WINGS Event: 1 of 2

I attended an event for the charity WINGS (women in need growing stronger) over the weekend and had an amazing time. It was called Tastes Take Flight: sip, sample, and shop and I did just that!
I decided to break it down into 2 posts. Today: Shopping and Sampling (food and wine), and tomorrow's post: meeting Katie Workman.

Here is what I wore to the event:

Dress: H&M, Lace Vest: Dots, Shoes: Shoemint, Ring: C/O Sole Society, Blue bracelet: Kristin Hassan, Watch: Fossil, Bag: Coach, Earrings: Erin Gallagher's Gem Bar

Outside the ballroom there was the WINGS resale shop, book signing (tomorrow's post), and 1 shopping vendor. Inside the ballroom was were all the other food and shopping vendor's were at. My aunt (Margaret McSweeney) also hosted the event and had cooking demos going on front stage while people were walking around sampling and shopping. So fun!

There was so much food to try (but I got it done! lol). Here are a few of my favorite treats:
Cheesey Bread from Wild Asparagus (Barrington, IL): This stuff way beyond amazing. Melted in my mouth! 

 Eggplant Bruschetta from Agio Italian Bistro (Palatine, IL): What a lovely twist on bruschetta! I've never thought to make it on top of fried/baked eggplant before, but I now NEED to try to recreate this! ;)

Ratatouille from L'Eiffel Bistro (South Barrington, IL): I loved this one! Perfect bitsized goodness.

 Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling: This was one of my favorite wines I sampled. It was sweet, crisp, and I actually bought myself a few bottles.

I did some resale shopping and found 2 great tops! The mint halter I found for $9 and the Talbots cardigan with tags on it (retail $89) I got for $25! AMAZING!
I also got this beautiful brown linen jacket (level 99) from a store called Grass Roots.

Here are some more photos of what they carry over at Grass Roots (205 South Cook St. Barrington, IL 60010). The owner Todd was so cool and he and his wife also supports a lot of local and US brands and vendors. I SUPER love the leather cuffs which are all made of vintage belts! They carry everything from Big Star to Free people and have rock & roll onsies and diaper bags too! I will for sure be hitting this shop up again. Really loved their style! 

All and all I had an amazing time. I hope WINGS raised a lot of money and I look forward to their next event!
Check back tomorrow to see my meet and great with Katie Workman! 

CBN Event: Dots

The Chicago Blogger Network teamed with Dots for a night filled with shopping, a styling contest, professional photography, cupcakes, champagne, and candy! I had a blast! Here is what I wore to the event: Dress: via ThirtySomethingFashion Box Service, Shoes: C/O Just Fabulous, Jacket: C/O Sheinside, Necklace: Windsor, All Braceltes: Kristin Hassan, Ring: J Good, Bag: Coach

 Dots just opened a Hillside, IL location (The Hillside Town Center, 120 S. Mannheim Rd. Hillside, IL 60162) and I was blown away! They literally carry anything you could possibly need. Appeal, shoes, belts, under garments, jewelry, bags, and even lip gloss & nail polish! Everything (with the exception of some shoes and outerwear) is under $40!! Score! And to be honest, most items were either $14.80 and $18.80. They have all sizes 0-24 and everything seemed age appropriate for teens through mid 40's. Here are some shots of the store and the amazing treats they had waiting for us:  

I like to call this area SHOE HEAVEN! ;) The selection was truly amazing. How did I not know about Dots before this?! There was a style challenge and this is the outfit I tried on. I had better pictures taken of me by their photographer and will post them when I have them.

 It was my first time wearing print pants and I ended up buying them. Kinda LOVE them. They are so light weight and I adore the fit.  

In the end, I walked out one happy girl! ;) Lots of new clothes, a $50 gift card (which I used right away), and some other goodies too!
 

New Beauty Test Tube and winner announced

Here are all the amazing items that came in my latest test tube. I am so excited to try these, I love all the face serums and creams! So far, here are reviews on the ones I love: Skinceutials C E Ferulic serum and sunblock. Retail price $146 (serum) $32 (sunblock)

I use this serum daily already and it's super costly (but definitely worth it) so I was very excited to get a sample! I have also never used the sunblock but am always on the lookout for one that is not going to make me break out. This one is awesome! I would recommend both to anyone.

