Happy Friday + Links

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Party Favors:

15 lessons from kick-ass bosses

How awesome is this flask bangle?

A list of nice sounds

Are you right brained or left brained?

Hilariously misspelled names on Starbucks coffee cups

xoxo

PS

Holiday Gift Guide: For Pets

Design Darling Personalized Dog Bowl
Kate Spade Saturday Pooch Parka
BarkBox Subscription
Reviver Pets Freshening Wipes
Henri Bendel Stripe Dog Leash
Collar Me Charming Gray Dog Collar Bow Tie Set
Harry Barker Leopard Dog Play Balls
Waiting on Martha Dog Tail Hook
Harry Barker Cotton Rope Mouse Cat Toy
Olive Funston To-Go Bowl
Furbish Studio Urban Nest Dog Bed
C.Wonder Porcelain Geo Bone Dog Treats Jar

Modern Cat Urban Chic Hideaway

xoxo

PS

Happy Thanksgiving

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I'm currently sipping a mimosa with my family but I wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a wonderful day with friends and family celebrating a day of gratitude. I have so much to be thankful for this year including this blog and you readers. Cheers!

xoxo

PS

Holiday Gift Guide: Girlfriends

J.Crew Textured Bangle Set
Alexa Chung Book
Goods by Grinn Gold Heart Pillow
NARS Lipstick
Project Soiree Canvas Painting
Jayson Home Gold Athena Tray
Old Navy Glittery Textured Ballet Flats
Julie Vos Crisscross Ring
Kate Spade Candle
The Everygirl Shop Just Do Things iPhone Case
C.Wonder Piggy Bank
Target Threshold Jewelry Box
Cin Cin Vintage Champagne is Always the Answer Print
Blair Ritchey Wallet

J.Crew Gift Socks

xoxo

PS

Holiday Gift Guide: Personalized

Clare Vivier Tassle Keychain
 TOMS Monogrammed Classic Canvas Slip On Shoes
 Maya Brenner Letter Pendent Bracelet
PB Teen Monogram Pillow
Mark and Graham Dinner Napkins
 West Elm Glass Wine Bottle
 Smathers & Branson Monogrammed Flask
 BaubleBar Ariel Gordon Slim Signet Ring

Design Darling Monogrammed Cutout Cuff
 Kate Spade Monogram Card Set
 Luxe + Lillies Personalized Notepad

Rebecca Minkoff Leather Pouch

C.Wonder Monogram Geo Plate

xoxo

PS

Holiday Gift Guide: For The Hostess

Furbish Studio Oslo Gold Salad Servers
 Kate Spade Two of a Kind Bottle Stopper and Corkscrew Set
 C.Wonder Phrase Cheese Board

Design Darling Mint Trinket Tray
 J.Crew Printed Paper Napkin Pack
 Jeni's Salty Caramel Sauce

Kate Spade All That Glitters Wine Tote
 Illume Woodfire Large Harlow Candle
 L.Mawby Blanc de Blancs Wine
 Serena & Lily Plated Glass Votives

 Bread & Wine Book
 Black Sheep Emporium Wine Bottle Candle Holders

Orange and Pear Keep it Simple Tea Towel

Sugar Paper Cheers Coasters 

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

 

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Party Favors:

I'm pretty sure some of my dad's jokes could be added to this list

How to think big without losing your mind

I'm completely smitten with The Everygirl shop

This puppy and baby are the most adorable nap time pals

Incredible photos of ice in Michigan

xoxo

PS

Holiday Gift Guide: My List

J.Crew Pixie Pant in Leather Tuxedo Stripe
Ted Baker Oil Painting Pleated Skirt
 Kate Spade Romeo & Juliet Book Clutch

Target Threshold Double Old-Fashioned Tumbler
Kate Spade Champagne Bottle Coin Purse

Fresh Sugar Treasures

Nate Berkus Marble Print Decorative Tray

BaubleBar Love Midi Ring
 Clare Vivier Flat Clutch
 Dior Miss Dior Signature Gift Set

Design Darling Do Something Awesome Notepad

Madewell Bien Fait Sweatshirt

xoxo

PS

Holiday Gift Guide: Kiddos

Saks Fifth Avenue Books to Bed
 Old Navy Graphic Dolman-Sleeve Sweatshirt
MoMA Tube Toy
ban.do Mini Heart
 Tattly Temporary Tattoos

