ginger girl

wu wu!

2012-02-10T18:16:00.000-06:00

So, after patting myself on the back for showing a modicum of restraint and NOT going out last Sunday for Jason Wu for Target items, I give you a glimpse into my downward spiral of shame and indulgance.

I give you---my Jason Wu for Target online purchases that I nabbed when I saw @TargetStyle tweet about restocks and didn't think twice about because I couldn't get it out of my head all day that I didn't go out in the first place.

I mean, what if I missed something?

I'm in a daze...a shopping daze...

Jason Wu for Target Printed Cycle Dress with Pearls

(sold out right now online)

Great, now I want this dress in the cream version, too. This dress is work appropriate, evening dinner appropriate, everything appropriate. Instant favorite and made me happy I placed the order. While the dress may be poly, the details make up for it. It's lined, has nice seaming, and the pearls are substantial. Had this dress been made in silk, there is no way in heck it would fall under the $50 price point. In my opinion, this is what a great collaboration piece is all about.

She's a keeper.

Jason Wu for Target Poplin Dress in Navy

(sold out right now online)

This seemed to be one of the more popular dresses released. It's damn cute. But I think that may be the problem for me. It's too cute. I have a few party-like dresses similar in style to this dress already in my closet and wonder if I need another. Am I just getting caught up in the hype? I've been known to do that! I love the pockets, front pleating and of course the full striped skirt. This is a tough one. In my heart of heart (and deepest recesses of my pocketbook) I know that I don't need it. Will I regret it if I don't keep it? Probably. But I'm sure there will be more things stripey and equally as fun in my future.

I've told a friend she can have first dibs on it if I choose to pass, but if that falls through, I'll post it here.

Painful to say, but this one's a pass for me.

What do you think? I'm making the right choice, right?

As far as sizing goes, both dresses are a four and fit perfect. I could go up one if needed but definitely not down. So, if you're looking online, know that you could probably get away with going down one size from your "normal" size in either of these two dresses.

*Shoes are Talbots Gabbi Colorblocked Suede Pumps

connect the dots

2012-02-09T00:00:00.000-06:00

h&m blouse/j.crew toothpick cords + bracelet/kate spade heels

This is what happens when bad fabrics happen to good people.

Or when you wear a rayon blouse all day at the office and actually move around. You wrinkle. A lot.

Knowing this now, I still really like the peplum polka dot top I picked up last weekend at H&M and would still recommend it. Although, I had to size up a couple times to get the dang thing to zip up over my chest (zips in back).

So, yesterday I forgot my phone at home and was stuck at work actually {gasp} working**! I swear to God, I almost turned around and drove back home to get it when I realized it was missing from my coat pocket. Do you know how many times throughout the day I went to reach over for it only to find myself grasping at the air? Every time I walked by someone's office and saw them checking theirs, I cried a little inside.

Has this ever happened to anyone else?!

**I actually really work hard when I'm at work, with or without extra electronics. I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea here. Work, work, work! Busy, busy, busy!

i'm a loser baby...

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000-06:00

anthropologie cardigan + pants

Well, well, well. I thought I was so smart, didn't I?

I didn't get up early to check the Jason Wu for Target sale Sunday morning. Instead, I worked out and then we were invited over for a tasty breakfast/brunch at our neighbors' house. Therefore, the thought of going to the Target store was not even in the cards. And I felt so good about it. Sure, there were some cute pieces, but after the debacle of the Missoni for Target release, I really thought I was sitting this one out.

Little did I know that Target would be continuing to release items online! I could order from the comforts of my sofa at 6pm on a Monday evening and get free shipping? My last shred of willpower (and dignity) was gone when I hit the order button. Dang it. I really didn't want to order anything because I need to focus on what's in my closet and saving my pennies for shopping in the UK this Spring.

Man, I could never do a 12-step program because I'd be falling off the wagon faster than I could get on it.

{I ordered a couple sizes of the short sleeve printed cycle dress with pearls in black and the navy poplin dress, let's see if they ship.}

neon

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

loft dress/j.crew tights + necklaces/sam edelman oxfords/target neon bag

Last week, someone tweeted a picture of this bright bag and I made a mental note to track it down next time I was at Tarjay. Aside from the fact I'm a handbag/purse/tote/reusable shopping bag hoarder, I knew this was the easiest way to incorporate the neon trend into my wardrobe for Spring...and on the cheap, too. It's a fun, inexpensive alternative to the popular Cambridge Satchel. In addition to other misc neon accessories, Target had some cute hard clutches in neon pink, yellow, and green. I'm tempted to go back and pick up one of those, too!

