Champagne and French Fries

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

2012-02-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

I've loved you since the first time you made me laugh nearly 9 years ago and every day since. Happiest of birthdays my love - to many many more!

Monday Motivation

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-06:00

There really is no better motivation to get my butt to the gym this week...

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2012-02-06T18:35:00.001-06:00

This month my mom is five years cancer free. Watch this video, share it with your friends and family, it can happen to anyone.

2012-02-05T20:33:00.001-06:00

I'm bored with my normal skincare/makeup routine. I find myself craving a more natural palate like these lovely ladies below...

Tell me - what is your go to every day look? What products could you not live without?

2012-02-03T21:42:00.002-06:00

I have the worst luck with flats, my arches are incredibly high and my feet are embarrassingly wide, there is nothing in the world that I can wear all day long and still be comfortable. I have never been a fan of the look of Tom's, however, I'm thinking I may be able to get on board with these babies:

So, tell me, are they worth the hype? I don't want to pay $79 for a questionably cute shoe and not have it be wearalldayeverydayandyourfeetwillneverhurt comfy.

Monday Motivation

2012-01-23T20:01:00.000-06:00

In the spirit of my needing to lose the holiday weight {still} and jumping back on the healthy train, a little Monday "motivation" post for you.

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Coat

2012-01-21T09:07:00.003-06:00

Madison would like one of these as a brother and I would like the exact colors of his beautiful coat replicated in my closet.

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Siri...

2012-01-19T17:25:00.003-06:00

...always seems to know the right thing to say.

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Monday Motivation

2012-01-16T04:38:00.000-06:00

30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself in 2012, a few of my favorites below. Go read the rest here.

Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Read The Road Less Traveled.
Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you likeeveryone else. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you. Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.
Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. Read Stumbling on Happiness.
Stop being idle. – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first.
Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.
Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.
Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: “What’s something I have that everyone wants?”
Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.
Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.
Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.
Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.
Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don’t take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.
Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.
Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen. – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.
Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

Escape

2012-01-12T21:18:00.002-06:00

The perfect getaway bag...

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Hot Diggity

2012-01-08T18:58:00.002-06:00

It has been unseasonably warm here in the midwest {and apparently everywhere else}, it may not be warm enough for this, but that's certainly not going to stop me from wishing it was in my closet!

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Saturday Night...

2012-01-07T21:01:00.000-06:00

I bookmarked this a while ago and keep coming back to it. There is just something about it that I find comforting - it sucks me in.

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Monday Motivation

2012-01-02T17:54:00.002-06:00

2011 wasn't a stellar year, it wasn't a bad year either. I'm predicting the same for 2012 and that is a-okay with me. I'll be posting later this week on my words for the year and what I'd like to work on. Until then...

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R&R

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

I'm retreating to Lake Country for the week, pup in tow, and am looking forward to some down time, days spent at the dog park, reunions, celebrating Christmas #2 and #3, the New Year, and a Badger win!

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

Monday Motivation

2011-12-26T00:00:00.000-06:00

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Spreading Holiday Cheer

2011-12-14T17:35:00.001-06:00

I'm a traditionalist when it comes to holiday cards. I prefer a traditional card to a photo card. Although, I must confess Ryan sent out photo cards last year, I sent out a traditional card with a photo inserted and this year we're sending a photo - it was either that or nothing. But, it is good, I'll be sure to share it after ours have hit the mail.
Do you send out a card? Photo or traditional?

sources can be found here

Monday Motivation

2011-12-12T08:48:00.002-06:00

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Deck the Halls

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-06:00

Since we're currently renters, and never actually in town for a holiday, I have a hard time spending a lot of money and going all out to decorate for the holidays. So, I decided to take a page from Lavender & Lilies, and decided to try my very own, "I Pinned it, I did it!"

I pinned this image...

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Bought these materials (please ignore my messy table)...

Glued and glittered away...

(don't mind the horrible lighting, crumpled magazine, and zero styling...it was late)

Do you pin? I'm addicted, follow me!

*last two images taken by me

Mad for Plaid

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

Sigh...in a dream world, this would be on my arm all winter long...

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Monday Motivation

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-06:00

via pinterest

All I Want For Christmas...

