Friday, May 24, 2013

happy summer kick-off [I mean memorial day] weekend!

 
 
No idea how we're back here already...the end of the school year, but we are. 
 
Ryan is finishing up 5th grade, and in addition to the normal end of school activities, we've been navigating through some 'tween things [talks about 'the talk', noticing things/people that 5 months ago weren't even a blip on her radar, the realization that most of her friends are heading to another middle school, establishing genuine friendships with boys [what?!], boys + girls hanging out together, not all of her friends being friends with one another].......let's just say it's been quite the ride. 
 
If not for Erika, Michelle, Mallory + Melissa, I for sure would've lost my marbles.  Thank you for listening and giggling [alot] with me, and as always, offering support.  :)
 
 
So, end of school year means beginning of summer break [June 6th is the official start!]....which will hopefully mean lots of time at this place in the picture above...........the beach.....and really just hanging out and enjoying lazy summer days.  Cannot. Wait.
 
 
I hope you all have a wonderful 3-day weekend!
 
talk soon
 
cp

Friday, May 3, 2013

feeling salty?


Just in time for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations this weekend.....

  • Coarse salt,  [optional]
  • 4 ounces tequila, divided
  • 2 ounces orange-flavored liqueur, such as Cointreau, divided
  • 3 cups grapefruit juice, divided
  • 4 grapefruit slices, for garnish

  •  
    Wet the rims of 4 glasses and coat with coarse salt [if desired]; fill the glasses with ice.
    Pour 1 ounce tequila and 1/2 ounce liqueur into each.
    Top each with 3/4 cup grapefruit juice and stir.
    Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
     
    Mmmmm, delicioso!
     
    Enjoy + have a great weekend!
     
    talk soon
    cp

    Wednesday, May 1, 2013

    business in the front...party in the back

    Happy Wednesday! 

    It's glorious + sunny here in Chicago today.  I mean you could get a legit suntan today.  ;)

    Besides the sun, what else makes me happy?  Shoes.

    Or as style icon, Jenna Lyons calls them....shiny ponies.

     



    Enjoy!

    Have a great day.

    talk soon

    cp

    Tuesday, April 30, 2013

    meet chuck


     
     
    If my chucks back in college could talk....oh, the stories they would tell.  Seriously. 
     
    I don't care how old you are, in my opinion, a simple pair of white chuck taylor's [or even the jack purcell] are a perfect summer shoe.  They look great with a pair of jeans + a t-shirt, or a skirt/maxi-dress.  Very versatile!
     
    Awhile back I picked up a pair of Jack Purcell's for Ryan, and customized them for her.  She loved them, and loved it even more that no one else had that same pair of shoes.  One of a kind!
     
     
     
     
    So, do it.....go buy yourself a pair of chuck's.  You won't regret it.
     
    talk soon
    cp
    

    Monday, April 29, 2013

    silver fox...


    Nickelson Wooster is the epitome of cool.  I mean look at him.  Every single detail.  So, so good.

    He's currently the Senior VP of Trend + Design at JCPenney, and has worked with the likes of Gilt Groupe, Thom Browne, Inc. and Neiman Marcus in the past.  Not a bad resume, huh?

    cp

    Wednesday, April 17, 2013

    the sentimentality of books



    Lack of posts lately.  Big time.  Really big time.  Sorry folks.

    Ok, so in addition to being a magazine wh()re....I also love myself a good book.  I have an entire bookcase up in our home office to prove it. 

    Even in this age of e-readers, I will never be able to walk away from purchasing books.  There is something so special about buying a book, reading it/falling in love with a story, then sharing that with a friend/family member.  I view it as a special bond you share with someone when you lend them a book.

    One of my favorite books ever, The Book Thief is one that I've shared with several close people in my life.  That book has even traveled to Europe and back with a friend.  I recently went to grab it from my bookcase to lend to someone, and an airline boarding pass stub fell out.  It had belonged to a friend who read it, and likely used the stub as a book mark.  Most would think nothing of that, but I thought it was pretty neat.



    E-reader or book....which one are you?

    How awesome is the color-coding of books in the picture above?!  I love it.


    cp

    Thursday, April 4, 2013

    pouf, there it is....

    Let's talk poufs....  are you a fan?

    I think I am..[well, a reluctant one anyway].  I understand what their purpose is supposed to be....additional seating, but is that really going to be comfortable?  I mean, really?

    They look cool.  No doubt about it...but the verdict is still out for me.

    Clearly I'm in the minority on this though, as everyone + their mother is talking about/purchasing them.

