Sunday, August 8, 2010
Summer Essentials
My summer bag is the Big Buddha Mia. (A funny note: this bag is vegan. Who would have thought?) This bag was an O magazine favorite in January 2010. I actually found it downstate at the gift shop in Starved Rock State Park. Definitely the best thing about our outdoor adventure. The color says tan, but it is actually almost a pearly light pink. This bag also graced the most recent Project Runway, runway in fuschia. There is a good chance the charcoal color will be my winter bag.
My summer shoe is the Elaine Turner Liz Flat in Raffia with Black Patent Leather Trim. This shoe also comes in a pink patent, but the black works with more of my wardrobe. I love these shoes because they are unique and comfortable. Most days my shoe choice is a peep toe heel, but depending on what I am doing at work, I have to cover my toes and these shoes do it perfectly.
My summer nail polish shade is OPI Strawberry Margarita. And yes, I like to wear it both my fingers and toes.
And with the ridiculous heat, I need the ever trusty Tervis Tumbler with me at all times. With a clear lid and a red straw!
I hope everyone is enjoying there summer!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Cruisin'
They even put an adorable pink bell on my bike! Now all I need is a little basket for the front. I have been scouring the internet for the perfect basket (at the perfect price). I can't wait to spend the summer riding my cruiser.
Friday, June 18, 2010
A Peek Inside
Top Shelf: Neutrogena Active Sport SPF, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque, Fresh Linen Travel Candle, Eye Drops, Bumble & Bumble Straightening Gel, OPI Italian Love Affair Nail Polish (my go to color), Target Brand Eye Make-up Remover, Contact Solution and Contact Case.
Middle Shelf: Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid, Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade, Aveda Hang Straight, Aveda Be Curly, Aveda Smooth Infusion, 2 containers of floss (I'm militant), Crest Night Whitening Toothpaste, Crest Health Toothpaste, Special Dental Rinse.
Bottom Shelf: More Contact Solution, Alba Eye Serum, Alba Moisturizer, Clean & Clear Toner, Aveda Dual Elements SPF, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Fluid, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Eye Serum, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Protecting Lotion with SPF 15, Aveda Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Creme, and finally Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist.
Obvi, I am a huge fan and buyer of Aveda. I have actually been an Aveda girl since 5th grade. I really believe in them as a company and trust in a product. When I am faithful to my skin care regime, these products are amazing. The Tourmaline Charged Products are wonderful, especially the eye creme.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Anthro on Thursday
Tea & Crumpets Apron
I love the white ruffle, the pale aqua and of course, the Carrie Bradshawesque flower.
And while wearing my Tea & Crumpets apron, I would enjoy a biscuit from this very cute jar.
My love for Anthro and Elephants comes together in the adorable Elephant Salt & Pepper Shaker. I like that they are white and would really pop against a pretty table runner or table cloth.
Many months ago, I came across this picture and have been hiding it away, waiting to post it. Anthro's signature cups and put to a very unique use. I think this would be lovely for a bridal shower or spelling B-A-B-Y for a baby shower.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Nantucket Nirvana
Photo from The Cut
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Showtune Tuesday
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A Little Something to Make Me Smile
For the first time in a long time, I am actually feeling motivated to work on some long range goals I have for myself.
One of my goals is setting up a nightly routine to help me sleep more/better. I used to be an amazing sleeper, but lately not so much. I have some amazing bedding and a great bed, so I thought having some flowers would be a nice touch on my nightstand. Beside being lovely, these are the best deal ever. 10 Daffodil stems for $1.49 from Trader Joe's. This is three bunches. Instead of busting out a vase, I used my beside carafe. They fit perfectly.
Close up of the bedside sunshine:
I am also a faithful follower of The Satorialist. This morning's posting was amazing. I would love to have that red cape. And he even titled it London Shine!
All these pictures are brightening my day!
Showtune Tuesday
Monday, February 22, 2010
Posh Pockets
Of course, something pink and green:
I love the little bird:
For the polka dots:
The inside is orange paper:
I Spoke Too Soon!
This is the street I drive every weekday. It has old fashioned lamps, that are delightful when turned on. During the summer, the leaves are full and the trees make a tunnel to drive under. The snow is quite lovely and peaceful.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Let the Sun Shine In...
The Sunshine:
I walked right by Millennium Park, a Chicago favorite and snapped this photo of the Park Grill. This is where you can ice skate at night. It gets very crowded though. During the summer, I like to sit outside and have a burger and beer. The Park Grill has some of the best burgers. Oh, summer I am ready now!!!!
The Park Grill:
I also snapped a lovely view of the building.
The Smurfit-Stone Building:
Do you recognize this building from one of the greatest 80's movies of all time? Yes, Adventures in Babysitting, starring Elizabeth Shue. This is the building Sara climbs out of after being chased.
Which brings me to my favorite part of the movie, the beginning. I love this song by The Crystals. I used to dance around the room just the same way after seeing the movie. I even a dress super similar to that one. There is a good chance, I would still wear that dress today if it fit.
TGIF!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Kickin' It Old School
The Adidas Superstar:
A little history on why I liked this shoe. When I worked for The Walt Disney Company, I had to wear all white leather tennis shoes with my costume (all uniforms are called costumes). I wore an all white version of this shoe and loved them. Once I saw this show with the pink stipes and the pink/green/yellow logo on the heel, I just had to have it. Although, if it wasn't 50% off, it would probably still be in the store.
