A Soiree in Paris

I'm back from Paris! The trip was everything I dreamed (and more), but was honestly the perfect way to celebrate my 30th birthday. So what was my favorite thing? Read on for a little recap of my soiree in Paris. 

Current Favorites: Packing for Paris

Let the countdown begin! My trip to Paris is just around the corner so I'm busy planning and thinking about what I should pack (the hardest part). I'm sticking to neutrals that I can mix and match, comfortable shoes and an umbrella for the rainy afternoons. Do you have any packing tips?

5 Things I Learned On Vacation

I'm back! After a week in northern Michigan hiking, kayaking, wine tasting and spending time with family I'm feeling rested and ready to jump back in the blogging game. I'll fill you in on some highlights from the week, but I wanted to share a five things I learned from a week away.

Weekly Pick: 101 in 1001 Update

My vacation in northern Michigan was definitely relaxing, but I was also busy crossing off items from my 101 in 1001 list. It feels awesome to accomplish these goals, and I really want to thank my family and friends who continually support me in making these dreams a reality.

1. Parasailing in Traverse City (A huge thank you to my sister Kelli for braving this with me and making it a memorable experience)

2. Drive-in move at the Cherry Bowl 

3. Learning the alphabet in sign language

4. Harry Potter (a work in progress)

5. Paddleboarding Little Glen Lake

Also, as part of my 101 in 1001 list to "give back" each month I ran the Dune Dash 4 mile race where all proceeds benefit the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.

The winners of the Black Sheep Emporium vintage flatware giveaway are Ani and Lisa Newman! I'll be emailing you later today to get your address. Thank you to Black Sheep Emporium and everyone who entered the giveaway.

xoxo

PS

Tasty Tuesday: Northern Michigan Favorites

I always look forward to the month of August to spend a week relaxing with family in Glen Arbor. We've created countless memories and traditions that have kept us coming back year after year for all things cherry, breathtaking sunsets and sand beneath our toes on Sleeping Bear Dunes. Below are a few things of my favorite things I couldn't keep my hands off of while traveling around northern Michigan.

1. Cherry Republic is an essential stop for lunch, a quick snack from the bakery or some wine tasting. During the week we couldn't get enough Coconut Boomchunkas or Cherry Ginger Ale.
2. Northern Michigan is known for their amazing 40+ vineyards and I think it's safe to say we've now visited each one. My absolute favorites (in no particular order) are Shady Lane Cellars, Boathouse Vineyards, Black Star Farms, Leelanau Cellars, and L. Mawby.
3. Every summer vacation must include ice cream right? We love walking to the Pine Cone for a little treat and during this trip we were all swooning over Ashby's Eskimo Kisses. It doesn't get much better than coconut ice cream with chocolate truffles and fudge.
4. While driving around to a few vineyards we happened to find a stand on the side of the road selling local honey. I can't wait to serve this Bingham Bee's clover honey with an artisan cheese plate.
5. The Trader Joe's Toasted Coconut Cookie Thins are my latest obsession. Put these together to make s'mores and you won't remember what a graham cracker is.
6. We took a little drive to Northport and stumbled on a farm stand selling White Chocolate Popcorn. Since it was featured in Martha Stewart Living we couldn't say no.
7. If you're boating on Torch Lake Dockside restaurant is the place to be.
8. I wish every Monday morning could include skipping stones in Lake Michigan with champagne in party cups.
9. The best part about vacation is spending time doing something out of the ordinary. Starting the day with a coffee by the lake was a highlight.

xoxo

PS

I'm Back!

Waking up to an alarm this morning was rough (to say the least), but thankfully my Starbucks barista didn't forget my usual. After a week in northern Michigan with no access to Starbucks, barely any cell service, and no blaring horns or sirens I'm trying to adjust to "city" life again. Last week was filled with sunbathing on the dock of Little Glen Lake, listening to Lord Huron and Ben Howard, checking a handful of things off my 101 in 1001 list, wine tasting at some of my favorite vineyards, and driving around endless lakes with spectacular views.

