Pre-Christmas Getaway

Tomorrow we're off to Naples, FL to have some fun and sun before the actual holiday. We are returning Christmas Eve day just in time for Big Guy's family get together full of games and grab bags--not really my cup of tea but I am trying to be agreeable since it is, after all, the holiday season and 'giving' is the whole idea. It was decided that Big Guy did not need a Christmas gift this year since we treated himself to a ridiculously expensive stereo system a few weeks ago. However, I have a problem with spoiling those I love and have proceded to pick him up several "small" gifts that have some how snowballed and racked up quite a price tag. Oh well, what are you gonna do, right? He does have a birthday in February, but I had hoped to get him a few shirts from j. Crew with his monogram-- which I really think he would enjoy.

My concept for his gift started off as an idea that I would get him a cute outfit. I wanted to go to Filene's on State Street since they always have large sizes (BG is 6'5" and weighs close to 260lbs- he is built like a big football player, though he never played). But as it always goes, the minute I actually want to buy something, it is nowhere to be found. ! I ended up getting him a Charcoal Herringbone blazer from J. Crew and some cute casual shoes from Patagonia and so now I just need a cute shirt and maybe a pair of pants or cute jeans? Then I also saw this cute courduroy blazer and had to get it for him-because it seemed like such a deal! So if anyone has any ideas about what shirts to pair with the blazers- I would love some ideas!

Happy Holiday's Everyone!

My Boots

A number of you have inquired about my boots. I love them and it is nice to hear that you do too! I scoured the Internet until I found the perfect pair last year and I am so happy with the pair I chose. You can still find them at Bloomingdales or Zappos and a few other retailers and if they are on sale they are a pretty great deal. They are made by Anne Klein and the style name is Tate. Good luck!

...And Boy Are My Arms Tired!

I just flew back from New York City Sunday night and it occured to me this morning that I didn't even mention I was going! Anyhow, I should have, and I am excited to share my stories and pictures with you-including a low-level celebrity sighting. First, I thought I should share my favorite shopping/sightseeing/lunching outfit.

I was very happy because I looked very pulled together when I was out and about, and as my husband pointed out, I am much more fun when I am pleased with my outfit.

We arrived Thursday morning and set out to see the sights on our own just the Big Guy and Me. I have been to the City before, but this was Big Guys first visit, so I was so happy to share it with him. We saw Ground Zero, and BG was very struck by it-seeing it in person. Then we went to the beautiful church nearby, and then crossed Broadway and went to the Financial District to see the NY Stock Exchange.

Then we walked to China town and had lunch at a cute little place we found after wandering forever and finally following where all the young hip looking chinese teens were headed. We ordered 3 of the strangest things we could find on the menu- and they were all fantastic! We had Squid and Sour Cabbage Chow Fun, Salt and Pepper Duck Gizzard and Hot Dog Bacon and broccoli Fried Rice. VERY STRANGE-- but surprisingly REALLY GOOD. I can't wait to go back!

Thursday night we met some friends for Dinner and went to a pizza place in the Village. Then we went to Pinkberry for dessert! So good. This was the night we saw Mischa Barton. Our friend Casually rolled down his window, waved and said Oh hi Mischa- as if they were old friends and she waved back and said Hey- looking really confused. After that we felt bad because Paparazzi jumped out of nowhere and started taking pictures of her... oh well...the price of fame.

Friday Night we had a grooms dinner and cocktail party to attend here in the penthouse suite which was amazing. There is a rumor going around that my 21 year old sister and my mother got in the hot tub on the roof in their underwear. Knowing them, I am inclined to believe it. I swear I could write a book. My mother also told my crush from when I was in London at 15 years old that I was in LOVE with him when I was younger. Slightly embarrassing.

Saturday was spent recovering from Friday night, and around 3:00pm we all started to slowly get ready for the wedding. It was beautiful and we had a great time- just a few pictures to show.

On Sunday we met other friends at their apartment near SOHO and had bloody mary's and some morning brunch munchies before heading out for a late brunch/early lunch at Barney's.

We finished off the trip by shopping on 5th avenue and popped over to Rockefellar Center to have drinks at the Sea Grill while watching the ice skaters. What a fantastic and memorable trip!

