Boat shoes

I have seen girls wearing the Sperry Top-Sider shoes when I was in Boston, New York, and now in Chicago. I had a pair in middle school and I bought a pair of clogs a few years ago. I think these are cute! What do you think?

Back to shopping

I have not been to bakers shoes since college, but these "Zara" sandals are cute! Speaking of Zara, I want a Zara in Chicago. (rumor is there will be one opening in 2009 on Michigan Ave.)

This book is following me...

In the window at Barneys New York on Oak street, Anthropologie, the Jonathan Adler store on Wabash, in Allure magazine... this book is everywhere! (these sightings are just from the past few days) Maybe this is a sign I should read it! Any book reviews for this book??

Book Review: Marley and Me

I started "Marley and Me" the other night and it is great! (witty, interesting, and not all about dogs) I am halfway through and can't put it down. If you have ever had a dog then you must read this! (I recommend the edition with pictures)

Curtains

I have been wanting to hang curtains in my bedroom...but I don't know if I will even like them. (I am turning into my mother - because she puts curtains in every room) Here are a couple I like. The color scheme in the bedroom = red walls, white bed, light wood floors and dark wood furniture. I want to have the walls painted to a light blue this summer, but I think these curtains could still work. I will take pictures of the window and post them soon. (It runs from the ceiling to the floor) I will be getting new white blinds soon, so do I even need curtains!?!?! Please help!

Tag - I have never been so happy to be it

Right before dinner tonight I checked my blog and started screaming.......... I was mentioned on isuwannee's blog! I love her blog and she actually read mine!

A - Attached or single?
attached - married

B- Best friend?
George and Shawna

C - Cake or pie?cake.
chocolate cake



D - Day of choice?
Saturday morning

E - Essential item?
water

F - Favorite color?
red



G - Gummy bears or worms?
red and clear gummy bears



H - Hometown?
Muskegon, MI



I - Favorite indulgence?
reading US weekly, cheese, chocolate, potbelly's and oberweis malts

J - January or July?
July


K - Kids?
in a few years



L - Life isn't complete without?
my husband and dog



M - Marriage date?
12/31/2007



N - Number of brothers and sisters?
1 older sister, 1 younger brother



O - Oranges or apples?
apples

P - Phobia and fears?

sharks in Lake Michigan (I know...this doesn't make any sense, but when I jump off my parent's boat into the depths of Lake Michigan all I can see is Jaws coming to eat my feet!)



Q - Quote?
Justin Timberlake "What goes around comes around"



R- Reason to smile?
spending the rest of my life with George and meeting our children



S - Season of choice?
fall - back to school time (I am a teacher)



T - Tag three people:
foxxychica, superfantasticgirl, and atromito



U - Unknown fact about me?
I want to go to law school, but not become a lawyer



V - Vegetable?
green beans, corn on the cob, broccoli



W - Worst habit?
applying lotion to my hands and feet EVERY night! and shopping



X - X-ray or ultrasound?
neither - I did have an X-ray of my sinuses and of my big toe



Y - Your favorite food?
sushi (the Honey Bee at Cafe Sushi), butter nut squash at Luna Caprese, the mac and cheese at Table 52, Jumbo hot dog at Wrigley Field (with ketchup), In and Out burger and fries



Z - Zodiac sign?
virgo

Sand on my flip flop...

When I got out a pair of flip flops to take to Old Town Nails today (so I could use them to walk home in), I saw sand stuck to the bottom. (it was from my honeymoon - which was the last time I wore flip flops) I almost put the flip flop back so that this last piece of evidence of my honeymoon would linger.... But, instead I looked at pictures from Waikiki Beach and the dolphins on the way from Maui to Lanai. Enjoy! (and is was only 39 degrees in Chicago - where is the global warming?)

