My Latest Faves

Chillin on Craigsville Beach (and looking oh so grown up)!

Matching Top Knots - we had to snap a pic! 

Niagara Falls - Canadian side 

Jetties Beach Nantucket 

Millway Beach in Barnstable - Cape Cod
low tide + sunset = amazing!

Biking in Nantucket

Sailing in Bristol, RI

Favorite Ice Cream shop on the Cape = Four Seas! 

First Day of School
CMC (8th Grade), MMC (6th Grade), G$ (1st Grade)
How is this possible?! 

Happy Friday! Happy Labor Day Weekend! Ok, so I haven't posted in a LONG time. It's definitely been awhile. I honestly cannot believe that today is the first day of September and that we are transitioning back to school and Fall. I adore fall and all that comes w/ it. Layers and cooler temps. Awesome sleeping weather. Leaves changing. 

We are saying goodbye to summer. Our summer was definitely a bit front loaded at the start activity/camp wise and we ended w/ our August family roadtrip. Our roadtrip gave us the chance to regroup as a family and the kids had the opportunity to see some new parts of the country that they have not seen before. We saw family and dear friends along the way and created some great memories. There were the typical sibling squabbles and arguing and good ole "are we there yet?!" question but all in all I think we would all agree that it was one of our best trips thus far as a family. 

And boom = school started late last week and we officially have an 8th grader, 6th grader and a 1st grader. It's also the first year that all three of them are in full day school. Wow! Bittersweet. 

Cheers to the long weekend ahead! 

xo - d2 

Some of my latest faves: 

• Cannot say enough great things about the house we stayed in on the Cape. Plenty of room for the 5 of us to spread out. Loved the history of the house and the fact that the owners kept the original sink and pump in the house for decoration/conversation. 
• Some faves from our stay on the Cape: Four Seas Ice Cream (favorite flavors: mocha chip and coffee oreo crunch); Crisp Flatbread (yum = caliente pizza - garlic-fennel sausage pizza w/ roasted peppers and banana peppers) in Osterville; day trip to Nantucket (biked around and hit Jettes Beach); lunch at the beach in Harwich (kids had special fluffernutter sandwiches made w/ love by my aunt); the drive back from Wellfleet to Centerville on 6A (scenic drive); misty afternoon spent at the cape cod chips factory (fun little self-guided tour!); lobster dinner and visit w/ our friends from hingham. 
• Favorite adventures front/back end of road trip = staying in Brooklyn w/ our dear friends; seeing the Statue of Liberty; seeing my youngest sister for a moment in NYC (enough time to give her a big hug and a brief catch up); awesome overnight stay on the canadian side of niagara falls (hornblower cruise w/ fireworks was fab!); grilled stickies from the Ye Olde College Diner in State College, PA. 
• Can't get this article out of my head = Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation? 
• Chicago's 25 Most Iconic Burgers - gotta say that the burger from Au Cheval is pretty amazing! 
• Clare V. has wallpaper (didn't realize that!). 
• Here's a list of ways to help out people affected by Hurricane Harvey. 
• Started the book Quiet (the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking) by Susan Cain to understand one of my 3 kiddos before. Just learned they have a kid version. 
• Summer is coming to an end but I'm still drawn to this simple tank top. 
• I decided that it's time I step it up and become more mindful of my summer feet. I've slowly said goodbye for now to my many pairs of havaiana slim flip flops (that have zero arch support). I bought these birkenstocks in silver. These two-tone ones are cute! The graceful orchid color is fun too. And so is the metallic violet! 
• Lastly, here's an awesome Beautycounter Labor Day Weekend promo that includes one of my faves = the face oils! Spend $150+ and you can pick a face oil of your choice. My favorite = No. 2 plumping! 411 on face oils. 

My Latest Obsessions

Fun family wedding

Happy Friday! So, it's Cate's Birthday today and we officially have a teenager in the house (and it's Inauguration Day). But hey, I would rather talk about the chocolate cake we'll be having tonight celebrating Cate's bday vs the latter.

CMC has requested a steak dinner tonight so we are heading to a local and old school steak house = Tom's Steak House. And tomorrow night we get to see a dear college friend of mine who is in town. Excited! A group of us is heading to Cold Storage for dinner.

Cheers to a fabulous weekend! And here's to hope and prayers for a peaceful transfer of presidential power.
XO - d2

Some of my latest faves...

