Kate Spade Tableltop

By now you should know I'm a huge Kate Spade fan. Everything from handbags to accessories to shoes to clothing and now home. Check out some great pieces from the tabletop collection and other fabulous home decor items. I adore. Keep you eyes peeled for the launch of the bedding collection this summer! I can't wait.

32

Yep...it's officially my birthday! Let the festivities begin. For as long as I can remember, I have absolutely loved my birthday...even turning 30! While the majority of my friends were dreading the big 3-0 I was planning a bash to remember. But something strange happened last year when I turned 31...I was officially IN my 30s and it suddenly depressed me. And now 32...deeper into my 30s. After spending the last few weeks leading up to this day kind of depressed about my pending birthday, I realized, what for?! Sure, I'm not exactly where I thought I would be at 32 but that's life...it's a total crapshoot! Shit happens but after having a pity party moment you have to dust yourself off and fight for what you want in life because no one else is gonna do it for you. There are so many things I have to love about my life and I'm excited about the new adventures I'm embarking on this year. It's time to focus on that, not what's missing. One of the hardest lessons I have learned the last couple of years is to not compare my life to anyone elses. Just because it may appear that a friend's life is perfect, you don't necessarily know that from the outside looking in. The only story I have to be invested in, is my own. So...I have decided that this summer is going to be the Summer of Jen...starting with my bday. For the first time in a long time, I'm going be completely selfish and do ME (a line straight from Sammie from the Jersey Shore). I can't wait to head to NYC tomorrow with 3 of my favorite Chicago girls to visit 2 my favorite NYC girls for a weekend full of fun!!! xxs to all!

3 Things I'm Grateful To Have Had in the Last 32 Years of My Life:

My Health! Sure I've been a little more broken the last couple years with my back problems and now a stress fracture in my foot...I'll be rocking crutches this birthday and milking every second of it with the fellas. ;) But for the most part I have been lucky to be super healthy and active as a kid and young adult. Compared to what so many other people face in their lives, these are just minor setbacks I can overcome.

My FANTASTIC Female Friendships! The older I get, the more I realize that not all girls are lucky enough to have amazing girlfriends like I do. I'm not talking about girlfriends that you meet up with once in awhile to grab drinks or go out for a night on the town...it's more than that...it's those friendships that run SO deep it's scary. The ones where they can make you see a side of yourself you would have never uncovered on your own. The ones that have you rolling on the ground laughing at the most absurd things. The ones that you are so comfortable with you can be totally silly and raunchy without feeling dumb. I am so lucky to have a handful of amazing women in my life to lean on when the going gets tough and know they will pick me up when I crumble.

Click to Enlarge

My Mama! There's nothing like a mom and mine is my heart and soul. Not having a huge family, she's all I had for a while and I admire the things she does for me and my brother. I hope that one day I will be 1/2 the mother she is. :)



So here's to a kickass 32nd year of my life!

Birthday Ensembles

It's my birthday week! What, what! I'm heading back east to NYC to visit my 2 besties with some of my CHI girls for the weekend on Friday. That means partying like a rockstar and rockstar outfits to match. A peek at the 2 chosen ensembles for the weekend: 

Night One



Night Two



A Little B-Day Jam...

Loving...

I was perusing a few blogs this weekend and came across this totally creative, clever, affordable alternative to a traditional nightstand on Cupcakes and Cashmere. These old suitcases and beveled mirror on top is so unique and vintage chic! I had to share...peep it below:

Break Out the White

With Memorial Day weekend upon us, we can now officially start wearing white (yea, so what if I was wearing it before...I like to break the rules). So let's have a WHITE OUT this weekend...I'm praying for warmer weather here in Chicago after a FRIDGED and wet day here yesterday. Happy Long Festive Weekend, Loves! xxs

Kate Spade



Tart



Gucci

Tory Burch

Steve Madden





A Memorial Day Party

Almost there! Almost time for a much needed 3 day weekend and the unoffical start of summer! What are your plans? How about hosting a little gathering with friends? Need a little inspiration? Thought you'd never ask: 
 

IKEA



Gumps

William Sonoma

Better Homes and Gardens

 

Crate and Barrel



Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens

What To Get the Hostess with the Mostess

Parties are grand. And the person behind the scenes making it spectacular should not be forgotten. So don't forget to bring the host/hostess a little something special to say "Thanks!". Here are some ideas that won't break the bank and go beyond your typical bottle of wine.

Click Photo to Link - Wisteria

Click Photo to Link - IKEA



Click Photo to Link - A + R Store



Click Photo to Link - Anthropology

Click Photo to Link - Zara Home