Friday, January 31, 2014

Happy Friday + Links

Image Found Here


Party Favors:
Fun pom pom cupcakes for the Super Bowl 
Yummy football food recipes
How to be powerful, likable, and female: Learn from Jenna Lyons
National flags made from each country's traditional foods
This brother's love for his sister is incredible


Also...
Today is the last day to save 15% on your $10 Lalligag order with code ProjectSoiree
February's Spotify playlist 


xoxo

PS

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Fab 5: Etsy Finds


Add an unexpected twist to your outfit with a Catcher in the Rye book clutch.
If you love stationary you'll love a Ginger Mail subscription that delivers a variety of greeting cards and stationary every 6 weeks.
These polka dots are the perfect addition to any wall in your apartment.
Start your morning off right with this Sweaty Wisdom coffee mug.
I'm slightly obsessed with this dot clutch made in a family owned French workshop.


xoxo

PS

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Weekly Pick: Chicago State of Mind

Despite Chiberia returning I'm still in a Chicago state of mind. I'm currently loving the trend of mixing casual pieces with dressy pieces to create a unique look. Taking a sweatshirt and paring it with a lace cut-out skirt and studded boots is the perfect outfit for spring.

 
 
 
 
 
Sweatshirt: Urban Outfitters/ Skirt: H&M/ Boots: Nordstrom (similar)/ Hat: H&M (similar)/ Necklace: Vintage/ Ring: Akira/ Bracelet: J.Crew/ Sunglasses: Akira


xoxo

PS

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: Grass Fed

If you haven't heard it's Chicago Restaurant Week now until February 6. What I love about restaurant week is the opportunity to try a new restaurant with a prix fixe menu starting at $22 for lunch and $33 and/or $44 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). It's a great excuse to venture out to a new neighborhood in Chicago and taste some amazing food.

Last weekend I experienced restaurant week at Grass Fed in Bucktown. I had heard amazing things about their brunch (specifically their chicken and waffles), but I was thrilled to try the prix fixe dinner menu for restaurant week.


I should start by saying the ambiance of Grass Fed is extremely inviting with white-washed walls and shelves lined with topiaries. After ordering a glass of Cabernet I started with the simple salad with organic greens, pears, blue cheese and a creamy balsamic dressing. This salad was the perfect start to the night with the refreshing pears and delicious dressing that didn't over power the salad. 

 

For the second course I ordered the sea scallops with dirty rice and a roasted red pepper sauce. I'm a huge fan of scallops and paired with this amazing roasted red pepper sauce it was a home run dish.

 

And last (but certainly not least) we enjoyed the warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and ganache. Since I'm slightly obsessed with chocolate this cake was definitely a highlight of the night.


I was really impressed with the delicious food and excellent service (shout out to our amazing waiter) at Grass Fed. I'm definitely coming back soon to try their brunch menu.

xoxo

PS

Monday, January 27, 2014

Fashion Report: Grammys 2014

The Grammys were in full swing last night with some of the hottest musicians hitting the red carpet. What I love about the Grammys is the opportunity for stars to take a little risk with their style and bring some edge to the red carpet. Unfortunately there weren't many risk takers (where were you Miley, Rihanna and Lady Gaga?) but here are my top five looks from the night. 

  
Best Dressed: Ciara in Emilio Pucci
Ciara looked absolutely amazing in this gold beaded Emilio Pucci v-neck gown that highlighted her adorable baby bump. The fit of this dress and the shimmering beads was simply stunning.


Best Statement Dress: Katy Perry in Valentino Haute Couture 
Katy Perry rocked this couture Valentino dress that was totally appropriate for the Grammys. I'm not a huge fan of her high bun, but the dress hit a musical fashion high note on the red carpet.


Best Newcomer: Kacey Musgraves in Armani Prive
 Kacey Musgraves made her Grammys debut in a stunning glittery pink Armani Prive gown. The dress slightly resembled a wedding gown but I think the look really worked for her. From the hair to the makeup and minimal accessories it was a red carpet hit.


Most Improved: Giuliana Rancic in Alex Perry
I'm usually not a fan of Giuliana's red carpet looks (yawn) so when I saw her in this beautiful orange Alex Perry gown I had to give her a mention. The sheer embroidered elements along with the halter top are on trend for spring and she honestly looked fabulous. Way to go G!  


Hottest Couple: Chrissy Teigen & John Legend in Johanna Johnson and Gucci
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend got my vote for the hottest couple last night. Chrissy's sparkly Johanna Johnson gown and trendy side braid was the perfect choice for the Grammys.

Images Found Here


xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: The View From 5 ft. 2

I may not be 5 ft. 2 but I'm in love with Christine's style on her blog The View From 5 ft. 2. Christine keeps her style fresh but always seems to add a fun unexpected twist to her outfits such as wearing a sweater backwards (brilliant). I'm also inspired by her creative DIY projects and her Chicago recommendations. Don't miss out on The View From 5 ft. 2!    
 