Fleur Liquide Body Cream: Retail price $48

This creamy lotion is so amazing. I love the smell and since it's so thick, it really softens the skin well. "With notes of fresh grapefruit, tangerine, bood orange, neroli flowers and sandalwood, Soleil Liquide takes you back to warm, summery days." 

GlyMed Intense Peptide Skin Recovery Complex. Retail price $79

This cream was in my LAST new beauty test tube, but it was too good to not write about! They now sell this brand at Mario Tricoci, but since it's medical grade you need to purchase it somewhere you get facials. It is one of the best creams I have tried to date. Seriously. It is thick and rich and after using is for 2 weeks now I feel like I have younger looking skin with less noticeable lines. I know 33 is a bit young to start using an age management cream, but now that I've tried it, I'm not sure I can go back to normal face lotion! This is a must try ladies! 

**And the winner of the custom sign by Designs on Signs is:
#22
Katie
I will email your information to Lisa at Designs on Signs and she will contact you from there! Thank you to all who entered and a giant thanks to Lisa for the custom sign giveaway!

Outfit: Parent Participation Day

Top (similar) and Coat (similar) (similar) : Zara, Jeans: Gap, Shoes: 9 West (2008), Wrist Wrap: C/O Kristin Hassan, Ring: C/O JGood, Bag: Rachel Zoe via QVC (similar) (similar), Belt: Fossil, Necklace: Jewelmint

Here is what I wore to my son's school on parent participation day. I LOVE going to see what the class is up to every few weeks. I'm always beaming like a proud mom does. My kids are perfect! lol I'm sure all moms think that. 

Anyway, LOVING this blouse! It's great for a casual day or can be dressed up to. I'm sure you will be seeing it many more times here on the blog. ;) 

GlyMed DermaSound Facial Treatment

I was given the opportunity to try out a new facial treatment now offered at Mario Tricoci. This treatment starts at $185 and takes 75 minutes. 

 The Glymed DermaSound Facial Treatment uses the power of ultrasound to help products penetrate the skin 10,000 times more deeply than with a manual treatment -- delivering the kind of rejuvenating results once offered only by a medical spa.

Here's a little about the GlyMed DermaSound Facial:
 **Safe for all skin types, guests can chose from two face services
-- the DermaSound Firming and Lifting Treatment and the DermaSound Pigmentation Treatment. Both services use a three-pronged approach to rejuvenate the face:
 · Phase One - Cavitation: cleanses the pores of blackheads, pollutants and make-up debris, and kills bacteria, viruses and microbes. It also provides an extremely thorough, but gentle exfoliation of the skin.
· Phase Two - Sonophoresis: penetrates products 10,000 times deeper into the skin than a manual service. This phase works on a cellular level for more intense, longer lasting benefits.
· Phase Three - Microcurrent: stimulates the musculature of the face and neck, retraining the muscles to regain a more youthful position. Likened to “facial fitness” this phase is extremely firming and tightening.

I chose to get the firming and lifting treatment. IT WAS AMAZING!! I don't think I'll ever be able to get a facial without using the GlyMed DermaSound tool ever again. The results lasts about 45 days and can be seen immediately.
It does not hurt. (I thought it might ;)
It kinda feels like someone is shaving your face. The tool shown above is used a few different time throughout the facial and at the end it is turned down to a pulse mode and is actually very relaxing. Here is my before and shot:

(Yes, I have very transparent skin and scars on this side of my face from a dog attack, look past that please ;) My skin looks dry, flaky, my color is all off, you can see my lines, and well quite frankly, it looks drab.
Here is my after shot:

How relaxed do I look! lol My skin looks amazing. My color is more even, my skin looks super hydrated, my smile line crease is not as noticeable, it looks squeaky clean, and best of all my transparent coloring looks less noticeable. UMMM, AMAZING!
The next morning I felt like my skin looks tighter and frankly I feel like a lost a few years off my face! (hello, wonderful!) I will for sure be having this done again in 45 days! You do it a few times (at 5 week intervals) and once your skin gets to where you like it, you can have it done less often.
I am not a girl who likes the thought of needles and plastic surgery, but this is right up my ally! I strongly recommend this treatment to anyone and everyone. I have sensitive skin and my results were wonderful.
Call your local Mario Tricoci for more information on this service.
*Mario Tricoci now also sell GlyMed products (lotions/serums) as well. (they are medical grade and wonderful!!)