Craft Project Success!

My Friday night craft project was a success! We had so much fun making these ribbon ornaments. A friend and I made a night of it--drinking wine and watching ELF and Love Actually. It was so much fun. The weather was so crummy all weekend that this provided the perfect escape-we stayed in again on Saturday night and made a few more- however, I must admit that there was more wine drinking than crafting that night! I wanted to share the final product with you all in case you wanted to try them yourself! I will say that you need a LOT of ribbon. It takes almost a whole spool to do one ornament. It was worth it because we had a great time making them. Here are two of my favorites.

Holiday Ornament project- a classic

I saw these ornaments on the Pottery Barn web site and thought they were adorable. (There are a lot of holiday decorations on sale at the moment so I may be stocking up for next year.) These really caught my eye because they were so cute and I am almost certain that I could re-create them as a craft/Holiday project. I think it would be a perfect Sunday afternoon activity for the girls. I can picture us drinking cocoa and listening to Christmas music making these. It looks like all I would need is foam balls and ribbon, a hot glue gun and ric rac and a stapler. I am so excited- I feel less cranky now that I have a project on the horizon. I need things to distract me from the fact that we are still living in this stupid apartment!! I will let you know how they turn out and with any luck I will have some pictures to post if they are a success.

What I am Wearing Today

I feel a little cranky today, and can't think of anything exciting to talk about, so I just decided to post what I am wearing. Nothing too flashy or different, just some old stand-by items that were laying around within reach this morning. I was so cold that I snuggled on the couch with my puppy for almost an hour in my giant fleece robe watching the Today show. Then I had a strange breakfast of re-heated left-over cottage pie from last night, and headed off to work. I love the holiday season but feel as though this year is tempered by the disappointment I feel about not having found a house yet. When we started looking in June, I thought for sure that I would be decorating our first home for the holidays and that my family would fly in and spend Christmas in our house and a new tradition would be born- and I could have a beautiful tree, and stockings hung on a mantle dressed with garland and candles- a crackling fire going while we all stayed up late Christmas eve playing board games and watching Christmas movies. In the morning I would make breakfast- dutch pancakes filled with berries and cream and eggs and bacon and toast -- my favorite part of any breakfast!--and maybe we would all have matching pajamas, and exchange gifts near the tree. Then we would all start getting ready to host Christmas dinner!
.....or something like that... I mean, I haven't really thought about it much.....

Friends Thanksgiving

This Sunday a friend and I hosted our first annual Friends Thanksgiving. It was beautiful! I was so proud of our efforts and think it is a really nice tradition to start. Since most people are going to have the traditional Thanksgiving meal again this week, we didn't want to do everything standard for fear that people would find it redundant. Since my friend had married into an Italian name and I have recently married out of mine, we decided to host an Italian-style Thanksgiving feast. We started with a pumpkin soup that I decided to make on a whim. Sunday morning it was a pumpkin and Sunday evening it was soup! It was a success and I felt very "Martha" We also made lemon garlic asparagus instead of green beans and roasted sweet and new potatoes with olive oil and fresh herbs for a fresh twist on the standard mashed version. We had two types of stuffed shells- my family recipe with meat, and a new artichoke and cheese version for the vegetarians. We also made a citrus, white wine, apple, butter and herb seasoned turkey and it was fantastic. My husband said that the white wine and apples really added something special to the gravy. The best part was the table decor-- we filled 3 low round vases of different sizes with cranberries and wide candles and in the center was a fishbowl shaped vase full of pine cones. My friend made lovely runners that criss-crossed the table and napkins to match. We ended the evening with pumpkin cookie sandwiches and apple pie and pumpkin ice cream. It was truly a night to remember and to see the smiles on our friends faces made us feel as if it was the start of something special.

Guess what came in the mail!

