For the record, I am still alive.  I have been busy writing grants and trying to keep my head above water, but finally seeming to tread water again and swimming towards the shore!  Yay for surviving!

The last grant I was helping with went in today, so I am celebrating with a post on the blog.  I’ve missed blogging, but as you know, I only really blog when time permits.  For daily updates, make sure to check out my Instagram and Facebook accounts.  You’ll find me there daily. 🙂

Anywho…  I am finally coming up for air and realize, Thanksgiving is next week!!! Goodness! How time flies!  I’m a little OCD about plans, so I thought, “I bet my blog friends would love a ‘to-do’ list for the holidays”.  So, I got to it.  Here are a few of the things I am planning for the week:

There are probably other things I left off the list, BUT, these were the ones I thought were most important! Big picture things, if you know what I mean.  The checklist is probably THE most important thing to make since it will guide the rest of your activities the coming week.

In terms of your meal, you’ve probably got a plan in place, but if you are hosting Thanksgiving for the first time ever, the checklist and my Pinterest board might help you prep!  My family and I, for the first time ever, are considering dining out for Thanksgiving. If you live in the Birmingham area, here are some places that are open Thanksgiving Day:

• The Bright Star
• Cracker Barrel
• Fleming’s Prime Steak House & Wine Bar
• Galley and Garden
• Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel
• Irondale Cafe
• Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House
• Seasons 52

The full list and details about their menus and prices can be found here.

I’ve also pinned a ton of decor, food, and other ideas for Thanksgiving and other holidays on my ‘Holiday’ Pinterest board if you are interested in checking them out!  Not sure that I’ll actually do or use any of them since we may not be spending Thanksgiving at home this year, BUT, hopefully they will be useful for you.  Check out my Pinterest board here!

Also,  photos and Christmas cards.  This year, I am considering Paper Source at The Summit for Christmas cards.  Have you been in there?  IT IS AH-MAZING. OMG.  Gird your wallets because you may walk in there with a Christmas Card order in mind, but leave with one of everything in the store, including the pair of Santa glasses with beard attached! Dying, lol!

With regard to activities, I have found that kids are insanely bored during the time I am prepping for guests – particularly the day of.  So, this year I made sure to buy some games and plan activities to entertain them!  Actually, and if you know of any good ones, please feel free to share them with me below.

Finally, outfits!  I have yet to decide what I will wear for Thanksgiving, much less what the kids will wear.  I will say that often, I like to opt for clothes that allow me to EAT! Nom, nom!  Loose fitting tops over leggings, or oversized flowy dresses work well.  Here are a couple examples that I love when seeking to be fashionable, yet comfortable…

Finally, as part of my holiday prep, I’m planning to attend a number of events at The Summit in the coming weeks. The first, an event called “Light’s Up”.  Details for the event can be found on their Facebook event page, here.  My friend Heather of My Life Well Loved and I were at The Summit this weekend and walked around a bit at dusk.  The Summit had begun to put a few of the lights up, as seen below.

Photos by Jennifer Hagler Photography

We are so excited to be back on Friday for the actual event!!  I hope you will join us!  Feel free to check out their Facebook event, or email me for details: chicinacademia@gmail.com.  I’d love to hang with you there!  Btw, I plan to take the kiddies, so know that it’s also VERY kid-friendly!

From the Facebook event page:

“The event is sponsored by Swoozie’s. Stop by Swoozies from 4:30-5:30 PM or 7:30-8:30 PM for Photobooth fun with Santa. Magic 96.5 will be broadcasting live and will have a Children’s Christmas Craft Area on the Kendra Scott Terrace Patio.

We’ll be sitting with friends and family watching the parade and ending the evening with The Summit all lit up for the holidays! The parade ends with Santa’s arrival and an amazing fireworks show. Stick around for the Lights Up After Party, featuring your favorite holiday tunes from local artist, Jackson Capps. Arrive early, stay late and enjoy all the holiday festivities!”

I cannot wait!  Hope to see you there, otherwise, happy Thanksgiving prepping!!

Until next time!  Stay ‘Chic’!