ANNIE'S SIX FAVORITE POSTS OF 2014

Wow. I'm heading to the Dollar Store to look for glasses that say 2015. What on earth?! (& side note: don't you miss the days of the two double zero thousands? They made for such great glasses!) But before we all dawn our sparkles & cheers our way into the New Year, I wanted to share my top six favorite posts out of the almost 100(!) that made 2014.

In Fashion...

1.) The Rolling Stones Tee: I got more & more comfortable with every fashion post posted in 2014. From the first one way back in May (here) to the Rolling Stones Tee just last week, each one was more & more fun. This was one of my most recents, & a particular favorite :)

2.) The Beanie! One thing I love about blogging is that it challenges me to try new trends. The beanie/pom hat was one of those. I just love the way it looks! & this post also got featured on Midwest Dressed, another reason it makes my favorites list.

In Cincinnati...
Now, I truly, truly loved every single place I visited in Cincinnati this year. Every small business & Cincinnati original. You can read about each & every one of them HERE. But, for the sake of keeping my list....

3.) [Greater] Cincinnati's Carabello Coffee & their coffee for a cause is just such a Cincinnati gem. I can't wait to see how they grow & prosper in the new year!

In collaboration...

4.) Styling with Cincinnati's Curate Boutique: The cutest little boutique asked me to collaborate in 2014. I modeled some of Curate Boutique's winter line for the Holiday Look Book & had a blast running around town with a professional photographer & these stunning clothes!

In life...

5.) The Importance of Treating Yourself: I love this post for two reasons: the sentiment, of course. It is very important to treat yourself & acknowledge your own accomplishments. (If you don't believe in yourself, who will, right?) The second reason I love it are these awesome pictures! This was the first time that Natalie & I played around with the settings on our new DSLR cameras & it was such a fun shoot :D

In DIY...

6.) Small Space Living: Building a Corner Coffee Bar. Last but not least, in DIY, the corner-coffee bar. Five months later, I still use this coffee bar every single day. It's the perfect place to set up for a morning of work & occasional people watching from the window.

& that is that! Thanks to each & every one of you for one truly amazing year. xoxo & stay tuned for 2015, we're kicking it off with a bang ;)

HOLIDAY CASUAL

I'm home, home, home for the Holidays!

No explanation needed! Wishing you the merriest Christmas there ever was. Love you guys to the moon & back. Enjoy every bit of this time you have with the ones you love. & I'll do the same! I'll talk to you later! xoxox

Sweater: J.Crew Factory

Jeans: J.Crew Factory 

Shoes: J.Crew Outlet (similar)

LATELY....

We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, we WISH you a Merry Christmas.. & a Happy New Year! Hi guys! I've been a little mia. I had my very last trip of 2014 last week in Baltimore Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. The rest of the week I celebrated Christmas with some of my nearest & dearest friends. Here's a little look into my world lately.. I wish you all a Holiday so lucky as mine. xo Annie

^^^ All those many, many times I say I am traveling - these are the goones I am with. We had our company Christmas party on Friday. It was so fun to kick it outside of the office with the people I spend so much time with.

^^^ I am THRILLED to announce 2015 will bring with it the marriage of one of my best friends. Morgan (center) & her college sweet heart Ben (not pictured) are tying the knot next fall. I'm in the wedding (yayyyyyyyyyyyy!) (first one!!) & this weekend we toasted to the happy couple. Random note: I can't even tell you how many of this exact same picture we have from our high school years. 

^^^ The great cookie bake of 2014! This is the first year my friend Kate (who recently  re-debuted on this blog as "my friend who was as obsessed with Gossip Girl as I am & ate rolos & drank cheap wine with me after our long, hard days of interning" (I jest. I realize now the internship was the perfect amount of long & hard. I was dramatic in my youth)) invited me to her family's cookie bake. Basically, there were like 400 cookies in her garage at the end & I brought a bunch of them home. Heaven. Random note: see that picture above? It's an upside down ginger bread man! Isn't that genius??

