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!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
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:
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!
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| Is this not the biggest shrimp cocktail you've ever seen? |
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| The fried oreos (to die for!!) |
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. 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.
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| sashimi snow-cones |
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| popcorn shrimp |
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| 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.
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!
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.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
GLITTER GIRL
A metallic handbag pairs well with any outfit and a touch of sparkle always adds some glamour. These timeless picks are sure to impress!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
WEB FIND
For your next special album, skip the scrap-booking and try My Publisher. The quality of the pictures is so impressive and there are always fantastic coupons available. I recently created an album for my mom's birthday and later created another album from a European vacation. While this program is a bit more challenging to work with, the extra effort is worth it. My Publisher has a helpful support phone line where an actual human-being can answer any of your questions while you're creating your masterpiece. The company also lets you create invitations, stationary, and calendars. Submit your email to their website so you can take advantage of their stellar deals!
INCREDIBLE KITCHENS
It seems inevitable- that the kitchen becomes the center of the home, where friends and family gather to talk and eat. I love the uniqueness of each of these spaces. The fixtures alone give me tons of inspiring ideas. These kitchens are open, airy, inviting, and fabulous!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
CANDY COOKIES
Looking for something to make with that leftover Halloween candy? I was invited to a friend's last night and wanted to bring a dessert that was quick and no fail. I made these last year during Halloween time and they were a hit. You can throw in any kind of chocolate candy, pretzels, raisins (anything that sounds good crunched up in a cookie). The consistency of these cookies is perfect if you abide by the 12 minute baking time.
Trick or Treat Cookies (from GOOP)
Ingredients:
- 3 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter (8 tablespoons) at room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 to 3 cups candy, chopped (recommended: chocolate bars or chocolate covered anything, caramel anything, chips, pretzels, raisins; just so-so: lollipops, hard candies; not recommended: gum, gummies, pixi stix)
Preheat oven to 375° F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour with baking soda and salt and set aside. In another medium bowl, cream butter and sugars together with a whisk or wooden spoon until light and fluffy (this takes about 3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, thoroughly incorporating each, and then add vanilla and milk and beat until combined. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mix until incorporated, then fold in chopped candy.
Drop by rounded tablespoons (a mini ice cream scooper is my favorite way to portion them) onto cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie (room to grow). Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
WEB FIND
My hubby recently purchased the new iPhone (since he's a total Apple junkie). His old iPhone was dated and had a cracked screen anyway. Rather then toss the old phone, he sold it to Gazelle. This site will buy back your used, old, or broken electronics and send you cash in return. Not a bad deal! Plus, it makes it a bit easier to justify buying a new toy.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
SEEING SPOTS
Polka dots were huge on the FALL 2011 runway. Celebs are taking the look to the streets which inspired me to choose a few of my favorite dotty looks.
1. DVF Tonda Polka-Dot Clutch $325
2. DVF Enny Dress $375
3. Madewell SpotDot Sweater $75
6. Gap Dot Socks $6
7. Polka-dot Popover $88
Monday, October 24, 2011
MONDAY'S RECIPE
One of my favorite places to grab lunch is at Feast in Bucktown. While their menu has lots of options, I have a hard time veering from my favorite thing on the menu- the black bean burger. I've been trying to find a similar recipe and think I've finally come close. You can make 6 of these at one time, cook them, and then freeze them individually for a quick, easy, and healthy meal.
Ingredients
-2 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. olive oil, divided
-2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
-1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and finely diced
-1 shallot, minced
-3/4 c. fresh cilantro, minced
-3/4 c. panko bread crumbs
-2 eggs
-a few grinds of black pepper
-1/2 tsp. salt
-1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
Directions
Place a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Combine the panko with 2 tsp. of the olive oil and mix with a fork to blend. Add the mixture to the skillet to toast the panko, stirring frequently until light golden brown. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temp.
Place 2.5 cups of the beans in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, 1 Tbsp. of the oil, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes and whisk to blend. Add the egg mixture, toasted panko, the remaining 1/2 cup of beans, bell pepper, cilantro, and shallot to the bowl with the mashed beans. Stir together until evenly combined.
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions, about 1/2 cup each. Lightly pack into 1-inch thick patties. (At this point the patties can be covered tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking). Heat 1 Tbsp. of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully lay half of the patties in the skillet and cook until well browned on both sides, about 8 minutes total.
This is especially delicious served with a few slices of avocado or tomato.
-2 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. olive oil, divided
-2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
-1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and finely diced
-1 shallot, minced
-3/4 c. fresh cilantro, minced
-3/4 c. panko bread crumbs
-2 eggs
-a few grinds of black pepper
-1/2 tsp. salt
-1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
Directions
Place a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Combine the panko with 2 tsp. of the olive oil and mix with a fork to blend. Add the mixture to the skillet to toast the panko, stirring frequently until light golden brown. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temp.
Place 2.5 cups of the beans in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, 1 Tbsp. of the oil, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes and whisk to blend. Add the egg mixture, toasted panko, the remaining 1/2 cup of beans, bell pepper, cilantro, and shallot to the bowl with the mashed beans. Stir together until evenly combined.
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions, about 1/2 cup each. Lightly pack into 1-inch thick patties. (At this point the patties can be covered tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking). Heat 1 Tbsp. of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully lay half of the patties in the skillet and cook until well browned on both sides, about 8 minutes total.
This is especially delicious served with a few slices of avocado or tomato.
Friday, October 21, 2011
A FEW FRIDAY MUSTS
SEE 50/50. I saw this movie tonight and it was incredibly well done. Everyone has someone close to them whose been affected by cancer, yet it's not a common subject in movies (probably because the topic can be so depressing). This movie told a story that blended comedy and the seriousness of cancer. One minute you were laughing and the next minute you were crying. Plus, the cast was absolute perfection. Don't miss this one!
READ Bossypants. I don't know what took me so long to finally read this book but once I started it, I finished it within 24 hours. I've never laughed out-loud this much from a book, which discusses Tina Fey's childhood in Pittsburgh, job at Second City, and success at SNL and 30 Rock. This is perfect to pick up if you've just finished a heavy read.
EAT at Kingsbury Street Cafe (that is if you live in Chicago). I went here with a friend for brunch the other day and I swear I felt like we walked into a cafe in L.A. Aside from everything on the menu being fresh and healthy, the atmosphere was light and cozy. I'm still craving the cheddar herb scone with eggs and potatoes, as well as the breakfast quinoa with walnuts and cranberries. Yum!
READ Bossypants. I don't know what took me so long to finally read this book but once I started it, I finished it within 24 hours. I've never laughed out-loud this much from a book, which discusses Tina Fey's childhood in Pittsburgh, job at Second City, and success at SNL and 30 Rock. This is perfect to pick up if you've just finished a heavy read.
EAT at Kingsbury Street Cafe (that is if you live in Chicago). I went here with a friend for brunch the other day and I swear I felt like we walked into a cafe in L.A. Aside from everything on the menu being fresh and healthy, the atmosphere was light and cozy. I'm still craving the cheddar herb scone with eggs and potatoes, as well as the breakfast quinoa with walnuts and cranberries. Yum!
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