cornflake dreams.

friday's fancies #113.

2013-05-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

i can't believe it's already memorial day weekend! i am ready for a few lazy days and hopefully a bike ride or two. aside from that i am looking forward to a great gatsby date with my book club girls!

tee $35 (on sale!) - jeans $47 (on sale!) - tote $168- sandals $110 - bling earrings 3 pairs for $60 jojo loves you is having a HUGE memorial day sale over the weekend! the bling stud earrings are on sale 3/$60 which is a great deal if you can't pick one favorite - i love the white, sapphire frost and pacific green opal pairs.

have a great memorial day weekend!

xo,

jillian

see whats shakin:: bloglovin // instagram // twitter // pinterest // facebook

santorini snapshots.

2013-05-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

h was quite the photographer on our trip to greece - he took over 500 photos on our paparazzi camera (canon EOS rebel T3i digital SLR) while i focused on the really important photo-opps with my iphone -- the food, unique doors, couple-shots and photos of the photographer! santorini was a beautiful island and i found myself staring at the ocean smiling quite a few times :) santorini lived up to all of my sisterhood of the traveling pants dreams (yes i went there) and i would absolutely visit again. thankfully h took lots of pretty photos so i can re-visit anytime i want::

this was my favorite spot on the island - a church with a pretty bell tower.

athens is up next week!

xo,

jillian

see whats shakin:: bloglovin // instagram // twitter // pinterest // facebook

she's a pill.

2013-05-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

do you remember the movie you've got mail? i really love the part when tom hanks calls meg ryan a pill... "she's a pill!" ha! tom hanks can do no wrong. anyways i digress.. i have a bad memory and i keep forgetting to take my vitamins (especially when i'm on vacation!). sooo i am in search of a cute retro-inspired pill box that i can throw in my purse (it's hip to take vitamins, trust me!) i found quite a few cute pill boxes on etsy::

xo,

jillian

see whats shakin:: bloglovin // instagram // twitter // pinterest // facebook

santorini sneak peek.

2013-05-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

happy monday! i am back from greece - we had a fantastic time and i am so grateful to my friends (alexa, marissa, betsy and alison) for guest posting while i was out of the country. here's a little peek of our first day in santorini (aka heaven). the views were absolutely breath-taking::

when we arrived in santorini we were lucky enough to be upgraded to the executive suite at our hotel for a small charge - we got a LOT more space and a balcony... not a bad way to start the trip. we quickly became acquainted with the island and wandered through the winding walled paths of the caldera.

around every corner there was a new surprise and LOTS of bright white and blues...

beautiful flowers and doorways to more ocean views...

and just when you thought it couldn't get any prettier...

i miss it already. stop by this week - i promise to share more greece tidbits and photos - opa!

xo,

jillian

see whats shakin:: bloglovin // instagram // twitter // pinterest // facebook

friday's fancies guest post: long distance loving.

2013-05-16T23:00:00.000-05:00

Hello hello! I'm {av} and I'm so happy to be filling in for {jm}. While I'm beyond jealous of her Grecian adventure, I know she will take great notes on our behalf! I'm thrilled to fill in for her with a vacation chic round of #FridaysFancies. {jm} has been a supporter of Friday's Fancies since the very beginning. In fact, she was the one who encouraged me to start this link-up altogether :) While she's enjoying Greece, I envisioned her in the outfit below. Who can argue with versatile vacay pieces under $50?

Topshop Strappy Cami Maxi Dress {$36} + Sabine Gold Flower Statement Necklace {$32}

Accessorize Panama Hat {$29} + Gap Two-Tone Canvas Clutch {$30}

LAUREN Ralph Lauren Alexa Sandals in Platino/Eggshell {$48}

What are your vacation "neutral" colors? I always end up with navies and whites, but I know others who swear by blacks and tans. Many thanks again to {jm} for having me today and for being the reason I stuck with blogging! I hope you all have an incredible weekend! xoxo {av} | {long distance loving}

P.S. If you blog about fashion, join the Friday's Fancies mailing list here and link up your post! Everyone is welcome :)

guest post: betsy transatlantically.

