Friday, June 29, 2012

an edible margarita???

yep, you read that right...........

soak your pieces of watermelon in tequila and dip in margarita salt..........voila! an edible version of the drink!

fantastico!

enjoy your weekend before the holiday!

talk soon
cp

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

star gazing....

Check out this wallpaper...on the ceiling.  Leave it to the man himself..Ralph Lauren to create a constellation wallpaper that actually glows in the dark.  Amazing.  A guaranteed starry night every night of the year.

image

Friday, June 22, 2012

everyone needs....


a summer porch....enclosed or open.  Just a place to go and hang out and enjoy the lazy days of summer.  This one looks pretty awesome. 

You just imagined yourself having a cocktail with friends/family there...and maybe getting a nice little nap in...didn't you?

Yeah, I imagined that too.

Happy weekend!

talk soon

cp

Thursday, June 21, 2012

bracelet frenzy!

Happy Thursday everyone!

Yesterday I clued you in on the fact that our madre y hija bracelets were heading to Zambia Africa with A to Z Literacy, founded by my lovely friend Mal Keenan.  Well, last night was the mad dash to make some 50+ bracelets to get to Mal  before she left early this morning to Zambia.

I'm beyond happy to announce that we did it!  And in less than 3 hours!  We had a little assembly line going with Ryan + I making the bracelets and Brett attaching labels and cutting string.  Many laughs were had throughout the night, and it was so great to drive over to Mal's house to drop them off and give her a special bracelet that we had made just for her to wear. 

Mal + I are going to do a post together once she gets back from her trip, and she's going to share pictures, etc. 

The bracelets we made for her to take along are going to be given to children who live in My Father's Houses.  These houses are built by Every Orphan's Hope, which is a non-profit with a mission to "love, protect and care for orphans affected and infected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic."

Once the homes are built, a Christian caretaker (usually a widow) is chosen as the house mother, and up to eight orphans with the greatest need are selected to live in each house. Every house is sponsored to provide food, education and healthcare for each child. A to Z helps to provide books for the children living in these homes so that their learning can continue outside of school.

So, soon enough a whole group of these special orphans will get a tiny little gift.  No, it's nothing that will change their life, but what child doesn't love a receiving a little something?  And if it brings a sweet smile to their faces then that's more than I could ever ask for.  I cannot wait to see pictures of them!

talk soon

cp

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

traveling.....













is heading to Zambia Africa........well, the bracelets are........

Stay tuned for this cool story!

Happy Summer Solstice!

talk soon

cp

Friday, June 15, 2012

man of style ....

Meet Matt....I met him when he interned for me way back when (hello, aging myself), and along the way we became great friends....besties. :) 

He has impeccable style (both in clothing and in designing....did I mention he freelances as a graphic designer?!) and is hands down one of my favorite people in the world...and that is not a label I hand out freely.

Awhile back we spent the day together and I took some random shots at his place.  We also did an interview, which I'll share with you after the pictures.  Enjoy!




















































Getting to know Matt........

Current city:  The glorious City of Chicago

Current profession:  Marketing Manager for an engineering firm and its affiliated companies.

What do you dream about doing as your full-time job?  Proposals, of course.  As many as I can get my hands on.  Actually, no.  In a perfect world I'd own my own design firm - both graphic and interior.

What are your wardrobe staples?  I like old man sweaters and good jeans.  And I love a good pair of sharp shoes.  And tailored clothing.  I don't so much care for the sloppy look.

Where do you like to shop?  Banana, JCrew and TopShop, almost exclusively.  Throw in an occasional Bloomingdales and wherever I can find a good pair of shoes.

Who are your style influences?  Ryan Gosling in Crazy Stupid Love.  Out. Standing.  As well as Neal Caffrey in White Collar - though I have no use for a 3 piece suit on a daily basis, but it's amazing.  Throw in Justin Timberlake and David Beckham and I'm all set.  I like sharp, clean, tailored, classic and a little bit nerdy.

What is your favorite thing about living in Chicago? It's not the suburbs.  Least favorite?  It's not the suburbs.

Favorite spot in the city?  The lawn of the Pritzker Pavilion, or running over Michigan Avenue on the North Avenue pedestrian bridge.  The lakefront at Belmont Harbor is pretty stellar too.