I am obsessed...

with the "Love" jar from Jonathan Adler. I visited the store on Saturday and they were sold out of just this one (not any of the others) so I am on the wish list. I want the whole set - (maybe I will buy one each month) "Love" will go on the top of my ladder book shelves from target. (We have two with this buffet from Crate and Barrel in the middle)

My husband's favorite

..... kitchen gadget. If you have the pleasure of knowing my husband, you also know that he is by no means a cook. (He does try and often will cook or at least clean up everything when I am finished making it) We got this microplane grater for a shower gift and he uses it ALL the time. (I just wanted it to zest lemons for my apple pie recipe)

Restaurant Reviews

Table 52 - the mac and cheese is to DIE for!! (I hope I get to eat this everyday in heaven!)
You must call now to get a reservation in 3 months. Also, I think Art Smith is the judge on Top Chef this Wednesday. (he is the chef at this restaurant)

Dunlays on Clark - ok and cheap - sashimi tuna was just ok - not like Mama's Fish House on Maui

Sushi Samba - overpriced good sushi - I like Cafe Sushi better and it is 1/2 the price

Cozy Noodle - BYBO - I used to live near this place and continue to love it! (The women's restroom has hundreds of pez dispensers glued to the wall) and in the summer a giant Elvis statue greets you on the street)

On my radar: Old Town Basserie

side of veggies, please

In my quest to eat more vegetables, I started using the Ziploc steam bags. (I saw these mentioned on the Biggest Loser) I steam broccoli, carrots, zucchini, and squash and my husband actually eats them. I also started eating a salad each night with dinner or the 0 Weight Watcher point Progresso soup. I have done Weight Watchers points for the past 5 years to help keep my portions in check and this web page lists restaurants and the WW points for the menu. I was thrilled to find out that my pizza sub at Potbelly's is only 7 points. I love when that happens!

Broadway in Chicago

My husband and I are in our 2nd season of Broadway in Chicago. We saw Sweeney Todd last week and I found it to be very interesting and different from other shows I have recently seen. ("Spamalot" with Clay Aiken was the best!) The music was not as good as "Gypsy," "Rent," "Mamma Mia," or "Jersey Boys" however, the actors played musical instruments and sang the entire show. (which was very impressive) I am going to "The Ballad of Emmett Till" on Thursday at the Goodman Theatre and I am excited for "Avenue Q" at the end of May.

Ring holders

One for on my night stand (from the Waterford store in Ireland), one for the bathroom (cb2), and one for in my night stand (so my wedding ring doesn't get scratched) (the container store)

White t-shirts

Check this out to see the best white t-shirt.

Found: great capri pants!

In my shopping experience this weekend with my sister-in-law and her sister, I found the perfect capri pants at Jcrew. I just thought I would share: (they remind me of Jackie Kennedy in Hyannisport, MA)

I think I will going back for more!

Jcrew also has the cutest spring jackets! Check them out! ( I ordered the pink one and it should be arriving soon!)

QVC Shopping

The latest item that I plan on ordering from QVC is the Discgear stackable media organizer V26214. (I can't get the links to work to QVC or save the picture, but it is featured in my wish list) In my efforts to spring clean, I hope to organize all of our DVDs into this container. I just need to count them up because I think we may have more than 120. I read the reviews online and the product received 4.8 our of 5 stars (which is the highest) I will let you know how I like it!

Running, again...

I forgot to mention in the previous post that I did in fact sign up for the 5th3rd River Bank 10k Run in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have not ran more than 5 miles in a year, but I am hoping to get in more mileage in the next 2 weeks. (meaning I will run 5 miles twice) Wish me luck, because I will need it!

Running in the rain

Yesterday, I set out to run 4 miles and in the first 2 minutes it started to rain. So I changed my mind and only ran 3 miles. I was also reminded why I should never run in cotton capri pants... they kept on falling down the entire time. I must have looked strange running with the rain in my eyes and holding up my pants.

These nike capri pants are the best to workout in because they stay up and are comfortable. I also want to get these groove pants from lululemon athletica, but they cost $90.00 and I can't justify spending that much on workout pants. I have seen them featured in In Style, Lucky, and Shape. The store will hem the pants for free to get the length you want. (which works out well for me because I am 5'7" and most regular pants are not long enough with flat shoes.

On another note, I want to also mention my beloved running shoes Mizuno Nirvana. I am a cult follower with each new edition and have had a dozen pair in the past 4 years. And I have never had a blister! I usually buy them at Fleet Feet on Wells Street. Check out their new store!! (they carry Stella McCartney Adidas workout clothing)

Fiesta Dog Bowls

I have been on the hunt for red Fiesta dog bowls. (I need 2, for food and water) I saw 1 on Ebay, but I am waiting for the pair. Let me know if you find anything! Henry would love them!

Dry Shampoo?!

