It's The Little Things

Wishlist Wednesday

2012-03-07T04:31:00.000-08:00

lusts for the week.....

marigold DVF dress

via

obsessed does not even describe my love for this top

via

multi-infinity necklace

via

belted lace

via

fun, printed dress for summer

via

polka dot blouse

via

so, who wants to give me an infinite credit to shopbop?

anyone? bueller?

or just the navy top.... that'll be fine too.

xoxo

An ATM for Cupcakes?!

2012-03-06T06:23:00.000-08:00

Yes. An ATM. With Fresh Cupcakes. Made by Sprinkles.
top notch news is found at this blog, people.

this photo is like a work of art
via

This is taking the whole food truck/cupcake craze to a whole new level.

It's already in Beverly Hills, with plans to have one in every city where Sprinkles exists.

alright.... this is either:

a. amazing

b. disgusting

c. another reason why Americans are gigantic

d. I don't care, put one near my apartment. now.

Have a serious cupcake craving now?

Here's the recipe for Sprinkle's Strawberry Cupcakes to make your own batch at home.
or maybe some Key Lime Cupcakes

to get ready for St. Patrick's Day!

xoxo

Monogram Monday + Weekend Recap

2012-03-04T16:41:00.001-08:00

Hope you all had a great weekend :)

I had a wonderful engagement dinner for one of my best friends and a whole lot of relaxation.

(Oh, and a horrible 2 hours of The Big Lebowski, since it was just so unbelievable that I had never seen it. To those of you that have not, do not watch it. I will never understand why men are obsessed.)

anyways....

some of the gals w the bride-to-be

the happy couple

those angry eyes above photo bombed about 10 pictures of mine...

my handsome date

and for monogram monday,

I'm in love with this gold bracelet from etsy!

via

there is a rose gold option as well

via

can't decide if I love the gold or rose gold more!?

xoxo

Lilo does Housewives

2012-03-04T14:43:00.000-08:00

anyone catch Lindsay on SNL this weekend?

Kristen Wiig kills me every week.

Lazy Friday

2012-03-02T06:02:00.000-08:00

This week has been a little crazy, and to be honest,
I got nothing....

so I figure some pretty pic's to kick off the weekend will do.

Pink makes everything better. So do Friday's.

via

I need pink Coca-Cola in my apartment. immediately.

happy weekend.

xoxo

Coffee Talk

2012-03-01T07:44:00.000-08:00

discuss amongst ya-selves....

Words cannot express my joy that Small Mouth
has made it to the final 2.

via

These 2 deserve each other, as I can't stand either of them.

The highlight of the whole episode for me: asking if Small Mouth wants to spend the night in the fantasy suite.

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you were already ass-naked with your legs wrapped around him.

hmm......i'm guessing it's a yes.

"just the way he looks at me... I can tell...."

you can tell....thaaaaat he wants to rip your clothes off?

I'm just SO mad she isn't at The Women Tell All next Monday for the girls to lay into her.

via

It would have been amazing. This probably would have been her face.

I hate to say it, but Lindsey doesn't stand a chance. Small Mouth has the worst Bachelor in Bachelor history wrapped around her finger.

via

also, I saw this somewhere on twitter so I can't take credit, but a man saying "I just love our conversations" is something you would only hear on The Bachelor

Emily as the Bachelorette

via

what are your thoughts about this?!

is she going to be fun enough? I'm just not so sure.

can she really make the show that exciting on her own?

I mean..... Lord knows she is gorgeous enough to keep me watching.

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If nothing else, the clothes will be amazing I'm sure!

How did I not even mention anything about Bethenny last week!? My apologies.

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First of all, Hoda Woman needs to be on every episode of her show. I just love her. And the two of them together is perfection.

Secondly, how do these 40 year olds who have popped babies out look that good in a white bikini?! It is asinine to me!!!

via

something tells me when my friends and I go to the ~~Hamptons~~ middle of nowhere in 15 years to vacation, we won't be rocking white string bikinis with a 6 pack.

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And Jason too?! Bethenny, quit complaining about how everyone thinks your husband is perfection. He is. You have a hot, perfect husband & $120 million. That's a tough situation I'd love to find myself in.

I wish she wasn't doing a talk show.... I feel like her crazy won't translate well to a talk show - probably because they'd have to censor every other word she says - but it is so perfect for a reality show. She's hilarious.

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seriously.... god bless the people that find freeze frames like this + all of the ones of Small Mouth. They make my day.

Snookie is Preggo?!
Guido's everywhere are ~~double bagging it~~ panicking.

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please dear Lord, for the sake of that unborn child, don't let this be true

she can't handle not drinking for one night because of a UTI... let alone 9 months

this is the most terrifying news I've heard in a long time.

(almost as terrifying that J. Simpson's baby STILL hasn't popped out.

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I'm ~~honestly starting to get concerned~~ thinking someone should

probably induce her. like... yesterday!)

Have you seen the previews for GCB, premiering Sunday on ABC?!

via

I think it looks amazing.

Although every time I see Leslie Bibb I remember my early high school days watching her on Popular on the CW

via

Am I the only one that ever watched that??

