Friday, May 31, 2013

Welcome to the Weekend + Links


Image found here

Party Favors:
I'm going to try out this hair twist over the weekend
50 things that look just like your childhood
A creative invitation
Being in the kitchen with these two would be my dream come true
11 healthy snacks

xoxo

PS

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Fab 5: Weekend Recap in Grand Rapids


As I mentioned earlier I spent the holiday weekend in my hometown of Grand Rapids, MI visiting a few of my favorite places. Here are 5 highlights from the weekend:

1. Since Grand Rapids was recently named Beer City USA visiting a few local breweries is a must. A stop at Saugatuck Brewing Company hit the spot for dinner and a refreshing beer after a long drive from the city on Friday. After an afternoon shopping in Holland on Sunday grabbing a beer and some red pepper hummus on the patio at New Holland Brewing Company was a perfect way to relax and enjoy the weather. Later that night we made an appearance at Hopcat to try their spicy Jerk beer....quite interesting and highly recommended if you want to try something a little different.

2. Even though Yesterdog still brings back memories of my crazy college days walking in at 2AM for hot dogs this place will always be on my go-to list. And yes Chicago readers that's ketchup you see right there. Don't try to sell me on Chicago hot dogs because Yesterdog is the only place that does it for me.

3. When someone asks me what my favorite restaurant in Grand Rapids is I always say Mangiamo!. The food never disappoints but more than that this place holds so many memories of endless happy hours with friends after work, walking over at least once or twice a week from our condo on Fitzhugh, celebrating birthdays, getting a phone call on the patio that I got the job in Chicago and screaming with Abby, and games on the lawn during the summer. Every time I come home a stop at Mangiamo! is required. 

 4. You'll probably think I'm slightly crazy for this one, but a stop at Parini's/London's/Breton Village Cone Shop (no one really knows what it's called) is a must when I'm home during the summer. Since this was the closest ice cream shop in my neighborhood I would walk over with my friends and family almost every night during the summer. And my favorite part is they always have crushed M&M's...and yes that's a big deal. Not many places serve these (opting for mini M&M's or just the regular M&M's) and this really is the best thing ever on ice cream.

  
5. Last (but not least) coming home to Grand Rapids means spending time with friends and family. We welcomed summer with s'mores (my absolute favorite) in the backyard while trying avoid mosquitoes (summer at its best). Kelli and I had to take a drive around Grand Rapids in Lola while rocking out to some of our favorite boy bands and avoiding the stares of passing drivers. And a walk around Reeds Lake with a good friend from New York was the perfect way to catch up while watching a sailboat regatta and soaking up some sun.

xoxo

PS

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Weekly Pick: Crop Top Chic


My Memorial Day weekend in Grand Rapids was the perfect kick-off to summer with a visit to all my favorite GR hangouts (check out the blog tomorrow for a full recap), celebrating a friend's wedding, and spending time with friends and family. The long weekend was just what I needed to recharge and relax in my hometown. Let's be honest downtown Grand Rapids doesn't quite compare to downtown Chicago but the backdrop was perfect for capturing this urban chic look. I'm currently obsessed with crop tops that can still be classy when paired with a printed pencil skirt and classic leather jacket.



Leather Jacket: Forever 21/ Crop Top: American Apparel/ Pencil Skirt: J.Crew/ Heels: Gap/ Aviators: H&M
*Thank you Kelli for taking these amazing photos

Check out my Facebook page for more photos!

xoxo

PS

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: Coconut Macaroons


Anything with coconut involved and I'm hooked right away. I love the sweet flavor and texture and will add it to just about any recipe that I possibly can. My sister and I got ourselves hooked on coconut macaroons in Grand Rapids with our routine Saturday morning stop at Nantucket Baking Company. I always imagined these macaroons would be difficult to make, but this recipe from Food & Wine only involves 6 ingredients and they were super easy to assemble. The end result was a sweet and chewy macaroon that had everyone in my family asking for the recipe.




Coconut Macaroons (adapted from Food & Wine)

Ingredients:
One 14-ounce bag sweetened shredded coconut
One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the coconut with the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with the salt until firm peaks form. Fold the beaten whites into the coconut mixture.

Scoop tablespoon-size mounds of the mixture onto the baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake in the upper and middle thirds of the oven for about 25 minutes, until golden; shift the sheets from top to bottom and front to back halfway through baking. Transfer the baking sheets to racks and let the cookies cool completely.

