Making it in America: July 4th / Week 18 Recap

We had a groovy weekend.

Our 4th was spent boating with friends...

                       

...the bump was huge...

                            ...we went 'Merica inspired, hence the head coverings and neck tat...

...and the skyline was beautiful as always.

On Saturday, we attended a friend's annual BBQ which had a 70's vibe this year. 

Someone joked that if I wanted to dress as a pregnant hippie that they make pillows for that and I didn't actually have to get pregnant. But I politely reminded them that when I commit to a theme, I commit. (*wink*)

By Sunday, 'lil mama was exhausted but spending time in the sun, with friends, celebrating our nation's mid-summer holiday was worth it. Overall, I felt so much better this week. Most of the growing pains were gone, just a few here and there, which made life a lot more bearable. Baby was the size of a sweet potato and I happened to eat one for dinner nearly every night - it just tasted sooo good. I haven't any cravings (as in "I need ice cream and pickles stat!") yet, but I do have kicks where certain foods will be my favorite for a few days in a row, and luckily so far, those items haven't been too unhealthy. The farmer's markets are in full swing so we're enjoying making dinner with fresh produce (and of course, a few sweet treats from an Italian grandmother who makes the best mini cherry pies of your life).

Hope your week and weekend were wonderful!

Live to the point of tears.

via 

I tend to get anxious over the first post of the new year. Honestly, it's a post a write more for myself than for the reader because it's a great personal checks and balances from year to year. But it's always hard to know where to begin and where to end. Usually, a few days in, something will just come to me, a way to sum up one year and start a new one, and the words will start to flow. But sixteen days into 2014, nada. After a hectic fall / December, I've been a bit behind on things I would normally die at the thought of (late Christmas gifts, forgetting birthday's, etc.) but oddly wasn't that bothered this time around. I was beginning to wonder what was wrong with me. And as I reread my first post of 2013, I started to fear that maybe I'd let go a little too much.

I stumbled on this print in early January and a few days later, a pivotal small moment happened. 

We were having afternoon tea, our 2nd annual to start the new year, when my husband received an email relating to a problem with his business. He was frustrated but calm and we spent a few minutes venting before directing the conversation back to more pleasant things, little things - like how pretty the setting was and what a perfect day (rainy) for warm tea. And during this, I got teary. I wasn't sad, just literally living to the point of tears. It was the first time I realized this is something that happens to me often. It happened here. And here.

Then, listening to this audiobook a week later, a sentence grabbed me.

"With each small cry, it feels less a release and more like an irrepressible unfiltered tenderness at being fully here. The more of these moments I experience, the less a problem it seems, for isn't this what I've been after, to be this close to life, to be pricked beneath the surface of things? Isn't anything that keeps us this close to life a gift?" - Mark Nepo

2013 included some bigger goals and plans that didn't pan out. Though a little disappointed, we weren't devastated, because sometimes things simply aren't meant to be and we pretty comfortable with trusting the path. That said, last year was pretty awesome as well. We traveled. We partied. We lived. I didn't do so well with putting the phone down, and I'm still pretty impatient. But I did work my way through this book which is a.life.changer. And regardless of any of that, I can say that I lived to the point of tears. 

I've been thinking about time a lot lately and how much faster it seems to pass with each day. I'm doing the best I can to enjoy the little moments, after all, the little things are part of the theme of this blog. But I'm also realizing that I've put some things off that simply cannot wait. So without further ado: 

In 2014 I want to:

• Define my actionable goals. I know what you're thinking, "shouldn't that be the content of this post??". Well, yes. It should. But as I mentioned, I'm behind on stuff. 
• Continue the internal work. Wanna read this daily, and go to that. 
• More family/friend time. Being busy is really just a lame excuse.
• Read more (Audible counts). At the very least, 13 books this year. Starting with this book club.
• Keep traveling. Nothing renews me more.
• Blog more. This site has gone from stationery, to fashion, to hopefully a little more personal this year. Ideally, I envision a virtual scrapbook to look back on in years to come. I'm not planning on going back to a post per day habit, but you'll be seeing a bit more of me around in 2014.
• Keep up with the purging. I'm going to be ruthless this year, if I don't love it, it goes.
• Live to the point of tears. 
• And obviously, more theme parties! 

I hope your year is off to a wonderful start. Wishing you all the best in 2014! 