• I saw La La Land w/ PFC and LOVED it! Thoughts?! Both Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone were awesome. 
• Who watched the season premiere of 'Homeland' last weekend?! WE did! Homeland's Director on What to Expect on Filming Season 6 in New York. 
• Exciting news = 'This is Us' was just renewed for season 2 and season 3. Pumped. I am behind though and need to catch up on the last two episodes. 'This is Us': 19 Heartbreaking Moments that Made Us Cry this Season So Far. 
• Thousands will be in D.C. to stand with Women. Here's how to stand with them from home. 
• Obama's Secret to Surviving the White House Years = Books. 
• The best restaurants to try for Chicago Restaurant Week. 
• Thinking ahead to Valentine's Day - some of my fave gift ideas from Beautycounter = Be Mine Valentine's Day Duo, Love & Luster Gift Set (on sale!) and The Jet Set (on sale!). Ummm, and guess who was just listed as one of the 20 growing companies that are going to be huge (and hiring now) = Beautycounter! 
• Some favorite V.Day cards = Let's Be Frank, You're a Fox, and Like Saturdays and Snooze Buttons, 
• Super helpful read = What Teens Need Most From Their Parents. 
• Some soup recipes I'm going to try this winter = Joy of Cooking's potato leek soup, crock pot sweet potato basil soup, sweet potato and apple soup, and roasted brussels sprouts and cauliflower soup. 
• Good read = The Importance of Showing Up. 
• So interesting = The 5 Craziest Hours of the White House. Absolutely loved this = the Bush sisters wrote the Obama Girls a Note. 
• Here's a pretty scalloped black top. Cute nautical tunic dress! 

My Latest Obsessions

Go Cubs!
Photo credit: Alma Veliky

Happy Friday! Countdown is on for the holidays. Some last minute shopping is on the list for the weekend along w/ some holiday parties. Fun!

Cheers to the last few weeks of 2016! Stay warm this weekend.

XO - d2

Some of my latest faves:

• This down loopner scarf is AH-MAZING. I live in it! I honestly wear it around the house I love it so much. Super cozy and warm. Perfect gift for that friend or sister that lives somewhere cold. 
• LOVE these fleece-lined fingerless mittens. I've had a few pairs over the years. They are the best. Can you tell it's been a little chilly here in Chicago?! 
• I have this Orla Kiely for Target Weekender Cosmetic bag in a different pattern. Love it. Would be a great gift for someone. 
• Sad = RIP Craig Sager. I was intrigued by the guy w/ the wild suits and the big smile. 
• Gotta say that the cleansing balm (along w/ the face oil) is my favorite Beautycounter product. It is saving my winter skin! LOVE using it as an overnight mask. Super hydrating. Check out all of the uses. Ummm, and how cool = BC was named one of the top 10 innovations that made women's lives better in 2016. Wahoo! 
• Super awesome = Rifle Paper Co. and Chatbooks collaborated. 
• I just finished PFC's 2017 calendar via Artifact Uprising. Love the brass calendar too but it's out of stock until 2017. Next year! 
• Movie on my list = Manchester by the Sea. Have you seen it yet?! Can't wait! 
• I'm fairly certain that PFC and I will be taking our annual winter weekend trip to Milwaukee. I think this year we are going to try the new Kinn micro-hotel in Bayview that are friends are opening in January. Looks really cool.  
• The books we loved in 2016. I'm getting ready to start the book Nightingale. Anyone read it yet? 
• I LOVE the new show This is Us. 19 heartbreaking moments that made us cry. It returns 1/10! 
• Super cool and pretty butterfly chair. 
• Perfect weekend sweatshirt. Looks cozy and warm. 
• Perfect timing for the holidays = how to raise kinder, less entitled kids (according to science). Next year I really want to try this for Christmas (from Glennon Melton) = 3 gifts. This would simplify things! Has anyone tried something similar? Would love to hear about it. 
• LOVE this brightening facial scrub from Acure. 

My Latest Obsessions

Grandpa T and JuJu in Lake Geneva

The Kiddos

Cousins = TROUBLE! 

JuJu, D2, Steph (missing the youngest pup!)

