Leap Day...

Every four years we get an extra day...it was 4 years ago that I started this blog...hard to believe that so much time has passed! It makes me think of 'taking a leap' in life, venturing to new places, careers, love etc.  What is the biggest leap you have taken and how do you plan on spending this extra day? 


Tomorrow - I kick off spring on the blog!!!!!!

Work Break...

When work has you tangled up - how do you release? I've started thinking about taking up yoga, not only stress, but my back issues as of late might benefit from breathing, stretching and taking some time to meditate. I feel like I could work all day, all night, all weekend...it's actually very hard to 'turn off' - especially when I have so many creative projects I like to work on like the blog, painting, etc. I feel like drafting up a schedule for myself that I must follow! Thoughts?

A Few Things...

Gorgeous closet organization. 

Triple garlic pizza recipe...

Chic style for day to night. Love those shoes!

Dreamy outdoor living...

I like this motto!

Entryway styling guide on the Everygirl.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I visited the art store yesterday and threw myself into a few painting projects. We also watched the Oscars, dined out at a few local spots that I love - Frontier and Kingbury Street Cafe - you must try! What did you do?

*images via pinterest

The Everygirl...

I got to meet up with Danielle and Alaina last night - and some amazing Chicago bloggers, all for a quickie toast to celebrate their hard work on releasing The Everygirl to the world yesterday. It's an amazing site for career minded, dream chasing girls who need a little guidance now and then on how to plan weekly meals, budget for a big trip, shop for the latest fashions, decorate the home and more. Filled with great inspiration, I just know that it will be your new daily read;) 

Simple Stripes...

I still...and always vow to be obsessed with stripes. I'm always on the hunt for cute simple striped tops. 


Modcloth striped wrap // Tibi Horatio Jacket (on Olivia Palermo at the FW2012 show) // Striped T // Michael Kors Striped Sweater 

Fly Me to the Moon...

Here's a pic of the bf and I at No Name Saloon in Park City this past weekend. I'm back in Chicago-land after a lovely long weekend. It was heaven to spend time with family and hit the slopes. We did 3 half-dayers. 


On the flight back I started mapping out our next destinations, weddings, more weddings, bachelorette parties, summer vacation. And let me tell you plane tickets are not cheap:( I miss the days when you could easily get a free voucher on Southwest or even an early bird special for $99 - I'd settle for $199 these days. At this rate I think it's cheaper to fly to the moon. Any tips on finding low fares?

Happy Friday...

Still crushing on Atlantic-Pacific - this coat is amazing!

A perfect spot for morning tea and breathtaking view. 

Cute antlers with flowers;)

Always try;)

Rustic apple tart recipe...yum. 

Love this console with bar tray!

Just a few things that I wanted to share this week;) Happy Friday! I loved all your comments. We're off to Utah tomorrow morning, so I'm packing up this eve. We'll be back next Tuesday. Have a wonderful weekend. xo


*images via pinterest

I See Blue...

I'm jumping over racks at the store when I see bright blue - I just leap, I can't help it - the color makes me happy. Here are a few bright blue goodies: 


Suede Ankle Boots // Calypso Scarf // Cobalt Blue Herringbone Clutch // Tibi Ruffle Dress // J.Crew Silk Pintuck Blouse // Capri Blue Jar Candle // Kate Spade Necklace // Top Shop Ring // zig zag throw 

Park City Trip...

Valentine's day is over, what's next? SKIING. We depart Saturday for Park City. One of my brothers rented a house and sister and I invited ourselves. Hooray. I have been faithfully seeing the Chiropractor and icing so I can hit the slopes. Here's my wish list while we are there...


Day 1: We land at 11am - and are going directly to ski'n see to pick up rentals for the weekend. Then Deer Valley to get in a half day on the mountain (absolutely love skiing this mountain, it's perfect for a first day out in the season - no snowboarders). Then apres ski by the firepit at the St. Regis. Day 2: Sleep in - it's Sunday, and the forecast is snow. I think this might be the perfect day to ski Park City Mt. - That is one spot I haven't tried yet. Maybe cook a big family dinner in and sit by the fire in the eve. Day 3: Alta - my FAVE ski day in 2011 was at this spot. It's a little bit of a drive, but worth it;) Monday night might be the perfect night for dinner out on the town at Reef's, since many weekenders will be leaving. Not us! Day 4: Tuesday, breakfast on Main Street and a little shopping before our afternoon flight back to CHI. What a treat. 


Any fun plans for President's day?

Happy Valentine's Day...

I'm a very lucky girl to be celebrating this hallmark holiday with my love. Tonight we dine on sushi and enjoy a date night on the town. We both feel really grateful to have found one another - and to think, all I had to do was...


