Friday, August 31, 2012

Cheers to the Long Weekend


Image found here

Party Favors:
Montgomery Ward's first catalog
vino2go = brilliant
Why not live alone?
A fun weekend project
Famous TV apartments

xoxo

PS

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Fab 5: Anchors Away





J.Crew Strapless Anchor Swimsuit
Kate Spade Sailor's Knot Studs
C. Wonder Nautical Coasters
Paper Source Crab Note Cards
Jonathan Adler Sailboat Jute Pouch

xoxo

PS

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Weekly Pick: Robert Mondavi Private Selection Giveaway


I'm so excited to offer you an awesome giveaway today courtesy of the Robert Mondavi Private Collection!

Throughout the summer Robert Mondavi Private Selection has taken wine lovers of all ages, digital-savvy millennials, and fans of the wine on a virtual tour of California’s Central Coast – the appellation where RMPS sources 100% of their grapes.  Taking a cue from the popular TV show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, the RMPS Discover the Central Coast tour puts the Central Coast on the map by using social media to showcase locals-only hidden gems.  The tour starts now, in the Santa Cruz County area and will travel south through Santa Barbara county, wrapping up this month.

Image found on the Robert Mondavi Private Selection Facebook page

The allure of the California coast was obvious to Robert Mondavi who believed that wine can enhance any meal and be enjoyed by everyone.  The Central Coast region holds tremendous varietal quality and versatility that could be used by Mr. Mondavi as a winemaker.  The result: high quality, affordable fine wine born of the best of California’s diverse growing regions.  The digital tour stops at some of the least expected businesses and locations further proving that high quality food, wine, and fun doesn’t have to come at a high price. 

To help celebrate the digital tour, the amazing people at Robert Mondavi are offering Project Soiree readers a travel essentials prize pack which includes:
  • $25 gas card
  • $25 Target gift card 
  • $10 Starbucks gift card 
  • $15 iTunes gift card
  • Neck pillow
  • A disposable camera to capture memories with
  • RMPS branded wine opener
  • RMPS branded reusable tote 
Here's how to enter: (Leave a separate comment for each entry. Winner will be chosen via random.org)

1. Follow Project Soiree via GFC or Bloglovin' and leave a comment about where your dream road trip destination is
2. Like RMPS on Facebook
3. Like Project Soiree on Facebook
4. Follow RMPS on Twitter
5. Follow Project Soiree on Twitter
6. Follow Project Soiree on Pinterest

Giveaway closes at 11:59PM on September 2. Winner will be announced September 3. Open to US residents only.

xoxo

PS

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Tasty Tuesday: Spotlight on Avocados

 
I have a serious crush on avocados right now. I love the creamy texture and versatility that lends itself so well to a variety of dishes. I could seriously eat avocados for breakfast, lunch or dinner served on toast, mixed in a salad, or served on the grill. What's your favorite way to eat an avocado?

Avocado Toast                                      Avocado Quinoa Salad

             Grilled Avocados with Herbs and Cherry Tomatoes                               Guacamole

Also check out this awesome tip from Real Simple to keep your avocado from turning brown.

xoxo

PS

Monday, August 27, 2012

What I'm Reading Now: The Night Circus


I'm back! After spending last week in Northern Michigan kayaking, climbing the dunes, horseback riding, wine tasting, and checking out some great restaurants it feels really good to be back in the blogosphere. My laptop stayed in the suitcase for the majority of the week and cell phone reception was pretty much non-existent (no complaints here). It was just what I needed to re-energize and remember what's important in life, and it gave me the opportunity to brainstorm some new ideas for Project Soiree. Can't wait to share them with you!

Since I was on vacation last week I had a lot of free time to spend reading a new book. I picked up the The Night Circus at my favorite book store in Glen Arbor The Cottage Book Shop after hearing such great reviews. I'm over half way through with the book and I seriously can't put it down. This circus is all about magic and illusion that takes place at night (no creepy clowns or sad caged animals here.) The characters are enchanting and the writing is fabulous. If you loved the Harry Potter series you will absolutely adore this book. 


xoxo

PS

Monday, August 20, 2012

Time For Some R&R



Image found here

I'm on vacation this week and taking the week to remember what is important and have a blog-free week. You can follow along with me on Instagram and I'll see you next week!

xoxo

PS

Friday, August 17, 2012

A Weekend of Pure Michigan


Image found here

Party Favors:
Summer s'mores gone local
Cheers to the Glen Arbor Sunset
My guide for the weekend - Northern Michigan Wine Trail
Sleeping Bear Dunes - Starry Night
This pretty much sums it up

xoxo

PS

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Fab 5: Back to School

1. #ThingsWeLove Pencil Set
2. Kate Spade Becca Pencil Case
3. Madewell O-Check for Top Hat Medium Pattern Notebook
4. OMG Sticky Notes
5. Black & White Backpack

xoxo

PS

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Weekly Pick: The Cheekiest Guys of Summer 2012


Get ready because Cheeky Chicago is throwing their first ever beach party tonight from 6PM-8PM to celebrate the "Cheekiest Guys of Summer" 2012! Cheeky is honoring some of the hottest and hippest guys in the city including Dan Gargan (Chicago Fire Soccer), Eric Himel (Celebrity Stylist/Fashion Expert), and Ryan Chaiverini (Host, Windy City Live). You'll also enjoy Ketal One custom cocktails, summer bites from Oak Street Beach Food + Drink, music by DJ Mister Wolf and an after party at Drumbar. Sounds like a good time right?

