Outfit: LBC at HOB Night 2

On Saturday I attended the second Lucky Boys Confusion show (15 year anniversary and memorial show for Joe Sell) at House of Blues Chicago.

Here is what I wore:

 Top: Express, Jeans: 7 for all mankind, Shoes: C/O Just Fab, Gold Chain bracelet: T plus J Designs, White and cream wrist Wrap: Kristin Hassan, Gold Bangle: Baublebar, Belt: Express, Earrings: C/O I Love Jewelry Auctions

The second show was equally as great as the first. The band played amazing and all the guest guitarists did really well too! We sat in a different opera box this night and I just love all the great band and crowd shots I got.

Here are a few of my favorite: 

 The show as all ages so we all had to clear out of the backstage area by 9:15 p.m.

After the show we headed next door to Bar Louis and grabbed a drink with a few friends. Great seeing everyone!



Pictured above (left to right): Jen, Kristin (K + L: The blog), Ryan, me, and my sister Michelle.

*Check out my other outfit post on the Sisters Marie Blog today!

Outfit: LBC at HOB Night 1

My husband is in the band Lucky Boys Confusion and over the weekend they played two shows at the House of Blues Chicago. It was their 15 year anniversary and also a memorial show for the band mate they recently lost, Joe Sell.

Here is what I wore to night 1:

Coat: Piperlime, Dress: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: C/O Just Fab, Tights: Walgreens, Earrings: Express, Gold bracelet: Baublebar, Chain braclet and pink bangle: T plus J designs

The show was AMAZING, gotta love a sold out show at House of Blues!

It was hands down one of my top five favorite Lucky Boys shows I've ever been to, and I've gone to a lot of them! ;)

We (my family and Ryan's work friends) were in the opera box above the stage this night.

I saw old friends and new, had some cocktails, listened to great music, danced my butt off, and took way too many photos.

Here are a few of my favorite: 



Have you ever seen Lucky Boys Confusion? They no longer tour, but do play a few local shows every year. It's always a super fun night.

Check back tomorrow for my night 2 outfit and more great band photos. ;)

Gilt City Chicago

GILT CITY CHICAGO PRESENTS THE BUCKTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT SALE

Online Shopping Destination Features Sales from Local Favorites in Chicago’s Bucktown Neighborhood

WHAT: Gilt City Chicago members are invited to experience one of Chicago’s trendiest neighborhoods like never before. Fashion mavens and foodies alike can take a digital stroll down Damen Avenue for insider sales from exclusive boutiques, restaurants, spas and more. The two-day Neighborhood Spotlight Sale will feature deals on some of Bucktown’s must-stop destinations including Feast, ZaZaZoo, Celebrity Couture Tan, Enfuse Med Spa and Edith Hart.

Members will have exclusive access to sales and experiences from Bucktown’s hottest spots, including lunch for two from Feast for $29, an Edith Hart VIP Card for $200, manicures for six months from ZaZaZoo for $95, and much more!

Don’t miss your chance to shop, dine and indulge in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood with Gilt City!     

                               

WHEN: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 and Thursday, November 1, 2012  

WHO: Wednesday, October 31, 2012

·  Feast  

·  ZaZaZoo 

·  Celebrity Couture Tan

    

Thursday, November 1, 2012

· Enfuse Med Spa

· Edith Hart 

WHERE: Gilt City Chicago

www.giltcity.com/chicago

DETAILS:  Experiences will be available at giltcity.com/chicago beginning October 31, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. CST.

About Gilt City

Gilt City provides access to unique and coveted lifestyle experiences in the world's most dynamic cities – at insider prices. Each sale lasts a limited time and features a city's most sought-after restaurants, spas, concerts, cultural offerings and more. Gilt City currently features offers in New York, Boston, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Tokyo. A subsidiary of Gilt Groupe, Inc., Gilt City is headquartered in New York City with local curators in each market. To find out more please visit www.giltcity.com.

About Gilt Groupe, Inc.