Showtune Thursday
Monday, February 15, 2010
Bistro Marget
The entrance to Old Town:
For lunch we went to Bistro Margot. Bistro Margot is a little french/parisian eatery.
The outside sign:
The inside is very warm and cozy, decorated in red velvet, marble floors and lovely little pictures.
The inspiration for the sign and my favorite picture:
I had a traditional french lunch. A cup of French Onion Soup and then Kim and I shared a Croque Madame with Pommes Frites. T'was delish! It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon with the girls.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Apple Fest in Long Grove
The Long Grove Time Piece:
The Long Grove Apple Haus, where we enjoyed apple cider and hot, fresh baked apple donuts. Delish!
The 'town square'. All the shoppes surrounded this area. It was bustling with people the entire weekend. The sidewalks are brick and beautiful flower plantings are everywhere. It was so nice to be there with the crisp, fall air and the smell of warm donuts.
One of my favorite shoppes, Within Reach. I purchased a black and white polka-dot wristlet with a pink S on the front. I also purchased a lilac tea for one set and some apple tea sachets. This is the back entrance and was all decked out for Autumn.
After a little shopping and snacking, we decided to rest by listening to the music. The stage was in the covered bridge. So picturesque:
A little resting spot:
And my favorite photo of the day, a cowboy right in the middle of suburban Chicago. He was the real deal too.
Pumpkin White Chocolate Cheesecake
As that cooled, I mixed the batter leaving out the pumpkin. Be sure to set aside a little of the plain cheesecake decoration later. I also mixed in tiny white chocolate chips. To make the swirl on top, I used a spoon to put several lines of the white on top of the cheesecake. Then I ran the point of a knife perpendicular to the lines and made the swirl.
This is a great dessert for a party or a pot luck. It is very rich, so it's better to share. Since then, I have made this cheesecake about 6 times. It is a sure fire hit.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Bon Appetit!
I have always loved cooking and am actually pretty good it. I do quite a bit of entertaining. Brunch is my favorite meal to host! I decided this was good opportunity to push my skills and really cook from scratch on all levels. (read: no semi-homemade business) I have a little list of what to make I am compiling in my Lilly Pulitzer 2010 Agenda.
So with much love I wish you (and me) Bon Appetit!
*I do adore Ina and am very flattered by the comparision. But I feel compelled to point out I am much younger and have a much more vast wardrobe than her.
Chicago French Market
The Apple Stand - look how shiny and yummy these apples look:
The Flowers Stands were also one of my favorite parts. I especially love pink and orange together in the form of gerber daisies.
My lunch was from Pastoral. Pastoral is a local artisan cheese and gourmet foods shop.
I had a lovely sandwich with herbed goat cheese, avocado, roasted red pepper, and tomato all on warm french bread. It was delish.
For dessert I had the best crepe this side of the Atlantic. It was a fresh made crepe with smeared Nutella, marshmallow sauce that was then broiled, with graham cracker crumbs and banana's. It was amazing.
Each weekend, they are adding more vendors and shoppes which is very exciting. I am already trying to figure out when I am going to visit next.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Showtune Tuesday
Monday, February 8, 2010
Veuve Clicquot Champagne
From Amazon: The Widow Clicquot, a fascinating story of the cunning bravery and good fortune that helped build the Veuve Clicquot brand. Widowed at age twenty-seven by the death of her husband François Clicquot, Barbe-Nicole assumed control of her family’s wine business amid the chaos of The Napoleonic Wars. That she became a prominent female leader in a male-dominated industry was one thing; building an empire amid savage political unrest was quite another. With passionate research and true admiration for her subject, Mazzeo pays homage to the beloved Widow from Reims and the remarkable weight her name still carries today.
I also love all the accessories on their site. Why shouldn't your champagne have a Clicquot Traveller? Or a Cruiser Bag?
Today while doing a little grocery shopping, I stumbled upon a wonderful display of Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne. It is perfect timing for Valentine's Day.
It is the perfect pink for Valentine's Day, actually all year round.
Let the cork pop and the bubbles flow.
Can't Stop Watching
A Glint in My Eye
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Spring Arrives at Kate Spade
Charm City Ostrich Maryanne
I love the purple color and think this is a great color for Spring. I can imagine this with lots of different colors. It would be bright and cheery with magenta or quietly sophisticated with navy blue. Perhaps a navy blue sheath and this bag for a day on the town?
Eaton Square Straw Large Tote
The polka dots and bow get me every time. Every. Time. This would definitely be my default everyday purse.
Julibee Stripe Ellie
Navy Blue and Lime Green is one of my favorite all time color combos. I can even pinpoint when I first loved it. My mother and I had purchased an outfit from Sake in Carew Tower in Cincinnati that was a navy pleated skirt, nevy and lime striped shirt with a lime with navy trim cardigan. That and my navy penny loafers equaled one great outfit.
Wellie Magee Bag
The Wellie bag made the lst for the cheerful stripes and being water proof. When it rains in Chicago, it rains in crazy directions so often times, an umbrella only covers your head. This is a great alternative to getting your nylon KS's wet.
Hopefully one of these will move from the wishlist to the closet soon!