Halloween is OVER...

Halloween is over! Peter was a cowboy - Margaret was Cinderella for her school parties and Sleeping Beauty for Trick or Treating - Cate was Snow White and I was Snow White as well. We had a great weekend - but I think we are all exhausted. Halloween started last Thursday with parties at school and ended Saturday night. We have such a great neighborhood for Trick or Treating. The girls LOVE it! We went trick or treating with all of their cousins on Peter's side and then ended up at his parents place for dinner. So fun. 

However, I'm glad Halloween is over. Sugar highs are now at a minimum. I think Peter and I are looking forward to our honeymoon more than ever. Life has been super busy lately and we are ready for a break! So excited. 

19 more days until we get married. So exciting!! 21 days until we are in Cap Juluca and Little Dix Bay (has anyone been to either spots?). Warm weather here we come!! I cannot wait to sleep in - and not worry about a schedule. 

My Latest Obsessions

(above pic - in the mornings - Peter/the girls and I always do the "happy dance" - very cute - and this is our version of the Happy Friday / Happy Halloween dance)

I LOVE coffee (especially dunkin donuts flavored coffee) and drink it all day. I think this mug is so cute. And read the bottom of it. 

This calendar is hilarious. Click through all the different months. Pretty FUNNY! 

My friend's boyfriend wrote this article on relationships. He gives some great advice. A must read. 

Adorable apple and pumpkin pie molds. So cute. 

I love brunch. Weekend brunch is the best - yummy brunch menu. 

These wedding invitations are awesome! Love them. The gals of Bird and Banner designed our wedding invitations as well. Erin and Nicole ROCK - they are so talented. 

Homemade candy corn = YUMMY (via the kitchn) 

A friend of mine passed along these beautiful and unique (and one of a kind) leather goods - mostly purses (another Etsy find). 

Such a great idea - a crayon centerpiece for a kids birthday celebration (via hip hostess). 

Wednesday Night Dinner

The above picture makes me laugh!!! So true. 

So, I'm holding myself to my commitment of cooking one new meal a week. Last night I made an eggplant (noodle less) lasagna for the two of us. It was super yummy! Next time I make this I might try a variation of the recipe but all in all it was great. 

I'm laughing as I cannot remember the last time I had a true lasagna with ground beef. Most of mine have consisted of ground lean turkey or soy protein crumbles. And then there is Peter who cannot remember the last time he had lasagna without ground beef. So let's just say that a noodle less lasagna was a new one for Peter!  

This reminds me of when Peter told the priest (that is marrying us) that I was making my famous lasagna one night for dinner. He was coming over to talk to us about our ceremony. I had to remind Peter that I had NEVER made lasagna before. Little did Peter know that the lasagna was going to have lean ground turkey and cottage cheese instead of the usual. So we then had to tell Father Leroy that this was not exactly my famous lasagna but very healthy lasagna

Really, are the 80s back?

I was sitting down to dinner with Cate and Margaret last night and wondered if any of their items/clothes/trends will be something that they look back upon and say "OMG, what was I thinking." I laugh because many times I catch them asking myself or Peter if their outfit is "cute." 

Ummm, and now apparently the 80s are totally back (the NY Times wrote an article about the fact that the 80s are back). It got me thinking about some of those trends that I tried (and now look back in utter horror) in the 80s. My favorite online store Shopbop has a blog - and one of their posts discusses the 80s. 

• Pegged Jeans - Remember them? Hilarious. I had it down to a science. 
• Plastic Charm Necklaces - Remember these? I remember being so particular about my charms. 
• Shirts with t-shirt clips on the side - Seriously, SO ugly! 
• Slap Bracelets - Remember when they were banned from schools? Too dangerous. 
• Crimped hair - SO bad! 
• Sun-in (funny article entitled "Lock up your daughter - Sun-In is Back") 
• I still remember my favorite pair of GUESS jeans. LOVED them! I definitely felt cool waring them. 

And then the lovely 90s (not much better). 

• Srunchies - I wore them ALL the time. SO ick. 
• Chunky shoes 
• Umbros
• Stirrup Pants 

What are some of your fashion disasters from different decades? PLEASE share! 

The Tooth Fairy...

Cate lost her first tooth last Friday morning. We were all so excited for her! Poor Margaret was quite jealous - as she still has some time before she loses her first tooth. I remember how exciting it was to lose a tooth and wait for the tooth fairy to come. I had a special little box that I put my tooth/teeth in and put under my pillow. 

