Happy Halloween!

I hope that everyone's had a happy, safe Hallow's Eve. Ours has been fun and tame. Last night, we went to the annual Halloween Bash at the Double Door, where bands impersonate famous bands. Always good for some laughs and great costume watching.

Our street was flooded yesterday, so I couldn't get the car out to go costume shopping. I ran across the street to the Magic Shop (we live within walking distance to two magic shops -- not kidding) and grabbed one of their last costumes and a "Tall" cape for Andy. I have no idea what we're supposed to be. I think that Andy went as "A Good Sport" for not washing off his mustache. I wish that I would have thought to attach my cross to my outfit to make it look like I was stabbed in the chest.

 

A few weeks ago, Andy and I had our parents over for some football watching and dinner.

We fired up the new Halloween tree:

And we hosted the Maiden Meal on our new dining table -- it was a total steal on Craig's List -- under our new light installed by Andy and my dad back in August.

Bridal Shower Gift

I am attending a bridal shower in honor of Andy's niece next weekend. Her registry was pretty slim pickins, so I picked up these great French Bull containers for her gift from my favorite store in the whole city, Art Effect.

{Images from French Bull}

Aren't I a good aunt? The French Bull line just kills me. It's so bright and girly. I think that this table runner is on my Christmas list.

And maybe a platter too!

{Images from French Bull}

Damn.

Do I wish that I had never seen these.

{Source: etsy seller Raquel Castillo} via A Glimpse of the Girl Next Door

If When I meet my weight-loss goal, I am buying myself one as a reward. They're killin' me.

Card Collages

Etsy seller Kangarola creates card collages from your old greeting cards. What a cute wedding, shower, or Mother's Day gift for your more sentimental pals. It would make charming Christmas art too. 

{Images: Kangarola}

I threw all of our "keep" cards in a Kolo photo box that I'll probably be too lazy to open. How about you?

File Under "Projects That Are Good In Theory"

After lots of hemming and hawing, I went the semi-homemade route for our Moving Announcements. I purchased the Envelopes Moving Announcements from Paper Source.

{Source}

Then, made them my "own" by slicing several of the envelopes on the card and pasting in little notes listing the things that we were most psyched about in our new place: indoor parking, central air, hot water, a guest craft room, an in-unit laundry ROOM, a balcony, and, most importantly, 1,422 square feet! (You know, things that people in the 'burbs take for granted.)

I mounted navy card stock on the back to cover all of my papers. Man, what a TEDIOUS process! On about card 40 of 45, I realized that these could come off as braggy instead of funny. Thankfully, all of the recipients got the joke and we received a ton of compliments. Apparently, the size and condition our previous condo was well-known.

I was over this project at the end, so I just hand addressed the envelopes:

Happy Anniversary to Andy and Me!

This weekend, Andy and I celebrated the one-year anniversary of the day that I collected my winnings in the Dude Lottery.

{Photo by Sarah Alair}

Due to very long lines at the Shedd Aquarium and an incredibly terrible hotel experience*, the weekend didn't go as planned, but it was just wonderful.

We chased the storm clouds over to Michigan...

...and went for a wonderful walk through Grant Park and along the Lakefront.

We ate at the restaurants from the wedding weekend and our honeymoon and at David Burke(!!). Then we came home and watched football and enjoyed a complimentary tier of our wedding cake from our baker, The Sugar Syndicate.

Unfortunately, the Chicago Bears forgot that it was a celebratory weekend. Oh! And we got to open up a few notes from our Guest Book - including one from our DOC, Katie!

*I so want to post my letter of complaint up here to make myself feel better. I wonder if they could come after me though?

One Last Vain Attempt...

Hotels are pretty backed this weekend - with surgeons! You should come here to score a hot, rich dude. (Unless, of course, you are fianced or married).

This room was originally booked on Priceline.com using their "Name Your Price" feature and is no longer needed. I paid $479 on Priceline, but am willing to take $420.00 and/or negotiate. I will meet you in the hotel for check-in and we can sign in together. I will accept cash only.

Check-in:
Friday, 10/16

Check-out:
Sunday, 10/18

Hotel:
Central Loop Hotel

Phone:
312.601.3525

Address:
111 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60603

Directions:
http://www.centralloophotel.com/mapsDirections.asp

Map

Look What Happened While I Was Working!

Severine got hitched!

{Image: schwarzbild}

Her photographer posted a preview that I must have looked at 10 times. (Is that weird to admit?) Everything looks awesome and she looks HOT in her namesake bird cage veil. I hope that if I'm nice and promise to review her posts in a very timely fashion that she'll maybe come back here to recap so we can all read about it** and call her "Fab!". I've heard that there was dancing to dawn and a surprise performance by the wedding party.

Much love, luck, and blog wishes for a long, happy marriage to my favorite Swiss Mrs!

Sev, Google Reader's Translator STINKS!

Um, A Word About The Hotel Room...

...if anyone read the Craig's List posting for the hotel room, please know that the listing is for a HOTEL ROOM ONLY, NOT free unprotected sex! Someone hacked into the listing and added some dirty things to the deal. Andy's officially banned me from selling things on CL.

Sorry to disappoint. (Ha, Ha)

Hotel Room Available in Downtown Chicago This Weekend

We still have a room available this weekend if anyone's in a pinch. The price is negotiable for blog homies and their friends.

Hey! Where Have I Been?

At Work. Constantly.

When I have something that I want to keep, but don't know what to do with, it tends to land at work. My desk is very professional, as you can see.

Word traveled that our VP was in the building a few months ago, so I had to clean my desk quickly. I snapped these after that. I love seeing magazine spreads of famous people's desks and purses. I've seemed to misplaced all of the thank you notes that I received from people who sat around me at the inauguration, though.

Anyone need a hotel room in Chicago on 10/16 - 10/18?

Down with William Shatner and his non-refundable-but-not-really-cheap prices.

Craig's List Listing

The price is totally negotiable for blog friends.

P.S. Happy Post #475 to Me! (Sorry it's lame.)

Need a Bib for the Chicago Marathon?

Get in touch with this girl.

{Image: Here}

Speaking of marathons in Chicago...how about the Olympic 2016 decision in an hour? How exciting! I'm so torn...as a citizen, I want it without a doubt. As a taxpayer that wants to remain a citizen for a long, long time, I'm not so sure.

I've had a 606## zip for my entire life. I don't want to move to Schaumburg in 10 years because I can't afford the taxes. But either way, how exciting! I hope that whatever is in the best interest of my sweet home and our country is the end result. (And if it is here, I hope that I can score tix to men's swimming. )

Hs and Ks, Blog Friends. I hope to be back next week...if anyone is still out there!