tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20797444607709909182024-11-01T03:34:56.968-07:00the crazy ramblings of life from one lost in a cement jungle of texas in fabulous orange cowboy bootsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.comBlogger579125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-33626565689806073222013-02-14T07:32:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:36.293-08:00

}  2.14.13  {Le Love

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-86906175530332141602013-02-13T09:35:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:26:29.918-08:00

Being the rather hopeless romantic I am - rather akin to Charlotte out of SATC - I love Valentines Day. Boo at you for saying its pointless, whilst I agree that you should really treat your other half at various times during the year.. whats not love with an another good old excuse for date night eh? I complied together some of my favourite pieces from Selfridges to complete a (very much wished

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-12037007745320315712013-02-13T07:55:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:36.301-08:00

This year's Restaurant Week led me to a couple new places - one of which was Grass Fed.  Having read about this offbeat little steakhouse & seen photos of its adorable interior, I couldn't wait to try it out - plus, their restaurant week menu looked simply delightful!  However, my excitement started to fade not long after walking in the front door...Front of the house in Grass FedWe

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-14640791488793956172013-02-12T07:03:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:36.308-08:00

I'm not going to say much about this cornbread, other than you're a fool if you don't try it out!  I'd made cornbread a couple times before this, but never this way - maple bacon style!  We actually had a lovely dinner at Chicago Q the night before I made this dish - alongside their delicious BBQ they serve large slices of cornbread.  The same group of people at Chicago Q with us

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-37730372371531346152013-02-10T05:16:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:26:30.001-08:00

Having heard on the grapevine that Origins counters are rather generous on the sample front, I made a beeline straight to the John Lewis Oxford Street counter to see what was going down. Origins is a brand I have been mightily impressed by over the past few year, counting the Ginzing Eye-Cream and Drink Up Intensive Mask as some of my true skincare saviours. So not missing a trick, I decided

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-13191607153477380732013-02-08T11:49:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:36.316-08:00

One of my favorite types of food is Mexican food.  Whenever I think about it I get a craving that I just can't kick until I whip up some tacos, enchiladas, or my favorite - fresh guacamole!  I've spent a long time tweaking my guac recipe to get it to where it is today - and it was a big hit on Super Bowl Sunday.  The key to creating excellent guacamole is in the ingredients - just

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-30270286241162576182013-02-06T11:02:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:26:30.008-08:00

Just because we like to look stylish on the outside, really doesn't mean your undies should be any different. I always put off buying underwear on a regular occasion, but when I do, I tend to spree. What every glamourous woman should tell you is your bra and knicks should forever match - for goodness gracious, heaven forbid whatever may happen if you are to be run over! However what every and any

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-14881434702677661672013-02-06T10:24:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:36.323-08:00

Remembering my grandfather today, lovingly known as "Papa" - he passed four whole years ago...still hard to imagine. Papa was a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather & great-grandfather; a kind & gentle soul with a heart bigger than any ocean; a wise man & extremely talented landscape architect; a dashingly handsome, polite & chivalrous man; a man who built frames with

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-60905109279464811652013-02-05T07:55:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:36.330-08:00

Mondays.  Whether you love them - or love to loathe them - sometimes they're great, sometimes they're bad & other times they're just ho-hum.  I myself am historically not a fan of Mondays, but lately I've been making a conscious attempt to be more positive in general about every day of the week - why discriminate?  Each new day is a new opportunity.  You have to take the

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-90273117308834310982013-02-03T13:31:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:26:30.014-08:00

Well hello, rather nice of you to join me. I'm in quite a chatty mode, so brace yourself and arm yourself a rather large cup of tea (or something stronger - you may need it). If you've been here right from the blogging beginning I'm sure we are rather well acquainted, however if you've recently joined along for the ride I thought I would do a get-to-know each other post. I popped on my

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-85636038212455444322013-01-31T13:36:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:36.337-08:00

Chicago Restaurant Week kicks off tomorrow - February 1st - and runs through Sunday, February 10th.  Lucky for all those wishing to participate, the annual event actually runs longer than just one week each year (it's 10 days of deals to be exact), and there are dinner and lunch options for all you hungry, restaurant-loving souls out there.  Reservations for the 280 restaurants

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-9103382298585105372013-01-29T10:18:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:26:30.020-08:00

Byellah Textured Coat with Quilted Sleeves - Missguided (£49.99)I rather haphazardly stumbled across this rather delightful jacket by Missguided a few weeks back and quite simply, haven't been able to forget about it. With a tailored collarless body accompanied by faux leather quilted sleeves, It's truly singing to me to me in a fashion I can't ignore. Having hunted high and low for a collarless

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-14970640542981755702013-01-28T21:53:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:36.345-08:00

The Darkness - if you're familiar, you probably know them from their 2003 hit "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" - a fantastic song that prompted many a clap-along back in my days at the University of Iowa - one that still gets people moving whenever it's played.  And let me tell you, the falsetto so prolifically belted by powerful lead singer/guitarist Justin Hawkins on that track is

