My Latest Obsessions

Pumpkin Ice Cream sandwiches = DIVINE! 

Happy Friday! We saw some snowflakes here and there this week. YIKES! We also pulled out the winter coats (boo!). Fingers crossed that the temps will rise a bit for Halloween next Thursday. Speaking of Halloween PFC and I have two Halloween parties this weekend! Fun. Tonight I'm going as a biker chick and PFC is going as a cowboy (his usual costume). And then on Saturday we are mixing it up a bit and going as Johnny and Baby from Dirty Dancing. PFC will be in all black and I'll sport some jean shorts and a white blouse. I did contemplate putting together this photobooth strip costume. Maybe next year!

Saturday I'm taking the girls horseback riding with some folks and PFC and GMC are going to have some daddy/son time! I'm assuming they'll hit up a local estate sale or they'll snuggle in for a little American Pickers action. I think PFC secretly wants to be Mike or Frank!

Have a fabulous weekend. XO - D2

Some of my latest faves:

• I LOVE this cool LA loft. Check out the cool interior beams. 
• These Skinny Mummy Cake Balls look fab. You had me at cake ball! 
• Hilarious little read = My son showed my underwear to his preschool class. 
• I'm super excited to read Donna Tarrt's new book, The Goldfinch. I absolutely loved her book, The Secret History. I still think about that book even 10 years later. Speaking of books, here is a great list of books. 
• I'm a HUGE Law & Order: SVU fan. Huge. I love Liv. It was a sad day and episode when Richard Belzer retired as Detective Munch. 
• I love this. Tell a friend she is a good mama. Great post. This letter to my old friends made me SUPER excited that I have a trip booked w/ my gal pals from college in the spring. 
• Some fun DIY stationery ideas. I especially like the doily cards. Very pretty. 
• Very pretty leaf hair accessories. These bobby pins are pretty too. 
• Check out Tavi Gevinson = all grown up! 
• Gorgeous dress. Olivia Wilde likes it too! 
• What candy bar are you looking forward to on Halloween? I LOVE almond joys. Don't these homemade twix bars look yummy?! 
• Wow = 9 surprising foods with more sugar than a krispy creme donut. UGH. 
• A little Braverman fashion from Parenthood. 
• Very pumped for my youngest sister Carrie's gallery opening for "wrong chairs." 
• Did someone say nutella bar?! No way. Wowser. Stay tuned for Eataly. 
• This article got me thinking about our annual weekend in Milwaukee. For several years now PFC and I have been heading to Milwaukee for a weekend in February. Love it there! It gives us something to look forward to after the holiday madness. I think we need to add Boswell Book Company to our list! 
• Okay, these ghost meringue cupcakes look AH-MAZING. And super cute. Maybe we'll attempt these this weekend or next week! 
• Granted I haven't stepped foot in an H&M in forever. But the collaboration w/ Isabel Marant looks FAB. Everyone has a friend that can rock these sequin pants! Totally digging the sweater coat. 
• Wouldn't a party feel even more festive if you received this invitation?! 
• Totally been loving Lana Del Ray's song Summertime Sadness.
• Love this brass cuff. Pretty calendar.
• These pumpkin pie ice cream sandwiches look divine! However, save yourself some time and buy some of Jeni's Cinderella Pumpkin ice cream and triple ginger cookies from Trader Joe's. Make little sandwiches and you are all set! YUM! I get my Jeni's ice cream from Marion Street Cheese shop. See pic above! 
• I think Jamie Dornan will be just fine as the new Christian Grey in 50 Shades of Grey. Check out these pics of him. Yummy. 
• Take this fun Mood Map quiz. It tells you where your mood and temperament would fit in state wise. I matched up w/ Georgia! What about you? Savannah has always been on my list! 

My Latest Obsessions

The kiddos (photo taken by Alma S. Veliky)

Happy Friday! The girls are off w/ PFC this weekend for an Indian Princess Campout so it is just me and Georgie. We'll have a chill weekend. I'm hosting 2 Dailey Method classes in Oak Park for their opening weekend. And I'm looking forward to catching up w/ PFC Sunday evening and then watching Homeland. It is getting intense!

This week I was able to see a dear college friend who is in town from London. A couple of us got together for dinner at Longman & Eagle and then one night at Lula Cafe. Such great FOOD! My favorite item at Longman & Eagle was the homemade burrata. Yummy! And we all LOVED the peanut butter pie at Lula Cafe (OMG, ah-mazing)! I think it would be fun to check out one of Longman & Eagle's overnight rooms. Perfect for a guest that doesn't want to head all the way downtown but wants to be in Chicago. Logan Square is hopping for sure.

