz for best picture I think?

Anyway, George's two daughters in the film were such standout actresses - the older of which is played by Shailene Woodley.  She is who I predict will be one of the 'it' girls of 2012.  She might already be one for all I know (I'm just a Chicago Mom, right!?)

Shailene is just gorgeous, as well as brunette, which I love.  She seems to be one of those natural beauties - doesn't need a lot of makeup, hair-dying, or anything.  She was also featured in InStyle Magazine's January issue......the pictures are amazing.  Makes me want to move to Hawaii, layer tons of necklaces, be tan, and wear lots of contrasting prints - because in Hawaii, anything goes!  Oh, and I'd always be able to wear my favorite coral lipstick if i lived there.  ;-)

Here are some of the pics from her InStyle shoot:

Anyone else have any 'it' girl predictions for the coming year?  

Gemma's Christmas Eve Outfit

Seriously - those of you who have a little girl - I am just now realizing that I no longer plan what I wear on special occasions, I plan (down to the hairbow) what Gemma's going to wear.  I NEVER thought this would happen!  ;-)  Don't get me wrong, I still like to get gussied up (see any an all November-December posts on this blog), but it's endless fun thinking through Gemma's attire.  Man has life changed (for the good!).

Here's what Miss Gemma Grace will be wearing tomorrow night:

Janie & Jack Ruffle Dobby Stripe Dress, on sale for $37.99 from $99!  Love finding a deal like this.  

See Kai Run's Franki Jo Patent Leather Mary Jane, $ 44 at www.shopwonder.com

That dress, those shoes, and a gold bow, I can't wait to show you the pictures!  

Now, i don't want you to think i've forgotten about Mr. Griffin.  He'll be sporting a sweet sweater from Gymboree and some skinny dark jeans.  I can't find the Gymboree sweater online anymore, so that's why there's no pictures.  However, in case you're in the market for kids clothes - Gymboree is offering 50% off all regularly priced items today online - wowsers!  

New Christmas Cookie (at our house anyway)

Wanting to make a new Christmas cookie this year, I started scouring the internet for something new, yet simple.  Simple seemed to be difficult to find - everywhere i looked seemed to have all of these fancy complicated recipes for Christmas cookies.  And honestly, growing up I know my sister and I always liked the simple cookies my Mom made the best.  

After lots of looking I found these very easy to make Chocolate Kiss Cookies.  They're a slight twist on the typical peanut butter sugar cookie with a hershey kiss on top - these have no peanut butter.  They're more like a chocolate lovers dream cookie - a chocolate sugar cookie with a hershey kiss planted on top.  

They turned out REALLY well, and though skeptical, my husband ended up really liking them.  Griffin also helped me make these - he really enjoyed stirring the batter of course, sampling the batter, and putting the kisses on top when the cookies were fresh out of the oven.  Very kid-friendly!

Here's the recipe in case you need a new Christmas cookie:

Chocolate Kiss Cookies


Makes approx 4 dozen small cookies - it was more like 2 dozen for me as i like bigger cookies!

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups butter
• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 54 milk chocolate candy kisses, unwrapped
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In large bowl mix butter and sugar till fluffy, add eggs and vanilla mix well. Sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt, and add to creamed mixture.
3. Roll dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter then roll in white sugar. Place balls on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Place unwrapped chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie while still hot. Let cool and enjoy!

oh little girls!

I am very much enjoying shopping for my little Gemma Grace these days.  She's walking, starting to talk, I can get her hair into pigtails (almost a full-on ponytail!), and looks cute in just about anything! 

However, I am pretty particular about what she wears.  Being the apparel buyer at Wonder, my eyes have been opened up to so so many cute lines for children - and it's only just begun!  One of my favorites that we carry is Giggle Moon.  

It's totally over the top with ruffles, applique, and mixed and matched patterns, prints and colors but it's perfect for a baby or toddler - and they may as well do it because it's the only time in your life you can pull all of that off at once!  :-)

Here are some cute shots from Giggle Moon's Fall 2011 line we have at Wonder! right now, as well as online at www.shopwonder.com!

What do you all think?  I don't dress Gemma in this everyday, but these looks certainly have an occasion and will make your little lady the talk of the party for sure!  

Not too Shabby (hint, this is a great giveaway!)

I was just reading my friend Marla's blog (Keeping up with Stella and Rubylou), and noticed that embedded in a great post about the darling clothing line Shabby Apple, there is a giveaway!!!!

Love a great giveaway, especially when it involves a line of clothing and accessories that I would wear and purchase for myself (sans the giveaway).

Here's what you'll win:

Light as a Feather Necklace, retailing at $48

Click HERE to view the details on the giveaway....entries are accepted until the 9th, and a winner will be selected on the 12th!  Good luck!