Happy Weekend!

It's been quite a while since I've done a Friday link list but the internet's been so great lately I just had to share. Here are a few things that cracked me up or set off my awesome meter this week...

Kmart killed it again. (Be sure to watch this one, too.)

Target does Bridal. Is there anything they can't master? Brillant.

Google search for GIFs! I found out 15 minutes ago and have spent an equal amount of time on Falling Cats.

This salsa is getting devoured this weekend.

An insightful history of Memorial Day. Crazy how what originated as day for shop and business shut downs has morphed into a weekend of sales. Speaking of, I'm currently stalking the "Mint's", Rebecca Minkoff, and Z Gallerie.

Big hugs to my baby Mojito, who fell (jumped?) off our balcony this week. (About eight hours after I took this photo and told him he had to live forever because I love him to pieces.) All's well, but he gave us quite the scare. In other things you need to know, my babes have their own hashtag on Intsta. (Gram that is.) #AdventuresofMojitoandPetey, check it.

On a serious note, my heart is with Oklahoma after Monday's terrifying event. If this doesn't make you well up, I don't know what will.

Happy long weekend friends, hope it's fab!


P.S. One of my favorite blogger buddies had a birthday! Bon anniversaire, Johanna!

Toronto Trip!

The Toronto girls trip was everything I imagined and more. Equal parts exploring, eating, laughing and bonding time. Ernest Hemingway once said, "Never go on trips with anyone you don't love" and I'd have to agree. It makes the memories sweeter, the wine tastier and the experiences more meaningful.  I'm certain to look back on this adventure with fondness. 

But on to the details... Toronto is a lovely city, rich with culture and a friendly vibe throughout. Technology has made travel so easy... booking restaurant reservations, finding the hot spots, keeping track of the 'must do' list - with a smartphone the world is literally at our fingertips these days, pretty amazing. But there's still something magical about being a tourist with a map. Particularly if it's drawn on and highlighted by a local. (Restaurant servers are most helpful!)

It was a first visit to Canada for all of us, and below are a few of our favorite Toronto discoveries so far: 

The Distillery District for dining, strolling, browsing and enjoying a beautiful spring day. 

Taking a ferry over to the Toronto Island's. The views of the skyline are unbeatable. Head to Ward's Island, it's less crowded and there's a cute little restaurant to dine al fresco called The Rectory.

Exploring neighborhoods, like The Beach and Leslieville...

 ...taking the 501 Queen Streetcar...

...capped off with a visit to Yonge/Dundas Square, the bustling epicenter, for some serious shopping.

Other memories included but not limited to: 

Lots of pictures that weren't remotely funny. (I'm not saying we're responsible for spinning this funny pic into a meme, but I will say that if you search #remotelyfunny on Instagram, lots of the pictures belong to us ;) 

Evenings out on the town. (We loved Ciao Wine Bar for dinner and Bloke and 4th for a night scene.)

And last but not least, the theme song of the trip, courtesy of a famous Toronto rapper (how's that for coincidence?) who's private club (seen in the video at 1:29) we may or may not have been privy to...

STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM NOW WE'RE HERE.

P.S. If Instagram's your jam, peep more pics here at #lgbwtravel!

Oh Great Goodness

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 

Imma need one of these pretties. 

Have a Great (Gatsby) weekend! 

P.S. Finger waves to complete the look.

Around the House

Here's what things are looking like lately around the house...

{Grocery store blooms to brighten up a room}

 {Thift store frames got a fresh coat of paint and silhouettes of my kitties}

{Peach shades for spring}

{Four devices, two occupants. You do the math.}
(3 laptops not pictured.)

Toronto pictures coming soon!

Traveling to Toronto

photo via by Seattle's Travels - isn't is awesome??

Hi peeps! I'm off for Toronto tomorrow with five girlfriends and we're super pumped! It's crazy to think I've been all over the world but somehow haven't found to chance to visit our northerly neighbors. There's sightseeing, fine dining and general shenanigans on the agenda so it's sure to be nothing short of fabulous. Toronto a first for all of us so any experience, tips, must do's from you are welcome!

Hope it's finally spring/summer wherever you are. The sun is huge and hot here and I couldn't be happier!

Have a lovely rest of the week/weekend!

xoxo

Spring Scenes from Tennessee

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."

-Anne Bradstreet

 'Meditations Divine and Moral' - 1655

I always love visiting Tennessee in the spring. Trees and flowers are in bloom and the sun is shining nearly a month sooner than in Chicago, so it's the perfect getaway to push me through until warmer weather finally arrives. Lazy cats, front porches and greenery are a few a my favorite things.

And also, my adorable niece, who carries this Jamaica purse like it's going out of style.

Trip & Tragedy

Over the weekend we spent some time in Tennessee. It was a much needed visit and a great escape from this amazing (not.) Chicago "spring" we're having. Sunny weather and family fellowship was just what I needed. Unfortunately, the time flies, and it's never possible to spend time with everyone I'd like to but I'm so grateful for the bit I got. As we stopped for a bite to eat on the drive back restaurant televisions were breaking news of the Boston bombing. A heartbreaking event and unbelievable act of cruelty. I have no grand statements or profound words to offer other than to treasure the moments. Nothing is more important than loving the ones you love. 

xoxo