What should I wear today?

Photo via we heart it

Have you ever needed a quick second opinion while shopping or getting dressed in the morning? (Surely you said yes... if not, please share your secret!) How genius is a website that lets you upload a quick photo and get on the spot opinions? Fashism and Go Try It On do just that. Instant friends reply with thumbs up or constructive criticism. Said to be largely snark and judgmental free too!

Read the NY Times story here.

Calling all Chicago Ladies!

Benefiting the Chicago Fashion Foundation, it's a great excuse to pull out that black beauty in your closet and enjoy the Chicago summer in style!
View details here.

Straw Clutch

Welcome back cupcakes! Hope your long weekend was fabulous! Summer is in full swing now and I'm craving a lightweight clutch. I love that this one looks like something I might pull from my Grandmother's closet. Aaand it's on clearance...

Happy 4th Weekend!!

A holiday weekend is upon us and I hope you have something fabulous planned!  Extra days off are my favorite. I've got a list a mile long of things to do including: visit a U-pick farm in Michigan, fireworks (of course) and my first Hot Yoga experience!  Be safe, stay cool and wear sunscreen :) 

Hubby snapped this picture of the Wrigley Building on the 4th of July last year. I love that buildings in the city color coordinate with holidays. Details!

July 30th, 1994

 Photo: source unknown

I am thirteen.

I have a family party and a sleepover with girlfriends. My must have birthday treat is a mint chocolate chip ice cream cake from Baskin-Robbins. We'll laugh about this the rest of my life because this particular one will remain half eaten in the freezer for 2 months prompting the comment, "That's been in there since Ashleigh's 13th birthday", a phrase we still use to this day when inquiring about the freshness status of food, whether it's a freezer item or not. This remark always promotes laughter and once again makes me so so grateful for my family.

This is also the first birthday I receive my first real teenager outfit. In the days before 13 year olds were fashionista's, Forever21's were on every corner and little girls partied at Club Libby Lu we lived off of Rave, Merry Go Round and 5-7-9. My 'teenager' outfit was nothing more than a tank tube dress. It wasn't revealing or super short, but it was form fitting and fabulous. Black and white striped. I felt like a grown up. I think I wore it once. Sometimes you just aren't ready to be an adult yet...

July is my Birthday Month {New Series}

July is my birthday month. The actual day isn't until the 30th but I start getting all reflective on the 1st, sort of counting down the whole way, reviewing and evaluating the past year while preparing for a new one. It's my own personal mid year resolution time. This birthday is significant to me because I'm entering the last year of my 20's (eeek!) and to commemorate I'd like to start a new series for this month. I've noticed lots of '30 before 30' lists floating around out there and while I think that's a wonderful idea I already have more lists than I know what to do with!  So I'm opting to do a sort of recap of my years instead. You see - it's a wonderful life I've had. Sure, sometimes daily life is frustrating, sad or overwhelming. But overall, it's been a good run. So... in similar form to my Grateful Series I'm going to spend a little time posting moments from my life that mattered. Happy or sad, big or small. The moments that make me...me. I can't promise entertainment - it's more of a personal recap - but maybe you'll learn something or think of your special moments. If so, I hope you'll share!

P.S. A new month means a new calendar. This adorable one is from Red Stamp, the blue makes me think of a pool - perfect for summer :)  Get it here.

Angie's Kettle Corn

Confession: I'm a snacker.

I love crunchy, salty, sweet. Texture is important, taste is essential. Little bites of goodness to enjoy mid afternoon at work, picnicking at the beach or chilling on the balcony. I'm always searching for healthy snacks because realistically, I'm not the type to plan ahead and have fresh snacks prepared. Naturally, I was thrilled when I received samples of Angie's Kettle Corn in the mail. But I have to admit, I'm not usually a fan of bagged popcorn. I usually find it too chewy, lacking that just popped crunch. However, my taste buds were delighted - this stuff is absolutely delicious and the real deal. And by real deal I mean actually real. No artificial flavors, no words you can't prouncounce. Only four natural ingredients: Popcorn, Corn Oil, Cane Sugar, and Sea Salt.

I'm not a nutrition label freak but I've read enough to know that is a good label!  Angie's Kettle Corn has no cholesterol, trans-fats, or preservatives and only 150 calories per serving. Those on special or restricted diets will appreciate that it's Kosher certified and gluten-free. And it's YUMMY!! I've been a kettle corn eater for years now.  Since I was introduced to it I've never returned to plain or buttered. Something about the salty/sweet combination was the heaven for my taste buds. And the fact that Angie's is natural and delicious - I love it!

You know what else I love? The story. Angie is an actual person, a nurse practitioner, and she started making kettle corn with her husband back in 2001 as a small outdoor vendor operation. Today, Angie’s is the official kettle corn of the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Twins, can be found in 35 states and you can buy it online!

I'm so excited about this product - it's yummy, it's easy to transport (no popping required), and it's a much healthier alternative to my current salty/sweet solution (I won't name names but it rhymes with Kickers....:)

Chicagoan's - check out Angie's Facebook page for the scoop on where you can score a sample around town this weekend! The rest of you, run out and buy some. Your taste buds will thank you! Be sure to come back and tell me what you think!

Until you get your hands on this kettle corn awesomeness - what's your current favorite snack??