Hanging w/ PFC

We had the best time catching up with JuJu and Grandpa T this past weekend in Lake Geneva to celebrate my brother in law's birthday. And super fun = we're taking off next Friday to road trip out to Montana and we get to see them again! Wahoo! Please send any book recommendations my way = on my list next week to hit up the library and our local book store. Super PUMPED to cozy up in my favorite chair at the cabin and chill w/ a good book.

Okay, I cannot believe our youngest turns 6 this weekend. How is that possible?! Gosh, I remember the day that Georgie was born like it was yesterday. Time flies. G$ is getting together w/ some of his buds for a little pool party to celebrate and then Saturday he has requested his favorite lunch = Alpine subs! I couldn't agree more. Yum!

Cheers to the last weekend in July! Enjoy.

XO - d2

Some of my latest faves...

• What a great list = Best Old-School Ice Cream Shops in America. Chicago's own Margie's Candies made the cut. For George's 3rd birthday we ended up at Margie's. If you have not been before you must add it to your list! 
• The 29 most beautiful rooms on Instagram. 
• Who knew there was such a thing as National Lipstick Day = yesterday?! I'm always envious of folks that can totally rock the perfect red. It's just not in my wheelhouse (much to my mom JuJu's dismay - who adores lip stick!!!). I've never been a lipstick gal but I definitely dig Beautycounter's lip sheers (don't feel as lipstick-esque)! And here's an awesome post on Are your beauty products safe? How are they affecting your health? 
• I definitely want to build in some meditation into my life. I always think about it yet it becomes a fleeting thought. I'm determined to start! 
• LOVE the relaxed tees from Everlane. And I appreciate Everlane's mission of radical transparency. 
• Interesting = How These Companies Made the 4-day Workweeks Feasible. 
• Michelle Obama's speech at the DNC was super inspiring. There are many quotes that we are going to repeat down the road. Here's the speech in it's entirety. 
• So true = the Most Undervalued Women in America are Childless Aunts. I know many and they are pretty amazing! 
• 85 Snack Ideas for Kids (and adults). I cannot tell you how many times I hear those words..."I want a snack." Maybe this will provide a little snack inspiration! We're coming up w/ our list for our roadtrip next week! 
• Let it Go. Let it Go. Let it Go. 6 Things Happy Couples Always Let Go Of. 
• This made me laugh = Early 2000s Status Symbol. I SO remember the majority of these items! 
• These little sandals are adorable. 
• It was so much fun seeing my mom this past weekend. Zingerman's reminds me of my mom as she used to send my sister and I the sour cream coffee cake from time to time when the two of us lived together downtown. It's the best! And it makes an excellent hostess gift!!!
• 18 Great Chicago Suburban Restaurants = awesome little list. We might be hitting up one of our faves this weekend = Autre Monde. 

My Latest Obsessions

Our 1st Blackhawks Game

Getting ready to head into the Stadium for the game!

Happy Friday! I cannot believe we are now in February. Valentine's Day is less than 2 weeks away = yikes! This year (similar to last year) Valentine's Day falls over Presidents Day Weekend and we'll be up in MI at Crystal Mountain skiing w/ the kids. Super excited! Some day we'll check out the big leagues and head out west to ski but for now this is perfect.

My middle sister and I were able to sneak away and visit my dad in FL two weekends ago. It was so nice to catch up w/ him and his girlfriend and just kind of "be" for a bit. Some of our faves that weekend = lunch at The Seafood Bar at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach (what a gorgeous hotel!), checking out Worth Avenue, and checking out the sea turtles at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

Tonight the girls will be hanging w/ PFC at the Daddy Daughter Valentine's Day dance. G$ and I will be there as PFC's assistants as he is in charge of the entire dance this year via Indian Princess. The girls LOVE this event and always look forward to it every year. Let's just say there will be lots of pink and red and little dancing ladies!

And tomorrow PM we have a dinner party w/ PFC's Marquette crew. Looking forward to it!