2013-05-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello, Cornflake Dreamers! I'm Betsy, and I'm delighted to be visiting from Betsy Transatlantically while Jillian's on her Greek adventure with her handsome husband. I've been to Italy and Spain before, but never Greece - I can't wait to hear the stories and see the photos once they've returned! Jon, my fiancé, and I have actually been thinking quite a bit about the Mediterranean recently as we've started trying to figure out our honeymoon plans. We're getting married in England in August, but I'll be coming right back to Washington, DC after the wedding while he'll stay in London, waiting for his visa to move to the US to be confirmed. So the honeymoon will have to be put on hold until next year, which gives us lots of time to research options! One of Jon's ideas was a trip to Gibraltar. Before he mentioned it, I knew very little about the tiny peninsula on the southern edge of Spain other than that it used to be a key piece of the British Empire, controlling the gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and that John Lennon married Yono Oko there in 1969. It turns out, though, that Gibraltar is still part of the United Kingdom!

In fact, visiting Gibraltar is apparently like stepping onto English soil except with much better weather. Even though it's attached to Spain, the people of Gibraltar overwhelming identify as British - when they were asked whether they wanted to be handed over to Spain in 1967, 99.64% of the population voted to remain British, and in 2002 they resoundingly rejected a referendum of shared sovereignty between the UK and Spain. The official language is English, the currency is pounds sterling, all professions are required to have British qualifications, and there are red post boxes dotted around the territory. Of course, there's also a Marks and Spencer and a Topshop - basically, it's Britain on the Med! It's also got tons of history and amazing places to visit, from the famous limestone Rock of Gibraltar to an 11th century tower and tunnels instrumental in World War II plus, in the museum, an exploration of Gibraltar's Roman and Moorish past. The whole territory is only 2.6 square miles so you could probably see everything in a long weekend - how much fun would that be for a quick trip?

xo,

Betsy from Betsy Transatlantically

guest post: the boot.

2013-05-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Summer has officially arrived, early, here in Barletta! You can tell because at any point during the day, except lunch time of course, you’ll find people out and about in the piazzas eating gelato. In Italy, gelato = summer. I always ask people what flavor is their favorite and the consensus seems to be that in the evening chocolate flavors are a must while during the day, the fruitier options win.

I’m a fruity ice cream fan myself, but it’s bathing suit season and I have a wedding dress to fit into soon, so today I have a super easy and healthy recipe for you to make your own fruity frozen yogurt at home! It’s a snap to throw together and you can use practically any fruit you like! Plus, if it’s not summer where you are, eating a batch of this will make it feel like it is! :)

Fruity Frozen Yogurt

1 or 1/2 cup very ripe (peach, banana, pear, berries, watermelon, etc.)

1 cup greek yogurt

1 tbs sugar (or agave nectar if you want to be even more healthy!)

Peel and chop the fruit and puree it in a food processor. Transfer to a plastic or durable container. Add the yogurt and sugar and stir well. Place in the freezer and every 45 minutes give the mixture a vigorous stir - this will break up the ice that may form and keep it creamy! Continue to stir for another 2-3 hours. Serve immediately!

If you like, here are more of my healthy recipes. Buon appetito and thanks to the lovely Jill for having me here today!

xo,

marissa

guest post: alexa from the short and sweet of it

2013-05-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Cornflake Dreams readers! I am so honored that Jillian asked me to stand in for her while she's away in Greece! Major jealous pangs here. ;)

I've put together a little dream packing list for my own whimsical getaway (that for now is just in my head). And I'm pretty sure all of these things could be worn along the shores of a Greek Island! And of course you won't want to forget pretty stationary to write to your insanely envious friends and family back at home.

