Tracing Suzanne

Can't Stop, Won't Stop

2012-02-06T23:39:00.002-06:00

These Miike Snow lyrics are a great analogy to how I have recently felt sitting in the office after the past couple {incredibly} fun weekends I've had:

{Image Credit: via Project Thirty-Three}

Monday Mahhhhhh....sagge

2012-02-06T23:31:00.001-06:00

My February resolution of beauty and wellness was in large part due to my aching back. I don't pay near enough solid attention to its twists, knots, and tensions. Today it screamed at me. To the point that there was no ignoring it, and I could not and would not listen to it a minute longer. Half expecting my care for it to start at a neighborhood chiropractor's office, I lost patience with appointment books. So I put in an emergency phone call to a friendly massage business just a couple blocks from work. And thank goodness I did. I walked through their doors in a half daze not knowing where I could crash and lie down first. By the grace of great hands I left feeling a complete new person. In 60-minutes I was healed of all nots, throbbing pressure points, and even my nagging headache. The difference was so great that I even marked in down in my agenda calendar of when to schedule my next one. Resolutions helping resolutions; the year is working out well already!

{Image Credit: via What Would Noni Like}

Keeping Busy

2012-02-06T00:28:00.002-06:00

Sundays are by far and away my favorite day of the week. During the fall and winter that's largely due in part to the wonderful sport of football. It's a full day activity, and a very good excuse for procrastination. When the season's over, as it is now, it can leave a very large lull in the week. Most devoted fans forget what they did with themselves from the February to September prior. Here's what I'll be doing though to reenergize for the week ahead until the leaves start turning shades of red.

Visit more neighborhood coffee shops and do more brunching
Read for my new book club in those cafes
Turn up my Sunday Sinatra tunes
Cook full meals (gasp!)
Watch more films

{Image Credits: 2, 3, & 5, 1, 4}

Being Well

2012-02-02T01:13:00.000-06:00

In February I resolve to be as well as I possibly can be. Because the better I physically take care of myself the more beauty I'll be emulate in my energy.

(Images: The Container Store, InStyle, via A Piece of Toast}

So Fresh, So Clean

2012-02-02T00:37:00.004-06:00

Old bedding

Effects of consecutive weekends traveling

Desk with to-do projects

Filing system (picture an exaggeration)

Bathroom linen closet

New bedding from West Elm and Target

Desk and completed projects on wall

Bathroom linen closet

As January came to an end yesterday, a peace of mind was finally reached. My home organization project reached its end and I can sincerely say that I feel more together. A couple new art pieces added to the wall, storage compartments to contain some treasures (and documents from those where treasures are spent), and new bedding are just a few changes that were made. Walking into my room today actually felt like I was walking into a space of my own. Rather than a mess of my own. I don't think there's any denying that when you surround yourself with things you love, then the same will surround you. Which is the biggest thing you need to any start, or resolution.

Projects Included:

Clothing donation of unwanted items
Organizing of momentos, photos, stationary, crafts, and mucho important documents. Organization tools bought at Bed Bath & Beyond
New bedding (old donated) from West Elm & Target
Organizing bathroom linen closet using old designer shopping bags
Closet tidying and luggage storage

Houston

2012-02-01T23:59:00.001-06:00

Last weekend I had the pleasure to visit the great city of Houston, TX. My fabulous friend Caroline showed me an absolute grand time. But the rumors are true. Everything is bigger in Texas! Including Saturday afternoon headaches :) Nevertheless I was able to muddle through to keep up with the mighty Texans and hope to be back for a rematch soon.

Thanks again for a wonderful weekend, Caroline!

Tasty Treats

2012-01-25T23:33:00.000-06:00

Let's face it. Being healthy is not all that fun. At least not for the average spunky girl. Yet there's nothing worse than feeling you over-indulged in your day. Today though may have been one of the best foodie days I've had in awhile. Knowing that treats are usually brought in for my morning meeting on Wednesday, I made a plan with myself. A simple but filling salad from Mariano's fresh bar for lunch in exchange for half of a Dinkel's donut. And you know what? I didn't feel guilty once the rest of the day!

{Image Credit: Whole Living, Pinch of Yum}

Lucky Wealth

2012-01-24T23:58:00.000-06:00

Yesterday welcomed in the Chinese New Year. From now until February 9, 2013 it is the Year of the Dragon, considered to be the most lucky. Tonight I learned that during the New Year celebration it is unkind to ask or think of money, otherwise you will be lead into bad fortune. When I thought about it a little, the notion makes perfect sense. The moment we put away our frustrations about our job and pay, expenses, and other financial worries a calm usually sets in. When you do for the sake of care, things start to happen. And usually that's where you find your real wealth.

Natural Course

2012-01-23T23:20:00.001-06:00

{Image via Bippity Boppity Boo}

Remedies

2012-01-22T20:40:00.004-06:00

Cabin fever got ya down? It has me there. I've found making a few remedies though to help get you through it.

Stirring up your favorite (and easy) comfort dishes. The ol' egg in a bread slice is good for any meal. Served perfectly with a side of bacon or tomato soup!
Finding a wishlist item on sale at steep discount. And purchasing it of course! I wore this snood all over town...as well as my apartment.
Watching your favorite flicks for the 203rd time. Because they absolutely never get old! However, also being highly disturbed and distraught to find your copy of You've Got Mail missing from its case and absolutely nowhere to be found. (Of course a new copy was immediately ordered from Amazon).

These may not get you to 100%, but they're mighty fine pick-me-ups.

{Top Image Via A Cup of Jo}

A Work of Art

2012-01-19T23:34:00.001-06:00

Tonight I had the sincere pleasure of seeing The Artist. If you think it's winning award just because of its obvious deviation from modern film, you are sorely mistaken. Besides its wonderful score and sensational style, this film served as a great reminder. True emotion can be felt even when words are not present. If you don't have anything else filling your schedule this weekend take a trip to the cinema and skip the talkies.

Cross My Heart

2012-01-18T01:08:00.001-06:00

Sometimes it's hard to tell, but most of our life is a constant page turner. Constantly changing and ever engaging, it can be easy to get lost in the plot. Just remember that when ever you make a turn to take your heart there with you. Always search for your perfect ending.

“If it is right, it happens — The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.”--John Steinbeck

{Image Credit: Bloomize}

The [Second] Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2012-01-16T22:55:00.003-06:00

It's no secret that I'm an absolute sucker for two things: quarterbacks and celebrity gatherings. Shameless, I know. What's a girl to do though? When it's cold outside, and you can no longer become inspired by knits , wools, and grays in the storefronts they're all I have to look forward to.

