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!

Tuesday Random.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013


I fed a llama this weekend. 
That underbite, have you ever

Happy Weekend!

Friday, June 7, 2013


Another week, another roundup - here are a few things that made it awesome....We're off to Galena for a wedding weekend, hope your's is fab!

I finally tried the genius of the metallic Sharpie's for nail art. life = changed.

Since bun weather is back, let's try this Braided Sock Bun. Mr. Kate cracks me up - I'm convinced no one handles haters better.

Pinterest announced our boards are searchable, OMG yay!!!

Makes my mouth water. (Also enjoying other bits of Tastemade.)

These pants. And these!

Why powerful women make the greatest friends.


Jaws Inspired

Thursday, June 6, 2013



Did anyone watch Chime for Change on Sunday? (What an amazing event!) I was drawn to Jada's shark tooth necklace.  Honestly, I haven't given shark's tooth jewelry a thought since leather ankle bracelets from a souvenir shop at any beach sometime around 14 years ago. But I'm digging the grown up necklace versions and covet all of the above. The earrings are pretty rad, too. And you know how I feel about dainty earrings with attitude.


P.S. One made with a real tooth, a fabulous bracelet, and a super cool cuff.

Got Bun's Hun

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Bobby Pins Print - Rifle Paper Co.

Bun weather is back! Which means an abundance of bobby pins in every pocket, purse, nook and cranny. This print's appropriate, no? (Also adorable: comb, brush, and scissors.)

P.S. Spin Pins are a bun makers dream.
P.P.S. Big bun, little bun.


Monday Musing

Monday, June 3, 2013


On Saturday I wore this. On Sunday it was forty six. Go figure.

A few years ago in Chicago we had what I dubbed "the summer of no summer" where for nearly three months it was neither warm, nor sunny. Just blah. And it killed me. Growing up in Tennessee summer is always summer, no questions, and no matter where I live the rest of my life, I'll always need it. At the rate it's going my concerns are growing each and every day that we're in for a repeat. Sundresses and street fests and the beach at the end of our street are calling my name, only Mother Nature isn't cooperating...get it together woman!

Alas, we had our first rooftop party and hit up Do Division over the weekend (before it rained) and it felt great to jump into some summer apparel. These scalloped peach suede shorts are a fave so far. (Similar here.) The bun was a "hurry-let's-go" attempt at looking presentable with wet hair, but paired with this, once dry, created some piece-y slight waves that ended up being acceptable. I also spent a few hours with Photoshop on Sunday, something I haven't done in ages, and it felt good to create all my birthday/occasion cards for the month. What else is there to do when it's so ugh outside?

Ok, I'll stop complaining now, Monday's hard enough on it's own. Wishing you all a sunny week!