Oh thy Domestic One...

OMG. Who am I? And what has happened to the cab loving gal who used to know all the hot spots in the city and where to order the best take out? LOL. 

I'm laughing because yesterday I made an apple pie with Cate and Margaret. I was even able to use my new Emile Henry Auberge Pie Dish that we got as an engagement gift. The recipe was from The Joy of Cooking which I used to have in my kitchen - just because (period) - because a cookbook as such should reside in your kitchen (not for actual usage!). A good friend of mine came over for dinner last night so instead of ordering out (my usual go to) I decided to make us a meal (well, meal might be pushing it...but). I made ground turkey lettuce wraps and edamame. YUMMY! 

Definition of Domesticate/ic

do·mes·ti·cate  (d-mst-kt)

tr.v. do·mes·ti·cat·ed, do·mes·ti·cat·ing, do·mes·ti·cates

1. To cause to feel comfortable at home; make domestic.

2. To adopt or make fit for domestic use or life.

do·mes·tic  (d-mstk)

adj.

1. Of or relating to the family or household: domestic chores.

2. Fond of home life and household affairs.

But bottomline, definition number 1 of the word domesticate makes sense to me. I'm feeling comfortable in my new home with Peter and the girls. And (definition 2 of domestic) - I'm really fond of my home life and our household affairs. I'm TRULY enjoying this next phase in my life - of watching the girls, baking and even cooking dinner (once in awhile). All in due time. 

Sisters

I'm so happy that Catherine and Margaret have one another - there is nothing like sisters! 

I cannot imagine life without sisters. I have two sisters (one 15 months younger than me and one is 6 years younger) and two stepsisters. My sisters mean the world to me. They have seen me in all states of mind - and still love me for who I am. Sometimes I look at Cate/Margaret and they remind me of me and my middle sister. From the moment Stephie was born we were best friends. We even had our own language and way of communicating. We shared clothes, shared secrets and have stood by one another. We were even doubles partners on the tennis team during high school. 

I watch Cate and Margaret and see them doing similar things. They call one another Max and Ruby from one of their favorite shows. I love when they look at one another and say "we are Best Friends!" It is so heartwarming. I love the little hugs and kisses they give one another. Sometimes I find them at their little pink table having a tea party and chatting away. Adorable! 

There is just something about sisters! 

T & B's AMAZING Wedding

Wow. Where to begin. Where to end. The wedding weekend for Taryn/Brian was spectacular. Such a unique and well-detailed wedding and the wedding felt so "Taryn/Brian-esque." Simply amazing. Martha Stewart would be SWOONING over the many small details that gave the wedding that special personal touch. 

The weekend began at Taryn's Grandmother's home on Glen Lake. It was the perfect setting for the "lakeside chic" event that ended with s'mores on the beach! We even had a beautiful sunset right over the lake that set the backdrop for this lovely evening. The after-hours crew headed to Art's Tavern for more cocktails and fun! 

Saturday we all waited at The Homestead resort for a trolley to take us to Sun Moon Ranch where the ceremony and reception were being held. Sun Moon Ranch is a working llama farm with breathtaking views. Taryn's childhood and dear friend Ben officiated the wedding and it could not have been more heartfelt. Taryn and Brian put the ceremony together themselves and definitely made it their own. Special readings were selected that were meaningful and funny to the bride/groom. A quote was read from the movie When Harry Met Sally (starting with "I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out.") and the words to the song "I Wanna Grow Old With You" by Adam Sandler were read. And one of Taryn's good friends sang the song "Two of Us" by The Beatles. Love the lyrics - so pretty. The ceremony recessed with the bride/groom walking away to "All You Need is Love" by The Beatles. 

We then headed to the barn for cocktails and yummy hors d'oeuvres. There was an adorable photobooth and the photostrips were used to make advice cards for the newlyweds! We were then led into a gorgeous and magnificently decorated tent - with two long king tables. I cannot even describe the tables - simply gorgeous (head to my facebook page for more photos). LOVED the peacock plates. The menu for the evening included the following courses: 

- pumpkin and roasted chestnut soup with toasted pumpkin seeds

- yellow delicious apple and arugula salad with toasted pignoli, shaved fennel and honey-mascarpone dressing

- apple and orange zest sorbetto

Entree Choices

- herb-crusted and slow roasted game hen served with Sardinian fregola con pomodoro a olio and shaved brussels sprouts with pancetta (LOVED the brussels sprouts)

OR 

- fresh fettuccine tossed with asparagus, truffles & light cream accompanied by shaved brussels sproats

- chilled chocolate fondue with biscotti and assorted fruits imported italian cheeses served family style with accompaniments 

All the food was amazing and so well prepared. Each course had a wine pairing. 