So needless to say yesterday was a HUGE day for me. For starters, Eli Manning and the Giants did the improbable and beat the Green Bay Packers. Those rad metallic helmets doing the victory dance was just a precursor to the great night of fashion to come at the Golden Globes. Now I'm quite the classic and thus very partial to the Academy Awards. However, I have enough party in me to thoroughly enjoy a night at the Globes. And what's a party without some judgment calls?

Without further ado, my Best (and Otherwise) of the 2012 Golden Globes:

Best Dressed:

Charlize Theron (because we all would die to pull off a dress like that).

Most Confusing:

Jessica Biel (as in who is her stylist? And where is her alleged ring?)

Most Studly:

Colin Firth (because he's perfect).

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/iframe&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Best Speech:

It was a close race with Octavia Spencer, but...Christoper Plummer can still kick it Edelweiss style and bring a tear to any girl's eye.

Best Award:

Lifetime Achievement for Morgan Freeman (because his voice can do it all).

{Fashion Images: People.come; Video Credit: nbc.com; quote via Pinterest}

Live Orderly

2012-01-15T14:04:00.002-06:00

Sometimes it's just best to face facts. I'm an old fashion gal living in a high tech digital world. Trying to organize on a smart phone, is actually just not smart for me. So I made a year long investment in Kate Spade and her organizing skills. My life feels so much more in order already!

SnOW-OW

2012-01-14T18:13:00.001-06:00

No one wears snow better than Chicago.

{Image via Pinterest}

Red & White All Over

2012-01-11T23:30:00.000-06:00

Of all the crazy things that have happened in recent months, 40 temperatures for Chicago in January just may top the list. It's been a very mild winter thus far, but tomorrow we're finally due up for some actual snow accumulation. That's okay though because I've finally found the perfectly fitted red wool coat I've been hoping for. Not one tear was shed while folding up my old black one for someone in more need. After all, someone has to be responsible for adding some color to the winter whites.

Playoff Season

2012-01-08T23:18:00.000-06:00

The NFL playoffs is one of my favorite seasons. It's the only sporting post-season that I can watch with enthusiasm even if my team(s) is not in it, which is quite often the case in recent years. It also further reminds me just how important it is that I find a good guy who is highly capable of screaming at the television in his team's colors. Otherwise I'll just look downright silly.

{Image: someecards}

Hanging Up

2012-01-05T00:34:00.000-06:00

The best things to try and fix are those that aren't completely broken. My first resolution of the year for 2012 is fairly simple: cleaning up! For much of my life I've been a pretty organized person, and still consider myself to be now. With spending what are unfortunately just spare hours at home though, and still migrating belongings to Chicago, a lot has gone to the wayside. So to better be aware of my surroundings and of what already belongs to me, it's high time to tidy the little messes. Combing through the closet for unwanted items, filing away all those tiny papers, and finding homes for the knicks and knacks. Consider it bedroom feng shui. First thing's firs though: finding the time to cleanse this little space!

{Image via Amateur Couture}

Where Ever the Wind Blows

2012-01-04T00:23:00.001-06:00

Every New Years I make up a resolution, with the fairly confident knowledge that I will not follow through with it. You could say I'm somewhat of a traditionalist. Or maybe just a follower. Randomly selecting goals to better make me out as an ambitious modern woman. The thing is, save for a very few, I know next to no one who has followed through wholeheartedly with their New Year resolution. It's a shame really. The concept makes a whole lot of sense, and has the potential to do a great amount of good for one's self and others.

A couple years ago, I resolved to create a resolution every month. Not all that surprisingly, it was a very half-hearted ambition. An attempt to be novel. Two years later though, I do have to give myself some credit. It may have made the most amount of sense than any other airy obligatory shot in the dark I've made on January 1st.

So this is the year, 2012, I take a stand for the New Year. I hereby vow to resolve a very basic, or perhaps here and there a not-so-basic, part of my life every month. Because the reality is, we really don't know what life is going to through our way when. One never knows when we're going to need our laughter or tears as our best weapon. Some months I may need a new adventure. It's possible others I'll need to learn some new tricks. And I'm sure, just as anything else, I'll need a good cleanse once in awhile. Mostly though I just know it's good to go into anything with some idea.

"Short term goals equals long term gains."

{Image via tinsel matrix}

All Aboard!

2011-12-21T00:15:00.001-06:00

"The thing about trains...it doesn't matter where they're going. What matters is deciding to get on."

--The Polar Express

{Image via Pinterest}

Dreams to Me

2011-12-19T23:25:00.000-06:00

Always remember the dreams you ~~had~~ have for yourself. They may just see you through to the next day.

{Image via Pinterest}

Those J-I-N-G-L-E Bells

2011-12-19T00:34:00.000-06:00

This is my least favorite week of the year. Especially this particular year. One week left until Christmas. The season has completely escaped me and I could not be more upset about it! I have so many movies left to watch, songs that still have not reached their max of repeats, and I didn't even get a Christmas tree! Out and about on Michigan Ave. helped a lot. But I found myself asking myself, as I have all week, what happened to all the holly jolly this year? Half, HALF, of the stores I went into were sparsely decorated and only played a holiday every few songs. Thank goodness for the comforting retailers such as Williams-Sonoma and J. Crew that made a merry shopper and customer out of me. For some others (ahem, Anthropologie), I am extremely disappointed and am quite glad you only took a meager portion of my holiday budget.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to drowning myself in Christmas cheer before it's too late!

{Image Credit: HGTV}

Walking Through

2011-12-13T23:45:00.000-06:00

Starting a new challenge can be difficult. The hardest part is sometimes remembering why you accepted it in the first place. Once all the questions are put to the wayside though you'll find amazing things will happen. New doors open, and the little things you enjoyed before become all the more worthwhile.

{Image Via}

'Tis the Season

2011-12-06T23:20:00.000-06:00

The holidays are my favorite time year, as they are for many others. Each year they usually mean something different than the years past. This year I've found I haven't over-indulged myself [yet] in decorating, movies, or even shopping. Rather I've found myself thinking twice about the simple things, the very basic tasks, that I do everyday for myself that not everyone can do with such ease. Buying a couple extra items of non-perishables at the grocery and drug stores. Noticing the boxes at store fronts asking for toys for strangers and helping to fill up a little space in it. Handing out extras of food to the man on the street who wishes a "happy holidays," but very well may not have a roof to spend them under. It's rather easy to think twice. The challenge is always doing it. Once you do though you find how rather simple it can be for most.

