Friday, October 31, 2014

Happy Friday + Links

Project Soiree, Quote, Leo Buscaglia

2. Need a last minute Halloween costume? These last minute Halloween ideas are perfect
3. How adorable is the GapKids x Kate Spade collaboration?!
4. Have you checked out the new ELLE Runway Collection at Kohl's? These heels are on my wish list. 
5. I'm dying to try this Easy Roasted Tomato Soup recipe from Sequins & Stripes
6. I'm totally doing this Trick or Treat Frozen Drinking Game
7. I've had Taylor Swift's 1989 album on repeat all week (LOVE)
8. Smart tips for decorating on a budget

Also:
Thank you Adrian James for including me in your Friday Five
Proud to be named one of the top food critics and bloggers in Chicago by Restaurant Discount Warehouse

Around Town:
Join Laurie from 312 Beauty at Diptyque on November 4 from 5-7pm

A few things you may have missed...
What I'm Reading Now: 2 Girls In 2 Cities
Tasty Tuesday: Iced Pumpkin Cookies
Weekly Pick: Stepping Into Fall
Fab 5: Things I Currently Love

xoxo

PS

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Fab 5: Things I Currently Love

Project Soiree, Fab 5, Things I Currently Love

1. I recently broke my iPhone case so this sparkly DANNIJO case would be a perfect replacement.
2. Since I'm loving neutrals for Fall/Winter these Sole Society heels were a great buy.
3. I've been searching for the ideal black tote and I think this Rebecca Minkoff Avery tote is just what I need.
4. Many of you reading this will be shocked to learn I lost my Ray-Ban sunglasses...replacing them ASAP with these Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses.
5. I tried Flywheel Sports this week in Old Town and now I'm hooked. Such a fun workout! 

xoxo

PS

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Weekly Pick: Stepping Into Fall

Last weekend I took a little trip to a pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkins for Halloween. The thought of buying a pumpkin from the grocery store just didn't seem right so we took a Sunday drive to the country in search of pumpkins. With the crisp Fall air, bright red barn and huge selection of pumpkins it was also an ideal setting to wear my favorite oxblood colored heels from GILT.

Believe it or not this post marks 1,000 posts on Project Soiree today. I really want to thank you for continuing to read Project Soiree and supporting me along this journey. I couldn't celebrate this milestone without you, and I truly value your comments and encouragement each day. Cheers!

Project Soiree, Stepping Into Fall, Fashion
Project Soiree, Stepping Into Fall

Did you see our pumpkin carving masterpieces? Check them out here

Weekly Pick, Stepping Into Fall, Project Soiree
Project Soiree, Weekly Pick, Stepping Into Fall, Fashion
Stepping Into Fall, GILT, Project Soiree
Stepping Into Fall, Project Soiree, Fashion
Coat: Zara/ Sweater: J.Crew/ Jeans: Gap/ Jewelry: Vintage/ Bag: Old/ Boots: GILT c/o/ Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Photo Credit: Save Big. Eat Well.

xoxo

PS

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: Iced Pumpkin Cookies

With Halloween this week I've been craving all things pumpkin. These cake-like pumpkin spiced cookies with a simple buttercream icing are my latest obsession and definitely a must for your Halloween celebrations with the addition of some candy decorations or orange sprinkles. The best part is these cookies are extremely easy to make so you can spend more time perfecting your costume and less time in the kitchen. Happy Halloween!

Iced Pumpkin Cookies, Project Soiree

Iced Pumpkin Cookies (adapted from What Megan's Making)
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter (softened)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
In a medium bowl cream together the butter and sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients until just combined (don't over mix). Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly with a glass sprayed with cooking spray.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cookies are set and sides are just beginning to brown.
To Make Glaze: Mix together all ingredients in a small bowl. Add milk as needed, to make a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Project Soiree, Iced Pumpkin Cookies

xoxo
PS

Monday, October 27, 2014

What I'm Reading Now: 2 Girls In 2 Cities

I'm excited to feature Amanda and Jennie from 2 Girls in 2 Cities today! Amanda and Jennie lived together at the University of Dayton, and after graduation started their blog 2 Girls in 2 Cities as a way to keep in touch (such a great idea). With a shared interest in clothes, cooking, DIY projects and more you'll love keeping up with these girls.