I'm really loving Smash - it reminds me of my love for Center Stage....

via

which is perhaps the best ~~dance~~ movie ever created. I could watch it 100 times.... and probably already have. I know you have too. Don't be embarrassed.

via

Catherine McPhee has some seriously great arms too - it's all I notice when she's dancing. That Rumor Has It number was incredible that they performed.

Even if you haven't seen the show, watch below. It's enjoyable.

I know we've all had plenty of Oscar talk this week, and that many of you have probably seen this, but it still cracks me up.

via

ugh.... I can't stand her.

couples news?

if Ben + Small Mouth are meant to be together,

then these two are definitely a match made in heaven

via

this just seems to make so much sense to me?

well.....

until Taylor realizes she's in her 20s and life isn't all smiles and puppies and pure romance, dumps him because he won't live up to her unreasonable expectations, and writes a song about him that'll make her millions.

but until then: teenage puppy love. definitely.

and finally, Chicago people,

I'm dying to get into Giuliana and Bill's new restaurant

RPM.

via

Have any of you been yet!?!

xoxo

Infinity.

2012-02-29T04:29:00.000-08:00

I love the idea behind an infinity symbol.

infinite, unlimited, boundless

and this infinity necklace in gold with a delicate chain is perfection!

via

plus....

it kinda reminds me of something.....

via

oh yeah.... the symbol for the great television show EVER.

which just so happens to be new tonight.

hallelujah.

it's a sign this necklace needs to be mine.

xoxo

Stripe Overdose.

2012-02-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

hi. my name is taylor. and I have a serious problem.

warning: I'm about to either
a. offend you with how many stripes are below or
b. make you want to buy a million striped dresses + other goodies and wear stripes every. single. day.

how many times do I ask if it's summer weather yet on this blog? the only good thing between christmas and summer is st. patty's day.

my favorite things combined: open back + stripes

via

comfy, casual.

via

in love w the silver-grey stripes

via

the cutest damn shoes i've ever seen

via

yes please, and i'll take the bod as well

via

stripes with an edgy twist?!

via

preppy mini

via

bold stripes with a pop of yellow

via

the perfect weekend sweater

via

and I know all of this is blue + white overdose too....

I clearly have another obsession as well.

I don't think I've ever loved a group of clothes more.

sigh.

xoxo

Monogram Monday + Weekend Happenings

2012-02-27T04:32:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a great weekend!

The Oscars last night were definitely the perfect way to spend a Sunday night.

perfection. head to toe. love love love it.

I loved Giuliana's dress, but wish she'd worn her hair differently

hated it.

all photos via people
love her, like it, but not my favorite.
and nicole kidman wore something way too similar one year.

Made some mini meat loafs friday night

watched the amazing Kansas game with some crazy Kansas alum's Saturday - the bar was insane

Made a french toast casserole for Sunday

it couldn't have been easier, and it tasted soooo good.

I even got a "damn baby that's good!", so I was pretty proud of myself.

and found myself a girl scout .... finally!!

And the latest monogrammed addition to the apartment,

my monogrammed pillows for my bedroom.

I'm in love.

xoxo

OpenSky: More Shopping Goodness

2012-02-24T08:02:00.002-08:00

I don't know if I am the only one that just discovered this website, but I came across OpenSky earlier this week and it's my latest shopping addiction. It's like a personalized shopping site, where they offer you daily deals that cover your own personal tastes, from eating to shopping to fitness.
(Kristin Cavallari, Martha Stewart, Alicia Silverstone, Molly Sims, and tons more have "stores" too)

Here's how they describe it:

We understand that shopping isn’t one-size fits all; each of us is different—different styles, different tastes, different ideas. Your “Yes!” might be another woman’s “Hell, no!”

That’s why we’re giving you the power to design your ideal shopping site. To help you shop, we’ve recruited 80 of the best people in food, style, healthy living, kids and home. Fall in love with one or play the field, it’s your choice. Fear commitment? No problem! You can change the people on your team anytime you want.

I snatched up these jewelry organizers earlier this week.

They are from Suze, from Dwellers Without Decorators, shop.

via

The perfect way to actually be able to see everything you have, and have all of your necklaces NEVER tangle again. I can't even tell you how many knots I get in mine.

I love this iPhone case with an attached credit card holder I spotted today

via

How perfect is this!?! Especially when you have a clutch that won't fit your giant wallet?

They literally have everything!

How cute are these cupcake wrappers!?

via

wish I had know about this before Valentine's day for my red-velvet cupcakes!

Hope you all have a great weekend :) The cold and snow is back in Chicago which I am NOT too pleased about. I've decided I'm going to make a brunch feast and am deciding what to make! My mom has a great breakfast casserole recipe,

but this French Toast Casserole looks pretty insane

via

and since we all know I'm a sucker for anything with crescent rolls,

so does this breakfast pizza

via

Happy Weekend everyone :)

xoxo

and ps. thank you for the 100 follower mark :)

Coffee Talk

2012-02-23T05:45:00.000-08:00

discuss amongst ya-selves...

this week's bachelor:

not that exciting at all, so I don't have much to say, but at least we're finally nearing the end!

Who will the worst Bachelor in Bachelor history pick!?

via

kacie b's laugh really annoyed me... why did I not notice this before?

via

did anyone else catch this except me?