{Image via Note to Self}

Things to Know

2011-12-02T00:08:00.001-06:00

Sometimes the right words come at the right time. This article was sent to me from my friend Katie last night. When your mind's exhausted, you're sick of paying bills, and everything seems to be nothing but a question mark, sometimes it's just good to know that...it's normal.

{Image Credit: Leah Duncan}

Truth

2011-12-01T23:59:00.001-06:00

"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth: not going all the way, and not starting."--Buddhist saying

{Image of Coco Chanel via The Constant Buzz}

Retail Therapy

2011-12-01T23:44:00.003-06:00

The one and only Kate Spade was on Gilt today! I kept it light and snagged this bracelet. Can't wait to pair it with my matching black patent leather and gold buckle belt! Wish I could have gone for more, but I wanted to use my Friends & Family discount at Anthropologie appropriately. I think I did too. This knit sweater is going to be great for this weekend, and to mix-n-match throughout my wardrobe.

Good day? Well once I got done with my therapy session it was.

A Belated "Thanks"

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000-06:00

"I hope you never look back, but ya never forget, all the ones who love you, in the place you left. I hope you always forgive, and you never regret, and you help somebody every chance you get. Oh, you find God's grace in every mistake, and you always give more than you take."--Rascal Flatts

{Image via Anne Louise's Pinterest}

Serious Contendor

2011-11-20T22:12:00.002-06:00

It's one of my most favorite times of the year for two reasons: the holidays and Oscar contendors. Kicking off my movie season was The Descendants. It is a very honest, sincere, and at times humorous movie of the human spirits and our many flaws. Not to mention, it stars George Clooney. It's worth the view for anyone, no matter your moviegoing style.

Made

2011-11-20T12:10:00.000-06:00

Email Inbox deliveries. A dangerous addiction. Especially when they're sales. One of the most exciting ones to date though was this week's pop-up sale on 100 Layer Cake for EmersonMade. While my budget may be a little tight still for most of her ultra chic and adorable products (even whilst on sale), I could not be more in love with her "Bag-O" products. A good white tee is one of the most versatile items you can have in your closet. In other words, this was a very necessary purchase.

Make Plans, Keep Plans

2011-11-16T23:01:00.000-06:00

The best thing you can own are dates on your calendar. It doesn't matter with who or where. But there's no better feeling than having something to look forward to. Just make sure someone orders the dip!

{Image Credit: Country Living}

Paving Roads

2011-11-15T23:44:00.001-06:00

Just a couple weeks ago I shared a rare moment of, well, chickening out over fashion. Today I got the chance to redeem myself. With a high of 63-degrees, I knew it could quite possibly be my last of the season. So the red opaque tights were donned under denim shorts, which were both topped quite nicely with a Ralph Lauren cream knit turtleneck sweater. It was the most bold outfit I've worn in quite some time, and most definitely to the workplace (always grateful for a casual dress code). However, it was the most well worth it. Wearing bold always takes a great leap of confidence. What you come out with though is the sense of self and style that you can charge through anything. Because the only way anyone can walk down a road is if someone's there to pave it first.

"Do one thing every day that scares you."--Eleanor Roosevelt

{Image Found via Pinterest of one of my great style icons, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis}

Puttin' On My Top Hat

2011-11-15T00:38:00.001-06:00

It's time to face the facts: a cold front is coming through. Yet, as with everything, there's a glint of silver lining to be found. You can bring out the winter hats!

I said "a glint..."

{Image Credit: The Man Repeller and The Sartorialist}

The Shortness at Task

2011-11-13T18:34:00.001-06:00

Life is short. Something we all know, but have a difficult time remembering moment to moment. When you stumble, when you forget what it is that you're going after. Stop. Make a list. Of everything you love, and of the things you wish for. Maybe you won't get through it all. That's okay. Just have always have something to look forward to.

{Video found via A Cup of Jo}

Cheers!

2011-11-09T20:50:00.001-06:00

This evening I was faced once again with the tough question: what bottle of wine should I pop tonight. Another good day ended on a sour note. Or so I thought. After begrudgingly walking through the cold to my neighborhood FedEx/Kinkos I once again stumbled across a chance encounter as well as random kindness. To my fanatical surprise the [very humbled] person in front packaging up an item in front of me was none other than the Chicago Bears DE, Julius Peppers, who happened to have a big game just two nights before. Chicago's wonderful for little oohs and aahs like that. What was more notable was the clerk who helped the two of us send our goods along their way. When the big man left, she showed me the autograph she snagged for her mother, as she watches all the Chicago sports teams games. This young lady went on to tell me that athletes come in all the time, but her mother never believes her because she doesn't take pictures or make them sign their autograph. As she claimed though, that's the reason they all come back. Because she doesn't treat anyone any differently. People are all the same to her. Sometimes you just have to remember that through their flaws and triumphs. And for the times more suitable to forget? Well there's always Shiraz.

*Post Script: Mail is one of my favorite things, and I think even in this day in age, it remains on most peoples list as such. Make someone's day and drop a line.

{Stationary found from Jess Constable}

Chump Change

2011-11-09T00:48:00.001-06:00

My favorite days are those when find I shiny copper treasure. Or more commonly known as "lucky pennies." Today I walked out the door thinking it was going to be a good one since I was able to pocket two at an early hour. As the day progressed, hour by slow turning hour, I was beginning to wonder when the luck would kick in. By all counts, today was not a stellar one. It rained from sun up to sun down. Worked drudged along. My hair that started out in beautiful locks, blew out to an unrecognizable shape. And I had to pitch my black opaque tights. Looking back though, it's funny how much luck I did stumble upon. Dinkel's was served at breakfast. A friend I hadn't heard from in awhile passed along a fabulous Bloomingdale's discount. A couple other friends who can always pick up a day dropped some "hellos." A little known Stevie Wonder gem played at exactly the perfect time. Cartier became the first to step out on Michigan Ave. with their classic Christmas decor. And tonight's New Girl shared some very insightful advice. So perhaps the day looks like it ended with a very poor mop-top hairdo. That's okay though because I still ended the day two cents richer than the last.

{Image via Jayson Home}

Oh, Snap!

2011-11-08T08:00:00.001-06:00

"I must learn to love the fool in me--the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and who would rob me of human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool."
-- Theodore I. Rubin, MD

{Image via Shelter; Quote originally found via A Cup of Jo}

Seeing Things

2011-11-07T19:20:00.003-06:00

Searching for some inspiration? I love this little snippet following interior designer Bunny Williams through Belgium for One Kings Lane. She talks about seeing everything you can. Bunny may be in Belgium when perusing through centuries old antiques, but you don't have to do the same to expand your mind and tastes. To repeat, once again, my favorite mantras, always RSVP. Taking up invitations to anything and everything, no matter how big or small, is your greatest (and least expensive) passport to see the world!