Top 3 places you've traveled to?   London, New York and Venice.  Though I'm happy to research this further.

You're at a party...what are you drinking?  If we're talking a party party, then Grey Goose and 7.  With a lime, please.  Everywhere else, most likely a beer.

Top 5 books you've read.... + would recommed to others:  The Art of Racing in the Rain and The Book Thief are tied for my favorite book.  Rounding out my top five would be The Lone Survivor, The Kite Runner and the newly-added-to-my-list-that-everyone-should-read-despite-the-fact-that-it's-clearly-written-for-tweens, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.  It's a fantastic story.  I'll also read anything by Harlen Coben.  A shout-out to CP for encouraging me to take on, and love, reading for sport.  Something not everyone learns to appreciate and I'm incredibly grateful for.  (thanks Matt!)

What would you NEVER be caught wearing?  Dockers.  I don't understand bad khakis.  Honorable mention goes to animal snow hats, PJs in public and/or baseball hats.

What, in your opinion looks good on a woman?  Nothing.  Inappropriate? Whoops. ;)  Pencil skirts and tall heels.  I have a thing for the trendy-corporate Barbie look.  But I'm also a sucker for a woman that can look equally sexy in a (well fitted) tshirt and jeans.



Thanks for playing Matt!

talk soon

cp

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Once in a Blue Moon...

I fall in love with a new color...and I must admit that this one took me by surprise. 

It's royal blue.  A few weeks back I was in the Gap with B and stumbled upon a summer dress in this color.  I was immediately drawn to the color, despite never having been a big fan of it in the past.  Tried it on and loved it.  I've worn it a couple of times and have gotten some lovely compliments on it.  :)  I'm thinking the blue + the summer tan is a good combination.  I even picked up a pair of sandals in the same color......blue on tan feet?...pretty awesome...but then again I'm a big dork about tan feet (+ hands for that matter).....but that's for another post. ;)


A few blue things that have caught my eye lately....

anthro
anthro
Teddie dress
 images - jcrew
Stretch perfect shirtEdie purse

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

My Kind of Camping...

One week from today - June 20th, a new boutique hotel will open in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. 

Meet Basecamp

Founder Christian Strobel teamed up with designer Elaine Cotter to build a high style but affordable hotel that would reflect the spirit of a base camp, where people can come together to share stories, exchange tips and just hang out before or after their adventures.  Looks like they accomplished their goal. 







Some cool amenities include: a rooftop hot-tub with views of the mountain, two fire pits to hang out by and roast s'mores, daily breakfast before heading off on your adventure, a bar that serves gourmet hot cocoa + local brews...and they are pet friendly!

So, who wants to go on a trip to Lake Tahoe?!

Me, me, me!!!

talk soon.

cp

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

how corky.....

Where to start on all of the awesome things here.....the cork wall, the old school orange telephone, the gallery wall, the greek key pillow, the little cup of roses...so many cool things.

Friday, June 8, 2012

life lately.....in pictures

Remember when I used to post 4-5 times a week?  Yeah, me neither.

I hope to get my act together and start posting on a regular basis again.  It's not for lack of ideas, that's for sure.  I have another 'fashionable friend' post to share, as well as a couple of new series that I'd like to kick off....one of them being led by my stylish friend Mallory. :)

Until I can get my act together, I thought I'd share what's been happening lately through pictures.

Enjoy!  Happy weekend!

talk soon

cp

Ryan officially finished 4th grade...and we celebrated by spending the day at the beach with 2 of her close pals
tonight is opening night for Ryan's ballet school production...on our way to dress rehearsal

new artwork in my office...made by Ryan


finally bought the cowhide for our house...new living room set-up coming soon!

flea market!  love those metal baskets..

flea market - antique silver ware

flea market - how sweet is this antique baby stroller?!

flea market - met the sweetest woman who makes these sweaters...so cool





































some cool gals sporting their new madre y hija bracelets

Thursday, June 7, 2012

men + friendship bracelets = cool




























I know, not every guy can pull them off...but those that can.....pretty cool.

I hope to be back to posting on a regular basis soon! 

talk soon.

cp