Models without Makeup

Further proof that we're all equal in terms of beauty.
Some of us just have professional makeup artists.

Can you spot Laetitia,  Alessandra, Karolina, Adriana and Elle?
(I think Elle is wearing makeup...)
Click to enlarge image.

(via the Frisky)

Wedding Wednesday

This wasn't actually a real wedding, but isn't it lovely inspiration? 

I just can't get enough of that big furry dog! 

via Once Wed, photos by Tec Pataja

Grilled Cheese Party!

It happened and it was cheesy!!

Last weekend we held our 1st annual Grilled Cheese Party in celebration of April's National Grilled Cheese Month. 

Dinner at the 44th Ward - Chicago's own grilled cheese funhouse - provided the perfect setting.  The sandwiches were yummy, the company was great and the cheese was flowing.

Here's how it went down:

Cheesy, right?

Things I'm Grateful For - O

is for Outside.



Today is a beautiful day. The sky is gorgeous, the sun is shining and a warm breeze is filling the air. Outside, as a topic of conversation, always seems to pop up on days like this. People say, "It's so pretty outside", "I wish I could be outside", "We should have outdoor meeting areas so we could be outside".  From weather to flowers to sun shine, outside encompasses so many things. And it's always the place we want to be.

Today I'm grateful for outside. And wishing I were there.

What are you grateful for today?

Little Black Dress

I love this current take on the little black dress. A classic silhouette with updated styling - blue lace, black ruffle, bronze zipper in stretch cotton and linen - sexy and sweet! It's only $60 and the best part is that you can opt for custom sizing for $15. Fifteen dollars, that's cheaper than a tailor!

Things I'm Grateful For - N

is for Nolan.




He's my little brother and he's my hero. Always one to go against the grain, he's a chameleon. He gets along with everyone. He's not afraid to march to his own drum. Or guitar, or microphone. He's so funny and creative and caring. He's been my lifelong buddy. As non-traumatic as our parent's divorce was, we were the constants in each others lives. It brought us closer. Sure we had our spats but Mom would make us hug it out and we'd end up giggling our way through it and suddenly we weren't mad anymore. In terms of personality we couldn't be more different, but somehow that's what makes it work. There's no competition, no jealously, only love and support. Most of my childhood memories involve him doing something funny. I'm supposed to be the older, wiser one but many a lesson I've learned from him.

Today I'm grateful for my brother.

What are you grateful for today?

P.S. Isn't the Daily Drop Cap so fitting today. Thanks to Jessica for sharing these!

Farther versus Further

You learn something everyday...

It's been a few years since I've been graded on my grammar skills so when putting together my 'Grateful' post of the day I wasn't sure which was correct, 'farther' or 'further'.

In case you were wondering (which you probably weren't)

Farther shows a relation to physical distance. If you can replace the word farther with "more miles" then you have done it correctly.

Further relates to metaphorical distance or depth. It is a time, degree, or quantity. It is also another way of saying "additional".

How 'bout that?

Things I'm Grateful For - M

is for Mom

Today I'm grateful for my Mom. She lives far away (ok I live far away) and I miss her everyday. Mom's are great in so many ways - they get to add titles to their resume without ever having an interview - chef, seamstress, hairstylist, coach, cheerleader, therapist, counselor ....To list all the things a Mothers' love provides would fill this blog and several more.

My decisions to move farther and farther from home have tugged on her heart for 9 years now. When we moved to Chicago 5 years ago she spent a week with my husband back in Tennessee selling things and packing up our house. Her heart was breaking but she smiled right through it. A best friend, supporter and nurturer, I feel most comfortable when I'm around her. I know I can truly relax. I am so blessed to say our relationship has always been easy. When I need 'girl gab time' she's the 1st person I call. Even through teenage years there was a mutual respect for each other and we never fought. In fact, the only time I can remember her being really truly mad at me was when I pulled an April fool's and told her we were moving to Russia! 

Mom's are the best.

What are you grateful for today?

Eiffel Tower Calling Card

Let's continue with Paris, shall we?
Enjoy this pretty printable calling card courtesy of Three Kisses Studio via Love.Obsess.Inspire.
Free template here.

Friday Faves

 Image via Flickr

Happy Friday!

I have been so moved the blogging community this week. You are truly a wonderful network of people.  I appreciate every comment and interaction - you inspire me so much! This week has been a little emotional and your kindness couldn't come at a better time. I was honored to be nominated for Little Known Lovelies by Some Kind of Style - such a sweetheart! You should definitely check out her blog, fashionistas will love it! It feels similar to reading a magazine, just easy and enjoyable. (You can also keep up on Twitter.)

The fabulous Frenchie Susu also surprised me with a wonderful answer  to my question about macarons (not to be confused with macaroons). If you haven't visited her blog, Susu Paris Chic, I insist you pop on over, it's like taking a daily trip to France! You'll love her outfit documentations against the beautiful Parisian backdrop. (Today's black and berry combination with fierce boots is especially smashing.)  Susu doesn't know it but I've been obsessed with Paris since childhood, for many years my bedroom was filled with Eiffel Towers posters & figurines. Having only visited once I like taking a daily trip through her blog :)  Thank you Susu!

Here are a few more of my favorites from around the web this week. I hope you have a fabulous weekend! I'm looking forward to a very cheesy party tonight - a grilled cheese party that is - in celebration of National Grilled Cheese Month of course!

Oh Joy's Astrology cards - I should buy one of each to have on hand...