And pardon my random rant: but from the second her parents started talking (actually... from the second she said her dad is a parole officer and doesn't drink) I knew this was the end.

Do you think their family has enough unhealthy separation issues?

"we didn't even have babysitters growing up...."

what???

I understand you don't want your daughter to marry a guy she's known for 5 seconds (especially him), but quit freaking out that she may move 5 feet from your family home.

via

I think we all knew Kacie was hitting the road after her family visit.

Small Mouth.... I can't believe you just keep breezing through to the final rounds! I've really gotta hand it to you! It's like he doesn't even notice you have the smallest mouth in the world because you've worked him over so well!

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I could learn some things from you Small Mouth.... although I need it for a small rack rather than a small mouth.

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Their "vow exchange"/"I love you" was the best example of how awkward, annoying, and uncomfortable she is around Ben.

If small mouth makes it to the final 2, this will officially be the best + worst season I have ever seen. And you know I've seen 'em all.

RHOOC:

gretchen took the dogs for a walk.... and for the life of me I cannot figure out what the temperature must have been

via
let's break this down:
- ~~a hot pink turtleneck~~
- a hot pink turtleneck with short sleeves
- white ~~undies~~ booty shorts
-matching striped tube socks
- silver moon boots
touche gretchen... I thought you couldn't dress any worse... but there ya go, week after week, proving me wrong.

and next week: slade does stand up comedy.

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much like gretchen's clothing choices, his decisions get worse week after week too I suppose. and I approve of this.

I know I've said it before.... but honestly....

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WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE BIRTH?!?
This is THE longest pregnancy in the history of the world.
Is it like a 30 pound baby she's growing or something??

I'm actually really excited about her new show with Nicole Richie + Elle Macpherson,
Fashion Star, that starts in a few weeks.

via
Anything Project Runway-esque + some celebs + some fashion has got to be good right?
If it's half as good as Nicole Richie on The Simple Life....

I follow Olivia Palermo on Pinterest...

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and it cracks me up every time I see that she pinned another pic of herself onto the board entitled "me". it just seems so incredibly wrong? no?

This pic doesn't even look like Lilo...

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if crazy ass Dina wasn't grinning like "yay another court date for my daughter!" in the background I wouldn't have even recognized her!

but it was just announced she is hosting SNL March 3rd

I. can't. wait.
whether she's "good" or "bad" you know it's going to be so good!

xoxo

wishlist wednesday

2012-02-22T04:43:00.000-08:00

for a twist on this week's wishlist wednesday, I thought I'd share

a wish list of what I wish I was wearing today (or any day).

I'd love to be this put together+ adorable all the time.

via

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and.... since this is a wish list after all,
that my man would be dressed in a full suit everyday looking similar
to mr. model man below,

because every man looks 10x better when they're all wall street-esque

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and when the chicago summer finally arrives,

the perfect prep ensemble as he invites me onto our beautiful sailboat,

wine, cheese, and crackers waiting for me behind his adorable sperry's and polo.

via

yep... I'll take the sailboat scenario whenever.

pretty please.

xoxo

Guest Post: The White Ruffle

2012-02-21T07:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone :)

Today I am over at Madison's lovely blog, The White Ruffle, sharing some favorite little fashion finds!

Hop over to her amazing blog to see my guest post + all of the amazing eye candy she always shares!

xoxo

Today's a Holiday....

2012-02-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

...and don't most holidays mean presents?

I thought that it did?

Christmas, Valentine's Day, Presidents Day..... right?

While shopping for a gift for a friend.... I may have made a detour into Zara... accidentally of course.

And I decided that these jackets completely deserve to be in my closet.

So feel free to send them my way.

Because it's President's Day.

Thanks :)

xoxo

Splurge vs. Steal

2012-02-19T13:20:00.000-08:00

Splurge:

Tibi Shift Dress

$396

via

Steal:

Sosie Mint Shift Dress

$43

via

xoxo

Friday Randoms + Weekend Happenings

2012-02-17T07:49:00.000-08:00

Some random thoughts for Friday...
To start it off - Designer Lines for Less:
DVF has a a bedding line at Bed Bath & Beyond?

via

I had NO idea? where have I been?

This weekend I may have a nice little Saturday planned: a little trip to Bed Bath & Beyond... Home Depot.... I don't know if I'll have time....

sorry. had to.

Christian Siriano's newest shoes for Payless were on InStyle

via
These definitely do not look like Payless shoes!
I love the bottom right gray pair with the scallop + gold heel.

I cooked dinner from my Pinterest board + made a simple dessert last night

they were delicious.

pasta with goat cheese, lemon, and asparagus

via smitten kitchen

I can't eat anything lately without pesto rolls

the pasta was very simple but creamy, and the asparagus gave a great crunch

and my favorite healthy + easy dessert

angel food cake, strawberries, and whipped cream

This weekend I have one of my old roommates bachelorette party!

via

it's been requested that we wear black, so the bride can wear white, and I don't own much fun black attire.

although if I could have this magically land on my doorstep,

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i would definitely be throwing this on!