After I got home from shopping, I showed Mr. M the bag and his response was, "Uh huh. Wake me up before you go go". Geez, what's with this guy? I can't win!

Side note-totally dating myself, but back in the early 80's I had a black sweatshirt that said, "Choose Life" and the letters glowed in the dark. I thought I was pretty cool. True Story.

I'd love to know if you're incorporating neons into your wardrobe for Spring. Have you found any fun pieces? Share in the comments!

Have a great weekend!

Ms. Green Jeans {okay, cords}

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

j.crew sweater/AG stevie cords/anthro colorblocked heels and necklace

I found these cords on a second markdown this week at Anthropologie. They are supersoft and almost like velvet! Fancy! I loved the color so I bought them immediately.

Maybe it was because Mr. M called them "leprechaun pants", but later that night I started second guessing my purchase. Sure, while standing in the fitting room at the store, I thought I could come up with oodles of ways to wear them. But once at home, I really started to wonder what in my closet I could pair them with. Yesterday morning, I got up and just Googled "green jeans outfit".

Low and behold, look what I found here.

Specifically...

via

Rest assured, no leprechauns were harmed in the making of this outfit!

bucking it

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-06:00

anthropologie tunic/spike the punch necklace/j.crew pixie pants, juliet pumps, bracelet

Saturday night we were invited by our friends to join them at a Bucks game. Now, I'm no sports fanatic, but when the seats are court side and the opponents are the Lakers, well, there's no need to ask me twice. Between the good conversation, cold beverages, and people watching, I barely saw much of the game. I was shocked when I looked up and saw the clock counting down to the end of the 4th quarter. Soon after, the confetti began falling confirming the Bucks had won. It was such a good time, I could get use to that!

Since I don't own any Bucks' apparel, I decided to wear a green tunic to show my team spirit. I picked up the Pixie pants recently, after seeing how great they looked on a sales associate. I love that they are like a dressed up legging. They are a bit long, but I cuffed them under, making them a perfect length. These will make great pants to travel in and I know they will be coming with me when I travel to Europe in Spring.

After the game, we stopped for a drink at a local establishment not far from home where they served free peanuts. I ate so many peanuts that when I woke up Sunday morning, my lips were as plump as Angelina Jolie's from all the salt. Unfortunately, on me, it's not a cute look.

birthday night

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-06:00

kate spade luna dress/spike the punch necklace/kate spade tights/coach shoes/

BR clutch/j.crew bracelet

Wednesday night Mr. M and I went to dinner at a favorite restaurant, Crawdaddy's. Of course I had to change! I mean, it was my birthday, afterall!

I took a chance on this dress during the last 25% off sale promotion on the Kate Spade website. I'm starting to get excited by wearing red, and to think, it all started with this J.Crew cotton cardigan. Who knew I'd love wearing this color so much? And I totally feel like luck was on my side when I read a tweet the other week that a several necklaces were restocked on Spike the Punch. A few clicks later and mine was secured. These necklaces are so fun and colorful, I just love the neon orange and purple with this dress.

Lovely gifts, tasty dinner, more chocolate cake...it was a fantastic birthday. I am so thankful for all the wonderful people in my life {you, included!}.

I feel so blessed for every day and the opportunity to spend it with them.

And the topper of the night?

Bling Bling Bling

{If you watch Beverly Hills Housewives, you soooo get this...}

birthday day

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

Even though my birthday was Wednesday, Tuesday night Mr. M surprised me by making a cake and giving me gifts early!

The chocolate cake was from an Ad Hoc mix and let me tell you. It was delicious. Seriously delicious.

So delicious that my eyes were bigger than my stomach and I just had a hunk of it for dinner.

When I arrived to work on Wednesday, I walked in and found birthday balloons and cards in my office.

What a great way to start the day!

Within 10 minutes, the first balloon popped and it was LOUD.

I thought for sure someone would come looking to check it out because I swear, it sounded like a gunshot.

