gift guide: under $30

1. MAC Fanfare Lipstick - $15

2. Clairsonic Deep Pore Cleansing Brush Heads - $25-$75

3. Pureology Hydrating or Precious Oil Softening Shampoo & Conditioner - $27-$64

4. Knots on Knots Earwarmer - $19

5. Swan Lake Headwrap - $18

6. J. Crew Gold and Crystal Link Bracelet - $18

7. Gap Cozy Multi-Color Plaid Scarf - $29.95

8. Earth Therapeutics Eyelid Compress - $5 

xoxo

stella & dot

A couple of weeks ago, my roommate hosted a Stella & Dot trunk show and it was such a good time that I decided to host one for my friends next week. Not only is it a great excuse to get all of the girls together [not that we need one], but it's also a chance to get really cute jewelry and accessories that you cannot get in the stores. Plus, anything you purchase from a Stella & Dot Stylist directly, or online here, comes in the cutest little packaging- perfect for Holiday gift-giving! 

Also, if you "host" a Stella & Dot party, you can get credits for free jewelry! Yes, I said FREE jewelry, people! Contact Stella & Dot Stylist, Joelle, if you want to host a party of your own. Here are the goodies I snagged from the trunk show:  

(Above: On The Mark Necklace $59  -  Below: Nancy Studs $24)

Happy Shopping! xoxo 

these booties are made for walkin'

So, I'm in the market for a new pair of boots. Some good, well-made boots can cost a pretty penny, but they are worth the investment because they will last for years and years. Here are some hot booties I have my eye on this season:

1. Zara Elastic Ankle Boot Wheel - $79.90

2. Shutz Sid Webbed Booties - $192.50

3. Target Women's Mosimo Vonnie Shootie Ankle Boot - $23.99
4. Vince Camuto Holden Bootie - $44.47

5. Sol Sana Jai Booties - $220

6. Jeffrey Campbell ACDC Low $269.95

7. Sam Edelman Lucca - $159.95

8. Zara Leather Ankle Boot w/ Concealed Wedge - $129

P.S. If someone wants to walk out of your life, let 'em. xoxo

winter to-do list

Let's face it, it's already getting chilly willy in Chicago and even colder weather is headed our way [woof]. Luckily, the Holidays are just around the corner to warm our spirits and I'm definitely looking forward to their arrival. Since they come and go before we know it, I've made a list of things I want to do to help make the brutal winter months a little more bearable:

1. Attend ZooLights: This is a personal favorite. I love getting bundled up and admiring the transformation of the Lincoln Park Zoo into a beautiful, winter wonderland. Lights turn on November 29th and will be on every weekend (and some week nights) through January 5th

2. Visit a Blues/Jazz Club: Take in some beats (hopefully, by a fire) while enjoying a nice glass of wine

3. Go Ice Skating in Millennium Park: I've never been and have always wanted to go! The ice rink opens tomorrow, November 15th

4. Run a 5k: Either the Jingle Bell Run, the Santa Hustle, and/or the New Year's Day 5k 

5. Give Back: Volunteer some time, sign-up for my first Dance Marathon, and make a donation to The Salvation Army

6. Go to Bottle and Bottega: Make my very own work of art at this paint party

7. Drinks at The Drake: Get dressed to the nines and have a drink at this glamorous, historic landmark

8. Make Soup: Looking to try out some healthy, but delicious recipes

9. Go Skiing: It would be great to get out West [duh], but I would definitely be content with a day-trip to Wilmot or Alpine 

10. Take in the Magnificent Mile: I tend to avoid Michigan Ave. whenever possible. I cannot stand the crowded sidewalks and how s.l.o.w. the tourists walk, but this year, I want to do my Christmas shopping tourist style and take in the Mag Mile and all of its glory 

Bring it on, Jack Frost! xoxo

throw back thursday

It has definitely been a while since the last time I posted, so, in spirit of "TBT" I've decided to re-hash the last nine few months... Luck you! I can proudly report that I crossed a few things off the good ol' bucket list. I finally made it to the Kentucky Derby, and though it was cold and rainy the whole time, I would totally go back in a heartbeat.  Ironically, the only bet that we won, was the one bet that I, um... forgot to place...

(Dress-Aritzia, Derby Hat-Aqua, Bag-Minkoff)

And I made a few trips down South, where I experienced so many amazing things. We rented a beautiful cabin with breathtaking views at Legacy Mountain Resort (highly recommend this place). I also went hiking and camping for the first time and saw more Black bears in one visit than most people will see in their entire lives. And, of course, tried a little moonshine. When in Rome...