    What do you think?  Pouf or no pouf...that is the question.


    talk soon.
    cp





    images: john derian, elle decor

    Wednesday, April 3, 2013

    sun is shining....


    I think it's coming....warmer temperatures.  The sun is shining today!  It's chilly, but the sun makes it bearable..and the temps are supposed to start creeping up over the next few days.

    I, for one have decided to boycott the winter coat.  No more!  Spring coat and a scarf, that's what's happening over here.

    Hope you have a great day!

    talk soon

    cp

    photo by Luke Shadbolt

    Tuesday, April 2, 2013

    girl crush...



    Raise your hand if you know who Emily is.  Raise your other hand if you're as big a fan as I am.  

    Meet Emily Weiss, founder + creative director of Into the Gloss, a website dedicated to beauty.  Her style is a combination of tomboy + high fashion, and she pulls it off so naturally.

    She's a cool cat, and I would love to hang out and shoot the $hit with her. ;)

    talk soon

    cp

    Tuesday, March 26, 2013

    spring digs




    I know.  It's been a long time since I've posted.  I don't even dare try to justify it.  It's just life...sometimes it passes a lot more quickly than you'd like it too.

    Spring, are you there?  Are you coming?  Because I'm sick of putting my winter coat on.  Sick of it.  Mal + I joked last week that in protest to this cold weather, we're going to dress in black everyday until the weather changes. 

    So, today I am dressed in a lovely combination of gray + black.  But what I WANT to be wearing is this outfit above.  Simple + spring like.  And that straw clutch.....I used to have one of those growing up.  Don't worry, I wasn't smart enough to keep it or anything [stupid]...so, I might have to purchase and then keep it for Ryan when she's older.

    Ah, it's nice to be back.
    :)

    talk soon
    cp


    jcrew
    essie

    Monday, March 11, 2013

    the great debate: boredom

     
    Until I'd say about 2-3 years ago, I would often find myself in a state of boredom....or constantly looking for something to do. It drove Brett insane. All of the running around, a party here, an event there. Constant motion.
     
    Then a few summers ago, it all changed.  I was no longer interested in jam packing my time with activities, just for the sake of activities [if that makes any sense].  My day job/career is deadline driven.  There is no getting around that.  I live + die for the deadline.  It keeps you moving...so much so that one day you wake up and realize that months have gone by.  That, I believe is what changed my mindset.
     
    I can't control the deadlines at work.  I walk in, and I [ + my team] essentially give my time away to others.  It is what it is.  BUT, I do have control of my non-work life, and I've chosen to quiet it down a bit.
     
    My weekends now pretty much consist of me hanging out with Brett + Ryan.  No major agenda, for the most part.  Yes, we still have parties and events to attend...but only the important ones.  Whereas I used to fill every waking moment with stuff [some that mattered, most that didn't], I have become much pickier with my time.
     
    I now laugh at Ryan when she will lament 'mom, I'm bored......'
     
    I'm hoping it doesn't take her as long as it took me to realize the importance of a little silence and just being. :)
    Note: Betty said it.

    Kind of perfect, right?


    talk soon
    cp

    Friday, March 8, 2013

    happy weekend!

    It's Friday!!!

    Work has been nuts...with a capital N.  Today, Mal, Melissa + I actually got to leave the building [insert gasp here!] for lunch.

    Taco Joint.  It was delicioso!
     
    Hope you all have a great weekend.  The sun is out + shining brightly here in Chicago, and it's supposed to hit 50 degrees on Sunday.  Yes!

    We'll be back to regular programming next week with Shut Up! Friday. :)

    talk soon

    cp



    Wednesday, March 6, 2013

    Brad is Back!!

    It's March 6.  And that means it's the season premiere of 'It's a Brad Brad World' on Bravo.

    Who's excited?....This girl is.  Really, really excited.

    In my mind Brad + I are born to be buddies.....I mean we've even exchanged tweets [2 to be exact].....;)

    He's sweet, and incredibly likeable, and his partner Gary Janetti is beyond funny [dry + sarcastic...my favorite combination].

    If you didn't watch the 1st season, you should!  And you have to tune in and start watching season 2.  You won't regret it!  I promise.

    Let me know if you watch!

    talk soon.

    cp


     

    Tuesday, March 5, 2013

    sun.....+ snow

    Dreaming of this......



    on a day where it's more like this......




    A sunny vacation is all I can think about lately...probably because we just finished booking our yearly beach trip to Michigan with our best friends......but in reality, we're in the midst of another snow storm as I write this.

