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| GMC enjoying our "Pool" (um, POND) in our backyard April 2013 |
Happy Friday! Wow, what a long week. I think everyone can relate to the feelings of it being a very bizarre, emotionally draining and almost eerie week. And on top of all the news stories surrounding us we have had very rainy and flood like conditions in the western burbs of Chicago. I admit that many times I am in my own world - meaning that I'm fairly far removed from the harsh realities that face some people on an everyday basis. While one can relate to the greater world to an extent it isn't until things hit closer to home that I believe that "news" feels more raw and real.
I've been thinking a lot about the late Anne Smedinghoff, the young State Department officer who was killed this month in Afghanistan. Her story hit quite close to home as she grew up a few streets over from us and her parents still live here. It has been interesting to explain the story to our girls (and GMC to an extent) who know of Anne's mom from church and our community. They also know that both Anne and PFC went to the same high school (yet obviously never overlapped). They clearly see too how the community of River Forest has put up white ribbons in front yard trees in honor of Anne Smedinghoff's life. The outpouring of love and support has not only been visibly apparent but I personally can feel it when talking with friends, family and neighbors in town. Not only do these ribbons show support for the Smedinghoff Family but they have given all of us a reason to come together as a community (and a nation and beyond). I've hugged my kids tighter and longer this past week and have tried to be more in the moment w/ them. This weekend we will sift through some of our gently used books and put together a pile to donate in honor of Anne (and all the work she was doing in Afghanistan). And then there is also all the craziness w/ the Boston Marathon and all that happened in TX.
On a lighter note, we are so happy to have my Mom (JuJu) here w/ us these past few days for a little visit. Once again my sister and I find ourselves fighting over who gets "time" w/ her during her visit. We all want our "JuJu" time. Speaking of family time I'm heading out to NYC next week for a long weekend in NYC and Brooklyn. I cannot wait to spend some quality time w/ my youngest sister and a dear friend from college. WAHOO!
And this past Wednesday PFC and I reflected back on our last 5 years together. This Wednesday marked the 5 year anniversary of our 1st date. Little did either of us know that our date on 4/17/08 would lead to where we are today. And yes, I definitely went from cabs to a mini van. And I can now wholeheartedly say that I do LOVE our mini van. I so dig the sliding doors. I really do. Did I really just say that? Yes, I did!
Onwards. XO - D2
I've been thinking a lot about the late Anne Smedinghoff, the young State Department officer who was killed this month in Afghanistan. Her story hit quite close to home as she grew up a few streets over from us and her parents still live here. It has been interesting to explain the story to our girls (and GMC to an extent) who know of Anne's mom from church and our community. They also know that both Anne and PFC went to the same high school (yet obviously never overlapped). They clearly see too how the community of River Forest has put up white ribbons in front yard trees in honor of Anne Smedinghoff's life. The outpouring of love and support has not only been visibly apparent but I personally can feel it when talking with friends, family and neighbors in town. Not only do these ribbons show support for the Smedinghoff Family but they have given all of us a reason to come together as a community (and a nation and beyond). I've hugged my kids tighter and longer this past week and have tried to be more in the moment w/ them. This weekend we will sift through some of our gently used books and put together a pile to donate in honor of Anne (and all the work she was doing in Afghanistan). And then there is also all the craziness w/ the Boston Marathon and all that happened in TX.
On a lighter note, we are so happy to have my Mom (JuJu) here w/ us these past few days for a little visit. Once again my sister and I find ourselves fighting over who gets "time" w/ her during her visit. We all want our "JuJu" time. Speaking of family time I'm heading out to NYC next week for a long weekend in NYC and Brooklyn. I cannot wait to spend some quality time w/ my youngest sister and a dear friend from college. WAHOO!
And this past Wednesday PFC and I reflected back on our last 5 years together. This Wednesday marked the 5 year anniversary of our 1st date. Little did either of us know that our date on 4/17/08 would lead to where we are today. And yes, I definitely went from cabs to a mini van. And I can now wholeheartedly say that I do LOVE our mini van. I so dig the sliding doors. I really do. Did I really just say that? Yes, I did!
Onwards. XO - D2
Some of my latest faves:
- This week was quite emotional in many ways so it was a pleasant surprise to walk out to the mailbox a few days ago and see the first issue of Middlewest. Middlewest is a locally published food mag that is truly modern in all ways. LOVE it. Check out this Daily Candy Q&A w/ editor David Tamarkin. I went to HS w/ David so it has been very fun and exciting to follow his professional journey. Here's a little preview of the 1st issue. And here is David Tamarkin's last Time Out Chicago essay, "Chix I have loved."
- Tavi Gevinson is indeed 16 yrs old but wowser she is quite the mover and shaker in the fashion/media world. And maybe I feel an affinity towards her since she lives one town over in Oak Park. And yes, Lady Gaga has even called her "the future of journalism." Pretty awesome.
- Totally dig these bamboo coasters. Very cool. And how awesome would one of these modern animal clocks be in your little one's room or to give to someone as a baby gift?! So fun. Fave = Hedgehog Clock.
- FABULOUS = a potential Steve Alan opening up on Damen in Bucktown.
- I totally LOVE this = Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo's weekly challenge of getting to know your parents better. So great. Thanks Joanna! I too talk to my mom ALL the time but sometimes it is not about the big picture - more about the nuances of my day. I love this too = 10 Questions to Ask Your Mother Now. Maybe I'll somehow include this in a Mother's Day gift to her.
- A MUST make for dinner = Skinny Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese. YUMMY! And I bookmarked this recipe too = Harissa Eggs in Purgatory.
- Phil Vettel's take on El Ideas. PFC and I LOVED it! We went there this past fall for our anniversary and had an amazing time. Glad that Vettel digs it too!
- I LOVE Rifle Paper Co. And I'm in LOVE w/ their iPhone cases. If only I could ditch my indestructible Otterbox Defender I would SO do that and get one of these pretty numbers. And here is a cute boxed set of cards for a teacher from Rifle Paper Co.
- I LOVED Bethany Meyer's post on How Not to Disappear. Wow! Today this post was my yoga mat. My time. I so need to get my hands on a copy of the book that Meyer's and a few other bloggers contributed to.
- Here are the 2013 Eat Out awards. THRILLED for the Best New Sweets Shop = Bang Bang Pie Shop!
- Cute sandals at an awesome price. Speaking of great prices check out this great dress from H&M. Love it. Oh, and here are some cute polka dot ballerina flats.
- Pretty necklace = Water lily necklace. And LOVE this Let's Bring Back cuff.
- Cannot wait to check out the latest collaboration between Gap Kids and DVF. FUN!
- I think a lot about social and emotional learning when it comes to raising our kids. I found this article on self esteem very interesting.
- Here's an easy everyday dress that makes you feel a bit more polished when running around w/ the rug rats!
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