Un peu lecon de francais {a little French lesson}

I came across this adorable video on Dress, Design, Decor this morning and it made my Friday. Enjoy!

EF - Live The Language - Paris from Albin Holmqvist on Vimeo.

A Quote for this Snowy Day

"Sometimes happiness is a blessing, but generally it is a conquest. Each day's magic moment helps." -- Paulo Coelho

Chicago Q

Saturday night we dined at Chicago Q - an upscale BBQ spot we've heard so much about lately. Upon arrival the place was packed (to be expected at 8pm on a Saturday night). Once we spotted two seats at the bar up front and settled in with cocktails, we were prepared for our way-too-long wait. The mint juleps are their signature drink, and they come in the classically adorable silver julep cups {below}. Once we were lead to the spacious dining area, I was able to see the black and white banisters, reclaimed wood floors and soft leather seating. It feels like an old Southern plantation. And then the food came. Diners begin with homemade chips and bread and butter pickles. I literally could not stop eating these sweet and salty, crunchy, yummy pickles! We moved on to a green salad with smoked cherry tomatoes, Bob had the ribs with their signature rub. A selection of three barbecue sauces was served on the side so that the flavor of the meat can shine. I (being the pesco-vegetarian I am) ordered the lemon barbecue shrimp and was not disappointed. What would this Southern comfort meal be without a piece of cornbread as big as your head with honey butter and a side of bubbling mac and cheese served in a skillet? If you intend to eat here, I'd wouldn't advise any heavy activity directly following. We left very full and happy and headed to Bangers and Lace - a Wicker Park bar with a huge beer selection, where we met some friends to continue the birthday weekend celebration!

High Gloss Tease

These images were posted on Knight Moves as a tease for what's to come in the much anticipated High Gloss Magazine launching next week. I would like to live in this gorgeous space please. That vintage Persian rug in the kitchen - so unexpected, but it really makes the space, don't you think?

Happy Birthday to my Guy

Yesterday was my boyfriend's 27th birthday. Later this week we will celebrate with good food and good friends - dinner at the new Chicago Q, then beer at Bangers and Lace.

I hope your birthday was very special, because you're a pretty special guy.

Image via Paperless Post

J. Crew Spring: Hollywood Glam

Though I consider myself a Chicago girl through and through, I was born in LA and lived there until I was about seven. This J. Crew Spring photo shoot brings some sunshine into my life on this snowy Chicago afternoon. Seriously, I don't even remember what it feels like to wear open-toed flats.

Gadabout

High Gloss Magazine officially launches one week from today and in honor of the big day, La Dolce Vita is giving away some Gadabout swag. If you haven't seen this stuff, you must check out this lovely paper - and enter the giveaway while you're at it!