Summertime Sips

Today I'm guest posting over at Love and Hot Chocolate while Amy enjoys a cruise with her new fiance. I've highlighted two great summer drinks -- perfect for sipping on your patio or deck on a warm night. It's still a little cool here in Chicago, but once we get another warm front, you can find me out on the porch with one of these concoctions in hand:

Vodka | Watermelon | Honey | Glass

Club Soda | Sugar | Mint | Limes | Glass

Chicago Bloggers & Creative Girls

Last night, I had the pleasure of toasting to the launch of the The Everygirl with a group of Chicago bloggers and other creative gals. Can I just say that this city is FULL of amazingly talented young women? There, I said it (and it's true!) Until moving to Chicago, I had no idea that "blogging friends" actually met in real life. To be fair, I was living in Delaware, where there seemed to be very few bloggers. Perhaps you need to live in a large city to realize that bloggers really do gather together to hang out. Anyway -- I walked in to Old Town Social to meet a group of girls who had all come together to celebrate the success of two friends. Some of them were girls I had previously met, but I was meeting a good handful of them for the first time. This might sound weird, but I felt like I already knew them, since I read their blogs daily. I immediately recognized them from their photos, and they recognized me, too. So, after a couple of hours of meeting and chatting with other bloggers, it is clear to me that Chicago has such an amazing population of creative and driven young women. I love the sense of community and the fact that blogging has allowed me to meet so many like-mined people here in Chicago.

So, I'm curious -- have you found that other big cities have a nice blogging community? Have you met the people who write the blogs you love? I encourage you to reach out to any local bloggers and plan a get-together -- it can be so inspiring!

Image source

A Site for YOU

I am sure that you have heard the buzz about The Everygirl -- an amazing resource for all young women who want a place to turn to for lifestyle features/tips, fashion, career advice and more! The wait is finally over, as The Everygirl was launched TODAY! I made sure to wake up a bit earlier than usual so that I could sit down at my computer with a full cup of coffee and explore The Everygirl before getting to work. The gorgeously designed (and easy to navigate) site definitely did not disappoint -- from expertly styled photos to well written and comprehensive posts, The Everygirl is sure to be a continued success for co-founders Danielle and Alaina.

I first met Danielle shortly after moving to Chicago. As another Chicago-transplant, we connected immediately and I was immediately drawn to her upbeat attitude and clean, creative style. This past holiday season, I had the pleasure of meeting Alaina at Danielle's holiday gathering. Her wit and friendly nature (not to mention her style) won me over, too. These two girls have got it going on -- they know exactly what they want out of life, and are going after it at full speed! What an inspiration! I can't wait to toast their success tonight at a casual launch celebration. Cheers!

If you haven't checked it out yet, you should immediately click over to The Everygirl. Make sure to explore each section of the site, and check back frequently for updates and new content! Are you excited?

I'm feeling...

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Along with some wonderful gifts, Santa also brought me the flu. I've been feeling under the weather since the day after Christmas. Today is the first day that I've started to feel a bit better, but I can't seem to shake this cough. My husband and pup have been taking good care of me, and I finally got some real meds yesterday. I'm hoping I can kick this sickness in the butt by the end of the weekend and get on with 2012!

On a happier note, I wanted to share something that I posted earlier in the week on my other blog... Cupcakes for two! I spotted this amazing recipe on How Sweet It Is earlier in 2011. Two cute little cupcakes - one for you and one for a friend, or two for you if you don't feel like sharing! I like baking cupcakes, but rarely do because I don't need a dozen of them sitting on the kitchen counter tempting me. Next time I have a sweet tooth, this recipe will be what I reach for!

A Feature & Holiday Cheer

Today, Alison of Long Distance Loving is featuring yours truly and the Mr. as part of her ongoing series {Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder}! I am so thrilled to be a part of her series. You can read the whole post here. For those of you who don't know, my husband and I have known one another since kindergarten. It's true! The 4th grade class photo on Long Distance Loving today proves it. A huge thanks to Alison for including us in the series, and putting together such a lovely post! Be sure to check out her blog for more great posts!

Last night, Danielle had a small holiday gathering at her place (which is fabulously decorated!) Liz and Danielle made yummy cranberry margaritas and a very festive baked brie. Alaina, Taylor, Anne and Farrah were there to join in the Christmas cheer. We ate lots of other goodies, played Apples to Apples and, of course, swooned over Buddy in his Santa suit.