J.Crew Offense Defense Trouser Socks
 J.Crew Odette Williams Chef's Apron Set

J.Crew Cashmere Baby Sweater

The Land of Nod Candy Bow Sleeping Bag

Hazel & Beau Headband

The Land of Nod Black Stripe Wooden Canvas Teepee
 Gap Statement Beanie

Gap Heart Satchel Bag

xoxo

PS

Holiday Gift Guide: Teens & Tweens

 The Home. T
 Birchbox Subscription
 Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Watch
 Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses
 BaubleBar Sapphire & Powder Blue Pop Wrap
Everpurse Leather Charging Clutch

Coach Legacy Studded Flight Wristlet
 Stila Portrait of a Perfect Eye
 Darby Smart DIY Rock Chic Cuff

J.Crew Slim Flagstone Long-Sleeve Contrast Pocket Tee
J.Crew Ebbets Field Flannels Brooklyn Eagles Twill Ball Cap

xoxo

PS

Holiday Gift Guide: For The Guys

 Barbour Down Wax Feather Vest
Gap Blue Plaid PJ Bottoms
Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Headphones
 Ray Ban RB 3136
 Brooklyn Brew Shop Beer Making Kit
Jack Spade Bacon Money Clip

Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket

Michigan Awesome Hand Crafted T-Shirt
 Old Navy Sherpa Lined Zip Front Hoodie

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Leather Dopp Kit
Brooks Brothers Leather and Stainless Steel Flask

xoxo

PS

Holiday Gift Guide: Mom

Laura Mercier Souffle Body Creme Sampler Collection
Tory Burch Baily Box
Coach Basic Glove
J.Crew Vintage Pajama Set
The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook
Diptyque Candle
American Eagle Cozy Loop Scarf
J.Crew Cambridge Cable Turtleneck Sweater
Pendleton 5th Avenue Glacier Park Throw
Kate Spade Lady Marmalade Stud Earrings

Sheinside Detachable Fur Lined Hood Contrast Trims Cape

heytheredesign Joy Inspirational Quote

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

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Party Favors:

10 little things we can do to make life easier for each other

Why does your drink cost so much?

A great reminder that joy is always possible

Why your friends shape your happiness, creativity and career
This video is incredible

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Heads Up...Winter Has Arrived

Winter has arrived with a chill in Chicago this week. To survive the Windy City this winter here are some of my favorite beanies that will keep you stylish and warm at the same time.

H&M Knit Hat

ASOS Oversized Faux Fur Pom Beanie

J.Crew Cashmere Diamond Hat

Kate Spade Fit To Be Tied Veil Hat

Plush Fleece-Lined Polka Dot Ski Hat 

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: The Look For Less

I love these heels with a metal ankle strap that would be perfect with jeans or a pencil skirt. 

Schutz $180 vs. LuLu's $38

Circle crossbody bags are the must-have bag right now.

Nasty Gal $45 vs. Target $16.99

Feather skirts will be all the rage this spring (trust me).

Milly $425 vs. Sabine $119

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Summer House Santa Monica

Winter is arriving in Chicago, but you can escape the winter blues and head over to Summer House Santa Monica in Lincoln Park and pretend you're vacationing in sunny California. With whitewashed woods, wicker chairs and a giant skylight you'll forget all about the snow and freezing temperature outside. Aside from the atmosphere the food is also incredible (as part of the Lettuce Entertain You group) with a menu that focuses on locally-sourced produce and ingredients.

 

 

We enjoyed the guacamole with housemade chips to start our meal and so did the majority of tables around us. The guacamole was prepared with fresh ingredients (which always makes a huge difference) and the jalapeno salt added the perfect kick. Since I'm a huge quinoa lover I ordered the shaved vegetable salad with petite romaine, iceberg, shaved vegetables, red quinoa, ricotta salata, sunflower seeds and italian vinaigrette.

They put the table of desserts near the door for a reason because honestly you can't walk out without trying at least one thing. I'm obsessed with their apple oatmeal cookie for Fall, but the chocolate chip cookie with sea salt is amazing. The combination of sweet and salty flavors is a true favorite of mine. Other options include brown butter rice krispy treats, chocolate chip cookies with bacon, and apple cinnamon crumble bars.

Will I be back again?

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: A Dose of Pretty

I'm so excited to introduce you to Sara Mueller the blogger and designer behind A Dose of Pretty and Sara Mueller Designs. Sara's blog really is a dose of pretty with fun collections of some of her favorite things and a goal to design a beautiful life. Visit her blog and check out her designs for fashion, interior and graphic design inspiration.

