Thirty Two.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Puerto Rico, 2003. 

Today I turned thirty two. In a way it's just another uneventful number, two years after the big three-oh. But on the other hand, it's significant because exactly ten years ago this day, I was three days away from getting married. A decade ago, I was a twenty two year old, who, even though she knew she still had a lot to learn and experience in this life, still felt as grown up as one can feel. Sometimes when I look back, I think that girl was older in a way. She was probably a little more fearless, and a little less jaded. A little more Southern, a little less city. That girl in the picture above had never heard of "eleven lines" or bothered to wear sunscreen.
She had no idea where her choices would take her and what she was capable of. When I asked the husband at dinner about the changes he's witnessed over the past 3,652 days, he said it's a "complete 180." And in most ways, that's OK with me.  Same is boring, by forty two... who knows. Stay tuned!  ;)

P.S. Do you have any idea how hard it was to find a picture from 2003?? What was life before digital camera's and smartphones?!

P.P.S. Thanks for the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram birthday love, you guys are the best! 

Summer Beauty Faves

Monday, July 15, 2013


The best thing about four seasons are the beauty products that go along with them. Each quarter, I discover a few I can't live without. Here's how summer 2013 is shaping up so far...

  • Vibrant lips at a steal! Vivid Rose is a fave at the moment.
  • This sunscreen is the only one I've found suitable for my oily skin. 

What's helping you beat the heat this year?

P.S. This is still a seasonless regular!

'Merica Party

Wednesday, July 10, 2013






















Over the long weekend we had a 'Merica themed party that was an absolute blast. My friend hosts on her amazing roof deck overlooking the city, and I'm in charge of photo booth backdrops. (This one was constructed from a gingham table cloth and duct tape.) Everyone else brings themed food, drinks and their best party face. Nearly fifty awesome people participated and between a few of us I'd estimate over 2,000 pictures were taken; full of laughs, props, and silly faces. Theme parties are one of my favorite things about life. Memories like this don't happen often and I cherish them with all I've got. 





The rest of the weekend included beach lounging, a BBQ and some quality time with my Kindle. Hope your 4th was fab!


Baby you're a firework.

Thursday, July 4, 2013


It doesn't get more 'Merica than carnival swings. 

Happy 4th y'all!

Galena and #Bangie2013

Wednesday, July 3, 2013



A few weekends ago we visited Galena, Illinois to celebrate our friend's wedding festivities (Ben + Angie = #Bangie2013) and hit a few tourist spots in between. A few hours from Chicago, Galena is a sweet little town that surprisingly reminds me of Tennessee (Jonesborough, to be exact) and I absolutely loved it. Quiet, quaint and relaxing; truly a breath of fresh air.  The wedding was beautiful, complete with a spectacular view of the Mississippi  River and it was an adventure we won't soon forget. Photo heavy post below!

















Happy July!

Monday, July 1, 2013


Favorite wear with everything red sandals, the summer version of these

It's the first of July, can you believe it? June literally flew by in a mess of thunderstorms and less than summer weather situations. (Don't even get me started.) But today is a beautiful new day and the beginning of a new month, and I'm optimistic that good weather is here to stay in Chicago. (Fingers and toes crossed!) July is my birthday month, and while I can promise I won't bombard the blog with wishlists galore for the next thirty days, I can't say the same for wordy musings. Something about a birthday makes me sentimental, reflective, and goal oriented. Kind of like New Year's in a way. Stay tuned and see how ramble-y I get...

Got a trip recap and some summer beauty faves coming up soon!