Drip the bottoms of the macaroons into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Return the cookies to the lined baking sheets. Drizzle any remaining chocolate on top and refrigerate for about 5 minutes, until set.

The macaroons can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Yield: 40 macaroons

xoxo

PS

Friday, May 24, 2013

Happy Long Weekend + Links


Image found here

Party Favors:
I'm in love with this polka dot Valentino wedding dress (in Italy of course)
5 great Chicago buildings
Creative packaging ideas
A super cute onesie for a little boy
9 benefits of coffee

xoxo

PS

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Fab 5: Things I'm Craving


This season I have a few things I'm craving for my closet and my home. A simple gold ring, an edgy clutch, a structured skort, lace up gladiators, and a letter holder to eliminate the mess on my entryway table.


1. J.Crew Golden Knot Ring
2. Deux Lux Empire State Clutch
3. Zara Asymmetric Wrap Skort
4. ASOS Lace Up Gladiator Sandals
5. Anthropologie Dachshund Letter Holder

xoxo

PS

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Weekly Pick: Apartment Styling


I recently made a few changes to the apartment after a trip to IKEA (on a Sunday no less). I uploaded this photo on Instagram and decided to post the links to where you can purchase the items. I wish I could provide a link to the popular bar cart, but I purchased this one-of-a-kind piece at an antique shop back in Grand Rapids. I also set up a corner of my apartment to work on some new art work so be sure to check out the Etsy shop soon.


Get the Look:
IKEA EKTORP Sofa - Blekinge white
IKEA HENRIKSDAL Chairs
IKEA EIVOR Throw
IKEA STOCKHOLM Pillow
IKEA TEJN Faux sheepskin
IKEA VURM 4-bottle wine rack
MadeByGirl LOVE Candy Metallic Gold Poster

xoxo

PS

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: Summer Treats


Last weekend I got my first dose of Summertime Brain relaxing by the pool with friends and enjoying some gelato in the park. Summer is my favorite season and I can't wait to enjoy some of these treats during the warm days ahead.

1. Ice Cream/Gelato/Frozen Yogurt: If you know me at all you know I'm obsessed with all things ice cream any time of the year but especially during the summer months. If you live in Chicago Berrymoon and Yogurtland are my picks for creating your own frozen yogurt creations with endless toppings (which let's be honest is the best part). If you're in the mood for classic homemade ice cream head over to Bobtail and enjoy my favorite Chicago flavor Cubby Crunch. And if you want a taste of Italy then make your way to Paciugo for some authentic gelato in exotic flavors such as Black Pepper Olive Oil and Vanilla Lavender.


2. S'mores: The one thing I look forward to the most during the summer is s'mores in Glen Arbor. I'm pretty much obsessed with all types of desserts that revolve around s'mores (my Pinterest Dessert board will prove that) but the real thing around a fire on Little Glen Lake is what I crave the most.


3. Key Lime Pie: I know I've posted about my love of Key Lime Pie on Project Soiree before but it's seriously one of my favorite desserts that I can't live without during the summer. My ideal summer menu would include M22 Chardonnay, fresh Salmon on the grill with vegetables from the farmers market and my mom's homemade Key Lime Pie. 

Images found here, here, and here

xoxo

PS

Monday, May 20, 2013

What I'm Reading Now: All the Pretty Horses


Over the weekend I took full advantage of my pool opening so I finished Sharp Objects in record time. If you loved Gone Girl you will absolutely love Sharp Objects. I can't wait to pick up Gillian Flynn's other book Dark Places.

I'm currently reading All the Pretty Horses since it's been on my to-read list for quite some time. I enjoyed Cormac McCarthy's book The Road a few years ago and I love his writing style. All the Pretty Horses follows John Grady Cole, a sixteen year old cowboy living in Texas, that was raised on his grandfather's ranch. When the ranch is sold off and his grandfather dies he joins his best friend Lacey Rawlins down to Mexico to work on a large ranch. John gets promoted for his hard work but ends up falling for the owner's daughter which only leads to trouble for him and Lacey.

Have you read this book or seen the movie?


xoxo

PS

Friday, May 17, 2013

Happy Friday + Links


Image found here

Party Favors:
I'm obsessed with crop tops and this look from Atlantic-Pacific
When men experience labor pain...hilarious
Life in your early twenties vs. your late twenties
Food and drink requests from famous musicians backstage (Really Britney?)
A love note to entrepreneurs

xoxo

PS

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Fab 5: Things I Can't Live Without


I'm a pretty easy going person, but there are a few things I just can't live without. If you come to my apartment these are the things you will see lying around...