No one came.

kate spade dotted magdalena dress + keychain necklace (real necklace on sale here)

hue tights/j.crew shoes

On our way to Subway for lunch, I recruited my friend, Brenda, to snap a couple outfit pictures in our glamorous parking lot. Balloons are hard to wrangle in gusty winds. So are my bangs.

After work I did a quick change for a birthday dinner and wore another fabulous {sale} Kate Spade dress.

Stay tuned!

sneak peek

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-06:00

Wednesday's my birthday.

I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to wearing my new necklace and dress more than I am going out for a fabulous dinner?

hmmm....

cha cha cha

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

macy's cha cha vente dress/kendra scott ring/spanx tights/coach shoes

I saw this Macy's dress reviewed on Gigi's Gone Shopping and didn't think twice about ordering it. I'm sad to see it's not online right now, but you can always check a local store if you're interested in trying it out yourself. It may not be as "heavy" as the Bailey 44 version, but that certainly doesn't mean it can't be as flattering. The dress hugs in all the right places and I felt great wearing it. I'm looking forward to being able to style it without the tights and some fun colorful shoes.

Saturday night we ate dinner at Water Buffalo to celebrate a good friend's birthday and then came home and enjoyed red velvet cupcakes. Um, I totally drank an entire bottle of SkinnyGirl White Cranberry Cosmo and fell asleep with my make up on. I haven't done that for a while. I guess that means it was a good night!

Did you do anything eventful this weekend?

here's the 411

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

My birthday isn't until next Wednesday, but on Monday, my friend Kelly coordinated a girls' day at the Kohler Waters Spa to celebrate. Oh. My. God. There's a reason this place won the 2012 Five Star Award by Forbes Travel Guide. Cell phones were prohibited, but on the way out, it was pretty quiet (must have been because we left at dinner time!) so I snapped a quick picture of the ladies amenities. In addition, there's an amazing pool surrounded by cozy chaise lounges as well as a co-ed whirlpool. We arrived at 10am, spa'd and lounged before ordering our spa lunch. We then had the best pedicure I've ever had and then lounged on the rooftop deck, next to cozy fireplace, until we begrudgingly decided it was time to get back to reality. Seriously, the spa was fabulous, but what really made the day special was spending it with my wonderful friends.

Needless to say, we all decided we were planning a return visit!

Good thing I was totally relaxed because by the time Tuesday morning rolled around, the snow started falling and the winds started blowing, creating havoc on the roads. Maybe because I was still in the haze of my spa experience, but I decided to wear a dress, regardless.

j.crew factory emeline dress/merona tissue tee turtleneck/aldo belt/target tights/coach heels

Rocking the side pony because my man Andy Cohen from Bravo loves them.

Wearing the turtleneck under the dress because I liked it when Dina did it.

And wearing a dress in a snowstorm because I'm crazy.

Just another day Tuesday.

weekend wrap up

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday.

I have a special day lined up today. It's an early birthday present from my friend Kelly and it includes some good friends and a spa. But more about that tomorrow!

So, Friday the 13th started off on a sour note when I realized I needed new windshield wipers but the guy at the auto parts store couldn't help me put them on. After struggling for about 1/2 hour, I managed to replace one. ONE! Thankfully, Mr. M was able to come out later and change the other one.

I came into the house feeling all dejected but immediately perked up when I saw this:

I've been meaning to put this bike together since, oh...NOVEMBER, but just never did it.

I guess Mr. M was tired of seeing that big box in basement and finally did it himself. I'm so thankful he did because he said it was as bad as putting together something from Ikea. Enough said.

So, after seeing Elena from Caffeinerd tweet this recipe on Saturday, I knew it would be the perfect "thank you" treat.

Of course, I needed to do a quality assurance check on them. Yep, they passed.

And since I was on a roll in the kitchen, I decided to counterbalance the sweet with the savory and made this super easy and totally healthy quinoa vegetable soup. Delish!

Weekend was good but I cannot lie, I couldn't stop thinking about this...

Have a great day!

My take-Golden Globes 2012

2012-01-15T20:41:00.002-06:00

I love watching the Red Carpet for most award shows.
It's always interesting to spot trends with accessories and colors. Even hairstyles.
I noticed a lot styling reminiscent of the Roaring 20's-wavy hair, simpler jewelry, and sleek dresses.

Here are my best and worst dressed for the Golden Globes 2012.