    Spring/summer, can you hear me?  It's me, Cheryl. ;)


    talk soon

    cp



    images: 1 / 2

    Monday, March 4, 2013

    b/w goodness

    The lovely Diane Kruger attending the post-Oscars,Vanity Fair party...that dress...
    stunning.

    
    Diane Kruger
    image

    Friday, March 1, 2013

    Shut Up! - Volume 9


    Hey Team!

    Welcome Back to Shut Up Friday’s!

    Today we are talking about my favorite new bracelets by madre y hija called the “bp”! 

    Being March, I am over snow, sweaters, boots, big ass coats, and black and grey.   Team, this chick needs some color and these fab bracelets do just the trick!  Best part is that they are only 14 bucks…SHUT UP!!!!!!!

    Below you will see a few shots of the new addition to my wrist collection.  You can stack em’ up on one wrist or wear them as cuffs on both, which I have been diggin’ as of late. If you find yourself out on a hike and need a little climbing rope, they too can come in handy as well!

    The Goods:
    1/2: Michael Kors watch / madre y hija 'bp' bracelet
    3: madre y hija bp bracelets & madre y hija friendship bracelets
    4: madre y hija bp bracelets & Michael Kors Gold bracelets
     
     
    They may look spring/summer to you but don’t be fooled, these can bring joy to your life all year round!

    Do yourself a favor, bring a little color into your Friday! 
     
    You can shoot cp an email at cherylpisha@gmail.com to order one.  She'll fill you in on the colors available, etc.  Below are some samples!
     
     

    Peace,
    MKLS

    Wednesday, February 27, 2013

    Monday, February 25, 2013

    Monday eye-candy

    Hi there.

    Hope you all had a lovely weekend. 

    The master suite/bathroom project has me now looking at every square inch of our house.....to see what we can do to mix things up/change them around. 

    I stumbled across this and it got the two thumbs up from me.  I love the firewood tucked into the alcoves flanking the fireplace...love that.   The whole room looks clean and orderly...without being sterile. 




    Anyone else doing any redecorating?

    talk soon

    cp



    image

    Friday, February 22, 2013

    Shut Up! - Volume 8


    Hey Team,

    Welcome back to Shut Up Friday’s!

    Today we are talking Winter White!   And if you are one of those rule abiding citizens who is afraid to go against the law, I am here to tell you that no white after Labor Day is long gone friends. LONG GONE!!!!

    Below you will see my take on this ever growing trend…this girl ain’t afraid, that’s for shiz!

    A WHITE OUT
    This is taking your mother’s labor day rule and telling it to stick it.  I pulled my white & cream wool and cashmere pieces and put it all together into this ensemble you see.  I encourage mixing and matching different textures and shades to create your all white look, as it adds dimension to the monochromatic ensemble.

     
    The Goods:
    White Sweater : Zara
    Cashmere Wrap: Nordstrom
     
     
    HALF-ASS WHITE
    This is for the lady who likes to listen to her mom yet rebel just a bit…  it is a bold statement since the dress is a white lace but the black turtleneck and tights ground the look.  I love white lace pretty much anytime but I find it looks very cool when it is unexpected, hence in a full dress J
     
    The Goods:
    Black Turtleneck: Target
    Lace Dress: Topshop

    A Sliver OF WHITE 
    If you are not quite sold on this white all year long idea, this may be your cup of tea.  I paired a cream sweater and black pants with a white lace skirt.  The sliver of white lace adds a little character to this otherwise simple look.  It is embracing the trend, but just testing the waters with a little dip of the toes!   



    The Goods:
    Cream Sweater: (old)
    Skirt: Zara (but similar here)
    Shoes: Coach

     

    So what type of gal are you going to be?

     
    Peace,
    MKLS

    Monday, February 18, 2013

    saturday sunday [+ monday] snapshots

    valentine's tulips from MKLS, my 1st attempt at an ice cream pie [move over dairy queen!], new sunglasses...and a cool new app I downloaded which allows you to put text right onto your pics!
    this closet...whoa, Beyonce's new documentary 'Life is But a Dream'....really good, progress on the master suite - windows are framed!

    1st batch of the new bracelet style [the bp] to hit a retail store! yay
    madre y hija!

    Thursday, February 14, 2013

    Wednesday, February 13, 2013

    Tuesday, February 12, 2013

    Monday, February 11, 2013

    Oh bag it, would ya....

    I am a collector of bags.  Just ask Brett.  Magazines + bags are my weakness.  I just can't help myself.  I mean who couldn't use a bag to toss their everyday essentials in?  Or a great weekender bag for a quick trip?

    I mean, I know that I personally haven't purchased a bag [not a purse, but a bag] since last summer.  I'm about due.