1. I'm literally obsessed with the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment balms. The Rose color has the perfect tint so I keep one on my dresser and in my purse at all times. 
2.  Sparkling water is a must have so La Croix are always stocked in my refrigerator. For my sister and I a straw is also necessary.
3. Obviously Trader Joes is my go-to stop for wine and this La Granja blend is a small step up from the two buck chuck at $3.99.
4. A box of chocolate Teddy Grahams will always be found in my pantry. A freshly opened box is my weakness...
5. I'm cold 99% of the time so I can't live without my down throw while sitting in my apartment.

xoxo

PS

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Weekly Pick: The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation


As part of my 101 in 1001 list I'm giving back each month by donating $25 to a different charity or organization. This month I'm giving back to The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation which is an organization dedicated to increasing global awareness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). My cousin has a daughter living with SMA so this organization hits close to home. 


Most babies with SMA are born after a normal pregnancy, are seemingly healthy, and pass all current newborn screenings. The disease is caused by an abnormal or missing gene known as the survival motor neuron gene (SMN1), which is responsible for the production of a protein essential to motor neurons. Without this protein, lower motor neurons in the spinal cord degenerate and die. As the motor neuron network breaks down, the ability of the brain to control muscles diminishes and with less control and use, muscles weaken and waste away.


I'm excited to donate to theGSF this month in order to increase awareness of SMA and accelerate research on the disease.

xoxo

PS

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: Evans' Mango-Cucumber Rice Salad


My sister Kelli is pretty amazing in the kitchen and loves trying new recipes each week. Many of you might remember her famous pizza sauce that I just made the other night since it's so quick and easy to make.

Today Kelli is sharing a Mango-Cucumber Rice Salad that's perfect for summer. Who doesn't love a summer salad right?!  Long days full of tireless fun always lends itself nicely to a refreshing guilt-free eat-your-heart-out kind of meal. This one, adopted from Food Network, will do just the trick.  



One of the things I love about this salad is that you can eat it right away, put it in the fridge for a while, or pack it for a picnic in the park!

Here's what you'll need:

Mango-Cucumber Rice Salad

Ingredients:

Kosher salt
1 1/2 cups rice blend
1/4 cup quinoa, rinsed
Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sugar
Freshly ground pepper
1 cup chopped mango
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
1 red jalapeno, seeded and thinly sliced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup chopped salted roasted peanuts

Kelli's Tips: 
I have a confession to make...  I've made this salad probably a dozen times and have never added the quinoa.  I find that the salad just doesn't need the extra flavor but if you're looking for an added protein boost or are a strict recipe follower then knock your heart out.  

Also, I love spicy food so I go for adding the whole jalapeno but if you like milder food feel free to only add half of the jalapeno.  

Directions:
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring until tender, 25 to 35 minutes (depending on the rice blend).

Meanwhile, bring a separate saucepan of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the quinoa and cook until tender, about 12 minutes.

Drain the grains and rinse under cold water until cool; shake off the excess water.

Whisk the lime juice and zest, the peanut oil, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Add the rice mixture, mango, cucumber, jalapeno, scallions, cilantro and peanuts and stir to combine. Season with salt.

The best thing about this salad is you can bring it to a summer cookout and never have to worry about it spoiling in the summer sun because there is no mayo or cheese.  I promise, this salad will be your next knock-out party pleaser.

xoxo

PS

Monday, May 13, 2013

What I'm Reading Now: Sharp Objects


Last fall I read Gone Girl and was completely obsessed that I honestly was staying up late each night to read the next chapter. Gone Girl was suspenseful and had me guessing till the very end (which is my favorite type of book to read). If you haven't read this book put it on your summer reading list.