Please keep in mind that as I sat in judgment of these fabulous women's fashion choices, I was wearing a thermal top and lounge pants.

And I might have had some dabs of retina-a on a couple of pesky pimples.

I'm just saying...

Charlize Theron in Dior Couture

Best Dressed

Michelle Williams in Jason Wu

Best Dressed runner up

Katharine McPhee in Donna Karen

Best in blush/neutral

Mireille Enos (dress maker unknown at this time!)

Best in yellow

Emma Stone in Lanvin

Best Ginger Girl-I love this color gown on her!

and that belt! How cool is that?!

And worst dressed goes to...

Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhuillier

Oh no.

No. No. No.

The only redeeming factor was that she said her two year daughter picked it out for her.

And being ageless is always en vogue...

Julianne Moore in Chanel

(50 years old)

Diane Lane in Reem Acra

(46 years old)

and Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka

(66 years old)

These ladies are inspiration for the saying,

"It's not the years of your life but the life in your years".

Who was your favorite/worst dressed?
Did you notice any trends?

all images via

i'm lovin' it!

2012-01-14T14:00:00.001-06:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

one last hurrah

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-06:00

ATL striped tee/j.crew cords/kate spade karoline heels/

anthropologie necklace/TB reva flats

Clearly this picture was taken pre-snow on Thursday. It's from earlier this week, when I could still go sans socks and took total advantage by changing from heels to flats (sans socks) after work.

Actually, on most days when I wear heels to the office, I "commute" in flats or snow/rain boots. I use the term "commute" lightly here because really it's just through a parking lot into the building and then out the building and back into the parking lot at the end of the day. Not only do I do this to preserve a spendy pair of heels, but I like to know that if someone attempts to attack me, I can make a good run for it.

Not that I couldn't do it in heels, but no use giving the assailant an advantage.

Anyone else pumped for the Golden Globes on Sunday?!

I like to make myself fun party food and kick back to watch the festivities.

I'll be tweeting throughout the red carpet!

Have a great weekend!

wearing orange

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-06:00

j.crew top, cords/kate spade karolina heels/bracelet-gift

"Help! I'm sinking!" That was my thought as Mr. M took that top photo. See, the ground tends not to freeze when it's 50 freaking degrees out! My heels went right in. I promptly moved to the curb.

What I love about this weather is not only the sunshine and smooth sailing driving conditions, but also that I can go sans socks and stockings. I have a hard time wearing my matchstick cords with boots and I'm not one to do flats and socks, so this weather is cool enough for cords but nice enough to bare it with the heels.

Global warming for the win!

Disclaimer-our 50 degree days are over because the weather forecast for Thursday is SNOW! And lots of it, too. 4-6" depending on where you're at in SE Wisconsin. So, here come the Uggs and stocking caps.

Lovely.

Did you know Pantone named "tangerine tango" color of the year for 2012?

Well, if not, let me tell ya, they did.

Perfect excuse to buy yourself a pair of these fun loving cords!

cobalt blues

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-06:00

anthropologie tunic/ae jeggings/j.crew penelope maryjanes via ebay/kendra scott ring via gilt

I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the fact that we just took down all our holiday decorations and the house feels bare. Or maybe it's because the store shelves are sparse because it's in between seasons. Whatever it is, I'm feeling lackluster and uninspired lately. Even the style magazines are super thin this time of year. I tried to perk myself up by wearing these bright jeans. They certainly are electrifying! ZAP!

katy-did vintage

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-06:00

vintage liz claiborne zebra blouse c/o katy-did vintage/anthropologie skirt/coach heels/jcrew necklace

I was so happy when my lovely blogging friend, Eleanor from Shopping the Closet announced she was opening her own online shop, Katy-Did Vintage. If you follow Eleanor, then you know that in addition to being a wonder woman at home taking care of her house and family, she is ah-mazing at scoring fabulous vintage finds. This shop is an extension of her closet and allows her to share clothing, jewelry, and accessories with everyone else.

I was so excited when she contacted me and asked me to pick out an item to style.

While I really loved these YSL shoes

and this grecian dress

I knew the zebra top was for me. I could wear it to work with a skirt or on weekends under my faux fur vest. I appreciate that measurements are listed because not all sizes are created equal and checkout is via paypal so that everyone is protected. And hey, before her holiday free shipping promotion, I spied some vintage J.Crew pieces, too!

