new series: leap of faith

Today I start a new series titled, Leap of Faith. I was feeling so inspired by people in the blogosphere, that I wanted to learn more. 

I'm your typical 20-something who is overly ambitious, and won't settle for anything less than fabulous. My post-grad career hasn't been quite what I expected yet, but I remain optimistic and know that through these crazy #postgradproblems (yes I just hashtagged a post), I WILL figure it out. 

My Pinterest boards are filled with words of wisdom, and I keep this quote on my desk as a daily reminder to never settle, and continue to dream big. One of my reasons for starting this blog was to find inspiration to keep me driven and optimistic while battling the 9-5(mostly 7pm) blues.

I start this series with Alex, from Things that Sparkle, who as you may know, was my neighbor growing up. We're four years a part, so we weren't close back in the day. However, this crazy blog world has allowed us to be good friends, and I was even her first e-design client. I'm so inspired by her ambition and courage, that I wanted to dive a little deeper. She took this leap of faith not too long ago, and has never looked back. 

Hi all, I am Alex from Things That Sparkle and I am so honored that Julia asked me to be a part of this exciting new series.

What did you major in college/what was your first job out of college? 

I majored in Communication at University of Colorado. Within 3 days of graduation I started my job at OgilvyAction as an Assistant Account Executive. 

How long did it take to realize it wasn't for you? What were the initial signs of "help! get me out of here!"?

I think I realized more quickly than I was willing to admit that it wasn't the right fit for me. It really had been my "dream job", or at least I thought. There were components of the job I loved. The client interaction and the team environment, but overall, I wasn't fulfilled. It wasn't the dream job I thought it would be. But I also thought, "well that's reality things aren't always perfect, keep pushing through". A month shy of my two month anniversary, it clicked. I couldn't do it anymore. I was crying in conference rooms and telling myself it was normal. So I left. Got up one morning and quit.

What was the first thing you did after you left your job? scream? cry? take a trip?

All of the above. Seriously. Thankfully, I had already booked a trip to Mexico with my girlfriends. So that was a nice escape. But I was really lost. I left my job thinking I was taking another job in the same industry and while in Mexico I realized that was SO not what I wanted to be doing.

What sort of "homework" did you do before turning your passion into a career? (masters program, networking, online research etc)?

I met with some people who had gone through the same post-graduate program I was looking into. I got an internship in the interior design field. And then enrolled in the associates program at Harrington College of Design. I also worked really hard at expanding my blog during this time as I quickly realized what an amazing asset it would be for me. 

How long have you been working for yourself?

About 5 months! Very new still.

What is the scariest thing about doing what you did?

Everything. Leaving the job security, benefits and a salary. I mean, really, what was I thinking??

Do you ever regret leaving your day job?

Not for one minute. I know it was the best thing I have ever done for myself. 

What is your #1 piece of advice to people scared to follow their dreams in fear of failure?

It is scary. You should be scared. But I really, really, deeply believe that if you are 100% invested in something you can find a way to make it work. Maybe not in the exact way you envisioned, but it will come together.  I think it is important to be realistic, understand your industry but still be optimistic. It is well worth it.

all images via

I hope you're all feeling as inspired as I am. Thank you, thank you Alex!

P.S. I'm over at A Simple Affair sharing my favorite things that start with the letter "J". There are some serious goodies, so be sure to show Carly some love! 

weekend recap

Happy Monday!

I had such a fantastic weekend in NYC - despite the bizarre-o weather we've been having. I'm very confused, and as a result, I feel like I can't kick this winter head cold -- come on mother nature, make up your mind!

My friend Liz and I randomly decided to paint some pottery on the UES. Here is a little sneak peak. I'm sort of obsessed.

We also had tea and scones at Alice's Tea Cup. A must do for a girly day in the city.

Sunday I went to a super fun Wedding event with Tamra. Be sure to check out ever swoon for some pretty pictures!

After that, it was completely necessary to stop by Dos Caminos for a late brunch.

I've got some exciting things coming up this week with some of my favorite ladies including Tamra, Viviana and Grace!

How did you all spend your weekend? xo

friday link love

TGIF. But seriously. 

I'm doing my first weekly round-up of some of my favorite links. I stumbled upon so many amazing blog posts and otherwise fabulous things, that I just had to share them with you. 

I start with this hilarious image I got at work. SO true.

I fell in love with babies breath flowers again thanks to this post.

I became obsessed with Laura Parke. 

I cannot fully quench my thirst until I have some of these.

I just loved this beautifully written post about keeping your body healthy.

I need some of this art in my life.

I felt very inspired by some talented people in my life, and this quote on Danielle's blog really summed it up.

Last but not least, I think owning these shoes is completely necessary (if only money weren't a factor. damn).

Have a fabulous weekend loves. Stay warm! xo

time to burrow and booze

It's cold.

I never want to get out of bed in the morning. 

I just want to burrow in my sheets and never come out.

snap back to reality Julia!  Okay, so since I can't just hide out all winter long, I've decided it is the perfect season to burrow (when you can, after work) and booze (in a classy manner of course). 

After having a lovely evening with Roxy of Society Social, I've really decided that I need to make one of her bar carts my own. I'm inspired by the retro vibe that the carts give, and that they instantly take a room from dull to glamourous. I'm also obsessed with having one as an end table. There really isn't a bad way to style them. 

Now on to more important things. Which color? Style? So many options! 

Here is some inspiration...what do you all think lovely socials?

all images via

Now if only it were Friday and I could happily burrow up with The Hunger Games, and a bottle of wine. 

balsamic glazed pork chops

Even though I have a tiny kitchen, with no dishwasher (brutal) I still make time to cook delicious meals. Most recently I made the most outrageous Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops that I just had to share the recipe with you all.

They are SUPER easy to make, and are officially on my go-to list of quick and easy recipes.

Shopping List

1. Center-cut pork chops (about 3/4 inch thick)
2. Salt
3. Pepper
4. 2 tablespoons olive oil
5. 8 small shallots - quartered and peeled
6. 2/3 cup high quality balsamic vinegar
7. 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar

(I made these with pearled couscous and roasted brussel sprouts)

Preparation

• Pat pork dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides
• Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium/high heat until hot but not smoking
• Cook the pork along with the shallots until pork is browned and shallots are golden brown
• Transfer pork to plate 
• Add vinegar and sugar to the pan with the shallots and cook until the sugar dissolves
• Reduce heat and add the pork back to the skillet and cook all the way through
• Once pork is cooked, transfer back to plate and continue to cook the sauce until thicker
• Pour sauce over the pork and enjoy :-)

I don't have pictures of each step, but I do have pictures of the final product. I was never much of a pork person until this recipe, and now I can't get enough.

{guest post}: table styling

Today I'm excited to introduce you all to another one of my best friends (yes I'm biased, but their blogs are FAB). Madison has the most impeccable taste, and I envy her eye for style. She works as a wedding planner in Chicago (even more jealous), and is constantly surrounded by beautiful pictures so I knew she was the perfect person to get table decorating advice from.

Hi all, it's Madison from The White Ruffle and I am so excited to be here today sharing some lovely table decorating ideas with you all! First off, Julia has been one of my best friends for years now, and I feel very honored that she has asked me to give her some decorating ideas! I mean come on- we all can clearly see that she has impeccable taste, I only hope these ideas below are worthy of her stamp of approval (they totally are - I'm drooling, JR) 

Julia's apartment is adorable (we have all seen pictures) but she has one space that needs a little something extra. Her kitchen table...an area where you eat, entertain, do work and relax. How can one space that fullfills all of those activities have one decorating idea? The truth is, I couldn't narrow it down to just one, so here are a few ideas for her to work with:

1. Fresh Flowers...easy peasy, simple idea, yet always beautiful

2. Dolie Runner! I found this wonderful DIY idea here at Style Me Pretty and fell in love! Plus I am a huge fan of white on white...I will have to test this out soon and let you know how it goes.