Sushi + Trolley ride + some lingerie of course are in store for us. She's so classic + adorable, Anthropologie has some pretty little things I'm sure she (and her fiancé) would love!

silky blue romper

via

silk bra + short set

via

happy weekend!!

xoxo

Coffee Talk

2012-02-16T08:02:00.000-08:00

discuss amongst ya-selves....

as always, to kick it off, The Bachelor.

most honest thing ben said all night

"i'm kinda weird. i'm kind of a strange guy."

yeah.... you're a boring as hell, awful bachelor Ben.

but most importantly....in courtney's own words....

"oh snap!"

via

guess who made it to hometown!?

I started to get really, really nervous... that the only crazy conceited b*tch left on this show keeping it interesting was going to go home.

phew. who would have thought? Small Mouth saves the day!

via

i really did laugh out loud (almost as hard as I am right now about the picture above) when she leaves for her date and says

"bye... i can't stand you all"

and the most enlightening words we hear from her yet, that should wake horny-as-hell Ben up and realize she sucks (oh but wait... no... it's Ben we're talking about.... he's riding this thing ALL the way to the Fantasy Suite with Small Mouth.)

"the other women are very.... into themselves.

they aren't who I would be friends with."

"I have a lot of good friends.... a lot of guy friends."

NO?!?!? You are one of 'those girls' that just gets along so much better with guys??? I am just shocked Small Mouth!!! Never would have guessed you have no girlfriends!?

via

anyways, I couldn't be more thrilled we get her around for another week. The awful entertaining one never makes it this far! anyone notice that she never smiles or laughs or anything when she is on dates with Ben? the only laugh I've seen is when she's making a bitchy comment about the other girls.

dumb blonde comment of the week:

"i love how spontaneous ben is. he is always having adventures."

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no... that's the producers. you know, the people arranging all of this.

idiot.

sweet little kacie b. gets all kinds of worked up in those confessionals!

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swearing like a truck driving with that southern drawl! and saying she wants to stomp and kill Small Mouth!

who-would-have-thought she had that in her?!

although I would probably want to by this point too....

Summary:

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it ain't over yet!! hallelujah! I'm just not ready to say goodbye yet.

because trust me, googling "courtney small mouth" and finding pictures is the highlight of my week.

moving along....RHOOC

heather's obnoxious side is starting to come out. yippee!

via

"we just really need more space....."

right.... because your gigantic home with a full size movie theatre, elevator, and who knows how many square feet just became so so tiny when you had a surprise 8 pound baby.

gretchen goes topless. but it's for charity! don't worry.

via

I have to say.... although her face looks different in every single solitary scene I see her in - she has a seriously amazing body. It's too bad she wastes it on a ~~complete d-bbag~~ guy like Slade.

vicki claims she isn't controlling anymore.... that mr. brooks wouldn't let her control him because he's all southern and man-like.

via

vicki knows where to draw the line. she just understands that grown men have never packed for a weekend trip themselves EVER in their life, so she felt the need to help out because he fills her love tank. totally different than controlling.

from plus size model to sports illustrated swimsuit issue?

she says she has been a double-0 to a size 16.

touche lady.

if that isn't motivation to get your tush on the treadmill, and proof that the hard work pays off, I don't know what is.

via

don't judge, but I always but the SI swimsuit issue

although, my lord, is she even wearing bottoms???

I earn brownie points with my boyfriend for buying it "for him", but really it's because I think it's fun to flip through. It's like watching the Victoria's Secret fashion show.... for some reason I enjoy it, yet in the end I feel inadequate so I don't really understand why?

apparently the cover model Kate Upton is already living up to the

model + athlete stereotype

with Mark Sanchez

but we all know she hasn't really made it in the model world until Leonardo DiCaprio snatches her up.

cute couple alert!

zac efron & lily collins spent valentine's day together.

I fully approve of this. just look at those pairs of big eyebrows.

i'm going to puke if these two are back together again

I wonder how long she has ever stayed alone or single between relationships? ~~Maybe as long as Kate Hudson or Drew Barrymore?~~

I'm surprised she went back to the ex, instead of finding a new hottie to get her name in the press. She must have been short on time?

Understandable.... she's a busy businesswoman after all.

hillary duff's hubby mike comrie is retiring from the NHL

baby at 24? retiring at 31? I love you Hillary but slow down! Lizzy McGuire can't pay for everything forever!

speaking of babies, Sienna Miller is the latest on the baby bandwagon

she still looks tiny all over except for that little bump

Finally... has anyone watched Smash yet?

I haven't seen it yet, but have heard it is amazing and am hoping to catch up this weekend! Monday's are becoming a serious issue between me + my DVR.... I already can't record ~~several~~ a few things....and Bethenny Ever After premieres this coming Monday.... I'm starting to get nervous.

how do you know when you've reached a TV addiction low?

you watch as much TV as I do.

xoxo

Wishlist Wednesday

2012-02-15T04:15:00.000-08:00

lusts for the week....

tory burch belt - i must have you. immediately.

via

polka dots + red jeans

via

mint pleated skirt - only $38!!

via

black + white maxi dress w. open back

via

DVF sweater in the perfect color blue

via

i love the sheer neck at the top of this dress

via

xoxo

oh.... and one more thing....