What's your dream vacation right now?

xoxo

Alexa (from The Short and the Sweet of It)...come visit!

Madewell City Skimmers / Boden Florentine Coat / Soft Joie Cade Maxi Dress / Indian Chief Scarf / Loren Hope Clara Bracelet / Besotted Brand Notes / J. Crew Swimsuit / Global Greeting Cards - Anthropologie /suitcase photo

friday's fancies #112.

2013-05-10T07:19:00.000-05:00

happy friday!! we are leaving for GREECE today! I AM SOOOO EXCITED!! it'll be fantastic to travel somewhere new with h and relax for a few days. for the flight i'll dress in lots of layers since i always get hot and then cold :)

sweater $70 - jacket $148 - jeans $50 - sandals $250- omg bag $275 - watch $180

be sure to stop by next week - i've got a great line up of guest bloggers scheduled!

xo,

jillian

travel finds: street art.

2013-05-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

one of my favorite things about traveling to another country is seeing different art and architecture. i love wandering around and getting a little lost --what better way to explore and discover interesting street art and graffiti! h and i saw the most interesting street art in Istanbul, Turkey::

see more travel photos:: paris - spain - prague

what is your favorite thing about traveling?

(i also love trying new food!)

xo,

jillian

may houzz board.

2013-05-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

our trip is just around the corner (THANK YOU for all of your trip tips!) my may houzz board is full of greece inspired picks with LOTS of nautical and blue and white -- here's a peek:

see the rest of my greece inspired picks here. opa!

xo,

jillian

good things.

2013-05-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

happy monday! this weekend i stayed in chicago (no vegas trip wah-wah) but it turned out to be a fantastic weekend!

-friday night h and i went to see the joffrey ballet perform othello... it was beeeautiful and my favorite ballet of the season. the costumes, set changes and dancers were amazing and it was refreshing to see one story as opposed to a mixed repertory.

-on saturday i went shopping while h studied. i splurged on a gorgeous linen baseball sweater and olive jacket from jcrew, hello spring wishlist!

-later that day, we walked to navy pier and played tourist. h has wanted to ride the huge ferris wheel for years, so we finally decided to make it happen. the view from the top was beautiful and if you squint enough lake michigan looks like the ocean ;) after our ride we went on the swings! i love swinging but i didn't expect to have so much fun on the ride -- we were both all smiles the rest of the day.

-on sunday we met the family for brunch at branch 27 (a super cute place in our hood). i was thrilled to be able to ride my bike to the restaurant.

xo,

jillian

see whats shakin:: bloglovin // instagram // twitter // pinterest // facebook

friday's fancies #111.

2013-05-02T23:00:00.000-05:00

happy friday! today my office is hosting its annual luggage party -- four lucky employees win a free trip to Vegas for the weekend (you have to sign up weeks in advance, bring your luggage to work and the winners are announced at the office and then taken immediately to the airport!) i'm crossing my fingers for a WIN but if i stick around Chicago i have some fun weekend plans. h and i have tickets to the ballet tonight - it's Othello and i am excited to see joffrey ballet's interpretation of the classic Shakespeare play. This weekend, we are having brunch in place of Sunday dinner.

dress $55 (i cant wait to wear this dress in greece!) - sandals $25 - jacket $80 - necklace $32

xo,

jillian

see whats shakin:: bloglovin // instagram // twitter // pinterest // facebook

judging by its cover.

2013-05-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

i love the great gatsby... i adore the glamour and fashion of 1920's and in my book LDC (that's leonardo dicapiro) can do no wrong. needless to say i am looking forward to the release of the new film. my book club girls and i have decided we will read the book and see the movie together later this month. EEP! too bad i can't find my copy! sooo what better time to buy a new one... now i just have to decide WHICH cover art i like best::

[hardcover gold pattern $16 - green $13 - girl $11 - red car fumes $14] these are my favorites!