Today I'm finishing up some work and getting packed up for our trip back east for Christmas. The Mr., the pup and I will be in the car for a solid 12-13 hours tomorrow. How many times do you think I can get away with listening to the N*Sync and Glee Christmas albums? We haven't been back east since moving to Chicago in July, so we are really looking forward to seeing the family!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

A Photo Session

I was recently asked to write an article (more to come once it's published!) and provide a headshot. A headshot? Besides wedding photos, I've never been professionally photographed before, so I was left thinking... should I have some photos taken? After thinking about it for a little while, I reached out to Danielle, a fabulous Chicago blogger that I recently starting following since moving (check out her blog, Breakfast at Toast, here). I admired Danielle's work for the Glitter Guide, and tweeted to her to ask if she takes headshots. She replied right away, and we set a date for a mini photo session. I instantly liked Danielle -- she is so sweet and bubbly, and we had a great time during the shoot. I'm usually a little shy, but she made me feel relaxed and we got a few really great shots! From meeting eachother to almost getting locked outside on a patio during the shoot and then becoming buddies with her a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e pup Buddy, we had a great time! Here are a few of the photos she took for me (which I feel a little silly posting on my blog, but what the hay!):

Thanks again, Danielle! I love them!

Testing Your Tastebuds by Oh Happy Day

Being a super picky eater, I'm not sure if I could easily make it through a "Test Your Tastebuds" dinner party. However, the idea behind the party (featured over at Oh Happy Day) is perfectly fun and unique! I know my foodie friends and husband would absolutely love to test their tastebuds by sampling different foods and guessing the ingredients! Do you think you'd be brave enough to try lots of new foods and then guess how they were made? Head on over to Oh Happy Day to check out the rest of the photos and read about the event!

Guest Post at PAWSH Magazine Blog

The other day, I mentioned that I write another blog {check it out, here}. Through that blog, I was given the opportunity to write a guest post for PAWSH Magazine's blog. In case you haven't checked it out yet, PAWSH is a new online mag for pet owners, full of great articles and stylish details. As a paper lover and dog owner, I was super excited and honored to write about -- what else? -- pet themed stationery and invitations! I invite you to pop on over to PAWSH and read the guest post, then click through the digital pages of this pretty pet magazine!

Vintage British Wedding

With it being Royal Wedding Week, my thoughts drifted back to a lovely British wedding I spotted on Ruffled at the beginning of last week. Contrary to what the Royal Wedding will be, this Cambridge wedding is quaint with vintage + retro flair. Although the reception is set in a ballroom, the style is simple and sweet. I adore the bride’s tea-length dress, the venue, and the vintage place settings. Isn’t the couple adorable?

All images via Ruffled

Guest Posting -- Misty Dawn Photography Blog

Today I’m guest posting over at the Misty Dawn Photography Blog. I’ve paired a few of my favorite bridal gowns from the new Spring 2012 collections with gorgeous bouquets and pretty color palette ideas. Here’s a sneak peek:

Be sure to head on over to Misty’s blog to check out the rest of the pairings! Have a lovely weekend, friends!

Five Pretty Posts

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These dainty cake decorations, spotted on 100 Layer Cake, make me smile -- they are just so festive and uber adorable. I really wish I had the need to decorate a cake!

Check out the post {here}.

Lay Baby Lay has the cutest inspiration when it comes to little babes. I love the nursery ideas, but love the ideas for wall art even more. I’m head over heels for this adorable stork design -- it would make such a nice gift, don’t you think?

Check out the post {here}.

The bride’s look for this vintage Alabama wedding is simply stunning. Her hairstyle and dress give her an old Hollywood style. Be sure to click through to view the rest of the photos -- the details are beyond beautiful.

Check out the post {here}.

I’ve seen a lot vintage-style furniture being used at outdoor wedding venues and in photo shoots, and Ritzy Bee has rounded up some fantastic pieces! I love the chipped paint and rustic charm.

Check out the post {here}.

Atlantic-Pacific is a new blog find for me this week -- big thank you to Little White Whale for pointing it out! This girl has some serious style. I’m loving this rainy day look, complete with a preppy trench and red wellies.

Check out the post {here}.

Stylish Blogger Award

Oh happy day! The amazingly talented cake decorator Manni of I Bake Cakes has awarded me the Stylish Blogger Award! She is so sweet, and your jaw will drop when you check out her gorgeous creations, like {these}. I love that her cakes are egg-less -- if I lived closer to where she bakes, I'd probably bug her all the time for something sweet! On to the award...