Guess what came in the mail today? I am so happy. I have been looking for the perfect pair of black pair of patent leather mary janes with a round but not too round toe-- and when I saw them on J.Crew.com I just click--click--clicked and before I knew what had done, they were mine... I had some serious buyers shell shock because I NEVER pay full price for J.Crew shoes, but I didn't want them to sell out before they went on sale like my boots last year (don't worry- I got them). But now they are mine and I love them. They are very TALL by the way--just wanted to warn anyone who might be thinking about picking up a pair. They come in red and yellow too! I also got some Sam Edelman black flats formerly $100 for $35.... so really maybe that evens out the cost of the Mary Janes?

Harvest Fun

The girls and I had an autumnal adventure the weekend before last and I just got some photos back. I wanted to share a picture because it makes me smile just to see it. For one, I love the fall and two because I love my car. It is so cute and it gives me a feeling of independence- if you have read other posts of mine- this is my first car ever- I only got it a couple months ago- and I love that it allows me to do normal things like visit friends, go to the store alone at night, run errands on Sundays-- and now have autumnal adventures with my girlfriends! So here is a picture of two of my favorite things.

J. Crew Coveted Look of the Day

What more can I say... I love this coat. I picture myself at brisk football games--walking through fallen leaves... what do you girls think. Is it too bright? Be honest.

Coveted J. Crew Look of the Day

This is my lastest love affair...in coats. Don't get me wrong, I still love my burberry dream coat, and I love the coat I have. But this coat is too cute for words. I love the yellow--it is so different!


I love the, "going to a football game" look that this coat evokes! I want it!

Tailgate Run-through

Today Big Guy and I went on a Tailgate run-through/dress rehearsal. We packed some refreshments in a backpack: Turkey, Brie and apple sandwiches on a kaiser bun with Dijon and honey mustard, mulled wine, and hot chocolate with cardamom. It was all so good, but you know what? sometimes tailgating just calls for man food-- like wings chili and hot dogs! AND BEER! I loved all the stuff we brought but honestly, the traditional tailgating food really would have hit the spot. We tailgated with some friends who were going to the game and we went to a south loop bar called Krolls. It was nice. The Ace pear cider and loaded tater tots hit the spot. We had so much fun. I can't wait until the real deal. I will make sure to post some pics when we go in November--In the mean time, does anyone have any ideas of fun things we could make or bring to the ultimate tailgate?

Book Recommendation: Feast of Love

A year or two ago I started reading Feast of Love. I got it as a gift, from a friend of mine who shares of love of reading and literature. I often pass the time on my morning and evening commute to and from work every day by reading. For some reason, I lost track of the book, or started reading something else and as often is the case, life happens and some things fall by the wayside. Imagine my surprise when I saw that the book was being reincarnated as a movie starring Greg Kinnear. It struck me that he was a great casting choice for the main character, and this sent me searching for the book in the depths of my closets and the tops of bookshelves. I soon located it and am now giving it another go. I am not finished, but I really like it, and I am looking forward to seeing the movie. As long as I wait a while between book and movie, and think of them as separate things, I can sometimes appreciate both. Unless of course it is the Da Vinci Code film...which I hated. If anyone is looking for a good read, I am making the recommendation based on the first half. Does anyone have any recommendations for what I should read next?

Moto!

I am so excited! Tonight we are going to Moto for dinner. I have wanted to go since it opened, but the waiting list is a mile long (6 months-ish for prime dining time). This may explain why our reservations are at 6:30 on a Wednesday. The concept is high style, high science cuisine-- the chef is as much a mad scientist as he is a chef. I saw him on Iron Chef on the FoodNetwork and the things he came up with amazed me. He had edible menus, soup frozen in a sphere that would spontaneously melt at your table, floating food and meat cooked with lazers. I know it sounds a little crazy, but I love food, and I love trying new things, so I am excited to see what it is all about

Shopping Spree!!

My darling husband took me on a shopping spree today! It was so great and I was able to get some much needed basic pieces that will form the basis of my work clothes. Last year, Big Guy's car was broken into, and for some reason, they stole the bulk of my work clothes that sat in a giant laundry bag in his back seat--bound for the dry cleaner. All my favorite blazers, pants, skirts, blouses and sweaters sent in a the end if the season to be cleaned before I stored them away for spring and summer-- and they were gone in one fell swoop. Since then, getting dressed each morning has been less of a joy than it could be. It often ends in a tantrum and tears. Finally after months and months of hearing me complain, my husband offered to buy me some fall clothes to try to put some happiness back into my morning routine. He is so wonderful, and full of surprises! I took pictures of most of the items I purchased today so I could share. Please excuse the less than professional photography and staging.
Part One: Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Brooks Brothers...