Gilt Groupe, www.gilt.com, is an innovative online shopping destination offering its members special access to the most inspiring merchandise, culinary offerings, and experiences every day, many at insider prices. Gilt continually searches the world for the most coveted brands and products, including fashion for women, men, and children; home décor; artisanal food and wine; hotels and travel experiences on every continent; and unique activities in a growing list of cities and destinations. We believe that every day is an opportunity to inspire and be inspired.

Giveaway: Pashmina International

You may remember my post from this past April where I wore a pashmina from Pashmina International.

Well, they recently contacted me and asked if I'd like to host a giveaway for one lucky winner. Yes, please! With the holiday's and cooler weather upon us I was over the moon to hear the winner would receive a scarlet red cashmere shawl!

To enter simply tweet:

I entered the @pashminas giveaway over on @sadbblog and add a link to your favorite item on their site.

Leave me a comment below telling me you have done so and leave your email so I can contact the winner.

*If you do not have a twitter account, "like" Pashmina International on FB and leave them a comment saying: I entered the pashminas giveaway over on Stilettos and Diaper Bags Blog and add a link to your favorite item on their site.

Winner will be announced next Saturday at 7:00am.

**10/26 Promotion for Just Fab:

-Theme/Products: $15 Flats & Clutches

Promo Code: HH15

-Discount/Promotion: Add a Flat or Clutch for $15 with every item purchased @ reg. price
-While Supplies Last; No Rainchecks
-Discount eligible on multiple items; 1 discounted item per reg. priced item purchased
+Promo Starts at 12am EST 10/26
-Promo Ends at 11:59pm PST 10/26





Help Please ;)

I have had bangs for 11 and 1/2 months now. This is the longest run me and my bangs have ever gone on together. 

In true "Lisa" fashion I am wanting to grow them out because I get sick of the same hair for too long, but I also still want them short again. See, I'm so torn! 

Here's where I need your help, to bang or not to bang, that is the question.

Here are 5 non-bang look examples:

Here are 5 bang look examples:

I tried to show different lengths so you can have some options.

Which do you like better? Honest opinions here folks! ;) 

Recipe: Chicken and Black Bean Nachos

Using the leftover chicken and black beans from yesterday's post you can make these great chicken and black bean nachos.

Ingredients:

Gluten free corn tortilla chips

Chicken and black beans

refried beans

lettuce

tomato

limes

guacamole

cheese or dayia

sour cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a lined cookie sheet, place a layer of chips down and add chicken and black beans. Add a few dollops of refried beans and sprinkle shredded cheese all around. Do a second layer of the previous step.

Heat in oven for 10 minutes or until warm.

Add lettuce, tomato, sour cream, guacamole, and squeeze lime on top. Nachos are ready to serve. You can see below only have of the nachos have lettuce and tomato on them, as not all family members like this. Change recipe to fit your family's needs!

Recipe: Burrito Bowls

I recently started making this recipe and now my hubby demands it once a week! ;) I have no recipe, I can just tell you how I make it and you can tweak it to fit your family's dietary needs.

I make double what we would eat in one sitting and use the leftovers for another recipe. I will show you what to do with your leftover in a post tomorrow, so make sure you check back!

Okay, here goes! Super easy and super yummy burrito bowls:

Ingredients:

Chicken breasts

black beans (I buy mine dry and soak them in water over night)

taco seasoning (optional, has some dairy and some gluten in it. You can also all chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin, etc.)

Set above items in crock pot on med for 6 hours or high for 3 hours and set aside.

Romain lettuce

shredded cheese (or dayia for dairy free)

sour cream (optional)

avocado

tomato

rice (brown or white, whatever you have on hand will work)

Once rice is ready, you can set up your burrito bowls.

Add all ingredients to bowls and serve warm.

I like to slice the chicken up into strips and set over the lettuce and rice and add a good heaping spoonful of the taco sauce and beans to the top.

I also added verde salsa to mine to give it a little kick! ;)

That's it! Super easy, super healthy, and super yummy!

