Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy New Year

Today is the last day of 2013....where did this year go? Looking back on the year and recounting all the amazing moments I feel truly blessed. This year was filled with "pinch me" moments and of course a few pitfalls that caused me to grow and give me a new perspective on life. Honestly after this life changing year I can't wait to discover what 2014 has in store. I'm excited to continue crossing things off my 101 in 1001 list and see what surprises pop up along the way. 

I also want to thank those of you who read this blog every day, and friends who continually support and encourage me. I started this blog as a little creative outlet when I moved to Chicago and now I can't imagine life without it. I'm so grateful for the opportunities and friends I've met this year, and I hope you'll stick around for some exciting posts in 2014. Cheers! 
Image Found Here


xoxo

PS

Monday, December 30, 2013

NYE Style


Topshop Green Poppy Midi Skirt/ Topshop Green Poppy Crop Top/ H&M Short Necklace/ Sheinside Black Long Sleeve Hollow Crochet Lace Blouse/ H&M Sequined Skirt/ L.A.M.B. Serena Heels/ Dorothy Perkins Black Plunge Jumpsuit/ Target Stripe Clutch


xoxo

PS

Friday, December 27, 2013

Happy Friday + Links

Image Found Here


Party Favors:
This photo of Chicago is amazing
How to be successful in 2014
Bump up your bubbly this NYE
Big city life tips
The junk drawer project = brilliant


xoxo

PS

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Fab 5: 2013 Highlights

As 2013 comes to a close I'm looking back at the memorable moments this year. Here are 5 of my favorite highlights from 2013.

1. Creating my 101 in 1001 list


2. Attending NYFW

3. Lollapalooza

4. Completing  a Half Marathon

5. Parasailing in Traverse City

Cheers to 2013!

xoxo

PS

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with joy!

Image Found Here


xoxo

PS

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: Christmas Sugar Cookies

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is making sugar cookies with my mom and sister while listening to Christmas music and watching the snow fall outside. We use the recipe from The Cookie Book each and every year because we can get enough of the slightly sweet cookie with a hint of nutmeg. This recipe book was my mom's when she was young so we've been enjoying the classic recipe for years. Christmas just wouldn't be compete without these cookies. 


Ingredients:

Cookies:
2/3 cup of butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

Cookies:
In a large mixing bowl cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla to the creamed mixture and beat until you have a smooth yellow batter. Set the mixing bowl aside.

Measure the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg into a sifter and sift into a bowl. Pour half the sifted ingredients into the yellow batter. Stir with the mixing spoon until the flour is blended into the batter. Add the rest of the sifted ingredients and mix until you have a stiff, light-yellow dough.

Pat the dough down tightly into the bowl. Cover the bowl with a plate, and put it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Bake the cookies at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes and allow at least 15 minutes for the cookies to cool before decorating.

Icing:
Measure the powdered sugar and milk and mix until the icing is stiff. If it is thin and runny, stir in a little more powdered sugar. Use food coloring to color the frosting however you like.


xoxo

PS

Monday, December 23, 2013

What I'm Reading Now: 101 in 1001 Update

It's almost been a year since I started my 101 in 1001 so I wanted to give you a little recap on what I've completed and what I hope to complete next year. Looking back on 2013 it's incredible to realize how much this list has shaped my life. This year I saw a Second City show, visited the Pabst brewery, got a psychic reading, went to NYFW, learned how to paddleboard, and went parasailing in Traverse City. It's pretty incredible to look back on this list and see everything I've crossed off and have yet to complete.


In 2014 I'm hoping to wine taste in Napa, get a new tattoo, take golf lessons, go a month without buying Starbucks (this will be a serious challenge), and sell my paintings at an art fair. Cheers to 2014!

xoxo

PS

Friday, December 20, 2013

Happy Friday + Links

Image Found Here


Party Favors:
8 secrets to a joyful life
This single girl reacts perfectly to her friend's engagement
I'm loving this Business With Intention Workbook from Jess Lively
Travel Tip - the 3 pairs of shoes rule
Why do we toast to celebrate?