Have a fabulous weekend. XO - D2

Some of my latest faves:

• This is great = 15 recipes every parent should know. It is always good to have some great go to recipes in your arsenal. And I LOVE these 100 rules of dinner. I love Jenny's book. It is all about the family dinner and how to make it happen and what to serve. One of my favorite memories growing up includes enjoying a meal around the dinner table. On Sundays my dad always made chicken stir fry and I always LOVED my mom's chicken divine. And here are 15 great cookbooks for fall. 
• My sister Stephie and I lived together for years in Chicago. It was the best. And I've gotta say that having a double wardrobe was FAB! I love that C and M have one another as sisters. Love it. 21 Reasons It's Awesome to Have your Sister as your Best Friend. 
• How exciting. Bang Bang Pie Shop is now serving brunch and lunch (and dinner will be coming soon)! Awesome! My sister is in charge of desserts/pies for Thanksgiving and I recommended that she hit up Bang Bang Pie. Cannot wait! The chocolate pecan pie sounds DIVINE! Yum. 
• Last evening we discussed The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty. AWESOME book. Great read if you are looking for a new book. Loved it. 
• Doesn't this dutch oven apple crisp look awesome?! Super yummy. 
• How gorgeous is this look book for Rifle Paper Co.? So pretty. What a cute way to say hello to a friend! 
• 18 fun doormats for fall. Faves = Hex in Black and White Polka Dots. 
• A couple great fall/winter coats = Loop Knit Coat, Wraparound Coat, Sabrina Coat, Wool Alpaca Coat and Heritage Coat. 
• 50 pumpkin recipes. This Crock Pot Turkey White Bean Pumpkin Chili looks great for the falling temps! And this Butternut Squash and Sage Lasagna looks super yummy. 
• What a stunning pumpkin! 
• I LOVE this shimmered tweed dress. Check out the back! And check out the back on this Mulberry Dress.
• I need this braided metallic headband. Love headbands.  
• Ginger snaps and pumpkin ice cream = YUMMY! Buy some of Jeni's Cinderella Pumpkin and some triple ginger snaps from Trader Joe's and you've got yourself a tasty treat! 
• This caused a bit of a stir on facebook. Thoughts? I honestly don't think the photo itself deserves some of the comments it has received. 
• Amy Poehler and Tina Fey taught us everything we should know about being a woman. And here's an article on how to wire your brain for happiness. 
• I LOVE this messenger tote. Beautiful and practical. 
• Amazing baby shower w/ a southern flair. 
• Cozy fall outfit. 
• AWESOME collaboration w/ Kelly Wearstler and Paperless Post = gorgeous e-invitations. 
• The Novogratz Collection just arrived at CB2. Remember the Novogratz family? They were on Bravo's 9 by Design. 

My Latest Obsessions

MMC + CMC on picture day at school

Happy Friday! We had another gorgeous fall week. Love this weather. Fingers crossed that the gorgeous weather continues in to the weekend. This weekend we have PFC's 25th Fenwick High School reunion. Yes, 25th! FUN! He has been planning away and I'm excited to see it all come together. The kids are SUPER excited to head to the football game on Saturday. Saturday evening we are meeting up w/ everyone for dinner at Skrine Chops = YUMMY!

Good luck to all the Chicago Marathon runners! This weekend always brings me back to my days of marathon training w/ my sister and some good buddies. We had a blast. However, I have yet to run again! Yikes! It was awesome but my running days were short lived.

Have a fabulous weekend! XO - D2

Some of my latest faves:

• 25 cake stands and 11 cake recipes. YUMMY! Pretty cake dome. 
• Glitter loafers. Just because. 
• I make baked ziti for the kiddos about once a week or so. I tried this healthier version this week to good reviews. 
• There are some things worth splurging on. I mentally calculate cost per wear ratios all the time. I agree w/ Joy's article for sure = pots (Le Creuset - love my french oven) and boots (hunter boots). 
• It has been fun watching Parenthood again. Love the Bravermans! Here are some of the outfits from last week's show. I do like the transport tote that Sarah uses.  
• I'm super excited to see Samantha Hahn's book, Well-Read Women. Here is an interview w/ her. 
• Young Adult books that changed our lives. Are you there God? It's Me Margaret is on my list. 
• I LOVE this tea towel! Who doesn't love to lick a cake bowl?! 
• Awesome gift for your best girlfriend = monogrammed Clare Vivier jewelry pouch. 
• Some great hostess gifts. 
• Some cute kid halloween costumes. Here are 15 dresses that Betty Draper would wear. 
• Apple Pie Panini = seriously?! YUM-tastic!  
• Awesome gift for a new little one = 10 Puffin Classics. 
• I cannot wait to make this dish for PFC = Baked Chicken w/ Jalapeno Pesto. Looks awesome. 
• Love these simple monogrammed letterpress notecards. 
• Cute print for a kids room. 
• I did see check out last Saturday's SNL w/ Miley. She did a great job (poking fun of herself). A bit redemption for her VMA performance. Here's a little Jimmy Fallon, Miley Cyrus and The Roots. Love this! 
• What your coffee order says about you. Lattes all the way! 
• Pretty fishbraid tutorial. Fun waterfall braid. 
• LOVE this Maison Gold Dottie Bedroom for a girl. FUN. 
• 9 pumpkin recipes. The pumpkin chocolate chip oat bars look YUMMY! And this pumpkin meringue pie looks divine. 
• 8 things every happy woman should have = fabulous. Love it. 
• I LOVE gold. Wouldn't it be fun to throw a golden party?! 
• I'm SUPER excited for Thanksgiving this fall. We are hosting a full house of folks. My two stepsisters will be in town w/ their husbands and kiddos. I'm thinking I might need to make these gilded harvest place card holders. And how to create a beautiful fall centerpiece. Gorgeous. 
• I LOVE this necklace. 
• So, my NutriBullet arrived. I LOVE it. I've been making juices for breakfast. Why you should start drinking your breakfast. 
• Do you like the sound of peanut butter and chocolate covered cheez-its? If you do, be sure to head over to Little Goat to pick up a piece of Stephanie Izard's wedding cake. 

