February 13, 2012

GiGi Bottega in Evanston

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Dress: Threadsence, Necklace: Pree Brulee, Shoes: Shoemint (similar), Ring: Jewelmint, Bangles: T plus J Designs, Clutch: Shoedazzle

Myself and Kaitlyn went to a boutique party at GiGi Bottega last week and had such a wonderful time. The store is right in downtown Evanston (612 Davis Street Evanston, IL 60201) and carries a wide range of designers including BB Dakota and Blu Pepper. The boutique has just recently opened and I think the set up is beautiful (she even found gorgeous hardwood floors under what was once carpeted! Score!!). Here are some photos I took while walking around the store. We got there first so we were able to get some great shots! ;) The first photo is of me and the store owner Gina (how adorable is she!?).
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Yes, fellow CBN blogger Mariposa of the Clever Clipper was there too! 
I tried on about 8 items and ended up leaving with the 2 I loved the most. Darn you budget (shakes fist in air)!! I am kicking myself for not snagging that amazing neon BB Dakota dress, but I can always go back. ;)
If you are in the Evanston area, Gigi Bottega is for sure a place to check out. Besides having great inventory (clothes, jewelry, bags, scarfs, etc) the boutique is beautiful and the owner is beyond sweet! You can check out her website here or email questions to shop@gigibottega.com. (Open Mon-Sat. 10-7 and Sun. 12-5)

There was also a pop-up trunk show for Stella & Dot at the boutique that night. Here are some photos of their classic designs and a bit of their amazing spring line. The necklace in the first photo is called the Zahara Bib Necklace....SWOON!
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You can check out their full jewelry line here. If you are wanting to throw a Stella & Dot party or order any items you can contact Suzette Lipker at suzettelipker@gmail.com (or www.stelladot.com/suzettelipker). She is so sweet and said she would drive to many different towns to have parties. (I live 50 mins from Evanston and my house was not too far for her to travel!)
Happy Shopping ladies (and gents)!

February 10, 2012

Lara Miller Lookbook Photo Shoot

Here are the official photos from the lookbook photo shoot.

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Photos taken by Bret Grafton (website, FB, Twitter) and clothes by Lara Miller (website, FB, TWitter). Also wearing Kristin Hassan bracelets and Erin Gallagher Jewelry Earrings.

Here are the rest of the photos of Chicago Bloggers, CBN staff, and Lara Miller Staff. I really hope I didn't leave anyone out! If I missed your photo let me know and I'll get it up!!
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February 6, 2012

Recipe: Gluten Free Meat Loaf

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I love meatloaf and so do my kids, so I had to tweak my grandma's recipe to meet our dietary needs. It turned out darn good if I do say so myself! ;)

Ingredients:
-1 pound Organic ground beef
-1/2 cup Gluten free bread crumbs
-Almond milk
-1 egg
-1 teaspoon parsley
-1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
-garlic powder
-3-4 splashes Worcestershire

Directions:
-Mix together beef, egg, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and Worcestershire
-In a separate bowl mix bread crumbs and almond milk until a paste forms. Mix with the rest of the ingredients.
-Form and place in glass pan
-Top with garlic powder
-Cook at 350 degrees for 1 hour (or until 160 degrees)