Valentine's Day Treats

Woo, my first post of 2015! Valentine's Day is about two weeks away and I'm sure stores have already gone through couple iterations of re-stocking heart-shaped chocolates and other cutesy items. Although chocolate, flowers, and stuffed animals are one conventional way to go, a simple note expressing sincere emotions and thoughts can also go a long way. As an enthusiastic fan of receiving hand-written cards and letters, here are some customizable cards from Treat ($3.49 each!) that I would love to share with some close family and friends this year.

Current Craves

Fall is officially here and in fashion the season is considered fashion's new year. In honor of it, I have selected few of my favorite trending items that has taken force as of late and would love to add to my collection.

1. The Burberry Prorsum color block check blanket poncho (that was a mouthful) has been selling out in the speed of light since it was showcased during fashion week earlier this year. The wool and cashmere blend brings in an appeal for colder months.

2. Lace up heels are becoming more and more popular since Giuseppe Zanotti came out with their ravishing pair a while back. Here is a similar pair from Modern Vice.

3. One of the it-bags now is definitely the Givenchy Antigona. This is a perfect satchel and size for everyday use, which also comes with a handy strap to throw it over the shoulder.

4. Diptyque Paris candles have been around since 1963, but I have had a new-found appreciation for the Baies scent and the quality of the product.

5. Cartier's LOVE bracelet is another iconic piece from the 1970s, which is becoming more prominent and for a great reason. The simplistic elegance of the piece makes it versatile enough to be worn with a gown or t-shirt.

What's on your list this fall?

Challenge Accepted!

- Near a mill in Hinsdale -

A friend of mine recently nominated me for the Positive Things challenge (I'm not sure if that's what it is called), which asks to list out three positive things about my day for a week. I have accepted the challenge and thought I would document the positive vibes on here versus Facebook. I will, subsequently, be nominating three more friends!

Day 1:

1. Starting the shortened week on a Tuesday after Labor Day weekend
2. Having leftovers from Kuma's Corner - known for their epic burgers
3. Working out with some squats and leg lifts

Day 2:

1. Having 2 more days to the work week
2. Having my home-made sandwich for lunch (doesn't happen often)
3. Fixing my iPhones' unresponsive home button by myself

Day 3:

1. Enjoying the beautiful weather
2. Eating Nutella from the jar
3. Attending a Happy Hour with some co-workers

Day 4:

1. Sleeping in
2. Dinner with my mom and a friend
3. Staying in on a Friday night and watching an Indian movie with my mom

Day 5:

1. Experiencing Eataly at the restaurant La Pizza - La Pasta and the Nutella bar
2. Strolling down Michigan Ave with a friend
3. Having a second dinner at Gino's East and trying out a sweet "Birthday Cake" shot (no birthdays were happening)

Day 6:

1. Afternoon at Nordstrom
2. Watching NYFW and re-runs of Friends simultaneously
3. Lemonade from Auntie Ann's

Day 7:

1. Eating hot and spice Ramen Noodles for dinner
2. Finalizing a video I created for my mom's 50th birthday (check it out here)
3. Catching-up on some magazine reading

Thank you, Natalia for this challenge! xo

Pretty Pleasures

- Baha'i House of Worship in Evanston, IL -

It's been a while since I have shared some pretty pleasures so, I have added a bit more pictures than the usual. Although Labor Day is just around the corner, it just started feeling like summer here in Chicago and I'm saddened to celebrate the Holiday thinking it is the last hurrah of warm weather. Unlike those who are embracing the early arrival of the pumpkin latte at Starbucks, I am holding onto every bit of the season there is left. Here are some bits and pieces of my past few months. Enjoy!

- A blurry glimpse of a $5M carousel at the House on the Rock in WI - it was breathtaking -

- One of my favorite desserts - creme brûlée - at the Coast Guard Festival in MI -

- July 4th at the Lurie Garden in Chicago-

- Interesting decor in the entryway to 3 Dots and a Dash -

- Snapped this while on an architectural boat tour on the Chicago River -

- Finally got around to trying the acclaimed Girl & the Goat restaurant (it was amazing) -