{Video originally found via The City Sage}

Wish And You Shall Receive

2011-11-06T12:00:00.000-06:00

...Offers in your inbox that is. Does anyone else feel that once one pair of shoe begins its slow demise, the rest seem to follow? It can be quite draining on one's closet. Just as I was starting to despair about the hit my bank account was going to take from the two block hike to Michigan Ave., some wonderful news appeared in my email this weekend. Shoe sales! From Urban Outfitters and ASOS! What could be more lovely? Just in time for the holiday party season too.

Fanatical

2011-11-01T01:10:00.004-05:00

Since a very early age I've always been very partial to lace and pearls. That's just the kind of girl I am. However, at the age of five, I was introduced to baseball. It wasn't necessarily love at first sight with the game. You see, there was quite the heat wave during my first outing at Busch Stadium, so much so that it made my hair droop. So instead of sitting in the seats to enjoy the game with my Dad, Uncle John, and cousin Steph, I whined my way into hanging out in Fredbird's Playground for the majority of the nine innings. Of course I still made sure to leave with a fabulous new accessory: a hot pink Cardinals baseball cap.

While my first run at the ballpark wasn't a very successful one I kept trying it out for size. In fact, I even broadened my horizons by taking in hockey games, a much more confortable spectating climate. Eventually I started to to absorb and even engage in the games. By punching out all the holes in the nine All Star ballots I would grab at the stadium, memorizing all the teams in the league came rather quickly. Always big on literature, I would make sure to pick up a program at every game attended, which in turn helped me to catch up on stats and player history. Soon enough I found myself in whirlwind romances with countless Cardinals, most notably J.D. Drew and Rick Ankiel. In no time at all, I became a bona fide "fanatic."

When you're a fanatic, then a World Series such as the one that just took place, becomes all consuming. Especially when it's your team that has a hometown guy hit not just a two run double on the last strike to save the game, but a walk off home run in the eleventh to save the season, causing him to no longer be a hometown guy, but a hometown hero. It can consume you so much that you find yourself immediately buying a plane ticket to fly into St. Louis not even twelve hours after the game ended just to be there for Game 7. When you're that consumed, suddenly all those silent Hail Marys you were repeating to yourself don't seem so crazy.

Because what you really start to realize is that it's not so much that you want the Cardinals to win. That your team's victory is more important than all the far greater causes on this Earth. It obviously couldn't be about that when your heart is clenched so tight that you can feel it's dramatic beats and you look down at your hands to find your nails quite a bit shorter than when the game started. It's about....well, it's kind of just about being a kid again. Believing in things you only thought existed in your back yard with a couple frisbees laying around as bases. Having hope that when that sun goes down your Mom would keep the back lights on just to play outside a little bit longer. It's about the sheer joy that you got to spend time with your Dad and witness something truly great after some ups and downs.

This season, especially this post season where the Cardinals were never expected to even be invited to the party, was a great reminder of everything that's really important to me. From the 11:30 P.M. call to my Mom after Game 6 filled with shrieks and howls to the mirrored looks of awe between my Dad and I, it was an October to remember.

So yes, I'm the kind of girl who dons her pearl earrings where ever she goes. But that same girl knows the importance of a splash of colorful accessories, always having spare change for a boarding pass, and most of all who's hitting in the number six position.

Lesson Learned

2011-10-27T20:10:00.000-05:00

This morning I tossed and turned over my outfit for longer than I care to admit. All I wanted to do was wear red tights and denim shorts. Alas, I settled on plain old blue jeans out of fear. Anna Wintour once said in The September Issue that "fashion scares people." Up until today I thought myself above that. Seems I still have some courage to muster up. It was a good lesson learned though as my mood never fully recovered from the turmoil. Proof that confident style always makes the day.

{Image via Pinterest}

Postponement

2011-10-26T23:38:00.002-05:00

When your schedule can potentially flow just as good as planned with a little room leftover for spontaneity, well that's just perfect. I'm quite thrilled that Game 6 of the World Series that was supposed to take place in St. Louis tonight became postponed until tomorrow. Selfishly it has made me a little more available to prep for what quite possibly turn out to be just a wicked weekend. Now I just have to watch tomorrow night and hope I'll see an even more exciting game in person on Friday evening. Somewhere in between I can hopefully figure out how exactly I'll be getting there too. Those are just minor details though, right?

{Images via Lyla Blue}

How Do You Do?

2011-10-24T21:59:00.000-05:00

Some days can fit perfectly into one album. Today was all things Mayer Hawthorne. And there's not one thing I can complain about.

Dragonflies

2011-10-18T01:05:00.001-05:00

Unfortunately up in the Big City we don't get too many of nature's critters. So I've missed any dragonfly visits to notify me that autumn is upon us (not that the breezes off Lake Michigan weren't enough). More significantly than just a symbol for the season though, dragonflies also signify strength, happiness, and courage. I thought this description was lovely, and am thus hopeful I may catch a glimpse of just one before fall's end.

{Image Credit: NYT}

11in11

2011-10-16T23:37:00.000-05:00

Some of my favorite memories in life have taken place because of the Cardinals. Thanks for giving me another post-season's worth! World Series bound-Happy Flight!

Hallelujah!

2011-10-16T12:11:00.003-05:00

Does it get any better than days like this one?

The Rams game is on local Chicago television!

It's perfect weather to keep all the windows open and the leavers are a'changing!

It's grocery week, which means I'll be cooking tonight. I'm thinking chili and cornbread would suit just fine. (Yes, I've actually taken this up as a hobby).

I'll finally be finishing the Hunger Games. (I must admit, I've had a hard time getting into this one).

The Cardinals could be going to the World Series tonight!

...Aren't Sundays just the best?

This Is Dedicated to the Ones I Love

2011-10-15T11:55:00.003-05:00

Wishing I were at Homecoming this weekend with some of the best people I know.

M-I-Z!

A Rather Blustery Day

2011-10-15T11:38:00.003-05:00

It's an absolutely picturesque fall day here in Chicago! But just a wee bit blustery.

Plans

2011-10-14T20:04:00.000-05:00

This morning I woke up right on time. Just for that, I rewarded myself by not going on the treadmill at 5:30 and instead just lying in bed for awhile longer.

