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Category: General

Book Club Monday

I saw this week’s book choice, The Girl He Use To Know by Tracey Garvis Graves and I bought it immediately.  I was really in the mood for a good old fashion hopelessly romantic love story.  Here is the summary:

Annika (rhymes with Monica) Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people’s behavior confusing, she’d rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess.
Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game―and his heart―to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone.
Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. She’s living the life she wanted as a librarian. He’s a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins. – Amazon.com
For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.




Amazon Friday Finds…A Summer Bag

I predict that novelty handbags are going to be HUGE again this summer.  Straw, Wicker, Satin, Beaded, PVC, Feather….they are all going to be here to stay.  I found some really really cute options while on Amazon the other day.   I think it is going to be hard for you to choose just one…Bon Weekend!!!!
image dreamtimes.com



This was the most popular bag last summer and it’s back again!!! I love the white…


These are such fun clutches, I love the striped version too!!!!


And this multi-colored chevron too!!!!


I have also seen this style bag ALLL OVER INSTAGRAM!!!!!


Here is the perfect wicker bag!!!!!


And in a cross body style!!!


And lastly…florals are soooo big for spring..I know, I know “GROUNDBREAKING”

Crowd Pleasing Antipasto Salad

I have been dying to share this for a while.  I became obsessed with Antipasto salad a while ago.  I served this to a few friends last month and they all loved it.  They took the recipe home with them and I am hearing that every time one of them makes it, their crowd go WILD!!!!  Bon Appetit!!!

image mastercook.com

adapted from RossSveback.com

Ingredients
  • 8 oz. container cherry-size fresh mozzarella
  • 14 oz. can baby artichoke hearts, halved
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes
  • Half of an 8 oz. jar Peperoncini
  • 1 lb. dry salami, 1″ slices – diced
  • 3/4 lb. Provolone cheese, 1″ slice – diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, cored/seeded – diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, cored/seeded – diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion, halved lengthwise and then 1/2″ slices
  • 1 c. shredded Romano cheese
  • 1 c. Girard’s Italian Vinagrette
  • 1 tbsp. coarse-ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp. minced garlic 


Mix all of the ingredients together
Pour Salad Dressing over the top and mix very well to coat and combine
Let the salad chill in the fridge for about an hour or so, SERVE

Mid Week Flowers

When was the last time you treated yourself to a gorgeous floral arrangement?   I don’t mean flowers from your local Whole Foods or Trader Joes?  A gorgeous curated arrangement in a proper vessel?  Our sponsor Outdoors Contained, though they are known for their incredible planters and window boxes, create the most incredible flower designs.   Also, they are perfect for Mother’s Day’s gifting. Keep them in mind for your graduation parties and milestone birthday parties.  Here are some of my favorites over the past year.    For more information or to place an order, click HERE.






Are You Redi for A Pedi?

I am so excited to introduce you to our new sponsor Redi Pedi, a shoe designed with a Pedi in mind…OMG!!! I LOVE this!!!!!  Jacqueline Segura is the designer who came up with the concept.  It is so brilliant, a flat shoe with a collapsible front and adjustable Velcro strap.  It is the one pair shoes that you can wear before and after your pedicure.  No more walking in the rain or snow in your flip flops or no more smudged toes in regular shoes.  The Redi Pedi makes the perfect gift, AND just in time for mother’s day!!!!  How perfect would a pair of these be bundled with a pedicure at your local salon.  Trust me it is the BEST gift for your mom or your bestie!!!  For more information or to purchase, click HERE.

Easter Morning Crumb Cake

My friend Courtney sent me this amazing recipe which is perfect for Easter breakfast.  She says that she has been making it for years, actually since high school.  She makes it for her family for every holiday.  I cannot wait to start making this for my family!!!  Bon Appetit!!!





Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix
2 sticks butter
3 cups flour
1 1/3 cups sugar
3 tsb cinnamon
3 tsb vanilla
1 pinch salt


Make the cake according to the directions.
Spray a rectangle baking pan with non stick spray.
pour batter into pan and bake according to directions (do no over bake).
Melt butter on stove
Add sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and salt
Add flour slowly (if it gets too dry add more butter)
After cake cools crumble mixture on top of cake, covering it completely.
Put cake in warm oven (turned off) for 20 min. 
Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar before serving.