recommendation: break and bake scones

admittedly obsessed with the royal wedding, i wanted to bring something into work for breakfast this friday morning to celebrate the official union of Kate (I mean Catherine) and Prince William. everyone who knows me know that my knees get weak with any great love story - ask my mom how many times I rewinded and replayed the dance scene in the gazebo in Sound of Music where Liesl gets her first kiss from Rolf, and this is when I was in elementary school.

I love how normal and laid back Kate is, but how seriously she takes the new role she is going into. She looked stunning in her Alexander McQueen dress, modern and young but respectful. While I didn't wake up at 4am for the wedding (reruns will be on all day), I did tune in while I was getting dressed to witness their entrance onto the balcony and their two kisses. I still remember the night when my friend Sandy called me and told me to turn on the TV, that Princess Di was in a horrible car accident. We don't know these people and we will never meet celebrities, royal families, etc., but these events are what makes history. Years from now, you will remember watching it live on tv, witnessing an event, and it gives you stories to tell your kids when they are learning about these events in history books.

As I was plotting out what to make (I've had a lack of sleep lately so didn't want to over commit myself to this project), I came across Immaculate Baking Company's gourmet organic scratch-baked scones while I was at Whole Foods. Break and bake scones! Could it be true? It was. I made them this morning in 20 minutes and while they look and taste a little more like biscuits (I made blueberry, and cinnamon chip), they were a great morning treat to bring in to the office and super easy. Definitely recommended! And sprinkle a little raw or turbino sugar on the top for an extra touch.

p.s. as if I wasn't excited enough, check out the beautiful union jack cookie cake my co-worker Amy made. she is dedicated and woke up for 4am! i can't wait to try her treat for a mid-morning snack :)

recommendation: marimekko prints

i have the very random but cool privilege of saying that i have been to Finland before. my father went on business and i was job searching as we had just moved to Chicago, so took a break and went overseas with him. it was an amazing opportunity to see another country and spend time with my father.

as we trekked around the country, Espoo to Helsinki to Turku, we drove along the countryside capturing pictures of historical buildings and churches, cobbled brick roads, and painted houses lining the river.

spring flowers and grey skies, bright sun that stayed bright until 10pm at night. birch trees standing tall in purvoo and tall trees chopped down for processing. Finland is the largest producer of wood in Europe and among the largest in the world! european architecture and colorful graffiti.

as we were driving on a road to helsinki, we almost missed a photographers heaven, a still pond that sat

surrounded by trees and touched by the sun. we drove past it, then both turned to each other asking, did you see that? should we back up? was it an opporunity for really amazing shots or just another pond? we ended up going back and were so glad we stopped. it was a moment of serenity and silence.

the thing i will come away with the most were the people. similar to midwestern hospitality

or southern charm, the people of Finland were helpful and polite. the country was clean and modern but still historic. it was relaxed and the people there reflected all of this.

this leads me to the whole point of this post (!!!) which is that while we were in the big city of Helsinki staying at the luxurious Hotel Kamp,

we were strolling around checking things out and found a local store, Marimekko. I instantly loved everything in it. Colorful and playful, the store was filled with great prints. Unfortunately, Finland is expensive!!! So the only thing I ended up with was a cute strawberry covered pill box that was $5. I've always thought about what I shoulda/coulda bought there...until now!

Introducing, Marimekko at Crate and Barrel! They have been there for about a year now and I am loving their new collection, especially the kitchenware pieces.

There are some REALLY fantastic serving trays, mugs, and dishtowels. I think that a lot of the line's items that are available at Crate and Barrel are really reasonably priced (compared to what I was seeing in Finland at least!). I can't wait to visit the store and pick something out as the designs are really just so Finnish - clean and polite, interesting but simple, colorful but reserved. Check it out!

recommendation: from InStyle: 10 ways to streamline your morning

I saw this article yesterday and loved the suggestions. i am notorious for being late and also frazzled, especially in the morning. can't wait to try out from some of these tips! Find full article here

1. Look "Done" on the Run
No time for a blowout? Straighten the top and front sections of your hair, then pull them into a low ponytail or bun. Keep it neat by securing a headband (like these Jennifer Behr leather headbands in silver and gold, $78 each; jenniferbehr.com) 1 inch from the hairline.