Because my planned outfit did not look quite as good on as it did in my head, I cost myself the time it takes to complete a walk to work before my morning meeting. So I switched my plan and hitched a cab. Only to wait 10 minutes for one, even while living on one of Chicago's busiest streets.

This weekend is the 100th Homecoming weekend at my alma mater, Mizzou. I hadn't planned on going due to other out-of-town commitments going on this month. However, a couple great friends made very last minute decisions to make the trek back, so I decided to look into doing the same. If of course my Dad had not finalized his plans to come up to Chicago tomorrow.

As it turned out he hadn't. But in the end I could not make the logistics, finances, and everything else work out to get to Columbia, MO in time for the big game. Fortunately my Dad still had an open agenda tomorrow and decided to still come up.

Plans are wonderful when you have them. They can be made even more sweet though when you don't know at all what you want and you wind up with what you got.

Hope your plans take you on some fun twists and turns this weekend!

{Image Via}

A Box of Rain

2011-10-13T22:11:00.001-05:00

You know the pain of yesterday has been put to ease when...

...the rain doesn't ruin your fashion parade...

...pumpkins big and small can be found everywhere...

...you have a real sit-down lunch!...

...chunky beads are donned...

...your path crosses real men out in and for pink.

{Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

Merci!

2011-10-12T20:52:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you have "days." You know...the bad kind. Today had a moment of a "day," but fortunately for me I had a hour long massage scheduled allowing me not only the luxury of therapeutic wellness, but the excuse to leave work earlier than normal. Not only that, but I had wine at home. Yes, my day had some fumes to light a fire, but in the end nothing burned down. Perhaps it's a sign of aging gracefully.

{Image Credit: Thxthxthx}

You've Got the Love

2011-10-11T22:41:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, when you're walking down the street, the darndest things happen. Like tonight, on a very ordinary walk back to my aparment from Michigan Avenue, passing the dispersing happy hour crowds, a man with a round face, glasses, and bow tie (no, not Frosty the Snowman) was walking right toward me. It was instinct to look right at him in the eyes. No reason, just instinct. It might have been instinct for him then as well to very frankly state to me "I'd spend the rest of my life with you." Then once again, right on cue, we both let out a laugh and kept walking. It was quite clear we were not meant to be. Nevertheless they were just the right words I needed to hear at that moment. For now, I'm ready to go head first into my day tomorrow. Because you never know who you could be a "game changer" for.

{Image Credit: Southern Weddings}

Dee-Troit!

2011-10-11T00:00:00.001-05:00

I've jumped the Detroit Lions bandwagon, and if anyone else would like to join there's room in the back.

Coming Home Again

2011-10-05T23:02:00.001-05:00

One of the best treats in life is watching great friends marry great people. Congratulations, Julie and Ross!

Move Forward

2011-10-03T22:57:00.002-05:00

It's all about confidence. Find something that gives you just that.

Image Via

Seeing Is Believing

2011-09-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

It all began Sunday night at dinner. Just a nice Sunday evening dinner out. It was humid out, and so I thought that little irritation in my eye was just due in part to the weather. A few itches and dabs of a kleenex to the eye seemed to be sufficient enough to last through dinner. Surely my contacts just needed to take a soak in their case all night. The problem was that darn left eye kept itching right up until I tried to shut them both for the night. The itching though grew worse. As in it became a pain. Full blown pain. Enough to cause a complete lack of sleep for the night. Even after failed attempts of frozen ice pack compressions. When 5:00 A.M. rolled around I actually jumped at the chance to take a shower. Albeit a little more fresh, the pain was still at a full force throb. Frustration had set in. So I did what had been reinforced to me time and again in times of distress: call Mom. The first thought, knowing my history of hypochondria, was pink eye. As was mine actually, as I also took into account my past track record. After few genuine shrieks of pain though the thought loomed that it could be something a tad more serious. Possibly. Never one to waste time or money to go to a doctor if not necessary...

...I actually leapt into a cab to the nearest urgent care (well second closest, as the Northwestern University Clinic was nothing but absolutely rude and inefficient upon calling). So off I went with my damp hair pulled back, in all black sweats, my glasses, and a wet hot pink washcloth pinned under the left lens of my glasses. In the midst of Chicago Monday morning rush hour on North Michigan Avenue. Just waltzing right into a professional building up 16 floors to the urgent care. Well waltz wouldn't quite accurately describe what was actually frantically barreling through the doors all the way to the receptionist's desk. Out of pity or shear fear of the wreck that was my appearance, I got right in, though had to wait in a pitch black room without any windows for the doctor. My spasmodic movements at every flicker of light had everyone on edge. A small check of $50 later it was determined that the care center wasn't well equipped to diagnose me. So they sent me up three floors into an even more well groomed office of an opthamologist. One look at my eye and I was final given the diagnosis: corneal ulcer. In other words, absolutely disgusting and excruciatingly painful. But treatable if caught quickly enough. Which is fortunately what happened. So while a few hundred in medical bills (much of which will be thankfully reimbursed to me after a lack of communication from my father about a new insurance plan was discovered), much is left to be grateful for after these traumatic events, such as:

Sympathy and approximately three minutes of peace were given to me at work
A new appreciation for a lovely accessory has been cultivated
My expenses on contacts will go down
I have a valid excuse to milk for at least three weeks
I was able to play make believe pirate for a night while wearing my eye patch
My vision is still mostly in tact or can be restored. A gift some aren't as lucky to claim all the time.

{Image Credit: BerkleyIllustration}

Fried Easy

2011-09-16T00:27:00.000-05:00

When you think you can't...do!

Lucky 25

2011-09-14T01:25:00.000-05:00

After many a obvious sign, it's been decided that this year, my 25th, is going to be one filled with lots of luck. I can't tell you exactly why or how I know at the moment. It's just something you'll have to stay tuned and find out for yourself. So once again, the formatting of my blog will be changing a bit. Still check back often as you never know what good fortunes you could miss!

"You don't look a day over Fast Cars and Freedom; that sunset river bank first time feeling."--Rascal Flatts

{Image Credit: Ouma}

Groovy

2011-08-29T23:44:00.000-05:00

Groove is in the heart.

{Image Via Hollywood Palace}

Perennials

2011-08-22T23:45:00.002-05:00

Even as the years go on, some friends just get better with age.

You Is Important

2011-08-16T23:03:00.000-05:00

Sunday night I stayed up until 2:00 A.M. finishing the book through tears. Tonight I just came back from the movie and am still clearing up my mascara stains. While there are some differences (is a movie ever really like the book?), both are well worth the time.

P.S. Did you know Nate Berkus was an executive producer on the film?