Since my hair is naturally curly, I try not to wash my hair everyday. For years, I have been using baby powder in my blond hair to help make it look less greasy. (it sounds really gross, but it really helps make your hair look more blond) I have seen this tip in magazines since I started reading In Style 8 years ago and lately I have seen an abundance of new dry shampoo products.
Here are a few I have tried:
Ojon Rub Out (available at Sephora)
Aveda Pure Abundance hair potion

And recommend to me last night: Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray

...but I keep going back to my baby powder.

Flor (Create a rug)

We are in desperate need of a new durable floor runner in our entry way, so I have been checking out the Flor carpet tiles. (I saw these at Target, cb2, and Chiasso) The reviews are good and people say they are easy to clean. (you can vacuum or rinse them in the sink) I am thinking of getting the textured squares called Morning Coffee in black, white, and red and trying to cut them into some sort of pattern. (or the stampede that looks like cow hide is cool!) You can play around on the Flor web page and create your own rug! (They even have a Martha Stewart brand) Is it weird that this is fun?? It is way better than building a bear.

Wedding Hair

After wearing my hair in a side low bun for my sister-in-law's wedding, I think I might do it again for my best friend's wedding in July. It only took 7 bobby pins (and a rubber band) and my head did not hurt after I took it out.

Still looking....

I am still searching for something to hang above my (light sage green) couch and these are 2 that I am considering:

Check out this to see a room view with the stripes. I am hoping the picture goes on sale soon!

Old Town and Wells Street Art Fair 2008

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the art fair in Old Town and on Wells Street this year. The dates are June 14-15th and I have a bachelorette party that weekend in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Check out the poster they have selected for the Old Town Art Fair for this year. (We have 2005 and 2006 hanging in our bedroom) maybe, I can make it back in time.

New Pillows?

In my efforts to make our bedroom look more organized and aesthetically pleasing, I need a pillow to put in our new corner chair. Here are some options from Jonathan Adler and this is the chair it will sit on:

The colors of our bedroom included:

Red painted walls (which I am hoping to change to a light blue)

White duvet and pillows

Dark brown dresser and night stands

I also want to look for yellow and red pillows to add some color.

Three asFour?

On Tuesday my husband waited patiently in the car, while I ran into the GAP and picked up all of the limited edition white shirts to try on in multiple sizes. (I ended up being a size small in both and felt that all of this line ran large) This is what I loved from Three asFour and Phillip Lim:

The dress is very flattering on and will look great against a faux tan this spring and summer. I plan on wearing it with my Jack Rogers gold/platinum sandals, gold hoops, and my white jean jacket! You must go to the gap (on Michigan Ave.) TODAY!

My new Puppy!

Isn't he cute? His name is Ralphie and is waiting to be picked up at cb2.

I love my Bravo TV

Project Runway, Workout, Top Chef, The Real Housewives of New York City... in no particular order!

Something new to try: Last week on The Real Housewives, Bethenny mentioned her "skinny girl" margarita, which consisted of Patron silver, lime juice, and a splash of triple sec. We should really get together and try this!

Antiques in the City

On my way to pick up my packet for the Race to Wrigley, I saw the store Scout on Clark. (and Foster) I didn't have time to go in, but I will be back! Another great boutique on Clark (in Wrigleyville) is Hubba Hubba. This store has unique clothing and you can use a loyalty card to save 20%. (you can sign up at the store) You can sign up for email promotions and get coupons too. Last August, they had a sale when anything $50.00 or less was $5.00, $100.00 or less was $10.00, $200.00 or less was $20.00, etc. I will keep you updated if I hear about this sale again!

Tori Spelling on HSN

I started watching the show Tori and Dean Inn Love on oxygen and love it! During season 2, Tori began designing and selling costume jewelry for HSN. Check it out! I have not bought a piece yet, but the reviews are good! I like this bracelet.

Book Review

I have been struggling to get through "The Devil in the White City," by Erik Larson, for the past month! Although it is an interesting book, I can't read it before I go to bed because I have nightmares about the serial killer. (the same thing happens when I watch Law & Order or CSI) Also, the first 100 pages continuously mention that the buildings needed for the 1893 World's Fair might not get built in time. Newsflash, we all know that the fair occurred. It is kind of like on Project Runway when the designers complain that they won't finish in time and SURPRISE they finish. I am starting to get sick of the suspense the producers are trying to create. Hopefully, the next half of the book will get better.

