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It's almost Friday guys! This weekend I'm chillaxing, nothing big planned. I'm looking forward to 1). Sleeping in on Saturday, 2). Organzing my closet (yes, this makes me happy. Insanely happy actually. Order is good), 3). Enjoying the last dregs of warmth the summer has to offer.

Enjoy life's simple pleasures! Have a good weekend.

Steal

I came across a really pretty vintage magazine rack on a well known vintage/antique store's website but I was taken aback by the price....$550 for a rack! Shucks. That's too rich for my blood. Here's a snapshot of the page listing the rack:

So what's a girl to do? Ebay it up peeps! Take a looky:

Why- that looks remarkably similar. In fact- it's the same vintage rack!

I got this bad boy for $50 bucks including shipping today. Jack assembled it together and let me tell you it's identical. I'm never that person that gets the good steal, deal or free meal so this is big guys!

Side view taken by the seller. I puffy heart my new magazine rack. It's almost too pretty to use:)

Game Face

What a busy day! I got up bright and early so I could get first dibs on some vintage goodies at the Randolph Street Market Festival. It was blazing hot but I had my game face on and I was ready to duke it out with anyone who got in my way (hehe!!). No fighting occurred- promise. I did manage to find some cute stuff. Here we go:

Vintage goodies

Really pretty mother of pearl knives. I was this close to getting them, along with the tray.

Sweets tray

And last but not least vintage frames. The two front frames are mine baby!!! Woo-Hoo! Pretty huh? My sister and I plan on making a DIY chalkboard mirrors the next time she comes to visit (we have been both pining for one for a while now). Today has been a good day! Now I'm off to pick Jack up from the airport. I hope everyone had a good weekend.

Kirribilla

Feast your eyes on these beauties from Kirribilla, a clothing brand I just discovered recently. I'm trying to wipe off the drool here guys- Kirribilla's dresses are so fantastically pretty! Perfect for a summertime soire, no?

Favorite Sunscreens

Since it is summer and given that I'm in a skincare kick I thought I would do a post on sunscreens and perhaps get some feedback on what works for the readers out there. I'm in the sun allot these days; I run outdoors 4 times a week, I go sailing (going tonight actually) and we occasionally hit up the "beach" here in Chicago. For me, finding a good sunscreen is like trying to find the perfect pair of jeans... in general my biggest issues with sunscreens are 1). they make me break out, 2) my face gets really oily, 3) depending on the sunscreen I get a white cast, 4). or the sunscreen doesn't offer enough protection. I have tried many sunscreen brands, from low end to high end, and I have come to realize that yes, sometimes you get what you pay for but sometimes drug store brands really will give you a lovely surprise. Here are my favs:

Low End: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunblock is my favorite drugstore brand. It goes on very sheer, it absorbs quickly, and works well under makeup. It's a great bargain for $14. Cons: It does smell like your average sunscreen which I hate and I do get a greasy feel on my face. So, I usually use this sunscreen on my chest, shoulders, and the tops of my hands when I go out running.

Mid End: Anthelios XL Fluide Extreme Face SPF 50+: This stuff is great but I'm kicking myself for not buying it in bulk when we were in Paris because it's double the price here in the States ($35). Also, the European version is much better than the American formulation. It has all the positives of Neutrogena and it has a high PPD, it's lightweight, non greasy and it leaves a nice matte finish. It comes highly recommended by Dermatologists, especially for skin cancer patients. Cons: it doesn't come off as easy as other sunscreens.

High End: Dior Capture Totale UV Protect SPF 35: I love this sunscreen but the price tag ($52) kills me! Granted, it doesn't offer the same level of protection of Anthelios (that's my heavy hitter sunscreen) but for the face it's absolutely perfect (well my foundation and powders come with SPF so I have several layers of protection). It has a beautiful smell, doesn't streak and it doesn't make me break out at all. It's sheer, lightweight, doesn't ball up under make-up and it leaves a matte finish. It has all the pluses of Anthelios except it only comes in SPF 35 and it lacks Mexoryl. I only use this on my face and neck because it's so dammed expensive.

For me it's not just about protecting my face from wrinkles. My dad went through a bout of skin cancer several years ago and it put the fear of God in me to protect my skin at all costs. I would love to hear what works for you!

Fountain of Youth

Holy shine batman! Someone get me some face blotters ASAP. Here I am with Jack on my b-day. Jack is truly happy inside, he's just not smiling because he thinks he smiles goofy. I disagree.

I'm still in my 20's but barely. My attitude on aging has changed just a bit... I have to admit that I have become obsessed with sunscreen and I'm using anti-aging creams like it's my lifeline (yes, I even use them on my laugh lines). I can't stop the clock, nor am I freaked out about getting older but dammit I can try to look the best I can! According to my mom, looking good only involves the following (here is her fountain of youth recipe in no particular order):

-anti-aging creams
-exercise
-lots of good quality sex
-a good nights sleep
-laughter

She looks amazing for being almost 60 (sorry Mom- I divulged your age) so I think she is on to something.

Anyway, my parents sent me flowers (roses of course!) and I got a beautiful bouquet of hydrangeas and peonies from Jack. He left work early and commuted across the ctiy picking up some of my favorite things (cupcakes, flowers, chocolates, Colombian food) and surprised me at home. He is so incredibly thoughtful! Later that evening we went to Frontera Grill, my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Ever heard of Rick Bayless? Top Chef Masters? It's his baby and his food is amazing. You have to make reservations months in advance but boy is it worth it. It was a great birthday and my entire family made me feel very special indeed.

Father's Day

My first bouquet of flowers wasn't from a teenage lovestruck beau or Jack for that matter. It was from my Dad many, many years ago on the day that I was born. He brought in a giant bouquet of pale pink roses for his little girl and to this day I still get roses from him on my birthday. Only my Dad can gift me roses (I'm a bit territorial with my Dad that way). The rose is the birth flower for the month of June and pale pink roses symbolize gentility, femininity, elegance, refinement, admiration and happiness. He set the tone for all the things I wanted to live up to in life from the minute I opened my eyes to the world.

It's that kind of thoughtfulness and gentleness that makes my Dad a wonderful father. I always...always.... get inspired to be a better person, to take better care of myself, to reach my potential when I am around my Dad. He has that go get em attitude that is infectious to be around and he sets the bar high for himself and for those around him. He still wants to hold my hand despite the fact that his girls are all grown up. He loves to belt out opera tunes in the kitchen and still manages to beat his kids at backgammon and tennis. He is a man of many gifts and always gives everything he tries his best shot.

When I was little he seemed like a great big cuddly giant...which he still is. But he is also a man with a giant heart and intellect; a man of character who exudes honesty, integrity and kindness. He is my everyday hero and the best father a girl could ask for.

I love you Dad and happy father's day!