2 Girls in 2 Cities Logo
2 Girls in 2 Cities, What I'm Reading Now, Project Soiree

Get to know Amanda and Jennie:

1. What are you currently reading?
A: "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life andBusiness." I'm not very far yet, but so far it's a really interesting look at habits - how they are formed, changed, and examples of how using knowledge of habits has influenced things like marketing campaigns and SuperBowl wins. 

J: "The Fault In Our Stars." Sarah let me borrow this book. I'm about halfway through the story and am still on the fence if I like it or not, but definitely want to finish the book to then see the movie. 

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant?
A: My mom's Chex Mix! I had to beg to get her secret recipe once I became an "adult," and I look forward to making it as soon as the weather turns cool each year. 

J: I love all things Crock-Pot, and am guessing I'll be doing a lot of cooking in mine this winter. I love it for unexpected recipes too, such as this slow cooker apple crisp I tried first last year. 

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
A: Getting to do it with Jennie! It's been a fun way to keep in touch, and it's been really great having someone to toss ideas around with - both blog and purchase related- and seeing how both of our styles have grown over the past 2.5 years. 

J: Definitely keeping my friendship going with Amanda, and as well as creating more friendships! Thanks to Amanda and other women I met in the blogger community, I always feel like I have someone to ask about as simple as "Should I buy this dress?" or for advice on bigger things. 

4. Five things on your wish list?

A:
  1. Those fancy gripper toe socks everyone has in barre classes
  2. A little black bag perfect for weekends (the Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair bag?)
  3. L.L. Bean boots for the winter
  4. The Kate Spade Taurus charm bracelet
  5. A nice, leather duffel bag that meets airline carry-on measurements
J:
  1. A black side sling purse for jaunts around the city
  2. An ear cuff
  3. A pair of "shorties
  4. A fedora that Amanda always makes look so good
  5. A trip to see my parents' new house in Florida
5. Favorite quote?
A: "I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls." (Audrey Hepburn). It's always a great reminder for me to do something that makes me happy every day - especially on the bad days. 

J: "Things happen that you never expect." My mom said this to me when I was exiting the car in a bad mood one day in high school, and I try to keep it in mind whenever it feels like things aren't going my way. Because maybe it's just the way it's supposed to go. 

xoxo

PS

Friday, October 24, 2014

Happy Friday + Links

Project Soiree, Quote, Oscar de la Renta
Project Soiree, Party Favors

1. These FIGI Jeans are on my wish list - perfect for Fall!
2. I'm obsessed with the latest Nate Berkus collection at Target
3. A Squared has some great options for happy hour in the Loop
4. Fall's top 10 nail colors ( I love Essie's Fall in Line)
5. A fabulous article on The Everygirl on Marketing Authenticity: When Branding Gets Personal
6. How fun are these ombre spiderweb pumpkins?!
7. Dying for a pair of these Stuart Weitzman flat boots
8. The story of Oreo (my favorite cookie)

Around Town:
Join Styled Therapy at STICH this Saturday from 4-6pm for some shopping and sipping
Head to Mad Style on October 30 at 7pm and join RD's Obsessions, Hallways Are My Runways and Gold Coast Girl for a fun night of fashion trends

A few things you may have missed...
What I'm Reading Now: Hallways Are My Runways

xoxo

PS

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Fab 5: Items Under $25

Project Soiree, Fab 5, Items Under $25

J.Crew ceramic jewelry box
C.Wonder fleur ikat folded notecards
The Atelier Bon Weekend tote
Old Navy pencil skirt
Dorothy Perkins felt fedora

xoxo

PS

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Weekly Pick: #layeryourluon at lululemon

Fact: Your sportswear is just as fashionable on the streets as it is in the gym. The sporty chic look is a hot trend right now so instead of reaching for your jeans say hello to your yoga pants. If you don't believe me check out these stylish pieces I found at lululemon in Lincoln Park that are perfect for incorporating into your everyday life.

Project Soiree Weekly Pick Lululemon

How about an athletic jumpsuit? The Flip Your Dog Onesie is not only comfortable for the yoga studio but perfect for walking around the city on the weekend. 

