20 Something Girls vs Thirty Something Women... (respects to SATC!)

I am officially jazzed for Thanksgiving/Christmas this year. I think a little has to do with my big 3-0 coming up. I was freakin' for a while regarding this scary age until I started talking to others and they calmed my nerves about this stigma. They assured me that my thirties are going to blow my twenties away, and I of course have high standards since my twenties (especially early 20's) kicked a$$.
 Lets recap... Las Vegas for 5 years, living the 'vegas' lifestyle, buying my first condo at 22, meeting Mike, getting engaged, planning the wedding of my dreams, having met great friends, finishing college,I mean really... what else can you ask for??? 

 Since my bday is so close to Thanksgiving and Christmas and p.s, I have TONS to be thankful for (see list above) :) Ive started 'set the mood' for the season.

 First, Mike surprised me with a trip to Chicago via the Amtrak, and an over night stay on Michigan Ave Nov. 22-23rd.  I have always wanted to take the train and since one of the stations is so close to our house, it should be great!  Mike hasnt informed me where we are staying yet but he is awesome at finding places.

 He also planned this around the Festival of Lights 2009, which is Chicago's version of the kick off to the holiday season. So in preparation I have scoured Crate and Barrel's new catalog/site about 5 times already and lurked the Philosophy counter at Sephora to see what new holiday scents they have come up with this year. I dont think Sephora recieves all the scents for the 2009 xmas season, but I know Macys in Chi-Town wont disappoint.

I also got into the holiday spirit tyring to come up with a new and improved menu for Thanksgiving this year. Mike and I have hosted turkey day at our house for three years now and as you know (or dont) I LOVE Ina Garten from the Food Network, so she is my inspiration this year. She has so many amazing recipes that im going to try to pull off  but more to come on the menu later...  for now I made these cuties today for my 'tablescape.'

I also went to Michaels and bought this  lil' guy for $3, decked him out with an array of free pumpkins that I got from a local farmer who wanted to get rid of them. I also painted the white ones with a sparkly paint for some flair. (Gotta love the dazzle)

Then I got the hot idea that I really wanted to put together our Christmas cards since we just got our 'fall' pic taken I was excited to come up with something creative this year. Here they are in all their glory...

And of course, Mike snapped the proof of my hard work.

So here's to being thirty, Thanksgiving and Christmas... I cant wait!