2. Freeze Your Breakfast
Beyoncé's hairstylist (and busy mom of one) Kimberly Kimble prepares a smoothie before bed. In the morning there's no slicing, no blending, no mess—she just pulls the cup out of the fridge and goes. "I drink it as I'm on my way to work." Another idea: Make a batch Sunday night and freeze individual portions in Popsicle molds (try freezer bags if you prefer to drink your smoothie; defrost in the fridge overnight).

3. Create Your LMD—Little Magic Dress
When you find a flattering dress you absolutely love (like this J. Crew wool dress, $158; jcrew.com), take it to a good tailor and have him replicate several versions in different colors and prints each season (some tailors will even provide the fabric). Wear a dramatic necklace or funky cuff to make each outfit unique.

4. Ensure You're Good to Glow
After you wash your face in the evening, mix a few drops of self-tanner (try Clarins Self-Tanning instant gel, $33; sephora.com) into your night cream. In the morning your skin will have a subtle warmth to it that masks tiny imperfections, so it's easier to slip out the door without applying full makeup.

5. Touch Up at the Office
If you have naturally wavy hair, wash it the night before and wrap it, still damp, into a bun when you go to bed. At the office, undo hair and quickly style a few pieces around the face with a mini (stashable!) curling iron. Try Conair's Mini Pro 1-inch ceramic curling iron ($18; conair.com).

6. Tag Your Outfits
After looking at your schedule for the week on Sunday night and planning each day's outfit, hang the final picks in the front of your closet with DIY days-of-the-week tags.

7. Toe the Line
The quickest way to fake a spa pedicure? Change your shoes! In peep toes, the only nail that really counts is the biggest (and possibly its little neighbor), so focus your efforts there. Keeping your shoe on, apply one base coat, then one coat of color (the less polish you apply, the less likely it is to smudge). Bonus: That trendy bottle of polish you splurged on is going to last a lot longer.

8. Edit, Edit, Edit
Separate everyday cosmetics from the ones you use only on special occasions, says organization pro Stephanie Denton. Another easy way to pare down: Embrace multitasking products. Stila One Step makeup ($44; Ulta.com) combines primer, foundation and powder in one; NP Set On the Double Pen ($13; target.com) offers concealer and mascara; and Nars Orgasm Illuminator ($29; narscosmetics.com) adds a pretty sheen to both lips and cheeks.

9. Work Your Commute
Sneak in an early-morning workout (and green up your day) with an energetic walk to the subway or train station instead of driving, suggests time-saving pro Peter Walsh. No shower at the office? Pack a lightweight one-piece outfit (in crease-resistant jersey, for example) in a stylish backpack along with body wipes (Nathan's Power Shower Refreshing wipes, $8; amazon.com), deodorant (Dove Clinical Protection, $8; target.com), dry shampoo, and wrinkle-release spray (Crease Release, the Laundress, $8; thelaundress.com).

10. Prep Your Purse
Are you a chronic bag switcher? If so, a purse organizer—a removable pouch where you can store essentials like keys, cell phone, and wallet—makes it a lot simpler to do the daily transfer. Try the medium-size Cherry handbag organizer ($26; goneshopping.ca) shown here in a leather Longchamp bag ($480; longchamp.com). In a pinch use a roomy makeup bag instead.

recommendation: catch this sale

I was doing a return for my hubby at Nordstroms in the Shops at NorthBridge building and accidentally found myself in ann taylor LOFT after my eyes got big and saw the "SALE" sign. wanted to post about this great deal so anyone who wants to can still catch it. get this... EVERYTHING in the store is 40% off. Not one item, or sale only, but every single item.

That said, i walked out a large shopping bag and some fabulous spring purchases. check it out the cute 'pebble' pattern on this spring skirt! the discount is available in store and online. this store is tricky and i don't do well with pants there but sweaters and tops are pretty true to size.

happy shopping!

recommendation: organize your recyclable bags

I am a bag woman when i leave work, i cannot deny it, i (almost) always have a tote bag with empty tupperware from lunch, my change of shoes (heels at work, flats for trek home), a book, etc. and sometimes another recycleable tote in my purse just in case!

