Goods from the Globes

There's a bit of a lull between the holiday season and beginning of spring ... thankfully awards season is here (and by awards season, I of course mean red carpet season). Sunday's Golden Globe styles didn't disappoint. Below are my top 5 stunners ... 
  

Emma Watson's Christian Dior dress featured pants – I love the unexpected, but totally cool, twist. 


Lupita Nyong'o ruled the red carpet in this caped dress by Ralph Lauren Collection 


Olivia Wilde was the most stunning mama-to-be in this emerald Gucci sparkler


Naomi Watts was stunning in this metallic Tom Ford dress.


Maria Menounos looked amazing in this shocking pink gown from Max Azria Atelier

Vegan, Gluten-Free NIbbles

As part of my healthy 2014, I've been experimenting in the kitchen, trying to find some tasty treats (instead my secret stash of candy). With limited ingredients in my cupboards and an obsession with testing the limits of my new blender, I decided to get creative and came up with these super easy (and super healthy) cookies. Steve was so excited that he can finally enjoy his fave treats without worry, I've learned to double my recipe for next time. 

Vegan, Gluten-Free Cookies (makes 1 dozen)

ingredients
2 C raw almonds
1 C rolled oats
2 tsp vanilla
5 tbsp agave nectar

I added a handful of dark chocolate chips to mine. I also want to try adding coconut or walnut pieces.

recipe
Blend almonds and oats until they make a coarse flour. Add vanilla and agave and blend. Fold in chocolate chips (or optional addition of your choice), then roll into 1 inch balls. Place on parchment-lined plate and chill. 

Enjoy!

Have a Wonderful Winter Weekend!

Hard to believe it's already the weekend (due in part to those "snow days" earlier this week). If you're like me, you've probably resolved to be healthier in 2014. All week, instead of the same old boring cereal or piece of fruit, I've been making some delicious smoothies and juices for breakfast (thanks to my Ninja I received for Christmas - holy moly does this thing blend!). I'm loving this recipe in particular. 

Also this weekend ...

• Make your reservations now for the upcoming Chicago Restaurant Week (Jan 27-Feb 6). All of the favorites are there, plus some hip new-comers (maybe I'll finally try The Dawson, til now I've only enjoyed their delicious drinks). 

• Steve and I have seen more movies in the past couple weeks than we did all year – but we have yet to see Saving Mr. Banks. It looks adorable, plus Science and Industry is showing the Treasures of Walt Disney exhibit right now, where you can see original drawings, props, costumes and more from Mary Poppins and other greats.

• I love that as our apartments become more grown-up, Target seems to grow right along with it. The Nate Berkus collection for Target is always right on point, and the new stuff doesn't disappoint. It's always hard to pick favorites, but I'm loving this gold lamp, and this runner for the front entrance. 

Have a fantastic weekend!

Photo courtesy of Honest Cooking

Updating Our Ikea Tables

Ikea is often associated with college apartments, not grown-up condos, but when Steve and I decided to give our place a mini refresh a few months back, we had to pick and choose where we would spend the money. After getting our new charcoal gray sectional, I knew our old Ikea side tables definitely needed a brighter update. So I got to work reworking them!  
 
To update the flat, gray legs, I spray painted them with shiny gold spray paint. And instead of the dark wood tops, I wanted a white lacquer look. I applied 2-3 coats of white acrylic paint, then finished with high-gloss polyurethane. This also added a slightly yellowed look to the white, which I loved since it gave these a vintage vibe.

New Year, New Products

I'm a true beauty junkie, as evidenced by my new Sephora VIB level card (do you know how much you have to spend in a year to get that? hint: a lot). I'm always on the hunt for the next best thing – don't get me wrong, I have my true loves – but until a product proves itself, I move on to find one that honestly gives results. A few of the items I've been testing out have just about secured their status on my go-to list ...  

From left ...

I've heard of the legendary Embryolysse Lait-Creme Concentre and it's "miraculous" properties, so when I was in Paris, I picked up a few tubes at the pharmacies. I haven't been using long enough to really see a miracle yet, but hot damn does this stuff moisturize! I like to slather it on and let it soak in before applying BB cream. So far, no dry patches this winter. Score. 

It is surprisingly hard to find concealer with SPF in it (which is weird to me since the eye area is the most delicate, first to show signs of aging, and therefore the place I want to protect most!). Perricone M.D. No Concealer Concealer not only includes SPF 35, but has anti aging properties to boot!

