Wednesday, April 20, 2011

An Ode to Peonies


As winter has decided to make a permanent residence in Chicago late into spring, I can't help but start to dream of sunny days and spring blooms. My favorite flower has always been peonies. Mainly for their bright fullness that for some reason take me back to springtime in the south. Hopefully this wishful thinking will somehow reach the gods of weather and bring us a beautiful easter weekend.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Movin' on Up

I have officially decided to ditch my cushy office with a view job for a cube! All kidding aside, I am very excited about this move and for the new opportunities it will bring. One day I will end up back in a cushy office with a view and hopefully looking just as elegant as Madonna...

Monday, April 11, 2011

Shamrock Shuffle 2011

I ran my very first Shamrock Shuffle this past weekend in Chicago and apparently so did about 40,000 other folks - largest 8K in the world. After registering for it in years past and not being able to run due to blizzard like conditions, I expected it to be a bit chilly this past Sunday, which I have to say is more desirable running conditions. However, it ended up being the hottest day thus far this year and by the time I made my way to the start line it was a balmy 82 degrees! This was not my greatest moment running and not only did I finish with a horrible time but I was drenched in sweat. My goal for next year is to at least place in start corral C so I don't have to wait about 40 minutes before actually getting to the start line and watching the "elite" runners do a second race lap before I even finish my first. Lessons learned and I am now determined for next year - very happy to say I have completed a Shamrock Shuffle.

Weekly Quote

Thursday, April 7, 2011

All you need is love

Sometimes in life we lose people too soon. Today is a day engrained in my mind and heart, not for someone I personally lost but for someone close to me that lost a good friend way too early in life. It constantly reminds me how short life can be and to appreciate everything and everyone in every moment. I feel so lucky to have such incredible family and friends around me and I greatly cherish all the memories you have blessed me with. Each one of you enriches my life daily and I hope you know you mean the world to me!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Cake wishes and champagne dreams

If you know me well, then you are you have to be aware of my love for both cupcakes and champagne. Lucky for this girl Chicago is hosting an event this Friday evening that caters to both!


Join us for "One Cake, Please"
The Closing Reception for "One Art, Please" by Lauren Brescia


“One Art, Please” is transformed from a bakery-inspired art installation to an art-inspired patisserie event called, "One Cake, Please,"where guests will be invited to not only look at both faux and real cake sculptures, but to taste some of the delectable cakes and pastries created by local Chicago bakers and bakeries. Plus, you'll be able to make your own inspired art by frosting YOUR OWN cupcakes!

One lucky guest will WIN an Original Cake Sculpture by Lauren Brescia.

"One Cake, Please"
An Edible Art Showcase!
 Friday, April 8th, 5:30 - 9:00 P.M.
208 South Wabash, Chicago, IL 60614
    *A Pop-Up Art Loop™ Gallery

Friday, April 1, 2011

Happy Opening Day


Doesn't this look heavenly?! Although it may not be that warm in Chicago right now, it is still the beginning of another exciting baseball season and I am slightly jealous of those bundled up in their winter Cubs gear heading out to Wrigley today. Given the scrutiny Cubs fans endure every year, I feel it necessary to give my background of why I am a die-hard Cubs fan. It basically began at birth. My mom went into labor while her and my dad were watching a Cubs game on a sunny day in June. The way the story goes, I arrived just in time for the end of the ninth inning. Over the years my parents would bring my brother and I to Wrigley field every summer to watch our faithful Cubs. I've even been so lucky as to have witnessed some rare history making games including Sammy Sosa's tie and break of the home run record, and more recently Zambrano's no hitter at Miller Park. I believe being a Cubs fan isn't just about the team. It's about the traditions, memories and every year beginning this day with three simple words..."It's our year!"