Photo Credit: Lesley Veronika of Lesley Veronika Photography

Thanks Sara for having me! It's such a pleasure to be here today.

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

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Party Favors:

Did you know your wine preference may indicate your personality?

Why winter in Chicago is the best

31 things to do before December 31st

Apparently you can marry yourself for $300
This cathedral turned bookstore is incredible

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: XOXO

I can't look at "xoxo" without thinking about Gossip Girl (I'm still having withdrawals). Here are some of my favorite "xoxo" items that will add a little Blair or Serena back into your life.

xoxo sticky notes

Pim + Larkin pendant necklace

Alexandra Ferguson accessory pouch

C.Wonder cashmere xoxo gloves

SPUNKbyCM stud post earrings

xoxo

PS

Weekly Pick: goldplaited

As someone who has thick and somewhat curly hair I love a good blowout that lasts a few days and saves me time getting ready in the morning. I was super excited to check out goldplaited located in my Lincoln Park neighborhood that offers both hair and makeup services. I know there are quite a few salons that offer blowouts here in Chicago, but I'm here to tell you that goldplaited is the "gold" experience when it comes to service and attention to detail.

 

How adorable is the store mascot Sheffield? I mean seriously...

 

Come to the salon with your girlfriends before a night out and you can enjoy this private room while you sip Champagne and get your hair and makeup done.

A blowout at goldplaited starts with a consultation and a relaxation message (which was absolutely amazing). They use products from Moroccan Oil (my favorite) to achieve the look you want and in just 45 minutes you're out the door with a beautiful blowout. Before you go don't forget to stop by their one-of-a-kind finishing alcove to spritz some perfume and grab a breath mint.

If you live in Chicago mention "Project Soiree" when you book your blowout appointment and receive a free deep conditioning treatment. For makeup appointments mention "Project Soiree" and receive either party lashes or airbrush foundation with your service. Also, first time visitors get a $5 discount off your service if you like goldplaited on Facebook!

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Standard Market Grill

Standard Market Grill recently opened in Lincoln Park and after hearing such amazing things I finally stopped in for brunch on Saturday. I loved the casual yet modern ambiance of the restaurant that was perfect for watching football with friends in the bar area or enjoying a casual meal with family. Each dish is made to order with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from Standard Market (their gourmet market located in Westmont, IL).

What makes Standard Market Grill unique is their walk-up counter for ordering your food. This type of ordering makes it a little more convenient for quick ordering and when you sit at a table a waiter or waitress is on hand to get you another drink or anything from the menu.  

I ordered the omelette of the day with Phil's fresh eggs, roasted corn, roasted red peppers, onions, spinach and monterey jack cheese with a side of fruit. The fresh ingredients made this omelette taste incredible and I'm dying to go back for dinner to try their veggie burger or the farmers market hand-tossed pizza. If you're looking for a great brunch spot in Lincoln Park head over to Standard Market Grill because you won't be disappointed.

xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: 101 Things I Love

It's easy to find 101 things to love about Johanna's blog 101 Things I Love. This blog is one of my daily reads for fashion inspiration, DIY projects, a fun roundup of links each Friday and adorable stories about Johanna's daughters. Check out her blog and I'm sure you'll also find 101 things to love!

Get to know Johanna:

1. What are you currently reading?
Vogue, Toys R Us holiday toy catalog, Martha Stewart

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
Chimichurri steak at home. The restaurant one is tough. I work in the industry so it's constantly evolving. Out of all the new restaurants that have opened - Tanta. Out of the more established restaurants - Moto.

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
Hands down the friendships I've established. Some of my very best friends today have all come from blogging. It's such a supportive group of inspiring women. I love that!

4. Five things on your wish list

1. A meal at Next
2. YSL Tribute Pumps
3. A beach vacation with my husband
4. A bedroom rehab (bedding, wall color, matching furniture...the full monty)
5. My children to have amazing health always + forever

5. Favorite quote?
It's a tie: "A party without cake is just a meeting" - Julia Child & "There is no never...just long period of not yet" - Solenn Heusaff

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links

Image Found Here

 

Party Favors:

Amazing pumpkin arrangements

47 signs you're from Michigan

Turning everyday objects into whimsical illustrations (so cool)

Would you do a mirror-free week?

GPS shoes

 

xoxo

 

PS