Say yes, to my company offering to move me from NYC to Chicago to start an office here and grow the Central territory - at first my reply was 'no', but I packed my bags and relocated to the windy city. And then, one day at the tail end of winter, I reconnected with a former co-worker on LinkedIn - somehow after jaunts in CA and NY - we had both ended up in Chicago in the same industry. The fellow has a knack for creating fun and getting groups of random people together...and invited me out one Thursday eve in June. At first, I said 'no'. Because I had plans with a girlfriend, but as fate would have it, she was not able to meet for dinner after all. So...I could meet my friend and his acquaintances - 6pm at the Bucktown Pub. I walk in, see my handsome man (a stranger at the end of the bar), he looks at me, I look at him. And a few minutes later we are all getting corralled together as we are unknowingly in the same group. I ended up at dinner at Club Lucky with 5 guys. It might have been one of the funniest evenings I have ever had and I laughed till the wee hours. One of those gentleman is my bf. The man I saw instantly when I walked in the bar. If many things had been different - I may not be where I am today, living with my lovey and our pup. I think about that a lot...it's very Sliding Doors;) Enjoy some champagne and sweets tonight with lovers, or friends or just a good old movie with your sweats on...if you have found love - hold on to it, and if you haven't, just wait, it's around the corner;) 

Happy Friday...

TGIF. I had a doozey of a week - somehow I ended up at the chiropractor 3 days out of 5 and am still going...Acrobatic injury? Crossfit gone wrong? Nope, the likely cause is my 'seated posture' - sitting at my desk at work. I could barely walk when I woke up on Monday and Tuesday. I've accosted an erganomic chair in my office and am icing every night before bed. That's how it goes. The bf was amazing, took care of me - cooked dinners, did dishes...that's why we are having date night out tonight (my treat...shhhhh;). If we don't get trapped in by the snow!!  And tomorrow we are going to breakfast in Wrigleyville (close proximity to the chiro)...I'm craving warm crossaints and a latte. We'll wrap up our weekend festivities with my favorite - a dinner party. We have an amazing rotation going lately with our friends trading off on hosting pot-lucks. It's been a perfect winter weekend activity. Hope you have a great weekend. Thank you for all the sweet comments this week, I love new visitors. xx


*image via tumblr

Something Sweet...

Valentine's day makes me think of anything heart-shaped, flowers, sappy cards and sweets! Here are a few great easy recipes you can whip up for someone you love. xx


Red Velvet Macaroons // Heart Cookies // Black and White Cookies // Chocolate dipped Strawberries // Chocolate Fondue // Black Bottom Pie //  Brownie Heart Cupcakes // Fudge Hearts // Pear Raspberry Pie

Valentine's Day Gifts...

Fun little gifts inspired by love...


Heart Straws // Gold Initial Necklace // Personalize Poster // Embossed Python Pouch // Eat Love Cookbook // Ban.do Sequin Heart // Forever 21 Bangle // X & O Earrings // Love Pillow // Pink Nail polish // Madewell Heart Tote

Valentine's Day Date x 2...

Date night! I like to be casual and cute when we go on out on the town in the winter months. 
Here are a few outfit options...First, I saw this Red Leather Jacket and thought it would be the perfect piece to add to the Valentine's day date ensemble;) I think a little hint of red or pink is mandatory.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Lace Top or Emerson Made Top
Mother Denim Jeans
Valentino Heels (still dreaming...but just in case - a cute/cheaper option Calvin Klein heels)
Kate Spade Bag


Second...I saw this Chiffon Philip Lim top that is so feminine and pretty so it inspires option #2.


Burgundy Waxed Leather Pants
J. Crew Patent Pumps
Felix Ray I heart u clutch
Anya Hindmarch Glitter Clutch

Which one would you pick?

L.O.V.E...

Hello! Hope everyone had a great weekend. This week is all about the L.O.V.E. I know that Valentine's day sometimes gets a cheesy rap, but I just adore any festive holiday. I'll be talking cards, gift guide, recipe, hot date spots and date night outfits. I'm so lucky to be spending it with my sweet bf! But even if you don't have someone special at the moment, some of the the funnest holidays are spent going out with friends;) What are your plans?


images via pinterest

Happy Friday...

By this time in the week I'm truly wiped out, work meetings, work dinners, work travel - the trifecta. Ready for the weekend! Ready to relax, take a leisurely drive with the windows down along the coast, scratch that, it's winter in Chicago, I'll be watching movies by the fireplace, hot cocoa, marshmellows, and the Help - I haven't seen it yet and can't wait. Hope you all have a lovely weekend. xo


image via tumblr

Office Inspiration...

Lovely organized office spaces just brighten my day;) I would love to have a personal work space someday!


*images via pinterest

Recipes for Superbowl 2012...

I may live in Chicago, but I grew up in RI...so I'm thrilled that the Patriots will be representing in the Superbowl this year. The rivalry of NY and New England teams will make for an exciting game. We are hosting friends this year and I put together the perfect menu of easy comfort food to please the guys and gals. 


Bacon Horseradish Onion Dip
Deviled Eggs
Turkey Chili
Ham & Cheese Sliders
Fried Chicken
Oreo Fudge Brownies
Donuts

A Few Things...

How can you not covet these long wavy locks - halt, I'm backing out of my long bob plans and growing.

The kind of reminder we all need once and awhile. 

Lemon pull-apart coffee cake. Yum! 

Dark walls - dark wood floors - striped chair - gold mirror...l.o.v.e;)

Colder months are cruising by and I have yet to purchase a pair of leather leggings. NEED them NOW.

images via pinterest