The winner of the Project Soiree painting is Tanya Haag. Thank you to everyone that entered!


xoxo

PS

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Fab 5: Christmas Traditions


Images Found Here, Here and Here

1. Watching I'll Be Home For Christmas
I can still remember seeing I'll Be Home For Christmas in the theater with my girlfriends back in the 90's when every girl was in love with JTT. Since then my friend Cassie and I have made it a tradition to watch this movie together when we're home for Christmas. The sad and amazing thing is we probably know all the lines to the movie...no joke.

2. Eating Burgers/Veggie Burgers
When I was really young my mom asked my sister and I what we wanted for Christmas dinner and we both replied "burgers on the grill!" My mom thought it was hilarious and ever since then it's our Christmas tradition to make burgers (or now veggie burgers since my sister and I are vegetarians) for our Christmas dinner complete with onion rings and french fries.

3. Decorating Sugar Cookies
My sugar cookies never look as pretty as the ones above but it's the thought that counts right? I love spending an afternoon in the kitchen with my mom and sister rolling out the dough, listening to Christmas music and getting creative with our decorations.

4. ZooLights
Visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo during the holidays is a must if you live in Chicago. It's fun walk around at night and see the zoo decked out in Christmas lights and music.

5. Macy's Windows
The Macy's windows are a classic during the holiday season in Chicago. I love reading the stories and seeing the kids faces light up as they walk by each window.  


xoxo

PS

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Weekly Pick: Michigangster

I'm currently a Chicago city girl but to be honest I'll always be a Michigangster. With Grand Rapids being named the top US travel destination for 2014 I'm clearly not the only one who loves Michigan. Next year I plan on creating a new vision for The Grand Rapids Guide (with the help of an intern)....I'll keep you posted on this goal. Cheers Michigan!

  
  
 
Skirt: H&M (similar)/ T-Shirt: Michigan Awesome/ Plaid Shirt: Forever 21 (similar)/ Jacket: Forever 21 (similar)/ Shoes: Gap (similar)/ Ear Cuff DIY: H&M/ Chain Necklace: Vintage/ French Coin Necklace: Blacklamb/ Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

xoxo

PS

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: The Violet Hour


The Violet Hour has been on my "must visit" list since I moved to Chicago so it was about time I paid a visit. Located in Wicker Park, The Violet Hour is well known for their amazing cocktails (although the bar itself is a little tricky to find). Once you find the door you'll walk through two sets of velvet curtains into a dimly lit space with dramatic high back chairs. I ordered their most popular cocktail the Juliet and Romeo with gin, mint, cucumber, and rose water which was extremely light and refreshing.


Visiting the Violet Hour is truly an experience and be advised they do have house rules. No cell phones...yes please.

Images Found Here and Here


xoxo

PS

Monday, December 16, 2013

What I'm Reading Now: Color Me Styled

I'm so excited to feature Erin from Color Me Styled on the blog today! I'm a loyal reader of Color Me Styled for creative DIY projects, tasty recipes and fun tips & tricks. It's also great to follow along with a blogger who's also tackling a 101 in 1001 list with awesome goals to complete in 1001 days. Follow along with Color Me Styled for colorful, approachable and realistic content that is sure to inspire you.


Get to know Erin:

1. What are you currently reading?   
Vogue September 2013... I'm dead serious.  That thing was 2 inches thick and I'm a busy lady so I'm paging through it story by story.  I also read a lot of blogs and e-mail newsletters on a daily basis.

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?  
My favorite dessert is creme brulee and I will order it every chance I can.  And, I hate to be evasive, but I love way too many restaurants to pick a favorite.  We try new recipes at home all the time and I find cooking to be a lot of fun... and there's always a frozen pizza as back-up in case the experiment goes south. 

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?  
Blogging introduces me to new people and it feeds my curiosity to explore.  I have made incredible connections with bloggers here in Chicago and love getting to know them personally.  We all have online personas and it is fun to get a bit behind the scenes!  I've always been curious and adventurous and a prolific story teller.  Since I've started blogging (Life Guide by Erin in 2008*, Daily E in 2010, and Color Me Styled in 2012) I find that I approach events, pop culture trends, and shopping with a whole new set of questions that are related to blogging and how I can spin these events into posts or stories.  