Peter and I were laughing as we tried to figure out the appropriate amount to put under her pillow. Peter remembers getting a quarter and I remember getting a dollar. Peter settled on 5 gold dollar coins. Cate LOVED the coins. She brought them to school with her yesterday and showed all her friends. And she ran straight upstairs and put them back in her jewelry box. So cute. Being around Cate and Margaret brings me back to the simple things in life. Pure joy they get from the little things.   

I was a bit curious about the history of the Tooth Fairy. I found a few articles that talked about where the tooth fairy came from. 

Do you remember when the tooth fairy visited you? How much did you receive? 

My Latest Obsessions

Happy Monday! I was at a wedding this past weekend - so here are last Friday's Latest Obsessions! Have an awesome week. 

LOVE Walker Lamond's 1001 Rules For My Unborn Son. His book would be a cute gift for someone that just had a little boy. Some of my favorite lines: 

• Eat lunch with the new kid
• Never under any circumstance ask a woman if she is pregnant
• Learn to pronounce french words correctly
• Don't be so eager to leave the kids table 
• No vanity license plates

Peter's sister in law made these awesome cake balls for Fourth of July this past summer. I was obsessed with them - so YUMMY and definitely had my share. Here are some red velvet cake balls that I'm determined to make that look delicious! Wow, LOTS of different variations of the pops. 

If you have not had Vosges chocolates before - YOU MUST. DIVINE. This would be a cute giftto give to someone (after a stay at someone's home). Perfect. 

Love these hemp and leather bags. A bit pricey but very cute. 

Someone recommended that I sign up for Gwyneth Paltrow's blog-esque newsletter. I signed up. Pretty interesting. I enjoyed her newsletter re: sustaining and keeping a healthy/happy marriage (from a male perspective). Here are some perspectives from women about the same topic. 

Cooking...

So, I've committed to myself to try ONE new recipe a week. So far I'm holding to it (well, it is only week 2). Last night I made Chicken Breast Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Sun Dried Tomatoes over rice and steamed broccoli as a side. I also made cupcakes with the girls for dessert. They loved frosting and decorating the cupcakes with sprinkles! Yummy! We even displayed them on our new cake plate that we received as a gift. 

Dinner was AWESOME. I'm always nervous about the recipes I try because they are typically from Cooking Light (and in Peter's mind light that means no flavor). But he loved it! 

I have to admit that last week at the grocery store I had to ask someone if shallots were similar to green onions. The woman looked at me and laughed and pointed to something that did not look like a green onion AT ALL. She went on to say that the dish would have turned out completely different if I had used green onions. Thanks. Well, now I know! 

Okay, side note. I'm starting to freak out that I'm SO CALM before the wedding. Am I missing something? Seriously, I'm the LEAST stressed I've ever been in my life (and believe me I'm such a Type A person!). We are down to 30 DAYS! So excited. 

Flowers and Our Venue

I love getting flowers. I'm a flower snob for sure. I saw this article on CNN and agree with the author that giving flowers is an outdated ritual. Peter, however, gives flowers regularly and I definitely appreciate them. I love bright colors and textures. 

I am so excited that we are getting married at A New Leaf in Old Town. It is a flower shop and they own event space next door that is beautiful. I wasn't looking for the traditional venue - definitely not my style. I wanted a venue that felt like me and was in the city. I have always loved A New Leaf - first and foremost, their flowers are gorgeous. I love the exposed brick and the unique charm of the space. And when it is lit with votives it looks amazing. The photos don't even do it justice. 

I'm decisive. Very. I didn't even look anywhere else. I called. They had one date available in 2010 - and we booked it. I was thrilled. I had always wanted to hold an event there - and what better event than my wedding. 

Girl Crushes

Okay, so I'm sure everyone has had a girl crush at one point in her life. They are harmless. The New York Times even wrote an article about it called "She's So Cool, So Smart, Must be a Girl Crush." I've always had girl crushes - a gal that I have thought was impeccably dressed, super smart, creative, savvy and hilarious! Peter finds my crushes humorous and cute. My first girl crush was my mom (see pic) - she is beautiful, smart, super stylish and very talented and passionate about her career. She ROCKS! 

There are a few blogs that I read on a daily basis. A Cup of Jo is one of them. The writer, Joanna, is super cute and I love reading her posts. I almost feel like I know her. She is clever, smart, stylish and she and her husband are adorable. 