3. If you love the white but want to spice up the actual table, I think that paint is always a great option! I am a huge fan of chevron stripes and think that some light gray tones would be a beautiful pattern on a simple white table top. Here is a step by step DIY guide for painting chevron stripes.

4. Beautiful place mats found here!

5. Anthropologie candles

 Hope you all found some of these ideas inspirational and helpful! Thank you Julia for letting me share!

xox,

madison 

from the white ruffle

Thank you Madi!! I need to get my hands on ALL of these items, like right now! xo

weekend recap: i'm a [dot] com!

Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I tackled many things off my to-do list, and relaxed at my apartment due to the freeeeezing NYC temps.

The Urban Slant is now a [dot] com! I purchased the domain on Friday, and I'm super excited. I'm not quite sure what the difference is yet, but I think it's neat.

I had a lovely afternoon with Tamra (and Bella, of course!) and learned all about ever swoon. Let me tell you -- she is one talented lady. Her vision for her company is something I look up to, and I cannot wait for it to launch next month. In the meantime, be sure to follow her on Twitter, and Facebook for all things wedding and events.

Since I was in SoHo, I had to stop by Dean and Deluca for some treats. I only picked up the essentials - hydrangeas and hummus. Naturally.

I had dinner with my friend Kate and enjoyed pizza the size of a small astroid. Seriously. It was HUGE. It was also lunch and dinner the next day.

I was feeling a little under the weather on Sunday, so I stayed in and painted my nails and caught up on some work. I did some color blocking on my nails in grey/plum. What do you think? I'm sort of obsessed. 

I leave you with Miss Penny Lane playing in the snow. She loves it. She is precious. I miss her dearly.

{guest post}: imitate a style icon

Today I hand over my blog to one of my bestest friends in the entire world - Courtney! She just started blogging (apparently after being inspired by me -- love you!), and I'm obsessed with everything she has posted thus far. I wanted to show her a little blog love, so I decided to kick off the weekend with her first guest post (which she totally rocked). 


Sidenote: she is my go-to person for ALL things Chicago -- best restaurants, best bars, worst bars (to avoid), best shopping etc. I encourage ALL my Chicago bloggers to read her blog daily -- I know you'll find something new to do/try every day. 

Hi Everyone! Courtney from Courtney On The Rocks here! I'm so excited to be guest blogging on The Urban Slant today. Julia is one of my best friends and is actually the motivation behind Courtney On The Rocks because she made blogging look so great!

I am a sucker for a great casual outfit and there is one celebrity that knows how to rock the casual look better than anyone, Rachel Bilson. Every outfit I see her in always looks fabulous, trendy, and completely effortless. I am now even more obsessed with her after seeing these two fantastic and hilarious videos!

I hope you enjoyed those as much as I did! Now, moving on to try and replicate her flawless, casual style. 

Blazer: Topshop. Shirt: MyTheresa. Shoes: ASOS. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Clutch.

If only I lived in warmer weather. I love pairing the blazer with boyfriend jeans! 

Cardigan: Topshop. Tank Top: Jades24. Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Shorts: Topshop. Shoes: Marc Fisher. 

Perfect for summer. She makes shorts, a cardigan, and a tank top look amazing! 

Thank you for the outfit inspiration Court, (I miss you -- get your butt to NYC!) I wish I didn't put a stop to my shopping, or I'd be scooping up these looks. Be sure to check out her blog for daily foodie/restaurant picks (for all you Chi-town bloggers), DIY goodies, fashion and everything in between. I know I'm totally biased because we're besties, but seriously -- this girl knows what's up! 

Happy Friday everyone! xo

yummiest most unhealthy recipe

Proceed with caution: the following recipe will be the most delicious thing you've EVER tasted, but will be enough calories for about a week.

If you're still reading, and you want to enjoy a serious treat, I bring you my own version of the Cafe Sarkis Loretta Sandwich. 