^^^ I ended the weekend at a blogger clothing swap (keep your eyes tuned for something extra great coming from this group in 2015). We each brought the clothes from our closet that were headed for the donation bin & thought we'd check with each other before we sent them to Good Will. It was so fun to try on clothes & new styles & I came home with a gold mine.

AH what a phenomenal week. Only to be followed by an even better one. Christmas is my favorite <3 Sending you all love. xoxo 

MAKE A ROARING TWENTIES OUTFIT.. FROM CLOTHES YOU ALREADY HAVE

One thing I've recently realized is that Roaring Twenties Attire & Holiday Attire are impressively similar. Sparkles! Make up! Fur! More sparkles! It made it very easy for me when it came time to find a Roaring Twenties outfit for the Cincinnati Opera's 95 Anniversary Gala Ball. (At which I was a volunteer.) (& at which there was a candy bar.) (For which I bought $400 of candy....... um yes.)

Anyway, here is a rundown of the Holiday staples you already have that will make for a great Flapper outfit.

1. Your very average pencil skirt. If you don't have one in your closet, chances are you need one. Here's a good one from H&M. This is the perfect fit & style for flappers who did show off their legs, but did not show off too much.
2. The sparkle shirt. You really must have this! They were all the rage about two years ago -- & are coming back in force this Holiday season! Don't have one? Mine is very similar to THIS. Plus, isn't the very first thing you think of when someone says "Roaring Twenties" sparkle???
3. The shiny shoe. Surely you've picked up something like THIS during a Christmas past! This is actually not accurately flapper attire - but it matches our Great Gatsby inspired re-invention.
4. The crowning piece of your Roaring Twenties outfit: the sparkle headband. Again, think of Christmas past .. didn't you pick one of THESE up back then? No? Head over to Forever 21 now! For Flapper life, you'll want to wear this across your forehead rather than in your hair. (It's totally way more fun!)
5. & the Faux Fur Vest. Umm YES. Nothing screams warmth & comfort more than THIS. & in my research I found many a Gatsby pic in fur :)

I can't even remember  how many times that night I told my fellow volunteers (& new friends!) that I wanted to wear "Gatsby clothes" for the rest of my life. It's the perfect style - stylish but not too revealing. Flirty, but not showing too much skin. Basically, it's just fantastic. & best deal? Every piece of this ensemble is multi-outfit worthy!

^^^^^^^^^ Sorry for my pixels, but here's an insta-selfie.

^^^ Me & my volunteer friends. We all used to intern for the Opera. We are also all amazing. Also: that back drop.

Other tips for being a flapper (that also can be used as great advice for Holiday parties):

- Cat Eyes

- Lots of jewelry; preferably pearls

- A pretend bob to your hair (easy to do!)

- Excellent dance moves

MIXING: COZY + FANCY

Happpppy December! You know what that means? Well, many things, actually, but on the top of the list: Holiday Parties!! I think I'm booked every weekend through the end of the year! (Not complaining :D) Anyway, I wanted to pull a little example together for you guys to help get the creative juices flowing for Holiday attire. 

To me, it is utterly important to have the maximum amount of comfort at all possible times. (That's why you will find me in sweat pants well past noon every weekend.) Even my dress up clothes sneak in a cozy piece. Queue the outfit we're looking at here.

We have the oh so classic sparkle skirt (that I got on after-season sale from TJmaxx a few years ago) + the totally comfortable waffle sweater. Guarantee you can party-on for hours in this ensemble! 

^^^^ That's my "You Can Trust Me Because I'm making this Face" face. Actually, it was more of a "Will taking these photos on public roads ever stop feeling awkward, Natalie?" Face. Anywho, party-on, party-people! What clothes do you swear by for the Holidays?

Sweater: JCrew Factory Warmspun Waffle Crewneck Sweater (a classic!)

Skirt: Tibi via TJMaxx (two years ago) (similar) (also love) <<< Thanks, Tory!

Shoes: Tassel Tie Bootie via Coach (thrifted) (similar)
Photography: Natalie Folchi of CincinNatalie

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I am giving my thanks this Thanksgiving to you. You lovely readers.  

& to my family. All the many Butler & Pfeifers.

& to delicious food. (YES. THIS!)

