BBq

I am a huge fan of barbecue and Southern home cooking. So when a friend wanted to meet for dinner I hopped on the chance to try Chicago q.





It did NOT disappoint.

You are given homemade BBQ chips and Bread & Butter Pickles right when you sit down. YUM!! The pickles were absolutely delicious.



I ended up getting the pulled pork sandwich with honey butter cornbread. My friend, J, got the BBq flight with brisket, chicken & pulled pork. We also split the mac & cheese that came in the cutest little cast iron skillet.




Everything was so good. I mean, seriously, taste bud overload. Plus the best part of q? You don't have to choose just 1 type of BBq. They give you 4 of their sauces! So you can try their: Original Mild, Spicy, Eastern North Carolina Vinegar and South Carolina Mustard Sauce! They did not disappoint.



The restaurant is in the heart of the Gold Coast at 1160 N. Dearborn. If you're a fan of q you definitely need to make time to head around the corner to 52 W. Elm and try Table Fifty-Two. Indescribably delicious.

Shower Tablescape

Inspiration for our July shower we're hosting...
prepare to see a ton of future DIYs

Love the look of the leaves in the vases. Planning on using shorter cylinder-shaped vases.

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LOVE these. Thinking about hanging them in the trees along the walkway and off the balcony. Now to decide the color scheme...

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Napkin Rings. Self-explanatory.

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Big fan of mason jars. Big fan of twine. Together? Perfect.

Planning on using as candle-holders with votives.

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Any other lovely suggestions?

New Obsessions

Recent discoveries that have since become obsessions...

More Cupcakes...especially the truck that comes around the loop.

Martha Stewart tape & glitter to add some flair to the shower invitation's envelopes

CND Shellac No-Chip Manicure. Love, love, love. going on day #18 and no chips!

Skinnygirl Margarita. It's about time I've been able to track it down! Geesh!

Fekkai Full Volume Mousse. It definitely works!

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Fiesta Rice

I'm a sucker for Mexican food. I literally think I could eat it every day.

This dish is so easy to make it takes little time and minimal effort-My kind of meal!



You'll need:
-Rice
-Black Beans
-Corn
-Tomatoes
-Lime
-Cilantro
-Salt

(you can always add avocados, jalapenos, anything!)

Boil the rice and heat up the corn and black beans.



Dice the tomatoes, chop the cilantro, and cut the lime in half for juicing.

Mix everything together! Add salt if you'd like.



Enjoy!



I added some grilled shrimp which was incredibly tasty. Plus the Skinnygirl Margarita was the perfect touch.

adapted from skinnytaste.com

Affordable Wish List

I love a good wish list.

This is probably because all I do is want, want, want. (must work on that!)

Here are some things I'm currently coveting...and best part? They won't break the bank!!


Some DIY time with a crystal necklace and some nail polish...

A sparkly headband for chic summer hair $32

Colorful Bangles from Bloomies $55

Taylor's Tribal Clutch

What's currently on your wish list??

Personal Gifts: Wedding Showers

I think it's hard to get a great Shower gift. Sure everyone has registries today and what's more personal than a Kitchen-Aid Mixer? Uhhh...

If you have a little bit of leeway with your gift choice I think it's a great idea to give a personal and useful gift! Here are a few of my recommendations.

For the Bride who likes to spend time in the kitchen:

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For the Bride who loves to entertain

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For the Bride who loves all things monogram

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For the Bride who loves to travel

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I'm not getting married anytime soon but I'd happily own any of these items!

Product Reviews: Make-Up

I love products. Make-up, hair products, bath & body. It's a terrible addiction. Here are some new products I've used lately and my reviews.

Laura Mercier eyeshadows

I'm a big fan of LM's products. This pallete is quickly becoming a go-to of mine. The soft colors are perfect for a base and the two darker purples are incredibly pretty for contouring, etc. I'm not as in love with the luster eye color duo in golden brown. The colors just don't show up...

Clinique's Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15

I had super high hopes for this product. I love Clinique's moisture surge gel that I use nightly...I figured the tinted moisturizer would be just as great...It's not. It has great coverage and color BUT the surge of moisture is too much. My face ends up getting really shiny around 2 in the afternoon. It looks greasy and believe me, it's not a good look.

Now I'm on the hunt for another tinted moisturizer.

MAC Paint in Untitled

I LOVE this product!! Put it on your lids and then apply eyeshadow! It not only primes your eyes for the shadows, but it holds the shadows on for hours. I'm talking ALL day! I have gotten so many compliments on my eye make-up since using this and I think it's because it really gives my eyeshadow a kick!

Got any good product recommendations??

Orzo Salads

Once the weather warms up I find myself instantly drawn to all things salads. Salad greens, fruit salads, pasta salads. You name it, I'm on it.

I'm a big fan of making a larger batch of a salad and munching on it all week. This week was no exception.



Orzo is a great foundation for any salad. My favorites include:

tomatoes, cucumbers, onions & feta.

tomatoes, green peppers and olives.

Or tomatoes, goat cheese and onions.

See? The possibilities are endless!

This time around I threw in cucumbers, green onions, salt, pepper, and mixed it up with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and juice from 1/2 a lemon.




1/2 of a box of Orzo was enough for 4 sides and definitely 2-3 lunches. It's a pasta that really goes the distance!

sandal time

It's finally becoming sandal weather in Chicago. Can I just say, it's about time!!

I'd like to add each and every one of these sandals to my closet.

Everyday Wear

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Simple & Sweet

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Details, Details!

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What's a cute pair of sandals without a good pedi? These are my go-to shades for this Summer!

Essie Colors: Splash of Grenadine, Turquoise & Caicos, Bachelorette Bash

What kind of sandals are you going to sport this Summer?

weekend.

Seeing Something Borrowed tonight with the girls

...and at a theater with a bar! Lookout!

Book Club aka wine, food, and dessert club, on the book The Help.

Spending Mother's Day with my wonderful Mom!


What are you up to this weekend??

It Gets Better

This is so moving.


And fabulous.


And shows the power of the internet.

Nothing like a commercial to make you tear up!

Shower Ready

Wedding Shower that is.

I'm on the hunt for multiple dresses for this summer. I have two wedding showers and a rehearsal dinner for my brother's wedding.

I want sweet, feminine dresses that can do double duty in the future...I'm thinking anything I can throw a blazer over and wear to work. It shouldn't be that hard, right?

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Any recommendations?

Stella & Dot

I went to my friend L's apartment on Thursday for a Stella & Dot party. I've heard of people having these or attending them, but I've never looked for myself.

WOW.

They have some really cute stuff!!! And turns out they are the old Banana Republic jewelry designers. Remember when BR had the best jewelry for a solid 2 years then it just tanked for awhile? Yep. Stella has one of their designers!!

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I got these and love them. And an even bigger surprise? The arrow necklace is by Maya Brenner whose E necklace I wear 24/7!

This La Coco Concept is a great idea. You start with a chain and add on the bling! Talk about a necklace that multi-tasks! I think this would be a fabulous gift for Moms out there!


Have you ever bought anything from Stella & Dot?