Fruity Tootie

Via

Seriousness is for the birds. I love being young and I think that talking about silly things is one of the most fun and interesting ways to get to know even the people you know the best. I have been known to send a mass text or two asking my friends and family what type of fruit, color, animal, etc. they could be and why. Explanations are a combination of fascinating, hilarious, and indicative of personality. Its also a fun way to get to know strangers--a friend of a friend when the conversation drops, or the like. If I could be any type of fruit I would be a Pineapple. I think Pineapples are so fun. I love their color, inside and out, I love their spikes, they are tough on the outside but sweet on the inside. They can be eaten plain, or grilled for an extra sweet dessert, they are at the top of Carmen Miranda's hat--I didn't know her name, I had to google the lady that dances with fruit on her hat, but who doesn't want to be at the top of her hat?! I want to be a pineapple because they are so much fun, which most of my friends and family would tell you is very indicative of my personality. Im the first one signed up for karaoke, will talk in accents in any given moment, and love to live life for the fun of it.  I have gotten some pretty good responses so far in the form of strawberries, raspberries, apples, and a kiwi- but if you could be any kind of fruit, which would you be?
xoxo,
Alex

Post Weekend Wishlist

This weekend flew by, and as I was working both days, I let myself sleep in this morning-this has been the best Monday in a while! In normal fashion, I have found a slew of things I wish were mine throughout last week and the weekend, and hope to acquire at least some of it this week!

1. Volupsa Candle These candles are literally the best thing I have ever smelled, that fill any room with a subtle but AMAZING scent. They have a variety of scents and the tins are so chic, they add style as well as beautiful smells to any room.
2. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil These jumbo eye pencils are a no-brainer; they are easy to use, coat your entire lid, are extra-pigmented, and this particular bronzy-gold color is called French Fries- uhhh, duh!
3. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Lara's Theme I have been wanting to try a Deborah Lippmann nail polish for a long time, but the $16.00 price tag has always been too much of a deterrent. That was, until I came across this tangerine color, and Amazon.com offers them for less! It is such a beautiful color that will compliment all skin colors.
4. Hunter Boots I have wanted a pair of Hunter Boots literally forever, and even ordered one once, but returned them because of some unsightly skid marks. I have been flip-flopping between original green or a bright yellow or red, but when I saw these limited edition ones, I knew that these were perfect. (side note: I am a sucker for anything limited-edition...I know they're a gimmick, but I can't help myself)
5. Piperlime. Anything and Everything. Piperlime is one of my favorite places to shop because of the variety of brands and options they offer, their vast catalogue of types of items (shoes, accessories, apparel, etc.), free shipping AND returns, and their adorable packaging. So, I would loveeee a shopping spree at Piperlime. The sooner, the better.
6. La Tartine Gourmande I love a good cookbook. The images, how sometimes the ingredients get on the page, and the end results. As I've mentioned, I spent a semester in France, and am obsessed with all things French. As an aspiring baker, this is the perfect cookbook for great recipes and even more beautiful pictures.
7. Tory Burch Classic Reva Flat. I love Tory Burch and her classic flats are some of my favorite shoes I own. I have a metallic pair that I have literally worn to death, and its time to replace them. I think its time for a classic, and black with gold detailing is just that.

Have a fabulous week!
xoxo,
Alex

TGIF...TAPAS TIME!