Cheers to a fabulous weekend!
XO - D2

Some of my latest faves:

• The play, The Flick, looks really great and is playing at the Steppenwolfe Theatre. It won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2014. 
• How many of you have read Liane Moriarty's book, Big Little Lies? OMG, so beyond excited for the HBO series that is coming out based on the book.  Great cast (and big names) = Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon. And for those of you who liked JoJo Moyes book, Me Before You, it is being made into a movie come summer. That book brought me to tears. One of the best books ever. I'm so there the first week it opens (w/ a pack of tissues in tow)! 
• I know I've mentioned that Beautycounter's Nourishing Cleansing Balm = the total "Miracle" balm. But I've just gotta say it again = LOVE it! Get to know the Balm! And there is still time (until February 14th) to purchase one of BC's Valentine's Day packages. My faves = the Best of Mini or the Best of Face. Great value on the packages too! Personally I bought one of the Best of Minis = perfect for traveling! 
• Anyone familiar w/ Rocks Box?! Someone mentioned this to me the other day and I immediately checked it out. For $19.95/month you get unlimited access to rent from an ever-rotating closet of designer jewelry. It's all about the accessories anyway, right?! 
• Okay, I'm still rocking and rolling on The 30 Day Clean. I picked up a few Vosges chocolate bars the other day as gifts - and I decided that I want to try the Coconut Carmel & Tart Cherry Bar soon (but after the Clean of course)! It's one of their bars I have yet to try. 
• Maybe we'll print out one of these GIANT Valentine's Day posters for PFC. Fun!  
• Everlane came out w/ their first ankle boot. Super cute!
• Meet the Chicagoan who designed a kitchen for the Coppolas. 
• High School buddy Cooked 90 Meals in One Month and how it changed his cooking. 
• Loved my friend's post on Growth (loved her list of 10). Reminded me a bit of a question that G$ asked me the other day = What are you going to be when you grow up? Do you think you could be a teacher and be in my classroom next year?! Cute. While I'm not going back to school to be a teacher I will always be a teacher in many ways as a parent.  And really appreciated her #10 = Authenticity. If there is anything I believe in 100%, it’s being authentic. For women, in particular, don’t apologize for being you and make time for you. Show up as the real and true you and you will always be on your path.
• Love this = 7 ingredients + 20 natural beauty recipes. 
• Only Women Showed up to work after the snowstorm, Senator says = but of course! 
• Great post on Being Mindful. 
• Awesomeness = Julia Child's Provence Home will become a cooking and yoga retreat. Sign me up! 
• Check out these adorable clutches! So cute, right?! One of my favorites = the Tribal Princess. And what great little pouches. They would make the perfect little gift. And this one - Killing It - would be so fun for a friend who is rocking and rolling! 

My Latest Obsessions

Heading to a holiday party! Our little photo bomber = G$!

Ski lessons for G$

Happy Friday and Happy New Year! Cheers to a fabulous 2016. We had a really nice and long winter break. The kids enjoyed some down time and it was nice to be without a schedule for a bit (but it was definitely nice this past Monday to get back on track). My Dad (big George) was with us for a week and we hosted Christmas Day with him and my sister and her crew. 

I'm heading out later this afternoon to meet up w/ PFC downtown. We're meeting at Au Cheval for a burger and then heading to a movie = perfect birthday celebration (that I share w/ Elvis!). Au Cheval has been on my list for awhile now. Everywhere I turn I read about their burgers - can't wait! Why people wait for hours for Au Cheval's cheeseburger! VERY excited to check it out because come Monday I'm starting a 30 day cleanse - the 30 Clean. Please send any great recipes my way. I know some of you are doing a clean too! 

And lastly, I wanted to share that I'm starting a new endeavor that I'm super excited about. I just signed on as a consultant for Beautycounter. Their mission is to get safe products into the hands of everyone. I was absolutely shocked to learn that the US has not passed a federal law to regulate the ingredients used in personal care products since 1938. And to date, Europe has banned 1,300 ingredients, the US has only banned 11. I'm alarmed that personal care companies are allowed to use known toxins - ingredients linked to cancer, reproductive issues, hormone disruption - without telling us. At Beautycounter, they have banned more than 1,500 ingredients setting a new health and safety standard - all while ensuring their products perform, and that they're as indulgent as any luxe shampoo, lipstick or oil in the market. Check out this compelling video. It will definitely make you think more about the products you are using. And feel free to contact me for more information.

Have a wonderful weekend!