[blue $4 - modern $7 - orange $9]

which one is your favorite?
pssst: see even more cover art here.

xo,

jillian

ps congrats to kayla- you won the ellie giveaway! look out for an email from me.

trip tips: greece.

2013-04-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

we're off to greece in 10 days! i've been so distracted by work that i haven't had time to think about our trip or research the best places to visit. we are starting our trip in santorini and then traveling to athens for 3 days. we plan to take in the gorgeous views of the caldera and sunsets in santorini and see the major ruins in athens. i'd also love to buy some authentic leather sandals in athens, eat LOTS of feta, tomato and pita bread and take a dip in the mediterranean sea but i'm sure there are lots of other things to do. i'd love your advice... what should we see? eat? buy?!

xo,

jillian

good things.

2013-04-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

happy monday... i had a great weekend but it went by too fast...

top: {the new mr + mrs. - me and my hot date!}
bottom: {with my other sister-in-law! and h aka ac slater with my nephew}

-friday night h and i had a little date night with happy hour bar bites followed by a few episodes of downton abbey (we're still catching up!)

-saturday we went to my little brother's wedding. the reception was beautiful -- straight out of a rustic-chic wedding pinterst board. it was wonderful to see my family and catch up with old friends.

-on sunday i met the girls at milk and honey cafe for lunch, worked out and went out for dinner with h's family at mart anthonys (my favorite italian restaurant in the city).

xo,

jillian

ps there are a few days left to enter the ellie giveaway!

friday's fancies #110.

2013-04-25T23:00:00.000-05:00

happy friday! this weekend my little brother is getting married. i found a fantastic dress for the wedding and i can't wait to celebrate with my family::

dress $148 - heels $95 - art

have a great weekend!

xo,

jillian

ps there are a few days left to enter the ellie giveaway!

five things.

2013-04-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

{av} and ashley tagged me in their five things post ...so here it goes - time to learn a few more things about me::

i get some crazy strong cravings (no, i'm not pregnant!) but whenever a craving hits i can't stop thinking about that food until have it (currently craving low-fat brown cinnamon and sugar poptarts (and unfortunately they are impossible to find... i've been searching for over a month!)

i'm a color-coding, list-making, schedule freak. it calms me down to have a to-do list and i am happy when i can cross something off my list.

i am super sensitive to smells - i can only tolerate a few candles, i get nauseous on the L -- what is that mystery smell and why is it hiding in my nose??! i tie memories and people to specific smells...Christmas = evergreen yankee candles, mom = chance chanel perfume, family = meatballs. and i am comforted by smells.. i regularly sniff h's hair (he has gotten used to it but still teases me..."you smelling me again!?")

i'm an over-sharer (hmmm..not surprising right!?) but that's how i deal with things, i TALK them out. a lot. good thing i married a psychiatrist. whoohoo free therapy :) AND SMELLS. ba-ha.

i laugh at my own jokes. see above... o and i like to dance but only in my kitchen or in the car.

now it's your turn... care to share a few quirks?!

xo,

jillian

ps don't miss the ellie giveaway!

ellie black swan tank giveaway!

2013-04-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

i've got a special treat... i'm giving away the ellie black swan tank i LOVE! it's my favorite top for pilates and yoga workouts - the full-length will cover you through any bendy pose!

swans via

Key Features: High-performance, microfiber fabric has moisture wicking to keep you dry and fresh; Easy wash and dry for laundry time; Fabric shields with ultraviolet protection so you can focus on your sport, not your sun concerns and Long lasting anti-bacterial material that is safe and skin friendly

if you're new to ellie -- here's the deal: the online shop features a new collection every month and there are two ways to shop. as a non-member shop the site (pieces range from $34 - $69) or sign up to be a FitFashionistaClub member and choose any two pieces each month for $49.95/month and receive free shipping/returns, priority access to monthly collections and access to exclusive events like flash sales and discounts. whatever you choose there is also an option to take a style quiz -- ellie will recommend a few great pieces and you can shop those picks.

as a special treat to cornflake dreams' readers i am giving away a SMALL black swan tank. One winner will be announced next wednesday, May 1, 2013. enter below and good luck!

xo,

jillian

a Rafflecopter giveaway

craving: pineapple.