2011-12-03T18:33:00.001-06:00

Someone needs a little help deciding what to get me for Christmas this year. If this doesn't give him some ideas, nothing will.

Top Row, L to R: Fresh Sugar Lip Balm, Elle Decor, Bauble Bar necklace (invite here!), Blouse, Mag's

2nd Row: Dolce Vita Flats, Tory Burch Wallet, Michael Kors Bag, Michael Kors Sweater

3rd Row: Baltic Amber Candle, Salt & Pepper Mills, J Crew Bag, Anthro Earrings

4th Row: Target PJ's, Nine West Heels, Mani/Pedi

The Prettiest Girl in the World

2011-12-01T20:33:00.001-06:00

Have you checked out the Elizabeth Taylor auction yet? In a time where it seems like people only care about trends, labels, and what they can get for free, this auction is a gentle reminder of what Hollywood royalty REALLY is.

If you're still looking for a Christmas gift for me, this would be a good place to start.

*All images via Christie's

Skirting

2011-11-30T21:29:00.001-06:00

My Christmas tree is naked. It's bejeweled with about two ornaments and is bare from the waist down to keep precious ornaments away from curious puppies and to prevent skirts from becoming dog beds/chew toys. Eventually I'd like to get a monogrammed skirt, but in the mean time I need something stylish and durable, something that I won't be devastated over if it finds its way into Madison's paws. What are your go-to sources for holiday decorations?

current tree. please ignore ugly blue walls and weird shelves - it's a rental.

trouble maker.

some treespiration...

via pinterestI love the faux fur rug as a tree skirt!

foregoing the skirt all together...

via Country Living

via Martha Stewart

via Country Living

*first two photographs taken by me, on Instagram

LSD

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

APT with LSD is probably my favorite feature on vogue.com. Recently, they featured Aerin Lauder's Wainscott country home and I fell head over heels in love. I'm enamored with the traditional touches and rich jewel tones. Looks like a home you'd love to cozy up in during a snowstorm.

green velvet chairs. yes, please.

check out that coffee table...and that sofa!

love the neon frames! this makes me wish I hadn't killed my fern.

one word: wallpaper

and the gorgeous Aerin herself...

all images via vogue.com

Splurge v. Save

2011-11-22T19:13:00.000-06:00

Ok. Now, don't go jumping to conclusions on me here. What I'm about to post is risky, I know. Just hear me out.
About a month ago I posted this lovely little number, that, unfortunately, is way beyond my budget. A couple of days ago I stumbled upon this jacket, which could be quite nice to add a bit of sparkle to your LBD's...

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Cute, right? Comes in black too. But here's the thing, its from the Kardashian Collection for Sears...do you think it's tacky now? If its not cheaply made (not likely), it could be a great little jacket for all those holiday events!

Thoughts? Do you think it's tacky?

Hermes Heaven

2011-11-20T19:00:00.001-06:00

I am so enamored with the playful Hermes website, I could literally spend hours playing. If you haven't signed up for their emails yet, you should. You'll get fun emails like this one to break up your week. Download and print your very own grown up coloring book of Hermes bangles!

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City By the Bay

2011-11-07T18:40:00.000-06:00

After a weekend with the girls, I'm desperately missing them. The best pieces of me are simply too far away.

all photos taken by Erin Goodchild

California Deamin'

2011-10-31T21:39:00.000-05:00

I'm heading to SF for a quick weekend with the girls and am battling some serious "I have nothing to wear/nothing fits" blues. I'd love to have this sparkly number for a night out on the town.

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Movie Night

2011-10-29T18:18:00.000-05:00

It has been LONG day and the end is not in sight. BF and I are heading to a late showing of 50/50 tonight and I would love nothing more than to roll into the theatre and then home to bed in this...

Movie Night by eringoodchild featuring a ball bag

Mara Hoffman long coat
$671 - shopbop.com

Legging
$25 - warehouse.co.uk

Stuart Weitzman over knee boots
$595 - nordstrom.com

Louis Vuitton ball bag
$800 - louisvuitton.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors chunky watch
$250 - nordstrom.com

PASHMINA ART purple scarve
€95 - pret-a-beaute.com

Oliver Peoples Townsend 5124 ANTIQUE GOLD/DARK TORTOISE Boutique...
£289 - eyewearbrands.com

Family

2011-10-22T22:05:00.000-05:00

A little ho-key and cheesy for my tastes, but with a good message I often times forget...

