fall fashion preview

Here is a sneek peak at what's hot for Fall according to Dish Magazine. More highlights to come soon on other Fall fashion finds-

nyc real housewife alex mccord's next venture

New York City's, "Real Housewife", Alex McCord, and host committee, Candace Jordan, Ryan Pruett and Kelli Zink celebrated the Grand Opening of Second Time Around,(STA) a chain of high-end consignment stores in Chicago this week. This is the resale store's debut in Chicago. Headquartered in Boston, the other 19 stores are throughout the Northeast from New York to Maine. Alex was absolutely stunning in this fabulous fire engine red dress. She is the new Director of Creative Operations for STA. Alex is very familiar with Chicago's North Shore, as a former actor with Northwestern University's Theatre Program. In addition to being a New York fashionista, she has a laundry list of impressive acting accolades and can sing the Gilligan's Island theme song in Latin! Following the store's grand opening, she was ready to shoot the next season of "The Real Housewives of New York City" back in the Big Apple. The Grand Opening was standing room only for a sneak-peek at top designers with discount prices! Second Time Around was written up by Vanity Fair online as one of the top three consignment stores in New York City & now that flair is in Chicago's trendiest neighborhood. Their stash includes riding boots... snazzy blazers... cocktail dresses... and this hot little samuri skirt, that unfortunately was snatched up by my sister before I could get my hands on it! The event was sponsored by Michigan Avenue magazine... and one of the hostesses included Windy City socialite, and fellow blogger, Candace Jordan, who I would love to see as a 'Real Housewife of Chicago' one day. A lucky shopper who scored big on this outfit... ...and more shopping galore- Second Time Around is located at 823 West Armitage in Lincoln Park. 773.698.6260 Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm

my interviews about senator kennedy

Click here for the Chicago Tribune article

From WGN-TV:  

senator edward m. kennedy

I have spoken of Senator Ted Kennedy many times in the past. While my family was on holiday in Maine after my college graduation, we met the Senator and his family. I approached him, seeking advice on getting into the Kennedy School. My parents wanted me to go there to earn my MPP. During the course of the conversation, I asked the senator for the opportunity to work in his office instead. Two weeks later I was on the Hill assisting his speechwriter! Some of my favorite days were when the senator's dog would run around the office entertaining everyone with tricks. Working in his office was the best experience of my life.

webcast wednesday: a lesson in texting & driving

Webcast Wednesday is a bit early this week to bring you this important public service announcement out of Wales. This is a very poignant (albeit graphic) lesson to teens, and quite frankly to all drivers, on the dangers of texting while driving.

katie holmes

Convincing as a high fashion model? There is some buzz online as to whether Mrs. Cruise can "cut the mustard," gracing the same pages as many well-known supermodels have. She has certainly come a long way since Dawson's Creek. What do you think?

tory burch

Tory talks about building her brand-

there's no place like home

I have always believed that I was born in the greatest place on Earth. I just spent a weekend back East with my family in the nation's capital. I absolutely love D.C.!

don hewitt

One of the amazing things about being a journalist is the opportunity to seek advice from those you admire and who paved the way for others. CBS' Don Hewitt was one of those men. Sadly, he died Wednesday from his battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 86.

webcast wednesday: are women born this way?

Are Women Born This Way - So Much to Say. Funny! - The funniest movie is here. Find it

the parisian look in the windy city

Xana Chambray is certainly a taste of Paris and other international and domestic labels in the heart of Chicago. It is located in tres chic Lincoln Park. Owner, Eva Luczyk-Shimota brings together some of the best designers under one umbrella, including 1921 jeans, Liquid, Aryn K., Citizens of Humanity & Body Language. Here are just a few of Xana Chambray's items that are now hanging in my closet (and jewelry cabinet):

webcast wednesday: good ol' rocky top tennessee

In honor of what would have been my Grandmother's 108th birthday week, I bring you one of my favorite songs-which happens to be in one of my favorite movies, starring my FAVORITE singer ;) Not to mention, my dear Grandmother was from Nashville.
Rocky Top Tennessee Song (Six Pack Movie) - Watch more funny videos here

garden & gun

One of my favorite magazines, representing the Soul of the New South, Garden & Gun-

candle blower

This is my favorite candle holder in the house-

tony lamas from brenham

The BEST cowboy boots in the world are certainly Tony Lama boots. I bought mine at the Brenham Saddle Shop in Brenham, Texas, as I was traveling from Houston to Austin many years ago. My Lamas are more than just a pair of boots, they come from a city that is dear to my heart. My grandfather, "Doc", was from Brenham & was also the town's dentist and oral surgeon. My mother's family lived there for several years too. I go to Brenham every October to pay my respects to my great-grandparents who are buried there and drive past the area where their house once stood. That land now belongs to Blinn College and dormitories have been built in the place of our family home. Most people know Brenham as the home to the very famous & quite delicious Blue Bell Ice Cream. Every time I slip into my Tony Lama boots, I am putting on a lifetime of memories too.

secret millionaires minting money

A secret group of millionaires meets to discuss their latest strategies for "minting money in the dark"-
"Secret Group of Millionaires Mint Money In The Dark!" - Watch a funny movie here

monogrammed bag

My handbag company recently decided to sell monogrammed quilted totes, diaper bags & jewelry cases. Of course, we needed to do a "dry run" on a few to get started, so a few lucky friends with recent birthdays became the proud owners of one.