XO - D2

Some of my latest faves:

• PFC and I saw the movie Joy the other day. Here's a little more about the real Joy, the inspiration behind the movie and here. 
• I read the following books over break = Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty and Judy Blume's In the Unlikely Event. And I just started Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff. 
• And speaking of books I'm very anxious to read Joanna Goddard's brother in law's book, When Breath Becomes Air. Click here for a review. I've followed and read his essays (How Long Have I Got and Before I Go)  via A Cup of Jo. I've referenced his essays many times. And here is Joanna's sister piece, My Marriage Didn't End When I became a Widow. 
• Are Jennifer Garner and Patrick Dempsey secretly dating?! 
• These are the cutest pics of Prince George at his nursery school. What a doll! 
• Hilarious = pics of a hot doctor and his husky are everywhere! Not sure who is more cute! 
• Great little bit on the Sportsperson of the Year = Serena Williams. 
• These herbed goat cheese sandwiches by Ina Garten were a hit at my sister's holiday party. 
• LOVE the new sweaters that Everlane just came out w/! LOVE the waffle knit tunic. 
• Both C + M's birthdays are coming up. All 3 of the Carr gals in our family have birthdays in January. Busy month! We are sticking to our tradition of making homemade cakes for birthdays (we started on G$'s 4th birthday). This double layer chocolate cake looks amazing. 
• Since joining Beautycounter I'm slowly overhauling my makeup bag and skin care products. Some of my faves thus far = Lustro Face Oil #2, Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer (replaced my beloved Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer), Lip Gloss (in buff), Color Shade Eye Duo (in Pearl/Champagne). 
• Excited to try this Best Ever Beef Stew. Not sure if it fits the bill of the 30 day clean though. 
• A couple of great pieces on sale at Zara: menswear coat, printed flounce dress, can combined top w/ zipped back. 
• Okay, everyone seems OBSESSED w/ Netflix's 'Making a Murderer' documentary crime series. Has anyone been watching it? Maybe it will fill the hole PFC and I have on Sunday evenings now that The Affair and Homeland are done for the season. 

My Latest Obsessions

Father's Day = a much deserved "Dunk" donut

G$

Grater's Ice Cream + Old Friends = the Best
(and now a stand alone store in Northbrook = more roadtrips)

Way to go, Blackhawks!!!!!!

A little Young Member Show action (and rain = of course)

Sunset at Twin Lakes = gorgeous!

A friend sent me this pic that she captured of C + G = so cute! 

Sisters - MMC + CMC 

Beck + MMC's musical, Tut Tut via Actors Garden!

Go RFTC Sharks!

                                         

Big George + Little George

Free Slurpie Day = always a hit (7-11, baby)!

The "CUP"

CMC's last meal w/ the crew before heading off to sleep away camp

GMC + MMC = Drive In Movie time!
     

Happy Friday! Wowser - I can't believe we are almost halfway done w/ summer. How is that even possible?! Summertime thus far in a smattering of pics above!

MMC keeps saying, "wait, this is so weird w/ just two kids at home" as CMC left for sleep away camp yesterday for 2 weeks. We're pumped to hear about CMC's experience at camp = we'll hear from her via snail mail (maybe!) and when she gets back. While no communication is tough (and so not the world we live in these days) I totally agree w/ the philosophy of "letting them go" per se - to do their own thing, gain a new level of independence w/ some distance from the home front = great article on why Kids Need to Be Away from Home! I appreciate and respect anything written/said by Dr. Michael Thompson (first heard about him when I worked at an all girls day/boarding school - The Madeira School - in Northern VA back in my early days after college!).

Speaking of camp, we checked out Simms Taback's (LOVE him!) book entitled, Postcards from Camp, from the library. The correspondence between the dad/son is absolutely hilarious and so cute. My dad (Big G!) was just here for a visit and he was telling us about his great experience at sleep away camp. I'll have to ask my Aunts more about it because I vaguely recall us as a family pulling over to check out the campgrounds on one of our summer visits out east.

We're off to cheer on MMC and the RFTC "Sharks" tomorrow morning at Swim Conference! Go SHARKS!

Cheers to a fantastic weekend!

XO - D2

Some of my latest faves...