Thanks again, Eleanor. You made my day by reaching out to me and this blouse made my first day back this week a bit more bearable!

Katy-Did Vintage is officially on my radar.

side note--Liz Claiborne, Inc is changing it's name.

second side note-I was gifted this blouse by Eleanor. I was not told when or how to wear it or what to post or not to post. These are my observations and opinions. While the print on the blouse is quite mesmerizing, it did not hypnotize me into saying anything I do not believe to be true.

last side note-have a great weekend!

sensing a theme here

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

loft shift dress/kate spade necklace/anthropologie fleece lined leggings/frye boots

Seriously, could that Kate Spade necklace be any cuter? And if you link to it, you might still be able to get it while it's on sale! Plus 25% off with the code NEWYEAR25.

Like my Christmas outfit, I wore this outfit twice. Once for lunch with my cousin and aunt outside of Chicago and then for lunch with my BFF, Anne. The dress was a fabulous find in-store at Loft right before Christmas, you know, when they were giving away the store on a daily basis? It's hard to tell, but the sleeves are a sweater knit and the dress is a rayon/nylon/spandex mix. It was just so easy, and I was all about that during my time off.

Well, my first day back to work after the extended time away proved to be anything but easy. I walked into a mess but since I was there early, was able to take care of business before half the office even arrived. By the time my supervisor called to update me, I told her the documents she needed were already being emailed. By the end of the day, my desk was clean and I felt good. It totally helps that my friend, Kelly, is a great cover agent. Even though she enjoyed time away, too, she still managed to keep on top of both of our "stuff". I owe her a coffee. Or a bottle of wine...

kate spade for the holiday

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

kate spade dotted magdalena dress {solid version here} & keychain turned necklace/

indeed shoes (old)/hue tights

I wore this dress for two Christmas celebrations last week, one with my family and then with Mr. M's! I had to get my money's worth out of it, right?! I debated and debated and then signed Mr. M up on Kate Spade's mailing list so he could get a 15% off code before I finally ordered it (I couldn't use my email because I signed up loooong ago). Is that bad? It is, isn't it? But realistically, my birthday is coming up in...oh...22 days and he could certainly use a friendly reminder on gift giving options and a Kate Spade email may just do the trick! And to sweeten the deal, Kate Spade is currently running an additional 25% off all sale items plus free shipping {code is NEWYEAR25}! Don't forget to start with ebates!

A special thank you to Mr. M's mom, Rita, who took the top pic and my niece, Rebekah, for taking the bottom picture. I know who to call next time I'm in town!

welcome 2012

2012-01-02T00:30:00.000-06:00

Welcome back! I can't believe "the holidays" are over. And now tomorrow I'm heading back to work after an almost two full week respite. My time off has been been well spent relaxing and catching up with family and friends. Of which I vow to do more of in 2012. Easier said then done when life gets in the way, but something that is being put at the top of the list.

But let's be honest. Most of my time was spent holed up in my house where in between tweeting, blog reading, and surfing the web for shopping steals {I went "out" shopping only twice!}, I did the following:

Read books downloaded from the library on my new Nook Color. And for the record, the Kate Spade cover my mom bought me for Christmas made the ritual 100x more enjoyable {and stylish}.

Bookmarked recipes to try from my new cookbooks

Took extra long showers using shower gel I received from my niece.

Our New Year's Eve celebration was low key but oh so fun. Close friends came over and we enjoyed good food and bubbly champagne.

Even though I could have easily stayed in my comfy clothes, I decided to add some sparkle.

After seeing so many glitter polish tweets Saturday night, I broke out my OPI You Don't Know Jaques and Divine Swine and did a last minute manicure myself.

I decided the night was another chance to wear my J.Crew sequin tee and paired it with American Eagle cobalt blue jeggings {which are just as comfortable as leggings, I swear!}. No heels, just slippers, though!

After dinner, we filled out these resolution cards I printed up from Real Simple. Then we took turns reading them and guessing who they belonged to.

I hate setting myself up for failure by making resolutions, but here goes:

*this year I want to be a better listener

*invest in my closet wisely, meaning quality over quantity

*continue to make healthy lifestyle choices {most of the time}

*spend more time with my family because time stops for no one

And how about you?

p.s. thanks for coming back to the ol' blog after my week long hiatus. It was nice to be able to break away and "recharge" the creative juices!

