Guest Post: Lace and Love Letters

Today, I invited my friend Haley from Lace and Love Letters over to come share some amazingly delicious salad recipes with us! She always has something fun going on in the kitchen and I know these recipes will be to die for.

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Hi all! I’m Haley from the blog Lace and Love Letters and I’m so glad Madison invited me over to The White Ruffle today to share some of my most favorite recipes with you all.

With so many amazing restaurants to choose from here in Chicago I like to spend my weekends indulging and trying out new places whenever I get the chance. As a result, I try to eat lighter during the week, which has led me to discover so many incredible salad recipes. Healthy and typically light on calories, salads make a quick and easy weeknight meal that also packs some serious punch when it comes to flavor. Pair a salad with a soup or some toasty whole grain bread and you have the perfect meal!

With so many great options out there I have come up with six of my all-time favorites to share with you… I tend to rotate through this list quite frequently so they don’t get old and I’m always on the lookout for a new one to add so I’d love to hear your favorites!

Thanks again to Madison for having me over to share! Hope you all enjoy! 

1. Rainbow Salad via

2. Pork Tenderloin Cranberry Salad via

3. Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad via

4. Farmers' Market Salad via

5. Apple Bacon Goat Cheese Salad via

6. Oriental Chicken Salad via

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All I can say is YUM! These look amazing, I am going to have to test out a few and I'll let you know how they go! Thanks again Haley for coming by and sharing!

xox,

Loving Leopard

I hope you all had an absolutely fabulous weekend! I was in Ohio visiting my mom and had a very enjoyable time. Some much needed manicures, some shopping at a local market, and some delicious meals was just what I needed to unwind and relax. Not to mention some seriously much needed cuddle time with my two french bulldogs, Lulu and Ruby. 

Here is Lulu:

Recently, I have found myself ogling over subtle hints of leopard prints! I normally don't wear loud or colorful prints, but for some reason I have been loving leopard!! Here are some photos that have inspired me to add a piece of leopard to my wardrobe:

amazing, paired with all black!

i love this sweater with all the accessories.

i mean how can you not like these scarves.

so artsy and creative.

subtle touch adds a lot to this purse.

My favorite fashionista pulling off the leopard scarf!

I'll let you know which piece I added to my closet once it arrives.

xox,

sounds about right....

xox,

Friday Favorites

Hello everyone! What a week!! So busy at work this week...all I can say is I hope Alex from Things That Sparkle, loves her sample today! I know she has already dropped some design hints for her big day, but the sample we worked on last night is beyond stunning. I have some high hopes for her reaction!! Well, anyways, that was definitely a highlight of my week...and now for some of my favorites!

Favorite Ruffle:

Favorite Day Dream:

Favorite Outfit:

Favorite Snack:

Favorite Room:

I hope you lovelys have an amazing weekend! I am going to Ohio to visit my mom after work. Can't wait for some much needed R&R. 

xox,

Beach Essentials

Today I am over at Lace and Love Letters sharing some of my beach essentials with one of my oldest friends Haley. 

Be sure to head over to head over to Lace and Love Letters to see the links to my favorite picks!!

There really is nothing better than a day at the beach!

xox,

Wedding Wednesday: Flower Girls

Happy Wedding Wednesday everyone! Today I am sharing some adorable pictures of the only other person in the wedding party who could possibly steal the lime light away from the bride...the flower girls! I have been to my fair share of weddings and always find myself gussshhhhinngg over the flower girls. Look at how absolutely adorable these little flower girls are:

Don't these pictures just melt you're little heart!? I just love them! Bridesmaid dresses might be fun to pick out, but seriously how adorable are these little outfits!? I can't get enough of the tutus, but classic bows and buttons create a sophisticated look for a wedding while still maintaining that girly, childlike charm. 

xox,

Guest Post: The Urban Slant

Today I am having one of my best friends Julia from The Urban Slant over today to share some decorating accessories with us! So excited that she FINALLY making her way over to TWR! Be sure to check out her blog for some of my decorating advice!

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Hi! Julia here from The Urban Slant. I'm SO excited to be posting on the lovely Madison's blog today --- she is one of my nearest and dearest friends since high school. I love when my real life besties blog -- makes for an excellent blogging friendship. As you know, her blog is full of gorgeous photos and inspiration, and together we thought it was time to do a little blog swap. Be sure to check my blog today to see how she would style my white dining room table. If you're like me, you're always looking for ways to spruce up your home decor - without breaking the bank. One thing I discovered when I moved into my NYC apartment was that it is NOT cheap when decorating your place. I am still sitting on some old college items, but until my credit card is my friend again (we're on a break),  I'll have to settle for little ways to refresh things. Here are two ways that you can instantly change a room, and your bank account won't stare you down. 1. Add new throw pillows to your couch/bed/chair etc.