Hot Legs

2011-08-15T23:16:00.000-05:00

When given the chance, always take the stairs. It's good side practice in working hard.

{Image Credit: House of Honey}

Baby You Can Drive My Car

2011-08-09T00:34:00.004-05:00

Few things really ruffle my feathers in this world. Ribbed sweater vests are one of them. A few more less obvious items linger on the list. Yet the DMV and Street Department take the cake. They are organizations setup by the government to corner otherwise upstanding citizens, such as myself, and attempt to turn them into non-violent felons. It wasn't enough that they forced me to retake my driver's test all because of a failed parallel parking attempt. Nor were they satisfied with my my three speeding tickets, two car accidents, and a half dozen fender benders. All of which were the result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's never been enough for the state of Missouri (Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, and Illinois). They had to try and corner me even when my little blue Lancer was not in my possession.

Last weekend, as a favor to my dear friend Emilie, I lent my car so she could drive to the 'burbs of Chicago. The car was dropped off on Saturday evening. By Sunday morning, at approximately 9:03 A.M. the car had been reported missing to me, though stated as found and impounded by the City of Chicago. What are you going to do in a city that segments off tow zones, permit parking, meters, and open public parking by the square footage? It happens. So that evening we found ourselves two underpasses below the Riverwalk at the Lower Wacker impound lot. We should have known we were in for a round of engaging conversationalists after Emilie's original call to the Department of Streets and Sanitation in the morning went as follows:

Emilie: I'm looking for a car that would have been towed at LaSalle and Oak
Street Dept. Lady: Make and model?
E: Blue Mitsubishi Lance
SDL: And are you the owner?
E: No, it's my friend's car. I borrowed it and-
SDL: Whoa, whoa, whoa? This isn't your car? I shouldn't even be talking to you right now!
E: No, it's my friend's car and I need to find it. I have the keys. She let me borrow it. I-
SDL: For all you know your friend stole this car. For all I know, you stole this car. For all we know, this car is stolen. Click.

Low and behold, the two on shift at the understated faux wood wall Lower Wacker office had the same shining personalities as their customer service counterpart. They were happy to report they had the car, and even more eager to let us know that they could not relinquish it. Not until they saw proof in the form of the vehicle registration papers and a notarized letter from the owner. Or in other words, my Father. As you may have guessed, the sympathy just came pouring out of them once that fact was given. As luck would have it, the owner, Dad, was out of town. Not around the registration papers, and certainly not in front of a fax machine. Of course I then went into a very lady-like soliloquy about how "ridiculous" it was to not accept my other forms of documentation as proof, and how their "processes were archaic," and I would not leave until they knew just how "absolutely rude" they were and that the whole thing was "bulls***." And we stormed out those doors. Of course we had to walk back in because we went out the wrong one. But we then stormed out again and even slammed the door behind us.

Once my Dad was reached and made it back to St. Louis the documents were faxed. The car was able to be picked up and I was ready to put the whole situation and Street Department behind me. Well it would have been nice to had I remembered that I had the keys now and not Emilie. So Thursday morning I was ready to just be done with it all. We had the cash money, we had the documents, we had our final words. Fortunately a nice temp named Vic took care of us so we were out the door in standard DMV time (37 minutes without anyone else in front of us). But no hassle was given as he was not as read up in policy and procedure as his fellow full time colleagues. The Lancer was finally back in my possession, and being that my building was just above the lot I was able to just turn a corner and legally park it in the garage. But someone from the week's past events had it in good with the Man Upstairs and his friend, Karma, because just as I was about to park the ol' gal in the triple parked garage the battery light started flashing and the wheel was jolting. I saw their point and as an absolution prayed approximately 23 Hail Mary's between my office and apartment. The car is now on sick leave in its designated spot out back. It may come into remission when the garage door opener is finally retrieved from, who else? My dear friend, Emilie.

My Kind of Town

2011-08-07T23:50:00.001-05:00

Hard to believe, but just a year ago I was sitting, wishing, and hoping in St. Louis that I'd be in Chicago. It's almost been a full year since the big move, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I had my doubts. Packing up and moving to a new city comes with a whole ton of challenges. You're definitely not the cool kid in town, you have absolutely no idea where to go or where to steer clear of. Staying on your best behavior is a must if you ever want to make a friend. Sleep should be seen as a nice weekend bonus, but not necessary if you ever want to make it into a Sunday brunch group.

It's a constant balancing act. Trying to be someone you're not is completely unacceptable in a city of originality. However, you should then always be striving to be original. One day though, after a couple trips to the neighborhood shops for new outfits to wear out both during the week and weekend, you'll find your life is starting to feel comfortable. You can tell the cab driver confidently where to drop you off in the Loop, your sass comes back and your string of "sorry's"start to fade, and people will start to ask you where the best happy hour is. It's a process. But one you should go through with pride. After all, it was your very original decision in the first place.

A Little Bit '60s

2011-08-03T23:47:00.001-05:00

A whole lotta love.

{Sonia by Sonia Rykiel}

Vacation Holiday

2011-08-03T00:10:00.000-05:00

Last week I was able to get away and spend five days at my most favorite place in the world: Madden's Lodge. It's funny going to a familiar place year after year. You're able to see how things have changed for you. At age 24 I was reminded of a moment when my Dad was not much older than I am now, and I was just about five or six. We were up at Maddens and the most amazing thing ever came to the lodge: water balloon fighting. Not the fill your own and throw them at the pesky four year-olds kind of water balloon fighting. Legitimate professional water balloon fighting. To say this was the highlight of my short-term memory years would be an understatement. My Dad promised me we would sling those balloons. Just as soon as he called work. So I waited and waited and watched that phone call go on and on in our cabin's sitting area. Until finally I could no longer wait and watch any longer. I walked up to the spin-around curly cord phone and just hung it up for him. Well, that really did get me out there any sooner. Nor did it make my dinner that evening any more pleasant. But really, why was he tending to work when were at MADDENS?

I've thought back on that moment often-mostly when trying to retrace when I first discovered my powers of conniver and assertion. This year though, when holed up in my pine walled room on my computer, the moment replayed more vividly because I was the one that a sassy five year old to hang it up on me. My vacation, while gorgeous and enjoyable as always, did not have everything else in my life vacated. It's a sure sign of getting older, yes. But not one my five year-old self ever saw coming.

Back

2011-08-01T22:41:00.001-05:00

Nothing beats the start of a new month. While July was a whirlwind of hard works and loads of fun, August is a welcome wind of getting back to the center. It's time to sit back and enjoy the rest of summer!