If the above plate does not make you salivate instantaneously, you should probably never go to Spain with me. I've already mentioned favorite pastimes of mine include traveling and gift giving, however, my all time favorite hobby, activity, passion, OF ALL TIME is eating. I would never go as far as to enter myself into contests, as I feel like that defeats the purpose of really enjoying a meal, but don't count me out as far as how much I can consume in a sitting. For this reason, and a number of pairs of my favorite jeans sitting in my drawer whose buttons may or may not have seen their closures in some time, my absolute favorite way to dine is eating tapas. I became obsessed with this tradition while in Barcelona- I insisted on only eating in Tapas restaurants while there, and now that I am back in Milwaukee I partake in this style of eating on most Friday or Saturday nights. Eating tapas-style is not only enjoyable for the food, but also for the experience. The menus at most tapas restaurants frequently change as the chefs create new specialties, and if you're lucky, they change with seasons as local ingredients do; its a surprise each time you go, and if you order in increments of two or three, you are able to try out all sorts of menu items. It is usually my experience that the next is better than the last, anticipation builds with each round. Another great things about tapas is that you are able to try all sorts of foods without making a serious commitment, if you order octopus-crostini, only 3 or 4 small servings will come, if each person you are with tries one, the ones who enjoy it can split the remaining, and the ones who don't can cross octopus-crostini off their food-bucket-lists! You end your meal having wonderful conversations about the food, and a satisfied, as opposed to a too-full-to-function feeling. Tapas are also a great way to entertain, look to Pinterest for small appetizer recipes, or adapt your go-to favorite foods into tapas form! Create cute presentations with chalk paint or washi tape and toothpicks and you are sure to create an evening to remember!
In case you are ever in Milwaukee- a restaurant you HAVE to try...

The Odd Duck in Bay View, Wisconsin 

The Odd Duck is a new restaurant opened in the eclectic town of Bay View. It is a small setting, but it its flavors are anything but. It offers both small and large tapas, for both vegetarians and carnivores, alike. I am going tonight, and already have a few favorites I will be ordering...

Meat plate with chef's choice of local meat for the night, gouda-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon (YEAH), locally -grown heirloom tomato salad.
Who wants to meet me at dinner?!
xoxo,
Alex    

Birchbox

Via

Gift giving is one of my absolute favorite past times- when you are supposed to list "hobbies" or "activities" on any kind of admissions form or the like, mine pretty much consist of collaging things to give as gifts, shopping for gifts, giving gifts, and collecting souvenirs...as gifts. I just love the feeling of picking something out that I know someone will love, or surprising someone with something fun to brighten their week! Needless to say, when I heard about Birchbox I was immediately hooked! I have gotten both my mom and sister, cousin, and some of my friends hooked too! What is better than a one-time gift-- a monthly surprise gift filled with deluxe-sized beauty samples and "lifestyle" extras! It arrives toward the beginning or middle of the month and is themed each month to allow samples to coincide- most recently, Birchbox has paired with Teen Vogue, Glamour magazine, and Gossip Girl, and have also had Natural Wonders, Jet Set and Beauty School as themes! It is only $10.00 a month, and is truly something to which I look forward everyday leading up to my box being delivered! What's great about this subscription service is that you can fill out a beauty profile, and you can provide feedback on the products in your box to help Birchbox identify the kinds of things their subscribers like best. For each item for which you provide feedback, 10 points are awarded to your account, and 100 points=$10. Its not hard to rack 'em up, I have had my box for 9 months, and am already at 500 points=$50. You can use your points to buy full-sized items of samples you loved! It is a simple way to make your day/week/month/year a little more exciting!!

Things I have received in my Birchbox that I have loved most:
-Essie Luxe Effects full-sized nail polish
-Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint
-Kerastase Elixir Ultime
-Twist Band Hairtie
-Befine Exfoliator
-Dior Mascara
-Shu Uemura Oil Treatment
-Tili Bags
-Comodynes Self-Tanner Towelette

Along with tons of other products that are perfect for traveling, throwing in your clutch for a night out, or testing out at home!
Find a way to treat yourself this month!
xoxo,
Alex

Post Weekend Wishlist

I spent my weekend covered in mod-podge, J.Crew catalogue cutouts and glitter-not that I am complaining. If I had my way, that would be my go-to-wardrobe. I am collaging a mirror for my younger sister who moved back to NYC this weekend to begin her sophomore year at Fordham University, and want to get it done quickly so she has a little slice of me in her tiny little haven. I have, however, obviously found time to lust after a few things this week, and here is the top of the list...

1. Black Blazer I have the perfect J.Crew Navy Schoolboy blazer, but I have been wanting a black one for EVER, and this one from Zara is the perfect twist on the classic; it has a flattering, classic silhouette but the details on the shoulder give it an extra flair that makes it stand out and upgrades any outfit.

