One and only camping this summer.

The last weekend of August I practically begged the husband for a last minute camping trip. Unpredictable weather this summer meant we hadn't found an opportunity yet and fearing fall around the corner, I felt the need to squeeze one in before we missed our chance. Impromptu planning meant our usual site was booked, and after discovering a few new, yet also unavailable places to try someday we finally found a pretty secluded spot and set up camp. Though no power outlet to blow up the air mattress (what am I, a barbarian?) in our tent, the hard ground was worth waking up to fresh air and live birds chirping. (So much better than the fake ones on my alarm.) The next day, we hit some breweries/distilleries en route for a few taste tests before heading back to the bustling city. (Journeyman is an old fave, Greenbush is a new fave, and The Livery wins for coolest building.)

Fancy a s'more? 

P.S. More camping adventures from last fall. And the summer before that.. 

P.P.S. Glamping. I'd like to try. 

How much can you fit into 2 days? A lot. (If you don't sleep much.)

Sometimes I'm amazed at how much we can cram into a weekend. I knew going in that it would be hectic, but with perfect weather in the forecast we had to give it our best shot.  On Friday, we tried some new places in the city - dinner at Estate, and the grand opening of Fatpour, the latest beer spot in town.

On Saturday morning, I (very drearily) attended the Nordstrom Cosmetics Trend Show where I experienced the latest and greatest in cosmetics and skincare for Fall 2012. Oh, and Kimora Lee Simmons. No big deal. (More details later this week!) 

As soon I as was finished primping and playing we escaped the city to our favorite camping spot in Michigan. It's just far enough from the hustle and bustle, close enough to the beach, and quiet enough to calm our minds. It doesn't hurt that it's smack dab in the middle of the wine trail. (Pure Michigan is no joke you guys.)

After setting up camp we took a walk, played around with the sunset, hopped on a hayride, then enjoyed dinner and cocktails at Journeyman Distillery. (Slightly more "glamping" than camping.) Once back to camp, we bundled up and built a fire while catching up on life. (Surely we aren't the only couple whose busy schedules can feel like two ships passing in the night?) We nearly froze as we slept but waking up to fresh air and morning sun made the chills worth it. 

We made it back to Chicago with just enough time to throw in some laundry, catch a quick nap and prep for a new, busy week. Unfortunately, the shoe DIY just had to wait - hopefully next weekend!

Monday was a drag but hey, it's Tuesday now! So how was your weekend?


P.S. You can follow our adventures in real time via Instagram! @LittleAshleigh and @RoyalTeaCo

Happy Weekend

photo via Style Me Pretty

Happy Friday m'loves! And a happy belated Labor Day / 13th to you :)

It's beginning to look like... Fall! around these parts and I'm currently loving the crisp mornings and sunny days. In order to take advantage of it here are a few things on the agenda for this weekend:

• Dinner here.

• The Nordstrom Cosmetic's Trend Show - can't wait. (If you're in Chicago it's not too late to join in the fun!) Check out my coverage of the 2010 and 2011 events and return soon, I'll be reporting back next week with the best in beauty for fall 2012.

• Camping! (I'm a fan.)

• A nude pump overhaul inspired by this. Except instead of black, I'm considering metallic silver! 

What's on your schedule? Have a happy one! 

Love at First (Camp) Site

The rain held off long enough for us to get one night of camping in over the holiday weekend. 

S'mores, magazine reading and beach walks - oh, how relaxing it was.

How was your weekend?

Girl Goes Glamping

We've been discussing the possibility of camping for a portion of the holiday weekend. We do it the old fashioned way, with a pop-up tent and air mattress, and while I enjoy connecting with nature in a simple way, it sure would be lovely to experience fresh air and night noises from the comfort of a queen size bed :)


Photos via the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. Canadian Readers, it's in British Colombia, ever heard of it? It looks gorgeous!

What a Week!

Image by Everything Lovely

Ever have one of those weeks that you expect to go a certain way and it turns out completely the opposite? Last week was crazy and wonderful and unexpected but the packed schedule really got me behind on the ol' blog and you know what? I really missed it!

However, it did include some fun things like:
-A taping of America's Got Talent at the Chicago Theater. (Sharon Osborne is so cute in person!)
-A spring sale at K.Amato - so much jewelry, so little time!
-An outdoor party by a fire pit. Got me in the mood for camping!

I couldn't help but notice a common theme of sweet stories and thoughtful quotes around the web this week. Here are just a few of my favorites. I hope to be back to my regular posting self on Monday!

An (everything) Fabulous quote

Well said.

Lets all make a spring list, shall we?

Gretchen said it best and pretty pictures too!

100 things you'll never regret doing. (Can't argue with a 100 item list!)



Happy Weekend, what's left of it! We're day tripping to Milwaukee for an Owl City concert tonight. I love Fireflies!