Ralph Lauren:

Light Blue Skinny-Fit Polo

Tan V-neck Sweater



Winter white Polo Hoodie Sweater

Burberry:

Cashmere cable-knit polo-style sweater

Cashmere Tee

Brooks Brothers:

Red stripe sweater with Pinstripe blouse

Grey Cable-knit hoodie sweater

Project Time: Just in Time for Tailgating!

I made this beverage tub to use while tailgating before Bears games! It was really simple and this was one project that even my husband got excited about. I purchased a simple galvanized metal tub from Michael's crafts store, and made a paper stencil using Microsoft Word, and cut out the letters with an X-acto knife. I used masking tape to tape off the top and bottom for the Navy stripe and used a hairdryer to speed up dry-time between the 5 coats it took to cover the metal.
After it was dry, I used the stencil to paint the letters and outlined them freehand in white. To finish, after it was dry, I coated the entire painted surface (and a little off the edge) in a sealant so it won't flake or peel. If I had it to do over again, I would make the stencil out of plastic- maybe one of those thin cutting boards or one of those overhead transparencies- because the paper tended to get soggy and stick in some places. All in all it was a fun and sucessful project! Next I would like to make a preppy version of a Bears tablecloth and maybe some other tailgating accesories... let me know if you have ideas!!!

Coveted Look of the Day

I found this in the Fall Look Book on J. Crew's website. I love it. I love evreything about the outfit including the unexpected splash of yellow brought in by the cute bag! If only my wardrobe funds were unlimited!

I got this a Gap Body, and according to the tag it is a robe-- but I wore it to work on Friday as a hoodie/sweater coat and got a lot of compliments. (we have a casual dress code at work.)

I also wore it all day Saturday as a bumming around sweatshirt dress with leggings. I felt like I was ready for bed all day! So comfy cozy. I was thinking about how great it would be for if/when I get pregnant. Which well hopefully (knock on wood) be next year after my BFF's wedding.

I was walking by Pottery Barn the other day and after I passed the window I stopped in my tracks and had to go back. I had caught a glimpse of this chair in the window. I kind of LOVE it! It scares me a little because I feel like it is very retro-preppy, but maybe it isn't...Maybe it is just classic? I want to put in in my sunroom or my casual sitting room and mix in all sorts of other coordinating colors and patterns or maybe put it in a room full of whites and kahkis. I haven't seen anything like this, and I love that pottery barn came out with it!

Magazines

A few weeks ago, I signed up for a subscription with a home decorating/style magazine that was a really good deal. It was something like $15 for a year. Now the only problem is that I can't remember which magazine it was! I know I was interested in both Blueprint and Domino. Blueprint- because it is produced as a spinoff of Martha Stewart Living, which I love. And Domino- because it looked like the same type of magazine. Now I have to wait for 4-8 weeks or however long it takes, to remember which one I actually signed up for! I have a feeling that it was Domino. My question is this-- has anyone read more than one issue of either of these? What did you think of them? I am really tempted to order the other one as well, but I don't know if it is good or not. Maybe I should just buy and issue and see what I think-- anyway- feed back on these magazines would be much appreciated!

J.Crew Sale

I got these flats in the mail today. I know they are a little loud, but I am excited to wear them peeking out of my jeans with a cute sweater or tunic. I also got the french terry hoodie in kelley green. I really should be buying work clothes but I hate to spend $250 and walk away with such a small bag!

