On My Radar

It's going to be hopefully a very fun filled active weekend (especially after the stress of last week!). During my downtime I'm hoping to finish the delightful autobiography by Julia Child. Its truly an excellent read. I'm riveted by her stories of Paris, the famed Le Cordon Bleu and her path towards finding and fulfilling her passions. Truly an inspiring woman.



I've read all the press and the rave reviews of Valentino: The Last Emperor and I'm determined to see it! I'm curious to learn more about the famous couturier; his rise in fashion, his quirks and how he creates his amazing designs. It will be out in the Chicago theatres on August 22 at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Check out the website when you get a chance.

Our weekend will be packed but in a good way! Friends of ours asked us to check out the 101st Race to Mackinac that kicks off tomorrow. It's a big to do around these parts, especially if you are into sailing. I've never been to Mackinac Island but I'm hoping to go this Fall with Jack for a quick getaway weekend. We won't be racing tomorrow, just sailing and watching the race from afar. It should be an all day event (0r until the beer runs out). Oh boy.

On Sunday I'm running a 10K! I decided to participate in a 10K run this Sunday for CATCH YOUR BREATH, A Women and Lung Health Initiative by the Respiratory Heart Association. A friend of mine asked if I wanted to run it with her after her running partner backed out last minute and I said yes. I probably shouldn't commit to making decisions like that on a whim but heck, it should be fun and I'm doing it for a good cause. As long as I get a nice massage and a lox bagel (my traditional after run breakfast) afterwards I'm good to go!

I hope all of you have a great weekend!

Pretty in Pink

I'm in love with pink. That's right... pink. Not the singer, but the color. I've always scoffed at the color pink; primarily because I always thought it too Barbie for my taste. Anyway, about a couple of months ago I tried on this really pretty pink french cuffed button down shirt (after much cajoling) and damn, I looked good! I rolled up my sleeve, popped the collar and I was good to go (oh yes I dared!). Pink for some odd reason goes with my skin tone. Who would have thought? My sister pointed out my obsession with pink over the 4th of July when I wore something pink every single day that she was here. So here is my ode to all my favorite things pink:

Fuchsia by Brigitte Bruggemann: I'm totally crushing on Brigitte Bruggemann. I found her while perusing elements of style blog and fell in love with her lyrical work inspired by nature. It's lively, spontaneous and gorgeous to look at. Blush: By Terry Rose de Rose Sheer Liquid Blush. Do you remember my post on my favorite cosmetics must haves? Well I have a new one. I'm pretty much smitten by everything made by Terry De Gunzburg (creator of Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat) who went on to start her own line of cosmetics and face care products. I tried on her Rose de Rose liquid blush and its amazing- barely there, silky smooth, stays put, has a beautiful tint and sheen to it- perfect for summer. Oh, and it smells divine- like a bouquet of roses. Honest to goodness I feel youthful when I wear it. At first it was hard for me to gauge how much to use (I have put on a little more than I should have a couple of times) but I quickly got the hang of it. So- I love my Bobbi Brown shimmer brick but it has been replaced! On a non-pink note; the cosmetologist at the By Terry counter had me try on By Terry's Touche Veloutee, her counterpart to the YSL Touche Eclat and I can honestly say I love By Terry's better. Why? It's a little more lightweight AND provides better coverage. It conceals and brightens far more than YSL- even my husband remarked on it.

Pink Lemonade: My childhood halcyon summers were filled with fresh batches of pink lemonade, finger lickin bbq and second helpings of strawberry shortcake. Oh and causing mischief among other things. Store bought powder lemonade doesn't hold a candle to fresh squeezed so if you have a juicer then I recommend that you make it fresh. Some people use cranberry juice or maraschino cherry juice to pink their lemonade but I think grenadine will do the trick without taking away the lemony goodness of lemonade. I like Ina Garten's recipe but instead of cherries I would accent the lemonade with a sprig of mint (if you had company over!)

Hello There

Yes- I'm alive! I'm sorry I've been MIA! Life was pretty relaxing through the 4th of July weekend and then I had two deadlines I had to meet for school and work on top of that. Everything came out swimmingly and I have to pat my self on the back for a job well done. Things are finally coming back to normal for me (thank God).

We go sailing every chance we get and we thought it would be nice to take my sister out on the lake. Here is a nice shot of the Chicago city skyline. Beautiful huh? I will be doing some light posting the next couple of weeks so I'll be around!