My Latest Obsessions

GMC

MMC + CMC

Happy Friday! Wow, how are we in October already?! Nuts. I'm looking forward to a chill evening tonight. The kids are excited to watch episode 2 of Master Chef Junior. My cousin's daughter Molly is on it! It has been so much fun watching her on TV! Here is a little clip. Tomorrow we'll be up bright and early for our first swim meet of the season. I'll be hanging w/ the girls while PFC is chilling w/ GMC. And then Saturday evening we have a friend's wedding celebration! Fun!

Totally looking forward to Sunday's Homeland. And it has been fun catching up w/ the Braverman family again. Love Parenthood. I've gotta say I'm not super excited for Amber and Ryan's engagement. 

Hope everyone has a FABULOUS weekend.
XO - D2

Some of my latest faves...

• Halloween is fast approaching and PFC and I have two Halloween parties to attend. Now the question is what should we be?! Here are some costumes for couples! 
• Cool video that Ralph Lauren did w/ Avicii. 
• 5 Chicago restaurants that don't go out of style. One of my faves is listed on the list = The Bristol. We had our rehearsal dinner there. Such a fun night! 
• I've often wondered the difference between baking soda and baking powder when used in recipes. Here goes! 
• I LOVE this Stripe Travel Mug. The colors remind me of the Hudson's Bay blanket. Here is the Pendleton version. Perfect for getting cozy on the couch w/ a book or movie. 
• Top 10 recipe websites. I frequent the following from the list of 10: Skinnytaste, the Pioneer Woman, and Simply Recipes.  
• Very cool = Robert Allen and DwellStudio release Decorative Modern. Check out some of the pretty fabrics here. I love the Ming Dragon print and the Folkland. 
• Love this Halloween card. 
• GORGEOUS wedding invitations. I LOVE the gold calligraphy and the vibrant colors used. I know this bride from years ago. She made a beautiful bride. Wishing her all the happiness in the world. Much deserved. 
• Some fall decorating tips from Great Country Homes. 
• I LOVE these preston punched loafers. Such a pretty gold! Comfy too. 
• Every birthday girl deserves a gold crown! 
• I LOVE this Burke Collection for a boys room. Fun and Foxy! 
• I try hard not to use the word 'perfect' with the girls. Ladies, stop trying to be perfect = well said. 
• How cute is this little backpack? I love the red/white polka dot pouch. 
• My brother in law collaborated w/ a few folks and is opening this cool recording studio and music school. Wishing them the best of luck! 
• 15 ways to rock 'made in USA' clothing. I've bought a few things from Everlane. I have a Ryan Tee and a sweatshirt (softest thing EVER). And Steven Alan just opened a store in Chicago = exciting! 
• A couple recipes I want to try = Spaghetti Squash w/ Meat Sauce, Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna rolls, and this Sour Cream Noodle Bake. 
• I'm contemplating getting the Nutribullet to make juices and smoothies. Anyone have one? Would love to hear some thoughts on it. 
• Okay, I discovered a great new nail polish color = Essie's Mind Your Mitten. Love it. A greyish blue. I love grey nails however, it wasn't the polish that caught my eye in this post but the delicate gold bands. I found out that the gold beaded band is from Basha. 
• Everyone is pretty excited for the opening of The Dailey Method in Oak Park. I cannot wait to try it. My city friends rave about it! 
• I LOVE this coat. 
• We MUST hit up our local apple farms ASAP. Last year we enjoyed making this ah-mazing apple pie (w/ caramel). It was a HIT! 
• How adorable are these silhouette rings? Love them. The heart is so cute.