P.S. Funny story, I actually accidentally deleted the entire contents of this post and had to rewrite it all over again. Talk about living to the point of tears. Unfortunately, after rewriting, I don't think it's nearly as well said as the first draft but am posting it anyway. Look at me, checking off a goal already ;) 

Just GIF-ing Around.

Popping in with a GIF from our Christmas card outtakes, just because. 

Stay tuned to see which photo made the cut. 

Hope your holiday's have been happy so far! 

Baby you're a firework.

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

Happy 4th y'all!

2013 is my year.

{Print by SS Print Shop, whose blog I love}

I always find the first post of the new year a little overwhelming. There's a deep desire to start off on the right foot, with something powerful, with meaning. Something that'll stick to the ribs as we say in the South. But the purpose of goals or resolutions or whatever you want to call them, is to just do something. To start somewhere. Taking small steps each day until you've climbed the proverbial mountain. So while I don't have any big epiphanies for you about the future or any Pinterest quotes that'll change your life I can tell you this...

2012 was amazing. Incredible actually. Come to think of it, are there words with bigger meaning than that? The laughs that were had, the parties, adventures, the travel, the people we met, the all around good times. I will forever cherish this year as one filled with love. Do not be fooled, we faced (and still are) a huge challenge this year. The details would bore you, but from it, I learned to let go - of lists, of expectations, of the need to control every thing I possibly could - and it felt amazing. I gave into outings with friends in lieu of a clean house. Conversely, I ditched plans in favor of a good book and a nap. I did things that made me happy for the right reasons, because I know these moments won't last forever. I guess you could call it some serious soul nourishment. Maybe it was just part of my life journey, or maybe it was in preparation for exciting things to come. Which brings us to 2013...

First of all, I'd like to state how elated I am that we're the year twenty THIRTEEN! (Hello, who's your biggest fan?) (For the record, I was professing my love long before a Miss T. Swift could even count that high.) But I digress, we're here and it's wonderful. And I can't help but think that this year has some magical moments in store. A few things I'm looking forward to: world travel (I'm leaving in 2 days!), a 10 year wedding anniversary, and hopefully lots more amazing memories made with people I love spending time with. So I'm declaring 2013 my year, because it just wouldn't make sense not to. (And there's just no other favorite number I care about. ;-)

Of course, I do have a few goals in mind, but this year they're more centered around internal growth and fulfillment rather than eating less coconut or something crazy, because we both know that for this girl, that's not gonna happen.

• Practice patience. Stop rushing. And stop being irritated at having to wait.
• Put down the smartphone. Seriously. 
• Listen and remember. Stop nodding and saying "uh-huh".
• Make some time for all those magnificent mani's.
• Purge! For every item in, another goes out.

And for recap purposes, I'm pretty pumped about the completion of last year's list. Besides mastering the art of macaron making (I had one good batch) I feel pretty accomplished!

Wishing you magic and awesomeness in 2013!


P.S. Even if no one reads it but my mom, I love posting in the new year because it's so darn fun to reread past goals. Here are 2010's recap and 2011's list if you're curious.

Holiday Links

An outtake from our Christmas card "faux-to" shoot :)

(It's faux because we use a tri-pod and remote, fun stuff.)

Just popping in with a few holidays links for your Wednesday...

The unofficial tour of some the best holiday windows.
Remember my vintage hair moment? Here's another easy peasy tutorial just in time for fab fetes.
This song. (It's my favorite this year.)
Sweet mini wreaths, that I bet would smell divine!
This year I used sparkly poms on strings in place of ribbons and bows.
And a festive frock that's a no fail for New Year's.


How's your season going so far?

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Or St. Patrick Swayze Day as I'm now calling it. 

Could there be a more perfect shirt for me? (You know I love my Patrick.) It's like the folks at Strange Cargo got in my head and granted an unknown wish! I truly squeal when I think about it's awesomeness and can't wait to rock this baby on Saturday. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and a fabulous St. Patrick Swayze Day. Hope it include lots of green, here's a bit to get you started!

If you've never seen the Chicago River being dyed green you should check this out.

Me with green hair!

A fancy edition of going green.

Happy 2012!

via pinterest

Well here we are...three days into the new year. Welcome 2012!

Remember when I said I was going to take a bit to rest and rejuvenate for the new year? That's exactly what I did and I couldn't feel more refreshed. I also wasn't paying attention to the timing of the holidays so when I said I'd be back on January 1st, I had great intentions but just couldn't bear the thought of logging in on off days. (Sometimes, a girl's just gotta unplug. Do you ever feel that way?) Plus, (crazy confession) I get overwhelmed with the thought of the first post in the new year. (So much pressure!)