2. Rebecca Minkoff bag in Mint I have been wanting a Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac ever since it appeared on two of my favorite online websites, shopbop.com and piperlime.com; and the Mint color is at the top of my list. I have been able to find pictures of the color, but it has been sold-out or unavailable online...challenge accepted!

3. Swizzle Sticks Here, here, and here. Most of my friends have moved into their apartments or post-grad lives, one at med school, one in Micronesia, one traveling week to week, and the others in (somewhat) grown-up apartments. Give me an inch of decorative freedom and I'll take a mile...this time in the form of housewarming gifts. One of my favorite past-times of all time is giving gifts, and gifts for the home are especially exciting. I found these homemade swizzle sticks on Etsy, and find them so charming-they are a great gift or D-I-Y to have any hostess showered with compliments all night long.

4. Olive Parka Fall and winter are my favorite seasons. Free people cozy sweaters, boots, J.crew Camp socks, lots-o-layers and coats are undoubtedly my most treasured wardrobe staples. Living in Wisconsin, fall sometimes feel like winter, and winters sometime feels like Antarctica. Thus, coats must have a duel purpose: look cute, AND keep me warm. Enter this olive parka with a fur hood from Zara. IN. LOVE.

5. Moroccan Boots Recently, one of my good friends with impeccable taste and a closet I would love to raid returned from a semester abroad. Needless to say, I rushed to her house so she could point out each souvenir piece-by-piece. Leather motorcycle jacket and fur coat from Florence markets, post cards from Yves Saint Laurent's personal garden, and leather boots from Morocco had me swooning. The boots, imparticular. They are so unique, unlike the typical black-brown-tan riding boot of the season (which I also love, but are everywhere). I immediately began my internet search, turning to ebay and contemplating spending close to $300.00 to have boots shipped from Marrakech. And then my guy Steve Madden came through with these new boots that have the perfect Moroccan-influence with a worn-into-the-ground distress.

6. Stackable Rings I have been wanting stackable rings to layer on one finger, or spread amongst three, for a delicate statement, and these gold rings are just that.

7. Ombre Necklace  This is a true wish-list piece, as it carries a hefty price tag, but when I saw it on Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere, who might as well be my permanent wish-list inspiration, I was immediately drawn to the sparkle, color, and design. It is perfection...

Have a fabulous week!
xoxo,
Alex

Mark your Calendars...3,2,1 LAUNCH!

I always have been, am now, and always will be, excited about a deal. So, it comes as no surprise that I have literally marked my calendar for a YEAR ahead in anticipation of these new launches and collaborations...get ready: H&M Home, and Neiman Marcus for Target. I mean I can hardly stand it I am so excited. And you should be too, you get designer duds and digs for home at amazing prices!

H&M Home in the United States is set to debut with stores in early 2013, and according to WWD, the decor is "Divided according to the different rooms of the house," and "the trend-driven collection mines themes seen on the runways!" Literal couture for your crib! You can preview a few of my favorites off of the H&M Home's current UK website! Hangers with sweet reminders, western-inspired throws, French Bakery-esque dish towels, shoe bags with brightly colored designs, and cool storage baskets to name a few!

Neiman Marcus for Target will debut on December 1st, 2012 in-stores and on-line, and will feature a limited edition holiday collection designed by 24 CFDA designers, including  Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam,Diane von Furstenberg, Jason Wu, Marc Jacobs,Oscar de la Renta,Tory Burch, Alice + Olivia,Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Brian Atwood, Eddie Borgo, Judith Leiber, Lela Rose, Marchesa, Philip Crangi, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Robert Rodriguez, Rodarte, Skaist Taylor,Thom Browne, and Tracy Reese. Pause for Minor heart attack. According to Fab Sugar, each designer is reported to have designed three pieces, ranging from "apparel (women's, men's, and children's) to home decor, electronics, and even pet accessories," as well as "50 limited-edition gifts and will be priced from $8 to $500. However, expect most items to retail for less than $60." So don't only mark your calendars, but dust off your piggy banks and start saving so you can splurge when the time comes!
I think I am more excited about these launches than Charlie was in Willy Wonka's Factory. 
xoxo, 
Alex

Travel Essentials

My family and I took a trip this week to Colorado for a little adventure: whitewater rafting! More on that later, but I am currently looking out on the mountains of Breckenridge, glass of cupcake Sauvignon Blanc in my hand, LITERALLY LOVING LIFE. I am fortunate enough to call myself well traveled; I have been to eleven countries in Europe, spent two weeks in a Mayan Village in Belize, and have been to multiple states. That being said, I cannot claim to be the most efficient, or even best prepared traveler. However, I have picked up a few essential tips that I think make the process of traveling a little bit more pleasant!