What? English please?

Okay okay. There is this tiny hole-in-the-wall breakfast spot near Chicago that I grew up (in high school/college) going to with friends (usually hungover). We would get the same thing every time - a bacon loretta with cheesy hash. I can't explain why it's so good, it just is. 

Since I now live in NYC, I decided it was time to recreate this recipe. And to my surprise, it tasted JUST like it. 

Here is the recipe -- super easy.

Ingredients

• Bacon
• Onion
• Green Pepper
• Tomato (seeds removed)
• Provolone Cheese
• Bread Roll of Choice
• Lawry's Seasoning Salt
• Hash Browned Potatoes 

Steps

1. Chop up all veggies and set aside
2. Cook bacon as usual, and set aside
3. Remove bacon and cook the veggies in the same pan
4. Remove veggies
5. Add bacon back to pan, and place cheese over the top to melt
6. Cook hash browns as usual and add cheese at the end 
7. Toast roll
8. Place the cheese/bacon combo on the bread, and pour the veggies over
9. Sprinkle a hefty amount of Lawry's over the entire thing, and enjoy!

Easy right?

Here are some photos to inspire you. 

Also, check out a fave blog of mine, So Much To Smile About for some more amazing Old Navy finds -- I swear this place changed design teams. 

surprising shopping finds

As a self proclaimed "excellent shopper", seriously. I can navigate any store practically blindfolded (a blessing and a curse), I have a few stores that I can always count on for amazing fashion steals.

Urban Outfitters

Forever 21

Zara

Gap

And there is one store, that I maybe go to once a year, and usually for a specific purpose. I crossed it off my list long ago because I had struck out so many times. Well, that was a mistake. My friend Liz started raving about AMAZING things she was finding online, and I had to take a look. 

Oh. Em. Gee.

She was right. It has once again fueled my online shopping addiction, and my bank account couldn't be happier. She kindly round up some of her fave items (which are mine), and I've shared them below.

Are you dying to know what store I'm talking about?

Wait no more.

(linking up soon -- they weren't working)

What are you go-to stores for a fashion steal? I'm definitely adding Old Navy to my list -- at least for this season. 

winter essentials

Now that NYC has seen temperatures below freezing (ick), I'm stocking up on my favorite winter beauty products. My skin gets SUPER dry in the winter, and I find myself constantly reapplying moisturizer. I always carry hand lotion on me, as well as Kleenex (let's be honest -- dripping noses are NOT cute).

Here are some other beauty products that I urge you all to try. They are my go-to products, and I swear by each of them.

1. Chanel Base Lumière -- provides an excellent base for all your make up products. 
2. Kiehl's Hand Salve -- the best hand lotion that I've found. I've used it for years.
3. Kate Spade Makeup bag (similar) -- obviously you have to store your products in a cute bag.
4. Kai Body Butter -- a cream that hydrates all day and smells divine.
5. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer -- lightweight formula that hydrates immediately.
6. Amika Oil Treatment -- tames your fly-aways, and gives your hair a non-oily shine.
7. Malin+Goetz Lip Moisturizer -- I have this everywhere. Next to my bed, in my purse, at my desk. Super glossy and hydrating.
8. Kleenex
9. Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara in Noir Intense -- the ONLY mascara I will wear. 

Happy shopping!

happy 3-day weekend to me!

I hope you are all enjoying your day off (if you're like me). I had a fantastic weekend that can be summed up in my most recent purchase (and totally necessary one)...

A Barbour jacket -- 30% off!

Isn't she lovely?

more bauble please

First, I'm 100% superstitious, so I'm 200% ignoring the fact that today is Friday the 13th.

Moving on to happier things...

I love any chance I can to wear statement jewelry. With my new love of BaubleBar, my addiction is accesible, and doesn't break my bank account.

Score one for me. 

