April 27, 2011

Escapes...




I found this tumblr on Aubrey Road and loved the sea, sky and portrait photos. Just beautiful.

Adding Color...


It's time to swap out the everyday heavy black leather bag, for something more spring-like! I love this striped messenger bag and blue lather tote!

Almond Joy Milkshake...



I couldn't resist! This was just to good not to share;) {recipe}

April 26, 2011

A Few Things...


 Making time for breakfast every day, and making it beautiful. {image via coco + kelley}


A quote to reinspire and reinforce dreams and staying the course. {thank you escapade}


Beautiful California view, sunny, warm, hazy and green. {image via fashion toast}


A perfect spring street style. I tried a version of this yesterday...{image via pinterest}


Family picture wall and floral arranging in the kitchen space. {image via note to sarah


A sandy scene. Who is ready for the beach? I am, I am!!! {image via love the lamb}

Oh my, I feel like April has flown by so quickly. Thanks for all bearing with me while it was a busy time away from daily blogging. That, plus the dragging of winter and being sick gave me in the blah's, completely lacking inspiration to share. I still was able to read all of my favorite blogs through the weeks and everyone's comments kept me smiling;) These are just a few things to kick of the week.  So lovely to be back. xo

April 21, 2011

Al Fresco Inspiration...





I've been dropping hints lately that I'm ready for spring and to set up my small patio off my living room. These are from the inspiration files, outdoor spaces I adore. {images via pinterest}

April 20, 2011

Under the Weather...


From traveling to being run down! It's rainy here and I've been sick as a dog:( My April blogging plan was to have so many great posts for all, so sorry I haven't been able to keep up!! Hopefully on the mend. {image via shelter}

April 18, 2011

Living Beautifully...




I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I'm happy to be back in Chicago, even though there is a light dusting of snow and I'm ready for warmer weather. I was admiring these beautiful spaces, simple and classic - and had to share! {images via sacramento street, pink wallpaper, dbd, a life more fabulous}

April 11, 2011

A Few Things...


A colorful spring Centerpiece. {image via olivet}




Yummy Smoothie;) {via the littlest things}


Pretty yellow chairs! {via pinterest}


Words to live by. {via pinterest}


Sitting back, reading and relaxing...with a cute up-do. {image via note to sarah}

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! It was so lovely to spend Saturday and Sunday in sunny SF. I have a few hectic days ahead of meetings for work at our offsite. Here's a little eye candy. 

April 8, 2011

Happy Friday...


Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, I'm off to San Francisco for work and play! If you are ever visiting the beautiful bay area, blogger Cheetah is the New Black has the best list of SF things to do. xo

The "It" List...

theitlist

Happy Friday ladies... I hope you have big plans for this weekend!  In the meantime, take some time to visit these inspiring posts from the blog world!
  • shen dove style pairs a floral dress with a simple blazer for the perfect spring look.  We both agree that a blazer can pull an outfit together so easily.  (find shen dove style on twitter!)
  • walking around {where the sidewalk begins} lays out her top restaurants in Chicago.  I always enjoy getting good recommendations for dining in my favorite cities!  (find walking around on twitter!)
  • good clean fun whips up the ultimate summer cocktail... as she says that "conjures up warm summer nights, lightening bugs, and laughter" - I don't know how you can say no to that! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
  • thought and musing remixes one little black dress into three gorgeous outfits!  You have to pop over and see her styling work.
  • strong sense of style has you covered (literally) for the rainy spring weather.  Check out her picks for rain jackets, wellies and umbrellas, oh my!
  • a spot of whimsy recognizes that sometimes you just need a dash of inspiration in the form of Audrey Hepburn. And to that I say, 'Amen, my sister'.  (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
  • rose a la mode features the office she never uses (while looking fab, of course!) - do you have a room in your house you don't use? (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
  • sweetie pie style always posts her recent inspirations on Monday mornings... it's the highlight of my post weekend slump.  The images she finds never disappoint! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
  • capital barbie gets ready to "lace up" for spring... but not like you may think! Check out her new favorite style of shoes! (find capital barbie on twitter!)
  • a little dash of ash pulls together tons of interior inspiration featuring navy blue walls.  A look that I totally love, even more so after perusing all these gorgeous photos! (find a little dash of ash on twitter!)
  • mama loves papa is posing pretty in a super fun bird print dress for spring... her post also features her husband's (aka 'papa') new vintage VW truck - so cool! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
  • a spoonful of dish manages to put together a fun blog post even when her internet is down - find out how she did it!  I love a resourceful gal!
  • good life for less is color crushing on red + pink + khaki - check out her inspiration! (find good life for less on twitter!)
  • good tots features a very chic nursery inspired by this gorgeous magenta dresser/changing table.  So fun for a sweet baby girl!
the IT list is compiled each week by Jill of good life for less - for more information, click here!

