Chicago Fashion

Dropping some ideas for those who follow me...or just showing off my fun outfits I put together!  I LOVE FASHION!

Knit top w/sequin and lace embroidery (The Limited circa 1999), Black stretch jeweled belt (Forever 21), Tulip style skirt (BB Dakota), Hounds tooth tights (Marshalls), Mary Jane style peep toe heels (Kensie Girl).

SMILE LUCY!  I've learned my lesson.  Starting at the top...shredded green scarf (bday present), Jean jacket (Forever 21), Striped turtle neck sweater (J Crew), watch (Michael Kors), Twill capri pant (J Crew), Grey suede boots (Jessica Simpson)

Productive Chica!

A few things I did today...

• Added a cute V-Day pic to my place (I got the print from one of my "sites for inspiration", Landee See Landee Do).
• Prepared for my interview tomorrow (pray for me!!) 
• Made homemade applesauce for the first time!

BEFORE

AFTER!!

 

 

 Homemade Applesauce recipe:
  Ingredients
   -4 granny smith apples
   -Approx 1 cup granulated sugar (best if you use the real stuff!)
   -Approx 1-2 tbl spoons ground cinnamon
   -1/4 cup water 


  Directions

• Peel granny smith apples and cut into slices and cubes.
• Put apple slices and water in pot and turn heat on medium and cover.  
• Once simmering, turn heat down to low and begin to mash apples with wire whisk (consistency should be a little chunky).
• Add sugar and cinnamon (as much or as little as you prefer to taste).

Bon Appétit!  This stores well too, so make a ton and keep it in he fridge for seconds, thirds, fourths...you get the idea.  

xx
-

Pumping up Pump Room

Great surprise! My cousins wife Jordan showed up in Chicago for work. We got together for dinner and drinks at the trendy Pump Room! The food and atmosphere was delicious! A must try xx

My Musical Inspiration

Just listen to the words...

Brunch, on a Tuesday?

I say why not?  The meal is healthy, pocket friendly and deeelicious!  Grab some seasonal fruits (cheaper than out of season), eggs and toast at the store and voilα, brunch is served.

Want to make it more fun?  Host a brunch for friends, and do it family style.  Make sure to include champ-sane and strawberry OJ for mimosas! Duh. YUMMM.  xx

A manicure is a must

To be a chic woman, you must always have a fresh manicure.  It can get expensive though going to the salon once a week and if you don't have a steady hand then you obvi can't do it yourself.  I just tried the Sally Hanson Salon Effects Polish Strips and it was a cinch AND it looks like a professional did it! See for yourself...

There are lots of colors and patterns to choose from and it takes about 15 minutes to finish once you get going.  Check the style options out HERE!

French Press?? Mais Oui!

I tried making homemade french press coffee today.  No need going to an Illy café, le Barista Lucy at your service!  It's so simple.  Follow my lead and enjoy!

Boil approximately 4 cups of water (preferably in a tea
pot so it's easy to pour) and set aside

While your water boils, have your fresh coffee
grounds (2 tbl sp/1 cup of water) and your
coffee press waiting...

Add coffee grounds in the press
**Remember: 2 tbl spoons/1 cup of water

...then pour the hot water slowly over the grounds
making sure that the water spout covers

Once you've added the appropriate water/coffee grounds ratio,
stir the mixure with a wooden 'something-or-other'. I used a chop stick.
Metal could shatter the glass so use something wooden or plastic. See
the "bloom" forming.  "Bloom" is technical, looks like foam to me :)

Now let the coffee mixure seep for about 4 minutes.  The longer it
seeps the stronger the coffee.  I say for 4 cups of coffee, 4 min. is
PERFECTION!  But do some tests to figure out your PERFECTION!

Now we press!  Place the press on top and slowly,
using the weight of your hand, plunge down evenly 

And ta da!  With a "steady pour and an even plunge", you have your very own
french press coffee!  **Bananna doesn't come with, but tastes great with! Enjoy xx

Finding my place

With unemployment being the negative force in my every day, I'm trying to find things that keep me motivated and to put it simply...happy.  First things first.  I'm in a rut, I go to Caribou on N. Broadway two to three times a week to apply for jobs and to just get the heck out of my apartment.  After a month of doing this, I've decided that I can't afford the distractions of conversations around me (you'd be shocked what some people say out loud in public, especially in boyssstown) and I can't afford $2.15 every day for a coffee on a $0 income.  Roughly $25 a month on coffee...and that's if I just get a regular medium coffee!  

SOOO...I've found a FREE, quiet and resourceful place to allow me to continue the grind...THE PUBLIC LIBRARY! I must say, this place is packed! It seems so obvious, why haven't I tried it before? Thank you blog for getting me here!

New to Chicago

I moved to Chicago to follow the dream I've had since I was a little girl.  So far living the big city life is everything I could imagine and more!  Just recently though I lost my job, so now I'm scrambling to find a new job.  I figured, in the meantime, I would keep myself busy posting about all of my loves.  ENJOY BLOGGING ABOUT TOWN WITH ME! xx