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The Style Files

A lifestyle blog on finding my style--in my closet, home and beyond!

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Life Lately this Summer

July 27, 2014

It’s been a whole week since my last post, so today you get a little “brain dump” complete with random happenings featuring my life lately this summer!

Repainted the wood trim exterior on our house.  I LOVE the intricate detail…but painting it?!  UGH!  Let’s just say I have a love-hate relationship with that trim.

exterior window trimSpent time in downtown Chicago for a day of meetings.  Brought back memories of when I was an intern there…and the views were killer!

edelman, chicago
Won this Blushing Beauty Collection from Jouer via Birchbox and got to test it out recently.  It included four pieces: a matte powder and bronzer duo, a powder eye shadow duo in Chocolat and Peach, a tint and highlighter duo in Whisper and Feather, and a  lip gloss in Cherish.  I put them on after applying foundation and concealer and love how natural it all looked!  I would definitely wear this for work, weekends and special occasions- just my style!

jouer blushing beauty collection
Jouer makeup

Got our 5 minutes of fame! (Okay, more like 2 seconds.) The DIY Ottoman that my husband built was featured on Tiny House Nation, a new series that just premiered on the FYI network! Check out the full episode here.  Couldn’t believe it when I got an email from the producer…still shocked!

tiny house nation- diy ottoman
Went on a cupcake date with a friend at the Couture Cupcake Cafe.  Their cupcakes were not only delicious, but were inspired by designers like Jimmy Choo, Betty Johnson, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Burberry, etc.  Ah-ma-zing.

cupcake trio
Hosted food club book club this month.  (Oh yeah, and we read Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point.)  I made Kelly’s famous chocolate chip cookies and this super easy & delicious cheesecake dip with only 3 ingredients.

book club food
Attended a blogger event at Sullivan’s in Lincolnshire, hosted by Beth. (Can you tell my summer revolves around food?!)

Chef Gray demonstrated how to make the restaurant’s new featured menu item, The Summer Fling: a signature filet and fresh Maine lobster half. He also made the world’s best macaroni & cheese.  That stuff was legit! If you haven’t heard of them before, Sullivan’s is a vibrant American steakhouse, known for its hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and award-winning wine list. With locations all over the nation, specifically including Chicago, Lincolnshire and Naperville, Sullivan’s also offers options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary restrictions like gluten intolerances or food allergies. #SullysLincolnshire

sullivan's lincolnshire #sullyslincolnshire
And if you’ve read thus far, I’ve got a little giveaway for you!  I’m giving away a free appetizer (up to $16) at Sullivan’s!  Anything from the Cheesesteak Eggrols to the Roasted Garlic Meatballs are up for grabs!  To enter, simply post a comment on this blog post, telling me what you’ve been up to this summer!  Winner will be selected at random on Friday, August 1st.

What have you been up to this summer?

Update: Congrats to Katie A., the randomly selected winner!

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19 Comments 
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Comments

  1. Katie @ Live Half Full says

    July 27, 2014 at 9:40 pm

    You’ve been busy this summer! It was so good to see you too. One of these days we WILL make workout plans. Crazy work schedules. ;)

    Reply
    • vpstyle says

      July 31, 2014 at 4:40 pm

      YES girl! LV Run Club next Tuesday?

      Reply
      • Katie @ Live Half Full says

        July 31, 2014 at 6:42 pm

        Next week I have a work conference so no can do- but the 12th would work!

        Reply
        • vpstyle says

          August 1, 2014 at 8:05 pm

          Sounds like a plan- I’ve got it down!

          Reply
  2. Ashley @MilesonOats says

    July 28, 2014 at 7:04 am

    This summer I relocated to IL! 2 weeks ago to be exact ;) a lot of change and transition, but I love it here! I can’t wait to meet some bloggers and make new friends.

    ~Ashley

    Reply
    • vpstyle says

      July 31, 2014 at 4:19 pm

      Welcome to the Windy City, Ashley! You should check out the Chicago Running Bloggers group on Facebook– sounds like you’d be a great fit!

      Reply
  3. Laura@ Fit Running Mama says

    July 28, 2014 at 7:17 am

    Isn’t summer the best!!?! The cupcake tour looks SOOO yummy! Gotta love yummy eats in the summer! Oh that Mac and Cheese was the BEST.

    Reply
    • vpstyle says

      July 31, 2014 at 4:19 pm

      Seriously. Can’t stop thinking about that stuff. Nom nom nom!

      Reply
  4. Laura says

    July 28, 2014 at 7:56 am

    Wow! That is so cool one of your DIY projects was featured on FYI!! Love that make up you won, too! I’ve just been spending time with my daughter and recovering from knee surgery!

    Reply
    • vpstyle says

      July 31, 2014 at 4:18 pm

      Glad you get some quality time with your daughter before school starts up again! (And be on the lookout- I’m doing a giveaway for a Jouer makeup palette soon!)

      Reply
  5. Ele @ InspirationEle says

    July 28, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    What haven’t I been up to this summer?…the short answer is resting. The long answer is enjoying the bit of summer I have left before I start med school. Spending time with family, a little travel, writing, and blogging all about it of course–trying to at least lol. Btw that ottoman is impressive, well deserved! and this giftcard would be a nice treat! thanks!

    Ele

    Reply
    • vpstyle says

      July 31, 2014 at 4:15 pm

      Good for you Ele! Summer is the best time to rejuvenate before a demanding schedule at med school- my hat’s off to you!

      Reply
  6. Bri Marie says

    July 28, 2014 at 5:23 pm

    So cool about the DIY and house painting – we’ve been working on LOTS of house projects this summer, but nothing that would get us featured on a show or even another blog…maybe someday we’ll take on bigger projects :)

    Reply
    • vpstyle says

      July 31, 2014 at 4:13 pm

      You guys would be the cutest couple for a show on HGTV! I can just see it now :-)

      Reply
  7. Mo (@rushourunner) says

    July 28, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    I just saw you for food, er, book club… but this summer I – did 3 Ragnars in 3 different states, went on vacation to Punta Cana, got engaged, bought a new car, and ran Rock n Roll Chicago. Not too shabby!

    Reply
    • vpstyle says

      July 31, 2014 at 4:13 pm

      You’ve been a seriously busy lady! I’m impressed…and jealous of that vacay!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. July 2014 Clothing Budget | The Style Files says:
    July 29, 2014 at 7:38 am

    […] $29.50 6.  Crystal Candy Statement Necklace via J. Crew Factory: $19.50 on clearance [worn here] 7.  Black Gold Flower Earring via SheInside: $4 8.  Tan Bow-Tie Flats via Old Navy: $15 [worn […]

    Reply
  2. Surfs Up at #SullysLincolnshire - Mommy on a Shoestring says:
    July 30, 2014 at 12:20 am

    […] Valerie from The Style Files […]

    Reply
  3. Little Black Dress by Jouer {Giveaway} | The Style Files says:
    August 1, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    […] week, I talked about how I won a makeup collection from Jouer via Birchbox (original post here).  I loved the Blushing Beauty collection that I tried, but they also have another collection […]

    Reply

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I'm Valerie: full-time mama and wife, part-time corporate gal. Based in the Chicago burbs. Loves coffee, a good workout and chocolate. Aspiring minimalist. I’m in the midst of finding my style– from fashion & fitness to healthy living to motherhood and beyond!

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