I consider myself to be a “do it all” kind of girl, so the fact that I have a full-time job, a business endeavor in the works, and a wedding in the planning stages doesn’t phase me much. I’ve always liked being busy, and this week definitely didn’t disappoint in that respect: Photographer meeting, business meeting, family dinner, church meeting, breathe. Yes, remembering to breathe is definitely going to be key in the next year. But before I do that, let me give you the rundown on the business:
“Because I Shop Too Much” is an online marketplace that will allow you to buy, sell, and swap your clothing and accessories. Lisa and I are really excited about our fashion-focused site with a social networking element which means you can “shop” other users closets but also spark some conversation in the process about new trends and where to find the best deals. As opposed to some re-sale shops, the site has an open policy regarding brands and labels so there is no limit on what you wish to sell (within reasonable limits of course, no used skivvy’s please!) And ladies, this means that it’s totally acceptable to purchase all of those drool-worthy clothes you eye on Pinterest, and then re-sell/swap them for new ones 
Watch for the site come Summer 2012!
Sisters Marie
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My mother has never let one of my birthday’s go by without going above and beyond to make sure it’s even better than the last. When November 21st rolls around, I am without fail left feeling stuffed from her savory baking, beaming from the thought she put into my gifts and feeling so lucky to be blessed with such a wonderful family. We are big fan’s of birthday outings in my family, but this year, my Dad and I decided to make brunch for her at home. We took care of everything from banners and balloons (key for an at-home celebration) and the menu which included apple smoked bacon, fruit-filled waffles (thanks to my sis-in-law) and scrambled eggs. As usual, dessert was my job and the minute I saw this Sunflower cake, I knew I had found the perfect choice. That was my Grandmother’s (mom’s mom) favorite flower, so I knew it would be a nice way to represent her on my mom’s day and she definitely appreciated the sentiment.
Peeps + Chocolate Chips = The best tasting Sunflower
The mimosa’s were flowing by 10AM and we spent the rest of the early afternoon outside with my niece and nephew tossing the football and blowing bubbles. As Brady Bunch as this scene sounds, my Mom enjoys nothing more than all of us being together, so I think it was the perfect gift. Well, that plus her Birchbox subscription.
We also managed to squeeze in a few Because I Shop Too Much photos. Keep an eye out for the site launch in June!
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Chocolate Dipped Tortilla Chips with Strawberry Basil Salsa
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D-rose. 39-10.
Cheers to the weekend! I’m looking forward to seeing the long awaited Hunger Games and family birthday brunch celebrations (mimosas included!)
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In a recent article, Washington Post columnist Petula Dvorak suggests that Pinterest is like digital crack for women, AKA a “black hole time suck.” She then raises the question of whether or not its healthy for adult women to be spending so much time starting at what most would call idealistic fantasies of sorts (example, individual private pools on balconies) Here’s how I see it: Women spend tons of money on scrapbooking their memories and design ideas every year, so why not do the same for free ? The concept of Pinterest does no more harm than when sports obsessed guys constantly refresh espn.com and check their fantasy team more hours than they work a day, so let’s all lay off the cynicism for awhile and just enjoy all of the inspirational recipes, crafts, fashion, etc. that we ladies enjoy (smiles).
Here’s another form of digital crack for your ears on this beautiful Friday afternoon. Happy weekend!
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As I mentioned in an earlier post, picking a wedding reception venue is no easy task, but I can finally say with complete confidence that we have chosen our place and date! Come July 20, 2013, MBA and I will hold the biggest party of our lives at the Shedd Aquarium! Though I originally had my heart set on a place in Lake Geneva (which would be equally beautiful), we were blown away with our tour of the Shedd and the options available to us. It combines everything that I was looking for including a lighted white tent on the terrace for a cocktail reception (hello hometown skyline!), a unique setting for dancing (front foyer complete with pillars) and BONUS – a perfect view of the Navy Pier fireworks.
As if I wasn’t sold already, these photos of previous Shedd weddings were the icing on the cake (which I’m thinking should be made of individual cupcakes, btw)
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Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives.
Upon completing “The Hunger Games” series (in a few weeks mind you), I immediately scoured the internet for news of a possible film to accompany the books and was thrilled to hear that it was already in the works. Now we are just a few weeks out and my excitement for this film almost rivals how I feel in the few weeks before a new Twilight is released (I like good movies too, don’t start judging just yet). However, I do have a few reservations about Jennifer Lawrence playing Katniss. While she is beautiful and from I read, a talented actress, I keep picturing Hailee Steinfeld in the main role. Clearly, this is mainly based on appearance , but the few snippets of Jennifer in the trailers don’t wow me either, so I’m counting on her to exceed my expectations (Kristin Stewart has yet to do so, but Pattinson’s hair makes up for that). I do think the two lead males were great choices as well as Stanley Tucci in the role of Caesar (let’s be honest, Tucci is amazing in everything he does. Devil Wears Prada, anyone?)
