weekend recap

Happy Monday!

I started out my weekend by going out with some of my besties. I still pinch myself that I can go out with them every weekend! So surreal that I'm back in Chicago. 

Saturday my brother cooked us all a southern feast. Pork, Ribs, Mac n' Cheese, Slaw. 

It. Was. Insane. (I'm dumb and didn't take pictures). 

I started off Mother's Day with a walk/run (let's be honest -- running isn't one of my strengths, but I'm trying). The weather was insane, and the lake was stunning. Definitely my favorite part about where I grew up. 

This house is for sale (for $3 million - EEK). Can I have it? Pretty please? 

We then went out to dinner at RPM - yes, for you reality TV junkies, this is Bill and Giuliana Rancic's new restaurant. I was skeptical because I'd heard mixed reviews, but honestly it was AMAZING. Everything I had was drool-worthy. Especially the dessert. 

yes, that is a ball of hazelnut ice cream with chocolate and crush hazelnuts on the outside. And a knife in the middle, ya know, because it was SO big. 

And, this weekend marked exactly one year since I graduated. Wow. Time really does go by way too quickly.

Have a good week! xo

paris dreaming

With a week that was tougher than normal, I wish I were this girl. Happily sitting in a park, looking at the Eiffel Tower. In Paris. 

Le Sigh.

Have a great weekend! xo

thoughtful thursday

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the everygirl + wedding week

Last night I attended The Everygirl Wedding Week party at BHLDN in Chicago. It was perfectly fabulous and girly. 

A beautiful store + cocktails + desserts + creative company = perfection.

I was finally able to meet some of my favorite Chicago bloggers, and my brother's wedding planner - Anne Book (who will be featured on TEG later this week)! 

Danielle and Alaina threw a fabulous fête, and it made me oh-so-happy that I now call this city home.

A perfect Tuesday evening. 

xo.

apartment help: jewelry organization

I have a problem. 

I'm addicted to jewelry. 

Baubles? Yes please.

Delicate pieces? Duh.

Costume jewelry? Obviously.

But after moving, and realizing my organization system was NOT okay (an entire drawer filled with bags, boxes etc) I need to change things up in my next place. 

Help me decide? Aw, thanks for saying yes! 

a girl can dream of a space like this...

What system would you use? I'm leaning towards everyday objects - so fun, and unique. 

weekend recap

Happy Monday! 

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. 

I started it off by going to Home Depot and Costco with my Dad. We picked up some beautiful flowers for our garden. Typical suburban activity.

Hopefully they look like this when they bloom.

I did a little retail therapy with my Mama, and fell in love with the entire collection at Madewell.

Saturday my friends had a little party for my return to Chicago. We had so much fun drinking, dancing, and singing Call Me Maybe. Duh.

I spent Sunday recovering and hanging out with this little nugget. I just adore her weirdness.

Have a great week! xo

fabulous fêtes

Sorry for the delayed post. The internet here is SUPER sketchy. You'd think I was living in the backwoods somewhere with dial-up service.

Moving on...

This weekend my bestie Madi, is hosting a little Welcome Home Party for me. Which happens to fall on Cinco de Mayo AND the Kentucky Derby. 

Dilemma. 

Do we serve Mexican Flare or a little Southern Hospitality? 

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Or...

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I'm leaning towards taking out my maracas, and celebrating like this guy. 

I shall call him Taco.

Whether your taking tequila shots or sippin' on a sweet Mint Julep, have a fabulous fête filled weekend!

holy guacamole

I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I make a damn good guacamole. It's my specialty. I make it as a snack far too often, and it's good every time.

It's such a simple recipe, and it's guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

Because I'm so nice, and because Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, I'll finally share my recipe with the world. No one knows it yet. Not even my family.

Ingredients

3 large ripe avocados

1/2 a white onion (finely diced)

A handful of cilantro (finely chopped)

Juice from 1 lemon

Juice from 1 lime

Salt

Pepper

Optional ingredients: jalapenos, tomatoes

1. Cut up avocado into cubes, then spoon into a bowl (I like to cut inside the skin then scoop out)

2. Mash avocado to desired texture

3. Cut up onions and cilantro - add to avocado

4. Add lemon/lime juice

5. Add salt/pepper

6. Taste and enjoy with your favorite tortilla chip

Easy easy easy.

signature style

Two shows that I can watch over and over again are, Madmen and Sex and the City. Not only do the actors portray the characters brilliantly, but also the costume design is like none other. 

We all know that the fashion from SATC was out of control amazing, and extremely expensive. However, the one thing Patricia Field's really focused on was having re-occurring items. 

Like the Carrie Necklace. 

Didn't it make you feel like Carrie's lifestyle was accessible, if even for a second? 

Madmen is also doing this with Joan's Pen necklace. 

Amazing.

I like to think of these items as signature items. Pieces that you think about when you think of the character. 

I'm still defining my style, but the one thing that I cherish the most is my vintage jewelry collection from my Grandmother. All classic, and timeless pieces that I treasure.

What is your signature item?

pretty paintings

I kept seeing these images on Pinterest, and on other blogs, and never knew who the artist was. Well, after some research, I discovered it was the incredibly talented Michelle Armas.

Holy talent.

I'd like one of her paintings in every room in my future apartment. Please, and thank you.