Hi Windy City Bloggers! We have made it through yet another week with the holidays right around the corner. I don’t know about you, but I’m already preparing for my turkey and stuffing food coma and the first-of-the-year viewing of Christmas Vacation. My name is Alana Jolly and I am the champagne and appetizer-loving blogger behind The Jolly Hostess, which features ideas, apps and cheers for busy hostesses.
Today, I’m super excited to share some of my favorite posts from Chi Town bloggers; there is so much talent here in the city and that’s another reason to love the food, fashion and blogging community here, right? Check the posts out below.
I’m Hungry By Nature
The attention to detail and personal touch that I’m Hungry by Nature gives to her recipes, photos and stories makes me want to read every single one of her posts. And the added bonus? All recipes focus on natural foods and wholesome ingredients. Can we say food envy?! Like these Slow Cooker Cranberry Chipotle Meatballs. I cannot wait to try these as the sweet and spicy combo will be the perfect balance. Plus, the recipe has 5 minutes’ prep time, which I know all busy hostesses can appreciate, especially for the holidays.
Sincerely, Jennie
If I could describe Sincerely, Jennie with one word, it would be fun. From this blonde bombshell’s photos to comments and tips, I always find myself smiling or giggling to myself (sometimes out loud at work, sorry, not sorry). I also feel like I can relate to the topics she writes about. Wedding Wednesday– Where To Find Inspiration was absolutely perfect timing, as I got engaged a month ago. Like Jennie, I felt bombarded with ideas and had trouble sorting through inspiration. Her top three wedding inspiration sites allowed me to easily focus on what I really want for the wedding. And, how cute are her braids?!
AllanaBytes
I don’t think that Allana knows this, but I pretty much want to be her best friend. With a rich Italian cooking background, her recipes are the real deal. Not only does she showcase Chicago foodie favorites, which I find is the best channel for inspiration, but she shares her homemade techniques and step-by-step process in the kitchen. Check out these Sweet Potato, Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Stuffed Shells. You had me at caramelized onion. And goat cheese. And sweet potato. Well, pretty much it all.
Get Your Chic Together
Whenever I hear, Get Your Chic Together, all I can think of is the scene in Bridesmaids where Kristen Wiig’s character is playing tennis with Mary Rose Byrne’s character and she tells her partner to get her sh** together. In my mind, Damaris is just as cool as Kristen Wiig! But, really, she is. I can’t get enough of her velvet skirt in her newest post, Velvet Isn’t Just For The Holidays Anymore. Gold is one of my favorite colors to wear, but sometimes hard to pull off. Damaris shows us how it’s done with a velvet gold skirt and a black & white mix of a graphic t and sleek jacket. She even provides a few other options in the post to be on trend with velvet.
Personally Paleo
I love how Personally Paleo is all about balance (me too!). We both love to eat healthy but also splurge on an enormous plate of French fries every once and awhile. While the blog has so many beautiful gluten-free and non-processed-ingredient dishes, I found myself migrating to her snacks and apps page. In a bacon-wrapped date world, her bacon-wrapped-chestnuts are a refreshing option with a great mix of smoky flavor and a crunch. This simple and quick app would be perfect for a dinner party on a Friday night when you have to work late; only 30 mins to bake!
Thanks for reading! Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest for original and simple recipes for your next celebration. You can access my blog at thejollyhostess.com.
Thank you,
Alana