Weekly Pick Project Soiree Lululemon
Project Soiree Weekly Pick Lululemon
Project Soiree Weekly Pick Lululemon

The Sattva Pant ii look great when paired with my black slip on sneakers but they would also look amazing with classic black heels and a leather jacket for a night on the town. This fashion-forward sporty look is not only comfortable but completely on trend. 

Project Soiree Lululemon Outfit Post
Onesie / Pants / Jacket

Photo Credit: Eat Pray Photo
Thank you to the amazing team at lululemon in Lincoln Park!

xoxo

PS

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: Three-Bean Chili and Cornmeal Buttermilk Biscuits

It's officially chili season and this recipe for Three-Bean Chili is absolutely perfect for crisp Fall days. Although this chili is vegetarian I promise meat eaters won't even miss the meat. The variety of three types of beans gives this chili a hearty texture and fresh exceptional flavor. Pair this chili with homemade cornmeal buttermilk biscuits while you enjoy a football game in your cozy sweater and you're all set.

Project Soiree - Three Bean Chili

Three-Bean Chili (adapted from Cooking Light)
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup onion (chopped)
1/2 cup green bell pepper (chopped)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or minced garlic
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can garbanzo beans (rinsed and drained)
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can vegetable broth
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Sour cream
Avocado

Directions:
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic to pan and sauté for around 3 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup water and the next 9 ingredients (through the divide tomatoes) and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and summer for around 8 minutes.

Serve with cilantro, sour cream and diced avocado.

Cornmeal Buttermilk Biscuits

Cornmeal Buttermilk Biscuits (adapted from Food Network)
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour (plus more as needed)
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 heaping teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter - diced
3/4 cup buttermilk

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F and make sure the rack in the oven is in the center position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat.

In a large bowl whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of the butter in the flour mixture with your fingertips until it is completely incorporated. Work the remaining butter into the flour until it's in pea-size pieces. Gently incorporate the buttermilk to make a loose dough.

Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out of the bowl. Pat the dough into a 1/2 inch-thick rectangle and then fold the dough in thirds like a business letter (this makes the dough have flaky layers). Pat the dough into a 5 by 8-inch rectangle about 3/4 inch thick to make the biscuits. Use a 2-3-inch round cutter to make 6-10 biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Press the scraps together to form more biscuits.

Bake the biscuits until the tops are lightly browned about 13-15 minutes. Cool slightly on a rack and serve.

xoxo

PS

Monday, October 20, 2014

What I'm Reading Now: Hallways Are My Runways

Today I'm excited to introduce Peggy from Hallways Are My Runways! Peggy is a middle school Reading Specialist who launched Hallways Are My Runways in 2012 to showcase her unique style and eclectic style, fashion and photography. I love how she mixes high and low brands into her outfits and stellar fashion tips. Check out Hallways Are My Runways for some fun style inspiration!

Hallways Are My Runways Logo
Hallways Are My Runways

Get to know Peggy:

1. What are you currently reading?
I'm constantly reading at least three to five books between teaching (6-8 Reading) and for myself. I'm currently reading Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling. She's one of my favorite comedians and she is hilarious. And for school I read Stargirl - such a great message of individuality and reread The Giver which coincides with the seventh grade curriculum and one of my favorite books as well. 

2. Favorit recipe or restaurant?
One of my favorite restaurants is Big Star. It's close to my place and I could basically eat tacos everyday.

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging?
My favorite thing about blogging is having a space where I can express myself and share a bit of myself with others. I have also met a lot of other bloggers and have build great friendships.

4. Five things on your wish list?
  1. My family and friends to be happy and healthy.
  2. A trip to Melbourne to visit my younger sister and to meet my niece (debuting in November).
  3. Artwork for my gallery wall - I'm still decorating my apartment.
  4. A long and warm winter coat - I can't handle cold weather.
  5. A structued handbag for all my schoolwork. 
5. Favorite quote?
I've always said this quote ever since I was little, "You have to look good, to feel good, to do good." Being the best person you can be and doing good things for others is what's it's all about.

xoxo

PS

Friday, October 17, 2014

Happy Friday + Links

Project Soiree, Quote, Diane Keaton
Project Soiree Party Favors

1. Don't miss Jonathan Adler's Friends & Family Event where you can score 20% your entire purchase until Monday, October 20th with code FF2014
2. This Cha No Ka green tea macaron would pair perfectly with a glass of champagne!
3. 10 things you need to learn to start living the life of your dreams (I love #1)
4. Grown-up ways to enjoy our favorite childhood meals
5. Fun ways to spook up your space for Halloween
7. A recipe for homemade cracker jacks
8. I'm obsessed with these BaubleBar earrings

Also...
What's my favorite book? Find out on Lindsay Humes this week!

