Posts from — February 2012

A typed note on his office door that read, ”Audit in Progress,” told our small team of twelve that Jeffrey, the VP of Finance, would find himself forehead deep in financial statements for the next few weeks.  And since he works so hard each day without complaint (seriously), I organized the group to pool together a few dollars and treat him to his favorite pizza from Sopraffina.  His genuine reaction to our surprise made the gesture even more meaningful, especially his laughter at the addition of our “With sympathy during this difficult time” card that included all of our signatures and funny words of inspiration.  It was a small detail in the overall scope of my day, but it felt great to take the time to brighten someone else’s.

Nonprofit fundraisers and posh cocktails are easily one of my favorite philanthropy-meets-fun combinations and tonight’s Flirting with Disaster Event was nothing shy of entertaining.  The scrolling Red Cross support video against the backdrop of Hubbard Inn’s chalkboard bar menu provided the perfect ambiance for meeting fellow twenty-somethings that believe in the cause and like to imbibe a few signature Daisy cocktails.

Nothing’s better than kicking off the work week by treating myself to a manicure (from a salon in my apartment building, no less!).  Perfection.

It’s not often that I can stroll around in February without piling on multiple layers for warmth.  But today, I made it through a morning Flywheel class, Starbucks jaunt, bikram yoga session and trip to the Lululemon store without needing anything more than a light coat (which, for Chicago, was an accomplishment in itself).  It’s always a tough transition on Sunday evenings, knowing that the work week is about to unfold and desperately trying to eek out one last bit of relaxation before the morning alarm clock buzzes.  Since one block turned into five before finally spotting a cab, I seized the opportunity to forgo a ride and instead walked home from my friend’s Academy Awards party.  Between unusually mild temperatures and eerily quiet sidewalks, I’m constantly falling in love with this city — especially on evenings that merit a pretty snapshot to capture the peaceful moment.

This morning, I made the hour-long drive to Mt. Pleasant to compete in Ice Cube Half Marathon Series.  Though conditions were cold and snowy, I loved the notion of competing in a fun, out-of-state race and promptly treated myself to a luxurious breakfast (and mid-morning nap) after crossing the finish line.

Sadly, heart disease is still the number one killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year (check out the “Just a Little Heart Attack” video starring actress Elizabeth Banks here).  To support the cause, my colleague and I volunteered for the American Heart Association’s Make It Your Mission cocktail reception that brought together Chicago women in the fight against heart disease.  Between impeccable details and fundraising efforts that support the educational programs and life-saving research to reduce the effects of heart disease in women, the evening resulted in quite a spectacular event.

| Gorgeous veggie table |

| Tulips and hydrangeas — my two favorite flowers in one bouquet |

| Pre-event setup |

| Pussy willow bunches for sale |

| Pretty red ribbons to adorn the silent auction listings |

| Still enamored with the floral centerpieces |

| Festive red Jello sponsored by Kraft Foods |

| Reflective messaging on all four walls |

| Pretty latte art from today’s caffeine fix |

With my calendar free of obligations and my beau in LA until Monday, I couldn’t be more excited to pack my suitcase and make the drive to Michigan on Friday morning.  These past few days have been incredibly busy and nothing sounds more appealing than a long weekend filled with plenty of good wine and leisure time to explore new places and quaint small towns.  I’m pining for a few days of relaxation without any sort of structure or organization and can’t wait to figure out my weekend agenda as I go along.

There really isn’t a time of day when I wouldn’t be content eating potato chips or french fries.  Whether it’s for an early afternoon snack or an accompaniment to my evening TV shows, I don’t discriminate on indulging in my favorite starch.  In honor of Fat Tuesday and the impending Lenten season, I savored one final basket of Five Guys french fries before saying goodbye to potatoes (in any form) for the next forty days.  Much like giving up Starbucks coffee last year (here), I’m already planning to fill my Easter basket with several bags of Lay’s Dill Pickle potato chips and celebrate the holiday with seasoned fries and a Diet Coke.

Thanks for putting everything into perspective again, Tess.  xo