{Image Credit: GAN via Life's Little Jems}

Keeping the Doctor Away

2011-07-12T23:33:00.000-05:00

Not sure about anyone else, but I'm finding less and less time in my days. This means, among other things, I can't afford to get sick or, quite unfortunately, going to the spa a weekly facial. So I rely on a little help from my friends-vitamins! Say what you want, but I promise you after a week of daily dose you'll be sure to notice a huge difference in your energy and overall health!

{Image via Pinterest}

Take Flight

2011-07-11T23:21:00.001-05:00

No matter where you go, make sure to pack a good attitude. It makes your baggage lighter.

{Image Credit: The Cherry Blossom Girl}

Dashing

2011-07-07T23:14:00.001-05:00

{Image via eastwestern}

Tetris

2011-07-06T07:06:00.001-05:00

This has been a week cut out for a busy bee. So I'll just send out one simple and delightful thought: all-in-one color blocking.

{Found at: Urban Outfitters}

What Spring Sprung

2011-07-05T22:45:00.001-05:00

Not sure if it was just hiding throughout the rest of the country, but spring was a very elusive guest to Chicago this year. While the rain came down, and the warm temperatures remained dormant, I kept busy with some good books, movies, and blasting tunes while spring cleaning. If I had to choose, my favorites from the past three months were:

Gimme Some-Peter Bjorn and John: Still funky and fresh, this album started all the right ways with Tomorrow Has to Wait
How Starbucks Saved My Life by Michael Gates Gill: In a word, inspiring. You want to make sure and pay attention to every word Gill has to say from his career highs to his careers bests; his mistakes as well as his timeless memories.
The Graduate: They call them classics for a reason. Clearly a racy coming-of-age story, this film was also touching and had a very dashing Dustin Hoffman, both of which came as somewhat unexpected.

Now onto the remainder of my summer months. They happen to contain a hefty amount of travel time, which bodes well for my favorite hobbies.

Views

2011-07-04T20:38:00.001-05:00

There are many different views in the world. And the thing is, all of them have the possibility of being right. So it's worth taking a listen.

{Image Credit: Jake Stangel}

Send Off

2011-06-30T23:43:00.002-05:00

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Always RSVP. For me that means taking the first invitation that comes your way and going with it. Well this Fourth of July weekend the first thing that arrived was a ticket home to St. Louis. Granted it would have been my first Fouth in Chicago. Furthermore, I also RSVP'd way back when to head back to the Lou next weekend. Even so I confirmed my attendance. Could not be more happy to report that since sending in my "yes" I now have a loaded but relaxed agenda for this weekend, and have found that my trip back to the same destination next weekend will now have to be delayed by a day. So you see, jumping on board early puts the wheels in motion for what's ahead.

Hope your Fourth contains all the best laid plans!

{Image Credit: Mikael Jansson}

Gotta Have Faith

2011-06-30T00:36:00.007-05:00

{Image Credit: Jaime Martinez via Poppytalk}

Seeing Red

2011-06-28T23:37:00.000-05:00

Just a few of my favorite things in one of the most ravishing colors.

{Book from Anthropologie, Dress from J.Crew, & Bangle from Kate Spade}

Dine, Chicago, Dine

2011-06-27T22:10:00.001-05:00

Last week yielded that realization of finally making it. A bona fide Chicago resident. That moment comes along when you not only dine at three local establishments, but enjoy them all, in just a week's time. It was truly a great week. Let me introduce you to those eats that helped me get to this point:

Monday Night-Dukes: It may lure you in from its cozy modern cedar lodge atmosphere, but it's the burgers that will get you to stay. Mostly because you may literally have to roll yourself out of there otherwise. Per a recommendation I went with the lightly topped California burger. One day though, mark my words, I'll be ordering that breakfast burger you see above.
Thursday Night-Chens: It's nearly impossible to find any ambiance in Wrigleyville. The Cubs do lose there after all. Right in the midst of the sobbing jersey chasers and cousins of the fine gentleman who brought us Icing, you can find a classy spot called Chens. Those who truly enjoy Asian cuisine cannot help but love this place as it's a one-stop shop: sushi, pad-Thai, and Chinese favorites.
Saturday Morning-Brunch at Fireside '86: Unfortunately you cannot stop in here, as Fireside '86 is more commonly known as my friend Peter's residential apartment in Andersonville. You haven't had a brunch though until you've had a gourmet made-from-scratch spread with some boys celebrating Pridefest.
Saturday Night-Taco Joint: It must be said that thus far the Mexican restaurants in this city have been lackluster. While this was still no El Rancho, Taco Joint, which recently opened in Lincoln Park, exceeded its gimmicky name by a longshot. It's biggest perk is it's thrifty four course meal: Margarita, two tacos, guacamole, and a third taco.

What You Like

2011-06-26T23:58:00.000-05:00

Make the first thought of every day be your own. Not what someone else may be thinking of or about you at that moment. Dress in what you feel good in. Listen to whatever perks you up. Operate in the mode that suits you best. You can go through the day much further this way.

{Image Credit: Marc Laroche}

Cool Cats

2011-06-24T07:35:00.000-05:00

My how time flies when you're having a good week! Hoping the same can be said for this weekend with so much happening in the big city.

Keep it cool!

{Image Credit: ashkahn}

Eccentricity

2011-06-23T23:16:00.002-05:00

{Image via SunKissedLove}

Let's Talk About...

2011-06-22T23:38:00.001-05:00

...How I could live on an island of Calypso St. Barth.

How to Save Your Wallet's Life

2011-06-21T23:00:00.002-05:00

A few tips from a semi-pro:

1. Pick a day to go to the grocery store. Then go on that day every other week with a list of items needed. Stick to the list.

2. Decide on two items that are on the borderline of necessities and wants (i.e. I really want to replace my has-been worn-in black pumps). Buy those items per paycheck of the month.

3. One out to lunch per week barring any special occasions.

4. Free museum days in your city.

5. Parks.

6. Amazon used books and movies.

7. Netflix Instant.

8. Subscribe to all your favorite retailers email lists. Yes, it will be painful at first. But then that glorious day will come when you know about the SALE.

9. Recyclable friendly products: water bottles, coffee mugs, cloth grocery bags.

10. Punctuality. It saves cab fares.

**These are just lovely guidelines to save room for the luxuries you want to keep in your life. Remember, you are only young once.**

{Image Credit: via I Need Bigger Closet}

In the Summer

2011-06-19T22:27:00.001-05:00

If ever there is a day this summer where the temperatures just above 80. And the wind is blowing a gentle breeze. When the sun is out shining, and maybe just a couple clouds are lingering around. If you find those days make sure to spend at least a half hour outside. Take a walk to pick up lunch, or pack it and sit on a bench. Window shop on your favorite block. Sit by a body of water-any kind will do. Just make sure you don't waste one summer day.