Married Life

Yesterday marked 4 months of being married for my husband and me. I hadn't mentioned this to the big guy (BG going forward), but was aware of it because my friends emailed me with congratulations and happy thoughts during the day. Sometimes I realize that I have great friends. Too bad hardly any of them live within 4 hours of me! ANYWAY...We had plans to go to dinner at a new restaurant that had just opened in our neighborhood. The place is an Asian Fusion concept that blends dishes from Thailand, Korea, Japan, India, The Philippines, China and Vietnam. It was such a cute place and had such great design. You could tell they were still working out the kinks, because there were a few things on their menu that weren't available (The entire Sushi section), but the service was friendly and attentive. We had assumed that they would have wine, but found out that they are BYOB while applying for a liquor license. Since we both felt like a chilled white wine, BG decided to run to the store down the street and pick up a bottle (or two!). When he returned, he had two bottles of Chardonnay(which I hate--but who cares) and a card!!!! It was so sweet! Inside he had written, "4 Months!!! I love that there is a long road in front of us. Love, Your Husband." I was so floored. 4 months isn't even a recognized anniversary! I can't believe he even thought to buy a card! We had a great time trying new things and drinking wine and talking and having a slow leisurely dinner together.
Then we walked home holding hands and watched Groundhog Day in bed.

Family Matters

Now that I have my car, I need to make more of an effort to hang out with my Grandmothers. My Grandmother Teri on the right is so funny. She loves wine and cheese parties, flowers, the beach, and has always been a major style icon for me. My Grandmother Betty on the left is a total nut. She is always looking for work to do no matter what. When you aren't looking, she'll wash and fold your laundry before you know it. She'll rake your yard for fun and then she will stain your front porch and wash your dishes. She is funny and totally turning into an opinionated lil' old lady. I think I might pick her up on Saturday mornings and take her to breakfast. She loves McDonald's Coffee. Isn't that too funny? I need to remember to make time for them now before I start to have kids and things get really crazy and busy.

Hen Night

I got some pretty funny Hen Night pictures from friends and thought I would share. We popped from pub to pub in London dressed in argyle from head to toe. It was so much fun! My husband found me the Lily Pulitzer halter style sweater that I am wearing. I love it! This is one of our sillier pictures...taken after we had a few too many PIMS cocktails!

House Hunting

Just came across this living room photo and it made me want a house even more! I want to decorate and make the place my own. I love paging t hrough magazines and getting inspired by the design of a room. I always thought that if I was able to start my education over again, I would have enjoyed being an interior designer. Although I don't really enjoy working in a retail environment and I imagine that might be where you have to start out. I don't put too much thought into it becaus I also want to be a chef, a caterer, a party planner, a clothing designer, an author or anything else creative. i think I just want to be the next Martha Stewart.

Burberry!

My husband got me this jacket as a belated birthday present. When I say belated, I invite you to stretch the meaning of the word to its most extreme interpretation. My Birthday was May 30. We still argue about whether or not he forgot my birthday. We woke up that day, he said good morning, we went about our morning routines, he got in the shower and I was doing my hair and responding to his casual morning banter in a less than enthusiastic tone when he asked, "did I do something wrong?" to which I replied, "YOU FORGOT MY BIRTHDAY!" He argued that he just hadn't had the time to wish me a happy birthday--sure! As penance for the oversight, he agreed to get me a Burberry bag as my birthday gift. However, after careful examination of the current line and months of patient anticipation of the release of the fall collection, I came to realize I couldn't pick a bag. There wasn't one (under $1,000) that I absolutely had to have, and with Burberry and Me, there has always been a love affair. I first fell in love with my grandmother's trench when I was a child. The solution was obvious, I chose to get the classic jacket. Now, with the days getting cooler, I wait for the day I can rip open the protective plastic and free it from the hangar and the darkness of my hall closet.

House Hunting

My husband and I have been house hunting, and although I am sure that home prices in the midwest are much lower than they are on the east coast, I am still in complete sticker shock. There is a profound gap between what I want and what I can afford. The picture above is an example of the kind of house I am looking for. A house where you can have Thanksgiving every year, and everyone can play touch football in the back yard. Where I can hold summer cookouts and cocktail parties. I want a house that I am proud of and that represents my personal style. I want something architecturally significant and aesthetically pleasing. But this house is more than three times my budget. So the search continues...

