Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Uniform

Attending Catholic school from Kindergarden to Twelfth grade forced me to wear a heinous, strict, and boring uniform everyday. This consisted of a dark green, with yellow and red plaid skirt, a stiff awkward button down white shirt, an uncomfortable itchy navy sweater, and all white tennis shoes and socks...frightening I know. When "free dress" days rolled around for field trips in elementary school, we got the chance to wear khakis...that's almost worse than a plaid skirt in my book! Yikes! In High School, things got a bit better as my uniform skirt moved from a tacky plaid to just a plain grey skirt. We had much more freedom with shoe, top and sweater choices, which was greatly appreciated. On certain days, we paid 2$ for free dress in order to support fundraising efforts for events and charities. While the idea seems a bit absurd looking back on it now, I realized a lot on those free dress days. For some, it was the chance to wear sweats and roll out of bed; for others, they wore their best in an effort to impress everyone else. Whichever route you took, you were still making a statement about yourself. Nowadays in college, the same applies. Some people put a lot of effort in to their look while others could care less, especially in the morning. Don't get me wrong, of course there are cold winter days where I want to leave the house in sweats and Uggs, but I don't. Instead, my go to "uniform" tends to be a necklace of any sorts, skinny jeans, a military jacket (my collection refuses to stop growing) and boots. What's your "go to outfit"?







loving the back pocket detailing of this new piece!





Thrifted Jacket | Levis Top + Skinnies Roomate's Borrowed Steve Madden Boots | Forever 21 Necklace Rayban Sunnies Longchamp Bag | Accessorize Mittens

xx

Sunday, March 24, 2013

iced

My obsession with iced drinks continues...even when I spill a latte all over my boots! Although it's still in the 30s in Chicago and doesn't look like it will be warming up soon, I cannot seem to stop ordering iced drinks. I somehow managed to spill my drink all over myself, but I guess thats another perk of not ordering a hot drink: no scolding burns for klutzes like moi. Anyone else with me on sticking with ice or is it just my weird thing?







Zara Sweater + Coat|Bloomingdales Necklace |Levis Jeans |All Saints Boots |Rayban Sunnies

xx

candied bacon

Candied bacon is always something I've heard of, but have never tried or attempted to make. Jaclyn and I decided to whip up this quick maple treat on a chilly day last week and were not let down in the slightest way. If you love bacon, this recipe is dangerously addictive, easy, and delicious. All you need are some spices, pure maple syrup, your favorite bacon, and an oven. To start, mix dijon mustard, brown sugar, salt, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl. We like to normally wing things in the kitchen, but if you like to follow the rules, I'd use about 2 or so tablespoons of syrup, 2 teaspoons of dijon, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Then rub each piece of bacon in the mix and lay each piece flat out on a baking sheet (we added foil for easy clean up). 


Add to oven and bake on 350 for about 30 minutes, depending on how crispy you want your treats!


taaaa-da!



If you aren't in to maple-y things or the smoky vibe, you can also go with brown sugar, cinnamon, and some cayenne. Some people add regular sugar, pepper, or salt. Whatever you fancy in order to get that irresistably sweet glaze.



and it just keeps getting better...


Leftovers: avocado, bacon, turkey, dijon on toasted sourdough

enjoy!

xx

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Dear Spring,

As much as I adore Chicago and have self-acclaimed, "fallen in love with the city", as I mentioned in yesterday's Spring post, I'm a bit fed up with the winter weather we're still experiencing. It's almost APRIL, come on! Feeling like a wrapped up marshmallow with endless layers, scarves, mittens, and heavy coats was nice in January, but Spring you are more than welcome to hurry up and bring some sunshine with ya.


                  

Zara Coat |Brandy Melville Sweater Accessorize Scarf American ApparelLeggings | Steve Madden Boots

xx

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

happy spring!

Happy first day of spring! If you're in Chicago, it still feels like January due to the deceiving sun shining brightly and greeting you on your way out the door but quickly being fighting against the wind to make it down the street (if you can't tell, I'm quite ready for some true spring weather). For those of you enjoying the first day of spring in warmer places, get out there and celebrate! Here are some photos of the gorgeous daffodils I bought the other day, reminding myself of my New Year's Resolution to buy fresh flowers on a regular basis.



Despite heaps of snow and ice on the ground still, I ventured out to the Conservatory of Flowers yesterday to get in the spirit of celebrating Spring (and to see how it measures up to San Francisco's Conservatory of Flowers). Anyplace where loads of flowers are in one space is already a winner in my book, not to mention Chicago's Conservatory is free and in one of the most beautiful parts of the city, Lincoln Park. I still think San Francisco's Conservatory is my pick out of the two since it has a larger collection, especially of orchids, and is in Golden Gate Park. But, Chicago's still had lots to look at and take it since I could have spent hours in there! 














We walked through the zoo after, also free, and took in some gorgeous views of the skyline






Regardless of my opinions of the SF Conservatory, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is a relaxing escape from the city for a quick walk through or a leisurely stroll with a good friend. It's safe to say that I have completely fallen in love with Chicago and cannot stop exploring all of the experiences this city has to offer. 

http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/lincoln-park-conservatory/

How are you celebrating the start of Spring?

xx