Happy Father's Day Weekend!

2011-06-18T13:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Father's Day Weekend to all the great Dads out there!

Taking the Plunge

2011-06-15T23:58:00.000-05:00

{Image Credit: Kiki & Polly}

On the Wall

2011-06-14T22:41:00.000-05:00

For the most tapestries don't get enough credit. They're seen as either too hippy or the other extreme, too uptight. Really though they can be quite the spruce to any wall. Functional as temporary wallpaper or to cover up some sore spots, or artful to provoke thought or creativity to your space. They're not to be used lightly, but don't let yourself believe the stereotype either!

{Image Credit: Urban Outfitters & Amber Interior Design}

Easy Peasy Meals: Sausage Casserole

2011-06-13T22:59:00.000-05:00

I've got the secret to making you the most popular guy or gal in your office. And all you'll need are three simple ingredients with almost just as many steps. So whip out your pen and paper:

Ingredients needed:

Sausage
Cream Cheese
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

Steps:

Brown the sausage
Mix in the cream cheese and blend together
Pour mix into pan and top with crescent rolls
Bake at 375-degrees until golden

See? Easy peasy! And an absolutely delicious dish to share with co-workers!

Spot Saved

2011-06-12T22:45:00.001-05:00

The big city certainly has a lot to offer. From miles of fabulous shopping to one great Lake. Of all the wonderful and exciting things I've found here though, it does still hold a pretty large void. Not a big, sometimes loud, often times found drinking, occasionally dramatic, always hilarious, and undoubtably supportive family to be found on any corner!

It's the little things that make a big difference. So to my parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and all you cousins know that I'm missing you lots all the way from Chicago!

Hostess With the Mostess

2011-06-09T23:28:00.001-05:00

{Image Credit: via awesome people hanging out together}

The Great Outdoors

2011-06-07T22:17:00.000-05:00

My expertise in the outdoors does not go very far. Just to the nearest indoor plumbing facility, in fact. That does not mean though I would not be prepared a pursuit out to the woods. One must always wear socks to protect from those...whatever, those prickly things that stick are. Lunch should always come from a charcoal grill. Then of course you'll need to pack a thick blanket for watching the stars and stripes. So you see? Still a scout at heart.

{Images: J. Crew, Sur la Table, & L.L. Bean}

Worth the Wait

2011-06-06T22:49:00.001-05:00

When should one follow the hype? In sports, when an athlete has two solid seasons that include trips to the playoffs and then decides to stay with his former bottom-of-the-barrel team (I'm talking to you, Lebron), then you can hop on the bandwagon. When it comes to the latest fashion trend, check back in a month at your nearest H&M to ensure it hasn't made it to the clearance rack. As far as good food is concerned, if it takes you over a month (say, two) to get a reservation, then you can be very sure it's worth the wait.

Last week I finally get to have a taste of what Girl and the Goat was all about. From the comforts (the chickpeas fritters are a must) to the intriguing (do try the braised beef tongue), the menu is a true experience for your palate. Not to mention it boasts a friendly and very knowledgable staff housed in a laid back eclectic atmosphere-something you can't always find when dining fine.

To conclude, the next time you hear about a great new restaurant in town, listen up. Then call and put your name in. When it comes to good food you don't want to be picking up the scraps.

Impressions

2011-06-05T22:58:00.000-05:00

It's been tried, and proven true, that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Most people just don't have the time, and they shouldn't. So always make sure of just a few things when you walk through a door: Wear a smile, say "Hello, good [insert time of day]," and remember at least one thing about the person(s) you talk to. Be someone that you would want to meet.

{Image Credit: The Sartorialist via EclecChic}

Coasting

2011-06-04T10:51:00.001-05:00

I finally have a wide open calendar for the weekend! Actually the whole month of June is pretty much mine for the taking. However, a much busy July and August await. Always the planner, I've proclaimed this month Arts & Crafts Time. Going to catch up on projects, save up some dough (the green paper kind), and load up on the leisurely activities. Just the trick to keep you and your bank account looking slim and trim!

Hope you have a breezy weekend!

{Image Credit: natasha}

Do the Right Thing

2011-06-02T22:04:00.000-05:00

{Image Credit: Rue via Design Is Mine}

Citrus Squeeze

2011-06-01T22:21:00.001-05:00

Personally I like my pumps to match my Arnold Palmers. Don't you?

Shout out to Christine, the Queen of Lemons!

{Image Credit: Becoming a Foodie & Shoes Found at: United Nude}

If You Can't Take the Heat

2011-06-01T07:43:00.000-05:00

Well I finally figured out how to bring the heat to Chicago. This past weekend I went down to the upper 90-degrees of Dallas for a family wedding. Scorching as it may have been, it beat the the chills of the Windy City and it seemed to have like me enough to travel back here. The climate was just one of the things I learned to love in this great state. Here are a few more:

Take pictures. As seen from above, I have none to show from the weekend.
Everything really is bigger in Texas. Hair, stadiums, belt buckles. Everything.
Too much wine can make for a long night.
The JFK Conspiracy Theory is pretty darn legit.
No way in heck could I ever live in a 90-degree climate year round.

{Image via Pinterest}

Back to the Basics

2011-05-30T22:46:00.000-05:00

It seems summer may actually be here to stay! At least I don't see anything below 70-degrees in the five day forecast... Time to start getting back to the basics then. Cocktails on the patio, books at the beach, sundresses, and the humming of fans. Soak it up!

{Image Credit: Ruche Unending Love via This Is Glamorous}

LA LA Land

2011-05-25T23:04:00.000-05:00

{Image via Pinterest}

There's Dottie

2011-05-24T23:05:00.000-05:00

Polka dots are worn best when making a splash!

{Anthropologie & J. Crew}

Help Joplin

2011-05-23T22:52:00.000-05:00

As almost anyone knows by now, late Sunday afternoon a devastating tornado blew through Joplin, MO. In its wake over 100 residents became fatal victims and over a third of the city destroyed. When you're able to count past one for your blessings, there are left few reasons why not to help someone else do the same.

If you're able, donate blood to the Red Cross.

Donate a few dollars to the Heart of Missouri United Way.

Make a Care Kit for Heart to Heart International.

Most importantly, no matter your faith or belief, keep this community in your heart.

Be well.

{Image Credit: New York Times}