So as I was saying...here we are. What a fab year 2011 was, huh?

In January, we discussed open toed shoes with tights and created dream boards. Feburary brought fun times like the colorful Chinese New Year Parade, a Snowmaggedon and my very first outfit post! March offered adventures like a trip to LA and a fashion event I had a hand in planning. April came with cotton, green beans, and gratitude. Oh, and nail stickers!! May meant menswear, mint, and meaning. In June, we shared tips for shopping consignment, donned little black dresses, and colorblocked brights! July (and some of August) saw me travel for 34 days in a row, a milestone birthday, and my favorite look of the year - dip dyed tips! September started Spot the Steal, and held good times like a Winery Tour, Bridesmaids Party and a Beauty Show. October equaled a creepy manicure, trips to Tennessee (1,2) and lots of pumpkin spice latte's. In November we talked baggage (packing that is), and I had the opportunity to meet some of you lovelies at this and this. And finally, in December I shared my Christmas crib, our holiday card, a peek at my modeling debut with Too Faced cosmetics and my gift giving strategy.

Overall, I've been overwhelmed by the support, kindness and opportunity I've been offered this year: on, because of, and outside of this blog. Most of all, I'm grateful to you:  for reading, following along, sharing your thoughts and making me realize each and every day that I'm lucky to call this a hobby. (This was quite the year of meeting many of you in real life - bonus!)

Looking ahead, I reflected on last year's goals and am pretty pleased with the outcome. In 2012 I'm inspired to:

• read more.
• drink more wine (why not?)
• travel even more (oh, how I love it.)
• be fabulous (life's too short to be anything but fabulous!)
• stress less.
• master the art of macaron making.
• create a mean gallery wall.

 Aaaaaand we're off! Happy New Year Lovelies!

Treasure Bowls

"Treasure bowl" is a term I made up (at least I guess I did) for the simple yet sweet gifts I'm giving this year to some of my favorite females. Stemming from my latest obsession of pretty bowls and dishes ranging from from Anthropologie to thrift store finds I thought this could be a nice way to share a little cheer this season. The concept is simple: Find a small, pretty bowl and fill it with treasures. I'm going with theme's based on color and personality, only adding items that fit within the size of the bowl. (Easy to wrap!) The best part: you can make it work on any budget. When she’s used all the items you gave her, she can re-use the bowl and add her own treasures like collection of cocktail rings, seashells or vintage buttons. Here are a few ideas to get you started...happy treasure bowl hunting! 

The Glamour Girl

Features everything a glam girl loves - sparkles, gold and the hottest items on the market (ikat & glitter!)

Anthropologie Ikat Bowl / Kenneth Cole Urban Multi Earrings / Forever 21 Bow Ring 

 Forever 21 Star Ring / Deborah Lipmann Shake Your Groove Thing Nail Polish 

The Nature Nirvana

For the lady that loves natural elements in fancy interpretations.

Jayson Home Butterfly Dish / Forever 21 Leather Fringe Earrings / Asos Feather & Leaf Bracelet           Butter London Floral Wallpaper Nail Stickers / Victoria's Secret Pheromone Pefume Oil

The Blue Belle

She's a class act with impeccable style (and a touch of sass) who loves the sea and fine cuisine.

Cobalt Glass Bowl / Michael Kors Blue Chronograph Watch / Grey Sea Salt 

Circle Tag Engraved Key Chain  / Stargazer Chrome Nail Polish

Update: This post was featured on DailyBuzz Style's Top 9 - All About Ikat roundup - Thanks DailyBuzz Style!

Happy Independence Day

This Fourth of July, I'm expressing my thanks for the freedoms and opportunities that it means to be an American. Living in the land of the free, home of the brave is not something to be taken for granted. By simply being born here, we're privileged a lifestyle that many will never experience. Amidst the celebrations and fireworks, I hope you'll take a moment and remember those that have sacrificed for our freedoms, fought for our rights and protected our land and homes, from sea to shining sea. Whether you were born here, or trying to make a life, if you love this country that's enough for me.

Happy Independence Day

-May God Bless the USA-

A Festive Fourth!

dress  //  clutch //  espadrilles  // earrings

Wishing you and yours a fun and festive Fourth!

Happy Memorial Day!

dress  /  fedora  /  earrings  /  shoes  /  cuff  / grill 

Wishing you a summer kickoff weekend full of blue skies, beers and BBQ!