2012-02-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

magical valentine words from mr. gosling

via pinterest

Thanks Em :)

xoxo

le love

2012-02-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

the very first "blog" I ever remember reading was le love.

although, I think I thought it was a just a website, because I was completely unaware of this whole "blog-world" at the time.

I stumbled upon le love almost 4 years ago.

They post pictures, quotes, and people's anonymous stories of love, loss, and everything in between.

Over the years, I would sometimes read the words smiling during blissfully happy moments of my life... and other times over more tears than I ever thought possible for strength during the goodbyes.

I had completely forgotten about my once daily visits to the blog until I found an image I had saved in my e-mail. My old computer that I can barely turn on must have over 500 images + quotes from the website saved on it.

I am a complete and total sap, romantic, and cheese - and proudly so. And yes, le love definitely feeds that need.

*all images via le love

But it also is a great reminder on Valentine's Day, and every day, that no matter what situation you find yourself in, you are loved.

And that there is always something to be hopeful for.

sorry for my cheese. it sneaks out sometimes.

xoxo

Monogram Monday + Weekend Recap

2012-02-12T18:55:00.001-08:00

it was bitter cold this weekend, so I was even more lazy than usual (which is really saying something) and only really ventured out on friday for our valentine's date, which I have no pics from. whoops.

baked some red velvet cupcakes

used ms. paula deen's recipe here

broke out of my comfort zone with some pink + stripes for brunch

jeans-nordstrom, top-club monaco, blazer-urban outfitters

and after an incredible valentine celebration with my loves,

we did what most girls do, and migrated to bed to try on clothes and gossip

totally normal, of course.

watched the grammy's last night
I thought Adele had never looked better

via
so happy she was such a big winner. if you missed her last night on 60 Minutes with Anderson Cooper, it's worth watching (here). i just love her. she's the definition of sweet as pie.

I also seriously adore Bruno Mars

he's so cute + smiley and I may ~~or may not~~ have danced in the living room to his performance (video here. of him. not me. you wish.)

for monogram monday,

I found these vanity stools that I just love.

via

The pink & orange were a DIY - might have to add that to the to do list!

hope you all had a great weekend :)

xoxo

Love Song of the Week: I Won't Give Up

2012-02-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

I love Jason Mraz, and his new song is my recent favorite of his. Been on repeat all weekend in my apartment.

His hair is a little crazy pants lately?

Happy Sunday lovelies.

xoxo

be my valentine

2012-02-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

My boy + I are celebrating Valentine's Day tonight since we can't next Tuesday.
We're also celebrating his last day at his old job before he starts his new one!!!
To say I'm thrilled for him would be an understatement, so I'm thinking some champagne is in order!

red current champagne cocktail

Here's a little Valentine inspiration to get the weekend started!

This is such a cute way to display fresh + valentine inspired flowers.

I love me some tulips!

via

I love this heart shaped boxwood.

I really wish I was wearing this Vince sheath dress for date night tonight

(and my legs would look completely identical to hers, of course)

via

or this gorgeous DVF

via

but at the moment I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.

I think that's the issue every Friday for me? Anyone else?

I was loving all of the cute XO inspiration I've been seeing this week, so I was so glad when I found a box of these at Paper Source

I also picked this little gem.

seemed like a fun, masculine v-day card.

I also have a very fun Valentine brunch with my friends this weekend,

and festive attire has been suggested.

via

I'm hoping to rework the pink pants with some stripes.

Hope you all have a great weekend :)

xoxo

Coffee Talk

2012-02-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

via

discuss amongst ya-selves....

I know I have already posted 2 Sh*t What ___ Says Videos... but trust me when I say this is a great one. Even better than the Sh*t Nobody Says. It is 3 minutes well spent.

Soooooo the Bachelor. I officially just can't stand this guy.

Let's see how he sums up his bond with Small Mouth:

"I just really like Courtney..... the skinny dipping.... with courtney..... in puerto rico.... it was amazing...."

via

"all the other girls kept their top on.... but not courtney.... and I really appreciated that"

you know who may have enjoyed slutty courtney more than ben?

yep.

I've also realized something kind of embarrassing about Small Mouth.

via

She's my favorite. I know, I know. Hear me out. Without her, I would be ~~still pathetically glued to the television~~ yawning my brains out for 2 hours. Plus, it's fun to try to figure out how many times she purses her nonexistent lips, turns her head to the side, and shrugs her shoulders.

via
If this were a drinking game like Andy Cohen's on WWHL, we all would be hammered by the end of the show.
*note to self - save Bachelor for Friday night happy hour.

My friend tweeted this story about one of the Giants players proposing after the Super Bowl win on Sunday.

Look at what I'm assuming is his mother's face in the left corner.
Priceless.

Anyone catch the season premier of Real Housewives of OC?!
I seriously feel like nothing happened. The upcoming episodes look like they'll make up of for it though.
Vicki is still living with Don? Whaaaaat?

via
that must be buckets of fun.
Tamra and Gretchen are friends?

via
"there's a reason dogs sniff each others asses before they become friends" - Tamra
I like this though and hope it continues because they are both awfully feisty with the perfect amount of white trash for reality-show-friendship.