Around Town:
Gold Coast Girl and Hallways Are My Runways are hosting an event at Gap on Southport tonight at 6pm
Get ready for the Gilt City Warehouse Sale tonight and Saturday
Celebrate Envy Evanston's 1st Birthday today from 4-8pm
Run 10 Feed 10 this Sunday with Women's Health
Love Zahra is hosting an event at Zadig & Votaire on Wednesday, October 22 from 6-7:30pm
M Dot Design Studio has a pop-up shop at W Chicago Lakeshore on Wednesday, October 22 from 5-9pm

A few things you may have missed...
What I'm Reading Now: The F Bombs
Tasty Tuesday: Pumpkin Bran Muffins
Weekly Pick: How Bout Them Apples?

xoxo

PS

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Fab 5: Shopbop Friends & Family Sale Finds

Today is the last day to shop the Shopbop Friends & Family Sale and enjoy 25% off your purchase with code FAMILY25! I have five things currently in my cart including a cozy sweatshirt dress, black booties, a timeless tan tote, 2015 agenda and classic pearl earrings.  What's on your Shopbop wish list?
Fab 5, Shopbop, Friends & Family Sale

1. Clu pleated sweatshirt dress
2. Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote 
3. Sam Edelman Chester chain booties
4. Kate Spade 17 month agenda
5. Ariel Gordon pearl jacket stud earrings

xoxo

PS

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Weekly Pick: How Bout Them Apples?

A Sunday afternoon at Robinette's in Grand Rapids is a must during the Fall season. A pumpkin cinnamon sugar donut, apple cider, wine tasting and a walk through the apple orchard is the perfect combination for a mild Fall afternoon. It was also an ideal setting for a little photo shoot showcasing some of my favorite items for fall including menswear loafers, leather and beaded top from the new Piperlime Collection.

Project Soiree Apple Orchard Outift
Project Soiree Outfit Post Apple Orchard
Project Soiree Outfit Post Apple Orchard
Apple Orchard Outfit Post, Project Soiree
Project Soiree Apple Orchard Outfit Post
Project Soiree Outfit Post Apple Orchard

Also, how adorable is my sister Kelli from Save.Big.Eat Well.? Clearly the apple doesn't fall far from the tree with her sense of style. 

Save Big. Eat Well.
Project Soiree, Save Big. Eat Well.
Project Soiree Outfit Post, Fall Fashion
Top: Piperlime Collection c/o / Jacket: Urban Outfitters/ Jeans: Gap/ Loafers: GoJane.com/ Hat: H&M/ Sunglasses: Ray-Ban/ Bag: Old

Shop The Post:


xoxo

PS

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: Pumpkin Bran Muffins

Last week I was craving a Pumpkin Muffin (I love this recipe) but I decided to try something a little different and found this recipe for Pumpkin Bran Muffins. These muffins are perfect for crisp Fall mornings with a cup of coffee and the addition of toasted coconut is the absolute best.

Pumpkin Bran Muffin Recpie

Pumpkin Bran Muffins (recipe adapted from Crazy For Crust)
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 cups bran cereal
1 1/4 cups fat-free milk
1 cup canned pumpkin
Shredded coconut

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners and spray with cooking spray (trust me muffins will stick if you don't spray them with cooking spray).

Place the bran cereal and milk in a large bowl. Let soak while you mix the dry ingredients.

Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and pumpkin pie spice in a separate bowl.

Add the pumpkin to the bran cereal and mix until combined. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Evenly divide the batter between the 12 muffin cups and top each muffin with shredded coconut.