1. A roller carry-on or checked bag: This one happens to be DVF, but any kind/brand will do! The reason these are so practical for girls like me is because it is simply IMPRACTICAL that I would under pack, and a definite that I always over pack. You have to have those what-if outfits, right? I have gone through the Vera Bradley phase, and have seen the cute cross body bags from places like J.Crew and H&M, but trust me on this: they only lead to agony. The smart way to travel is to drag your belongings behind you, duh! Seriously though, rolling a bag through the airport is so much simpler than constantly switching shoulders, or nervously checking if your stuffed-to-the-brim cloth bag’s handles are going to break at any second. This is a definite must for me.

2. A long, cozy sweater or wrap. These two options are from Piperlime, one of my absolute favorite sites for fashion, and look just perfect for flights. They are long enough that you can wear leggings or jeans, and loose enough that you don’t have to worry about sucking in for the duration of your travel. Being comfortable in sometimes-uncomfortable situations is a must. Also, if you opt for a wrap it can double as a blanket or pillow!

3. J.Crew Camp Socks. I have these in every one of my carryons as my feet always get cold from the temperatures on the plane. They are super soft, warm, and cute, and will keep your piggies toastie all flight long.

4. Love quotes scarves. These are a definite splurge or item for your next Christmas list, but they are worth it. They are 100% cashmere and are extremely chic. Not only do you look nonchalant and fashionable, but these are also great for doubling as pillows or blankets for a long or cold flight. In the unfortunate event that you are stuck near the bathroom or a particularly potent traveler, don’t feel ashamed to bury your nose in one of these-no one will know!

5. Tili bags. These TSA approved quart sized bags are too cute to pass up! They are perfect for storing snacks, toiletries, makeup, or any of your travel essentials.

6. Longchamp tote. These are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reasons, they are roomy, lightweight, and nylon, so they can endure the travel wear and tear. I like the traditional black, but they have come out with some amazing colors as of late. Check out sites like ruelala.com for potential discount sales.

7. Kind Bars. These super nutritional bars are the perfect travel snack, packed with protein, fiber and tons of other nutritious goodies, they will satisfy hunger on long flights or lengthy layovers without the guilt the fries at McDonalds boast. Plus, with a variety of yummy flavors, you can find something for every taste-bud!

8. Camelbak. I love these waterbottles for multiple reasons. One, they are large enough to hold a good amount of water so you are not constantly running out. Two, they are BPA-free, so you conveniently will not contract cancer from hydrating your body! Three: the straw feature makes them easily accessible in every situation: on the plane during turbulence, in security while carrying six other things, and waiting in lines. 

These of course accompany the understood, such as headphones, cash, and the like, but for now...enjoy your own cocktail and plan your next dream vacation!

Hope your week is as amazing as it is here in the mountians!

xoxo, 

Alex

Post Weekend Wishlist

‘ello govena’! I have been practicing my British accent lately as I have been absolutely OBSESSED with the Olympics, and everything sounds better with a little English cheer! I mean, I have taken my fixation so far as to actually take to the treadmill while watching them in the hopes of making some team in the 2016 games, and for those of you who do not know me, I consider running down to my basement to grab a cold Miller Lite exercise so this is a big commitment…hey, a girl can dream! As you might be able to imagine, my weekend was filled with lots of games and of course, a little online shopping and catching up on fashion magazines in the beautiful weather. I have found a few gems for which I am currently pining…

1. Baggu! As per my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days, I am really trying to be better about bringing my own shopping bag and doing my part to stay green without growing dreads, wearing all burlap, and chaining myself to a tree. Luckily for me, Baggu makes it not only easy, but fun! They have a huge variety of colors and patterns to choose from, and I cannot wait to start my collection.