The rest of the evening was filled with lots of dancing and socializing (in and out of the tent - and in the barn). 

The weekend was spectacular - every detail thought of! Peter and I briefly stopped at the brunch and said goodbye to the newlyweds! We LOVE you Taryn and Brian! 

A Few Nights Away...

So, Peter and I decided to add another night on to the wedding weekend of our dear friends. My friend Taryn and Brian got married this past weekend in Glen Arbor, MI and we decided to break up our drive by staying overnight in Saugatuck. Brilliant idea! (NOTE - Tomorrow I will spend an entire post just on their wedding - the most beautiful and detailed wedding I have ever been to - simply amazing). 

We stayed at this adorable B&B in town on the water called The Bentley Suites. It was right downtown so we could walk around the cute little town - perfect! We had an amazing dinner at Everyday People's Cafe in Douglas. YUMMY! I had the ahi tuna and Peter had a chicken dish. Fabulous food and our waiter was a delight to chat w/. 

It was such a relaxing evening - and so fun for the two of us to hang out together before heading to Glen Arbor for T's affair. We had a great breakfast the next morning at Pumpernickel's Eatery. They are known for their cinnamon rolls. I'm in wedding mode so I stayed with an omlete. 

Stay tuned for the details from T's wedding. Simply AMAZING! 

My Latest Obsessions

Love this necklace.

(in black only though)

Love this Skinny Stubbed Belt. 

Totally "heart" this dress. Maybe for my rehearsal dinner. And love the necklace they pair it w/.  Thoughts? 

I love this throw from Anthropologie. It would look great on our couch. Maybe I will get it with some of our wedding $$! 

Cute flats. 

Hilarious Mommy and Me outfits. Would never do this but...CUTE! 

Love these new UGGs - especially in the grey. 

Farewell - Peter and I are off to Saugatuck, MI for a night (so excited) and then heading further north to Glen Arbor, MI for a friend's wedding. Check out her wedding website. It ROCKS! She is getting married on a lama farm - so cool. 

Chat with all of you on Monday. 

Good ole ZIP CAR

So, I wish I had been blogging when Peter/I were in our days of courting. It would be fun to reread now - about a year and a half later. Wow. And less than 2 months to go before we are hitched!! So excited. 

So, after about date 3 with Peter he emailed me and said that he wanted to see me that particular week but was unable to get a sitter to meet downtown (as venturing to the suburbs was like going to a foreign country for me - at that time). In his email he asked if I would like to meet him in "RF." Hmmm...what/where was RF. I know RL (= Ralph Lauren restaurant - one of my faves) but RF. No CLUE! Ummm, he meant River Forest. It took me a moment to figure it out. So I thought I would take a gamble (knowing that I had no means of transportation to get out there) and said "Sure, let's do it. I'll meet you in RF for take out/chill night" (on a week night mind you). I quickly sent my sister an instant message and asked if I could borrow her fiance's car. Why don't you try a "Zip Car" she IMed - since it looks as though you'll be heading out there more than once. I quickly googled Zip Car and thought okay I'll give this a try. 24 hours later (after surrendering my Illinois license for a driving record check) I was good to go. Mind you that at that point I had not driven a car in 5 years (as I was strictly a cab or public transit gal). 

I left work promptly at 5, ran home changed into jeans and a cute shirt and made a pit stop at Molly's Cupcakes to pick up some cupcakes for the girls (note - that I was meeting them for the first time!). I started driving (using my printed out map quest directions) and called my sister. Okay, so I'm en route...will see you tomorrow at 7:00 am when you guys pick me up in the cabfor the airport (note - that we were off to VA to surprise my dad for his 65th birthday). 

I pulled up in front of Peter's house. I had just spoken to him and he said that he and the girls were on the hammock in the backyard and I should just come on back. So, with the cupcakes in tow I walked down the driveway and headed to the backyard. I spied the hammock (rocking gently) just as two little heads popped up and said "Hi Dee Dee, Dad...she is here." I then saw Peter pop up as well. The youngest one, Margaret, smiled up at me and asked if I would like a drink - choices = Tab, Diet Coke, water, lemonade. Ummm...TAB (I WAS in the freaking suburbs...don't housewives from the 70s drink TAB?). 