My favorite recyclable bags for lunch bags are lululemon bags (i'm talkin the bag they send your purchases home in, not a bag purchased from there), for an errand where you just need one good bag to hold heavy things the ReUseIt Earth Tote is amazing, and for when you need to grab a few for groceries, the bags that are $1.99 from whole foods.

I’ll admit I’m a bit forgetful and don’t always have a bag on me and most places sell them these days, so I’ve ended up with quite a few. Here is an easy fix! Use an over the door shoe rack!

2/20/12, update: we've sinced moved and there was nowhere in our new house to hang this over a door! hmph! so i just put two nails up in the garage right next to the door leading in the house and hung this same over the door shoe holder there - there were two holes that the hooks had gone in so it was easy just to hang them on nails in the wall. now its easy to grab one when i'm on my way out to the store!

recommendation: celebrate earth day…all year long

A lot of people are making earth day (april 22nd) into earth month. Why not try out some earth friendly practices, figure out what works well for you, and then do it over and over again all year long! I found an article on whole foods website that says it well:

“Earth Month encourages everyone to reduce, reuse, recycle… we’re adding two more elements: rethink and redesign.”

here are some ideas:

reuse: use party decorations over in a different way. I bought gold cake boards (think the piece of cardboard they put the cake on before putting into a box at a bakery) for under 50 cents at a party store and have used them over and over when we have employee party’s at work as centerpieces on the table. Add a vase on top and its an instant charger!

reduce: the footprint and buy local! Farmers markets are going to start opening back up soon. Try to challenge yourself ‘top chef’ style and buy what looks good and then make a meal of it, vs. meal planning and buying what you need at the market… if its not in season or local, its creating a serious carbon footprint to get it to you. While your at it, check out a book on this by Barbara Kingsolver. I haven’t read it yet but my hubby started it and said there is a lot of interesting information in it!

reuse: save a few tin cans that once held canned veggies… take label off, clean them out, and tie a thick ribbon around them. I use mine to put silverware in for parties when there’s a buffet line but you could also use it as a pencil holder or put remote controls in a larger can!

redesign: bottled water is an easy thing to cut out these days by carrying a

reusable water bottle with you but take it a step further… water bottle redesigned is the bobble! It has a reusable filter in it so you fill it up with water from anywhere and still ensure filtered water. Plus its adorable, comes in fun colors and saves the landfills.

reduce: keep plastic bags out of landfills! recyclable bags are cheap, smart and even trendy these days. Buy a bunch and bring them with you – many stores even give discounts for bringing your own bag. stay tuned for my post on how to keep these bags organized!!!

I have to admit its easier to talk the talk than it is to walk the walk. I don’t always buy local and I’ve been caught red-handed throwing paper away in the trash when the recycle bin is right next to me… but I’m taking baby steps and if everyone takes a few little steps, think about the difference it could make!

p.s. see cute post on my cousin's site about earth day: BaubleBar Blog

recommendation: shower a friend with a sprinkle

quite a few of my friends are on their second babies now and coincidentally, they all have girls and are all having girls! poking around on one of my favorite sites, I found this blog posting about a 'umbrella and rain' themed sprinkle (smaller shower for a 2nd baby). i fell in love with the colors, details, dishes, and especially signage. don't you just love it?

i'm a huge fan of themes, i credit my mom who proves that everything is more fun with a theme and it really does pull together all of the little details for a party that makes it a beautiful affair.

see more pictures and the full post by hostessblog.com here

i think the point of a sprinkle is to spoil the parents with gifts that are fun, since they already have a lot of necessities from the first baby.
here are some adorable finds:

- handmade mobile by Gifts Define: i LOVE the birds and clouds on these!