Outfit: Wedding Atire

I attended Lindsay and Matt's wedding this weekend (Lindsay from K+L: the blog) and this is what I wore:

Coat: Victoria's Secret, Dress: Tracy Reese via Rent the Runway, Bag: Rebecca Minkoff via Rent the Runway, Shoes: Shoemint, Shapewear: C/O Vedette Shapewear, Necklace: Threadsence, Bracelets (pink & Chain): T plus J Designs, Gold Bracelet: Baublebar, Sunnies: MNG by Mango

I decided to rent a dress and clutch from Rent the Runway. I was so glad I did, as I LOVED this Tracy Reese dress and Rebecca Minkoff clutch, but they are not really in my budget. ;)
 I wore the Vedette Shapewear called Eva under this figure hugging number. It kept my tummy held in tight all night long! Very glad I pulled out the shapewear, as the food was super yummy and there was a LOT of it!

Recap of the night:
Amazing looking guests all dressed up (I'm a sucker for men in suits), great food, great company, a beyond BEAUTIFUL bride, drinks flowing, lots of dancing, photo booth with props, wild animals (it was at the zoo!), and happy tears for the sweet couple. So honored to be part of their night!



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Outfit: Picking out Pumpkins

This year we didn't go to a second pumpkin patch because we were running out of weekend days to go. However, we still had not bought pumpkins since we went to the Bumpkin in late September and thought that was too soon to buy.
 Solution: we made a quick stop at Dominicks and had each kid pick out a pumpkin.
They didn't seem to notice or mind that there were no hay rides, petting zoos, or bouncy houses.
Why do we always spend so much money going to a second pumpkin patch? lol Glad we saved a few bucks this year! ;) 

Here is what I wore on our family day:

Top: Swap w/ Kaitlyn (Loft) (similar) (similar) , Pants: Urban Outfitters (similar) (similar), Boots: Dolce Vita, Bracelet: C/O Chain of Life, Stackable Rings: Shop Jules

We spent all of 10 mins picking out pumpkins and then took the kids to an indoor play place. They had so much fun! Always a great thing to let your kids run around like maniacs and then come home and sleep like little angels! ;)

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Product Review: Cuddle Uppets

I had the opportunity to review a Cuddle Uppet and my kids were over the moon! If you watch any kids television stations you have probably seen the commercial, it has a super catchy song "cuddle cuddle uppets, blankets that are puppets". I know my kids love to sing along with it! ;) 

Here is my son with his yellow puppy Cuddle Uppet: 

He is four and tall for his age and it was still big enough to be a full blanket for him. He wraps it's around his shoulders and puts his hands in the puppet's head and crawls around barking like a dog. It's so funny to watch. It was for sure an instant hit! 
My 2 year old daughter loves it too. She can't get her hand in it to make the dog's mouth move, but she likes to feed it food out of our play kitchen. 
 They are only $19.99 (add a second for $16.99) and you can choose from a yellow puppy, pink poodle, purple monkey, green crocodile, lady bug, and a unicorn. 
Great gift idea for the holidays ahead! 

*ages 3 and up

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A Mad Men Event

I had the honor of being invited to this years Fashion Focus Chicago event. CBN graciously asked me to take photos and cover the Mad Men inspired event for The Printed Blog.

Here is what I wore:

Dress: Swap w/ Kaitlyn (H&M), Coat: Piperlime, Belt & Ring: Express, Tights & Hair pins: Walgreens, Shoes: Jessica Simpson, Bracelets: Baublebar, Watch: Kristin Hassan, Earrings: T plus J Designs

The Ballroom at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago was STUNNING! When you walked in, the ballroom was to your left and to your right was the CBN lounge and a few photo shoot areas. There where also multiple bars throughout the ballroom and another one near the lounge as well.  
Here are a few shots I took during the night before the fashion show:



How amazing are the chandeliers in this room?! 

There was a DJ and all the music that was played was from the 1960's. It was so fun to watch everyone dancing and having a great time waiting for the fashion show to start. There were bit sized snacks passed around and a silent auction too!
Here are a few of my favorite looks of the night. I love how everyone really embraced the theme and no one went over the top Halloween style ;)

Next, the nine Mad Men/1960's inspired looks made their way into the ballroom. Here is a shot of each of the looks:

And here are the amazingly talented designers with the looks they made:

The show was great! The models really worked the ballroom and their garments too! 