I accepted my Diet Coke and the girls took me inside for a tour. Peter just let them do their thing. They were adorably dressed in little dresses and SO CUTE! I immediately felt at home as they took my hand and gave me a tour. After the tour they took me to the kitchen and shut the door (leaving Peter out in the family room). They went to a "pretend" dress up box and gave me a "dress" to wear - while they pretended to get dressed up in fancy dresses. Catherine and Margaret then put on Cinderella and Snow White heels and started circling me. I was cracking up. These little girls (ages 2 and 4 - at the time) were hilarious! Delightful little girls. So girly. I loved it. Peter was thrilled how well all of us were getting along. 

Then it was bed time for the girls. I found myself sitting on the couch in Peter's bedroom - squeezed next to 2 little monkeys who couldn't keep their hands off Peter. It was time to read them a book good night. This was when I first learned of Fancy Nancy. My mind immediately wandered to the scene in The Holiday when Cameron Diaz meets Jude Law's two little girls and they are all snuggled together in the princess tent. 

The girls eventually went to bed and then we ordered take out. Now, if you haven't used a Zip Car you rent them by the hour and then need to return them within your allotted time OR you can automatically (through the phone) revise your end time. I reserved the car from 6 - Midnight (thinking I had plenty of time to get back to Lincoln Park - as I still needed to pack for my trip to my Dad's). Well, around Midnight Peter went out to move the car but it wouldn't start. YIKES. I called customer service to see what was going on. First of all, they said that I was beyond my time and that they would restart something and the car should start. Well, it didn't. The entire thing was a nightmare. I didn't know Peter that well and had just met his girls and I took a freaking Zip Car out to RF. Who was I? YIKES and I needed to get home to pack. Well, long story short I ended up staying there until 5 am because it started to rain cats and dogs and Peter didn't want me driving home in the rain. 

Come 7 am a cab pulls up to my building and I stumble out to meet my sister. My sister and her fiance look at me and tell me I look terrible. I tell them it is a long story and pass out until we reach O'Hare airport. 

6 months later we were engaged. The rest is history. Good ole ZIP CAR. We now laugh about the Zip Car "incident." 

What I have learned...the last few months!

That patience really is a virtue. 

That kids know much more than you think they do! 

That being a stay at home mom is EXHAUSTING, REWARDING and much more demanding than a usual 9 - 5 job. 

That kids like to wake up before 7 am! 

Multitasking takes on a whole new meaning with kids! 

Mom friends are a MUST! 

That meltdowns can happen at any moment. 

Kids say the funniest things! 

Some hilarious youtube videos w/kids that I love! 

Kid dancing to So Low

Kid after the dentist 

My Little Buddy

Most mornings I get to hang out with my little buddy Margaret. She is 3 years old but makes sure you know that she is 3 and a half. She is my little snuggle bunny who goes on errands with me and loves to pick out shoes and/or jewelry for my outfits. She loves when I dress up (in dresses or skirts) and says "you look beautiful" - so who wouldn't want a little buddy like Margaret? And when I have a panicked look on my face she immediately knows that I have misplaced my BFF (my blackberry) and when I'm on the couch she pulls out our "fuzzy" blanket to snuggle. 

She uses words like "exquisite, fantastic, wonderful, beautiful, sparkly" all due to her Fancy Nancy books. She is a girly girl and I love it. She loves to hug, kiss and snuggle. I grew up with 2 sisters and a girly girl mom - boys are another breed! 

And yesterday Margaret said the cutest thing..."I cannot wait until you and Daddy get married...because then you will be our mom." So cute. Let's hope this "cuteness" continues through high school and beyond! 

DETAILS...are they a GIRL thing?

I have always loved details - small details like lace, buttons, stitching, color accents. To me they make the perfect outfit stand out from the rest or they give a room that special needed touch. I'm a detail oriented person. I love all things detailed - letterpress for sure; stores like Anthropologie that pay particular attention to details; this t-shirt from J.Crew where "casual meets dressed up in the most unexpected way"; this casual china where the texture alone take it from ordinary to unique.

Now, are details an inherent girl thing? Cate (age 5) and Margaret (age 3) notice everything. One day I was with my sister and they noticed her Tory Burch reva ballet flats and said "oh, Dee Dee has those but hers are a different color". Or when they saw my friend was carrying a Louis Vuitton bag they pointed it out and asked why I had not worn mine in awhile. Or the one day I switched up an outfit w/a hot pink raw silk sash that I usually wore with a particular green dress. "You wear that one with your green dress not your blue dress." Or if I forget my slender headband they immediately point it out and get it for me.  Or when Cate pointed out that my underwear was too "small" - because they were thongs and she asked why hers were not like that. Pretty hilarious.  

Are men (generally speaking) more into the big picture and women the details? I know that for sure I'm one for details. LOVE THEM. The more detailed the better. That is why I love books so much more than movies (that are based on books) - I crave the descriptions! 

More later. 