April 7, 2011

Guest Blogging...Come Visit!



Audrey, from one of my favorite style blogs: A Lovely Escape, asked me to guest blog today about Spring...come see!

Frame Collection...


I'm still working on collecting photos, prints and art that I hang on one wall in my living room, I think this looks lovely;) {image via ill seen, ill said}

April 6, 2011

Wish List...


This week my wishlist is all about the dress:


1. Strapless Milly Dress 2. J. Crew Vivette dress 3. Chiffon Calypso dress 4. Vivienne Westwood Striped dress 5. Cynthia Rowley black strapless dress, 6. Catherine Malandrino Dress 7. Colorful ruched dress 8. BHLDN Shift dress 9. Vanessa Bruno dress

Pretty Perfect Kitchen...


There is something lovely about this kitchen, with marble top counters, hints of french country, and chic accents. I'd sit down to eat a peach there any day. {image via elle decor}

Art Crush...


I love this print I spotted on Sacramento Street, it's so colorful and vibrant, I'm on mission to find it's twin.

April 5, 2011

Wanted: This Dress...


I love this Emerson Made brass and seersucker dress, perfect for warm spring days and strolling.

Sophisticated in the Bedroom...




These bedrooms have such a finished look, with sophisticated glamour. I need a few more touches to make my room complete, and love pulling files from the inspiration folder. {images via peacock feathers, pinterest, elle decor}

Rainy Monday...



I'm looking forward to chasing the sun in California this weekend. I love the casual street style here! {images via note to self, table tonic}

April 4, 2011

Chicago Eats...



I have been to a few amazing restaurants in the past two months and will be updating little tidbits of Chicago life and sharing my faves! Here's a top 10 list so far...more to come;)

Athenian Room - Cheap Greek eats for dinner in Lincoln Park
Fish Bar - Fresh Seafood bar in Lakeview, perfect spot for lunch or din, the garlic bread is divine!
Green Zebra - Great vegetarian brunch spot in West Town
Hot Chocolate - Sweetest Bucktown brunch fave - the donuts are to die for!
Hubbard Inn - I frequent this restaurant that has small plates and yummy cocktails, fun for after work;) 
Japonais - Everything is delicious at this contemporary japanese and sushi spot in River North
Maude's Liquor Bar  - Cool 1920s lounge feel and french american cuisine in West Loop
Mon Ami Gabi - Classic French cuisine at this cozy upscale restaurant in Lincoln Park**
Pork Shoppe - BBQ spot in Logan Square, cheap and good!
Publican - Boisterous Gastro pub in West Town with a fun bar scene


**Also has a gluten-free menu

April 1, 2011

The "It" List...

theitlist

It's hard to believe that April is already here... That means that for many of you spring has arrived or is very, very close!  Take some time to be inspired by these amazing blogs today to celebrate!
  • good clean fun whips up the yummy looking sweet potato and black bean empanadas.  These look like they would make a delicious spring meal with a fresh salad! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
  • mama loves papa looks spring chic with this gorgeous pink coat!  It's perfect to help you look and feel like spring is here even if it's a little chilly still! (find mama loves papa on twitter!)
  • turn up the rad is crushing on melamine plates and platters and I am too - these once 'old school' style serving pieces are definitely trending right now! (find turn up the rad on twitter!)
  • rose a la mode rounds up her favorite spring and summer shoes from Target - the prices and styles are definitely right on here ladies! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)
  • walking around {where the sidewalk begins} is blog-crushing.  And I can see why, pop on over to see who her inspiration is! (find walking around on twitter!)
  • shen dove style is looking absolutely gorgeous in sequins and some snazzy shoes - I just adore this outfit! (find shen dove style on twitter!)
  • strong sense of style is loving the tribal trend right now, ohhhh - so am I!  I love that she chose simple items that you can add to your current wardrobe! 
  • thought and musing looks fabulous in this road-trip outfit!  I love that her simple floral top dressed the whole thing up (and what about that hat?!?! LOVE!).
  • sweetie pie style is inspired by shopbop's recent 'road trip' lookbook.  See how she recreates the looks for less!  Score! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
  • keep collected seriously rocks daytime sequins and stripes.  I want/need a sequined skirt after seeing this outfit!
  • a spot of whimsy has some fun with Pantone's colors - always a good time!  Pop on over to see oodles of color inspiration! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
  • capital barbie has an assortment of drawstring bags featured that I love. These are a little retro and I like that they are coming back! (find capital barbie on twitter!)
  • a spoonful of dish takes one simple black dress and dresses it up in four fun outfits - there is something for everyone here. I just love these outfits!
  • good life for less brings you three stylish workout ensembles to freshen up your workout routine.  Be sure to check these out!  (find good life for less on twitter!)
the IT list is put together by jill of good life for less - click here for information on how you can be involved!