Thursday, October 31, 2013

Fab 5: Plan Ahead

Can you believe it's almost 2014? Where did 2013 go? To start the new year off right I've rounded up five of my favorite stylish planners that will keep you on task and organized. I currently have the Kate Spade planner on my desk at work and I love the layout and quotes at the beginning of each month. Cheers to 2014!
 




xoxo

PS

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Weekly Pick: Black & Blue

A couple weeks ago I took a quick trip back to the mitten to visit family in Grand Rapids. Honestly a trip to the mitten isn't complete without a visit to a vineyard or a brewery so we grabbed lunch at Founders Brewing Co. and had a little photo shoot (thanks sis). I wanted to prove that navy and black can actually be worn together and leather pants can be somewhat casual for an afternoon at a brewery. Are you convinced?
 
 
  
Blouse: H&M (Similar)/ Pants: Target (Similar)/ Boots: Nordstrom (Similar)/Necklace: Akira/ Sunglasses: Akira

xoxo

PS

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: Roasted Fall Vegetable and Ricotta Pizza

I came across this recipe from Martha Stewart for a Roasted Fall Vegetable and Ricotta Pizza and since I'm obsessed with pizza and roasted vegetables I needed to give this a try. Many of you know that pizza is a main food group in my diet so I frequently buy the fresh pizza dough from Trader Joe's for an easy weeknight meal. What I loved about this recipe is you can modify it to include some of your favorite vegetables (onion, carrots, potatoes, brussels sprouts, butternut squash, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms). The ricotta was also a nice touch for adding a little extra creaminess to the pizza.


Ingredients:
Olive oil (for baking sheet and drizzling)
Flour (for dusting surface)
1 pound store-bought pizza dough (fresh or thawed if frozen - I love Trader Joe's pizza dough)
8 ounces mozzarella or Italian blend cheese (grated)
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 pound butternut squash (peeled, seeded and cut into 1 1/2 in cubes)
1/2 pound brussels sprouts (cut in half)
Salt & pepper


Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place vegetables on rimmed baking sheet (lined with tin foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup). Divide the vegetables evenly on the baking sheet and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast until the vegetables are tender (around 30-40 minutes) tossing them and rotating the baking sheet halfway through.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and brush a large baking sheet with olive oil to insure pizza dough doesn't stick. On a lightly floured surface roll out the pizza dough to fit on baking sheet.

Sprinkle dough with half the mozzarella. Scatter the room temperature vegetables on top, dollop the ricotta, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake until bubbly and golden (around 25 minutes).


 
 
xoxo
 
PS 

Monday, October 28, 2013

What I'm Reading Now: Cedar and Rush

I'm so excited to introduce you to Nicole from Cedar and Rush today! Cedar and Rush is my go-to blog for fashion events, amazing restaurants and hidden gems in Chicago. Nicole has such a great sense of style and loves exploring the hottest places in the city (I'm a huge fan of her Local Loves series). Follow Cedar and Rush for all the best Chicago has to offer.


 
Get to know Nicole:

1. What are you currently reading?
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell - It is a "book about how we think without thinking, about choices that seem to be made in an instant - in the blink of an eye- that actually aren't as simple as they seem. Why are some people brilliant decision makers, while others are consistently inept?" - It's absolutely fascinating!
 
2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
At the moment I cannot get enough of the spaghetti and giant meatball at Bavette's Bar & Boeuf.
 
3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
Meeting such inspiring and motivated people. Go to a blogger event and your brain will be on sensory overload. And attending cool events isn't so bad either.
 
4. Five things on your wish list?
  1. Have my own business
  2. Get a pair of red soled shoes
  3. Have children
  4. A trip to the French Riviera
  5. Eat at French Laundry in Napa Valley
5. Favorite quote?
"The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese." Think about it...

xoxo

PS

Friday, October 25, 2013

Happy Friday + Links

Image Found Here
 
 
Party Favors:
Pumpkin bread 3 ways
This made me laugh
16 must-have coats under $250
A yawn activated coffee machine
I couldn't agree more...
 