When I booked my wedding planner Peter started laughing when I purchased the "Best Friend" package. He knew I had a girl crush on Katie our fabulous wedding planner of Dettagli Weddings. We met at Starbucks and I was immediately smitten - she was a doll. I loved her style and knew that we would get along fabulously. And she loves details more than I do! Who better to talk to about your wedding than your "Best Friend." 

So, come on, tell me about your GIRL CRUSH! You know you have had one...

My Latest Obsessions

What a beautiful and detailed wedding. Love all the little things that made this wedding so special. 

This adorable dad writes 25 rules and life lessons for his daughter to live by. So cute! (viaMetroDad). 

Love this post about Modern Floral (via Design Sponge). 

Love this Vintage Wallpaper Wedding inspiration. 

Simply adorable. Listen to this one - Itsy Bitsy Spider (via Jonas Peterson). 

My friend Taryn told me about this great book swap company - much better for the environment! Check it out. 

Love these stylish Luxe City Guides. They make great gifts. 

Check out this beautifully illustrated wedding program for Joanna Goddard's wedding (via A Cup of Joe). 

Hilarious video of a little boy dancing to "All the Single Ladies" by Beyonce. Too cute. 

My mom just sent some "Cupcakes for a Cause" to a relative who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. These adorable and yummy cupcakes are sure to bring a smile to someone's face. Even Oprah has waved her magic wand over this Cupcake company.  

Change...

is inevitable - for sure. Philosopher Heraclitus said "Nothing endures but change."

Yesterday morning I had breakfast with two good friends. Over omelets and pancakes we discussed the many changes all of us have gone through in the last two years. Sometimes I forget that I used to live downtown on my own - as opposed to now where I live in the suburbs with two adorable little girls and my soon to be husband. All three of us have gone through our own changes in the last two years as well - one is in a serious relationship and we are waiting to see how things unfold and the other one has gotten married, moved to a new city and had a baby. WOW. Lots of changes all around. Time flies. 

2 years ago: 

I lived in Lincoln Park with a great place overlooking the park and worked downtown. I took the bus to work and used cabs to get around on the weekends. I NEVER cooked. I NEVER grocery shopped. I usually ate all of my meals at work (we had an amazing fully stocked kitchen). Weekends consisted of meeting up with good friends and seeing my sister and her husband. I read books all the time and my time was my own.  

Now: 

I live in River Forest with 2 little girls and my soon to be husband. I panicked the first time I walked into the grocery store here (it was HUGE). Much larger than the corner markets I used to frequent. I now drive a mini-van (yes, a mini-van). I stay at home with Cate and Margaret and attempt to cook! Do I miss the city and parts of my old life - yes, of course I do. Believe me, I've had my share of meltdowns (for sure!). But bottom line, I'm happier than I've ever been. 

Changes all around. 

I have seen many good friends get married this year and I was also in a wedding this fall. My middle sister was married this past summer in a beautiful ceremony in Prescott, AZ. Two friends from college recently announced that they are pregnant. We are all so excited for them. A good friend of mine is having baby number 2 on Friday (and now they will be a gorgeous family of 4). 

Our Honeymoon

So, lately all I can think about is our HONEYMOON (and our wedding day)! I'm so excited. For us, our honeymoon will be one of the first times we are going away (alone and without the girls) and for ourselves (and not a wedding / family trip, etc.). We have taken a weekend together here and there but dating someone with kids is another ball game.  You cannot just on a whim head to Napa or somewhere fun - trips need to be more thought out. 

We had the following criteria for our honeymoon: somewhere warm / somewhere not too far away as we are only going for 10 days / someplace chill/relaxing / place with excellent service. We talked with one of the gals at Jet Set World Travel and she mentioned a few places that were on my (our) list. We decided on Cap Juluca and Jumby Bay - only later to find out that Jumby Bay was going to be closed for a bit longer due to some damage. So now we are heading to Cap Jaluca and then on to Little Dix Bay. I cannot WAIT! 36 MORE DAYS and we will be basking in the sun. 

Above is a pic from a trip we took to Costa Rica (Peninsula Papagayo) last February. It was AMAZING. We had a taste of what our trip will be like - basking in the sun and amazing dinners! 

Where did "honeymoons" originate? I found a few different sources. Interesting. However they came about...I'm thrilled by the idea of 10 days of SUNSHINE, fun, relaxation, massages, amazing dinners and sleeping in! 

Brilliant Idea

My friend Erin and I met yesterday afternoon at Family Grounds Cafe in the city. Brilliant idea. Why didn't I think of something like this - part hip coffee/pastry shop and part indoor playground for kids. Erin and I always have tons to talk about when we get together so I thought this would be the perfect place to meet - and it was for sure! I first saw Family Grounds Cafe in Chicago Daily Candy Kids. 