& to warm coffee -- because its the best & most delicious way to keep us all up to enjoy one another. 

Sending mass amounts of love to you all today! xoxo & thanks for reading. 

LITTLE RED HOLIDAY DRESS

Did you guys ever watch Gossip Girl? My friend Kate & I were obsessed with it a few years back. We spent many a day with frozen pizza, a bag of Rolos & a bottle of cheap wine watching season after season of dvds in her college apartment. My favorite character was Blair Waldorf. I still adore her flawless style. & Blair always, always had a fabulous dress for Thanksgiving.

I, on the other hand, don't really dress up for Thanksgiving (more of an elastic waist band to make room for the cheesy potatoes kind of gal). But I love the concept! Thanksgiving marks the start of the Holiday season & what a fun & festive time to be wearing clothes! Sparkles! Tulle! Plaid heels! & in this case, the little red Holiday dress :D

Whatever you wear, & whatever your plans.. I hope this Thanksgiving involves delicious food, warm conversation & hours of relaxation. Love you all. Xoxo

Dress: Madewell Ponte Screenplay Dress (last year) (similar)

Coat: Betsey Johnson via Burlington Coat Factory (last year) (similar)

Shoes: Factory Olive Plaid Pumps via J.Crew Factory (the BRAND new one in Rookwood!!!!!!)

Photography: Natalie Folchi with Cincin-Natalie

3 INGREDIENT PUMPKIN MOUSSE

You guys all know that I love brunch. I love everything it stands for: delicious breakfast foods, delicious breakfast drinks, lazy weekends & of course, favorite family & friends to brunch with. This weekend my sister invited my mom & me over for a little brunch. I brought the turkey & bread for Monte Cristos, she provided the Bloody Mary's & our mom brought the Pumpkin Mousse.  

My mom is super fit. So naturally she had the ingredients for a low-fat pumpkin mousse. I don't know the nutritional facts exactly, but it's gotta be nearly fat free. 

You will need:

• 1 can pumpkin 
• 1 tub lite whipped topping
• 1 package (dry) sugar free vanilla instant pudding

Dump it all together in a mixing bowl.

Mix......

& serve! So easy? I know. It's the perfect thing to bring to a get-together on the go. & so seasonal, to boot! I topped it with a little cinnamon, but that was mostly to make it look beautiful for you guys ;D

P.S. Sorry (but only a tiny bit) for the pumpkin posts overload. Like I've told you before, for some reason my family really loves pumpkin. Like, really. I promise I'll slow down a little now that it's almost Halloween!! Xoxo guys, & thanks for reading!

HALLOWEEN WEEK!

Halloween! Halloween! I used to love Halloween when I was a kid. I mean, not surprising really: candy (I love) + dressing up (I love) + usually a sleep over (because I went to a Catholic School, November 1st is All Saints Day). What's not to like?

This week I have a TON of Fall/Halloween posts for you guys. Starting with just a preview: jack o lanterns. 

Can you tell which one is mine? (It's the one on the right) (Though I love the one on the left) (It's an emoji) ;D

P.S. Anyone have a tip on how to remove my permanent marker trace before trick or treaters spot my cheat? 

& what to do with all those guts/pumpkin seeds? Why... you roast them. I'll show you tomorrow :) I hope that you all have the best halloween week. Are y'all dressing up this year? What shall you be? I need suggestions!! xoxo

HOW TO: MAKE A MAGICAL BIRTHDAY FOR YOUR TWENTY-SOMETHING FRIEND

Birthdays. As we get older we’re supposed to care less about our birthday. “It’s just another day.” “Oh I hardly even realized it was this week.” “It’s no big deal, just another year.”

Lies!!!!

Birthdays are little slices of magic. It’s a day where all your closest friends & family tell you how much they love you. So here’s a question, how do you show someone in physical gifts how much they mean to you?

I start with balloons. Go to your nearest Party Store (Cincinnatians – I suggest The Party Source in Newport) & pick up a boatload of colorful balloons. They are seriously $1 a piece & it’s the perfect way to inform every person your friend encounters (at work, at the restaurant, at wherever you are) that “Why actually, yes! It is my birthday!” thus spreading the birthday love as far as the eye can see. Also, I know from experience that it’s really fun to tow around a bunch of balloons.

