Tulip Time!

Over the weekend we took a little road trip over to Holland, Michigan for the Tulip Time Festival. It's something that's been on my to do list for years and I finally got the timing right. Unfortunately, the weather has been chillier than spring's past and only about 25% of the tulips were actually in bloom but it was still a sunny day, albeit with a cool breeze, and a nice escape from the city. While we were there we watched some Dutch dancing, dined al fresco for the first time this year (even though we were pretty cold) and hit a few breweries along the way. (Here, here and here.) Small getaways are the stuff of life.

And because it's spring and I'm in need of nature, this weekend's agenda... Lilac Fest! I can't wait to get a whiff!

Gifts for Mother's Day

Shopping for my Mom is one of the easiest (and fun) tasks I look forward to each spring.  Although having somewhat similar tastes gives me a solid starting point, the greatest enjoyment comes from the challenge of finding something meaningful and unique that will bring a smile to her face. For Mother's Day this year, I've scoured Uncommon Goods and have fallen in love with their selection. From sentimental and sweet to kitschy and fun, there is truly something for every mom! I admire that they support artists and designers (half of what they carry is made by hand) and nearly a third of their assortment incorporates recycled or up-cycled materials. It doesn't get more unique than that! Here are a few of my favorite ideas. 

Clockwise from Left: Succulent Living Wall Planter / Energy Circle Ring / Love Birch Cuff / Reclaimed Wood Cookbook Stand / Vintage Shoe Horn Bookends / Mother & Daughter Letter Book Set

P.S. Mom, your gift isn't pictured here but I couldn't be happier with it! ;)


Disclosure: I received product or compensation in return for this post, however, my opinions are my own, based on my experience and interaction with the brand or products. As always, if I don’t love it, I don’t tell you about it. (Or I'll be brutally honest about why I didn't.) You can read my official (i.e. “wordy”) disclosure here.

This is how we 'que it.

A couple of weekend ago, craving warmer temp's and a little family visit, we drove down to London, Kentucky to meet up with my mom and stepdad for a barbecue competition. (Hilariously named "Grills Gone Wild.) Back when we lived in Tennessee we'd join in on these pretty frequently, but it's been a long while since we've been able to participate. Unfortunately it rained most of the weekend, which meant cold and mud, but we still took our jobs as "runners" (the people who turn in the meats to the judges) very seriously. And it felt amazing to be with the fam again, if only for a few days.

Recent Reads

In keeping with my new years resolution to read more, here are a few books I've enjoyed lately. (Some were via Audible (it totally counts!), which is a sanity saver during long commutes.) It's also helped that we've had a long, cold and snowy winter which provided the perfect setting to curl up with blankets and a good book. Here's the scoop in small sized snips!

• What Remains - Love, heartbreak and history all rolled in one. If you love the Kennedy family like I do, you'll enjoy this one. 

• The Husband's Secret - Twists and turns you'll never expect. An awesome audible listen. The narrator's voice gave life to the unknowingly intertwined characters that I thoroughly enjoyed. For one week, I actually wished for traffic. My favorite of the year so far.

• Yellow Eyes of the Crocodile - A good find via the Refinery29 book club. Not what I expected but worth reading in one weekend (which I did).

• Divergent - Young adult literature for young adults of all ages. Perfect for my post-Hunger Games cravings.

• Crazy Sexy Diet - ok this isn't a diet diet. It does contain a 21 plan, but that's just a small part of this book. More like a lifestyle read, I love Kris' friendly tone and how she breaks down nutrition in a simple way that might finally convince you to make those changes you've been pondering. 

• Waiting to be Heard - You'll hardly believe this nightmare was someone's reality. Not guilty!

Bonus round: I read these but they're not favorites for the reasons below.

• The Dinner - Not all books are made for Audio, and this is one of them. The narrators voice made the main character sound so whiny and over-analytical that it honestly just got on my nerves. (Not to mention I couldn't stand the way he drew out the name "Serge" like "Searrrrrrge.") Each "course" just seemed to drag on and on. I really wanted to like it but it was seriously the longest dinner of my life. 

• The Fault in our Stars - Sweet and sad. I liked, but not loved. I'm sure it'll be an amazing movie. 

Currently reading: 

The Cuckoo's Calling on Kindle / What Alice Forgot on Audible 

Up next: 

The Goldfinch on Kindle / The Hypnotist's Love Story on Audible

St. Patty's Shenanigans

Chicago turned green again this weekend! My cousin came in from North Carolina to help us celebrate and can I just say, it's awesome having a family member that gets just as excited for dress up opportunities as I do. (Recognize the wig?) We donned our festive gear (plus coats - unfortunately, the weather wasn't as fabulous as this) but we did have some sunshine so the water looked extra festive and I was able to bust out my Patrick tee again so no complaints here. We started at the river and made our way north over the course of about eleven hours, with loads of green beer, dancing, and photo opps in between. All in all, a success.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Spring Beauty Faves

I recently acquired a few more "can't live without" items in my beauty repertoire that you might enjoy, too. Also wanted to mention a new favorite site... Mom turned me onto BeautySage a few months ago and so far I've been very happy with the selection and items ordered, including several of these.  Definitely worth a peek.

Now, onto the products:

Lollitint - Benefit stains are the bomb dot com.  Posietint and ChaChatint have been long time favorites and Spring 2014's new Lollitint is so Radiant Orchid inspired my inner hue guru could just squeal. For a warmer weather glow, it's absolutely lovely on cheeks and it gives lips the prettiest pop when paired with gloss.

Essie Play Date - another Radiant Orchid homage. I'm so NOT a purple gal, but something about this fresh lilac/lavender shade is right on.

Black Soap - Strange, but awesome. My face feels squeaky clean but not stripped. Use as a soap or a mask!

Rose Body Oil - I've been big on body oils since the end of last summer. After trying a few, this one definitely rose to the top (see what I did there?). Applied on damp skin, it moisturizes like a dream. The floral scent is divine; fragrant enough to please the nose, yet faint and fades quickly so it won't interfere with perfumes.

Scotch Polish Remover - This product could also be called, "the marriage saver polish remover." Technically, it's been a chiller weather beauty fave since at some point this dreadful winter I realized I couldn't torment my hubby and his sensitive smeller with traditional polish remover any longer. I took a chance on this one and holy mackerel, why'd I wait so long before trying a non-toxic version?? Spritz once or twice (trying to hit most of the fingers at once), let set a few seconds, then swipe. Fragrance free, gentle, and has saved many a mani argument. (Just be sure swipe nails with an alcohol pad before painting as it does leave an oil-like residue.)


What products are you loving lately?

Chinese New Year 2014

For the fourth year now, we've attended the Chinese New Year parade and celebration in Chicago's Chinatown. It's such a fun, festive activity and feels like a mini vacation from our typical weekend routine. (Which, this winter, has included lots of Netflix and napping.) Here are a few photo's from the "Year of the Horse" last Sunday and a some predictions for what's ahead.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Astrology.com says "the year of the horse is a perfect time to “gallop” towards challenges; this will improve strength in life and help dreams come true. It’s also a good year for trusting intuition, but it’s key to plan carefully and keep a clear head when it comes to financial matters." So, gambling is out. 

The Independent says, "people will stick more to their principles and stand firm. So it is hard to negotiate or compromise as there are more tendencies for people to fight for their ideals.”


Follow along on Instagram to see our adventures in real time!