- anything from baby gap - love this 'spring lookbook' for baby girls

- threadless makes funky t's for those hipster parents out there

- aden + anais make muslin swaddle blankets that are breathable for summer babies. my friend anne told me about these and her mom handmade simliar blankets for her first baby. expensive but so practical!

recommendation: dippity do da

almost forgot to post this along with the pizza post... we are big dippers - hubby loves hot sauce and we have a collection of about 10 different kinds. For some people that may be no big deal but I am new to the world of hot sauce and having one for each type of dish is soooo strange to me. when we were first living together I had to learn to not be offended when he would start shaking franks hot sauce on the meal I just made without even trying the dish first! but I have always been a huge ranch fan so having a dipping sauce make sense. when we got the whole foods pizza last friday, this was our line up (ranch, red pepper flakes, honey, bbq, hot sauce)!

recommendations:
Here are a few sauces besides the normal ketchup, cholula, ranch, franks, etc. to try:

- honey...on your pizza crust. sounds so strange but is a sweet way to end a savory meal. my cousin from india who was living with our family when I was young while he was going to college taught us this and its been a family favorite ever since!

- hubby's favorite hot sauce: clancy's fancy, made in Ann Arbor Michigan! its not sold nation-wide so let me know if anyone needs me to bring one back!

- latest hot sauce discovery: big fat's 208 (bajan style) - taste like spicy mustard hot sauce, mmm

recommendation: favorites - pizza edition

after working out last night I was really dying to treat myself (that make sense right? work out and then eat all of the calories back? Oh well, it was Friday night) and was craving pizza. Since its lent Friday, we had to keep it veggie and decided to build a pizza at whole foods since it was on sale (such a good deal! $8.99 for a HUGE pizza, $1 for each fresh topping). Pizza was delicious, and it got me thinking about my favorite pizzas!

Big Slice: Bacci - $5 for pop and slice the size of your head. We frequent the one under the red line at wrigley. * Warning! This pizza does not have the same effect if you order it delivery. Not the same thing...

Chicago Style Deep Dish Slice: Lou Malnati's – my hubby likes their sauce best OR Zachary’s in San Fran (not just b/c same name as my hubby but they really do have amazing pizza. I would even venture to say its better Chicago style than Chicago’s pizza)

Frozen Slice: Home Run cheese pizza (and then add your own toppings!). Like this crust, its flaky like pie crust

Make at Home: TJ’s fresh dough, add anything

Best Crust: Cottage Inn (Michigan only) – their sesame seed crust is amazing

Cook at Home: Whole Foods – add any topping for $1, tastes so fresh. Tried Homemade pizza, only eh about it.

Gormet Pizza: La Madia, one of my favorite restaurants ever. One of the best pizza’s we’ve ever had and constantly crave is their triple pepperoni pizza - thin pepperoni's and topped with white truffle oil. We also had a shaved artichoke pizza there that was excellent, and order a glass of wine while you’re there. Great selection and if you want just a little bit more (which I almost always do), you can get half glasses! Add it to your MUST TRY list.

Crazy Slice: mac & cheese pizza at Ians on clark. We had an Ian’s in Madison during college so I’m a long time fan of them, but just recently discovered this flavor of pizza that a friend tipped me off on.

Pizza Restaurant with friends: Piece. Everytime I’ve ever been here, there’s been a long line, but it’s a brewery too which makes the wait easier!

Pizza Restaurant with family: Connies on Archer. Food is traditional, nothing spectacular, but what I like about this place, is that its easy. You don’t have to stress about parking zones or meters or long lines. The restaurant is huge, the menu is huge, people are friendly and the food is tasty. We love to get personal size deep dish pizza (ham/pineapple/onion mmm) and the antipasto salad is awesome here. They also deliver and have a drive through window for take-out! p.s. the meatballs are also pretty awesome.