"Southern Escape"

(Appalachian Trail)

(Views from "Charlie's Bunion" were out of this world- That pink dot = Me)

And for the finale of the summer: 3 days at Lollapalooza. I was so pumped to finally see Mumford & Sons live, but I've gotta admit, the highlight of the festival was definitely getting up close and personal with The National's Matt Berninger- what a performance! Matt, you have a forever fan in me, buddy!

P.S. Obviously, there is way too much to capture in one little post, but I'm so excited that my blog is up and running again. Can't wait to get back into it!  

Hope y'all like the new look! xoxo

spring savvy

Spring is officially less than a month away, woo! I know... it's hard to believe with all the snow that is currently blanketing the Windy City, but it's time to start thinking about those warm weather essentials. Nordstrom's Savvy department recently welcomed new designers, like ASTR, with some pretty amazing price points. Buy cheap, but look expensive! 

1. Sheer Fringe High/Low Tank - $45

2. High/Low Field Vest - $82

3. Cross Back Knit Top - $42

4. Ra Ra Ruffle' Dip Dye Tank Dress - $58

5. Perforated Faux Suede Moto Jacket - $88

6. Silk Blend Tunic Tank - $42

Get ASTR it! xoxo <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3694873/?claim=b86e8uurqtc">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

sweet nothing

After an all too wild and crazy holiday weekend, I could not be happier that it's finally Friday and I am so looking forward to doing a whole lotta NOTHING! 

On the agenda for the weekend thus far:
1. Hanging with my favorite ladies
2. Working out with my girl, Tracy Anderson
3. Not drinking [err, not drinking a lot]
4. Movie date: This is 40
5. Leaving my lungs alone [7 days strong, woo!]

If you haven't heard "Sweet Nothing," you should have a listen. 
Calvin Harris + Florence Welch = Musical Genius (and one happy little girl... me!) 

Happy Friday! xoxo

stocking stuffers: my essentials

1. Voluspa Candle - $16

2. Morrocanoil - $40

3. Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment - $22

4. Etsy Hair Ties - $8

5. Clinique - Moisturizing Gel - $25

6. Anthropologie Celestial Coaster Set - $32

7. iTunes Gift Cards - $10 - $50

8. Kate Spade Earrings - $48

9. Aveeno Tinted Moisturizer - $17

xoxo

it's the end of the world as we know it

Since it's our last day on Earth, I figured, what the heck?! One more post...
For the record, I totally called that Cassadee Pope was going to be the winner of The Voice [G, can vouch for me]. It's just so crazy because I literally sound just like her when I sing in the shower! What?! Seriously though, I'm really excited for her- Way to go, girl!

It's too bad her career is going to be short-lived. Damn those Mayans! xoxo 

all i want for christmas is you

1. Ralph Lauren Blue Perfume - $75

2. Mulberry Handbag - $1,500 $629

3. YSL "Arty" Ring - $290

4. Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis - $89

5. Essie Polish "Snake Rattle & Roll" and "She's Pampered" - $8-$11

6. Jeffrey Campbell "Wishlist" Boots - $298

7. Alexis Bittar Necklace - $155

8. Alice + Olivia Ballerina Bodysuit - $187

9. Balenciaga Handbag - $1,395

10. UGG Slippers - $120

xoxo

must see flicks: this is 40

Over the weekend, I watched, "Love Actually" and it was actually just enough to get me feeling all warm and fuzzy again. If you don't like this movie during the holidays, there is something seriously wrong with you. Or, err- you're a dude. Anyways, I literally laughed my ass off by myself to Hugh Grant dancing to "Jump, For My Love." SO PRECIOUS!

I also cannot wait to see, "This is 40" with my girl, Leslie Mann. This preview had me cracking up again, by myself. Just me and the TV. This is starting to get really embarrassing. Favorite line, probably because I could see myself saying it, "I would enjoy our last few months together, but while killing you." Hil-arious!