Upon receiving the award, I was asked to share seven things about myself, so here goes:

1. My husband and I met when we were in kindergarten. Of course, we had no idea that years later we'd fall in love!
2. When I was younger, I wanted to draw cartoon portraits of people in Disney World. That dream eventually evolved into an interest in becoming an illustrator for Disney. How dreams change!
3. I rowed crew during high school, and was a two-time state champion in Michigan.
4. If I could choose one place to travel to, it would be Santorini.
5. My favorite things to wear are stripes and cardigans.
6. I wish I owned a bakery for cute pups. I'd serve bone cookies and doggie-friendly cupcakes.
7. I'm an extremely picky eater, but I love food!

Another part of receiving this award is passing it on to 15 other bloggers that you admire. It's hard to choose, but I find these blogs super stylish and fun:

A Hasty Life

Black | White {Side by Side}

Brunch at Saks

Express-O

Little White Whale

Sisters 4 Say More is More

Nautical by Nature

Bun & Borough

Good Times Never Seem So Good

Misty Dawn Photography

Joy  Ever After

My Sweet Savannah

Design Blooms

Dilly Dallas

Little Miss Momma

Here are the basics of this award:
1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pay it forward to 15 bloggers that you have recently discovered.
4. Contact bloggers and tell them about their award!

Mobile Blogging -- Success!

After chatting with a friend at work who also uses Blogger, I was introduced to Blogger+! Now, I can blog while I'm on-the-go and on vacation this week. I'll be posting photos from all the fun places we visit during our getaway in Seattle and Portland! So, stay tuned! Big thanks to the talented Alisha Jones of Alisha Jones Design! Check out her site and her blog to view her work.

A Taste of Spring

My husband brought a box of strawberries home the other day. A sign that spring is on its way! The entire box was promptly consumed by the two of us – each and every sweet bite making me more and more excited for spring. I just had to go back to the market the next day and pick up another box. For $1.99, wouldn’t you? Then, much to my delight, I spotted this post about a Pinch Cake Lemon Mousse Strawberry Trifle on The Sweetest Occasion. Mmm. I wanted to reach through the screen and have a taste! I think I’ll get just one more box of strawberries and try this treat out. It’s calling my name.

Lookin’ good, Oscar!

One of my favorite blogs to follow is All Things Lovely, which is written by a local photographer and stationery designer. She puts together the best ensembles and looks via Polyvore! One of my favorites is this Wear in the Movies post, and I thought it would be perfect to share with you as we embark on Oscars weekend:

These are my two favorite looks. Check out the rest of the post to see more – which look would get the Oscar?

DIY J.Crew-inspired Shirt

Like most people, I simply adore just about everything that J.Crew designs. Most of the time, though, I find myself heading to the sale section when I'm shopping in the store. Recently, I stumbled across a blog called Welcome to the gOOd life. Are you wondering how this blog find relates to my love for J.Crew? Take a look at {this DIY project}, {this DIY project} and {this DIY project}. Now you get the picture! With the day off for President's Day, I'm going out on a hunt for a striped shirt and some sequins!

Blog Find: Lay Baby Lay

Have you checked out Lay Baby Lay yet? The blog was started just one month ago, but is already full of gorgeous nursery inspiration, a pretty DIY bunting project, and more adorable baby-related posts. I’m especially loving the inspiration for this Pops of Pink nursery and a Neutral Mellow Yellow nursery. Be sure to read {this post} about author Joni’s nursery for her sweet baby girl Vivi Charles. The room is so stunning with a black and white zig-zag rug, French inspired furniture, and kate spade appeal. This is definitely a blog to add to your list!

Guest Posting at Misty Dawn Photography Blog

With much happiness, I want to let all of my fabulous readers know that I will be regularly guest posting on the Misty Dawn Photography blog! Misty and I have been friends for a few years now, and even worked together for a short time. Misty was the photographer for my wedding in September of 2009, and the photos are truly beautiful -- take a look {here}! If you haven't seen her work or read her blog, you should take a peek and follow along!

My first guest post is up on her blog today {click here to read it}, and I'm highlighting BLHDN, which is the wedding line by Anthropologie that will officially debut on Valentine's Day. It's absolutely stunning. For some gorgeous eye candy, pop on over to the MDP blog today!

image via Glamour

You might laugh out loud...

Today on Something Old, Something New, there was a post that pointed out a new blog to me. Turns out, the blog is written by Kendi of Kendi Everyday. Her other blog (the one that Something Old, Something New pointed out) is called Better Off Wed. It is ridiculously funny. Really. You might laugh out loud like I did – especially when reading posts like {this one} and {this one}.

Equestrian Flair Baby Shower

Reichel from Copy Cat Chic is just so cute -- and she just had a baby shower that was just as cute! Check out some of the fun detail photos from her tea party baby shower that had equestrian flair, and then pop on over to her super stylish blog to see more!