Category Archives: Favorite Things

Fancy Me a Grocery List

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I love lists. To-do lists, clothes-to-buy lists, things-I-should-do-over-the-weekend-but-won’t lists… lists about lists! The list goes on…

Okay – I hear you – enough. But really, can we talk about one more list? Please? What if it’s reallllyyyy pretty?

Emily Ley Grocery Notepad

Source: Emily Ley Notepad

Told ya it was pretty. Now, if you told me you still had no desire to write a weekly grocery list after seeing this, I wouldn’t believe you. iPhone apps (or what have you) are convenient and work wonders for making shopping lists, but is there any greater satisfaction then putting pen to paper? For me, no, there is not.

I really believe actually writing out lists or letters is a lost art and after spending some time on Emily Ley’s website, all I want to do is buy pretty paper and pens. In fact, I’d better write out a list of all the new things I need.

Do you make lists? Do you use pen and paper or a smartphone app?
I was in no way compensated for this post, I just really like Emily’s products and wanted to share. 

Every Kitchen Needs a Good Candle

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Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Candle

As sure as Pumpkin Spice Lattes are gracing the counters of Starbucks, fall is coming. And nothing says fall in this house (er, apartment) like delicious smelling candles. I just picked up this one from Bath and Body Works yesterday and it is scented like two of my favorite things, cinnamon and pumpkin. Smells good!

What are your favorite fall scents? Happy Friday!

Christmas in July: My Kitchen Wishlist

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Even though there is really no end in sight for the heat and sunshine that’s swarmed the Chicago area (not complaining!) these past couple weeks, I’ve been thinking about Christmas in July. I know, I know – who wants to think about cold, snow, etc. But let me ask you this – who wants to think about gifts?

I love everything about gifts — picking them out, giving them, wrapping them… and oh yes, receiving them (I’m not going to lie here). That’s why while researching my number one thing on my list and spending mucho time on the Williams Sonoma website, I thought  I’d keep a record of which items my kitchen needs next. It’s really the responsible thing to do — that way I’ll have a reference should something go on sale. Saving money = responsible.

What’s number one you ask? Drumroll please…

1. Food Processor: No I don’t know which one I want exactly (hence the research) or really what I plan on doing with it, but I feel my kitchen is lonely without it. I’d imagine it would make food prep a whole lot easier, which is good for chopping veggies for the salads I like to make for lunch. I just imagine this appliance taking my culinary prowess to the next level. This Breville Food Processor is rated #1 by Consumer Reports, so I guess it’s a good start.

Breville Food Processor

2. Hello Cupcake! What’s New? Cookbook: This book is full of different themed cupcakes that can be made with common candies, no crazy Cake Boss decorating skills necessary. Seems like the perfect (not-so) secret weapon to make the perfect cupcake for every occasion.

Cupcake Cookbook

3. Hot Pink KitchenAid Mixer: Okay, okay – I already have a KitchenAid and I love it. It’s the most beautiful shade of metallic red, but pink is my favorite color so I had to share this beauty.

Pink KitchenAid Mixer

4. An Apron: This one from Flirty Aprons is cute, has ruffles and a cupcake print. I can’t imagine anything more perfect or cheerful to wear while in the kitchen.

Apron with Cupcake Print

What’s on your kitchen wishlist?

Random Wednesday Thoughts

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Keep calm, take a deep breath and live healthy.

The phrase above is a little mantra I like to tell myself when things get busy… busier than normal. Since I didn’t have time to finish the drafts for my posts this week (yet!), I thought I’d share some of my random Wednesday thoughts. Here goes nothing:

1. Today is National Walking Day. Whoop, whoop! Get out of that office chair and take a walk during your lunch break. The American Heart Association says so. Join the organization in their quest to burn 1 billion calories in the name of heart health, well really, overall health.

2. My local Whole Foods Market has the most wonderful olive bar. I recently made my first purchase from it — yippee! More to come on that later.

3. I’ve been thinking about adding a second half marathon to my summer agenda. The second one would be about 7 weeks after my first run. Not sure this is a bad idea… but is it a good one? As a music lover, I’ve been obsessing over the Rock N Roll series. With a band at every mile and an enthusiastic crowd, who needs an iPod? I’ve got my eyes set on the Chicago run and next year’s Nashville run.

4. When did I become such an avid runner? I’m not sure either.

5. I just saw on Twitter that April is National Food Month and I asked myself, now really, could there be a greater month? Enjoying April by noshing on food that’s fresh, tasty and good for you. I think I’ll celebrate by checking out Green City Market, a large farmers market in Chicago. Looks like heaven.