64 DAYS TO GO!!!

You think about your wedding your entire life. And now my wedding is 64 days away! So exciting. My mom (JuJu) and my stepdad (Travis) are in town for a long weekend. My mom/I have been doing some wedding errands and one of Peter's dear friends is hosting a party for us tomorrow PM. 

It is all becoming more real. We received our first RESPONSE today in the mail. Today I took my mom to the reception site - A New Leaf. She fell in love with it and now knows why I love it so much. She also met Katie our wedding planner who ROCKS! She is adorable. We loaded up on sugar at our cake tasting at Amy Beck Cake Design. The designer is going to replicate the silk tulle and alencon lace in my dress on the cake. So fun! My mom and I rolled out of the place and did some damage shopping. Starting tomorrow I'm swearing off sugar until my honeymoon (and won't ask myself again why I chose such a form fitted dress!). 

Cate and Margaret are so excited to be a part of the wedding. Every day they ask if their flower girl dresses have arrived. The florist is making them little crowns - so they will feel like princesses. The cutest thing about it all is that they keep saying that once we get married that I will be their MOM. My heart melts every time they say that. So cute. 

Check out our wedding website! 

From Cabs to a VAN

I don't think I ever really thought about cars much - but a VAN! In my mind, vans = a tons of kids, no social life, and the mom "uniform" (warm up sweat suit). WOW. 

I left Whole Foods this morning and realized that I was looking for our Honda Odyssey miniVAN. Really, what happened to the girl that ran to grab cabs w/her heels on? YIKES! And my uniform - ummm...yes, I seem to rotate between work out outfits. Well, at least I'm still working out, right?! 

My coffee is now made at home (hazelnut creme dunkin donuts w/a splash of sugar free hot chocolate) instead of hitting the Starbucks on the corner. At least I'm saving $4.50/day! And now I'm driving around two adorable little girls (Margaret - age 3) and (Catherine - age 5). I LOVE my new gig. Peter (my soon to be husband) is the best. I've told him before that I wouldn't be in this situation if I didn't love him as much as I do. As I never thought I would have married a  young widower who comes with 2 kids (even if they are cute!), parents who live down the street (who do not resemble Frank and Marie from Everybody Loves Raymond), a set of in-laws (by his late wife) and her 7 siblings (yes, 7). 

But all in all, I have NEVER been happier. I LOVE the girls. They drive me nuts at times but when I walk downstairs (in something other than my new "uniform") and they say "You look beautiful" and I melt. They think I'm an overgrown princess. They loved when I moved in and went through all my shoes and dresses. Overheard from my closet "Wow...beautiful...sparkly...purple." A lot of those words are from their favorite books "Fancy Nancy." And Peter is a doll and I couldn't have asked for a better partner in crime! LOVE HIM. 

I used to peruse Anthropologie every other day however, now Target is my daily stop! Please note that I still LOVE dresses and shoes and Anthropologie is still one of my favorites. 

XO 

Wedding Invitations are OUT!

Hooray! Our wedding invitations went out today. I LOVE them. I searched long and hard for what I wanted in an invitation. I definitely wanted letterpress but also wanted something unique/different. I decided on fabric. I wasn't sure how I wanted to incorporate fabric into the invitations until I came across Bird and Banner. They are awesome. We went with something similar to their Cape Cod set. 

Cannot wait! 

Sarah and Dave's Wedding

I'm in wedding mode as I just got back from Sarah/Dave's wedding at The Drake. It was amazing - so pretty and she looked amazing. They had a photo booth - super cute idea. I posted pics from her wedding on FB. Check out some pics on the photographer's blog. 68 Days to go until our WEDDING! So excited! Excited too for 10 days of honeymoon! So fun. 

The weather in Chicago has been fab - sunny and warm temps. Love it. Girls are in school and enjoying it. Margaret is with me 3 days a week - and she is my little love bug. 

My mom/stepdad are arriving this Wednesday - so excited. My mom/I have some wedding appointments set up. Very fun. 

Send me your UPDATES!

A few fun items: 

My mom's friend wrote this article for More (and she gave a shout out to my mom and Travis). It is about dating! Hilarious.

My (not so glamorous) Transition from Single Gal to Instant Mom

Ummm...this is the book I was supposed to WRITE! My friend sent me this book. Hilarious! 

Cute stuff for baby showers, etc. 

Anna Wintour on Letterman. Cannot imagine working for her! 

27 yr. old lives w/his 73 yr. old Dad and he writes down stuff he says. Pretty hilarious.

Cross-stitch Kits 

So, I've knitted a bit but maybe it is time to try cross-stitching. And these look pretty hip.