Bake for 14-18 minutes (or until toothpick comes out clean)

Pumpkin Bran Muffin Recipe

xoxo

PS

Monday, October 13, 2014

What I'm Reading Now: The F Bombs

For everything fabulous, foxy and fun you need to read Brittany's blog The F Bombs.  The F Bombs is named after some of Brittany's favorite things including fashion, food and football (she's a huge Green Bay Packers fan). I love Brittany's sense of style, makeup tips and fun recommendations around Chicago!

The F Bombs Logo
The F Bombs

Get to know Brittany:

1. What are you currently reading?
I know I'm late to the party, but I'm currently reading "#GIRLBOSS."  I am absolutely inspired by this book. 

2. Favorite recipe or restaurant? 
I'm not the best chef in the world (Just ask my fiance!) so my favorite recipe is a super simple Grasshopper (this post I did WAY in the begginging of blogging and it's not really great but the recipe is still amazing!!). My favorite restaurant is a place my fiance and I just went for the first time last night and I haven't been able to write a post about it yet but it's called Coalfire and the pizza is INCREDIBLE!!  I highly recommend it if you are in the West Loop/Fulton Market area! 

3. What's your favorite thing about blogging? 
Oh goodness! There are so many things but I think my FAVORITE thing is the people you meet.  The blogger community in Chicago is so welcoming and wonderful and I really value the relationships I have made while blogging.  Chicago is the perfect city to blog in, if you ask me. :) 

4. Five things on your wish list? 
Five things?! Only five?! Haha! OK here we go: 
  1. Any blanket scarf out there
  2. Leather leggings (I have leather pants but I reallllly would love leggings as well) 
  3. GiGi New York Uber Clutch in Orange Pebble Grain
  4. Clare V Foldover Clutch in Leopard
  5. THE studded Valentino pumps (I mean, what girls doesn't want those, right?!
5. Favorite quote? 
"Eventually all the pieces fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moment, and know that everything happens for a reason." Because even though it sounds so cheesy, everything does happen for a reason and your life works out exactly how it's supposed to be. :) 

xoxo

PS

Friday, October 10, 2014

Happy Friday + Links

Happy Friday, Quote, Ralph Waldo Emerson
Project Soiree Party Favors

1. Visit Anthropologie and donate a sweater to receive $10 cozy card to be used on any full price apparel item.
2. 6 ways to create a chic sanctuary (I love #5)
3. Thrilled to see Arin from Heart of Chic on Tyra Banks website! 
4. Great tips for mixing metals like a pro
5. Questions to ask yourself every Friday (seriously amazing)
6. Stock up on CK underwear at Shopbop with 25% off until Monday, October 13
7. How to create a Halloween candy bar
8. Over-the-knee boots for every budget

Also...
Don't miss my feature on Leland Gal!

Around Town:
Head over to the Chop Shop in Wicker Park this weekend for The Wicker Collective featuring sixteen awesome boutiques.

A few things you may have missed...
What I'm Reading Now: Red Soles & Red Wine
Tasty Tuesday: LYFE Kitchen
Weekly Pick: Vested
Fab 5: Capes

xoxo

PS

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Fab 5: Capes

Channel your inner superhero and fly away with a stylish cape from Shopbop this Fall. Try a cape over your skirts or dresses for a sophisticated look or pair it with jeans and riding boots for a fashion forward casual outfit.
Fab 5, Project Soiree, Capes

xoxo

PS

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Weekly Pick: Vested

This sleeveless jacket/vest is my #1 favorite purchase for fall 2014. Why? This vest is the perfect piece for transitioning from summer to fall (and even in to winter) since it can be worn with a sleeveless top when it's warm or layered with a long sleeved shirt/sweater when it's cooler. I also love how this long vest adds some structure and sophistication to a casual look when paired with boyfriend jeans and statement heels.

Vest, Boyfriend Jeans, Heels
Bag, Fall Fashion
Vest, Boyfriend Jeans, Heels
Boyfriend Jeans, Heels
Vest, Boyfriend Jeans, Heels
Vest: H&M/ Jeans: Gap/ Tank: The Limited/ Heels: Sam Edelman/ Bag: Old/ Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Shop the Post:


Photo Credit: Color Me Styled

xoxo

PS
 
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