1/2/3/4

2. Change out the knobs on your dresser/TV stand/nightstand etc. 

1/2/3/4

These are my go-to ways to spruce up my home. What do you all do? Thank you for having me today Madi! And be sure to check out The Urban Slant for daily reads on travel, food, design, fashion and urban life. 

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Thank you so much Julia for sharing such great ideas! Don't forget to swing by The Urban Slant to see my post for today!

xox,

Style: Boots

Recently, the weather in Chicago has been a little unpredictable- snow storm Friday night, followed by a giant down pour last night and now warm weather?! It's hard to keep up with all these constant changes that mother nature keeps sending our way! And, if you're anything like me, public transportation is your method of getting to work everyday, so I have recently purchased a few new pairs of boots for this awful winter weather.

Here are some cute ideas for your feet! Half will keep you dry on your walk to work, the other half will keep you stylish throughout the day once you get there! Enjoy:

boots by madisoniems featuring military boots

Hope this was helpful!

xox,

 

xox,

Friday Favorites

I have been anxiously awaiting a nice and peaceful weekend. I plan on lounging and spending some time with friends this weekend. Here are some things that have gotten me through this long week...

Favorite Ruffle:

Favorite Thought:

 Favorite Outfit:

Favorite Saying:

Just a lil' thought....

compliments of Mary Erin via

Happy Weekend!

xox,

Guest Blog Post: Things That Sparkle

 Today is my first guest blog post and I couldn't be more excited! Alex from Things That Sparkle is here to share some of her amazing design advice for first time apartment decorators. I know that having recently moved into my first apartment, I am loving all of her ideas! Take a look for yourself....

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Hi White Rufflies, I am Alex from Things That Sparkle. I am so excited to be here today sharing some accessories that would be great for dressing up any new apartment!

1. Colorful books will dress up any coffee table or console. They are my #1 go to accessory for any space. Amazon has an amazing selection.

2. Fresh flowers, even just a couple, make any space feel alive.

3. A comfy, neutral throw to have out for a chilly night at home on the couch or on your bed.

4. Fun picture frames to display photos of family and friends.

5. Girly artwork to fill your empty walls

6. Little votives to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

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I hope you all have enjoyed reading some of Alex's advice! I know I have!

xox,

Wedding Wednesday: Things That Sparkle

For today's Wedding Wednesday, be sure to head over and visit Alex at Things That Sparkle to see my guest post for Bridesmaid flowers!

p.s. thanks for all the well wishes, I am feeling much better today!

xox,

Sick Day

Today, I woke up feeling under the weather. I hate being sick and would much rather be at work instead of lying here feeling blue. Here is what my day will most likely consist of:

doing a lot of this:

wishing my puppies were here to cuddle with:

watching a lot of pretty little liars (secret tv obsession):

and eating a lot of the chicken tetrazzini I made last night for dinner:

Recipe:

-1 chicken breast

- I can of cream of chicken soup

- 1 tsp of butter

- salt ( i like laurey's seasoning salt)

- noodles of your choice

Start by simply rubbing olive oil all over the chicken, then cook it at 400 for about 20 minutes. While you are doing that start boiling the water for the noodles and start cooking them, odds are they will be done a little before the chicken. Then melt butter and add the soup. Once the chicken is done, take two forks (one in each hand) and shred the chicken to your liking. Then put the noodles on a small pan, or an oven safe bowl. Put the shredded chicken on top of it and then pour the soup over both and pop it back in the oven for about ten minutes or so. I like to add a little bread crumbs on top for some extra crunch! Take it out and enjoy:)

xox,

Blushing

Last night consisted of me, a giant chai tea latte and a big bowl of fruit all bundled up on my couch watching the 2012 Golden Globe pre-show. I always love watching all the fabulous celebrities grace the red carpet, in there gorgeous gowns. I constantly  in awe by the colors, the fabrics, the textures and the overall creativity that goes into their unique looks. Last night the color I found most appealing was all the blush tones that everyone seemed to adore. Take a look at a few of my favorites:

Kate Beckinsale, Charlize Theron, Jessica Alba

 Jessica Biel and Shialene Woodley

These celebs inspired me to go through my closet and pull out some of my blush toned items...I think it is the perfect transition color from winter to spring! Simply love it...

What do you think of the new "it" color?

xox,

Friday Favorites

This week has gone by so quickly and I am so excited it is the weekend! Yay for sleeping in...Here are some of my favorites from this past week:

Favorite Ruffle:

Favorite Necklace (mine is in gold):

Favorite Interior:

Favorite Mugs:

Favorite Picture:

Hope you all are enjoying a lovely Friday!

xox,