Henry and Belle Giveaway!

Have you heard of Henry and Belle jeans?

I hadn't, but after one pair of perfectly fitting skinnies (I have these), learning more about the business model, and meeting some of the awesome people who work there, I am sold.

The Henry and Belle story starts with a real life Chicago couple in the early 1930s - Henry, the designer and Belle, his model and muse. It's a story founded on love, and if that weren't charming enough, Belle gave up modeling to focus on philanthropy, which remains a core focus for the company today (click here for more).

I was able to tour the Henry and Belle warehouse and meet Megan, the Director or Sales and Merchandising, in person. I loved seeing the Fall style boards (below) and the fabric samples, and Megan was a delight to work with.

Since receiving my pair of Lila Skinny in Royal (here), I have been wearing them nonstop. They are the softest, most comfortable, and most flattering pair of jeans I own - no joke.

James Roy Photograpy

And now for the really exciting part: Henry and Belle is giving away a pair of jeans to a lucky ANC reader! 

Just follow the Rafflecopter steps below to enter. The giveaway will run until Monday, January 27 at 12:00AM. A winner will be notified on Tuesday, January 28. Henry and Belle will manage fulfillment and shipping of the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Lila Skinny jeans were provided by Henry and Belle. All opinions expressed herein are my own. 

Changing your outlook for the new year

How about changing your perspective on the new year rather than setting resolutions?

My friend shared this Forbes article with me and I wanted to share it with you. The seven words you see above are the main themes for this mindset shift and there is a quick exercise associated with each.

Last year, I wrote intentions for how I wanted to spend the year (here) and this year, I'm energized about trying a new way to create a happy, healthy year for myself.

Best TV shows

Hi, friends. How was your weekend?

I was parked on the couch with the nasty cold that's been going around, but I was able to catch up on Girls and several episodes of Breaking Bad (we're on season 3).

I used to watch movies when I was sick, but with all of the fantastic shows on TV, I'd rather queue up several episodes.

Here are some of my favorites. What are yours?

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights

Happy Monday, friends! How did you spend the weekend?

James and I enjoyed the last days of vacation sleeping in, watching movies, and finally going to the Lincoln Park Zoo lights (spiked hot cocoa in hand, of course).

I'm glad we went when we did because it is now officially closed for the season, closing a day early due to the crazy cold weather we're getting in Chicago.

James Roy Photography

Happy New Year!

How did you celebrate NYE?

I rang in the New Year with some of my closest friends at a BYOB restaurant here in Chicago. The night was long on wine, good food, laughs, and toasting to another year. 

Here's to a happy, healthy 2014!

James Roy Photography