Madonna through the years, what a chameleon

Toilet Paper Origami - wish I would've done this for our overnight guest last night. Strange but delightful, no?

Panic Poster - a twist on a classic, I can definitely relate!

9 Ways to do good with 5 minutes or $25 (via Zen Habits) - we can all make a difference :)

Clever Covers

These Ipod cases are coolbeans, literally! See more on the Coolbeans Etsy shop.

Things I'm Grateful For - L

is for Laughter


It's been a sad couple of days (Remember my carpooling post? It came to an end on Wednesday *tears*) While I don't feel much like laughing at the moment I'm grateful for it anyway. I mean really, do you ever feel any better than after having a few gut busting bouts of hilarity?  Laughter truly is the best medicine.

What are you grateful for today?

Housekeeping

So much computer, so little time...

 Image via The Road Less Traveled

Lovely Bloggers, 

I've come across so many of you lately and would love to stay connected. Many of you have are members of IFB but unfortunately, I haven't been able to find you due to broken links, etc. 

If you're interested, use the links at right to find and follow me and I'll return the favor. I'm on Bloglovin' and Twitter too!

Alphabet Ring

Isn't this the sweetest little ring?
I'd layer it with a solid gold band. How would you wear it?

Things I'm Grateful For - K

K is for kisses.



Who doesn't love kisses? Romantic kisses, kitty kisses, eskimo kisses...
Need I say more?

What are you grateful for today?

Wedding Wednesday

This wedding Wednesday is a personal favorite because the bride happens to be a personal favorite as well! I've known Stephanie since 4th grade (my, how time flies) and was so excited to attend her wedding in Tennessee last weekend. The ever so stylish couple held a fantastically colorful celebration!

Congratulations Stephanie and Hugh!!

Thanks for letting us be part of your special day!

Things I'm Grateful For - J

 is for J.Crew.



I know, I know...it sounds a little materialistic for this alphabet series but I promise it's not.  To me, J.Crew is the 'happy' store. It's something about the colors and the perfection of the merchandising. (A retailer at heart!) Each stop by the mall requires a pop in for a deep breath and a wide smile. It's not about buying (although I love to). It's just a chance to soak up prettiness. Try it! Next time you come upon J.Crew - step 2 feet in the door, close your eyes, take a deep breath, reopen your eyes and inhale the pretty :)

What are you grateful for today?

Emersonmade Clutches

My favorite flower girl is at it again...
Emerson is debuting clutches on her site this week, Emersonmade.

Must...have....one.....

How cute is Emerson? Seriously, can we please be friends??

Less than Fierce

 Image via Color Collective

Feeling like it would do me a world of good 

if I could let out a big roar like this. 

Wearing fierce heels wouldn't hurt either.

Things I'm Grateful For - I

is for Ideas.



I'm feeling a little overwhelmed this week. Having a weekend away was wonderful but it put me behind a bit. (Did you notice I skipped  a 'grateful post' yesterday?) For some reason when the to do list is full the idea box is empty. So today, I'm grateful for the days that ideas flow and inspire.

What are you grateful for today?

Dirty Dancing Design

My heart just skipped a beat! Came across this post from a few months ago and am so moved! Design*Sponge runs a series called "Living In" which features a movie and related products including clothing, furniture, and accessories. They're all fabulous, but this one is tugging at my heart. It's my favorite movie of.all.time. and it's been 7 months since we lost Patrick :( Look how strong he is in the photo below.

Images via Design*Sponge

The Fabulous Shop of 'Faire Frou Frou'

Thankfully 'Faire Frou Frou' commented on my blog yesterday, otherwise I would never have found these photos to pass along to you! You must see the fabulous details of thier newly re-opened shop - west coast girls go check it out in person & report back, STAT! :)  For the rest of us, we can drool over their blog and shop online...


Aren't these spectacular?  Wishing this mother/daughter team the best of luck! 

Plenty more to see here.

Things I'm Grateful For - H

is for HOME!!!



Today I am grateful for being home!!! (Can you tell by my use of exclamation points how excited I am?)
It worked out perfect that the day of 'H' came when I am lucky enough to be at home in Tennessee. But 1st let me say, I am blessed to call Chicago my current home. It's where I've built a life with my husband, established a career and raised 2 little kitties. I love the life we have there, it's a fabulous place to live and experience but something about Tennessee will always be home. They say home is where the heart is and since most of my loved ones are here, maybe that's why my heart feels so happy. As we turned onto familiar streets yesterday I couldn't help but smile. A wash a relaxation fills my soul. In Chicago, I'm happy and motivated and on the move. I feel productive and ready to take on the world. But here, I am calm and care-less.  Ideally, it would be nice to always carry a balance of the two!

It sure is good to be home...

What are you grateful for today?

Wedding Wednesday

We're headed to a wedding in Tennesse this weekend so a southern wedding is in order for today :)
The colors of this Kentucky wedding are so calming and pretty against the greenery.

Doesn't he look dapper in his 3 piece suit?

Sweet tea served in mason jars? Melts my heart.

Lavender, Pink and Birchwood = Beautiful

Photos by Angela Anderson via Style Me Pretty.
See more images here.

Things I'm Grateful For - F

is for Family



Today I'm grateful for my amazing family! I'm headed home to Tennessee on Thursday and could not be more excited. I haven't seen them since Christmas and my heart is just bursting with anticipation. Nothing re-energizes me more than being with family. I love the laughter, the silliness and the love. Being far away is the hardest thing - I can't wait to get my hugs!!

What are you grateful for today?