NYC-themed party

I’ve had the pleasure of rooming with Katie for the past 2 years in Chicago—together we’ve lived in the South Loop and in our current apartment in Lakeview.  She’s decided to take an amazing offer with Alexander Wang in New York City!  You may recall Katie's first NYC experience.  Of course that only meant I had to throw a fabulous surprise going away party.  

Chicago Roomie Love

I wish I took more photos that evening, but being a hostess with the mostest does keep you busy :)

Welcome to the first of my new page-- DIY posts!  Below are some ideas for an NYC-Themed party:

•  Décor:  A city of Lights - Place white Christmas lights throughout the party area.  The plain white or icicle ones work best-- if you go with color it's just too Christmas-y. 

Shout out to party guest Gianni for providing white lights and helping with set-up!

• Food:  New York Cheesecake – I ended up buying one because I was super busy that week, but here is a great quick and easy recipe that I intended to make:

Ingredients:
1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
8 oz softened cream cheese
Vanilla wafers
Foil cupcake liners

Beat all ingredients except wafers until smooth.  Place one wafer inside each foil cup and fill half full with batter.  Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.  Cool in refrigerator.  Top with chocolate chips, fruit, almost anything!

• Drinks:  Manhattans—I even bought a shaker, and each drink included maraschino cherries and a lemon garnish.  

Thanks to all who made it out that night!  Best of Luck to Katie!!!You will be missed!

Packing for my beach getaway!

I'm sooo excited to be heading to Costa Rica later this week!!! The country has been on my bucket list for years ever since I was in grade school and learned about the tropical beaches, biodiversity, and gorgeous landscapes. 

Because the weather will be 90s at coolest all week (not that it's been that much cooler in Chicago lately), packing for a beach getaway should be easy and quite simple.  Here's what I'm throwing in my bag:

Passport & Travel Docs:  Most important of all and the most commonly forgotten item!

Swimsuits:  I intend to spend countless hours on the beach and by the pool.

Light sundresses:  Coolness and comfort are key to a beach wardrobe.

Sun Glasses: A super cheap pair that I won't have to worry about scratching or loosing down a volcano.

Skin Stuff:  Ultraviolet rays from the sun are much more intense as you move closer to the Equator.  I'm not leaving without plenty of sunscreen, aloe lotion and lip balm!

Flippy Floppies:  & sandals....because Life is Better in Flip Flops, plus one pair of sneakers for a day of a TBD adventure (hiking/zip-lining/off-roading!).  

 As they say in Costa Rica "Pura Vida."  One thing to know about the Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, is their free spirit and love for life. You will often hear the people greet or salute friends with the phrase "Pura Vida" which translates to Pure Life or "Pura Vida Mae", which translates to Pure Life Dude (usually said among friends or good acquaintances). 

I have a feeling I am going to love this country! Pura Vida readers! 

I'm still dreaming of Akira's bazaar

I've got to say, one of the best events I went to all summer was Akira's 10th anniversary bazaar.  Located in Wicker Park, this festival was complete with amazing Akira sales, street vendors, free drinks, and even a live camel (now that's not something you see in Chicago everyday).  Free of charge to everyone!

I can't decide if my favorite part of the day was winning these Fiebiger Shoes, or getting my new pair of TOMS custom designed by the artists:

 I've always wanted to get a pair of TOMS, and when I saw that they were doing free customizations, it was obviously the perfect time to buy-- absolute brilliant marketing by Akira and TOMS shoes.  The best part is, with every pair of TOMS you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

These TOMS are fly as S*%T! 

Well done, Akira.  I'm eagerly awaiting your next festival.