It's Official: When life gives you a hurricane...

When life gives you a hurricane, bake with what you have! (if you remember from my post here, we use vases for candy, not flowers) So, introducing: Poor Man's Chocolate Covered Pretzels! They were so simple and actually ended up being a major hit around the office. Not to mention extremely inexpensive and fast (only a 3 minute bake time)!

Start by preheating oven to 275 and stacking a kiss on top of a pretzel--I used Snyders Of Hanover Pretzel Snaps and Hershey's Milk Chocolate Kisses but hand melting chocolate would work as well!

Bake in oven for 3 minutes. Quickly remove the pan and slam a treat (M&M, Whopper, Milk Dud, whatever!) into each slightly melted kiss and wall-la!

It's Official: The rule.

They say you can't wear white after Labor Day but does anyone still follow that rule? I think its a guideline that should be followed but I'll definitely have a hard time parting with my white jeans! How will you be wearing your last white pieces?

{one, two, three, four, five, six, seven}

It's Official: Our neighbors need your help, round two.

Similar to my post about the devastating tornado destruction back in April (here), our neighbors need your help once again. I'm praying that all my friends or family continue to stay safe and give my blessings to everyone who hasn't been as lucky.

Show your love and donate to the destruction brought by Hurricane Irene, here. 

It's Official: Feeling blue.

{ZERO, ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX, SEVEN, EIGHT, NINE, TEN}

It's Official: Meet The Hilfiger's.

If theres one thing that will make my transition from summer to fall a little simpler, its The Hilfiger's. I talked up their summer campaign here and they've done it again this fall. I adore the simple Pinpoint Oxford Shirts, Gingham Shirt's and Long Sleeve Twill Polo Dress for back to school prep. As for accessories, the Leather Bowler and Classic Bangles are too die for!

It's Official: Put some spring (summer) in your step.

{one, two, three,  four, five,  six,  seven}

Which pair is your favorite?

It's Official: Throw some glitter, make it rain.

Happy hump day!  Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!

pink asymmetrical SCOOP dress  FIRST DIBS pink diamond earrings

TASHA swirly pearly hair pins ALICE & OLIVIA silk blend purple dress

TIBI adelaide printed dress MIKIMOTO long pearl necklace

MODCLOTH teal dress ALEXIS BITTAR twist earrings

DONNA MORGAN fuchsia chiffon dress ZOE & MORGAN cluster ring

"CONFIDENCE IS CONTAGIOUS.

SO IS LACK OF CONFIDENCE."

-Vince Lombardi

It's Official: The "highlight" of my day.

For the past two summers I've been working as a part-time tennis instructor at our nearby country club. The kids range from 4-12 and I just adore them! We are finishing our last session this week so I really want to let them know how much joy they bring me and give them something to take back to school. 

I originally just planned on putting the highlighters in celophane and creating cute tags but then I saw these pink buckets at Target for only one dollar!! Andddddd I just couldn't resist. 

It's Official: Lather, rinse, pleat.

I have been seeing the pleat trend everywhere lately but I'm not sure how I feel about it. I love that it's loose and carefree and when done correctly, youthful. But I also think it can be very unflattering and dowdy on many body types. Will you splurge on pleats or let the trend pass?

It's Official: Random acts of craftiness.

My Type A personality just about died when I found these amazing check-lists from the Life's A Journal blog. I quickly printed them off onto cute colored cardstock and stuck a few in the front of my planner for the future. It (almost) makes a the idea of a stressful to-do list fun. Happy Friday!

It's Official: I came. I saw. I conquered.

This past weekend my friends and I road tripped to Chicago for the 2011 Lollapalooza Music Festival. I would be absolutely lying if I said it wasn't the best weekend of my life. I was with all my favorite people and surrounded by all my favorite things--good food, great shopping, passionate music, best friends. It was perfect. I'm still speechless. 

Needless to say we did a ton of train riding and dining out. My favorite was our indulgence in the city's world famous deep dish! We ordered a deep dish Mark's Special (sliced tomatoes, basil and fresh garlic) and Rudy's Special (sausage, mushroom, onion, & green pepper) from Pizano's Pizza and Pasta. To. Die. For. I also had my first visit to Dunkin Donuts which was a complete game changer!!

If I had to choose a best part--which I still don't think is possible--I would say it was simply the location. Chicago truly is the best city in the world. The skyline is so magical and inspiring. The art and the history is modern but there's also a ton of tradition. Just being in the city takes the concert and weekend to another level.

Go to Chicago and not shop? Neverrrrrrr. I find the style, luxury and movement so encouraging. Aside from the obviously thrilling designer stores, I loved Intermix, Samantha Chicago, and Scoop. I also had my first joyful visits to Calypso, Original Penguin, Zara, Max Mara, and even though it isn't exactly my style I thought the All Saints store was breathtaking. 

I'm really sad I didn't take any pictures during the shows but I was just too busy enjoying them. Thankfully the Lolla Flickr (click here) has a zillion so we can all relive every moment. The festival lasts three days and plays music from 10 AM to 10 PM. The spontaneity of our trip really forced me to deal with a lot of things that were out of my comfort zone but I don't have a single regret. In fact, I wish I had the vocabulary to describe how much fun I had. For what seems like the first time in my life, I'm at a complete lost for words. If you ever have the opportunity to go to Lollapalooza--do not pass it up!

It's Official: I'm obsessive.

Chloé Silk Blouse
Frye Billy Boots

Francesca Joy Shorts 

Case-Mate iPhone 4 Case  

Lilly Pulitzer Ms. Bo Bangles & Mini Diva Bangles 

 Juicy Couture Polka Dot Cotton Dress 

Aurélie Bidermann 18K Gold Earrings 

Boatman Geller Racquets Crossed Note Pad 

Dior Nail Polish in 'blue denim'

It's Official: Dreaming while awake.

SPARKLE isn't just flashes of light you get from jewels--

it's a vivacious, witty, magical ingredient to a winning personality. 

Today I'm sparkling in my lucky light pink skirt. 

What makes you sparkle?