Never been, looking forward to trying: Pequods, Crust, Chicago Pizza and Grinders

recommendation: a website that will save your life (and time): drugstore.com

I overhead my co-workers debating today about what store is most cost-efficient for toiletries… CVS/Walgreens, Target, Meijer, Walmart or grocery store. What was found, was that we basically all make a million trips to each of these stores to buy each product at the store we think we’ll find it cheapest at. I used to do this too. Until I found……

DRUGSTORE.COM

Here’s what to love:
- It recognizes coupons, so if you are a coupon clipper, no need to keep doing this! Any promos that are out there, drugstore.com knows about already.
- Competitive prices for items not on sale (I’ve compared Jewel, Target, and Walgreens to this site. While it’s not always the cheapest, its not the most expensive)
- $49 or more of eligible products in your bag qualifies you for free shipping… this is easy to do, pretty much everything is eligible
- you get free samples (not that big of a deal, they are only good sometimes)
- free to sign up
- you get MONEY back!!!!!!!! You get 5% of eligible items. It accumulates every quarter and then you get a month to spend it.
- you can make a master list and save it, and then every time you go to shop, just pick what you want to re-order
- Avoid buying embarrassing products in public grocery store
- Connected to beauty.com, so even more fun things you can add to your shopping cart

Here’s my recommendation. Make a list of everything in your cabinets that you use/consume and refill on a regular basis. I’m talking toiletries, cleaning products for kitchen and bathroom, makeup,snack items, etc. I’ve found they don’t have everything, but they have enough. Add it to the master list, and put in your first order! And if you are just a few dollars off from making the free shipping, throw in some candy (wintergreen lifesavers!) or an essie nail polish (see previous post).

Free money. Free shipping. No lines. No parking. Order away!

Recommendations: beauty tip for men

Since I posted about nail polish, thought I'd pass along something for the men out there too. My husband is somewhat of a product junkie and has tried tons of different things for his skin. The two products he's found that are good to him are both by Kiehl's - in their facial fuel line.

The energizing face wash feels so great on your face in the morning (i borrow it sometimes!) - it makes your face tingle. has anyone ever used paul mitchell tea tree shampoo? its like that! but on your face! it feels refreshing and wakes you up in the morning.

The second is the facial fuel moisturizer. every time he puts in on, he sighs as his face thanks him for giving it a little love.

kiehls products are definitely more expensive than a drugstore lotion but they seem to last a normal life of a normal product and are very satisfying, so worth the money. if you spend a little more on these products, just spend a little less on other beauty products (body wash, deodarant, etc.). facial fuel is $18 for 8.4 oz and facial fuel moisturizer is $30 for 4.2 oz. if you aren't sure, stop by Saks on Michigan Ave in Chicago (or anywhere that sells Kiehls products!) - they almost always have samples that you can try...and get hooked on!

Recommendation: essie nail color

My sister has been into essie nailpolish for a long time now and for some reason I didn't get it. This past year I've been more into getting mani/pedi's and so many nail salons carry essie so I decided to try it. I can't put my finger on what is so addicting - the cute bottles, fun names, or trendy shades, but I just love them. Target started selling it too, I think they are about $8 there, but I just bought a bunch on amazon for under $5.

Favorite colors right now are:
- Over the Knee:a shimmery cocoa brown. my sis-in-law got me this for xmas. i call it raisin color. great for winter!
- Not Just a Pretty Face: pinkish nude. sis and i got mani's on saturday and i went with this nice & neutral shade - i'm not gutsy enough to do a skin-colored nude.

Wanting to try:
- Liliacism: springs on its way!
- Topless & Barefoot: latest collection, my way of doing beige. its 'pinky-beige'
- Mint Candy Apple: this is similar to a color my co-worker wears and i'm always jealous she has the guts to pick such a bold shade!

Recommendation: The Violet Hour

This weekend I returned to a hidden gem, that I forgot about, The Violet Hour, at 1520 N. Damen. It feels like a secret club inside. The decor is dreamy and the drinks make one swoon. Everything is made in-house - the bitters, the simple syrup, the mixers. Their attention to the details of each beverage makes you wish that everyone would take that much pride in the product that they send out. They spoil you here.

When you go, beware, it requires a specific mood... Don't go if your already buzzed, you won't appreciate the drink, and don't go with a large group, you'll have to wait. I would go here at the beginning of your night - it is mellow and lines can get long. Go at an off time for one drink. Choose carefully, and enjoy. Its a hidden gem in Chicago worth checking out!