BaubleBar specializes in creating beautiful, jaw-dropping jewelry that looks as if you have paid a zillion dollars -- but you probably paid less than $50. I first heard about BaubleBar from my friend Grace, who happens to work for them. Perk for me? Yes. She generously gave me phenom earrings this week (see below). They sparkle and shine, and are absolutely stunning. Thank you, thank you!

Feeling inspired by Grace's generosity, I've round up my favorite pieces for you. 

If someone could please get me each of the following below (starting with the geometric necklace) that would be great. Kidding...sort of.

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8//9//10

I apologize in advance for fueling your online shopping addiction -- but it's completely necessary. Don't you think?

Happy Friday! xo

P.S. Head over to my lovely friend Viviana's blog today to see a fun recap of our night out on Wednesday! Ignore all the semi-tipsy pictures -- it was a night of wine and tequila...need I say more? 

make it an occasion

Last weekend I was at Bloomingdale's and got the best deal on a silk Joie Blouse (see below), and I was so excited about it. If you're anything like me, you save special items for special occasions. I HATE wasting an outfit when the night/day turns out to be uneventful. Right?

Nothing worse.

Well, I was telling my friend I was saving my shirt (after she swooned over it), and she said:

"Don't wait for an occasion to wear an outfit, make an occasion to wear it!" 

Wait. Why hadn't I thought about that? SO true. Yesterday I decided to wear my blouse to work, and it was the perfect decision. My work attire is casual (perk of advertising), so I'm pretty lucky I'm not in a suit all day (i'd die).  Best part? It totally translated to an after work event with some of my favorite NYC bloggers (Tamra, Viv, Grace and Lindsay)!

I love that I didn't have a reason to wear it during the day, but that it ending up pairing perfectly with black skinnies for a fun Mexican Wine Tasting event in Chelsea (side note: rushed from work -- forgot the heels. darn).

Here is how I wore it (minus the Louboutins -- still saving for those bad boys).

Blouse//Skinnies//Flats//Earrings//Watch//Bracelet//Heels

How do you make an outfit go from work to evening?

wedding wednesday

Today I bring you my first Wedding Wednesday! No, I'm not engaged, and I'm not planning a wedding, BUT my brother is engaged, and he is planning a wedding with his fiancée Jackie, so by default I'm technically involved in planning a wedding, right? You follow? Okay good.

They got engaged last October in Vail, and now they are in full wedding planning mode. I'll be a bridesmaid (my first time!), and I cannot wait to see how it all comes together. They are so perfect together, and I cannot wait to call her my sister.

She = from San Francisco
He = from Chicago

Wedding = Chicago
Engagement Photos = San Francisco

Perfect.

Here are a few of my favorite shots that I just had to share with you. How precious are they? I still picture my brother as 15, playing guitar until 2am, and never taking his baseball uniform off. I'm still adjusting to him as an engaged man. Does that mean I'm older too? Damn.

Enjoy!

Photography by: Sasha Photography

random things I want right now

If you're anything like me, you constantly have a list of things that you are just lusting after. Due to my budget, I can't afford everything on my wish list. I guess that's why they call it a wish list...right? Sigh.

Maybe after my payday I can happily own one of these items? Maybe? A girl can dream...

For now I'm lusting after the following...

1/2/3/4/5/6/7

What are you wishing for lately? Just because the holiday season is over, doesn't mean we have to stop our wish lists :-) 

weekend recap: back in NYC

Happy Monday readers! I hope you all had as a fantastic weekend as I did. I enjoyed the freak 60 degree day on Saturday, and tackled several things off my to-do list.

Here is a little recap for ya:

Thursday night my friend had a free happy hour, and guess who was the bartender?!

GRAHAM from The Bachelorette/Bachelor Pad. And yes, he is JUST as sexy in person. And yes, I still watch every season religiously. Not even the least bit ashamed.

After a rough day at the office Friday, my girlfriends and I had a delish dinner at Penelope. If you're in NYC, I highly recommend this place.

