L-O-V-E

I need these pillows. And, at $98.00/pc, I also need to borrow $400.00. Please? Anyone? Pretty Please? With a cherry? (Pillows and more can be purchased on Jonathan Adler's website: http://www.jonathanadler.com/)

Love at First Bite

I like Valentine's Day. Actually, I love Valentine's Day. I've never been one of those girls to dress in all black and boycott the holiday. I even painted my nails red in preparation for the big day. My affection for February 14th stems from my love flowers and chocolate hearts. On any given Valentine's Day, I would expect to be wined and dined. But this year has already gotten expensive, and with Valentine's Day falling on a Monday, Aaron and I decided to play it cool and just go out for pizza. Best. Decision. Ever. We went Lou Malnati's, Chicago's infamous pizza parlor. I indulged in cesar salad, pizza, and cabernet. And guess what! The pizza was HEART shaped. It was love at first bite.

I Had A Dream

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, I thought I would share with you a dream I recently had. It was very strange, and left me confused. Chris Elliot was interviewing my boyfriend for a sales job. It took place in a basement office. I can still picture it perfectly. The walls were stained yellow from smoke, the linoleum floor was peeling, and Chris Elliot was sitting, smoking a pipe at a large brown desk. Aaron was sitting in the corner by the door. All I can remember about the conversation is this: Chris Elliot: I think you would be a great fit for this company, after all, you've grown up with it. Your dad has done well here, you should do well here. Aaron: I completely agree. I know I would succeed. Especially working in an office like this. I would always know the sun is still shining outside. Chris Elliot: Well thank you for your time. We will get back to you shortly. (Aaron turns to leave) Chris Elliot: Do me a favor Aaron, clench your butt cheeks on the way out. Can someone PLEASE tell me what this means?

Grow Up

While I just turned 27, I often find myself reverting to the age of 21 on the weekends. But, this past weekend was supposed to be different. With a fancy dinner at planned at Graham Elliot for Friday, a dinner party scheduled on Saturday, and a baptism to attend on Sunday, it appeared I was finally going to spend the weekend acting my age. Dinner at Graham Elliot was amazing, and left me thinking I could stay 27 forever...if I was treated to a 5 star dinner every weekend. Hint. Hint. The dinner party Saturday was fantastic as well. Eating Shrimp Scampi and consuming endless glasses of good wine was a great way to continue my weekend of maturity. I lasted almost 36 hours in my new found adulthood, and I was feeling good. After the dinner party, we met up with a group of friends in Lincoln Park. We started at O'Mallys, made our way to Haligan, and ended up at Irish Eyes. The further north we went, the younger I got. Before I knew it, I found myself swaying in a circle of 10 friends, arm and arm, belting John Cougar Mellencamp's Jack and Diane. I am not sure which is worse, the passion we all felt while belting "hold on to 16 as long as you can, changes come around real soon make us women and men. Oh yeah, life goes on, long after the thrill of livin is gone..." or the fact that I had the uncontrollable hiccups. I woke up early Sunday morning, ready to look defeat in the face, and try again. As I showered before the baptism, ensuring I wouldn't reek of booze, I thought to myself, grow up Lauren, grow up. But I didn't. Instead I enjoyed some Sunday Funday festivities. Oh well, life goes on.

Finally Friday

It's finally Friday and I couldn't be happier. This week feels like it's lasted two, and I am pretty sure it was on a mission to teach me a few lessons. Let's recap what I've learned, shall we?

1: Not paying the parking meter while you quick run in to grab a Starbucks, results in a very pricey Grande Soy Misto. $53.76 to be exact.

2: Playing trivia is always fun, even if you lose to a group a friends who named their team "Lauren is a cougar."

3: If your boyfriend wakes you up in the middle of the night demanding (in his sleep) that you "move over and make room for the others," don't question him, just do it. Or you'll spend the rest of the night shivering in the cold because he got mad when you wouldn't move and stole all of the covers.

Bring on the weekend!

My New Year's Resolution

Every year I make a resolution, and every year I break it. Last year, I vowed to only purchase one article of clothing each month. I made it through February, but by March I couldn't take it anymore. I splurged at Anthropologie, ending up with a $500 bill and some adorable new additions to my closet. The year before that, I gave up sweets. If an addict can give up alcohol, I can give up sugar, right? I made it until January 12th, when I relapsed on birthday cake. But this year is going to be different. My resolution is Zen. While I have yet to find a definition of Zen that I completely understand, I do know that it is the perfect excuse for me to join The Chicago School of Hot Yoga. I also bought Zen tea. This resolution is flawless. I'm feeling Zen already.

Beat It 2010

New Year's Eve is approaching and I'm getting giddy. Not just to party with my pants off (I'll be wearing a dress), but also to give 2010 the finger, and move on. Sure, 2010 had its ups: Ireland, China, Aruba, and a fabulous new pair of sunglasses. But lately, I feel like I've been tossed overboard and left to drown. Dramatic? Maybe. But with my recent run-in with a pile of rocks, it became painfully clear that this year must end. And, what better way to wish it good ridden, then to flaunt a dress full sparkles, some 4 inch heels, and party...like it's 1999.

The Dress: Tinseltown, by French Connection

The Shoes: Luxe, by Franco Sarto

The Shades: Ray Ban Wayfarer

(So 2010 won't know who's flipping the bird).