    These are some of my favorites.








    What about you guys?  Any bag lovers out there?  Again, I mean bags....not purses...that's a whole other story...for another day....for another post. ;)

    talk soon

    cp


    1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

    Friday, February 8, 2013

    Shut Up! - Valentine's Day Edition


    Hey Team,

    Welcome Back to Shut Up Friday’s!

    Valentine’s Day is next Thursday.  I know this day yields some mixed emotions…some are filled with hearts and butterflies, some are filled with bottles of wine to the dome piece.  Either way, it is a great excuse to purchase something! 

    I thought to myself “MKLS, what would bring joy to my life or my loved ones?”  I did realize about half way through my search a few things A) my picks were not red or covered in hearts B) it made me happy they weren’t red or covered in hearts C) they are all appropriate for a man or woman…SHUT UP!  A MAN OR WOMAN!

    Happy Valentine’s Day to US ALL!!!!!!!!!!
     


     
     

    The Goods:

    1.The Backpack- I have been diggin’ backpacks lately and this one is just cool!  You can carry your love notes or bottles of booze depending on your plans!

    2.The High-Tops– What says love more than a Nike High-Top!  OBVI!!!

    3.The Glasses – A little Clark Kent action on the big day? 

    4.The TV –Apple TV isn’t the more romantic gift on the planet, but team, it is the bomb diggity and truly the gift that keeps on giving! 
     
    5.Vans – Want to kick it old school on the 14th? These Kicks are the way to go!
     
    6.The Blanket –Cuddling with a friend, an animal, a tub of ice cream? Why not do it with this awesome blanket.
     
    7.Peace – Maybe love is a bit much for you this V-day, perfect time to chuck up the peace sign and make someone’s day! It would look awesome on a desk or shelf!
     
    8.The Watch – I normally only wear extremely large watches, like take over your whole forearm large.  But this watch took me by surprise, guess you just never know what you may like until you meet it. J



    Peace
    MKLS


     


     
     
     





     



    Thursday, February 7, 2013

    get on my feet


    Let's just say if you're in Chicagoland today...you are not wearing these.  But my feet long for cool summer sandals.  Long for them.  This pair is high on my list.  With tan feet...gah!....amazing.

    It's almost summer, right?

    Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...

    Happy day before Friday!

    talk soon

    cp



    image

    Wednesday, February 6, 2013

    initial here, please

    I didn't have a middle name growing up.  I was born on December 7, 1970 and given the name Cheryl Minjares.  No middle initial or name.  I obviously didn't think anything of it until I was older, and realized that most people had one. 

    Of course, that didn't stop my mom from putting me in monogrammed sweaters....she just threw the initial of her maiden name, which was 'S', and created a three letter monogram.  Why not just make my middle name her maiden name when I was born?  Bizarre.

    Anyway.  I love it when people use a monogram.  I often refer to people by their monogram.....my friend cck, our very own MKLS....and even I often use my own to sign things.  

    I waited until I was nearly 40 to get a tattoo [I had always wanted one, but never knew what I should get], and when deciding what that permanent art would be, I chose a monogram..but not a traditional one.  I took the 3 letters of our first names [C for Cheryl, R for Ryan and B for Brett]...cRb, to create a  family monogram of sorts.  It sits on the top of my right foot, and I often get comments like 'oh, I like the R you got for Ryan'....and then I explain that if you look closely, you'll see both the c and b gently intertwined in the overall R to represent our little family.

    What's your monogram, and do you use it in everyday life?

    I say give it a go.

    talk soon

    cp

    Friday, February 1, 2013

    Shut Up! - Volume 7


    Hey Team,

    Welcome Back to Shut Up Friday’s!  Today in Chi-Tizzle it is frigid, like want to just lay down and quit when you’re walking outdoors type of cold.  I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to bring out some of my favorite winter hats and ask the team...TEAM, What kind of Winter gal are you?

     
    Gal #1 – “I know my fur hat is huge, but my thumb is up because I am warm!”
     
     
     
    The Goods:
    Sunglasses - Oakley
     
    Gal #2 – “Sure it’s cold but I am happy because my horse will get me where I need to be quickly”
    The Goods:
    Hat – Rag & Bone
    Sunglasses – Illesteva (Similar)

    Gal #3 – “Hey you, I don’t know how to snow board but you want to hit the slopes with me?”


    The Goods


    Since I have purchased all of these head adornments, I apparently like to alternate my looks, but one thing is for sure, my dome piece  and eye balls will be warm and adorned!

     

    Peace,
    MKLS