BROWN IS THE NEW BLACK

The season for dressing up is right around the corner. All of us ladies own that simple black dress that we tend to feel safe in, but this year we should all break from the"basic black" comfort zone and try new things.

This velvet brown dress by Hazel (Velvet Tie Waist Dress $ 98.00 ) is so cute, and the perfect way to look festive without being the room eye sore. Pair the dress with a splash of color like these victorian inspired earrings by kneehighsnpigtails's and your ensemble will be sure to turn heads.

Victorian inspired red glass earrings $32.00

Antiqued filigree dangle necklace $38.00

You can find the complete ensemble at The World According To... Boutique in Lemont IL. and break from the "black pack". Happy Holidays!

SERVE SOMEONE THIS HOLIDAY

Serving others teaches humility, builds self-discipline, creates unity, strengthens work ethics, and leads to greater love and compassion.

Illustration by: Jen Corace

MAKING NEW TRADITIONS

Last Sunday while shopping and basking in the 75 degree weather, I discovered quite possibly the most delicious thanksgiving stuffing I have ever had. William Sonoma was sampling their sausage, and mushroom dressing made with La Brea Bakery Harvest-Blend Stuffing with Pecans & Cranberries. I've died and gone to Heaven. While growing up in Argentina we celebrated many great holidays, like Three kings Day and the Day of the Children, now that I'm a big kid Thanksgiving has taken the lead. I love the meaning behind it, the colors and smells!

My parents moved to Florida four years ago and my sister and I have started our own traditions. We continue to perfect it a little more each year. This year we will try out this recipe and we will see if it gets voted in. I know it has my vote!

SODA IS A THING OF THE PAST!

Talcott Avenue is addicted to Mattoni Mineral flavored waters. Popular throughout the Czech Republic for their sexy commercials.

Mattoni mineral water from nature in the surroundings of Karlovy Vary is flavored with selected fruits. It's light, bubbly, refreshing and full of minerals. No chemicals preservatives, artificial colorings or sweeteners. It's hard to keep the shelves stocked at BOTTLES. Everyone has their favorite flavors. Orange seems to be the local favorite, fallowed by grapefruit and green apple coming in at a close third.

BOUQUET OF THE YEAR

I just love this bouquet! Made of crocasmia pods, lizzyanthus, plucked sunflowers, green hydrangea, millet and burgundy scabiosa. I made it for Lemont's very own Elizabeth Hamel's wedding this summer. Elizabeth had a lovely garden wedding at her parents home. Mrs Hamel belongs to the local garden club. The garden looked stunning as did the bride!

Photo:Captured Moment

KRIS KRINGLE MARKET IS COMING TO LEMONT!

Kris Kringle Market
Mr. and Mrs. Claus
Saturday December 5th, 12th and 19th
2:00 pm to 6:00pm

431 Talcott Avenue Lemont IL
Come, take your picture with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the North Pole.

Enjoy the outdoor German inspired market. Tree lighting ceremony, carolers, story telling and much more. All proceeds go to The Lemont food pantry. Lions Club eyeglasses drop-off box on site. Please come and help those in need this Holiday season.

Little Treasures

I love these little vintage inspired pieces of jewelry that were designed and handcrafted by Erica Weiner. With a background in sample making, she started developing jewelry out of her apartment in 2005 and soon after, stores across the world were showcasing these unique creations.

One of my favorite pieces that she has created is the "bird-call necklace". Two contrasting brass chains (15" and 17"), hold a delicate gold sparrow that flys above a miniature bird whistle, it actually makes noise! This is a fun and whimsical necklace that is a great addition to anyones jewelry collection.

There are plenty of vintage-inspired jewelry designers to choose from, but Erica Weiner sores above the rest. 5% of all profits are donated to charity, as well as all paper products and packing material used are from recycled materials. Depending on the piece of jewelry, about half of materials used are vintage and re-purposed thus creating a little piece of wearable history.

Find your Erica Weiner treasure at The World According To... Boutique located in Lemont, IL. 60439

TILL NEXT SEASON !

Our French Market has come to an end! This year we have been fortunate enough to enjoy the farmer's market right in front of our shop. We will miss all of the smiley faces every Tuesday morning, looking for their favorite treats, from sister Mary's fabolous french pastries to El Gringo Loco's spicy salsa concoctions, everything always so fresh and delightful. We truly enjoyed having a stand on the market strip and interacting with our friends and neighbors in such a simple but yet uplifting way. What a great way to start our week! Till next June Mon Ami!