You can purchase your ticket here
xoxo

PS

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Tasty Tuesday: Blueberry Glace Pie


My summer just isn't complete without my mom's famous blueberry glace pie. This pie brings back childhood memories at the Lake and my sister and I fighting over who gets to eat the extra filling.

I stopped by the Green City Market on Saturday to pick up fresh blueberries (from Michigan of course) and savored every bite of this amazing pie. Rumor has it the pie might make a repeat appearance this weekend while we vacation in Northern Michigan....can't wait.


Image found here

Blueberry Glace Pie

Crust:
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon vinegar

Filling:
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 Tablespoon cornstarch
3 cups of fresh blueberries
1 1/2 cups water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Use a 9" pie plate and mix margarine, flour, sugar, and salt. Sprinkle with vinegar and form into a ball. Press evenly in pie plate and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool the crust.

Combine sugar and cornstarch. Add 1 1/2 cups of blueberries and water. Bring the mixture to a boil stirring constantly. Cook until thick and clear. Cool the filling. 

Pour remaining 1 1/2 cups of blueberries into cooled crust and pour thickened mixture overtop. Chill thoroughly.

xoxo

PS

Monday, August 13, 2012

What I'm Reading Now: The Host


The Twilight series had me completely hooked so I decided to pick up Stephenie Meyer's latest book The Host.  The book takes place in a world taken over by aliens that travel from planet to planet in search of host bodies. Sounds a little creepy and yet a little intriguing. The book is actually scheduled to hit the box office March 2013 so watch out Twilight.


xoxo

PS

Friday, August 10, 2012

Weekend Bliss

Image found here


Party Favors:
DIY teacup candles
Why didn't I bid on this Saab limo?
Balancing friends and a significant other
Guide of DO's and DON'Ts of frozen yogurt
Chicago: A day at the beach

xoxo

PS

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Fab 5: Tea for Two



1. Reiko Kaneko Lip Tease 
2. Kate Spade Larabee Road Platinum Cup
3. Kelly Wearstler Trousdale Teacup & Saucer
4. Everything Begins ABC Teacup & Saucer
5. Crate & Barrel Marimekko Black & White Teacup

xoxo

PS

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Weekly Pick: Olympics


The Olympics are ending this weekend, and I'm trying to come to grips that I won't hear that famous music each night or see the good looking US men's swim team racing for gold. I've done my best over this past week to avoid spoilers alerts on MSN (if that's even possible) so I can actually experience some suspense and excitement on who wins the gold.

What have you loved most about the Olympics?

Image found here

Here are some fun Olympics links:
How cute is this future gymnast?
These faces are priceless
A look inside the Olympic athletes village
What you didn't know about leotards
Find your Olympic athlete body match
xoxo

PS

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Tasty Tuesday: Kanela


If you live in Chicago you know Kanela (which means cinnamon in Greek) for their famous brunch in Lakeview. What you might not know is they're now open for dinner Thursday-Saturday from 6PM-11PM each week.

My mom and sister were in town over the weekend so we decided to give Kanela a try for dinner. We ordered the salmon with cauliflower in a curry vinaigrette, mushroom risotto with truffle oil, and the cheese plate with candied walnuts, berry jam and honey. We absolutely loved the fresh ingredients used in all the dishes, and we couldn't stop talking about how amazing the homemade berry jam was.

If you love Kanela for their brunch you must check out their dinner menu. You won't be disappointed.






xoxo

PS

Monday, August 6, 2012

What I'm Reading Now: Adore Magazine


I recently came across Adore Magazine and completely fell in love with the interior design tips and design boards. This Austrailian E-Magazine is filled with inspiring photos and great style contributors that will give you some helpful hints for your home. You'll probably want to pin all the photos to Pinterest after flipping through this one...




Friday, August 3, 2012

Cheers to the Weekend


Image found here

Party Favors:
H&M Home is coming to the US!
Foods to cure your beauty woes
Gotta love drinking wine while shopping at Whole Foods 
Learn how to build a bar
Friendship tip: 5-minute phone calls

xoxo

PS

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Fab 5: Notes of Gratitude




1. Rifle Paper Co. Gold Painted Stripes
2. Sugar Paper Raspberry Thanks
3.Target Mara-Mi Dot
4. Sycamore Street Press You're Sweet
5. Etsy LoTidePress Letterpress Thank You

xoxo

PS

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Weekly Pick: On the Radar


This week some long awaited hot spots opened in the city. So if you're looking to check out a new bar this weekend here's where you should be.

RM Champagne Salon opens tomorrow in the West Loop. Anything with champagne and you know I'm all over it.

Image found here

The J. Parker opened this week on top of the Hotel Lincoln in Lincoln Park. You won't want to miss the views of Lake Michigan or the cocktail list at this rooftop bar.

Image found here


xoxo

PS
 
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