2. Fresh Body Milk. You know that feeling you get when you just get out of the shower and your legs are freshly shaven and your lotion makes them soft-as-butta?! Well, my friends, that feeling lasts all of 5 minutes for me because of my blessing of Irish skin. Not only is my skin practically translucent, but it is also extremely sensitive which means razor burn or a rash from lotion are annoyingly predictable. Enter Fresh Body Milk…the first lotion to give my legs and the rest of my rockin’ bod that silky smooth feeling for good! And don’t let the milk analogy scare you-this smells heavenly.

3. Essie Ole Caliente! This red-orange beauty is THAT color for which I have always been looking…its not the typical Big Apple Red, nor is it a coral color that requires a tan. Nope, this is the perfect all year round color that elicits ohhs and ahhs from onlookers!

4. Anthropologie’s patched Heather hoodie. I cheated on this one, as I work at Anthropologie and am currently wearing this sweater-BUT it was once on my wishlist I swear! This sweater is literally like wrapping myself in my softest blanket. It is flattering, comfortable, and as my mom exclaimed: the perfect summer sweater. Like it was made for bonfires and after-boating barbeques. HUGE plus: the back is just long enough that you can get away with wearing leggings!! OHH YEAHH

5. …Kate Spade pouch that I can’t afford, right? WRONGGGG this babe comes in at a whooping $4.80! That’s right, you can have your clutch and afford it too!! I’m usually quite the skeptic when in comes to Forever 21, and have been known to drag my heels at the entrance, wary of the mess in which I am about to find myself. However, every once in a while a great piece comes along, and this is one of ‘em! I love the metallic polka dots, and the size seems just right for a makeup bag or pouch for your carry on.

6. Flamingo Matches! I am a firm believer in functionality and flare-just because something serves a purpose or utility does not mean it cannot contribute to décor. These flamingo matches are a perfect case-in-point: a matchpoint, if you will (I HAD to), they remind me of Miami circa 1960, very retro-chic, yet functional! They are sure to light up any room (okay, I’m done)!

7. Anthropologie petrified wood serving tray: Recently, I ventured into a new part of my dear old city and discovered what can only be described as the city’s best kept secret. Plenty of restaurants claim the title, but this place actually lives up to the hype. Its menu changes daily because of their commitment to fresh ingredients, and most come locally! One of the vest parts about it was the presentation, a charcuterie plate as well as a cheese board met my widening eyes as I literally salivated in anticipation (too much?!) I love the idea of these plates as appetizers, and am even more fond of the presentation-take this petrified wooden board from Anthropologie! Any cheese, meat, or appetizer will look decadent on this board- and it makes a fabulous housewarming or hostess gift!

Those are my lusts for the week, check back next Monday as I’m sure this weekend will have me pinning, instagraming, and post-it note sticking to a slew of new trinkets!

Have a fabulous Monday!

xoxo,
Alex 

The start of something good

I have been anxiously awaiting this day for what feels like forever but in all actuality, has probably only been about two weeks! I have always wanted to do a lifestyle blog, after having a bookmarks bar filled with a few of my favorites (read: obsession), and sparkling with excitement each time I get to read a new post, I have finally decided to start my own! (side note: I studied abroad in the south of France spring semester of my junior year, and my computer crashed...don't feel too bad, I occupied myself enough with the vinyards, Mediterranean Sea, and French food, and literally the week I got Stateside I marched myself into my apple store, and demanded that my computer be backed up, only to be asked what sort of external drive I would need to hold all my important documents, to which I replied, "well, one that is big enough to hold a folder for my bookmarks bar that contains my most favorite blogs and recipies I want to make--I was met with sheer disgust, but its not like I judged him for all the techie blogs Im sureeee he reads!) Anyways, my hesitation came from several sources:I'm not really that cool, I don't have an unlimited budget, and my days are not spent perusing fabulous flea markets. However, after one of my best friends Christy came to visit I renewed my love affair with my city, and motivated myself to live a life that I envy on the internet, albiet a midwestern one, but that is just fine with me (Im working on the coolness). In the fashion of one of my very favorites, Design Darling I made a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days (or 2.75 years) that I hope will give me lots to document, and in between posts of wish lists and weekly musings, will help me accomplish my very goal of living a fabulous life on a frugal budget and in a farmtown (sortof..) city!