Overall the night was really fun. I can't tell you how many times I looked around the ballroom and thought how nice it would be if we all dressed and danced this way all the time (especially the men...swoon!).

Besides the great fashion, they had a super cute photo area set up by the CBN lounge area. Glossed and Found had a work desk with lots of props you could pose with, very Mad Men style.
Here is the shot I took with 3 other fellow Chicago Blogger Network girls:

Ever been to a "themed" charity fashion show? I feel like they should all be Mad Men themed from this point on.... ;)

For more photos from the event, check my "events" folder on my fb page later in the week! 

Outfit: The Blues

Who doesn't love denim paired with denim?! ;) Here is my shades of blue look:

Top: Banana Republic, Jeans: One Teaspoon via Threadsence, Shoes and Bag: C/O Just Fab, Earrings: Kristin Hassan, Necklace: C/O Baublebar, Bracelet: T plus J Designs, Ring: House of Harlow 1960

I wore this look while I was out and about but since the jeans are so long I changed them when I got home. I ended up wearing a pair of boyfriend jeans with a belt and tucked this top in for the remainder of the day. Ever do that? Wear an outfit and then tweak it for the rest of the day at home?



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Mess-Free Finger Painting

I recently saw this craft on Pinterest and knew I needed to try it right away!

All you need is ziplock bags (I used 1 gallon and 1 sandwich for each kid), white paper, scissors (if you need to cut the paper for different size bags), paint, and tape.

I am big on use what you have in your home already and since I paint I had acrylic paint on hand. Yep, that will do!

I squeezed a good amount of 2 colors in each bag, placed it on top of the white paper, and taped it down to the table. Again, using what I had on hand I used packaging tape. In the future I will buy some kids paint and colored tape to make this  craft cheaper and better for my tables. ;)

Each kid had a blast finger painting and I had a blast knowing all I had to do for clean up was un-tape it and throw it away! ;)

What do you think? Have you ever tried this before? Will you now that you've seen it? I hope so, it was a lot of fun!

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Outfit: Pink Paired With Neutrals

I love pairing pink with neutrals. Navy, gray, black, brown, tan...you name a neutral and I'll tell you how much I love it with pink! ;)

Here is how I styled a lovely pink top I got in my latest FriendSwap bag from Kaitlyn:

Top: Swap w/ Kaitlyn (loft), Jeans: Doll House, Shoes: C/O Sole Society, Bag: Hand-me-down from Katrina, Necklace: Threadsence, Silver Bracelet: C/O Kristin Hassan, Chain Ring: Tiffany & CO, Wrist Wrap: C/O Swarovski

Someone please tell me if my jeans look outdated. I bought these my senior year in college and they were my skinny jeans then. When I had my son I decided I keep them in my "one day" drawer and about a year after having my daughter I fit back into them (mini happy dance)! For some reason I can't get rid of them now. lol

So honest opinion, are they outdated? Is the wash on them still in style? Or am I holding onto a 10 year old pair of jeans for sentimental reasons only? 

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Outfit: Warm Fall Night

It was 62 degrees and windy this night (perfect fall weather) so I decided to wear my favorite crochet dress (seen in previous post) for a date with my hubby.

Since this dress is a bit form fitting I needed to bring out the shapewear.

I recently told you about Vedette Shapewear in previous posts (here and here) and I decided to pair my dress with the extra firm control body suit called Victorie.

Here is the outfit I styled for my night out:

Dress: Victoria's Secret, Jacket: Pepe Jeans- sold out (similar) (similar), Shapewear: C/O Vedette Shapewear, Socks: Modcloth, Shoes: Jessica Simpson (similar), Clutch: C/O Just Fab, Necklace: Jewelmint, Bracelet: Kristin Hassan, Chain Bracelet: T plus J Designs, Ring: J Good, Earrings: Baublebar, Lip Color: Blue Raspberry by Bobbi Brown

My hubby super LOVED this look! ;) I think it was the knee highs that did it for him, but I guess when you feel sexy, you give off the sexy vibe right?!

What do you think?

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