Outfit: Everyday Wear

Tee and Belt: Express, Purse: Rachel Zoe for QVC, Jeans: Gap, Shoes: Target, Bracelet: C/O Kristin Hassan, Necklace and pave stackable rings: Stella and Dot, Stackable rings: Shop Jules

Here is yet another example of everyday wear. On this day I had tons of errands to run and jeans and a tee was all I had time for. Yes folks, I went out with absolutely NO makeup! (seriously! lol) So unlike me, but what can I say, I'm a busy girl. ;)

In other news I am OBSESSED with my new belt from express! I think belts can be great accessories so I was super excited when I saw this turquoise one. What's your favorite accessory to jazz up jeans and a tee? 

Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

I found this recipe on Pinterest and loosely based my soup around it.

Ingredients: 

1 lbs. chicken boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (I used 2 cans black beans)

1 can corn

1 onion, chopped

2 cans low-sodium chicken broth

1-2 cups of water

1 Tbsp garlic powder*

1 Tbsp chile powder*

1 Tbsp ground cumin*

1 Tbsp dried cilantro*

Toppings: 

tortilla chips

sour cream

shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Avocado
*Instead of these spices, you could include a packet of Taco seasoning if you prefer.* I used a little of all! ;)

Put chopped onion, cans of beans, corn, chicken broth, water, and spices in CrockPot and stir to mix. Put chicken breasts on top of mixture and make sure they're at least partly submerged in liquid. Cook on high 6-7 hours or low 8-9 hours. Before serving remove the chicken breasts from soup and shred, if needed, (sometimes they'll just fall apart on their own, but sometimes they need some help). Return chicken to CrockPot, stir to combine.

To serve put a few tortilla chips in the bottom of a bowl, ladle soup over tortilla chips, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, serve with more chips if you like. Enjoy! 

"I Want What She Has!" : Blogger Envy- Nadia

This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Nadia Aboulhosn.

How amazing does Nadia look? I want this entire look head to toe. Perfection, simply perfection. 

sheer buffalo exchange top

curate a collection leggings from sugarlips  

What do you guys think? No one makes curves hotter then Nadia! I have been a fan of her for years (I highlighted her in blogger inspiration post last May and she also did a guest post for me last July). 

And make sure you check out Nadia's blog . I just love her boldness in her outfit posts. Great inspiration as always!

Giveaway: Designs on Signs

I was gifted this gorgeous sign from the ubber talented Lisa at Designs on Signs.

How amazing is this?! I was so blown away when it arrived last week. The quality is just so good I love how the distressed wood looks! She also (obviously) made this custom for me and it was ready VERY quickly! Like I said before, ubber talented.
I can not wait to hang it in my office someday! For now, it's sitting on my desk where I blog and is great inspiration. I seriously love this sign so much! 

Lisa has agreed to make a CUSTOM sign for one lucky winner! That's right guys, you can get anything you want on a beautiful distressed wood sign! (a quote, family or business name, etc. The choices are endless!)

To enter:

-Visit Designs on Signs Etsy Shop and copy and paste your favorite sign design in comment section below.

For extra entries:

-Follow Designs on Signs on Twitter

-"like" them on FB

Winner will be announced 4-27 at 7:00am. Good luck! 

**Giveaway good for US residents only.

Outfit: Modern Day Snow White

Top: American Eagle (similar) , Skirt: Hive & Honey via Piperlime, Shoes: C/O Just Fabulous, Ring: Modcloth, Bangle: Express, Gold Band: Kohls

I get dressed, come downstairs and my hubby says "hey there snow white". I was confused for a moment, I mean I am 1 of 2 princesses in our home but then I realized what he meant. Okay, I'm good with it. I didn't plan to dress like snow white, but I will embrace it! ;)

Now lets talk shoes. I am OBSESSED with these! I had an outfit in mind to wear them with, but I need warmer weather. (No worries, I will be wearing said outfit soon!)

 I was super excited when I walked by them with my yellow maxi and saw how pretty the 2 colors looked together. What do you think? Too Disney or nice color blocking?

The glass cuff from Express is currently for sale in the "shop my jewelry" section.