Feel the Breeze

How was your holiday weekend? I think I ate my weight in cheeseburgers (no joke, had one every day) and am still getting over the sugar rush from all the cookies and desserts. It was pretty damn fun. We were blessed with nice weather, but holy summer it got hot and sticky fast. Being eight months pregnant makes that super fun and all I want to wear is the tiniest little dress I can find, but alas a giant bra and lots of coverage is probably more my speed right now. 

How great would one of these open back dresses be for a date night or cocktails with your girlfriends on a hot summer night?

1. A little pink dress screaming for a fun wedding by Tibi

2. A little ladylike and sexy combined in this Alice + Olivia (on sale)

3. I worship this slinky Parker dress with its contrasting striped skirt. 

4. The sweet tie in the back of this Parker romper is perfection. 

Though my bump cannot fit in any of these, I want to live vicariously through anyone who gets to sport one of these beauties. 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wish

Easter weekend and still chilly. Nothing new here in Chicago, but even just the glimmer of the 40s, makes me happy. At least the sun should shine for Sunday and maybe the little guy will be into his first egg hunt. 

In the meantime, I am lusting after this jewelry designer out of Hong Kong that I found on Etsy. Instead of buying a new dress for that wedding you have coming up or maybe you are looking for the perfect statement necklace for your next event, check out these ridiculous pieces from Bayila. They would be absolutely perfect with a dress you probably already own and with this glimmering on top of it, no one would ever notice you wore it twice. 

These last two are what I have my eye on. 

Can you believe how gorgeous? And for the price of what you would probably be spending on that new dress. Going to go through my closet and find the perfect dress to wear these with so I can splurge on one. They are too gorgeous. 

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Bacon, Arugula, & Mozzarella Mini Stratas

I mentioned that I was going to be making a variation of this strata recipe for a brunch menu. If you have never eaten or made strata, it is essentially an Italian bread pudding. Best part is that you make it the day before and let it sit in the fridge. I have even made them two days ahead with success. You can vary this recipe however you would like. Change up the cheese, veggies, meat, add in herbs, spices, whatever you like. You can also use any type of bread, especially any that has gone a bit stale. I prefer challah because it is light and airy. Serve this with fruit and mimosas for the perfect brunch.

Bacon, Arugula, & Mozzarella Mini Stratas
Forks & Amusement 2012
serves 6-8

2 tablespoons olive oil
8 slices of bacon, coarsely chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups cubed challah
8 oz fresh mozzarella, dried and diced
3 oz baby arugula (about 3 good handfuls)

3 cups milk

10 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Prepare two muffin tins by spraying them with non-stick cooking spray.

Heat the oil over medium high heat in a skillet. Cook the bacon until just crispy. Turn off the heat, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate. Turn the heat back up to medium high. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Turn off heat and set aside.

Fill 18 of the cups with 1/2 of the bread cubes, then 1/2 the mozzarella, 1/2 the onion mixture, 1/2 the bacon, and a few arugula leaves. Repeat.

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Using a ladle, fill each of the cups to the top. Do not worry if they over fill. If you have extra egg, push down a bit on the bread so it soaks up more of the egg. Use as much as the egg as you can.

Sprinkle the top of each with Parmesan cheese. Chill, covered with plastic wrap, at least two hours and up to two days.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Serve warm or room temperature.

xo
Erin

Beholden the Dress

While at the new BHLDN store in Chicago I came across this AMAZING dress. It is by Catherine Deane and unbelievably gorgeous. 

Shopbop and Harvey Nichols had it in some colors, but are sold out. I will be stalking to see if I can find it in a color other than white in my size so I can wear it to some upcoming weddings. My weekend wish is that I do. 

If you have never been to the BHLDN site or the store, you really need to check it out. If you are shopping for wedding dresses, make it a stop on your scouting. There were some unbelievable vintage gowns as well as some others that made me want to renew my vows as soon as possible. 

They also carry evening, bridesmaid options, beautifully curated jewelry and accessories, as well as decor for parties and weddings. 

Obsessed with this sparkly clutch and bib necklace. 

This long dress was a beautiful blush color with delicate stripes. 

The perfect LWD

Vintage headband that would be so pretty tucked into soft wavy hair

I hope you all have a fantastic long weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Bella Bridal Shower

Sorry I have not been updating, but I am working on some things around here that I cannot wait to share soon. My posts may be a little sparse in the coming weeks, but I promise to share what I am working on and try to keep up as much as I can. 

One project that had my attention the last month is a bridal shower I threw for my future sister-in-law. I adore her and it was so fun planning this fun day with my mom. 

My brother and his future Mrs. got engaged in Italy, so we used this as inspiration for the entire event. Starting with the invitations....

These were custom printed from Envy Marketing, which I found on Etsy. The venue is one of my favorite Italian spots in Chicago, Quartino. It's rustic charm, delicious food and impeccable service was the perfect place. 

Her favorite flowers are peonies, which were incorporated into the arrangements along with beautiful romantic bouquets. 

We worked with Debi Lilly, from A Perfect Event, for all of the floral. And once again (she was my wedding planner) she and her team put together the most gorgeous flowers. 

She also used silver trays, julep cups, and mercury glass votives, which the perfect combination with the rustic wooden tables and candelabras. 

For the favors, we ordered these custom cookies to match the invitation shape. Their monogram was scrolled on them and they were tied with dried lavender. 

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the afternoon was filled with prosecco, pasta and laughter. The perfect combination. 

xo

Erin