In order to channel my excitement for the movie, it’s only right that I bake these. It’s not a Mocking jay pin, but if you ask me… it’s even better. Hunger Games fans: Do the trailers give you confidence that the movie will stay true to the books?
I feel most Pinspired on Fridays because with any luck, there are two days ahead that allow time for making the white chocolate lemon puppy chow I’ve had my eye on and hunting for the perfect blush heel (just leave it to Lauren Conrad!) Additional weekend plans include a visit to the Improv! Comedy Club, a visit to America’s Beauty Show to check out the booths by KFCI, and a brunch at Drury Lane complete with endless mimosas.
I love at least one day without having to set my alarm because really, there’s no better feeling. What do you most look forward to come Friday?
From what I hear, The Artist is very deserving of its big win last night, but at this point, I’m more concerned with best food picture from the evening. Our annual Oscar party was one of the best yet, as we asked everyone to bring an appetizer, so we had quite the variety of type and style: Our very own red carpet of food, if you will. I don’t want to toot my own horn (do people still say that?), but my mac & cheese muffins turned out to be quite the camera hogs because they were as attractive as they were tasty. The way I see it, you can’t ever go wrong with this dish – There are so many variations and ways to mix it up, and I loved the idea of bite size portions.
Runners up include:
(Sweet Potato Bruschetta) via my cooking partner in crime, Laura. You can check out her pins here.
(Strawberry Tuxedos) via my MALE cousin. Impressive, right?
Alright, maybe…just maybe my Mac & Cheese Muffins don’t win best picture, but neither did my favorite film of the evening, The Help, so it’s only fair that I nominate myself this time around, ya think? 
(By the way, I’m thinking this red carpet should be a permanent staple in all our family gatherings from now on. Grandma really dug it).
What was your favorite Oscar moment/dress/food/nipple slip?
The Help. And that’s it.
Shh, I’m not biased. I’m just infatuated with this movie and rightly so. I see a ton of movies, as I am a sucker for the ways the previews can draw you in. I also rarely let a poor or positive review affect me in any way, as I like to come to my own conclusions. For instance, it’s possible that I am still the only person who didn’t think “The Hangover” or “Bridesmaids” were the greatest comedies ever released (Losing all control of your bowel movements in a Bridal boutique isn’t a clever idea for a scene. It’s something that happened to the writers after a late night filed with too much In-N-Out and there’s a problem in that itself)
The reviews for “The Help” are overwhelmingly encouraging, but there’s also many who think like Ebert when he says, “I was drawn into the characters and quite moved, even though all the while I was aware it was a feel-good fable, a story that deals with pain but doesn’t care to be that painful.” Really? I felt a TON of pain. In fact, I haven’t sobbed like that since Russell was awarded the Ellie badge in “Up.” I would go so far as to say that I have never been as moved as I was by Viola Davis in her role as Aibileen. It was a movie that changed how I feel and what kind of person I want to be, and I don’t think any further review is necessary.
Stay tuned for a post-Oscar recap after Sunday. Here’s some Pinterest-party ideas for if you’re hosting a get together, those of which I will be utilizing for our annual Academy Award party. Yes, my mother is planning on making those cookies. Let your jealousy ensue…
Some people order the same meal every time they’re in a restaurant. Others visit the same destination every time they have a week off for vacation. I however, cannot go shopping without purchasing something that is striped…every time. I often have intentions of going in a store just to browse and like most women, have trouble leaving empty-handed. I will walk out with a basic t-shirt that I’ve convinced myself that I need….and something striped. Or a new workout tank top that is on sale….and something striped. I repeatedly tell myself, “you don’t need another striped shirt/skirt. It’s not possible to own them in any more colors. In fact, your friends and family will probably soon disown you if they see you wearing any more stripes.”
But then I remember how great they look with statement necklaces. Or tucked into skirts. Or mixed with other fun prints. Or layered under sweaters. Or mixed with leggings for a comfy laid back kind of day. I am all about versatility and the simplicity of stripes makes choosing an outfit every day go from simply impossible to just plain…simple.
Here’s a few of my favorite Striped images via Pinterest and how I’ve emulated these styles in my everyday life.
(Under a hot pink blazer)
(Tucked into a hot pink bandage skirt)
Note to self: I am also now obsessed with hot pink.