 
 
xoxo
 
PS


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Fab 5: Gallery Wall Prints

 

  
 
Leigh Viner Fashion Illustration
SS Print Shop Ciao Bella
Jenny Liz Rome Bright Pink
Emma Lee Cheng London Landmarks


xoxo

PS

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Weekly Pick: Blowtique's Ponytail/Bun Bar

With the upcoming holiday season I've got a little secret that you're going to love. Blowtique, Chicago's premiere blowout only salon, now offers a ponytail/bun bar (one of the first in the country). The best part is the ponytail/bun bar doesn't require an appointment and prices range from $10-$35 depending on the style. You can look chic at your holiday parties with a messy bun, topknot or twisted pony in only 10-15 minutes which is perfect for girls on the go.

Since it was Chicago's Fashion Week last week I chose a simple twisted pony that only took 10 minutes to complete on my lunch hour. The chic ponytail was perfect for a night under the fashion tents in Millennium Park.


xoxo

PS

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: Frog N Snail

Frog N Snail is one of my go-to places in Lakeview for Saturday or Sunday brunch with girlfriends for a light meal and fabulous mimosas. Executive chef Dave Levitski (who almost won Top Chef) has created the menu to reflect a local take on European classics with layers of flavor and texture. I love how the menu takes a twist on comfort food with something to satisfy just about anyone.

 
 
I was craving a salad so I ordered the Lyonnaise salad with frisee, frites, beets, a poached egg and truffle vinaigrette. The combination of a poached egg and frites is pretty much amazing.


Before you take a trip to Frog N Snail please note that executive chef Dave Levitski announced this week he is no longer at Sprout or Frog N Snail. The status of both of these restaurants is up in the air at the moment.

xoxo

PS

Monday, October 21, 2013

What I'm Reading Now: Pretty & Fun

I'm excited to introduce you to one of the first bloggers I met in Chicago while waiting in line to see Whitney Port from the Hills. Cait, from Pretty & Fun, has a great sense of style because her magenta pumps caught my eye in that line and we've been good friends ever since. Her blog Pretty & Fun is a collection of fashion & beauty finds, interior design tips, inspirational quotes and all things pretty and fun.

Get to know Cait:

1. What are you currently reading? 
Now that marathon training is over I have serious plans to catch up on the overwhelming stack of neglected magazines on my coffee table. Can't wait to dive into the new issue of Domino Magazine (SO excited it's back) and catch up on other favorites, Real Simple, Lucky & House Beautiful.

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant? 
I'm a sucker for margaritas and tacos so I'm going to be predictable and say Big Star. They can't be beat.

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging? 
I cannot say enough about how much I truly love the blogging community and the connections I've been lucky enough to make through the blog. When I first moved to Chicago two years ago I could count the number of people I knew in this city on one hand - blogging and social media has allowed me to meet so many incredible people in my new city (like Sara!) and I'm endlessly grateful for that.

4. Five things on your wish list: 
  1. Chunky knit sweaters
  2. Skinny cords
  3. A monogrammed leather tote
  4. Flat ankle boots
  5. Some everyday sparkle
5. Favorite quote? 
"If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough" - I'm all about thinking big and taking risks, it always ends up being worth it.


xoxo

PS

Friday, October 18, 2013

Happy Friday + Links

Image Found Here

 
Party Favors:
10 Halloween costumes you won't see in Chicago
I love Megan's photos from Pyramid Point
How to build the perfect cheese tray
These wildlife photos from National Geographic are pretty amazing
Parties we should have instead of weddings
 

xoxo
 
PS 

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Fab 5: Items Under $25



1. This fun print for $25 from Furbish Studio would be a great addition to a gallery wall.
2. Keep your loose change, keys or lip gloss in this adorable zebra dish from Jonathan Adler for $24.
3. I'm obsessed with the Nate Berkus collection at Target and this pillow has a luxe look for only $24.99.
4. These notecards with a stylish stack of classic coffee table books is the perfect correspondence piece with your girlfriends for $19.00.
5. I can't get enough of the Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Big Eyes Mascara with two unique brushes for your top and bottom lashes. This mascara is a must-have for only $7.99.


xoxo

PS

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Weekly Pick: Statement Sweatshirts

If you think sweatshirts are only intended for the weekend or your college years you're wrong. Sweatshirts are making a casual chic comeback for a weekday look that you can even wear to the office (see my outfit yesterday). I love this look because it's easy and unexpected which are two perfect elements when it comes to style.