FAMILY

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,

"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.

He said, "Please excuse me too;

I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.

We went on our way and we said goodbye.

But at home a different story is told,

How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal,

My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.

"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.

I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed,

God's still small voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger,

common courtesy you use,

but the family you love, you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor,

You'll find some flowers there by the door.

Those are the flowers he brought for you.

He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.

He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,

you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,

And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed;

"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"

He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.

I knew you'd like them, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;

I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."

He said, "Oh, Mom, that's ok.

I love you anyway."

I said, "Son, I love you too,

and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

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Time Keeper

2011-08-24T02:00:00.000-05:00

Apparently I have a thing for vintage Rolexes...

images via pinterest

Rustic, Traditional, Modern

2011-08-23T02:00:00.000-05:00

I have a really hard time pinning down what exactly my style is. I would say it's equal parts Traditional and Modern, with some Rustic Elegance (really, is there such a thing?) thrown in for good measure. The uber-stylish Erin Gates at Elements of Style was one of the first blogs I started following and I cannot get enough. She posted images from Betsy Brown this week and I instantly fell in love with her work.

love the stripes, print above the bed, and bedside lamps

I feel like Sunday morning paper reading should happen here

obsesssssssssssed with this bedroom

Monday

2011-08-22T02:00:00.000-05:00

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Sweet Summertime

2011-08-19T22:20:00.000-05:00

I just realized the only pictures I have from this summer are of my dog and my food. This speaks volumes of what I've spent my summer doing...oh well. It's been relaxing =)

homemade roast chicken

busted.

my retriever is afraid of water. go figure.

she preferred to hide in the flower beds.

Yay for new sisters!

good job, biddy.

Summer Reading

2011-08-06T21:19:00.000-05:00

I am, admittedly, far far behind in making any sort of progress on my summer reading list. I just finished Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan, shamefully, only my second book of the summer. I was rushing to finish it to avoid a late-fee at the library and am now wishing I hadn't. Sullivan has a way of developing the characters making you feel like you know them and wish to be a part of their Irish-Catholic family. I highly recommend it and will be checking out her other book, Commencement soon.

My other read of the summer was The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson. I felt like I was jumping on the bandwagon with this one and had a hard time getting into it. I kept reading because it came so highly recommended and inevitably got sucked in and found myself looking forward to finding out what happens in the next novel.

Pool Side

2011-08-02T02:00:00.000-05:00

Lakes are for fun, pools are for lounging. For those days when I'd prefer not to worry about floating away or seaweed in my bikini...

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For the days when you want the best of both worlds...

Unless your this girl and want nothing to do with a pool...

unless otherwise noted, all images found via pinterest and origins unknown. except for that cute pup, she's mine.

Never Ending Summer

2011-08-01T02:00:00.000-05:00

August 1st has me in a state of panic. I'm not exactly sure how it can possibly be the first of August, marking the last month of summer. As if it hasn't even begun, I'm still dreaming of long, lazy, carefree days spent lounging lakeside and a never ending summer.

Scarf-Sessed

2011-07-27T19:07:00.000-05:00

I wear scarves all year long, I've got hangers and hangers of them hanging in my closet, I have some stashed in my car, tote bag, and office. I saw this picture of Blake Lively the other day and fell in love with her scarf, I need to know who makes it and where to get it (let's be real, it will be way out of my budget).

update: Scarf made by Tory Burch - and on sale!

Pre-Fall

2011-07-25T17:48:00.000-05:00

I know, it is too early to start thinking about fall. It'll be sweltering and humid for at least another two months and I plan to enjoy it. But, I can't help getting excited for my favorite time of the year for clothes (and everything, really.) FALL! I had decided long ago that I was going on a personal mission to bring back the penny loafer this year, and it looks like I'm not alone!

Alexander Wang

Tommy Hilfiger

Vera Wang

Ralph Lauren

Choo-Choo

2011-07-20T17:05:00.000-05:00

Do you see the train on that thing? GORG. Dylan Lauren recently wed at her father, Ralph Lauren's, Colorado estate.

