Holiday by Lauren Mitrick Wood

Local places to shop on the North Shore

I grew up in Wilmette, spent my teen years in Lake Forest, and now call Highland Park home—so you could say I’ve skated up and down the North Shore my whole life. I’ve always had a soft spot for small, charming boutiques, especially during the holidays. Here are a few of my favorite local spots to shop and support this season:

Centered by Design – Glencoe
Style Shack – Highland Park
The Vault Creative – Highland Park
Material Possessions – Winnetka
Lake Forest Book Store – Lake Forest
Hip Hip Hooray Toy Store – Glenview
Space 519 – Wilmette

Crafty Kids? Try These 3 Easy Holiday DIY Projects at Home

The real estate market tends to slow down over the holidays, which gives me a rare chance to slow down too. I love leaning into the quieter, snowy days—getting crafty, maybe even tackling a puzzle or two. Now that we have kids in the family, I’ve had so much fun finding simple, festive crafts we can do together. Looking for a way to keep little hands busy and off screens? These easy kitchen-table projects are full of holiday spirit—and they make sweet keepsakes or gifts, too.

1. Salt Dough Ornaments

A classic for a reason—and surprisingly simple!

You’ll Need:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
1 cup warm water

Mix ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms. Roll out to ¼ inch thick and use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Use a straw to poke a hole for hanging, then bake at 200°F for 2–3 hours until hard. Once cool, decorate with paint and thread with ribbon or twine. Great as gifts for teachers, grandparents, or neighbors!

2. Candy Cane Wreath
Sweet, simple, and totally charming.

You’ll Need:
20–24 wrapped candy canes
Hot glue gun
Ribbon or bow

(Optional) Cardboard backing

Glue two candy canes together in a heart shape. Once you have 10–12, glue them into a circle to form a wreath. Add a bow in the center and loop a ribbon on top for hanging. These also make adorable chair or place setting decorations.

3. Pinecone Bird Feeders
A cozy winter craft that helps feed your feathered friends.

You’ll Need:

Pinecones
Peanut butter or sunbutter
Birdseed
Twine

Tie twine around each pinecone. Spread peanut butter into the crevices, then roll in birdseed until fully coated. Hang them outside and watch the birds enjoy their holiday treat. A favorite for nature-loving kiddos.

Lauren Charlie Home 04-4-19 (AlinaTsvor) -4 (2).jpg

NYE traditions

After a season full of holiday parties, there’s something special about ringing in the New Year with a cozy night in. Growing up, my family always stayed home and made a big feast — think crab legs, lobster, and all the indulgent fixings. It felt celebratory without the crowds.

These days, my husband Charlie and I carry on the tradition in our own way. On New Year’s Day, we always cook up a big, cozy brunch. Our go-to? A spicy gochujang egg and potato bake. It’s so good, we say every year, "Why don’t we make this more than once a year?"

Whether you’re out on the town or curled up at home, we hope your New Year’s celebration is full of warmth, joy, and a few delicious bites.

Ingredients:

2 large Russet potatoes (or 1 Russet + 1 sweet potato), peeled and cut into matchsticks
4 cups chopped kale
4–8 eggs
1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste), more to taste
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup scallions (white + green parts separated)
1 Tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp rice vinegar
Olive oil, salt, pepper
Optional: miso paste, sesame seeds, lime wedges, red pepper flakes

Instructions:

Roast Potatoes: Toss with olive oil, gochujang, garlic, salt + pepper. Roast at 425°F for 25–30 min until crispy.
Sauté Kale: Cook kale with scallion bottoms, olive oil, salt + a splash of water until tender.
Add Eggs: Make small wells in the roasted potatoes. Crack in eggs and bake until set.
Make Sauce: Whisk gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, a bit of sugar + water.
Serve: Plate everything, drizzle with sauce, and top with scallion greens, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.

Take me back to the Holiday Handbook

Click here