When everyone started buzzing about serums, I went straight to the source and asked my dermatologist if they're worth it. Like my trusty Clarisonic, she instantly said yes, it's definitely beneficial when applied to clean skin and before moisturizer. I've given two serums the entire-bottle-test, but saw no results. Then I tried a sample of Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Serum and that very next day, my husband and two other people complimented my glowing skin. Sold.

Since I started playing with products in middle school, one of my fave treatments is a good mask. I have many favorites, but during these cold months I'm loving the Boost Mask by Somme Institute. It gently heats as you apply it, smoothes skin, and even has a delicious scent.

Oh, and don't worry, I haven't forgotten ... I'm still getting through all of my Parisian pharmacie products and will be sure to report my findings! (I need to test them out before I decide if they're good or not :) 

Bundle Up!

You know it's cold when the condensation on the inside of your windows instantly freezes – true story. So in light of the cra-zy cold here in Chicago, I have to share some of my fave cold weather defenders. Sub-zero weather may not bring out the pinnacle of fashion, but you can still have an element of style ...    

Clockwise from top:  funnel neck down coat  //  super warm trapper hat  //  the warmest (and priciest) coat  //  can't beat a chunky cashmere scarf  //  my fave coat, for length and style

Happy Snow Day!

To say it's cold out there today would be an understatement ... it's downright dangerous! Some schools and businesses are closed today, so I say hunker down and stay indoors. Put on a fire, some warm clothes and take advantage of your extended weekend with one of the following fun activities ...

• Make a big pot of chili and let it simmer until dinner. I love this recipe from Smitten Kitchen, which I always add more spice to.

• Finally take the time to perfect that pastry you've always wanted to try. I love french macarons, and they sure do take patience, but I received this for xmas which should make it a much less stressful process.

• I can never bring myself to toss my finished candles in the trash ... there's precious remnants of (expensive) wax in there! I found this tutorial for a layered candle with those leftovers (genius!).

• Why not make a little spa day out of this snow day? I like to start with a facial steam. Heat a pot of water on the stove (add a camomile teabag for a little aroma therapy), lean over the pot and drape a small towel over your head for about 5-10 minutes. Next apply a mask, and finish with a rich moisturizer.        

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Have a Cozy Weekend!

2014 certainly made it's presence known with this winter wonderland of snow ... instead of battling the cold, I plan on relaxing, maybe catching up on my DVR, and (sadly) putting away the holiday decor

Also this weekend ...

• The best defense against a Chicago winter? The roaring fire in the bar at RL (tell me the above photo isn't inviting). Try your luck at snagging a table near it and order some bubbly and a burger ... I know I will this weekend!

• If you do decide to head out, the winter sales are still going strong ... Club Monaco always stocks some of the chicest pieces, and right now all sale items are an additional 40% off.

• Not related to the weekend (though maybe something to consider on your days off) are these 7 things to quit saying if you're over 30 (okay, I'm guilty of a couple).

Have a great weekend!

My Resolutions

The beginning of a new year is pretty exciting ... I love the mystery of what the next 365 days will bring. While I cannot plan everything that will come, there are a few points I'd like to keep in mind for year ahead – some loose new year resolutions ...

Diet ... But Not Really

I could never follow a strict diet, and I don't feel the need to loose any weight, but I know I should be more aware of what I eat. So ... maybe I just mean cut back on the copious amounts of candy, or maybe only make frozen pizza for dinner 2 nights per week (instead of 4 nights in a row, oops!).

Spontaneous Travel

Whenever we return to the airport after a trip, I like to check out the departures and dream about just hopping on a flight to somewhere we've never been. Steve and I agreed that this year we'll pack a small suitcase with anything we may need, head to O'Hare and see what destinations are available that day. 

Get Cookin'

Steve and I aren't the most gourmet cooks (see above about the frozen pizzas), so this year I would like to delve into my new cookbooks I got for Christmas (including this gem), and master some meals (instead of the microwave).

Enjoy the Little Luxuries

There are some things that I reserve for special occasions – using the good wine glasses, burning the expensive candles, using those adorable little hand soaps shaped like french macarons – but why wait? Life is short and even if we don't have guests over or we're only drinking an $8 bottle of cab, there's no reason we can't make every single day special. 

Here's to a fantastic 2014!

Passport case available on Etsy

Happy 2014

Happy new year to you! Hope you are recovering with some Veuve mimosas and tasty treats ... I know I am. I'll catch up with you tomorrow!

Photo courtesy of Pinterest