1. The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs. Yes, I'm already listening to Christmas music, and this album is my favorite. All the best singer-songwriters came together to try their take on classic holiday tunes ... and a couple new ones. My favorite is Winter Song by Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles. Listening to these songs on repeat makes me happy and excited for the holiday season.
2. Starbucks Peppermint Mocha. You know how much I love Starbucks, and I couldn't leave one of my favorite holiday drinks off my favorite things list! Yesterday, for Starbucks' BOGO event, I tried the caramel brûlée latte while Nathan had the egg not latte, and I can tell you neither is as good (in my humble opinion). The mocha is so rich and the peppermint adds the perfect amount of sweetness ... mmmmm. Give me a delicious warm beverage and I'm instantly in the holiday spirit.
3. Patagonia R2 Fleece. This is the best purchase I've ever made, for real. I bought my jacket almost five years ago, and when it starts to get chilly, I wear it literally every day. Around the house, to the bank, on a photo shoot. Some of my friends laugh at me for wearing it around the house, but it's just so comfy! I'm sure it's looking a little shabbier than when I bought it, but after I throw it in the wash I think it's just as fluffy as ever.
4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (movie). This movie is so.good. I loved the cinematography and the story line. They both were raw but beautiful at the same time. While I was watching the movie I kept thinking, I wish I could see things like this. Nathan and I usually don't agree on artsy movies, but we both left the theater loving what we had just watched. And I must say, Emma Watson did an unbelievable job. I admire that girl. She's going to have no problems getting gigs now that her Harry Potter days are over.
5. Juma Gallery. I lived in a fun, little neighborhood in Cincinnati. It was nicknamed the "Eclectic Mile" because of all the cute shops and restaurants and events going on. I absolutely loved being able to walk out my door and be at a coffee shop in two minutes. When we moved to Shaker, I loved the neighborhood, but for different reasons. I can still walk to get coffee and mail a package, but there's not much eclectic about the restaurants and shops around us ... until Juma moved in. Oh my goodness, this coffee shop/clothing and home goods store/art gallery is phenomenal. I would definitely dub it eclectic. Photos will be coming to the blog soon (the one shown is from the Juma website)!