Modern With A Vintage Touch

Anthropologie's has always been a favorite store of mine. However, the cost of shopping there can get a little out of control. I have actually giving up shopping there altogether.

Imagine my sursprise when I came across this great online boutique, Ruche. They stock the shop with modern pieces that are inspired by a vintage look. The price points are very reasonable and because they carry small boutique brands you can be assured to find something unique.

I love the selection of outerwear and sweaters. How cute are these pieces!

This friday they are offering 15% off your purchase with the code: RUCHEBFCM. 

Cocky Rooster Design

Last week I received and email from my friend Kristine that contained some exciting news. She just opened her new online stationary store!

I use to work with Kristine and she was one of my favorite designers to work with! She would always make me laugh. Her sense of humor and playfulness definitely comes through in her design.

I am very proud that she has decided to take a stab on going off on her own. I know she will be very sucessful.

Please check out her website, Cocky Rooster Design and her Etsy Store.

Here is a few sneak peeks of what she's has in the store. There are some great Holiday Cards and more designs will be added as time goes by. I hope see a few French, Oh La La inspired designs!

Let's Get Started.

So I have been official engaged for a week. :) Travis proposed to me last friday and it was really special.

Let's just say a lot of people are excited and planning has began.

I found this really cute wedding blog.

I am looking forward to sharing the planning experience with all of you!

Apples for Jam: Daydream your food

Apples for Jam: A Colorful Cookbook by Tessa Kiros


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I really wanted to love this cookbook, however I wasn't really impressed by it. First the layout isn't a typical cookbook layout. It is organized by color instead of by courses, ie. appetizers, soups/salads, meats, desserts etc.

Also I wasn't reallly impressed with the photography. I believe they are really beautiful pictures but I really want food porn.

This is more for the cook who likes to daydream about cooking comfort foods and bring back a nostalgia.

I did try a few of the recipes and I really recommend the brown rice risotto as a jumping up point.

Most of the recipes seemed to be jumping off points to inspire you to create a better recipe.

I just won't be adding this to my cookbook collection.

View all my reviews >>

Paris Hotel

I am currently in the midst of redecorating my kitchen and lounge and have been looking for some inspiration.

I just came across this online shop...Paris Hotel Boutique. Super cute!

I am loving these antique french menu decoupage trays.

Mangi

I am back in the blogging world. This summer was pretty busy for me. Lots of weddings, work and moving to a new apartment.

I love our new place. We moved to the historical part of Edgewater in Chicago. This area is very diverse in culture, especially when it comes to food! I can't wait to explore the ethnic grocery store and restaurants on Devon Ave.

So in the spirit of moving to this new neighborhood I am going to take a break from wishing I was french. Instead I am going to wish I was Italian for a bit.

Why should you ask? It's because I got this great new cookbook, Ciao Italia but Mary Ann Esposito. The basics of this particular Italian cookbook is to whip up a delicious meal using only five ingredients. Mary Ann Esposito is the host of the public television show, Ciao Italia. I haven't seen here show but I do recommend checking out her new cookbook.

Here are the recipes I have planned to cook this week for the book.

Tonight is going to be a classic, spaghetti and meatballs, however it comes with a twist. Polpettoni al Formaggio or Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs uses just five ingredients of cream, mozzarella, bread crumbs, and two types of ground beef.

So often I forget just how comforting a plate of spaghetti and meatballs can be. I am very much looking forward to cooking this meal.

Monday: Cappesante e Pomodori Fritti (Scallops and Fried Tomatoes) which will be accompanied by a spinach and red onion salad.

Tuesday: Pollo al Limone de Erbe (Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Herbs).

Wednesday: Tortina di Funghi Spinach e Formaggio (Mushroom, Spinach and Cheese Tart). Travis actually turned his nose up when I told him the plan for the dish. He isn't a fan of mushrooms, however I am and reassured him it will surprise him into liking it. Seriously, cheese when it's melty and gooey makes any dish good.

Thursday: Chicken Enchiladas. I know it's not Italian, but since I am making Travis eat mushrooms on Wednesday I thought I would make him one of his favorite meals.

Friday: Pizza! Homemade of course by Travistino's (Travis's alter pizza maker ego.)

Saturday: We are going to check out a Italian restaurant in our new neighborhood.

Abbia una buona settimana!*
Have a good week!

*translation by Babble Fish

House of Fashion

I just found this great service here in Chicago!

Masion de Couture

It's a imaging consultant service plus they offer trunk show four times a year. I will be soon checking it out.