This Just In...

We don’t know about you, but we have been patiently/anxiously awaiting the June 2011 reopening of NoMI for quite awhile. So… just to tease you even more…

Park Hyatt Chicago just announced that Ryan LaRoche (former Chef de Cuisine at NoMI for the past year and a half), has been named the new Executive Chef at NoMI. Though only 32 years old, LaRoche is no amateur to fancy fare. In 2010, LaRoche was named Best New Chef by Chicago Social Magazine, and we can’t say we’re say surprised. Having spent time as Executive Sous Chef alongside the legendary Joël Robuchon of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas, LaRoche is sticking behind his mantra of local, flawless ingredients and fresh, creative cooking with the NoMI reopening.

Sounds to us like the 7^th floor just got a lot more heavenly. We’ll see you in June Mr. LaRoche.

We're Loving: Spring Nails

We're tired of waiting for the weather to turn, so we're pretending it's Spring whether Mother Nature likes it or not. We've already spruced up our home decor and got a head start on our Spring wardrobe, so now onto the nails. A few of our new faves:

• Austin-tatious Turquoise, O.P.I Texas collection
• French Affair, Essie
• Dragon, Chanel

Tonight!

Everything Old is New Again: Found Re

Instead of braving the weekend IKEA crowd again, take a detour and visit vintage furnishings mecca FoundRe: Furnishings, opening a new brick and mortar location on Chicago’s Division Street (2151 W. Division) on May 14th. While you won’t find Swedish Meatballs, owner Raun Meyn promises cold beer on-site and one of a kind pieces (leaving you immune to IKEA-itis, an epidemic frequently diagnosed upon the realization that your coffee table is exactly the same model as everyone else's).

Also specializing as a custom frame shop, FoundRe: has amazing statement frames crafted on-site, with a custom order option. With all products handcrafted using recycled materials found locally in Chicago, consider FoundRe: as your organic purveyor of home design.

Gotta Have 'Em: Home Accents

We've always been better at shopping than cleaning, who isn't? So instead of Spring cleaning we did a little Spring shopping. To brighten up your abode, we suggest these adorable accents:

Beautiful Tray, Jayson Home & Garden - $78

Decorative Oval Wall Mirror, Target - $17.99

Mod Love Pillow, Jonathan Adler - $175

Boule Flute and Helianthus Goblet, Anthropologie - $8 - $18

Eva Bowls, Sprout Home - $12

Everything's Coming up Rosie

The Harpo studios won't be vacant for long. Rosie O'Donnell announced today via her blog that starting in May she will inhabit the Oprah set to begin work on her new talk show, hosted on the OWN network.

The announcement is official as the one and only Oprah released a statement earlier today stating, “I’m delighted to welcome Rosie to the studio I’ve called home for so many years. Speaking from experience, she will be working with the best team in television in one of the greatest cities in the world.”

So is this Oprah 2.0? Not exactly. O’Donnell told O magazine that her new show will be less celebrity-driven. “The show will be about real people and real issues,” she said. “I’ll focus on a single topic for one hour, things people deal with every day. Raising children. The education system in America. Autism. Relationships, health, weight, depression — and happy stuff too, of course. I envision the show being full of love and laughter.”

Whether or not you are a fan of Rosie or Oprah, we are definitely fans of Oprah's hundreds of former Chicago employees retaining their jobs in production.

Gotta Have it: Bowdelaire Ballet Flats

Looking to add a little sparkle to your daily routine? When we were thumbing through this month's J. Crew catalog (a favorite monthly activity) we came across these showstopping ballet flats that immediately induced a "gotta have it" moment.

Add instant "oomph" to any outfit by slipping on these peep toes rocking sequined tulle bows with an attitude. Available in our favorite colors of the season (nude and olive green), these girlish yet diva-like flats help us kiss the wardrobe doldrums goodbye!

Buy them here ($158)

Get Gorgeous

Need a little motivation to jumpstart your soon-to-be-summer diet (see below post)? How about hanging out with a Victoria’s Secret supermodel? Yep. That should do the trick.

Pop into the Michigan Ave Victoria’s Secret tomorrow (Tuesday) between 5 and 7 p.m. for a meet-and-greet and photo opp with Lindsay Ellingson, the face of VS’s new Gorgeous Push-up. No time to wait in line? Purchase one of the push-ups, and automatically get in the fast lane to meet Lindsay.

Take a peek at a few of the sexy and chic Gorgeous Push-up designs here. Already added it to our list of Spring must-haves.

Feel the Burn

Though the freezing temperatures might lead you to believe otherwise, spring is here. As the days get longer, hemlines are getting shorter which can only mean that we need to step up our workout routine ASAP. Since hiding behind a down coat and bulky sweater is quickly becoming a non-option, we have done a little research on how to help fight the results of many months of pounding egg nog, green beer and whatever else has crossed our paths in these winter months.

Barre Bee Fit - "Your butt never looked so good" is a motto we can get behind. Barre Bee Fit is a 60 minute total body workout that utilizes a ballet barre and combines the most effective elements of pilates, dance and yoga with added cardio blasts to maximize body change through calorie burning. Doesn't sound sweaty enough for you? Well, the newly opened River North location (435 N. LaSalle) added a new class, Barre Bee Burn which offers the same workout, but in 90 degree heat.

Exhale Core Fusion Boot Camp - a welcome addition to Exhale's (945 North State Street) already stellar line-up of classes is Core Fusion boot camp. This new for spring addition is an intense cardio and strength training program that promises to give you the butt, arms, abs and thighs you never knew you had. Throughout the 60 minute class, the fast paced, dynamic sequences provide an intense calorie burn to help you shed those pesky lbs and work the most important muscle of all- your heart.

Gryotonic - Gyrotonics uses weights, pulleys, and cams to produce a wide range of rotational movements that strengthen the body’s core while improving the flexibility of the spine and joints. The unique yoga-based movements promote increased coordination, balance and strengthen your body without straining muscles and tendons. Our pick for the best spot in the city to offer masters specializing in the above? The one and only Elysian Hotel, contact their membership office for rates 312-646-1367.

DIY: Craft Spirits

There's no denying it, big name booze is over. Spirits from small distilleries are the talk of the town. Just today, we perused the new craft selections lining the bar at 694 (thank you Tasting Table!)

We are in love with this trend and we know what you're thinking: How can you ensure your in-home cocktailing is just as fab? Fear not. In our search of craft spirits, we found some very worthy options at Printer's Row Wine Shop. Here's a look at what lines our now perfectly on-trend liquor cabinets:

Lovejoy Vodka: $24

Hudson Baby Bourbon Whiskey - $45

Tequila Ocho Single Estate Plata - $60