Get to know Christine:

1. What are you currently reading?
A lotttt of blogs :). I don't find myself with much time to read, but I love listening to music. I am loving Beyonce's new song "XO"!

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
Bavette's Bar and Bouef or GT Fish and Oyster.

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
Getting to meet awesome people who are interested in the same thing as me! I've met so many amazing men and women through my blog and I'm so thankful for that.

4. Five things on your wish list
  1. Oxblood sneakers
  2. Balenciaga Giant 12 bag
  3. Cognac riding boots
  4. A really good panama hat
  5. White marble serving tray
5. Favorite quote?
"The best is yet to come."


xoxo

PS

Friday, January 24, 2014

Happy Friday + Links

Image Found Here


Party Favors:
A Bath & Body Works candle that supposedly smells like Lake Shore Drive? 
I love this article on the Art of Presence
Did you hear Sarah Jessica Parker is designing cards for Hallmark?
A peek inside Kourtney Kardashian's home (Penelope's room is adorable)
My typical phrase for the weekend

Also....
If you're interested in winning a Celfie T-Shirt (seen here) check out WhatRUWearing and upload your selfie!
Thanks Erin for including me in your F I V E F A V E S post
Don't forget you can still get 15% off your $10 Lalligag order until the end of January with code ProjectSoiree
Chicago Restaurant Week starts today! I'm super excited to check out Grass Fed tomorrow.


xoxo

PS

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Fab 5: Finds Under $25


This Ban.do Bestie Bobbi Set would be perfect for Valentine's Day (or any day) - $12
Say "Thank You" in style with this J.Crew Sugar Paper Letterpress Thanks Note Set - $22
I'm in love with this H&M Keyring- $3.95
As a painter this Furbish Paintbrush Notepad would be so cute on my desk - $15
I'm dreaming pool days in this Target Colorblock Swim Top - $16


xoxo

PS

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Weekly Pick: Springing for Sheer

One of my favorite trends for Spring is sheer elements added to skirts and tops. I love how this skirt transforms the classic black pencil skirt into a fashion forward piece that works for day or night. Paired with a fur snood, leather baseball cap and a boyfriend sweater this outfit is ideal for transitioning from winter to spring.  
 
 
 
 
 
Sweater: J.Crew/ Skirt: H&M/ Heels: Target/ Baseball Cap: Target/ Fur Snood: H&M/ Sunglasses: Ray-Bans / Clutch: H&M/ Necklace: Blacklamb

The winner of the Lalligag headband is Kathrine Rugge! Thank you to everyone that entered.

xoxo

PS

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: Baked French Toast

You all know Sunday brunch is the highlight of my weekend so today I'm sharing my Grandma's recipe for Baked French Toast. What I love about this recipe is you can make it ahead of time (just cover with tin foil and put the dish in the refrigerator overnight) but it's also easy to make in the morning. The brown sugar and cinnamon crust is the best part about this french toast paired with a little maple syrup or powdered sugar.


Ingredients:
1 loaf french bread
1 cup milk
3 eggs beaten
1/4 cup butter (melted)
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon


Directions:
Cut bread into 1 or 1/2 inch slices and set aside. Combine the milk and beaten eggs and dip the individual bread slices into the mixture. While the bread is soaking, melt the butter in a 9x13 glass baking dish. Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the melted butter. Place the soaked bread slices in the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.



xoxo

PS

Monday, January 20, 2014

Fashion Report: SAG Awards 2014

If you missed the SAG Awards last Saturday you didn't miss much. There were a lot of just "meh" dresses on the red carpet, but I've rounded up a few of my favorites from the night.


Best Dressed: Jennifer Lawrence in Dior
Jennifer looked stunning in this sequined Dior gown that fit her perfectly and was age appropriate. After her epic fail of a dress to the Golden Globes I'm giving this sleek dress an A+. 


Best Statement Dress: Lupita Nyong'o in Gucci
Lupita Nyong'o is really making a fashion statement on the red carpet this award season. She was my best dressed pick at the Golden Globes, and this turquoise silk crepe Gucci gown with floral embroidered straps is stunning. 


Favorite Strapless Dress: Sandra Bullock in Lanvin
Sandra Bullock was radient in this strapless iridescent green Lanvin dress. I loved the color, the bow and her minimal accessories that let the dress take center stage.


Biggest Risk Taker: Kerry Washington in Prada
You all know I'm a huge fan of crop tops so when I saw pregnant Kerry Washington rock a crop top on the red carpet I just had to give her a mention. Bravo Kerry for taking a risk. 