While I sipped my skim latte the two of us chatted and caught up while frequently checking in with Margaret and Cate who were preoccupied with playing house or reading books or playing vet. It was the perfect afternoon. I got to see my friend Erin and her adorable baby Jay and catch up on the last few weeks. 

I can appreciate that Chicago residents John and Brady had one of those awkward moments at a cafe where they were being starred down due to an unruly (yet, totally normal) little one. I'm so happy they took their idea/dream and turned it into Family Grounds Cafe. I love the sign they have near the coffee shop = Children left at Family Grounds Cafe will receive a free puppy and all the espresso shots they wish. 

I will now use this spot as my place to meet friends in the city. The girls loved it and didn't want to go home! And I loved it even more - a latte over some adult conversation. Win win for all parties involved! 

Thanks John and Brady! Now, can you put one in the Oak Park/River Forest area? I would be there in a nanosecond! 

My Princess Moment

Cate and Margaret love the colors pink and purple, high heels, lipstick, dresses, skirts, bows, ribbons, sparkles, glitter, and fancy nancy books,  - all which in their mind = "I'm a PRINCESS!" What is it about Princesses and girls (or women for that matter)? From the moment we are born we are thrown into the world of Princesses and are always on the hunt for our Prince Charming. From an early age all of us were exposed to the lovely Disney Princesses.

There is Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel, Belle - the list goes on and on. I guess there is something about looking beautiful - being dressed up - and feeling like the belle of the ball. I had my moment last Friday when I had my first wedding dress fitting. I took the girls with me and I wish I would have videotaped it. There were many ohhs and ahhs and "you look beautiful". It was so much fun to have them there - something we can talk about years down the road. I did feel beautiful and I LOVE my dress (even more than I did when I bought it at the store months ago). It fits like a glove and makes me feel like a Princess. I'm so excited for the big day. 

Enjoy your Monday! Tell me about your Princess MOMENT! 

Check out these adorable ballerinas. 

My Latest Obsessions

I love these baby announcements. Letterpress and the perfect black/white photo! 

Adorable Bowling Party invitations. 

Cute lace bowl. 

Cool and hip new online magazine Lonny. 

Fun flats. 

Love these pumpkin cards. I've LOVED looking around on Etsy lately - so many amazing things on this site. 

Very cute tote - would be perfect for a bride (via A Cup of Joe). 

I love Minted for unique cards/invitations by independent designers. They just sent an email with these really great new seasonal Save the Dates. Awesome and so different. 

Adorable little wedding toppers. Should I get a set made for our wedding? Hmmm. 

I tried this Cincinnati chili Wednesday night from Cooking Light. It ROCKS! So yummy. The addition of chocolate and cinnamon (that is what makes it Cincy-style and the chili on top of spaghetti noodles) = YUMMY. This version is very healthy! 

Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties

Peter is off to Vegas with his high school friends for his bachelor party. I think it is hilarious that this decision was made after we saw "The Hangover." I had mine in August and all my college friends came to Chicago for the weekend. We had a blast - nothing like a GIRLS WEEKEND! My friends planned the perfect weekend - spa, great food, good times and lots of laughs. 

Where did bachelor and bachelorette parties originate? It sounds like the bachelor party originated in the late 1800s. A quote from poet Percy Shelley testifies to the spirit of a time period when the newly-married often enough did abandon their less-respectable comrades: "When a man marries, dies, or turns Hindu, his best friends hear no more of him," Shelley lamented in a letter. One article states that the "The Bachelorette party is not only a send-off for the guest-of-honor, but a celebration of female bonding and treasuring those friendships that got us to where we are today." In the UK they call bachelorette parties Hen or Stagette Parties. Check out this "Hen Party" video. Pretty funny. 

I do feel that my bachelorette party was a celebration of female bonding and treasuring those relationships. My bachelorette party attendee list was made up of my core group of gals from college and my best friend from high school and some close friends that I have made during my time in Chicago. 

Well, from Sassy and Single I go - to Marvelous and Married (in 44 days)! 

One on One Time

Ever since I was a little girl I LOVED spending one on one time with my Mom. I cherished every moment together with her (alone) without my other sisters. There is something about getting that one on one attention -- that I even crave today (at age 31). When all four of us (my 3 sisters and my mom) get together we are constantly vying for my Mom's attention. 