"This is the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder, when the affections glow again and valor is reborn, when the shadows deepen magically along the edge of the forest and we believe that, if we watch carefully, at any moment we may see the unicorn."
- Bernard DeVoto "The Hour"

Recommendation: 3 versions of chicken parmesan

Ok, I will say upfront that these recipes aren't all chicken but they are versions of them! I tried a new recipe out of cooking light and loved it so want to share it with everyone. I was a little nervous b/c I've never cooked with ground chicken but it was super easy! I had left over sauce and cheese so have been eating my second version of chix parm all week. Wanted to share my 3 favorite ways! Warning - veggieheads, don't run off, 2 of these recipes are no-meat!

1. Cooking Light: Chicken Parmesan Burgers

My only note with this one was that I cooked it longer that the instructions say. Its hard to tell when its done b/c marinara is mixed into the patty but it keeps it moist so that it didn't dry out staying in the oven longer!

2. Boca Chik'n Patties
This is a great way of taking chicken parm to work with you! Microwave a chix patty, put a slice of skim-milk mozz over it to melt, bring a little cup of pasta sauce, and ta-da! I ate mine with a side salad. Very satisfying and for those who care, the chix patty is only 4 WW points.

3. Eggplant Parmesan
I've modified this recipe as it tells you that after you make the eggplant, you should layer it into a casserole but that's waaaay too much work for me! So here is my version of this recipe:

Preheat oven to 450
- Combine ¼ cup milk, 2 large eggs in bowl, stir with whisk
- Combine 1.5 cups panko bread crumbs and the following into a shallow dish (I used baking sheet with edges or pie pan):

½ tsp salt
½ tsp dried parsley
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp ground black pepper

- Dip eggplant slices into egg mixture, dredge in panko mixture
- Arrange slices on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray
- Bake at 450 for 15 minutes. Turn slices over and drizzle with oil. Bake addional 15 minutes or until tender

Serve with:
Cook whole wheat linguine pasta, will use mids sauce (my fav but Paul Newman sauce is ok too as recipe calls for) to put over everything so heat that up separately.

Enjoy!

Recommendation: always make a grocery list

Note to self: do NOT go into trader joes (conveniently located 10 steps away from work) with no objective, no list, and limited cash. Or you will come home with this for dinner.

Every grocery shop I normally have a planned grocery list divided into categories, and then I list all the meals I'm planning for in case I forget what I'm buying an item for. Here are my categories:

Produce
Aisles
Deli
Dairy
Frozen
Other

Then list meals you are buying for, Sunday - Saturday. Be realistic about days you will eat out or eat leftovers so you don't waste food.

Shop smart...and enjoy the extra treats you throw in your cart!

Recommendation: 'appe' night

When you don’t want to go out, don’t want to stay in and do nothing, are thinking about renting a movie, but can’t decide on what to order for dinner… run to the grocery store and do this:

- pick a fruit, grapes are easiest, but apples or pears are equally as delish and refreshing
- visit the olive bar, put a mixture in a tub, if artichokes or marinated peppers look good, add some of those while you’re at it
- grab a baguette
- go to the deli (be polite & grab a number first), ask for a quarter pound of reduced fat salami (you can’t tell the difference, believe me)
- if you don’t have olive oil at home (then you are weird), get some
- in dairy, pick up a brick of cheese, we like sharp cheddar but we’ve also done smoked cheedar, gouda, brie, or a pre-sliced cheese tray
- grab some veggies – carrots & peppers, so that you don’t feel guilty for eating cheese, salami and carbs
- lastly, swing by the liquor section and get a bottle of wine!

Go home and prep. Pour a glass of wine, wash the veggies, slice the cheese, put everything into little bowls, mix Italian seasoning/red pepper flakes/salt/pepper/balsamic vinegar into a shallow plate of olive oil to dip the bread in, refill the glass of wine, and turn on the movie! Appetizer (“Appe”) night!!!

Other fun additions: mini-pita and hummus, celery, cheese dip, parm/walnut/honey plate (what? You have never heard of this? me either until my father-in-law introduced us. You MUST try. Toast walnuts. Put on plate. While hot, add sliced parm and then drizzle honey over it. Eat with fingers. Or fork. Enjoy).

Highly recommended meal for Friday's after a long week of work. Enjoy!