Saturday I finally started my gym routine up again -- and it felt SO good. I do love Equinox -- feels like a spa. After that, my friend Liz and I walked to Jonathan Adler...I mean, we were a few blocks away, how could we resist? I fell in love with this blanket/bench. GORGEOUS.

I then made the BEST recreation of my favorite meal back home -- a Loretta Sandwich (sorry non Chicago/North Shore folks -- it's too hard to explain, but the recipe will come soon!) It tasted JUST like it. I nearly cried it was so good. And then I cried from the amount of calories I consumed. I worked out though, right?

I finally saw The Girl with Dragon Tattoo -- was anyone else annoyed with the ending?? Not my fave - but  good acting.

I cooked a delish feast of balsamic glazed pork chops, roasted brussel sprouts and Israeli couscous. I'm still drooling from it. No but really. Recipes coming soon!

Finally, to top off an amazing weekend, I decided where I was visiting while I'm in Europe next month...COPENHAGEN! I've heard nothing but amazing things about it, and the airfare was so reasonable, that I had to. I'm counting down the days until I'm back in France, and exploring Denmark for the first time! If you've been there, please tell me what we should do! 

xoxo

where should I go in Europe?

I don't usually post on a Saturday, but today I need all of your help!

I'm jet setting to France in a few weeks to visit one of my best friends who is living there. We met while studying abroad, and it was love at first macaron. She is now teaching in Dijon, about two hours south east of Paris, and we are going to do a little European vacation in February.

I'll be flying into Paris, and after visiting her in Dijon for two days, we want to go somewhere else. Now why is this a dilemma?? So many beautiful places to go in Europe...well...I had my heart set on Morocco.

Like seriously set. Remember this old post?

Yeah. Well, two girls alone in morocco + limited budget = not the smartest idea.

Sigh.

While I'm still recovering from the fact that I won't be getting lost in the souks anytime soon, my brain is filled with wonderment as I think of where I want to go. Right now our #1 pick is Portugal! We've heard so many lovely things about it, and I think it would be the warmest place to go in February.

Look at this beauty.

 Spotted: Palm trees! Major plus.

Here is the dilemma -- is there anywhere else we HAVE to go to, no questions asked?? I've been to the following places in Europe, and would like to try a new place.

• England
• Scotland
• France
• Italy
• The Netherlands
• Spain
• Czech Republic
• Austria
• Switzerland

My other ideas of places to go:

1. Sweden
2. Denmark
3. Brussels
4. Luxembourg
5. Germany

Help!! Where have you lovely readers traveled to? Or heard fabulous things about?? I'm desperately needing help with this planning! 

xo

Giveaway Winner//Wedding Gorgeousness

Thank you to all who entered the Heartfish Press Giveaway! I was so inspired by where you all would put the print, and am so happy you all love it as much as I do.

After several entries, I used a Random number sorter (and had my co-worker/photographer extraordinare) stand by to make sure it was perfect.

The winner is...

 Carly from A Simple Affair!

Congrats Carly! I can't wait to see how you style the piece. Please email me so I can have the print sent to you.

Now that it's Friday, and we've all survived the first week of 2012, I have to leave you with the most amazing wedding videos I've ever seen. My Australian co-worker got married over the Holidays and sent us three videos. While I've seen some wedding vignettes, I've never cried at them.

Seriously. You should have seen me -- I was a basket case in my cube with Kleenex, just weeping at how happy they are. And. she has generously allowed me to share them with you (thanks Laura)!

There are three in total, and they were all shown at different times.

1. The Proposal. Played right before the bride and groom entered the reception.

Mossy & Laura ~ The Proposal from Preface Films on Vimeo.

2. The Grandparents. Played during dessert.

Mossy & Laura - Grandparents from Preface Films on Vimeo.

3. The Wedding. An edited version of the ceremony and reception. Tears. Everywhere.

Mossy & Laura ~ Same Day Edit from Preface Films on Vimeo.

I hope you all cry (a good cry!) from these, and that you feel inspired to have such videos on your special day. Or if you have, I hope they always bring you happy memories.

Have a great weekend! xo