Best Accessory: Anna Gunn in Monique Lhuillier and Edie Parker clutch
Anna Gunn looked fabulous in this navy blue Monique Luhillier gown but that periodic table clutch was the best fashion accessory for this Breaking Bad star. 

Images Found Here


xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: The Kittchen

I'm so excited to introduce you to Kit and her blog The Kittchen today. What I love about The Kittchen is the wide variety of recipes that are practical for those who are beginners or advanced in the kitchen. Kit is also the author of The Gourmet Grilled Cheese Cookbook which features 20 recipes that transform the sandwich into an amazing gourmet meal (brilliant idea). Kit is such an inspirational business woman, and if you live in Chicago be sure to check out Kit's involvement with the Windy City Blogger Collective and The Second City Food Wine + Social Club



Get to know Kit:

1. What are you currently reading?
Embarrassingly, I don't have time to read books anymore. I used to commute from River North to Evanston, so for years I would read about a book a week. I do read Cooking Light and Food & Wine magazines.

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
As a foodie, this is a really difficult question to answer. My most popular recipe among my friends Whiskey Caramel Chocolate Cake, it combines a rich chocolate cake with a whiskey whipped cream frosting and caramel sauce. My favorite restaurant is a tie between Bavette's and Davanti Enoteca on Taylor Street.

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
All of the friends I have met! Everyone in the Chicago blogging community is so incredibly supportive of each other. When I was writing The Gourmet Grilled Cheese Cookbook people I had met twice were offering to help with the editing - and they followed through with their offer. It is a wonderful community, and I only see it getting better now that Windy City Blogger Collective has launched.

4. Five things on your wish list
  1. A great pair of black heels that are comfortable enough to wear all night, that don't break the bank (suggestions welcome!). I am not sure these exist.
  2. Cheese and Chocolate! I am one week into a six week challenge at my gym and I am on a strict Paleo Diet - which means I can't have cheese or chocolate, which are two of my favorite foods. It's hard, but I am losing those pounds I gained over the holidays.
  3. Plane tickets to somewhere warm. It's supposed to get really cold in Chicago this week, and escaping to somewhere warm seems like a good idea.
  4. More time in my day! I generally don't get to bed until 1am. I love all of the projects that I am involved with, and want to give them my all, which means my time is limited.
  5. An intern - that might help me with #4. I have The Kittchen, Windy City Blogger Collective, The Second City Food Wine + Social Club, and a full time job. Having someone to help me would be amazing!
5. Favorite quote?
"If you work really hard, and you're kind, amazing things will happen." - Conan O'Brien

Conan said during his last taping of The Tonight Show. I was unemployed at the time, and even one of my idols, Conan, had just lost his job too. Somehow that was comforting to me at the time, that I wasn't in it alone. I have taken Conan's words to heart, and I have been working really hard and doing my best to be kind. I must say some pretty amazing things are happening.

xoxo

PS

Friday, January 17, 2014

Happy Friday + Links

Image Found Here

Party Favors:
The psychology behind The Bachelor
A fun DIY inspiration board
12 foods totally transformed with a waffle iron
 Apparently I should live in New York 
I love this tattoo

Also...
Congrats to the Windy City Blogger Collective on your launch this week!
Have you entered to win a Lalligag twisted headband?


xoxo

PS

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Fab 5: Gallery Wall Prints

My gallery wall needs a new addition so I've rounded up some of my favorite prints that I've had my eye on. It's difficult to decide on just one so I need your help...which one should I include in my gallery wall?



The Everygirl Faith Will Get You Everywhere
Cin Cin! Cheers to Another
Note to Self Bubbly Art Print
Charm and Gumption What Would Beyonce Do?
The Smitten Collection Chicago Love Print


xoxo

PS

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Giveaway & Weekly Pick: Lalligag

I'm thrilled to feature Lalligag's twisted headband in today's outfit post! With the extreme cold temperatures in Michigan this headband was a lifesaver. As a Midwest girl I'm used to the chilly winter months that require being bundled from head to toe in outerwear, but keeping a fun sense of style can be difficult. What I love about Lalligag's products is you can stay warm and stylish at the same time (the perfect combo). You might recall seeing her scarf in a previous outfit post and it's still one of my go-to items during winter.

Lalligag is offering Project Soiree readers a special discount of 15% off your order of $10 or more with code ProjectSoiree until the end of January and a giveaway of the twisted headband I'm wearing below. Scroll down for details on how to enter the giveaway and check back next week Wednesday (January 22) to see if you won.

