Anna

skinny buddha sent over this article today and we can't help but re-share on she told you so. in this case, anna told you so...

tip 1: learn from the pros first. it's ok to work under someone.
the only thing i worry a little bit about- going straight from school to starting your own business-is not that many succeed.

tip 2: think about your long-term goals.
it's possible in today's world to be instantly famous, whether it's through instagram or whatever platform it may be, but it's a very different matter to be successful financially in the long term.

tip 3: your personality and presentation matter. a lot. 
in today's world you have to interact. you can't really be some difficult, shy person who is not able to look somebody in the face. you have to present yourself. you have to know how to talk about your vision, your focus, and what you believe in. if you can't be passionate about who you are and what you are doing: how can they (your audience) be?

tip 4: get employed, even if it's not your dream job.
go get a job. whether it's working as a designer or working in a restaurant and then doing your own thing in your own time. it's a reality of life. in the end it's going to be helpful to you and so many others.

tip 5: make sure you have a mentor.
it's important to have someone to talk to and discuss everything with and bounce ideas off of.

xx,
k, s, & c

p.s. this article is worth reading too!

(picture via pinterest)

Chicago: Meet Kalla

every girl deserves flowers. every girl also deserves artisan chocolates and wine! are these bouquets not the most stylish things you have seen? we're ohh'n & ahh'n over their entire website. c's bestie pointed their company out on insta last night and it was love at first flower. we can't wait to spread the word on this amazing company now serving chicago. to learn more about them, we definitely suggest checking out their website!

here is our fav bouquet. which one is your favorite?

xx,
k, s, & c

(pictures via kalla)

Shailene Crush

"shailene can do whatever she wants. if she wants to be a movie star, she has it. if she wants to change the world, she will. her talent and kindness go hand in hand." -george clooney. yep, without even knowing shailene personally we feel like we can stand behind what gc is saying here.

we have yet to make it to the theater to see her most recent film the fault in our stars, but we're looking forward to seeing it. c read the book in a few short days because it was tough to put down! but back to shailene, she just seems like a genuinely cool person that we'd like to know (similar to how we feel about emma stone). we loved her as an actress since the descendants (so has our step-dad). we're excited to get our hands on the july issue of vanity fair. until then take a peek at the behind the scenes video of the shoot... assuming you have a shailene crush like we do.

xx,
k, s, & c

(picture via vf)

Three Blogs To Bookmark (Right Now)

c's pick - kel & kate

not only do i adore both k & k and are some of the best din buddies, but their blog is a part of my daily morning routine. they have style that inspires and beauty tips to duly note.

s's pick - mind body green

i look forward to reading mbg every day... not only are there great articles on both your physical/mental health and well being but it always leaves you with a little inspiration and food for thought.

k's pick - parla food

e

even when i am not planning a trip to italy... i still follow katie parla's blog & social... seeing where she's eating in rome or other italian cities brings back amazing memories of strolling through the winding streets, stopping for gelato mid-day and finding the perfect spot for wine & cheese as the sun sets. ah, italy!

xx,

k, s, & c

(pictures via k&k, mbg, parla food)

Introducing...

it didn't take much than a few emails back + forth to become quick virtual friends with alexis then it took one dinner at doc b's fresh kitchen to become fast friends. she is as sweet as it comes, genuine, fun, and happens to be the brains behind citizen stone. one of those friends you can count on for great dinner convo (and quite a few laughs), but also text messages that are lol funny. but back to her biz, she knows what it's like to open a store, make it a success then unexpected events happen that were out of her control which forced her to re-brand and launch citizen stone. she's a winner. without further ado, please virtually meet the lovely alexis...

get to know alexis cozzini of citizen stone... 

chicago is... at it's finest when the weather is warm. although i do love it here in the fall too.

my daily morning routine is... sleep until the last possible second, scroll through emails and social media, and then rush. oddly my dog is not a morning pup either and will sleep until 11am if he feels like it. i have never been into coffee or breakfast, but i have been on a morning smoothie kick for the past few months.

beauty secrets are... recently green juice, and green smoothies have made a hugely noticeable difference in my skin tone, so i'm hooked on those. one of my old standbys though is mixing foundation with moisturizer to lighten it up a bit.

citizen stone is... a lifestyle destination for anyone who loves interior design / decor, home accessories, household items and beauty products. our focus is on artisan designed goods, natural ingredients, quality craftsmanship, and beautiful aesthetics. olive & arrow, our blog, really speaks to the whole concept behind citizen stone. on our blog you will find anything from product reviews for items that we sell, to travel features, to recipes. it's a way to put my inspiration for citizen stone out there.

my style icon is... olivia palermo. she's been an icon of mine since she became popular. classy... always classy. and clearly gorgeous.

when traveling i always pack... a mini garment steamer, static guard, band-aids, antibiotics- LOL!, i like to be prepared! in terms of fashion i always pack at least 2 different blazers or cropped jackets that i can wear day to night, and tons of jewelry. i try to select things to wear a few different ways, and that i can dress up or down, if needed.

i can't live without... the two men in my life: craig bernstein, and otto "the dog" cozzini

what is in your purse? not to be boring, but i've really scaled back on my purse contents over the years. these days i always have a few lip colors, a lip plumper, business cards, hand lotion, gum, and my mophie to recharge my phone on the go.

love is... when your better half makes you a better person.

on a saturday night you can find me... cooking up a storm and struggling to have to choose between 20/20, dateline and 48 hour mystery. i tend to go out during the week. :)

what three words describe citizen stone... alluring, refreshing, relevant

what is the best advice you have ever received? if you're conflicted, trust your gut.

xx,
a

(pictures via a)

Bill Murray Being Awesome

wouldn't you love if bill murray crashed your bachelor party? we couldn't agree more with his impromptu speech that he recently gave to a bachelor party he crashed. wise words...

bill murray being awesome per usual.

xx,
k, s, & c

(taken from men's health)

Cookies & Cream Ice Cream

i've been on an ice cream kick lately... so much so, that my husband decided to order an ice cream maker one afternoon and it.is.awesome. i never realized how easy it could be. with the right ice cream maker and a few simple ingredients, voila! homemade ice cream in no time.

here's the latest recipe we can't seem to get enough of...
  -  1 cup of whole milk (you can use lowfat milk, too!)
  -  3/4 cup sugar
  -  2 cups heavy whipping cream
  -  2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  -  pinch of salt (optional)
  -  your favorite chocolate sandwich cookies (i.e. oreos), crushed

wisk together the whole milk and sugar until the sugar dissolves. add heavy cream, vanilla and a pinch of salt (if you like). cover bowl and put it in the fridge for about an hour. when you're ready, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker's frozen bowl and run it for approx. 20 minutes. add the cookies and continue to mix for another 5 to 10 until the ice cream is mixed. i'd recommend having a spoonful or two (because, how could you not??) and then freeze the rest in an air-tight container to enjoy later.

fresh strawberry ice cream is next on our list... until then, i hope you enjoy this one!

xx,
k

(photos taken by k)