And so it begins...

1. Start a blog   wohoo!! 8/1/2012
2. Go whitewater rafting 8/7/2012 Fort Collins, CO

3. Get 100 views on a post
4. Guest write on a blog I admire, online magazine like Matchbook, or even letter to editor, etc!
5. Work for dream company

6. Develop wardrobe with help of Cupcakes and Cashmere’s book

7. Go on a date

8. Get an apartment

9. Start my own company/ etsy shop

10. Workout at least 3x week for 6 months

11.Write a handwritten note to a friend at least once/month

12. Give up diet coke for good
13. Drink 3 glasses of green tea/day for 1 month

14. Blog 5 days a week for 6 months

15. Give a blessingsinabackpag.org bag

16. Have a vegetable garden

17. Buy a homeless person a meal

18. Go zip-lining            

19. Send a message in a bottle
20. Throw a mystery murder party
21. Start a stamp collection and make my own stationary for my hand written notes

22. Go to the Ellen DeGeneres show

23. See a broadway show

24. Learn to sail
25. Visit a famous flea market and buy a vintage piece of furniture to refurbish

26. Have a style rack of seasonal inspiration every season for a year

27. Own a pair of Louboutions
28. Wear sequin dress on NYE
29. By my own car

30. Take a cooking class

31. Become fluent in French

32. Audit a history class
33. Watch one documentary a month for a year

32. Collaborate creatively with a brand I love

33. Work with an interior design firm

34. Attend a fashion show

35.Take a trip

36. Collect all Domino Special Editions

37. Get a new Mac

38. Run 5 mile charity run

39. Get laser hair removal

40. Buy and frame original piece of art (college art show)

41. Go to farmers’ market

42. Collect 10 style/design books

43. Own one of every color of nail polish

44. Visit my sister in NYC

45. Host family bowling on Thanksgiving and beat one of my brothers

46. Spend a whole day with Thomas and one with Oliver doing what they want

47. Plan date night for my parents

48. Participate in citywide scavenger hunt

49. Go glamping

50. Visit Kat in San Francisco

51. Get a nice camera

52. Try one new food a week for 5 weeks

53. Develop a signature cocktail

54. Learn my blood type and donate

55. Skydive

56. Save $20/week

57. Take a floral arranging class

58. Work with professional on my blog

59. Purchase flight day of and go!

60. Invest in 3 different companies

61. Hike to top of a MT

62. Eat at only food trucks for a day

63. Bake an ombre cake

64. Win a contest/give-away

65. Accumulate 5 new pairs of different shoes/year

66. Have college reunion

67. Write each cousin 1 letter

68. Get faux fur vest

69. Help my mom redo the kitchen/house

70. Make purchase off gilt.com

71. Get a bikini body

72. Watch 5 classic films

73. Go to a drive-in restaurant

74. Get nice luggage

75. Send a present to soldier

76. Play 18 holes of golf

77. Buy and use a reusable shopping bag for 2/mos

78. Buy a lottery ticket

79. Help someone else write a 101 list and cross something off

80. Go to book signing and get book signed

81. Get a nice umbrella

82. Find a signature scent

83. Make 5 things from Ps. I made this!

84. Plant a tree

85. Take weekend trip to Boston

86. Buy something I custom designed

87. Find an occasion to wear false lashes

88. Upgrade to iphone 5

89. Send my Madame letter each holiday

90. Start a tradition

91. Refurbish 5 pieces of furniture

92. Do a polar bear swim

93. Invent a secret recipe

94. Go to a famous zoo

95. Subscribe to National Geographic Magazine

96. Go to a Green Bay Packer Game

97. Eat at every ward/village in the city

98. Go to an NHL game

99. Make 10 pinterest recipes

100. Get something with a crazy reputation off of a menu 

101. Make new list when I finish this list 

Wish me luck, and let me know if you're planning on making a list!

xx, 

Alex