"I had to do something that was better than ever before....When you do something for your family or your daughter, I mean it's the only daughter I have -- beautiful girl. I want to just give her something that she'd really treasure and give her something that would be really amazing. I want her to feel fantastic.", said Ralph Lauren about the dress. I can't imagine a better wedding gift.

Moody Monday

2011-07-18T02:00:00.000-05:00

This is my first full week in the office all month, I'm preparing for what is sure to be a long week. These outfits from the Dsquared Resort 2012 collection would make getting back into a routine a lot easier.

love the length of these pants

and because it's 9:30 pm and still 100 degrees outside...

Bake: Chewy Lemon Cookies

2011-07-14T02:03:00.000-05:00

I love lemon. I love the smell, I love the taste, I love the color, I love it in everything. I also love cookies. This is the perfect summer sugar cookie (I've already had 5! today and it's only noon). Recipe found here.

image

Duchess

2011-07-13T12:02:00.000-05:00

Kate Middleton has an effortless style and comfort about her that I envy. I've become obsessed with her North American tour and impressed by her natural grace. Kate seems to be bringing back a lady-likeness that has been missing from American culture as of late, I'm especially impressed by her ability to mix casual wear with her more glamourous outfits. I hope that little girls everywhere are looking up to her and taking note, I certainly am.

{my personal fav}

Fourth of July

2011-07-02T22:00:00.000-05:00

My suitcase for a fun and comfy July 4th...

Fourth of July by Erin Goodchild featuring lace up flats

Maison Scotch white shirt dress
$157 - coggles.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs striped shirt
£140 - net-a-porter.com

AG Adriano Goldschmied blue jeans
$170 - stylebop.com

Halter bikini
$95 - reissonline.com

Sperry lace up flat
$89 - endless.com

Havaianas navy shoes
$24 - stefanibags.com

Bag
nelly.com

Irene Neuwirth diamond bangle bracelet
$28,180 - ylang23.com

Straw hat
$70 - reissonline.com

Madewell straw fedora
$48 - madewell.com

Ray-Ban ray ban sunglasses
$195 - my-wardrobe.com

Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel
$33 - nordstrom.com

Clinique 'Sun' Face Cream SPF 30
$18 - nordstrom.com

Amazon.com: Essie Nail Polish (.5 oz) Carousel Coral #443: Health &...
amazon.com

Perfect Purse

2011-06-17T02:00:00.000-05:00

This may just be the most perfect purse ever made...

More Realistically...

2011-06-16T02:00:00.000-05:00

Green With Envy

2011-06-15T02:00:00.000-05:00

Hi...I love you...I need you...

Best Kiss

2011-06-05T20:15:00.001-05:00

In honor of the MTV Movie Awards (does anyone care anymore) my favorite best kiss moment EVERRRRRRRR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx2wmWpaDEM

Outertwear

2011-04-16T12:25:00.000-05:00

It is IMPOSSIBLE to get dressed this time of year. The day starts off freezing cold - uggs & down coat - and turns into a windy/warm/sunshine day or a cloudy/windy/rainy day. I have a coat to go with each of these and not one to go with ALL of them. I think this will have to be my next big purchase...

It'll have to wait until after this guy finds himself living in my garage, I'm just waiting for my car to stop working while in the midst of rush hour traffic...

Words To Live By

2011-04-10T09:02:00.000-05:00

sugarpaper.com

I Wish

2011-03-28T02:00:00.000-05:00

I had this outfit for Sunday morning Starbucks runs and dog walks. Reminds me of something this beauty may wear...

Summer Stripes

2011-03-27T10:15:00.001-05:00

I'm going to need this...

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TGIF.

2011-03-04T02:19:00.000-06:00

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May Flowers Are Too Far Off

2011-03-03T02:00:00.000-06:00

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Bow-ti-ful

2011-03-02T02:00:00.000-06:00

I'm going to need one of these

via-shoot-i don't remember. help a sister out?

Beautiful

2011-03-01T02:00:00.000-06:00

The Erin Plate

2011-02-28T02:00:00.000-06:00

I think it was fate. I think a certain boyfriend needs to buy it for me.

via-and the makers lovely blog

Love.

