Spring 2013 Fashion Guide

It's January, yet it's warm and I haven't seen snow in quite some time.
This strange weather makes me want Spring more than usual, so I thought now would be a good time to do a Spring fashion guide.
The best part about Spring is the change of clothing. We go from dark colors, boots, hats, and wool scarves to light layers, fresh and fun colors, and strappy sandals.
When I was younger, it seemed that if you weren't right on trend, you were made fun of in school, thought to be uncool.
Now, if you're doing something different, people admire you for it.
You really can't go wrong this spring. Bright colors, pastels, grays and browns are all making an appearance on the runway.
Anymore you can find skinny jeans next to boot cuts next to flared jeans. You'll find girls of the same age preferring different styles and all rocking them flawlessly. A young girl's fashion has really become about personal preference and being able to pull off the look you're going for, rather than having one label.
One day you can find me in a colorful, flowery dress, and the next I'll be in a black and gray tiger t-shirt with leather boots.
I don't have an exact style. I always felt pressured into fitting into a certain group: was I preppy with polos and khakis or was I more of a vixen with dark colors, tight pants, and sky-high heels?
Now that I'm older, I see fashion for what it is. Fun.
If you're not having fun with it, you're doing it wrong. You don't need to fit into one single category. Do what you want, play with color, and most importnatly, rock what you wear.
So here is my eclectic mix of clothing that you may catch me in this Spring.

 find it here

I love pink. Pink goes with light, pink goes with dark, pink is feminine no matter how you wear it. Pink is good. This blazer is great for work or running around town. It makes you look like you tried to be "stylish", yet you can throw it on over just about anything else in your closet.

find it here

Statement tees are fun, fashionable, and easy to wear. You can be a size 2 or 22 and this shirt will be just as cool. The dripping paint look reminds me of Zevs dripping logo art, which I fell in love with last year.

 find it here

Who doesn't love a body suit? It won't come untucked and it looks sleek and composed all night. You could be sloppy drunk (not that I recommend it) and your outfit will still look flawless- minus the drink spills.....

 find it here

If it's just a little too cold to wear your favorite dress, throw this on. Keep it in your bag or car and when the sun starts going down, sling this on and voila. Warm again. You could also wear this with leggings or jeans for an extra slouchy look. No matter how you wear it, you're going to be comfortable.

 find them here

Not only are these pants colorful, they scream spring. Blue is a great color to wear year round. They're a slightly stretchy, almost legging type pant, so very breathable and won't weigh you down. The best part about these is that they're under $15! These pants are an awesome way to change your wardrobe significantly without spending a ton of money. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, but I like blue the best.

find it here

The older I get, the more muted colors I enjoy wearing. Taupe is one of my new favorites. It's good for every season and will always be classy. You will always be on color trend if you go with earth tones, so if you're someone who worries about that sort of thing, make your expensive clothing purchases in colors that will be "in" forever. Then mix it up with the more inexpensive items in your closet.

Ok, now here's something I've been struggling with for a while. Denim on denim.
I'm never quite sure if I love it. But then crazy colored pants came back into stores, and all of a sudden it's ok to wear a denim top with coral colored pants.
You can find my favorite denim tops here, here, and here.

If you're stuck with what to wear, ask yourself if you love it. If you love it and will wear it, buy it.
No one else's opinion matters.

X

The Roundhouse

The last train station on the BNSF metra is Aurora, IL.
Some of you may recognize that city from Wayne's World... No way! Way!
Connected to the train station is what is known as The Roundhouse.
I'm not sure of everything that currently occupies the building, but from what little wandering I've done, I've seen a pub tucked away. I've been told there are also little venues for concerts/weddings/events within the building.
During the holidays, reindeer would be put in the center to mingle with the diners and wanderers.
They don't do this anymore due to a death in the reindeer family. Apparently reindeer have very sensitive stomachs and people were feeding the food off their plates.
Regardless, The RH has become a favorite of mine.
We were the first customers for the day, don't let the empty tables fool you. By the time we were done eating, the place was full of men in suits, girlfriends meeting up, and families too.

The atmosphere is a mix of soft and hard, warm and cold. The old wood floor, stone walls, exposed hardware, cushiony sleek leather seats, and roaring fires keep the restaurant comfortable, yet stimulating.

I went with the Roundhouse Burger. It is a medium-thick patty with applewood smoked bacon, a roasted pablano, white cheddar cheese, and oozing with a house-made spicy/tangy barbecue sauce. I also opted for the house-cut french fries.
Everything that is served at The RH is 100% organic, including beverages.
The owners also only use local, fresh ingredients.
I couldn't believe my senses when our waitress brought out the food. It looked and smelled so amazing. I don't think J and I talked for the next 15-20 minutes as we devoured our lunch, except for the occasional "can I have a bite of that?"

J ordered the N'Awlins Muffaletta- a sandwich made of ham, salami, mortadella, and capicola meats with provalone cheese, topped with an olive salad, smooshed between two pieces of a sesame bun.

 

The portions are enough to have a meal and take a goody bag home... that's only if your tastebuds will let you stop.
The building has been in the hands of many owners (including Walter payton of the Bears), but now the RH is owned by Two Brothers.
They brew and serve their own beer and have seasonal favorites; you can learn more about that and brewery tours here.

You can also find more information about The RH here, and the other Two Brother's restaurant, The Tap House, here.

Philadelphia Brownies

Hi everyone!

It has been a loooong few months. I have a ton of updates to give you.

Most importantly, I graduated from college and am now ready to sit for boards!

I'm nervous and excited and so ready to get on with the rest of my life.

I'm adjusting slowly to city life, but it's not coming as naturally as I thought it would.

I get nervous going to new places by myself when J is at work, but I know the more I do it, the easier it will be.

Moving to a new state requires so much paperwork in order to get a new license, a library card, and all the other little things you don't really think of.

I wouldn't change any of it though!

 

It's snowing today and I'm being a shut-in with the pup. Nothing sits better in my tummy on a cold winter day than something deliciously warm.

I've been trying to stay away from sweets but since it's my Dad's birthday and I wanted to bake him something anyways, here's one of my all-time favorite treats- Philadelphia Brownies.

 

 

 

A rendition of this recipe goes way back in my family. It's one that my Grandma loved baking for my Dad. Since I can't find Grandma's recipe, I made my own easy (cheating!) version.

 

What you'll need:

1 Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme brownie mix

1/4 cup water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 package (8oz) Philadelphia cream cheese

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

 



 

What I love about the Ghirardelli brownies is that it comes with a chocolate syrup. Set the syrup aside, even though the package tells you to add it right away, DON'T! Otherwise, follow the directions on the back of the box. Pour only 2/3 of the mixture into the greased pan, and set it aside (don't put it in the oven yet). Save the other 1/3, along with the syrup packet, and set it aside.

 

With a mixer, beat the cream cheese until it is soft and smooth, then add 1 egg, the sugar, and the vanilla. Mix until it is smooth again.

Plop the entire cream cheese mix on top of the uncooked brownies in the pan. Smooth it all around until it covers most of the top. Then pour the remaining brownie mix over the cream cheese mix. Don't worry if the white shows through. This isn't art class!

Spread the syrup packet evenly over the pan using a knife. You can leave it like this, or make a pretty design using the tip of the knife.

 

Plop the pan in the oven at 325F for about 35-40 minutes or until the cream cheese is a golden color. Wait until the pan is completely cooled before cutting and serving.

Also, these should be refrigerated.... obviously unless they're all gone after one sitting!