Happy Christmas

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

he's making a list

2011-12-24T20:00:00.000-06:00

and checking it twice...

Hope you're on the "nice" list...

Yuletide Yarns {grandmothers}

2011-12-24T00:00:00.000-06:00

We interrupt this week's outfit posts to share some fun holiday memories and traditions provided by my friends and family. Today's yarn is brought to you by yours truly.

Thinking about this post and looking back, I feel like our family had a lot more holiday traditions than I originally thought. Here I thought we were a bunch of free wheeling non-traditionalists of the late 70's but really, we were more traditional than not. The smell of Spritz cookies reminds me of Oma (mom's mom), baking for days during the holidays. And stockings hung by the chimney with care remind me of Grandma (dad's mom).

After we finished opening our presents Christmas morning, my mom would get us all dressed up and the family would take the 20 minute drive to Grandma and Papa's house in Chicago. After walking in the house, my eyes always went straight to the stockings hanging along the fireplace. My grandmother was an avid crocheter. I think back then it was a prerequisite for grandmothers to crochet or knit. Anyway, Grandma crocheted while Papa listened to the radio and drank his tea. And every year, in addition to her afghans, she would make stockings for all her grand kids. They hung along the mantle and we were not allowed to take them down until dinner was finished. I vaguely remember them being stuffed with pencils, notepads, candy and a big ole' orange at the toe. All those little goodies kept up occupied until it was time to say good night to everyone and head back home.

Grandma and Papa have been gone for years now. And as we've gotten older, new stockings have replaced the handmade ones. But when I came across a stockpile of them in a box in my mom's basement, I knew I had come up with a special way to incorporate them back into the holiday.

The first thing that came to mind was simply framing them. Voila!

My sisters loved them. The first thing everyone brought up was the oranges! Seems like I'm not the only one with that fond memory. And as for the spritz cookies, Oma's love of baking them and my love of eating them have resulted in their ongoing appearance during the month of December.

Oma kept her cookies wrapped in tissue paper in a shirt box that was on her kitchen table all season long. I swear, no matter when you opened it, it seemed like the supply never diminished. If I kept them on my table, they'd be gone in a couple days, flat. Therefore, I like to share the wealth and give them away. A few cookies for me, along with a cup of coffee is all I need. It's the smells and memories that make me happiest.

This is my last "official" post of 2011. I'm going to be taking next week off to spend time with family, relaxing and enjoy a bit of a break.

I want to thank everyone for their readership and support over the past year. It means so much to me.

Happy Holidays and see you in 2012!

Yuletide Yarns {Candy Cane Lane}

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

We interrupt this week's outfit posts to share some fun holiday memories and traditions provided by my friends and family. My friend Kelly is back with another great memory of a family outing to see the holiday lights. Believe me, Clark Griswold ain't got nothing on these houses!

One of my favorite holiday traditions is driving or walking (depending on Wisconsin’s unpredictable weather) through Candy Cane Lane. For those unfamiliar with the Milwaukee area, Candy Cane Lane is comprised of several city blocks located in the city of West Allis. For those of you unfamiliar with West Allis, well that’s just an adventure in itself….

Candy Cane Lane includes 92^nd-96^th Streets just north of Oklahoma Avenue and south of Manitoba.

This neighborhood is filled with small, modest homes but when it comes to holiday lights, they do it BIG!!! There is no admission fee. However, if you wish to make a donation, all proceeds benefit the MACC Fund, an organization dedicated to childhood cancer. Well-identified volunteers are on most corners with a bucket for your bills. Be generous. It’s for the kids.

As a kid, my parents would load all five of us into the burgundy Ford Taurus station wagon and head over. It was amazing!!! The twinkling lights were beautiful and seemed to stretch for miles. The dedicated residents of Candy Cane Lane are a creative bunch. Each year, there is something more amazing than the year before.

Now, my husband and I take our son each year. He “ooohs” and “ahhhs” at the wonderful, brilliant spectacle that Candy Cane Lane has become.

In my heart, I am so grateful that my son is healthy knowing the money collected in those buckets is intended for other children who are not.

I am also grateful knowing that in this ipod touch, XBOX 360 world my son is still amazed by something as simple as electricity.

images via