Marc Jacobs Shoes

Check these out! I don't know if you could even walk in them!?

I also want to remind everyone to RUN to the GAP on Tuesday for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Gap Design Edition. Can't everyone use a new white shirt??

Chicago marathon 2008

I have been debating on running the 2008 Chicago Marathon !?!?!? I feel like maybe I should get in better running shape and I need to decide soon because it fills up fast. (And I could be having a child in the next few years) Besides, I miss reading my pal Hal Higdon's book on running. (I do own an autographed copy) I don't want to do it alone... let me know if you are interested!

Run, Forest, Run

Check this out!

This must go in my bathroom! It is available at Bed Bath and Beyond so I can use a 20% off coupon!

Girls on the Run

I am participating in a Girls on the Run Wondergirl 5K event in Chicago on June 7th. I am a buddy runner and will be running with a girl through North Park Covenant Church. (I hope I can keep up with her!!) I have wanted to get involved in this charity and I hope to help with more events. If anyone is interested, sign up here.

Wine Class? I can get an A+!

I went to a cooking class at Treasure Island on Clybourn a few years ago with my sister and had a great time. I thought it is time to return and they are having a wine and cheese class on May 1st at 7pm. The cost is $20.00... is anyone interested??

Time for some news:

The Chicago Tribune has an interesting article on being middle class and the wide range of people who believe they fall into this class. Working in an environment with different races of low class students in 2 different towns has opened my eyes to major differences in class. (especially how different classes value money and education) Ruby Payne's book "Framework for Understanding Poverty" is a great book to help start understanding what it is like to be from a different class.

Redecorating the Old Town/Gold Coast condo

I am in the mode of wanting to make our condo ready to sell, just in case we move soon. (This all depends on obtaining a new job) Right now, we have our desk in our bedroom and a HUGE black leather desk chair. (It is ugly!) So I found a desk at cb2 and a chair at IKEA that I am thinking of buying. I would like to put the chair in the corner of our bedroom and then move it if we need to sit down at the desk. It could also be used in our main room for additional seating. Since we got a laptop and wireless internet, we usually both sit on the couch with the computer. (lazy, I know) I like the desk because I think we could use it in another room when we eventually buy a house.

New topic: I need help getting rid of gnats in my house plant...any suggestions? This web page suggests vinegar and dishsoap. I will try it and let you know!

So I am a teacher

and I like to share information. So this is my great online grading program that is free and easy to use. Check it out! Teacherease.com

Back to shopping

I went to Kohl's last night to check what is new in the Vera Wang line and found these great shoes! And believe it or not they are comfortable! They are on sale this weekend and you can use a coupon to save even more.

Changing topics: Go Cubs Go!

You must go to a Cubs game and get a Jumbo hot dog! It is the best hot dog in the city (or maybe it is more the atmosphere of Wrigley Field and the beer) Also check out Hot Doug's at 3324 North California for a variety of hot dogs that are amazing!

Go Cubs Go....Go Cubs Go.........

Storage ideas for under the bed and other ideas...

I found 2 queen bed frames at IKEA that I like, however, my husband wants to get a king bed if we move in the near future. My game plan is to wait until this summer to see if we are moving and then get a new bed frame. The 1st bed would also go with a headboard that would look very nice in our condo. (we would maybe get 2 headboards and stack them) I need to make sure I have enough room for storage under the bed. Check it out!

Start spreading the news!

So, I am planning a bridal shower for my best friend's wedding in July and I ordered invitations at properpear.com. I just wanted to share this resource because they have an excellent variety of invitations for all events. (the prices are great too!) When you consider your time and money with printing out invitations, this is a life saver! (They should arrive soon, so I will let you know how they turn out...and I wish I found this when I was doing my rehearsal dinner invitations)

Another great paper store is Pulp & Ink on Wells. They carry the new Vera Wang line of greeting cards and they are only $2.99. (I stocked up on wedding cards, since I have 4 coming up in the next 6 months.) And you can get cheap sushi next door at Cafe Sushi.

In need some art in my life... and for my condo

I am looking for a piece of art to hang over my couch. (the picture that is up right now I painted and I am tired of looking at it) I think I want a neutral print... what do you think of these? I am going to go to cb2 this week and will check them out. Or I might paint another picture based on a Mark Rothco that I saw at the MOMA. What do you think?