Since I loved Gone Girl so much I decided to pick up another book by Gillian Flynn Sharp Objects. The story follows Camille Preaker, a young Chicago reporter, who is sent to her hometown of Wind Gap, MO to report on the story of two missing girls. I can tell you already this book has me hooked like Gone Girl and I can't wait to find out what happens (lack of sleep from reading this book might be inevitable this week).


xoxo

PS

Friday, May 10, 2013

Cheers to the Weekend + Links


Image found here

Party Favors:
Have a tissue on hand to read this daddy's letter to his little girl
Loving this wallpaper for renters
30 things every woman should know by 30 
Did you know successful people have short to-do lists?
Where can I find this beer pong arcade machine in Chicago?

xoxo

PS

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Fab 5: Etsy Finds



1. I'm loving this striped black & white pillow with a hint of gold for the living room or bedroom.
2. These teeny tiny mint green studs are just perfect for day or night.
3. This photograph print would look amazing in a gallery wall.
4. Add this fun leather tassel keychain to your keys, purse or luggage.
5. A clutch made of metallic linen and leather is ideal for summer.


xoxo

PS

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Weekly Pick: Mother's Day Gift Guide


Mother's Day is just around the corner so if you're still searching for the perfect gift I have you covered. Here are a few things I know my Mom (and yours) would love.

1. Fresh Sugar Kisses Mini Lip Trio is an essential for your Mom's purse.
 2.  Your Mom will love reading Bread & Wine for the amazing recipes and inspirational stories.
3. Because you have the most wonderful Mother give her this card from Sugar Paper.
4. This Onyx Stunner Set from BaubleBar will keep your Mom fashionable this spring.
5. You can't go wrong with some Cherry Jam from Cherry Republic (trust me).
6. Give your Mom this Citrus Floral Print from Rifle Paper Co. to spruce up her home.

xoxo

PS

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Fashion Report: Met Gala 2013


Last night high fashion hit the red carpet at the Met Gala with all the biggest celebs in attendance. The theme this year was PUNK: From Chaos to Couture and I'm loving how everyone really embraced the theme (Gwyneth excluded). Here are some of my favorite looks:

  
                            Emma Watson - Prabal Gurung                     Sarah Jessica Parker - Giles Deacon
                          Olivia Wilde - Calvin Klein                                     Gwyneth Paltrow - Valentino
                       Gwen Stefani - Maison Martin Margiela                              Blake Lively - Gucci

Images found here

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Bruce Paltrow's World-Famous Pancakes


My Sunday morning just isn't complete without the Chicago Tribune, brunch and a strong cup of coffee. Last Sunday I was craving pancakes so I hauled out my favorite cookbook, My Father's Daughter from Gwyneth Paltrow, and made her dad's world-famous pancakes. The recipe says to let the batter set overnight in the refrigerator, but honestly these pancakes came out light and fluffy even though I made the batter in the morning. Served with warm maple syrup these pancakes were the perfect start for a Sunday morning. 


Bruce Paltrow's World-Famous Pancakes:

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons fine salt
3 cups buttermilk
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more butter for cooking
6 large eggs
Up to 1 cup milk, as needed to thin batter
Maple syrup, warmed for serving

Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Whisk the buttermilk, butter, and eggs together in another bowl. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking just enough to combine (small lumps are okay). Let the batter sit, covered, overnight. The next morning, heat up your griddle or favorite nonstick pan and slick it with a little butter. Add enough milk to the batter to thin it to the right consistency - the thicker the batter, the ticker and heavier your pancakes, the thinner the batter, the more delicate your pancakes - neither is wrong. Cook the pancakes on the griddle, flipping them after bubbles appear on the surface of the uncooked side. Let cook 2-3 minutes more, then remove and eat with lots of warm maple syrup.

Yield: 3 dozen 5-inch pancakes

xoxo

PS

Monday, May 6, 2013

What I'm Reading Now: The Great Gatsby - A Book by Its Covers


I'm getting super excited for The Great Gatsby to hit theaters this weekend (confession - I've started a countdown on my phone). I recently came across this article in The New York Times that included a collection of covers from this classic novel that were collected by Matthew J. Bruccoli (scholar and F. Scott Fitzgerald biographer). His collection spans 83 years of book designs and is now housed at the University of South Carolina. Although the collection is worth several million dollars Bruccoli says "You don't buy books as an investment. You buy them because it gives you pleasure to read them, to touch them...to see them on shelves." I couldn't agree more.



xoxo

PS

Friday, May 3, 2013

Happy Friday


Image found here

Party Favors:
I'm working on #8 in my 101 in 1001 list so I'm loving this recycle guide
The Michigan accent & Michiganders' slang words
How kindness makes or breaks careers
These Gatsby sets are pretty amazing
A cookbook dedicated to Avocados is a must have 


xoxo

PS
 
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