2011-02-27T13:43:00.001-06:00

I love every single thing about this {old} EmersonMade picture and every single thing from EmersonMade

Esp. the fact that she has a duck. I've always wanted a duck of my own.

Seriously. I have. just ask the bf. He almost bought me one once.

What's Going On Here?

2011-02-19T21:01:00.000-06:00

Are those blueberries? I don't understand, but I like it...

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FINALLY!

2011-02-14T20:40:00.000-06:00

The perfect wear every day goes with everything summer shoe that I've been searching for FOREVER!!

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Now, if only I had some money to spend...

Biddy's Birthday.

2011-02-13T12:16:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to my biddy, my boyfriend, the love of my life.

Puppy and I love you!

You Don't Gnome Me

2011-01-30T10:59:00.000-06:00

horrible teeny tiny pic-best I could do. I need this little guy sitting on my counter asap.

I need some spring in my life...

2011-01-23T21:12:00.000-06:00

...and until June hits, I think I'll have to settle for this gorg print

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Jack Donaghy Was Wrong

2011-01-22T13:09:00.000-06:00

Treat for you if you know what I'm talking about!

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The Good. The Bad. The Undecided.

2011-01-17T09:00:00.000-06:00

Last night's red carpets were completely underwhelming, I have no words.
The Good:
Suck on that, Tony Parker.

Catherine Zeta Jones is flawless, and whoever styled Elizabeth Moss was right on point. But, you'd think girlfriend would so something with her hair.

Mila looks phenom and Anne, well, it's not even worth showing the front of her dress

Loving the nude color on Carrie, I have no idea who Diana Argon is but the color looks great.

Sandra, I LOVE you, but I do not love your fake bangs.

Have you seen True Grit yet? No? GO. RUN. This little girl stole the show and is bound to have a long career

The Bad:

Very 80's Angie, and I'm so over Christina Hendrik's. We get it, you're voluptuous.

Pretty sure Michelle William's borrowed the dress from her daugther and Natalie should have ripped that flower right off her dress and it would have been 10x better.

The Undecided:

I think Emma Stone looks fab, but not sure it was Oscar approp's. I can't make a decision on Gabourey's dress. I think the shape is fantastic on her, but I'm not in love with the print.

Alright, tell me, who were your favorites? Who was a hit and who was a big fat miss??

*this post looks terrible, I have NO idea how to format it, sorry

The Good. The Bad. The Undecided.

2011-01-17T02:00:00.000-06:00

Last nights red carpet was completely underwhelming. I don't even know what to say about it...so let's dive right in!

The Good:

Wallpaper Love.

2011-01-15T20:49:00.000-06:00

I saw this wallpaper over on Peppermint Bliss (check her out-my fellow Chicago-ian (?) cracks me up and supplies me with a bounty of beautiful pics to get me through the week) this week and fell in love.

I think I need to buy rolls and rolls of it now so I can use it in my future little boy's bedroom.

Stripes

2011-01-10T21:16:00.000-06:00

I'm not a huge Jessica Szohr fan and she looks obnox posing like that...but I am a huge fan off that stripped dress. Anyone know who makes it?

I Wish...

2011-01-09T13:39:00.000-06:00

I was wearing...

Reading...

Eating...

has anyone made these? I'm thinking of making them for my mom's bday.

Travel Wear

2010-12-24T08:26:00.000-06:00

I'm traveling back to Wisconsin to celebrate Christmas with my family, and I very much wish I had some comfy knits to wear for the car ride....

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Layers. Layers. Layers.

2010-12-23T20:46:00.000-06:00

It is FREEZING cold in my office, even with my little space heater cranking away. This picture was posted on Glamer.com this week and I love the idea of layering the summer chambray shirt for winter.

Kennedy Christmas

2010-12-20T09:09:00.000-06:00

I would very much like this picture of the Kennedy Christmas card blown up and framed for some lovely Christmas art around my house.

Fun!

2010-12-19T08:40:00.000-06:00

I want a mantle full of ~~balls~~ ornaments.

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Christmas Spirit

2010-12-17T21:07:00.000-06:00

I'm searching for my Christmas spirit this weekend, I'm not convinced I'll find it. But, this picture helps...

Brrr.