* I recently found this blog again and love to see how far the blogging world has come in just 5 short years!  I started it as a marketing class assignment and then I blogged when I moved to California and then hit-or-miss once I moved back to Chicago.  While it is awesome to see how things have changed, a lot of my outlooks have stayed the same!  I still love DIY projects, the Olympics, and good old fashioned paper.

4. Five things on your wish list  
  1. Joie Mariner Pants 
  2. A Home Office (with that Mac computer and those chairs)
  3. Anything Monogrammed (bonus if it is in Rose Gold) 
  4. A puppy 
  5. More time for blogging!
5. Favorite quote?  
"Creativity is intelligence having fun." - Albert Einstein


xoxo

PS

Friday, December 13, 2013

Happy Friday + Links

Image Found Here

Party Favors:
Things you probably didn't know about Home Alone or Elf
A playlist for your holiday parties
S'mores for a crowd
Weird bar rules
Congrats Grand Rapids!


xoxo

PS

Thursday, December 12, 2013

GIVEAWAY: Project Soiree Painting

Looking back on 2013 I'm filled with gratitude for the friendships and opportunities Project Soiree has provided this year. To show my thanks I'm doing a giveaway for an 8x8 Project Soiree painting from my Etsy shop. Details for entering can be found below, and the winner will be announced December 20. Thanks again and good luck!

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
  
xoxo

PS

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Weekly Pick: Hello Snow

It's not a surprise to many of you reading this that I'm not a huge fan of the snow. I would much rather be in a t-shirt and open-toed shoes right now instead of wearing multiple layers and heavy boots. All that said I actually did enjoy a snowy afternoon in East Grand Rapids and here are the photos to prove it. 

    
  
 
 
Coat: ASOS/ Sweater: Edith Hart /Dress (worn as a skirt): Target (old)/ Over the Knee Socks: Hue/ Boots: Aldo (similar)/ Hat: H&M/ Feather Ring: J.Crew/ Midi Ring: BaubleBar/ Necklace: Akira/ Sunglasses: Akira

A special thanks to my sister for her amazing photography skills and showcasing "winter white" done right.


xoxo

PS

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: Farro, Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Pomegranate Seeds

Last month I took a cooking class (crossing another thing off my 101 in 1001 list) at Sur La Table with Rachel from An Eventful Life and Monica from Caravan of Style.We had such a fun time creating tasty vegetarian dishes and this recipe for farro, kale and sweet potato salad with pomegranate seeds was a huge hit.


Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 pounds sweet potato (about 2), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup farro, rinsed and drained
2 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
2 cups warm water
1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 medium garlic clove, minced
4 ounces kale, preferably Tuscan, center stems removed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and position an oven rack in the center.

To roast sweet potato: In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons oil with sweet potato, salt and pepper and toss until well combined. Transfer the mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet, spreading evenly. Place the baking sheet into the oven to roast, stirring every 15 minutes, until fork tender, about 3 minutes.

To cook farro: In a medium saucepan, combine the farro, broth and water and place on the stove over a moderate-high heat. When the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the grains are tender, about 25 minutes. Using a colander, drain to remove excess water and transfer to a large bowl. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Allow to cool.

To cook kale: In a large nonstick skillet, add the remaining oil and when shimmering, add the onion and cook until translucent, about 6 minutes. Add he garlic and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds. Add the kale and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice and transfer the kale to the bowl with farro and toss until well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

To serve: Arrange the farro salad onto a large platter, place the cooked sweet potato on the top and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds. Serve.

xoxo

PS

Monday, December 9, 2013

What I'm Reading Now: An Eventful Life

I'm back to regular programming on Project Soiree and featuring Rachel from An Eventful Life today. An Eventful Life is a must-read for Chicago ladies who love experiencing all the fun things Chicago has to offer from shopping the Styleliner Igloo at NoMI to a trip to the Doughnut Vault. Don't miss out on An Eventful Life!

 

Get to know Rachel:

1. What are you currently reading?
I just finished The Husband's Secret and I'm about to start The Book Thief. There is also a huge stack of magazines on my coffee table I need to get to.

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
For dining out, right now I can't get enough of Rustic House. This Baked Croissant Cinnamon French Toast is my go to when I'm having friends over for brunch. 