 
 
 
 
Headband: Lalligag/ T-Shirt: Gap/ Moto Jacket: Urban Outfitters/ Jeans: Gap/ Boots: Nordstrom (similar Steve Madden)/ Necklace: Vintage/ Ring: H&M/ Sunglasses: Akira

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xoxo

PS 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: Bow Tie Pasta with Mushrooms and Gruyere Cheese

My sister Kelli recently started a blog Save Big. Eat Well. where she shares daily tips to help you save money at the grocery store and eat well. Today Kelli is sharing one of her go-to recipes for Bow Tie Pasta with Mushrooms and Gruyere Cheese and I can't wait to try this easy weeknight meal.

One of my favorite things for dinner is al dente pasta with sauteed mushrooms.  It tastes so fresh and is also so easy to make.  When I first made this recipe for Bow Tie Pasta with Mushrooms and Gruyere Cheese I knew I had a winner.  This meal has been made countless other times in our family and it is always a favorite.

 Image Found Here
Here's what you'll need:

12 oz Bow Tie pasta
1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 of a white onion
16 oz mushrooms (I use organic mini bellas)
1/2 Tbs of garlic
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable broth
3/4 original greek yogurt 
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
Nutmeg to taste
Fresh parsley to garnish on top

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.  (I love my pasta super al dente so I usually cook my about a minute less than what the box recommends.)  Drain.

2. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add chopped onions and season with salt and pepper.  Cook onions until golden and caramelized.  Add mushrooms and garlic.  Cook mushrooms until liquid evaporates and mushrooms are tender (about 12 minutes).  Add vegetable broth, cook about 5 minutes or until the liquid evaporates, stir occasionally.  Add the greek yogurt and stir until combined.  Add cooked pasta, Gruyere cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper taste.  Toss gently to coat, allowing enough time for the cheese to melt.  Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately.

I hope you enjoy!

xoxo

PS

Monday, January 13, 2014

Fashion Report: Golden Globes 2014

The Golden Globes kicked off award season last night with a fashion packed red carpet. There were so many amazing dresses and also quite a few "what were you thinking" dresses on the carpet. Below are my top five looks from the evening.


Best Dressed: Lupita Nyong'o in Ralph Lauren
Lupita looked absolutely amazing in this red Ralph Lauren gown complete with a stylish cape. The color was perfect against the red carpet and the cut of the dress was perfection.


Favorite Newcomer: Margot Robbie in Gucci
Margot made her red carpet debut in a stunning Gucci dress last night. The fit of the dress and exquisite gemstone detail was just beautiful.  


Biggest Risk Taker: Emma Watson in Dior Haute Couture 
Emma Watson rocked this Dior Haute Couture red crepe dress paired with navy blue cigarette pants. With the open back this dress/pants combo delivered business in the front and party in the back.


Best in Black: Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive 
Black dresses are a classic on the red carpet but last night Cate Blanchett won my pick for best in black with this lace and tulle Armani Prive gown. The sheer lace detail and high neckline looked fabulous on the red carpet. 


Best Bump: Olivia Wilde in Gucci
There were quite a few baby bumps on the red carpet (Kerry Washington and Drew Barrymore) but Olivia Wilde was a standout in this emerald green Gucci dress.

Images Found Here


xoxo

PS

What I'm Reading Now: The Garden Apt.

Today I'm thrilled to introduce you to Lindsay from The Garden Apt. as part of my "What I'm Reading Now" series. What I love about The Garden Apt. is Lindsay's focus on sustainability and smart design concepts in fashion, interior design, and life. Her blog is truly inspiring for leading a stylish yet self-sufficient lifestyle that can help reduce the harsh impact on our environment. Way to go Lindsay!

Get to know Lindsay:

1. What are you currently reading?
I just started The World Without Us by Alan Weisman as part of a featured reads I'm doing with The Garden Apt. The books is based off of his article "Earth Without People" and outlines what would happen to the natural environment if we were gone. I also just finished The Golem & The Jinni by Helene Wecker (recommended by Monica of Caravan of Style) and You Know Everybody! by Marcy Twete (recommended by Erin of Loop Looks).

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
My favorite food is kale. I think its 15-seconds of fame is done, and brussels sprouts and beets are currently having a moment. As for restaurants, I just went to Takashi for NYE, and I was blown away with flavor and service.

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
My favorite thing about blogging is all the great people I've met. The blogging community is so friendly and welcoming, but at the same time very driven. I've enjoyed and been inspired by all the highly motivated people I've met.

4. Five things on your wish list
  1. Cursive Design's Supermoon necklace (Chicago-based designer)
  2. Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag in Antico 
  3. The ability to gain knowledge like in Matrix movies
  4. All of these Loeffler Randall Shoes - Henry Stacked Heel SandalMilla Scallop FlatFitz Chelsea Boot, and Beatriz Lace-up Creeper (what a great name for a shoe!)
  5. 27-inch iMac for work
5. Favorite quote?
"We tell ourselves stories in order to live" by Joan Didion in the White Album (my favorite book).

xoxo

PS
 
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