Images Found Here, Here, Here, and Here




xoxo

PS

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: Sapori Trattoria


Last week I traveled back to Italy at Sapori Trattoria in Lincoln Park. I've walked by this restaurant a hundred times and heard rave reviews so it was about time I took a seat under the hanging lights to enjoy some authentic Italian food.

First of all the freshly baked bread is phenomenal (so good in fact I almost asked for more). They also have an extensive wine list and I would highly recommend their Pinot Noir.  

 
I ordered their new fall salad with brussel sprouts, avocado, dried cranberries, parmesan crisps, and an avocado buttermilk dressing with wasabi. It was a delicious blend of some of my favorite fall ingredients and perfect for a light meal.
 
 
Sapori Trattoria's patio was the perfect setting for enjoying my last al fresco meal of the season. If there were a few Vespa's parked along the street I might actually think I'm in Italy. Sapori Trattoria also has a beautiful interior space so make a reservation head over to this Italian gem in Lincoln Park.  
 


xoxo

PS

Monday, October 14, 2013

What I'm Reading Now: Domino Magazine (It's Back!)

Have you heard Domino Magazine is back? Yup your favorite interior design magazine is back on the stands and the Holiday Issue (yes we're already in a holiday mindset) is a must grab for entertaining tips, gift guides, and serious interior design eye candy.

Image Found Here
 
I should also mention that the new Domino website is worth paying a visit to. The website gives you multiple ways to interact with the content and even shop the look. The magazine will be launched quarterly (no subscriptions) but the website will be updated daily with new content so check back often for new ideas and inspiration.
 
Image Found Here

I'm currently loving this feature on small spaces and creating form and function. I'm loving that skirted table in the foyer and might need to re-create this in my apartment.

Image Found Here
 
xoxo
 
PS

Friday, October 11, 2013

Happy Friday + Links

Image found here
 
 
Party Favors:
How to network successfully
These tiny paintings on vintage books are amazing
10 things Italy does better than anywhere else
I love this wine bottle chandelier
Advertising in the rain 
 
 
xoxo
 
PS

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Fab 5: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so I'm sharing five products that are raising awareness for breast cancer. I'm a huge fan of these brands, and I'm happy to see them offering products that benefit this cause. I'm also making a donation to the Susan G. Komen foundation this month as part of #58 on my 101 in 1001 list.  


1. Pick up this limited edition Bobbi Brown French Pink Set of blush and blender brush and Bobbi Brown will donate $10 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. They are also offering free standard shipping on this item during the month of October.

2. LOFT has partnered with Giuliana Rancic to create an exclusive jewelry collection by Suzanna Dai (Giuliana's favorite jewelry designer). During the month of October LOFT will donate 60% of the purchase price of this necklace to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

3. Tory Burch partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to create this cute mini umbrella with the signature Tory Burch logo. Tory Burch is donating 20% from the purchase of the umbrella to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

4. I can't get enough of these functional hair ties from Sephora. To show support for Breast Cancer Awareness they created a stylish limited edition pink collection.

5. Essie has created a Breast Cancer Awareness collection that features pink nail polish hues to raise awareness for Breast Cancer.

xoxo

PS

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Weekly Pick: Sneaker Style

My current obsession is wearing sneakers with a skirt or dress for a casual chic look. Don't get me wrong I love my heels, but sometimes my feet can use a little break so I'm giving this trend two thumbs up. What do you think...thumbs up or thumbs down? 
 


Images Found Here, Here, Here and Here

xoxo


PS

Shop The Look:


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: Jeni's Ice Creams

 
Jeni's Ice Creams recently made their debut in Chicago and since you all know I'm obsessed with ice cream and I had an intense spinning class at Southport Fitness I just had to stop by.


The flavors are out of this world at Jeni's. You won't find plain old vanilla or chocolate here so be prepared to venture outside your ice cream limits and try Chamomile, Pistachio & Honey or Whiskey & Pecans. My next visit might also include one of their famous ice cream sandwiches...


You probably aren't surprised to hear I had Dark Chocolate and Double-Toasted Coconut. The dark chocolate had a fudge like consistency (which I loved) and the double-toasted coconut had actually flakes of toasted coconut throughout the ice cream. I was in heaven.


xoxo

PS
 
Blogging tips