Off to Minneapolis, to kick Adrian Peterson's ass back to the bench. Check ya Wednesday Chi! xoxo

yo quiero taco kel

Alright, I'm no top chef, you got me! BUT - I can make some pretty damn good tacos, and they are healthy too. Ditch the premade seasoning packs you buy at the store, which contain a boat load of sodium and will make you swollen as... um, heck [trying not to cuss] and give my recipe a whirl :)

Here's my starting line-up:

1. Oil the pan and start with cooking some lean, ground turkey on low-med heat 

2. Season the meat with a chili powder and ground cumin combination

3. I like it hot-hot-hot, so I add ghost pepper salsa to the meat

4. Put your fixins on and bon appetit

CAUTION: ghost peppers are the hottest peppers in the world, so unless you are as intense as I am, I suggest you take it easy with this ingredient! 

Let's go BEARS! [Cutler, don't make me regret starting you] xoxo

work it out

Although I'd much rather wear a giant, comfy t-shirt while working out, I've been forcing myself to wear tanks lately. I've found that I'm much more conscious of my core and abs when I'm wearing something tight and/or revealing, which gives me a much better workout as a result. Definitely has nothing to do with being single, definitely not. I really like these Beyond Yoga tanks, but don't pay full price. Get them off amazon or ebay for much cheaper!

           

I swear, I don't think I could do a push-up or pull-up if I tried. If you're the same, then I suggest you give this Tracy Anderson arm workout a go. So what if you can't pump iron- looking the part is all that matters anyways, right? Your arms will get toned from doing this routine, and just try not to laugh and have fun doing it- I dare you!  

Happy stop being fat Tuesday! xoxo

i dream of red rocks

Ever since I learned about Red Rocks, I have been absolutely obsessed with the idea of seeing a concert there. I guess my fascination isn't that shocking seeing as it's an acoustically perfect amphitheater located in one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Still, my dream is to see Mumford and Sons perform there... How amazing would that be?! Should these two worlds collide, I WILL be there to witness the magic- No matter what! Mark my words.

That being said, if you ever hear of this happening, please holler my way! xoxo

cruel intentions

yabba dabba doo

Alright! I know March of 2012 has forced me on the bad side of my 20's, but I refuse to be too old to dress up for Halloween. After all, it is one of my favorite holidays. The abundance of candy, making a complete fool of yourself, and way too much make-up than is necessary... What's not to love?!

This year, we decided to go as the Stone Age's finest, two chicks: Wilma Flintstone and Betty Rubble.

Always save room for dessert! xoxo

MACkin' it

If you like what you see then you had better hurry over to MAC, because right now you can pre-order these awesome holiday kits that will be shipped to you free of charge. Quantities are limited, so they are sure to fly off the shelves when they launch in-store on the 23rd. Get excited because not only are these leopard-print makeup bags super cute, but the contents inside are FULL size! The kits range in price from $39.50-$49.50, so you do the math.

xoxo

neutral territory

Neutrals are the au naturel of fashion. They provide a classic look that will never go out of style. Next time you are sporting some Earth tones, try accenting your ensemble with a little navy. A lot of women are hesitant to wear it, but whomever created that stigma is a moron because navy looks good on everyone. Meanwhile, back at the ranch... Don't get me wrong- I have more vibrant, jewel-colored tops in my closet than I know what to do with, but neutrals rock because you can still create a show-stopping look, without being too showy. 

(Top-Vince, Pants-J-Brand, Jacket- Necklace-havilah, Ring-House of Harlow)

A little neutrality in the midst of the Presidential debates! xoxo

setting the bar

(Top - Alice + Olivia, Necklace - Anthropologie, Denim - Paige, size 26 [cough-cough], Booties - Zara)

Congratulations to my beautiful friend, Andrea, who found out that she passed the bar this week! Can you imagine... this bombshell walking into to the courtroom- Case dismissed! In all seriousness, I could not be prouder of my mama bear, who has never looked better. 

What's her secret? Don't worry, I asked:

1. Cooking instead of dining out

2. Power walking / elliptical / jogging

3. Tracy Anderson Method [I totally should have taped her doing the 6 minute video; priceless]

Big congrats to everyone that passed the bar exam! xoxo

why don't you wine about it

If you're gonna "walk the walk" and "talk the talk" this season, I suggest you start with a little burgundy. Black will forever be my hubby, but I'm having an affair with these sultry, wine hues right now. Apply one of these shades on your puckers next date night and it's sure to end hot, hot, hot! 

1. NARS - Scarlet Empress

2. MAC - Viva Glam IV

3. YSL - Forbidden Burgundy 

I didn't have the best of luck the first time I wore these bad boys out on the town, but it's time to give them another chance! Atwoods for $99, best deal ever!

xoxo