Slade is already acting like a d-bag in his opening scene.

via
sweet scarf + rosary around your neck
What man says they want to go on their lunch date with their girlfriend and her girlfriends?
Doesn't that spell HELL for men?
He really wants to be on camera. So much so that he was the bartender for Gretchen's WWHL appearance.

Who is normally the bartender? Randoms. From the street.

And don't even get me started on Alexis.

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"I have no journalistic background or training."
No?!? You're kidding!?!

Heidi, Heidi, Heidi....

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We've all been there... break-ups are awful. But that's not an excuse for whatever this look is all about.

This week's episode of New Girl was my favorite yet.
But when are these two

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and these two

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going to finally get together!?

Ke$ha got a classy makeover.

Who knew she could even look halfway normal?

There is a rumor that Spice Girls are reuniting.

Confession: I not only loved Spice World, I bought it on DVD when it came out.
And I was way too old at the time to be participating in this activity.
I also danced around my room to Spice Up Your Life, but I know that I am definitely not the only one guilty of that.

I saw a clip of Tracy Anderson announcing a new series of pregnancy workout DVD's this week

I'm not pregnant, but when I have been doing her DVD's for 10 minutes staring at her skinny, toned body I yell some fairly cruel obscenities at her through the television for putting me through hell. If I were 6 months pregnant, she seems like the last person I would want to be staring at.

Speaking of skinny, toned bodies
am I the only one who thinks McDonalds new Chicken McBites look amazing?

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It even comes with it's own dip dispenser thingy? Yes, Please.

annnnd might as well end with mcnuggets, because I feel like I should end on a really exciting high note?

xoxo

wishlist wednesday

2012-02-08T04:25:00.000-08:00

lusts for the week...

obsessed doesn't even describe my love for this coat

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never thought i'd say this, but love the anklet

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parker aztec strapless dress

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i think i found a way to feel comfortable in an all-over animal print

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the perfect color purple

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pretty + pink

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and both of these minis from sara

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and the best wish of all, REVENGE IS NEW TONIGHT!

and I found a semi-nakey pic of the cast to share

but we all know we're only looking at daniel... and maybe jack....

xoxo

Kitchen Inspiration + Recipe: Sausage Phyllo Cups

2012-02-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

something about all white kitchens makes my heart go pitter patter.

they are just so much more inviting + warm than dark wood to me,

and are 10x better than my current black ikea countertops.

here are a couple I've been fantasizing about lately....

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via

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and now.... a simple appetizer to make in any kitchen, dream or not.

Sausage Phyllo Cups

1 lb Jimmy Dean sausage

½ red bell pepper chopped fine

½ can chopped black olives

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1 cup original Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing (8oz jar)

5 boxes (15 in a box) phyllo shell pastries

Brown the sausage and break apart

Drain well, add the remaining ingredients and mix well

Fill the shells. Bake on a cookie sheet at 350 for about 20-25 minutes.

what makes this recipe even easier + better,

just keep the plastic covering attached to the tray

stuff cups while still inside the package

pull cover back, put back in box, and bake off right from the freezer as needed!

went through 5 boxes this weekend. crispy, light, and way too easy!

as my girl Ina would say,

How Easy is That?

xoxo

Monogram Monday + Weekend Recap

2012-02-05T20:13:00.001-08:00

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Here are some pics from mine:

I attempted to make my bar cart more attractive

with some fresh flowers

My boyfriend kindly pointed out that my pinning obsession made the cover of the business section

I made a breakfast for champions Saturday AM.

Sausage, Feta, and Veggie Eggwhite Scramble with Pesto Rolls

I received the nicest post-christmas present ever

my kitchen just got 10x better

I cheered for the Giant for the Superbowl, so I tried to dress accordingly

rory beca top (here), F21 jeans, steve madden booties

made these delicious + easy sausage phyllo cups

(recipe to come this week!)

and also a giant batch of chubby hubby bars

although mine didn't look this pretty - but tasted just as good

and loved this funfetti football cake at the party last night

For Monogram Monday, I've been eyeing these marquee letters for quite some time. Someday when I have a bar in my future home, I will own these.

vintage marquee letter from Etsy

$199

Urban Outfitters Marquee Light

$179

yes please

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xoxo

Commercial Bowl Sunday

2012-02-03T04:17:00.000-08:00

Excited for some ~~football +~~ commercials + beer + non-stop snacking Sunday?

Some recipes I've been eyeing on Pinterest:

chili recipe in football bread bowl

almost chick-fil-a's nuggets

momofoku's butter cake bars

mini corn muffin dogs

chubby hubby bars

ham and cheese pretzel bites

trying to decide what else to make in addition to my

mom's sausage + feta phyllo cups and these all look delicious!

Hope you all have a great weekend :)

xoxo

Coffee Talk

2012-02-02T06:48:00.000-08:00

discuss amongst ya-selves....

My night last night was pretty crappy.... it was the second week without a new episode of Revenge - which is a completely legitimate reason to fall into a deep depression and eat a pint of ice cream. But then... a small silver lining appeared.

Emily VanCamp and Josh Bowman are dating in real life! This excites me! Why? I don't really know?

But then I scrolled down & saw that this was who he has been linked to in the past....

