Sugar plum fairies update: I’ll admit, it’s been awhile since I’ve seen The Nutcracker ballet. I used to go when I lived in Chicago and I can always remember how I felt when I left the show – overwhelmed with the grace of the ballerinas, but with an acute reminder that I needed to stand up straighter. Tonight’s experience was no different, but with an added bonus – my niece, Mackenzie, as a mouse. Oh goodness, my heart grew about three sizes (Grinch-style) when she hit the stage. I’m so very proud of her!

The cutest baby mouse I've ever seen!

And another highlight of the evening was our little pre-show date night stop at the new Cheese Shop here in Des Moines. We split a bottle of vino and shared a meat and cheese plate with a side of bread. I HIGHLY recommend you head there soon!

The Cheese Shop, 833 42nd Street

This weekend is the annual Johnson Gals Christmas Shopping Trip. Each year we head someplace different to pick up last-minute gifts, or in my case, shop for myself. Last year we hit up Kansas City and had a blast. (Sidenote: If you are going to KC anytime in the future, make a reservation at the Webster House. AH-MAZING!) This year we are due north, headed towards the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone shopping up in that area, so I’m very excited to see what catches my eye while I’m there. I’m sure I’ll come across something that I just have to have.

H&M here I come!