{Ojai Retreat}

Ever since my friend Morgan's wedding in Ojai a few years ago, I've been longing to go back...just 90 minutes outside of LA, it is a rustic ranch setting filled with a mix of outdoorsy activities and relaxation.  The Firestone Sisters (who are just adorable and have amazing taste) just wrote up a post on visiting the "happy valley", with a guide for what to do. The only difference, is I would stay here again, it was heaven. I'm re-inspired to book a west coast adventure soon, who wants to go?

{Where to Eat: Chicago}

We have discovered some amazing restaurants lately. I wanted to share a short list of a few new favorite spots to eat in Chicago:

1. Bavettes - There is nothing I don't like about this spot - every morsel of food is delicious.
2. Antique Taco - Wicker Park fave - the best margs and my favorite tacos in the city.
3. Little Goat - This is like being a kid all over, long waits are worth it, and don't miss the crab dip.
4. Au Cheval - Great beers on tap, and the most sinful/heavenly burger.
5. Nellocote - Perfect spot for a group of friends, shareable pizzas and yummy cocktails.
6. Balena - My favorite decor of a restaurant - rustic. I love their cheese plates and fresh pasta dishes.
7. Ada Street - I feel cool just being there, the chef is talented and lovely, pick a record to play and enjoy small bites.
8. Sienna Tavern - Fighting over tables is worth it, but dishes are large, don't miss the lasagna;)
9. Longman & Eagle - Get there early, and prepare to be decadent, this gastro pub has a michelin star

Check out OpenTable for resi's.

All the Ladies...

I am back from a long weekend in South Beach...ahhh. (I'm hiding in this pic) It was a wonderful girls trip in celebration of one of my dearest friends Sam, who is getting married next month in NYC. It was perfectly organized with lounging activities, fun dinners and consisted of many many laughs. Even some happy tears. I have to mention that one of my favorite meals was at the Dutch (in the W hotel) - go there if you have an upcoming Miami trip. It is heaven. They even serve moscow mules in copper cops. L-o-v-e. Just wanted to thank all the lovely ladies who made it so fun this weekend. Miss you already. 

As for all of you blog readers. Hope you have a great week. I'm planning recipes and with many summer weddings - dress hunting. Come visit and I'll have a few of my picks. 


xo

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?

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?

Travel 2012...

We sat down with the calendar this weekend and starting planning travel for 2012. Weddings, birthday celebrations, a few trips with family, getaways with the bf, skiing, wine tasting, visiting friends. Travel is one of my favorite things to do. In fact, more than once a month, I admit, I buy a lottery ticket, hoping I may have a shot (ha!) - because isn't fun to think of what your dream destinations would be, with no limit of time and expense? Ah well, just a few days of vacation from work - but we enjoy them to the fullest! Any upcoming trips for you all? I plan to share details and dish on what to do in each locale. {images via pinterest}

Back to Work + Intern...

Hark! The alarm rings in the morning on the Sunday of vacation, the blues start to set in, could it be the end of my wonderful long weekend away? Yes, and then once again, the tone of alarm bells sound on Monday. Had the loveliest time with east coast friends in the Hamptons, and packed in beach days, cookouts, sightseeing and nights on the town with the bf.  Back to work, coffee in hand, and a long list of to do's for making this a successful and productive week. What I need is an intern! A bright savvy Chicago lady in school who wants to help with my blog activities. Email me;) xx {image via xo-erica}

A little shout out too, to Danielle, for helping watch my bf's pup this weekend. Thank you mucho!! 

Beach Bound...

I love this print by Thom Filicia at Serena & Lily. I'm sending you all wishes for a great weekend! I'm off to the Hamptons with the bf today and will be back on Monday to say hello. A few days off is much needed, and I can't wait to reunite with some East Coast besties for bbq's and beach time. xo

Guest Post: Summer Destinations ~ Tomboy Style...

So excited to have Lizzie here today from Tomboy Style, one of my favorite bloggers dishing about one of my favorite cities...summer destination: San Francisco!

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My husband and I are hopping on the short flight from LAX to SFO for the weekend to visit friends and enjoy "The Paris of the West".

1. Mark Twain may not be synonymous with San Francisco, but one of his maxims has become quite the S.F. cliché ("The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco"). I love collecting old books with fun covers and could imagine this one jumping into my Etsy cart in the near future. 

2. My husband and I are staying with friends for the weekend in The Mission, who have a thing for nautical ephemera, I'll be sure to send them this awesome thank you card made from the San Franciscan letterpress, Yellow Owl Workshop.