Oh my Lord.... I have to hypnotize myself to pretend I didn't see this.
And you know I have strong feelings about Miley when I think she is the lesser of these choices.

Ugh... men.

Speaking of "ugh men".... Ben...

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The skinny dipping with Small Mouth. I haven't really had a liking for Ben ever, but for no particular reason. This gives a very definite reason. That was more like sex in the ocean than skinny dipping. Save it for the fantasy suite Small Mouth. I bet he's having a great week with his "fiancé" watching all of that happen. So inappropriate.

some small mouth favorites for your enjoyment:

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ok sorry i'll stop now.

Was anyone else bored with Part I of RHOBH reunion?
Arguing about a "Maloof Hoof" comment? And so bitter over saying the shoes were pink instead of nude?

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Please. Yawn.
I'm sure the next 2 parts will be great... and I especially can't wait for the sit down with crazy Kim. Although sober Kim discussing rehab probably won't be as entertaining as crazy Kim all season was. Damn.

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But that's why we have Brandi for the next 2 rounds!!

Why do I continue to watch Kim Kardashian?

I didn't feel one ounce of sympathy for her during the final episode.... and when Kourtney called her a bitch knowing full well what was going on, I may or may not have smiled. I know... speaking of bitch... I can't help myself ~~sometimes~~. She then tweeted LOL's about her ugly crying face in the episode... yeah, the whole situation is just hilarious isn't it Kim? Make sure your 9 pounds of mascara are fixed before you go say your 3 words of the day to Kris. Because the make-up is the serious issue here. Priorities.

Lilo has moved out of her condo and into, where else, the Chateau Marmont

she looks so awful here
That should go over perfectly.

Any chick-flick-loving, romantic sap cheese balls want to go see The Vow with me?

Channing Tatum + Rachel McAdams? Need I say more?

Gwyneth getting cheated on?

If it can happen to Gwenyth... uh oh....

Who do we think it is? Brad or Ben? I'm guessing it was Ben.

Drew Barrymore is engaged, for the 3rd time. Her ring sure is pretty though.

Maybe 3rd time's the charm?

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I think between her + Kate Hudson, they have dated 19 million men.

And finally... Super Bowl Sunday needs to get here already... because I spent over an hour looking at food blogs + pinterest last night for recipe ideas.

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If my coffee talk posts don't prove how pathetic I am, that sure does.

xoxo

Wishlist Wednesday

2012-02-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

lusts for the week.....

lemonade sperry's for prep with a twist

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stripes + an open back? gimme.

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orange coat to make any jeans + tee an outfit.

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striped tote

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honey cableknit sweater + yellow jeans

i want to wear this every single day.

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sparkly flats

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I also really want Mondo's Cantaloupe inspired dress from last week's project runway with the open back

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anyone else watching the all-stars season?

xoxo

Stepping outside of the comfort zone...

2012-01-31T05:23:00.000-08:00

First of all, enjoy this Sh*t Girls on The Bachelor Say

video. Because I know you all "hate the bachelor", yet still completely watch all 2 hours every Monday night.... "just to make fun of the pathetic girls". right.... me too....

Annnnyways,
Anyone that knows me knows that I am very much a creature of habit.

I'm slow to try new things, and even though I'll admire a trend or someone else's style I rarely feel bold enough to attempt it myself.

Saturday night I finally decided to put on my big girl pants - my big girl pink pants! I got a pair of blue & pink jeans over Christmas break, and finally wore the pink pair out.

similar pair here

Yes, this is me getting cah-razy.... pairing it will all basic black.

I'm an animal, I know.
And my face just screams excitement, doesn't it?

Next up, I want to pair it with my favorite thing ever: stripes.

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or this adorable striped blazer that I've been eyeing....

only $79

next up, my plans for the blue:

now if only I could get myself to take off

my gold studs every once in awhile....

baby steps.

xoxo

Monogram Monday

2012-01-30T04:13:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a great weekend :)

I finally found a spot for my wooden monogram

I think I may spray paint it red? Thoughts?

Did a little window shopping this weekend and admired these necklaces

and this bright top with an open back

My friend and I ventured to the Lululemon Warehouse sale this weekend... we got their early so the lines weren't too bad, and they did keep us entertained with music before we ran into the madness

anxiously waiting behind the ropes....

Went to BBQ with some friends and the boys

picked up this cookbook to find some new recipes

and headed to the suburbs for paddle tennis

I also may have drooled over this pinterest pic for a little bit on the couch

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Happy Monday!

xoxo

To brighten your Sunday....

2012-01-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

Seriously... watch this.... in it's entirety.

Cupcakes + Lululemon

2012-01-27T04:40:00.000-08:00

Cupcakes and workout clothes totally go together... right???

I made How Sweet Eats Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cupcakes with Cinnamon Sugared Chip Frosting last night

her pretty photo

and let me tell you.... they were delicious!!

They kind of reminded me of Potbelly's Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie?

Recipe Here

pre-oven...

post-baking...

+ ~~2 more sticks of butter~~ frosting...

It was only after eating them that I realized I used 3 sticks of butter.

For 12 cupcakes.

Yikes.

Even for me, that is bad.

But hey.... Paula can't do it anymore... so someone has to carry the team.