A vacation that involved relaxation, new experiences, and family was just what I needed to return to the city feeling refreshed and ready to conquer some new projects in the works. A huge thank you again to my guest bloggers A Foreign Land, Caravan of Style, Black Sheep Emporium, Cedar and Rush and OHMYDALIA for posting while I was busy getting a tan and sipping some Michigan wine. I'll be posting a recap of some highlights from my vacation this week so stay tuned!

Image found here

xoxo

PS

Happy Friday + Links + Vacation

I'm off to northern Michigan today! The plan is to go kayaking, wine tasting, horseback riding, parasailing, paddleboarding, climb Sleeping Bear Dunes, eat a few s'mores and indulge in a some of our favorite smoked fish from Leland. My goal is to check off a handful of items from my 101 in 1001 list so make sure you follow along with my "Pure Michigan" adventure on Instagram and Facebook.

I didn't want the party to end while I was gone so I've lined up some pretty amazing guest bloggers to keep you entertained on Project Soiree next week. Trust me you're going to love these posts!

Image found here

Party Favors:

When I walk into a bar and realize I'm in Wrigleyville

What your paint color says about you

I know it's only August but I'm obsessed with these Kate Spade 2014 agendas

Today's version of a message in a bottle

70 little ways you can tell that someone loves you

xoxo

PS

My Holiday Weekend

I'm back! After an amazing extra long weekend in Grand Rapids/Northern Michigan it feels great to be back in Chicago. Here's a little recap of how I spent the holiday weekend.

1. My sister and I coordinated in red, white and blue for a 4th of July parade filled with endless Tootsie Rolls.
2. I celebrated 'Merica with PBR (obviously).
3. The highlight of the 4th was my mom's famous blueberry pie (recipe here).
4. Stay tuned for a new outfit post on the blog next week featuring these new metallic pointy toe flats.
5. I spent a day in Northern Michigan wine tasting at some of my favorite vineyards including the M22 shop in Glen Arbor.
6. The Joy boat in Leland has always been a personal favorite.
7. We enjoyed this view with a picnic of smoked fish from Carlson's Fish Market.
8. Since it was Cherry Festival in Traverse City we had to pick up some cherries from a road side stand.

xoxo

PS

It's Time for a Little R&R

It's time for a much needed r&r holiday week to get inspired and just take a break from the usual routine. I'm looking forward to spending some time with friends and family in Michigan to rejuvenate and enjoy the sun and sand. I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July and see you next week!

If you miss me here on the blog you can keep up with my adventures this week in Chicago/Grand Rapids/Northern Michigan on Facebook and Instagram. You'll probably see a few behind the scenes outfit posts, wine tasting at some beautiful vineyards, Lake Michigan (of course), and me attempting to cross a couple things off this 101 in 1001 list.

FYI you can find a new painting in the Etsy shop today! I'm working on a few more pieces that will be available later this month so stay tuned.

And get excited for some fun giveaways this month, outfit posts and more recipes here on Project Soiree. My editorial calendar is pretty amazing this month (if I do say so myself).

xoxo

PS

Fab 5: Life Lately - According to My Instagram Photos

1. A night on the town in my favorite H&M skirt and new belt. Attempting to wear this skirt in the Windy City is quite a risk (lesson learned), but totally worth it.

2. Celebrating my sister's birthday in Milwaukee with a trip to the Pabst Brewery was the perfect way to toast turning 25 and cross off an item from my 101 in 1001 list. If we go back (because once just wasn't enough) this is where we plan on staying.

3. Seeing Lord Huron at Taste of Randolph was a dream come true. 

4. Outdoor movies at Lincoln Park Zoo are the best when Cheeky Chicago is involved and Clueless is playing. 

5. There isn't anything better than summer in Chicago. Although I wouldn't recommend kayaking the Chicago river...

You can follow my adventures on Instagram here

xoxo

PS

Weekend Wrap Up

Wine tasting at 2 Lads Winery & Peninsula Cellars

A road trip with Leland and a trip to Spoonlickers for Turkish Coffee flavored frozen yogurt

Listening to "Bella Notte" while eating pasta at Mangiamo!

xoxo

PS