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
Meeting so many great women in Chicago that I would have never met without my blog! I love how friendly and welcoming the blogging community is and being a part of it has opened the door to some new and exciting experiences. I also love having an outlet outside my day job that challenges me creatively. 

4. Five things on your wish list?
  1. Sparkly Jack Rogers
  2. A new pair of riding boots
  3. A classic weekender tote
  4. Monogrammed stationary
  5. A fabulous vacation!
5. Favorite quote?
"Sequins are appropriate no matter the occasion." - Taylor Sterling


xoxo

PS

Friday, December 6, 2013

Happy Friday + Links

Image Found Here


Party Favors:
Tips for cleaning your kitchen less often
25 habits to break by age 25
Chicago map of stereotypes 
The time you have in jellybeans
How to feel better and become better 


xoxo

PS

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Fab 5: Chicago's December Check List

1. Eataly
Eataly has finally arrived in Chicago! My friend described Eataly as the Ikea of Italian food which is a pretty accurate description since they have just about everything Italian you could ever want or need. Head upstairs and grab a glass of wine at the Vino Libero and enjoy some authentic pizza or pasta at La Pizza & La Pasta. Before you head out be sure to visit the famous Nutella bar or grab a bite of gelato from Il Gelato.


2. Nico Osteria 
Nico Osteria recently opened in the newly renovated Thompson Hotel and it's been getting a lot of buzz. After reading this review from Cedar and Rush about the fabulous food and atmosphere I'm quickly making a reservation.


3. Styleliner Holiday Igloo at NoMI
Who doesn't enjoy shopping in an igloo? Head over to NoMI in the Park Hyatt to shop this mobile boutique featuring luxury finds from around the world such as signature jewelry and scarves from Paris. The Styleliner Igloo will be open daily from 1pm-8pm and 11am-7pm on the weekends.


4. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
The ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo is a classic tradition in Chicago to visit with family, friends or a date. The lights will shine Friday–Sunday until December 13, at which point the lights be on nightly (except December 24 and 25) until January 5 (best of all this is FREE).


5. Christkindlmarket Chicago
The Christkindlmarket is the perfect place to take family visiting from out-of-town to see the sights downtown and stop to enjoy a savory crepe, roasted nuts and a German beer. You can find the market in the Daley Plaza daily Sun - Thu 11am - 8pm and Fri - Sat 11am - 9p.


xoxo

PS

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: Local Loves


Elizabeth Mayville Top Knot 5x7 Print
 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Membership
Koval Distillery Whiskey
Erin Gallagher Engraved Initial Bracelet
Tru Blooms Chicago Perfume
 Everpurse "Untitled" Leather Charging Clutch
 Leland Gal Mani-Tote
 Vosges Chocolate Holiday Truffle Collection
Cherry Republic Cherry Jam
SweatyWisdom Pack of 4 All Occasion Flat Notecards
Goldplaited Makeup Application & Blowout
 Carol Roeda Studio Heart Magnets


xoxo

PS

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: Under $25


Drybar The VIP Pack
 Target Nate Berkus Aluminum Enameled Decorative Box
H&M Cashmere Hat
Crate & Barrel Orb Copper Shaker
 Mane Message The Verna Package 5 Hair Ties
 Essie Razzle Dazzle Gift Set
 J.Crew Crane & Co. Merci Card Set
 Target Limited Edition Stripe Clutch
Starbucks Alice + Olivia Double Wall Ceramic Mug
Madewell Shimmerstone Studs
 BaubleBar Tiny Triad Ring
Biscuit Extra Small Tray
Target Threshold Six Bottle Wine Rack
C.Wonder Small Nylon Pouch
Amanda Catherine Designs Gentle Reminders Pencils


xoxo

PS

Monday, December 2, 2013

Holiday Gift Guide: Tech Lovers


Logitech UE Mobile Boombox
MICHAEL Michael Kors Tech Gloves
Apple iPad Air
 Tory Burch Mouse Pad
Triple C Amplifier Egg for iPhone
Samsung Galaxy Gear Smart Watch
 Frends Layla Leather and Rose Gold-Tone Headphones
 Kate Spade Your Pad or Mine iPad Folio
 Kate Spade 24 Hours USB
 Jawbone Up
 Triple C Universal Charger
MadeByGirl iPhone Case


xoxo

PS
 
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