What I'm Reading Now: Fifty Shades of Grey

With all the recent media attention for Fifty Shades of Grey I just had to read this book to see what all the hype was about. The book follows literature student Anastasia Steele and her controlling relationship with a young and wealthy entrepreneur Christian Grey. Author E L James has admitted she's not a great writer and that's very apparent from her lack of character development and writing style. The book doesn't have a lot of real substance, but yet women across the country are devouring this book and putting it at the top of the Best Sellers list. Have you read this book yet? Will you be reading the second or third book?

xoxo

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Hello Friday

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Party Favors:

A functional coffee table

Should you get a tattoo?

Amazing tree houses

This video made me smile

Beer pong branded beer

xoxo

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Fab 5: J.Crew Looks

1. Pastels

2. Colorblocking

3. Neon

4. Weekend Chic

5. Nautical

xoxo

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Weekly Pick: Bethenny Frankel

Get ready because Bethenny Frankel is headed to the Windy City tomorrow! Bethenny will be at Jewel (2940 Ashland) and Binny's (in the South Loop) to sign bottles of her signature Skinnygirl Cocktails. I'm a huge fan of the Skinnygirl Margarita and so inspired by her success in creating her own business. Cheers Bethenny!

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xoxo

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Tasty Tuesday: Shaved Asparagus Pizza

I'm completely smitten with this recipe for shaved asparagus pizza from Smitten Kitchen. I made this on a lazy Sunday with the pre-made pizza dough from Trader Joes and was in love with every bite. It's a great way to incorporate what's in season this spring and try something a little different than the classic pizza toppings.

Images found here

xoxo

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What I'm Reading Now: Domino Magazine

The long awaited return of Domino Magazine finally hit newsstands last week! This special edition is filled with quick fixes for easy and inexpensive makeovers for your home and lots of helpful organization tips. Get your copy now!

Images found here

xoxo

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TGIF

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Party Favors:

Great logos with a secret meaning

5 benefits of finding moments of silence

Rock concert audience evolution

Groupons you'd like to see but never will

Hot dog stuffed pizza...really?

xoxo

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Fab 5: Spring Trends

1.2.

3.4.

5.

Images found here

1. Neon

2. Floral

3. Hi-Lo Skirts

4. Peplum

5. Sheer Fabrics

xoxo

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Weekly Pick: Jobs For Youth - The Spring Escape

Join Jobs for Youth tomorrow for a fusion of fashion, food and philanthropy at their Spring Escape fundrasing event. Jobs for Youth is an awesome organization in the city that provides education and job training services to young adults through career and life skills workshops. The fundraising event held at Macy's on State Street will feature the hottest trends in color-blocking from local designers and models along with gourmet food, wine, beer and spirits. For more information or to purchase tickets click here.

xoxo

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Tasty Tuesday: D.O.C Wine Bar

Looking for an awesome wine bar in Lincoln Park? Look no further than D.O.C Wine Bar. With candlelit corners and a central fireplace this wine bar is comfortable and inviting for a girls night out or a casual date night. D.O.C offers an extensive wine list from across the globe and best of all Monday nights bottles are 1/2 price.

 Image found here

xoxo

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What I'm Reading Now: The Lucky One

My next book club book is the The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks. After seeing the endless previews for the movie coming out this week with Zac Efron I'm already hooked. Have you read this book or are you planning to see the movie?

xoxo

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Hello Weekend

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Party Favors:

13 simple steps to get you through a rough day

You'll find this at my wedding

What to do when you don't yet know your purpose

 Jersey Shore hair

Did you overpack?

xoxo

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Fab 5: Life According to Instagram

1. Working on some new paintings

2. Dinner of champions=Trader Joe's spinach tortellini with cherry tomatoes and peas

3. Love my little guy Tipper

4. The only way to survive a long Amtrak ride is with a glass of wine and a good book

5. Gold Sperrys are a must for spring

Follow me on Instagram @projectsoiree

xoxo

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Weekly Pick: Jimmy Choo Well-Heeled Walk-Off At Saks

This Thursday, April 12 head on over to Saks for the Jimmy Choo Well-Heeled Walk-Off from 6-8PM. Watch 312 partnered with Jimmy Choo for this fashionable event to benefit the Chicago Children's Charities. Enjoy some drinks and light bites while you receive style advice from Amanda Puck and Candace Jordan and enter to win a pair of Jimmy Choos.

xoxo

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Tasty Tuesday: Key Lime Pie

My Easter was complete with a delicious salmon on the grill (that's right no ham in sight) and a tart key lime pie for dessert. The secret ingredient is Nellie & Joe's Famous Lime Juice that brings an authentic punch of flavor to the pie (recipie found online or on the bottle). With a graham cracker crust from the Barefoot Contessa this dessert is perfection.

Images found here

xoxo

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What I'm Reading Now: The New York Times - I Buy, Therefore I Am (Unless I Return It)

Would you rather spend $1,000 on a brand new pair of Louboutins or a long weekend in Paris? The New York Times posted an article that presents the idea that your personality may impact your buying habits. San Francisco State University researchers found that people who spent money on food, travel and other experiences were more extroverted than those who spent money on materialistic things. The materialistic spenders were found to be less happy and also less liked than those who spent their money on experiences. So drop those shopping bags and pack up that suitcase!

xoxo

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Happy Easter Weekend

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Party Favors:

Peeps make their debut in Hollywood

5 mistakes everyone should make

33 things you didn't know about the movie Titanic

Designer shoe inspired cupcakes

Ikea job interview

xoxo

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Fab 5: Bathing Beauties

Miu Miu bow-embelished bikini

Shakuhachi bustier bikini

J.Crew Liberty underwire bikini in Margaret Annie

Topshop polka dot push up bikini

Seventh Wonderland Amelie striped bikini

xoxo

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Weekly Pick: Luxury Garage Sale Shopping Event

Today you can score designer clothes at a reduced rate from Luxury Garage Sale while sipping and snacking on delicious food from Spiaggia. What could be better? Make sure you RSVP to info@luxurygaragesale.com to secure your spot. See you there!

xoxo

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Tasty Tuesday: Easter Treats

It's easter weekend and I'm all about these fun sweet treats that incorporate some of my favorite seasonal candy. 

Images found here

xoxo

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What I'm Reading Now: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

This month's book club book is The Story of Edgar Sawtelle that tells the story about the bond between a boy and his dogs. Back in 2008 Oprah picked this book as a part of her Book Club so right off the bat I knew this book must be pretty amazing. So far I've really enjoyed the book (even though it's very long) and I can't wait to find out the mysteries that lie ahead. Have any of you read this book before?

xoxo

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