It's officially sun-dress weather bébé's!

Cinco Inspired Style

 dress / shoes / clutch / bracelet / ring / lipstick / polish / picture

I certainly adore the bright colors of typical Cinco de Mayo celebrations but how could one resist this aztec inspired gown that would easily transform from fiesta to formal...

Happy Cinco de Mayo lovelies!

Now...Corona's or Magaritas? That is the question.... :)

Easter Dress Dreams

      
                   dress / earrings / clutch / blush / eyeliner / shoes / necklace

When I was younger, Easter meant a new dress and the beginning of spring. Nowadays, our church is casual and spring doesn't come around Chicago until say...mid-May.  But if the eggs aligned and allowed me the opportunity, I'd be wearing this.

I wish you a wonderful weekend with family, fellowship and full bellies! 

Going Green (& Gold)

Green wigs and tutu's and Guinness t-shirts are fun but if St. Patrick's Day were a classy affair, I'd like to imagine wearing something like this. Green champagne anyone?

P.S. Don't you just love it when the world color coordinates? ;)

Valentine's Part Deux

{Live. Laugh. Love.}

That is all.

Valentine's Means Love

Regardless of what Cupid says, I believe Valentine's should be about all kinds of love, not just the romantic kind. It's a chance to tell the people in your life who mean the most that you care and appreciate them. I often send handmade cards to friends and family and my Dad never fails to call on the day asking me to be his Valentine. The idea of Anti-valentine's parties make me sad, the world needs more love, why stop with couples? Whether you have a sweetheart or not, I hope you'll reach out to someone this year and express a little extra love - call your Grandpa, hug your best friend, write a sweet note to a child, give your boss a cupcake. Share the love people.

A few of my favorite Valentine projects this year:

Polaroid photo wall image via Little Blue Deer

A hidden heart cake!

Picture and tutorial by i am baker via alkeemi

Kevin Sharkey created a 'Sweet Dreams' package for friends using a flannel pillowcase, compilation of lullabies and a sleep mask.

Stitched Heart card by moi, tutorial here.

Mwwwwaah to all of you! I love love love reading about your lives and discovering wonderful sources through your blogs. And welcome to my newest readers and followers, I look forward to getting to know you!

Have a lovely weekend!

P.S. More thoughts on Valentine's Day and love.

Resolution Solution

Photo by Octavuss

Here we are...the first few days into a new year. How are we feeling?? Excited? Overwhelmed? Anxious?

A few years ago I started listing out our (me + the husband) resolutions. Separate and joint in a spiral journal. And at the end of the year we do a little recap before starting all over again. It's amazing to see what fell by the wayside (you know it happens!) and where we performed like rockstars.  We like to call them goals rather than resolutions because goals are actually attainable, right? (Resolution feels a little too similar to a 'quick fix' and quite frankly makes me nervous ;)

2010...here are a few things we loved about you:

• Friday night cocktail hour, a new recipe each week!
• You threw a lot at us but you taught us we were stronger than we thought
• A new dream seed was planted
• You offered amazing experiences in the form of travel, adventure and spontenatiety giving us the chance to spend more time with family, reconnect with old friends and nurture relationships with new ones
• A tea company was born!

 2011...here's a sampling of what we want out of you:

• More amazing experiences. Visits to and from, events, parties and adventure...I hereby appoint myself Official Social Calendar Executive.
• A little financial closure. (Aka - pay off my car by June - 1.5 years early - woot!)
• A sold condo
• More reading. Last year you provided some great books in between your hordes of fashion mags, keep it up. And at least one classic per year. War & Peace, here I come!
• Stick with the purging. Less really is more :)

Happy New Year friends. Best of luck with your goals and many happy moments in 2011.

Christmas Card Outtakes 2010

Last weekend we ventured into the cold to capture a suitable photo for our Christmas card this year. Of course, as common with projects of this nature, there were more bloopers than suitable but the silliness recaped the day perfectly.

Have a little look, don't blink or you'll miss it!
(P.S. There's a little tune in the video, just in case you need to adjust your volume.)



Update: See the finished product here!

Oh, Deer.

I'm smitten with these photos taken by Feather Love Photography for the 'Girls with Glasses' feature in the holiday issue of Rue Magazine. Coconut (my favorite!), little deer cakes and shiny tinsel...yes!
How sweet is the deer in the first photo, it's like he's looking right at us!