2013-04-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

pineapple is hands down my favorite fruit. i have trouble eating fruit but i won't pass up the opportunity to eat some pineapple! the fruit is super versatile and can be used in sweet AND savory dishes:

pineapple coconut bars - pineapple banana hummingbird mini loaves - pineapple upside down donuts

carnitas panini - hawaiian chicken and pineapple skewers - bbq chicken and pineapple pizza - pineapple salsa

what is your favorite fruit?

xo,

jillian

good things.

2013-04-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

HOLA and happy monday! i feel rested and refreshed after a productive AND relaxing weekend!

dvd $5 - yoga mat $18 - tank $35 (i LOVE this tank, it's a little longer which is perfect for yoga or pilates and it has a built-in bra)- capris $25

- a few weeks ago, i shared with you that i was diagnosed with crohns... i am happy to report that after starting my medication i am feeling GREAT! i have SO much energy and a lot fewer symptoms.

- now that i have more energy i am trying to get back into a workout routine. i worked it out on sunday with an hour long pilates video (one that i've had for years... i've memorized a lot of the trainers quirky jokes and h caught me talking to the tv a few times). all that aside, i had a great workout!

- saturday night i attempted to cook up a new recipe from pinterest - avocado pasta. sounds tasty right? FAIL. h will eat just about anything but after one bite we decided to venture out for something else (we visited nini's, a small cuban deli in our hood and h got a REALLY tasty chicken sandwich. i got ben & jerry's. so maybe the pinterest fail wasn't such a bad thing :)

-happy earth day!!

xo,

jillian

friday's fancies #109.

2013-04-18T23:00:00.000-05:00

happy friday! this weekend i am meeting a friend for lunch and working on my brothers wedding website (he is getting married in the bahamas next year!) other than that i'll probably watch a few movies and snuggle up inside...chicago has had TONS of rain in the past few days, so i am hoping sunny days are ahead (i am dying to wear sandals again)::

tee $23 - jeans $70 - jacket $90 - sandals $85 - necklace $46

have a great weekend!

xo,

jillian

eat your veggies (and noodles)!

2013-04-18T08:00:00.002-05:00

i am v excited about a new meal we have added to our rotation of dinners. it's an easy-to-bake chicken noodle casserole with tons of veggies. start with a base of half a diced onion, a diced shallot and two minced cloves of garlic sautéed in chicken stock and then mix in whatever veggies you want! i like to add broccoli and zucchini but we've tried the casserole with artichoke, zucchini, lemon juice and feta and it's delicious.

my recipe is adapted from one i found here. i use less cheese and no milk...but i promise it's still really tasty and it is an easy way to eat your veggies.

do you have any new dinner favorites?

xo,

jillian

a nautical spring.

2013-04-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

after i cleaned out my closet the other week i noticed that i needed a few classic staples. i went on a mini nautical stripe shopping spree and found some great pieces that will transition from spring into summer AND can easily be paired with other clothes i already own. now the weather just needs to warm up in chicago so i can wear my new nautical pieces::

hooded trench $129 - lace top $20 - cardigan $35 - stripped shorts $32 - pave tab strand $48 - stripe dress $28

what trends are you loving this spring?

xo,

jillian

prayers for boston.

2013-04-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

via - via

i am sending my thoughts and prayers to Boston today. i've only been to the city once but it will always be a happy place for me. i made great memories when i visited, meeting new friends and exploring the classic American city. it breaks my heart that people can be so senseless and hurtful with their actions, especially during an event that is suppose to bring so much joy. keep the city, runners and spectators in your thoughts and pray for a safer future.

xo,

jillian