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-79550333646629972672013-01-27T09:58:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:26:30.026-08:00

Marc Jacobs Watch / Swag Ring / Large Tiffany Bead / Pearl Tiffany Bead / Silver Tiffany BeadWith my penchant for statement necklaces truly growing strong over the last month (seen here), I thought I would share the true treasures of my jewellery collection, pieces I more or less wear every day. Each piece tells a sentimental tale, a gift from somebody dear. Something which I think is rather

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-28792559710607009082013-01-24T12:23:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:36.353-08:00

I've always loved & appreciated a good thrift store or antique shop, but it seems my affinity for both has grown exponentially in the past few years, and I still feel like I'm only getting started.  There are so many incredible & unexpected treasures waiting to be discovered, and a lot of quirkiness too.  It all lends itself to this sense of community - feeling a connection to

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-11531612202233459312013-01-24T10:53:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:26:30.031-08:00

Overly pretty and rather whimsical are the cake-stands that have adorned our high-streets over the past few months, becoming a must-have in the world of baking and such. Marvellous as they might be for holding dainty scrumptious treats, I decided that I really did need one.. but truth be told I had no actual need for one. For starters, the thought of myself baking is strictly off the agenda

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-66220650717884390402013-01-22T10:30:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:26:30.037-08:00

Deep in the dull throws of January, all that remains to be felt is the gloomy 'Monday morning' feeling constantly, coupled with the standard penniless purse and topped off with the awfully shitty weather. With Spring gently peaking around the corner, it's the perfect time to spruce up the beauty maintenance. Who doesn't love a good pamper eh?No7 Pamper Oil (£9.50) / Jergens Hand Cream (£2.99)* /

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-76517268897361218252013-01-22T09:50:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:36.360-08:00

Happy freezing everyone!  (Well, to most of you at least).  Today is supposed to be the coldest day Chicago has seen in two years according to the local weathermen.  For everyone feeling the chill I have a tasty, healthy recipe for white chicken chili with a kick that is sure to warm your soul.  I call this "white" chili because I don't use any tomatoes, tomato sauce or red

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-67954855181478159642013-01-20T09:21:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:26:30.042-08:00

Nude Beige - YSL (£23.50)I finally jumped ship, broke my allegiance with the Chanel Rouge Coco Shines and started a love affair with the notoriously glamorous YSL Rouge Volupte in shade Nude Beige. Love upon first sight, YSL offers the silky glossy nude I seem to have been searching for in years. The perfect balance between nude and baby pink, Nude Beige lightly dabbed on to the lips creates the

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-25773642651259636482013-01-18T07:05:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:36.368-08:00

Last night was my first ever attempt at making Dulce de Leche...needless to say I could not stop inhaling the incredible smell of the vanilla bean simmering in the pot.  A process that takes a good three hours, but I knew that going in, so I enjoyed it with a big ol' glass of red wine & The Lumineers Pandora station (my definite fav at the moment).  I'm hoping it all comes

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-50177984047924649462013-01-17T08:30:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:26:30.047-08:00

Seche Vite - Amazon (£5.79)If you told me this time last year I would would waste a good nine quid on a top coat, I would have told ya to get right back on your bike and cycle on forever more. Then, like what happened, I would then go on to have a bloody good manicure by Sophie at The Illustrated Nail and coincidentally fall head over heels for that over-priced, yes, but marvellous topcoat named

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-10622824203097075372013-01-16T09:45:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:36.452-08:00

OK - so after that last cookie post, I figured I owed you guys something healthy :)  This salad is one of my favorite go-to weekday or weeknight meals & will soon become a favorite of yours too.  It's super healthy, filling & protein-packed.  I must admit I fell in love with a similar combination of ingredients during my first experience at Protein Bar - a fantastic,

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-71792586854919978382013-01-15T10:08:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:26:30.128-08:00

Pearl Bib Necklace - Forever 21 (£7.40)Falling head over heels for the statement necklace trend I have found absolute delight in styling my new bejewelled addictions to my very much loved and worn classic pieces. Perfect for completely rehauling or styling different looks, a very plain tee-shirt or jumper can instantly ooze sophistication. Taking inspiration from the very chic Olivia Palermo and

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-8531675903036476692013-01-14T20:55:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:36.536-08:00

Welcome to another recipe for chocolate chip cookies - but these aren't just any chocolate chip cookies.  Nooooo, no - these are my grandma Betty's famous "different" chocolate chip cookies.  I often post recipes that are on the healthier side, but sometimes you just have to throw all your worries out the window & get back to the goodness. Growing up my grandparents lived close to

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2079744460770990918.post-2653960939600120842013-01-13T09:00:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:26:30.211-08:00

Pale Barley - Burberry (£22.50)It remains to be said that like most beauty junkies, spending out a ridiculous amount of money on just an eye-shadow is fair play. In that case, let me introduce to you my new eyeshadow offering in the form of Pale Barley by seriously brit cool Burberry. Following my last post before Christmas, I was lucky to receive this as gift from my somewhat

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368662887682528903noreply@blogger.com0