This past week, one of the most important men in my life celebrated a birthday. He would be 63 years old if he was a human, but in doggie years he is nine. Funny story actually. For years, I thought Dooley’s papers read that he was born in 2001. So naturally, I would be dreading this birthday as it would mark #11. That’s an old age for a Basset Hound, for any dog. And that’s something that isn’t easy to come to terms with. We came across his papers the other day as we were packing, and found that in fact he was born in 2003. If that doesn’t make me feel like a bad mom–who doesn’t know how old their kid is? Needless to say, I’m glad the news was in our favor. We celebrated with a few extra belly rubs and treats.

(He was not a fan of the birthday hat last year. I vetoed it for this year)

{This year’s birthday with some kisses}

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

The smell of cinnamon instantly takes me back to my grade school days. Each morning, my mom was up packing our lunches and making us breakfast. For those extra special days, like the first day of school or our birthdays, she would make my sister and I French Toast with bacon and sausage.  Now as an adult, French Toast is still one of my favorite breakfast choices– still decorated with extra powdered sugar and fruit.

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

On Sunday Morning my family and I went to Milwaukee for Mother’s Day Brunch. We heard about INdustri Cafe and their great brunch menu through Kaela at Pea Pod Photography (who also joined us for brunch with her family). If you ever venture there, I would highly recommend the Monte Cristo and their $13 Blood Marys (they are practically a meal in themselves). Since I’ll be partaking in many more Sunday Brunches in Madison upon our new move (June 1st-yay!) I had to invest in a couple go-to pieces. This dress I just purchased from Lands’ End Canvas was a perfect fit. It is definitely a new staple piece for Sunday’s. 

|Dress: Lands’ End Canvas| Denim Jacket: Lands’ End Canvas (similar here) | Sandals: A&F | Arm Candy: Vintage bracelet and Michael Kors Tortouise Watch | Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana |

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

First things first–I’ve been neglecting my blogging for the past two weeks. A combination of late nights at the office, moving June 1st, and being a MOH is enough to keep a girl pretty busy. But, I had to get back to what I love.

Monday Night has become a favorite of mine again all because of this.

A restaurant I tried a few weeks back with girlfriends. I’m determined to bring the boyfriend this summer because it was so good!

I will be moving to Madison in a few weeks with the boyfriend. I’m looking forward to Saturday’s at the farmer’s market, going out to brunch, spending afternoons around the capitol and finally having our first place together. Ahh.

You can also expect to see A LOT more wardrobe posts! Now that I won’t be living alone, I have someone to photograph me. The boyfriend is thrilled, I’m sure.

American Idol is getting down to the wire. I love Philip Phillip. But, Jessica Sanchez is also a close second.

My little ham (my basset hound) celebrated his 11th birthday this past week. {Post coming soon}. I can’t believe he’s 11 already–that’s 77 in human years.

If this isn’t a tear jerker. But a happy ending for a man and his best friend.

Currently loving: White denim capris & colorful blazers.

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

This isn’t your ordinary apple pie by any book. What I love most about this dessert is that it’s personal-baked for each individual guest. If dessert doesn’t make you feel special enough, your own personal applie pie is sure to do the trick. When I decided to make these (recipe here), I truly had no idea how time consuming they are. The hardest part for me was hollowing out the apple. I used a spoon and by the tenth apple, my hands felt numb. I promise you, the end result is worth it. The boyfriend’s family raved about these!

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

Monday Mayhem on a Wednesday night? Oh yes, It has been one of those weeks. One that has been nothing but crazyness at the office. Boss #1 is in Asia and Boss #2 is in L.A. on business. Needless to say, I’m holding down the fort and putting in some long hours.

I did make time to purchase some new looks for Spring! My favorite one is probably this.

Yup, my favorite AI contestant.

I saw The Hunger Games over the weekend. Loved it! But I felt like the movie was in FWD compared to the book. I’m 3/4 of the way done with the 2nd book of the trilogy. Make them your next reads.

I think mine will be this book that I keep hearing about.

Did you see that “hint” of a picture I posted on Facebook yesterday? Post coming Friday!

This weekend I’m headed to my first game of the year! Wahoo.

I’m hosting a Fashion Blogger Luncheon in May at The Peninsula in Chicago for an afternoon of High Tea. Please let me know if you’re interested! Official date will be chosen soon.

I’m already thinking about NYFW in September. I never make it for Fashion’s Night Out and I am definitely making it a priority this year.

That’s all for now. Happy Hump Day:)

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

You know those days (sometimes weeks) that are jam packed with never-ending meetings, e-mails, and deadlines to meet and the only thing you can think about is that chilled bottle of wine in the fridge? Yeah, I can safely say that this has been one of those weeks. And while a glass of wine at night does the trick, so does researching my dream vacations. I personally believe I was meant to be a gypsy. The boyfriend would probably vouch for that as well because I’ve lived in five different cities in a matter of four years. But, I love to travel, it’s one of my greatest passions.  And these are a few places on my must-travel list:

Greece: When I was in Europe this is a place I longed to visit, but unfortunately never made it. My inspiration may have come from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (don’t make fun). The architecture is so interesting and how can you go wrong with that view of the Mediterranean? Exactly!

Bora Bora: An ideal trip for two to a little French Polynesian Island near Tahiti. It’s been a dream of mine to stay in one of those bungalos above the water. How do places like this exist?

California Wine Country: I’ve been to LA and San Diego, but have never ventured out from either city. Napa Valley or Sonoma would be ideal in the summer–touring winerys and staying at a swanky hotel that overlooks the vineyards. I’m sure you can tell I’ve had time to think about this.

Venice: Although I have been to Italy, the closest I’ve been to a gondola is the Venetian in Las Vegas. Which of course doesn’t compare. When I go, I’m totally doing the tourstie things like riding in a gondola and eating spaghetti and meatballs.

What are your deam vacays?

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

My all-time favorite Easter candy is Cadbury Mini Eggs- chocolate eggs dipped in a hard sugar coating.  I limited myself to only buying one bag this year (as opposed to other years) and substituted my usual chocolate chip cookies with cadbury eggs instead. I followed the classic Nestle Toll House recipe (you can’t go wrong) and they turned out to be a delicious hunky touch to any cookie. I’m seriously thinking about freezing a few bags so I can make them at my disclosure year round!

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

Happy Monday Mayhem!

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend. I know mine felt like Thanksgiving! And sure paid for it at the gym this afternoon.

Saw this movie last week and thought it was hilarious! Definitely recommend it.

Looking to hold a little blogger luncheon  in Chicago this summer. If interested, please send me a message:)

One summer activity I’m really looking forward to doing.

I’ve been wanting to attend this for a few years now. Just finding a wardrobe would be so much fun!

Wow, could you do this?

I’m excited to share with you some new (successful) recipes I tried over the weekend:)

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB