A little taste of France

A couple of weeks ago I was checking out one of my favorite blogs. The post of the day was on macaroons and I was hit with my deep love of these dainty cookies.

I'd never had a treat so luxurious and sophisticated in my life until was on a school trip to Paris.

So that blog post reminded me of what my life had been missing. For the past weeks I've been trying to find an area bakery that sells these delicious cookies. I never found a local place but I found the next best thing at Trader Joe's.

They are almost as good as the ones I had at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

Be still my heart

I love heels, and I've always wished I was that girl who could wear them all the time. But I suppose it's time to face reality - I cannot wear heels every day of the week. I can suffer through on special occassions or days when I trick myself into wearing them to work, but flats are always my go-tos. They're much more my style.

This is why I am insanely excited for the spring launch of the TOMS ballet flats. I love TOMS, and I love ballet flats so honestly I can't think of a shoe line that would fit my personality better. Plus, you're helping people in need when you purchase a pair. I can't think of anything more awesome.

So despite the fact that there are already three pairs of TOMS sitting in my closet, you best believe I signed up to be notified as soon as the ballet flats are available for purchase. There aren't a lot of details available about the line just yet, but I don't think you'll be disappointed. I know I won't be.

UPDATE: I just received the email that TOMS ballet flats are now available! Go here to find a pair that fits your style.

TGIF — The Crazy Ones

Just found this poster of a greatly designed quote by Steve Jobs. So cool.

Perfect for a Happy Friday moment.

Weekly tune-up

Music I'm loving right now . . . The Way It Was by Parachute

Listen to while . . . driving around with your sister. Or your best friend. Or yourself.

(As always, there's a little more after the jump)

Love Letters

Found these beauties on Etsy last week and couldn't wait to share them. I've always been a fan of letter jewelry but there is just something about font of these.

Now, I just have to decide on the letter.

Where burgers come from

My parents took me out to dinner Saturday at a place in Akron called The Rail.

I'm already in love. I love their branding and the space - both were clean, minimal and well-designed. Oh and of course, I loved the food. Not only that, but The Rail prides itself on "keeping it local," which I also love. Their burgers are made from Ohio-sourced beef and their menu features beer from local breweries such as Great Lakes, Thirsty Dog, Lagerheads and The Brew Kettle.

I ordered "The Tourist" burger which comes with avocado spread, spinach, red pepper mayonnaise and red onion. My mom had heard that their milkshakes were worth getting too so I ordered a strawberry one, and my parents and I also split an order of their homemade fries. I was not disappointed by a single thing I ordered.

Don't be put off by the small appearance of the burgers, they really fill you up and they're absolutely delicious (I highly recommend The Tourist). The hand-dipped milkshake and the chips were the perfect compliments to the burger. Their prices are a little on the high side for burgers and milkshakes (their burgers range from about $7-11) but this spot is definitely worth multiple return visits. In fact, I plan to be back for their beer class in early February . . .

Check them out
Location: 3265 W. Market St. Akron, Ohio 44333 (at Summit Mall, right by P.F. Chang's)
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
They also do carry-out orders - their phone number is (330) 864-RAIL (7245)

This is the last time, I promise.

So two weeks ago I posted all my favorite calendar ideas for 2012 but I just found this one that really takes the cake — so I thought I'd post it before the end of the month.

It's from bubblecalendar.com, and yes it's a calendar with a bubble wrap bubble to pop for every day. Doesn't that sound amazing?