Thursday Beverages!

It's time for a new segment called Thursday Beverages!, because by the time Thursday arrives you're ready for the week to be done. Well, maybe that's just how I feel today, and since no other day begins with "B" to make it into a catchy phrase like "Movie Monday" or "Fashion Friday", I had to pick a day; thus, Beverage Thursday is born. On a related note, stay tuned for Movie Monday and Fashion Friday!
So, why beverages? Well, my husband always remarks to me that I love to have a beverage in my hand or by my side at all times, whether it be alcoholic or not. Also, apparently whenever someone remarks on drinks, drinking, sipping, pairing, tasting, or comfort I seem to always remark, "I looove beverages". So it seems appropriate that I devote a day to my subliminal love. Alcoholic or not, but today I start alcoholic, which I will admittedly say, will be most cases.
I present to you my favorite beer of all time: Chimay Triple from Belgium.

Chimay Triple, half drunk before I even thought about taking a photo.

First, let me tell you that all three Chimay beers are beyond amazing. Second, monks have brewed Chimay since 1862! It should be noted that a monk is a person that devotes their lives to serving others. Thank you monks!
I’m a firm believer that things shouldn’t be rushed. Chimay is a prime example of perfection through dedication with their latest beer, Chimay Triple.
Chimay Triple was introduced in 1966. It is a beautiful gold color and smells sweet. For future posts, it should be said that I love hops. The hoppier the better is usually my motto. This beer however balances hops and sweetness so delicately that I wish every beer tastes like this. Best enjoyed chilled.
If we ever get the chance to go to Europe you bet your ass Belgium is going to be on our list.

Gold

I never thought in a billion years that I would like gold jewelry. Maybe I always associated it with adults, but I have to say, I've taken a liking to it lately (maybe, I've grown up).
Matter of fact, I often mix gold with silver and white gold. There's something timeless and almost rustic about these pieces...

Ugly 90s Floral Dress made Fashionable

Picked up this gem at a thrift store for two dollars. Add a cardigan, belt, accessories, heels or boots and call it good.

Christmas Spirit

The Christmas tree is up! Eric and I decorated our fake tree tonight with many laughs and smiles. It was fun to go through all the ornaments I've saved through the years and apply them to our very own tree... in our very own house! What a great feeling. Some ornaments date back to when I was only five years old! Some people would say pack rat. I however, say brilliant!
We also enjoyed a favorite holiday drink (and family recipe), Brandy Alexanders. The first time I made these for Eric was before we were dating. His direct quote was, "you've combined my two favorite things in the world: ice cream and brandy!" I like to think it was at that moment he knew he had to marry me!
I really do love this time of year. I just want to say that it can become really easy to get caught up on how overwhelming the season can get, but if you just sit back and look around, it's also really easy to get back to what is truly important. For me, it's decorating sugar cookies with my mom, sitting around the table with family, and watching a plethora of Christmas movies. Most notably, It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Christmas Vacation, and A Christmas Story.
I also recall waiting for my Dad to come from work on Christmas Eve sometimes. He was a UPS delivery person and in December he worked tirelessly, so I always remember him coming home snow covered and hungry (Ha). It can be humbling to reflect on these times as an adult.
These are things that need to be remembered and not taken for granted.

Nostalgia

Lately, I've been watching The Angry Beavers on Netflix. It certainly brings back memories. The Nickelodeon cartoons of the mid 90s remind me of my older sister Stacy, she was away in college at the time. We never had cable growing up, so she would record cartoons like, The Angry Beavers, Rugrats, Ren and Stimpy, and Rocko's Modern Life on VHS and send them back to me and my other sister Kelly through the mail.
Can you believe that? Recorded TV shows on VHS sent through the MAIL. What a crazy idea in today's society of instant gratification. Here I am watching the same thing through an Internet stream. I shouldn't feel (and I don't feel) old, but wow do things change fast. One thing is certain though, the things that make me laugh won't ever change.

Vintage Kitchen

A picture of our previous kitchen. All things I love here. I loved the look of this old stove and wish newer appliances had this much character.

Michigan Fall