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To make up for devouring an entire stick of butter and more last night, I'll be going to the Lululemon Warehouse Sale in Chicago this weekend!

I figure maybe if I buy some new workout clothes, it will motivate me to stop

eating like a recently diagnosed diabetic?

I pretty much live in my Lulu black stretchy pants, so it is about time to get some more. My boyfriend will be thrilled... not.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

xoxo

The Rug Gods Have Spoken....

2012-01-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

You may remember that at the end of last summer I was decorating my apartment, driving all over Chicago with my mama Nance Pants and finding great deals on all sorts of things to make my apartment a home. We found so much great stuff, and were lucky enough to get incredible sales and floor samples galore.

A pic of my living room a couple of months ago.....

badly in need of a rug....

I had found in JULY (ugh.... I've been waiting so long) at West Elm their Jute Chennile Herringbone rug - and best of all - it was 30% off!! I saw it as a sign - great price, beautiful rug. I loved it. They informed me it was backordered until end of August, beginning of September. No worries.... I'll wait.

Months roll by..... Finally it is the beginning of NOVEMBER and I get a phone call that my rug has come in! Hallelujah!!! I stroll into the store the next day.... so excited to finally have my living room comfy cozy... and they have absolutely no record of me ordering the rug. You called me, buddy? Here's the voicemail. How can you call me if you have no record of it???

Now.... you can't get mad at the little guy helping you, because it's not his fault and he isn't the one that called me. But I had already bought a couch, a settee, a headboard, a coffee table.... I had given West Elm everything but my left arm back in July. I've been waiting for months on this rug and you have no record??

Long story short - they say that they don't have anymore, so I can just re-order it... but not with the 30% discount? And wait another couple "weeks". Not going to fly with me. I left my name and number and told them to speak to my sales girl who had seen me 10 times and to call me the next day to figure this out. No one ever called.

I. was. furious.

So... after getting over the fact that I had waited months for no rug and had to start all over, I hit the internet. I found an almost exact replica, from Home Decorators (love them) and got a 30% off discount code in my e-mail. This was one backordered too.... but at this point I didn't care.

and I just got an e-mail that it has SHIPPED!!!! I am like a kid on Christmas morning!!!!!

Now.... if only my monogrammed pillows I have been waiting 6 months for, that the UPS man lost, that are now backordered again..... alright I'll stop. Enough bitching for one day.

I'm planning on making these cupcakes to celebrate tonight :)

xoxo

Wishlist Wednesday

2012-01-25T04:12:00.000-08:00

lusts for the week....

lemon, orange, and blue striped scarf

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shoshanna strapless tweed dress

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cork wedge shoes

(is it time for summer yet???)

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asos sequin jacket

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tortoise shell bangle

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grenadine draped back dress

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warm winter jacker
and this entire outfit in general

on sale for $130!
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xoxo

Coffee Talk: Couples Edition

2012-01-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

discuss amongst ya-selves.....

Some commentary on celeb couples news....

because hey...why not criticize other people's relationships?

You know Andy Cohen has his Jackhole of the Week on WWHL?

Well I have a Dumbass of the Week.

Winner: Kristin Cavallari

Let's call off an engagement, get back together, and 2 months later be pregnant. Which probably means you were preggers and then got back together or are trying real hard to keep a ~~crappy quarterback that pouts more than I did when I was 12~~ NFL boy on lock-down.

J Lo's 18 years younger suitor tweeted his opinions on his love

He said "Age, status, n opinions of others are irrelevant.

Our hearts are endless and our souls infinite.

Good friend sent it for me and thought it was beautiful and perfect!!! #truth."

J. Lo then retweeted this proclamation.

Tweeting your love? Yep.... sounds like an 18 year younger relationship to me.

#Truth.

Shocked these two are still together

but they're one pretty gorgeous couple, so I give them my vote of approval.

Plus anyone is better than Scarlett Johansson.

Am I the only one who seriously can't stand her and was furious with the prior-to-marrying-that-skank-Scarlett-was-perfect Ryan?

The feeling is mutual, Johansson.

I don't know why I am ever shocked when celebrity marriages fail - but this really makes me sad.

Definitely didn't see this split coming.

I feel like Jessica Simpson has been pregnant for forever.

Does anyone know what he does for a job? All they ever say is ex-NFL player?

And finally.... I know you all watched RHOBH last night for

Pandy's "Chi Chi Chi" Beverly Hills Wedding.

(I'm choosing not to comment on how the whole episode is about the wedding.... yet a good 7 minutes were taken up by Paul's colon. What??)

I am not a pink wedding type of gal, not at all, but that tent was gorgeous. The amount of flowers and chandeliers in that place was incredible.

Change the pink color scheme and it'd be gorgeous.

But, her dress... her hair....Lisa's tiara - I have no comment.

I totally want to leave my wedding with that many sparklers though.

And look at this little gem of Ken & Lisa I found

Ken's hair hasn't changed one bit.

Overall, I was disappointed by the finale.

Why?

My Crazy Kim didn't make a single appearance.

Broke my heart. Although, Bravo probably didn't want to subject us to viewing her boyfriend again, so in that instance - thank you.

xoxo