EAT... GRANGE HALL BURGER BAR

The other night, my friends and I tried Grange Hall Burger Bar, a new restaurant from the owners of De Cero and Sushi Wabi (in the old Veerasway spot). Although we waited a very long time for the food, everything we ate was fantastic. Probably the best turkey burger I've ever had. All of the burgers are grass-fed and hormone/antibiotic free.

Another highlight of this restaurant is the farm-style decor. I love the old-fashioned furniture, charming serving-ware, and floral quilts lining the wall. Grange Hall doesn't take reservations and unfortunately adheres to the communal seating trend, but the delicious food makes up for any misses.

WEB FIND

Emerson Made is a pretty big deal in the blog world. In fact, it seems like every blog I hit up, Emerson's line is listed as a favorite. This husband and wife duo only sell their items online and everything is made in the USA.

I love the polished dresses and shirts that are perfect for work, as well as the jeans and jackets that are ideal for the weekend. And, I'm obsessed with the cute table linens with EAT emblazoned on the napkins. I have yet to purchase anything from their site, but here are the items I'm currently debating.

Gunmetal Pins Grey Jeans

Low-rise Vintage Indigo Jeans

Black and Cream Ribbons Blouse

Olive Wool Day Coat

EAT Table Linens

GMD

Another Girl's Monthly Dinner last night at my friend, Lissi's. The hit of the dinner was definitely dessert. A Barefoot Contessa Mocha Ice Box Cake (made by Ashley). It was so yummy and supposedly really easy to make. Layer your favorite chocolate chip cookies with an espresso spiked chocolate whipped topping and refrigerate overnight. Here's the recipe.

GET IN SHAPE

I am a Tracy Anderson-aholic. You may be scratching your head, wondering who the hell is Tracy Anderson? Anderson is a tiny blonde who is the trainer to just about every celebrity in Hollywood. Her gyms in New York and Los Angeles cost a fortune but I've found that her DVDs and YouTube videos are a reasonable bet and work wonders if you want to tone up. Anderson combines dance, pilates, and strength training movements using your own body weight as resistance. While she has a new set of DVDs out called Metamorphosis, I still find that her original Mat Workout DVD is the best. I did this video five days a week leading up to my wedding and was in the best shape of my life. If you're curious or just want to shake up your usual routine, try out one of the online sequences below to see what it's all about.

DROOLING OVER DANNIJO

I am in love with Dannijo's fantastic jewelry. Each piece is so gorgeous and sure to add flair to any ensemble. Plus, have you checked out the Mr. Dannijo line (a collaboration with Man Repeller)?
Sister duo, Danielle and Jodie Synder, have been designing their collection since 2008 and it's often seen on many of Hollywood's most stylish celebs.
I like that their jewelry hasn't over-saturated the market. You can find Dannijo at select boutiques and I highly recommend consistently checking their website for great sales. Below a few items I covet.

This Lindsay bracelet reminds me of a take on the Frieda and Nellie bracelets.

Love the buckle and touch of multi-colored stones.

Favorite piece. Plus, it's on sale!

Cutest shoe clips ever

Mr. Dannijo Stella collar piece. Would be so cute over a crew-neck sweater or LBD

BABY BONANZA

I had the opportunity to attend my friend, Meghan's, beautiful Candyland themed baby shower.
The luncheon took place at Chicago's Peninsula Hotel. From the colorful tile path leading to the table, oversized candy-colored roses displayed in glass jars, and sweets galore, no detail was left out. It was truly an unforgettable event.

Champagne adorned with safety-pops

I love how all of the candy and desserts are displayed.

French macarons dipped in chocolate on sticks. Yum!

gumdrop topiary

Notice the white and brown sugar "sand" in the vases.

Huge roses in clear jars atop glass pebbles. I'm stealing this idea!

CURRENT OBSESSIONS

Neutrals always look clean and classic. These neutrals have a little something extra and I'd love to get my hands on any of them! 

Clockwise from sunglasses

1. Karen Walker Super Duper Strength Sunglasses

2. J. Crew Heart Me Sweater

3. Lauren G. Adams Saddle Ring

4. J. Brand Velvet Trouser

5. Reed Krakoff Boxer I

6. Dannijo Rhoda Earrings

7. Elizabeth and James Sammy Tux Blazer

TRAVEL TO... SOUTH BEACH

Chicago isn't too shabby when it comes to food, but South Beach has a lot of noteworthy restaurants too. After returning from a long weekend in Miami, I thought it the perfect time to mention a few of my favorite dining spots. Below, an eater's guide to this fabulous city:

Prime 112
If you want a real scene, great people watching, and incredible food, this is the place to be. Plus, you're likely to spot a celebrity or two while you're there. Prime 112 is a true Miami hot spot and the steak is the best I've ever had. The portions are enormous so be sure to share and don't miss the bacon at the bar!

Is this not the biggest shrimp cocktail you've ever seen?

The fried oreos (to die for!!)

Monty's
Nowhere else can someone get the freshest stone crabs they've ever had for the incredible price Monty's offers. After a day hanging at the beach or shopping along Ocean Drive, this is THE best place to get a drink (try the Miami Vice) and meaty stone crabs. Hit the raw bar during happy hour (4-8 PM on weekdays) to take advantage of great deals.

Barton G
Barton G. is a renowned event planner in Florida and his restaurant reflects the awe-inspiring production he's known for. While the food isn't nearly as phenomenal as Prime 112, the presentation and experience are incredibly unique. Request an outdoor table for a more romantic feel.

sashimi snow-cones

popcorn shrimp

cotton candy carousel

Big Pink
The size of Big Pink's menu rivals The Cheesecake Factory's. Owned by Myles Restaurant Group (the same folks who own Prime 112), Big Pink has any type of food you crave from omelets to pizza. Open til 5 am on weekends, it's the perfect place to get a late night bite. Check out the pink Beetle delivery cars!

Cafe Ragazzi
My favorite restaurant, Cafe Ragazzi has the yummiest Italian food in a cozy atmosphere. Located in Surfside, about 20 minutes from central South Beach, it's well worth the drive. The staff couldn't be nicer and the pizza, meatballs, and pasta fagioli are simply fantastic.

Finally, for a drink and glamorous scene, have a cocktail at Wall Lounge at W South Beach Hotel or the roof top at Gansevoort South Beach.