Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are all the rage, and with my massive 12 foot ceilings and a huge blank canvas to work with, this was my obvious decor of choice for my living room wall.  I love that practically anyone can do this, and there is no real recipe for making it look chic.

It always helps to have inspiration, so I turned to Pinterest and found this lovely image:

via Pinterest

I began by laying out my mis-matched frames on the floor beforehand.  Even with the asymmetrical layout, you still want to have an overall balance in your gathering.  But the good thing is, there is no need to be super precise.

I didn't have much by way of actual artwork, so I created my own to play up the accent colors of my living room - coral, navy, and gold.

The gold spade was the easiest and a fun DIY piece of artwork on a budget.  I bought a small blank canvas from the craft store and some gold glitter scrapbook paper - it was around $6 total.  I freehand drew a spade, but you could easily create a template and make a stencil too.  A little spray glue later, and wallah!  Wouldn't that be adorable using chess piece silhouettes in a grouping of four?  The possibilities are endless...Until my next wall!

Foodie Friday

Happy Friday and Happy Opening Ceremony day!  Perhaps it's because I'm mad dieting at the moment, but lately I've been all consumed with scouring the web for delicious looking recipes {and pinning them, natch}.  My new favorite foodie blog that I can't get enough of is How Sweet It Is. Jessica, the author, is equal parts inventive and hilarious, and her photographs make even broccoli look irresistible.  Do your taste buds a favor and check it out.  Here's a few of my fav finds.  Have a great weekend!

Peach, bacon + gouda sliders on Pretzel bread

Baked mac + cheese cupcakes

Hot Blueberry Cheddar dip

Grilled coconut lime tilapia tacos with kiwi salsa

And finally, to further torment those of us dieters out there...

Trio of cookie dough dips:  Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate Fudge, and Snickerdoodle.  

Waterproofing

Hi there!  It's been quite a bit of time since my last post, as I've been busy on vacay and enjoying lots of summer sun.  I've told you about my love of Birchbox, and this is exactly why: my favorite new product, Blinc mascara.  I've never been a waterproof mascara fan, mainly because removing it is a pain and feels like my lashes are going to break off.  This month's Birchbox delivered me a tube of Blinc, and it was my saving grace on vacation by the pool and lake.  This stuff will literally stay on your lashes for DAYS, makes them uber-long, and taking it off is a piece of cake.  It comes off by rubbing your lashes with some water.  Sounds ironic, but if you are in the market for a trusted friend to get you through poolside fun, give this gem a try.

Re-Inventing Pizza

"Skinny" pizza using a multi-grain tortilla 

Ever since I saw LC's post for skinny pizza here using a whole wheat tortilla as the crust, I've been on a healthy pizza kick.  Mushrooms are my favorite topping of choice, so I decided to take the portabellas I had been using and turn them into the "crust".  The result was simple and satisfying, and would make a perfect appetizer alternative to stuffed mushrooms.  Enjoy!

:: Portabella "Pizzas" ::

Large Portabella Mushrooms caps

Marinara sauce

Shredded cheese

Fresh Basil

Drizzle of olive oil

Sprinkle of Parmesan cheese

Bake at 425 degrees for about 8 minutes 

Arm Candy

I first discovered Poshlocket when Liz blogged about it here, and it you haven't checked out this FAB site, it is a must.  Super fun and unique jewelry, great quality, and the perfect place to find something special without breaking the bank.  Ever since, I've had my eye on this little gem:

Harlow Arrow Bangle

At $22, this is a steal!  I ordered it in May, and to my demise it was snatched from my doorstep and nowhere to be found (I will catch you neighborhood thieves!).  However, I loved it so much, I waited for it to go back in stock, ordered it again, and it arrived safe and sound.  I recently paired it with an adorable $16.99 dress from TJ Maxx (I'm a Maxxinista for life), and heels found on Piperlime last summer.  

I also secretly think this is something the Nicole Richie's daughter Harlow would wear someday and then I'm cool by association...or I've been reading too many US Weekly's.  Pop on over to Poshlocket and find your favorite!  Happy Friday!

Your Best & Worst Friend: Online Shopping Roundup

It's no secret I'm a huge fan of online shopping.  Sure, I live in the city of Chicago where any store I could desire is a quick car ride/train/bike/walk away.  However, add in traffic, crowds, and picked over shelves, and it's enough to drive a girl bonkers - especially when I just feel like doing a little browsing in hopes of finding my next great deal.  Enter my very favorite, tried and true handful of online shopping sites for clothing.  So friends, I share with you a goldmine of deals that will have you itching to click away, pile up your cart, and waste hours of free time.  Warning: I warned you.

ASOS
A go-to for dresses - casual or going out - this site is FULL of steals.  Plus it has free shipping both ways, and a feature where you can view the model walking down the runway in it so you can see what it would really look like.  TIP:  Visit the Sale section for dresses - you'll get hundreds of results.  I've found sizing is pretty accurate, and good quality for the price.

Skater Dress with Lace Criss Cross Back - on sale for $23.20

Lulu's
Super similar to ASOS, Lulu's is another amazing source for dresses and tops.  Free shipping over $50.  I just ordered from here and got THREE things - for just over the $50 bucks during a 4th of July sale.  Major score!

Babytalk Belted Mint Green Dress - $36.00 & Patio Party Pink and Blue Dress - $37.50

Arden B.

Online is SO much easier when it comes to sale time.  More often than not, you can take an extra 50% off clearance with free shipping.  TIP:  Arden B is affiliated with Wet Seal, so the sales will run in tandem.  Yes, the same Wet Seal you went to at the mall when you were 13 and bought that glittery butterfly top.  But seriously, it is great for trendy boots and tops.  Just bring your tasteful eye with you on this one.

Belted Tank Dress (own this one) & Cinched Waist Blousant Dress - both on clearance for $19.99

I could go and on and on, so I'll save more for a future post.  So if you feel like escaping from the hot summer sun, pull up your laptop and happy shopping! 

4th of July Fancies

The 4th of July is upon us and I'm super excited to escape into the hot summer sun and enjoy some cocktails poolside with friends.  There's something about this holiday that makes me particularly nostalgic for dancing around with a sparkler in hand and eating American flag fruit pizza.  And in the famous words of Kanye West, I'm sure I'll get to enjoy the views of fireworks over Lake Michigan. Cheers!

4th of July Fancies by newgirloldtown featuring coral jewelry

ASOS summer sun dress / Kate Spade handbag / Coral jewelry / DG6075K / Patriotic Sophia Stud Pack Limited Edition / Fruit Flag Pizza / Raspberry Beer Cocktail