The card: There’s not much better than a hand written card. Am I right? & you know what makes it even better?  Attaching it to,

The baked good: So for me, it’s easy. I drop hints to people all year about the kind of desserts I like. (S’mores!) (Icecream!) (Dark Chocolate + Peanut Butter!) (& it’s actually not hint dropping, I guess . Sweets are just always on my mind, heart & tongue). If this is your good friend, then you probably know what makes their heart skip a beat. If you’re having a brain freeze (no pun intended) (but kinda because I wanted to go make myself some ice cream after I started writing this section), go with something neutral & easy, like oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (my secret recipe coming soon). But let’s be serious: no one is going to be mad when you give them any plate full of baked goods, no matter what kind. Plus: birthdays are the one day a year where calories all equal out to zero. Soo….

P.S. Don’t worry about decorating the packaging– the balloons help brighten up the scene J

The Beverages: As a good friend, you’re probably A) going to see this lucky lass or lad first thing in the morning (before work or at work). If that’s the case, you should greet them with their favorite coffee beverage (Ask the barista to write “Happy Birthday!” on the cup... they won’t mind!) (I know because I used to be a barista.) But if you’re not going to see them til lunch or dinner – you better believe its time to put a drink on your tab! Also – try to hint to the waiter that it’s their birthday. You’ll probably get a free dessert or embarrassing song out of it.

The Bill: On your birthday, you shouldn’t have to pull out your credit card ever. I’ve found the best way to ensure this is to divide the guest of honor’s meal amongst everyone who is with you celebrating. It’s easy to do for the server (take it from a former waitress) & it only adds a few bucks to each other ticket.

Sometimes you might want to add a gift: I’m trying this new thing that as people mention items during the year that they like, I write them down in a note on my phone. I.E. Jake: Set of kitchen knives.  Courtney: Be Proud Ohio T Shirt. Annie: Sunflower wine glasses. It makes it a whole lot easier when gifting time comes around. But if you’re late to the party, I also like the "let me treat you to a pedicure!" route.. because then you can benefit too.

& that’s my advice! Take it or leave it. Take one, take some, take none if you wish. Because, honestly, the truest friends will just appreciate that you remembered their birthday at all :)

& finally, to you, my two best friends who turned 24 this week & brought my mind to this topic… Have the happiest, most magical, most fabulous amazing year. I love you entirely.

p.s. if the balloons start leaking, its always good to seize the opportunity (Sorry for the low quality! I only had my phone on hand for most of these).

10 CINCINNATI ICE CREAM ORIGINALS

Hellllllo, lovelies. We have a few days left of National Ice Cream Month & I want to help you make the most of it.... ice cream connoisseur that I am. (In cleaning my wallet I have found I'm the proud owner of five ice cream cards + four coffee rewards cards.) (Yes, seriously.)

So here's the rundown of an ice-cream-aholics Cincinnati Ice Cream Staples:

1: Aglamesis Bros: (1908) Located in Oakley (though I hear there is a second establishment in Mongtomery) Aglamesis is an old-school ice cream parlor if I ever have seen one. For real! They sit you down & wait on you: everything from a menu, to ice cold water, to adorable  ice cream dishes. It was intimidating at first.. but it kind of makes things special. + their ice cream is top notch... one hundred years in the biz will do that.

2: Graeter's: (1868) Graeter's is one of those Cincinnati staples. & I can't blame the hype. When Louis Graeter moved to Cincinnati in 1868 & started selling ice cream in the street market - our city was forever changed. People ship Graeter's across the world. Their chocolate chips are the size of my fist. The Buckeye Blitz & Salted Caramel grace my dreams. Luckily, I'm not the only one that feels this way -- you can find a Graeter's in just about every neighborhood in Cincy. & their rewards card really adds up. So get that too.