3. Heath Ceramics is such a fantastic and Bay Area institution. I recently scored a set of vintage Heath plates at a thrift store in Orange County for next to nothing, but wouldn't mind shelling out for some of their beautiful glassware. 

4. I live for essential oils, especially when I travel, and am a big fan of everything from the Berkeley-based company Juniper Ridge and their Big Sur blend.

5. There are so many things to love about S.F., but for me the biggest draw is the food. It is, in my book, the best eating city in the country. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there's time to grab a beer-battered Sweetwater Oyster Po' Boy with bacon remoulade from Hog Island Oyster Co. at The Ferry Building. (photo via TheFoodinista.com)

6. My favorite SF-based online vintage store is no doubt Paris Hotel Boutique. I'm lust over the oil paintings that come in on a weekly basis and definitely have my eye on this guy. 

Best Restaurants in Downtown NYC...

Every once in awhile I get asked...What are your favorite restaurants in downtown New York? I posted this over a year ago, but revisit every once in awhile to add to the list! Working on Chicago next... 


Atlas Cafe - fun for groups, yummy tapas & sangria

Barbuto - opens the doors in spring and summer for a great outdoor feel
Bar'Rique - newbie wine bar on Bleeker St. with the tastiest dinner menu and to-die-for cheese plates

Blue Hill - seminal Greenmarket haven with fresh farm fare from an upstate complex called Stone Barns

Blue Ribbon Sushi - delish sushi and relaxed atmosphere
The Breslin - gastropub in the Ace Hotel that serves delicious cocktails and meat lover's faves
Cafe Cluny - favorite Sunday brunch spot in the W. Village, wait in line for the best egg sandwich 'ever'

The Charles - s'mores and more make this speakeasy/lounge a great dinner spot

Diablo Royale - West Village Mexican taqueria saloon

Essex - great weekend brunches on the LES

Five Points - warm and relaxed Mediterranean-American eatery

Freemans - comforting american cuisine tucked away in a charming LES alley
Gemma - hot spot on Bowery that serves up yummy Italian food
Gitane - Moroccan French cafe in the Jane Hotel

Hotel Griffou - trendy grotto eatery with amazing cocktails and yummy dishes

Il Buco - warm antique charm and Mediterranean dishes

Indochine - French-Vietnamese fairy-tale favorite

Kingswood - candlelit rustic feel with yummy american food
La Gazzeta - cozy Meat Packing district brasserie
La Esquina - best south of houston mexican spot on the map with killer margaritas (literally;)

L'artusi - italian with amazing flavorful food and busy upbeat vibe

Little Owl - tiny w. village neighborhood fave

Lupa - soft-hearted Tuscan trattoria
Lure Fishbar - new seafood, sushi, oyster bar that celebs love to frequent

Morandi - cozy Italian with winning wine list and attractive crowd

Palma - rustic Mediterranean-Italian gem
Pastis - chic, crowded Parisian style bistro in the heart of Meat-Packing district 

Pearl Oyster Bar - intimate New England style seafood restaurant
Pulino's Bar & Pizzeria - a boisterous crowd always hovers over the bar here for the best thin crust pizza

Smith & Mills - small cozy Tribeca restaurant where the food and experience are both amazing
The Spotted Pig - long waits are worth it at this upscale pub that serves up salty, smokey cured fare

Tartine - BYOB french bistro that is tiny and terrific

Waverly Inn - impossible to get a reservation, this American dining is delicious

Jump...

Mark your spot...

And Jump...

Now Pose...

And come on back down off the rock...

The series of photos across 5 different cameras are hilarious attempts to all jump off this little rock in unison, but it just led to laughter. We were all so uncoordinated;) And loving every minute of sunshine on Roque Island for a 4th of July weekend lobster bake. Hope you all had a great holiday. Between seeing friends this weekend and coming back to fireworks in the city last night, I feel extremely happy + lucky. More pics to come from island fun. 

Back to Roque...

2 days and counting until I return to Roque Island with friends from NYC. I'm so ready for a few low key days and a great 4th of July celebration. Here are pics from last year's trip. What are you all doing for the holiday weekend?

Guest Post: Summer Destinations ~ Monkey in Los Angeles...

I'm in for a treat this week, and so are you;) Eva from Monkey in LA is here to talk summer style ...and back on Friday for 4th of July surprise. Her blog is a new discovery that I can't get enough of, you'll be hooked too;)

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Now being hitched to an Oregonian and having always heard good things about Portland, I'm finally trekking it up to the Pacific Northwest for some shopping at Canoe, dinner at Clyde Common and a stay at the Ace Hotel—my kind of summer getaway. Knowing that Oregon can have it's June Gloom like Los Angeles, I'll be packing easy layers like this Steven Alan poncho and a pair of Jodhpur boots to comfortably explore the city. Add a camera and a summer scarf, and I'm good to go. 