2010-12-06T21:48:00.000-06:00

As I was trudging along to Target yesterday afternoon in my moccasins during the first snow storm (to get my dog Pepcid AC...seriously.) I realized I am terribly unprepared for winter. How very un-Wisconsin of me. On my must get quick list...

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I bet she's roasty-toasty and I DO NOT like to be cold.

or the more subtle version that KG picked out...but when my forehead gets cold I get headaches...

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These are a MUST:

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with some cozy inserts...

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On a side note, Madison told me she wishes Ralph made big girl sizes...

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YUM-O

2010-11-30T20:22:00.000-06:00

Don't you hate when people say Yum-o? I do.
After battling Chicago rush hour traffic, the last thing I want to do is make dinner. I was pleasantly surprised tonight when I discovered my planned meal had zero prep time and only took 10 minutes!

Image

I was too busy scarfing down my dinner to bother taking pictures, but you get the jist. I used slivered almonds but I think the sliced would work better, they would ad a nice little crunch. I didn't think the left over puff pastry would freeze well so I sliced up some apples, sprinkled it with cinnamon sugar and it made a delish impromptu dessert (again...too busy stuffing my face to take pictures).

Recipe here, make it, eat it, love it.

Daily Reminders

2010-11-27T08:25:00.001-06:00

I need this hanging in my house

I am most thankful for...

2010-11-25T13:47:00.000-06:00

Confessions

2010-11-18T21:36:00.000-06:00

I went onto the GAP website tonight to see if they had any cute winter campaigns and this dress was on the homepage. I immediately wanted it...

...only to find out it's a girls! Am I crazy? This is cute right? I still want it...

Seeing Spots, Part II

2010-11-09T20:48:00.000-06:00

It's official, I need a pair of leopard print heels

here

Reunited

2010-11-03T22:22:00.000-05:00

Never felt so good. So excited for a weekend of celebrations with my long lost loves.

this girl, this girl, and this girl-i have some talented and stylish friends...

*Ladies we need to figure out a way to work a bounce house into our weekend plans*

But I'm sure going to miss this sweet girl...

Seriously?

2010-10-20T19:15:00.000-05:00

This is a joke right? I mean...it has to be. They don't ACTUALLY make this...

Ugh. I bet I see one of the students that lives down the street wearing it this winter. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you stop making ugly things people will stop wearing them!

It could be a cute/easy Halloween costume though...

GOOD NEWS!

2010-10-08T21:15:00.001-05:00

I Hate Crap & Clutter

2010-10-06T16:50:00.000-05:00

But for some reason I love this kitchen

In a Dream World

2010-09-16T15:53:00.000-05:00

I would be sitting on that couch with my ~~terrorist~~ well behaved puppy, glass of wine, and good book.

Seeing Spots

2010-09-14T22:08:00.000-05:00

I NEEEEEED these...

Anthro

No More PJ's in Public, People!

2010-09-12T09:55:00.000-05:00

Have you guys seen Piperlime's latest ad's? It's all about GETTING DRESSED. No pj's on the street, bringing a little bit of glam and class back into our lives. My favorite tag line so far...

"If the frienemy sees you out in public in your TV-watching clothes, the frienemy wins." (SO TRUE!)

I know I'm guilty of throwing on whatever is in reach to run up to Target to get dog food, but I'm going to try and make a conscious effort to get dressed when grocery shopping or going out in public (even when it's 90898 degrees below zero and uggs and long underwear would be so much more comfortable).

Here's to hanging up the hoodies, ladies!

IIO

Tablescapes.

2010-09-03T11:47:00.000-05:00

I LOVE a well dressed table and this could quite possibly be one of my favorites. I'd do adorn my table in a plethora of plaid for a comfort-meal home cooked birthday dinner in November...

Todd Moore

Juice Box

2010-09-02T09:13:00.000-05:00

Champagne in a can. With a straw. The perfect adult juicebox and the newest addition to my lunch box. My afternoons just got a lot more interesting.

Fall {faux} Fur

2010-08-24T18:26:00.000-05:00

Is this strange? I sort of love it.

Here

FREAK OUT.

2010-08-21T08:26:00.000-05:00

Does anyone know where I can buy this? I need it.

via Relish Small Pleasures

How You Doin'?