My First Car

Yep, you read that correctly. I just got my first car. My husband wants me to get used to driving before I get a new car. And the Honda Pilot hybrid that I have been wanting won't be out for a few years, so he wanted to get me a safe and cute car that would last for 5 years. Let me just tell you that I love this car. I have never had my own car before. My Dad gave me a beater to use when I was 16, but it was never really my car-- i still had to ask to go anywhere. Plus shortly thereafter, I totaled it-- and haven't really driven much since! So finally at 27, I got my first car! I feel so independent! I don't have to ask someone to take me to the store--I can just go! It is such a great feeling. It is a volvo V70 XC, which is the cross country and it was imported from a factory in belgium. It is a few years old and has some miles on it, but it is immaculate and adorable. Everyone says it is so very "me." My husband makes me park in a spot where no one can park in front or behind me because he doesn't want it scratched up. I am so excited!

My Outfit Yesterday

From time to time I am the subject of some office ribbing- all in good fun of course. Usually, the jokes have to do with me looking younger than I am or my preppiness. Living in Chicago, people tend to be a little more trendy and/or hip. Yesterday my outfit prompted my colleagues to pull out the stops and lay it on pretty think. I was subjected to comments like--"So do like your profs this semester?" and "What's your hurry? Late for a pep rally in the quad?" My personal favorite was. "Are you excited about this weekend? There is going to be a killer Kegger!" They made so many jokes I didn't dare tell them that the skirt and sweater were Vineyard Vines!!! The funny thing is that I didn't even think my outfit was that preppy--I have shown up in madras or boating stripe before and no one said much. Anyway, I found the pieces online-is it that bad?

Cute Dress

I found this dress thanks to a mention on The Preppy Wedding blog. I think it is one of the most unique and inspired dresses I have seen in a while. In a way it reminds me of a beautiful dress designed by Siona Garcia. It isn't the same look exactly, but it has the same elegant and tailored feel.

The Most Beautiful Coat

This is the coat I am campaigning for. It is going better than expected. At this rate, by November my husband will be all for it! (maybe I shouldn't hold my breath?)

Seriously, though, every year on bonus day I go straight to Burberry after work and look at the winter coats, and every year I am disappointed because they don't have a muted plaid coat that season. I fell in love with the coat Ashley Judd wore in Someone Like You-(great movie)

Ever since I have been hoping Burberry would bring back the muted plaid...and FINALLY they have!

Marinated Shrimp with Champagne Beurre Blanc

I made this recipe that i found on Epicurious.com for our annual seafood Extravaganza! It was amazing--and it looked so good I took a picture. In fact--i think it is almost as good looking as the picture that came with the recipe

Sauce base

2 cups Champagne or other dry sparkling wine

1/3 cup finely chopped shallots

2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar or other white wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
Shrimp

1 cup Champagne or other dry sparkling wine

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons minced shallots

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

24 extra-large uncooked shrimp (about 2 pounds), peeled with tail left intact, deveined

1 tablespoon minced fresh chives

1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 cup (2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 16 pieces

For sauce base: Combine Champagne, shallots, vinegar, and peppercorns in heavy medium saucepan. Boil until reduced to 1/4 cup liquid, about 20 minutes. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.)

For shrimp: Combine Champagne, olive oil, shallots, and ground pepper in resealable plastic bag. Add shrimp to bag and seal; shake bag to coat shrimp evenly. Marinate shrimp at room temperature at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour, turning bag occasionally. Mix chives, tarragon, and parsley in small bowl.
Preheat broiler. Spray broiler pan with nonstick vegetable oil spray. Drain shrimp; discard plastic bag with marinade. Arrange shrimp on prepared pan in single layer. Broil shrimp until just opaque in center, about 2 minutes per side. Stand 3 shrimp, tails upright, in center of each plate.

Rewarm sauce base over medium-low heat. Whisk in butter 1 piece at a time, just allowing each to melt before adding next (do not boil or sauce will separate). Season beurre blanc to taste with salt and pepper.
Spoon warm sauce around shrimp. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve.
Market tip: Champagne and sparkling wines labeled extra dry are actually slightly sweeter than those labeled brut. The latter works best for this dish.

The Cutest Wellies

My sister bought these boots at a horse race and picnic in Surrey(UK). They are so adorable. I picked up a plain green pair but these were so cute I had to post.

Favorite Wedding Pics