1. Petiole Blouson Dress  2. Urban Outfitters Thick Crystal readers 3. Spring Utility Poncho 4. Alkemie Necklace 5. La Sardina   6a. Terrain Silk Voile Scarf 6b. Fleabag Gunpowder Bag  7. Toast Jodhpur Boot 8. Madewell Silk Boyfriend Shirt

Summer Guide: Chic Sailing...

This week makes me want to sail away to a coastal retreat on the ocean;) At least on stressful work days I have a view of the beautiful lake! 


1. Marc Jacobs Sweater Dress 2. Sperry Top Siders 3. Crepe Mini Dress 4. Ethan Allen Sailboat 5. Tote 6. Harbor Photo 7. Philip Lim Shorts 

Guest Post: Summer Destinations ~ Luella + June...

Summertime is always filled with special destinations. I asked a few stylish ladies to share where their top destination is this season and what they are packing! One of my favorite blogs Luella + June is here to kick off this guest series.

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Cabo San Lucas is the perfect beach getaway for the summer. There's nothing I enjoy more than relaxing by the ocean during the day and enjoying margaritas at sunset. This beach trip is a super casual one, so I'll be packing easy breezy pieces, and since summer is all about brights, there will be plenty of color in my suitcase! 

1. Steven Alan Bodkin Top 2. Soludos Dali Flat Espadrilles 3. Roberta Chiarella Earrings 4. J Brand 10" Ankle Skinny Jeans 5. Birger Beaded Necklace 6. Calypso Kimberly Dress 7. Serupi Straw Clutch 8. Seychelles Anthology Sandal 9. Supergoop SPF30 Sunscreen 10. Jack Wills Sunglasses 11. Sequin Bangles 12. Missoni Morgan Towel 13. Melissa Obadash Bikini  14. Theodora and Callum Aztec Scarf

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Where I Go...

I spotted this brilliant Summer Getaway round up on Vogue, capturing the weekend bags of favorite escape artists via Destined to Design. Such amazing timing too, I had just reached out to a few friends and bloggers for my summer guest post series. The theme, What's Your Summer Destination and What Are You Packing? Great minds think alike. I can't wait to kick this off with Tomboy Style, NYC fashionista behind Tibi PR, Destined to Design, Sage + Style, Luella + June and more...Stay tuned. 

10 Things I Loved this Week...

 

Here's a few things this week that were a delight:


Everything breakfast on 365 Days of Breakfast
Beautiful home in Spain on Made by Girl
Orange inspiration on Ten Scenic Drive
Tons of bookshelf love at Elements of Style
Musica roundup on Cornflake Dreams
Erin from Apt#34 wedding on Style me Pretty
Favorites for poolside lounging on Lox Papers
A tour of Greenhouse restaurant in Sydney on Pia Jane Bijkerk
Color poppin' fashion on Pink and Blue blog 
Revisiting Jack + Anjelica's romance on Mo Pie, Please 

And last but not least, a new favorite blog discovery: Luster. 

NYC Photos...

Go check out High Gloss Blue today, she posted some lovely pics of NYC. I just love this one overlooking the harbor, a few inches of snow, a glow in the sky and hanging lanterns. Meanwhile, have a I told you I am hopping on a flight tomorrow morning to Park City? Straight to the mountain to ski! Hooray. I am sharing a house with 10 friends from NYC and there 5 other houses of people from Chicago and California, all friends of friends. We are going to take in some films, ski, cook and laze. 

10 Things I Loved this Week...

Beachy dreams and Calyspo favorites on Delight by Design
Burlap and boho at little blue deer
Fleabags at Elements of Style
Eye-popping patterns on Peacock Feathers
Travel Fantasy: Dunton Hot Springs on Cup of Jo
Colors of the Caribbean on Hey Gorgeous!
Creating a cozy chalet and Luxe + Lillies
Winter season fashion faves on Apt #34
Fireplace envy on Erin ever After
Iceland Roadtrip on Secret Pocket

Holiday Guide for NYC...

New York City is one of the most festive places to deck the halls with holiday spirit. A few things you might want to put on the list:


Go see The Nutcracker
Visit Pop-Up gift shops open for the holidays
Dine at Rolf's among the kitschy Christmas decor
Head uptown to the Annual Park Avenue Christmas Tree Lighting
Put on your skates and visit NYC's seasonal rinks 
Tour the cities famous holiday department store window displays