2010-08-11T14:45:00.000-05:00

Jonathan Adler Regent Armchair

Outfit Inspiration

2010-08-04T18:53:00.000-05:00

I think I'm the only person on the planet who doesn't watch Glee. I have no idea who this girl is but I am OBSESSED with her outfit.

Seriously. I need it. Who knows where I can find that skirt?

AUGUST! ALREADY!

2010-08-01T12:11:00.000-05:00

Ahhh...how can it possibly be August already!?! Didn't summer JUST start? I feel like there is so much I haven't done. But, it also means that in ~~what is going to be the longest week of my life~~ a short 7 days I'll be picking up this beautiful girl and taking her home with me...

All you need is love

2010-07-12T17:41:00.000-05:00

I am so impressed with how well the girlfriend reporter kept her shit together. I would not have been that composed, I would have been obnoxiously screaming up and down and crying

Hot Town Summer In the City

2010-07-12T07:52:00.000-05:00

Chicago has had quite the hot humid summer and I've officially run out of comfy breezy things to wear. I wish I had this in my closet to wear to work today...

Wish by Erin Goodchild featuring AG Adriano Goldschmied jeans

AG Adriano Goldschmied Angel Boot Cut Jeans, $176
Tory Burch Rattan Clutch - Natural Gold, $275
Anchor Bracelet, $14
Vintage Chanel Gold Tone Etched Logo Drop Pendant Necklace, $1,525
Orchid Scarf, $49
Oakley Women's Taken Polarized Rectangular Sunglasses, $220
Rebecca Taylor, $195
Tory Burch "Miller" Tan Leather Thongs at Shirise, $158
Chanel Jade Green Nail Polish -
Essie Nail Polish, Ballet Slippers - eleven.se

Does anyone else have a strange aversion to matching your mani/pedi?

H&M Preview

2010-06-29T18:09:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the H&M July/August preview? Check it out if you haven't, it's a little too autumnal for July but has some good summer to fall transition pieces. I need that bag!

Looks I'm Loving

2010-06-25T19:28:00.000-05:00

I think Alexis Bledel is adorbs and I'm loving her fun summer pant outfit.

I wish I had those ice blue eyes.

I am especially loving Jessica Szhor's look here, I love me a nice summer dress. The punch of color in her mani and gold clutch are the perfect accessories and everyone needs a jean jacket.

Weekend Away

2010-06-24T21:26:00.000-05:00

I'm going away next weekend to see one of my most favorite people in the world. This girl is the greatest friend I could ever ask for. She is constantly picking up my marbles after I've lost them and I CANNOT WAIT! I've already started mentally packing and I wish this is what my suitcase was going to look like (and my bod for that matter)...

Weekend Away by erinmarie816 featuring Victoria's Secret swimwear

Ella Moss - Boardwalk Ruffle Shirt Dress (Iris) - Apparel, $150
Linen-cotton toggle sweater - J.Crew, $98
Feinripp-Tanktop in Weiß, 30 EUR
String bottom, $21
Boyfriend 1957 Super Loved Destroyed Jeans, 143 GBP
Sperry Top-Sider Anglefish, $75
Women's shoes - flip-flops - Floral flip-flops - J.Crew, $27
Halo 18-karat gold bracelet, $850
Goorin Brothers Fedoras, The Mahalo | Goorin Brothers Hat Shop, $40
Tory Burch Round Sunglasses with Metal Temple Detail, $165
Amazon.com: Essie Nail Polish .5 oz.: Beauty, $5.50
Luggage - LONGCHAMP - Designer - Brand rooms - Accessories -...
Martini & Rossi Asti Sparkling Wine - 187ML

Sweet Tooth

2010-06-09T18:45:00.000-05:00

I have a SERIOUS sweet tooth. A real, serious, hardcore sugar addiction. Since I have not been blessed by the speedy-metabolism gods (unlike my brothers...life is so unfair) I never buy anything sweet. But, on occasion, a girl needs some chocolate to get her through the night.

Enter my new love...

I found this bad boy at Whole Foods the other day and immediately added him to my basket [I carry baskets instead of taking a cart so I get my weight lifting in for the day ;-) ] SO GOOD. Totally worth the ridiculous $4 I paid for it.

Next I want to try this guy-

Now, if only they had some sort of sea salt combo...