dana and i were able to meet up for lunch during this holiday craziness that has enveloped us. we were so excited! we had tried the week prior but we were so busy, we couldn’t get together but not the following week {score}! woo!

of course, we decided to meet up at our favorite place: southport grocery. we love eating there! olive and i were totally on time {can you believe that?!}. we got there right when we said we would; the only reason why we were on time was because olive didn’t take her morning nap, she woke up so late that morning that it was not in the cards. although she did end up falling asleep on the ride in, which was totally fine and perfect. a little cat nap is what she needed.

[southport avenue // my old, old, old stomping ground]

[the crooked picture frames bug me]

[my little babes fast asleep]

dana had arrive there first {and early} and put our name in, there was a bit of a wait so she trekked on over to cvs to pick up a few things. i arrived and scored a front parking spot across from the restaurant.  the little babes was sleeping so i kept her in her car seat…thank goodness she is still small enough for that car seat and i can keep her sleeping! as i was finishing up, i saw my eye doctor walking down the street and we waved hello! {i have been going to the same place on southport for over ten years!} we walked inside the restaurant and they were ready for us, just then, dana walked in as well – perfect.

our brunch day was a designated holiday gift exchange. i brought dana a hanukkah gift and she brought me a christmas gift! although i didn’t get her eight gifts…it was a darn, good gift! : P anyhoo, i opened up my gift {wrapped in a plastic bag from jerusalem} and discovered the cutest little knit ornament! it was a llama from peru!! i love it! she had visited her dad, while he was on business, in peru and brought me back the gift…so sweet!

[miss dana with her hanukkah gift]

[[my fancy gift bag from jerusalem]

[my cute little knit ornament from peru]

[i love her]

after we exchanged our gifts, our delicious food arrived and we noshed away, making our bellies and minds happy. we typically get the same dishes every time. once in a blue moon, we will change it up but we are creatures of habit!

after we finished eating, dana and i decided to make gift baskets for some people on our list. i love southport grocery for all their little goodies inside. they use fresh, organic ingredients for their food and their little grocery store inside is so cute! we picked out some yummy stuff and they wrapped it all up in pretty metal basket. we were so excited when we saw the packaging. what a great place to build a gift for anyone!

while we waited for our baskets to get wrapped, dana and i trekked over to anthropologie {of course!}. we perused the whole place and commented on all the stuff we love or want. i ended up buying some candles and wrapping decor for the christmas presents i needed to wrap.

[the southern…so delish]

[panda feet]

[trying to get friendly with the doggy but he wasn’t having it]

we finished up at the store, swung by to pick up our awesome baskets, and walked over to starbucks for get a coffee. after a few hours of hanging out, it was time to go. i drove dana home {it took seconds, she lives so close} because she came with nothing and left with something. so much so that it wasn’t possible for her to walk back home!

[starbucks]

we had such a wonderful afternoon together. i love this girl. we literally were skipping down the sidewalk holding hands…that’s how awesome it is to spend time with her.

cheers to great friends and holiday charm!

xoxo