Birthday Wish List

My birthday is next Friday and I am finally getting around to sending my Mom a list of things I'd like.

I always find it hard to narrow down my lists. They tend to be incredibly random....Are you a birthday list kind of person?

Clockwise from top
-Cole Haan Flats
-Lululemon Racerback tank, Wrap Jacket and Pants
-JCrew Leopard Scarf
-JCrew Resin Necklace
-Clarisonic MIA
-Rebecca Minkoff Wallet
-Banana Republic Wrap Sweater

My favorite part of my birthday? All the coupons and freebies from the stores!
Thank you, Sephora for the Philosophy 'Happy Birthday, Beautiful' body wash!

Banana Bread To Die For

Enough said.

I swear I only buy bananas so I can bake with them!
Example 1 and 2

INGREDIENTS

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• 3/4 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
  
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Spray one 9x5 inch loaf pan with non-stick spray coating.
2. Blend together the eggs, buttermilk, oil and bananas.
3. Sift together the sugar, flour, baking soda and salt. Add to banana mixture and stir in pecans. Mix well.
4. Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.I like to set the timer for 1 hour and then reevaluate!
   

recent loves

long walks and lounging by the planetarium

brunch and bloodies from 11 city diner

manicure/pedicure with friends and delicious dinner at zapatista.

enjoyed with margaritas!

Also...I bought the Rebecca Minkoff MAC clutch in black. But I'm wondering...should I stick with the silver hardware or go to the gold?! Help!

Missoni Must Haves

Sure I just said in yesterday's post that I couldn't see Target anytime soon....believe you me that is not the case come September 13th!!

I am dying for some of these Missoni pieces!

Here are my favorite....what are yours?

Brighten up a dreary desk

Travel in Style

I love funky socks. Need these!

I have a scarf obsession. This needs to join my collection.

How cute are these?!

Organization that is cute and practical

all images via fashionista

Will you be going to the store? Ordering online? Or passing altogether?

recap

I've been a little MIA lately and I blame it on the incredibly busy month of August.


I moved...then got delayed because they had to completely re-do our wood floors
(cue anger, annoyance, and 2 nights out of our new place)

via pinterest

then my brother finally got married! woohoo! it was a whirlwind weekend but it was full of fun, laughter and tears (mostly mine) so I'll never forget it. I love his new wife (my sister!) and they just moved a block away from me so it's going to be fun to have them so close.

Stickers from UPrinting for the gift bags for those staying in the hotel.

yes i blurred out their names...the stickers didn't look fuzzy or blurry. promise!

And finally...if I have to see an Ikea or Target in the next 2 weeks I will black out. I have spent countless hours and dollars at these stores following the move and I'm exhausted!
No more, please!!!

Although, I'll definitely take another Ikea cinnamon roll!

So that's where I've been for most of August. Sorry for being such a slacker!

Now to catch up on everyone's blogs....

new views

I'm moving to a different part of the city...down to the south loop.

the best part of the new locale?


the view.



wow.

the worst part? actually moving. booooring.

chain madness

As the fall catalogs are rolling out, a few trends are spot-on with me. A big one being the chain straps on cross-body bags.

I'm a huge fan and I think they're going to continue to be everywhere you look!

Nanette Lepore $425

Tory Burch $365

Rebecca Minkoff $295
My personal fave!

Elliott Lucca $98

And the Classic Chanel

Are you a fan of the chain straps on bags?