Every once in awhile I get that much wanted/needed one on one time with my Mom. I LOVE it. A few years ago I flew out to Arizona to see her for a weekend (alone) and we spent a weekend together in Sedona. We had the best time - we went shopping and chatted over nice dinners out.  

On Monday I volunteered at Cate's school. The night before I told her that I would be coming into her classroom and I would be helping them with their literacy center. She was ecstatic and so excited to introduce me to all of her kindergarten friends. That morning at breakfast we talked about it and she was beaming. I was thrilled I was able to come to her classroom (alone - without her younger sister). It reminded me of the one on one time that I craved (and still want) with my Mom. 

I hope to be able to spend one on one time with each of the girls - especially because I know how important it is and how meaningful it can be. 

Our First Song

46 Days to GO!

So, Peter has put together a list of options for our First Song (he has them all in a spreadsheet - hilarious). We haven't decided on our song yet. Below is our compiled list - we have had a blast playing them the last few nights! So fun. Some are a bit more difficult to dance to - that is for sure!

I would LOVE TO HEAR COMMENTS/THOUGHTS BELOW!!! Or VOTE.

I know my favorites but would love to hear from all of you! Send a comment or VOTE to the right of this post. (Umm...Peter doesn't know that I listed out these songs - so SHHH!).

Drift Away by Doby Gillis

My Sweet Love by Joe Panzetta (one of Peter's good friend's from college)

Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours by Stevie Wonder

Harvest Moon by Neil Young

Into the Mystic by Van Morrison

Into your Arms by Lemonheads

Wouldn't It Be Nice by The Beach Boys

Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg

Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me by Mel Carter

What Light by Wilco

Woman by John Lennon

I Can't Help Falling In Love With You by Elvis Presley

You Send Me by Sam Cooke

Songbird by Eva Cassidy/Fleetwood Mac

Let Your Love Flow by Bellamy Brothers

Reunions...

Saturday night we had Peter's 25th Bearcat (grade school) reunion. Most of his formerclassmates live in the Chicagoland area however, a few live out of town. For instance, one of his best friends, Sarah Burke Man (in pic above) lives in New Jersey. She is a doll. 

I love reunions of all kinds. You get to reconnect, relive old stories and chat about where you are today. My college buddies live all over the US and one lives in London and we have several "reunions" every year (usually due to someone getting married, etc.). Unlike Peter, I did not grow up in one town so I do not have friends from age 5 and up. My family moved around several times and my core group of friends stem from college (and my best friend from high school). I don't have the layer upon layer of folks effect = "tom went to high school with jill's brother's cousin's girlfriend's sister who is now married to tom's sister's best friend's boyfriend from college). A true life example of Six degrees of Kevin Bacon = Peter. It was fun to hear people talk about Peter from age 5 until now - sounds like not much has changed - was adorable and "salt of the earth" then and is still adorable.

I look at the girls and think about the fact that they will be growing up with the kids in their class - and someday they will be attending their own reunions. And I'll get to chat with them about their classmates and find out what all of them are doing. It will be an exciting journey!

My Latest Obsessions

Interesting crocheted jewelry. 

Peter and I received these cute wooden piglet and rabbit serving bowls as an engagement gift. They are adorable and we get many compliments on them. Love the NapaStyle website as well. Very cute stuff. 

Love these lace flats. Adorable. Would look perfect w/jeans! 

LOVE LOVE LOVE this 2010 calendar. And of course it is letterpress (my fave)! In LOVE. And how clever - once the month is over you can turn it over and use it as a postcard. 

I definitely want to see the movie The Invention of Lying. Jonah Hill makes me laugh so hard! It opens this Friday.  

Love this t-shirt! Super cute. 

Adorable purse from Orla Kiely. I LOVE all of her stuff but this is perfect for all those who love tea! This "obsession" is for a friend I had dinner w/last PM. You know who you are! And OMG I love this wallpaper by Orla as well. Okay, and this flower blossom lamp shade - love it! 

I'm OBSESSED with our wedding photographers Brett and Kiri of Pen Carlson Photography. I immediately fell in love with their work (and them - as they are so cute - husband/wife team). When you know you know, right?! Best friend Sarah used them a few weekends ago at her wedding at The Drake. Here is a sneak peek of her pics. Brett and Kiri took our pics for our e-session which was a blast! 

Wishing all of you a FABULOUS weekend! We have a dinner party Friday evening and then Peter's 25th grade school reunion on Saturday. Deets Monday! Fun, fun!