3: Yagoot: You know, I wasn't sure if Yagoot was a Cincinnati original until I wrote this blog post. & technically it's fro-yo, not ice cream. But for my purposes, I shall let it remain. Yagoot: the first one I knew of was located in Rookwood Commons, though I know for a fact they also have one at Kenwood Mall (across from Starbucks) (Sustaining my theory that ice cream + coffee is the world's best combo). It's a little more tart than you might expect, tastes like you literally froze a yogurt. I go original & add peanut butter cups & cheesecake bites. Also, rewards card: yes. It's a good one. I have it.

4: Dojo Gelato: God opened the heavens the day my friend Teddy introduced me to Dojo Gelato. (Literally, it was raining.) We were waltzing around Findlay Market for our lunch hour when he said, "Annie you have to try this." Boom. My heart has never felt so full. Now, Dojo has a traveling truck that pops up at my favorite establishments (Like Eli's, The City Flea, & ya know, everywhere I find myself...) (...I think they follow me). I get Dutch Chocolate + Salted Caramel. Every time. If you tell me its "too rich," I'll snatch the cup right out of your hand.

5: Whippy Dip: For all my Lovelander's out there... The Whippy Dip (or the Creamy Whip as the non-locals call it) is my childhood. It's one of the drive-up or walk-up joints. All outdoor seating. Cash only. But their chocolate dipped ice cream cone in chocolate dipped hardening sauce.. holy smokes. I ask for a cup on the side of mine, & a spoon, because you bet it'll melt pretty fast in the seasonal-only heat. Also, this is a great date place. Yes, I know from experience. I also know, if you're ending a date at the Whippy Dip - you should bring bug spray. & YOU should know, if you're ending a date with me at the Whippy Dip - I'll probably fall in love with you. Crushes + Ice cream = Boyfriend Material.

6: Putzs: I've only been here once. It's somewhere on the West Side. Colerain, maybe? It reminded me of the Whippy Dip & made enough of an impression to find its way on my Cincinnati Gem List.

7: Madisonos: I stumbled upon this in Rempke Market one day & just about died. One taste of Pretzel Chocolate Crunch Gelato (or something to that effect) & my grocery trips doubled in frequency. A little research shows that, though a popular gelato indeed, this Cincinnati Staple has no true home. But here's a list of where you can buy it. (& I highly suggest you do.)

8: Buono Terra Gelato: Welcome to Mt. Lookout! My old stomping grounds! This Gelato place graced Mt. Lookout Square in the Summer of 2013. Though I can't say I loved it (not enough chocolate for my taste), I do like that it's there. A lot.

9: Fillmore's Dairy Hut: FLORENCE. Y'ALL! I guess I'm jumping city lines by including this, but Fillmore's is right by my office. There's something like 27 froyo flavors. I've never had any. Because... there's a magnificent, glorious, stupendous treat called a Cyclone. Chocolate (or vanilla, I guess) Ice Cream with any candy you want mixed in. Obviously I chose Reeces Cups. + they have crinkle fries. So bad... but oh-so-good. Did I mention how dangerously close Fillmore's is to my office?

10: The Cone: Westchester. I've never been!!! Who can fill me in? UPDATE... quoted word for word from my friend Courtney Jo: "The thing about The Cone is that they have a drive-thru but it's also a walk-up & its shaped like a cone & its water fountain is a lion & they have little kid rides." (Annie interjects: The website says its Cincinnati's #1 Soft Serve) "Seriously, its poppin'. There are cars everywhere & people everywhere. Obviously. It's the #1 Soft Serve. That's my story & I'm sticking to it."

BONUS (& edit:) UDF: A Cincinnati original started by the great Cincinnatian, Carl Lindner (who knew?!). I can't write up an ice cream post without mentioning this perfect ice cream shop. I think I get UDF at least once a week. My fave is a chocolate deep freeze with Reeces (are you sensing a trend?)

What am I missing guys? Fill me in. I'm trying to make a comprehensive Cincinnati-List. Ice Cream & I are in a long term relationship, you see, so it's best I know these things. So go ahead!! In the comments below, please! & in the meantime, from me to you (& my boyfriend of the frozen dairy variety) - have one happy heck of a finale to your National Ice Cream Month.