• I have postcards and notecards on my mind as CMC headed out yesterday to sleep away camp for the 1st time. I started daydreaming about if I went to camp (adult style) what postcards I would be packing =  Johanna Basford's Secret Garden 20 postcards (doubles as art therapy!), More than a Critter Notecard Set, Canoe Write Me, and these fun and bright colorful postcards! 
• Caitlyn Jenner acceptance speech for the Arthur Ashe award = Bravo! 
• Enjoyed checking out Parachute Home's Venice Beach Bungalow. Very cool! 
• 25 Funniest Movies of All Time = great list! Ordering take out + a funny movie = a perfect date night! Speaking of the movie, Dumb and Dumber, I referenced that exact title when CMC and I walked into REI to pick up some camp gear = realized how clueless the two of us were re: "real" camping gear (that CMC needed for her "trail" experience). Would love to watch some of the older ones on the list. Speaking of funny movies, I'm pumped for Amy Poehler and Tina Fey's movie, Sisters, due to come out Christmas 2015. Check out the trailer. Looks hilarious!
• What a great unexpected hostess gift = breakfast for the morning! Fantastic idea for all of your summer weekend parties. 
• Aren't these adorable sandals! My fave steal of the season = this jacquard shift dress (in black combo) = snagged it at 40% off. Shift dresses can be tough as they have no defined waist. I've always been more of a fit/flare dress gal but lots of cute swing, shift and tunic dresses = Antho, of course! I took some inspiration from one of my sisters who totally rocks shift dresses! 
• The difference between $20 and $200 jeans. I'm a big proponent of mixing less expensive items w/ more quality items and definitely appreciate the less is more philosophy when investing in more quality items. 
• Some tips for hanging art. Secrets of a Prop Stylist. Paint colors designers use in their own home. 
• Some mags that are catching my attention as of late = Vanity Fair (Channing Tatum on the cover, still haven't seen Magic Mike XXL yet!), Chicago Mag (August issue = best of Chicago 2015), Elle Decor's July/August 2015 (gardening in the city = interesting and discovered Yielddesign.co - love the Field Bags = water resistant duck canvas = awesome!). 
• I would love to make these chicken and kale salads to go - so cute and they look yummy! Some other yummy looking recipes = Italian dressing grilled chicken (zesty italian dressing = key!),  burrito bowls, and lightened up Grilled Chicken Cesar Salad (on MMC's list of dinners she wants to help make one night = her newfound love of cesar salad). I keep going back to Ina Garten's fresh corn salad when looking for a great side in the summer. It is always a hit and tastes so fresh (and best thing = you can make it the night before serving and keep in fridge - just add the basil before putting out). 
• 5 unexpected ways to beat fatigue. Interesting article on exercising. 
• We're years away from our oldest turning 18 but I know (and have been told by many) that it is going to continue to fly by. I cannot believe CMC is 11 (how is that even possible?!). How to Raise an Adult. 
• All of a sudden G$ seems to be asking 1 million questions (seems like a zillion to the girls) about everything. We can't keep up w/ his questions. The girls and I decided to make it a fun game for all of us and we started keeping track of the questions. They aren't yes or no questions and they require a little more thought (and time to thoughtfully explain answers). For instance, "how does the earth hold us up?" or "what do you mean when you say 'gentleman'?" or "what does my food do in my stomach" or "why are they called 'smarties?'" Immediately I think, wow, I can't imagine life w/o the ability to "google" anything. Well, our goal (whether or not it comes to fruition is up in the air!) is to put some of the questions in a jar and have all of us pull a few questions out (and do our research and circle back w/ our findings). I honestly had NO clue why smarties are called smarties. Saved by the ability to "google" = here you go (who knew that the verb "to smart" means to have one's face involuntary pucker which is exactly what happens when you eat a Smartie). But I totally love this approach too = the Key to Unlocking Your Child's Heart. 
• Another great collaboration = Hello! Lucky (one of my favorite stationery designers) + Recycled Paper Greetings for Target! 
• Sad to see one of the good ones close = Nightwood restaurant. Some great memories there (one of them being my youngest sister's birthday dinners w/ my mom + sisters + a few friends). 
• On my list = getting a burger from Chicago's Au Cheval = Food Network just listed it as the Best Burger in America! 

My Latest Obsessions

Monkey See, Monkey Do = "When do I get homework like the girls?"

Happy Friday! Tonight PFC and I are having dinner w/ some friends at one of our favorite spots = The Bristol. I'm always reminded of our rehearsal dinner when we head there (as we took over the 2nd floor of the restaurant the night before our wedding). Such fun memories!

Fingers crossed that it doesn't rain too much tomorrow so we can get through all of our softball and Tball games!

Have a fabulous weekend! XO - d2

Some of my latest faves...

• I love this = The Impact of a Positive Response. And the secret to not getting frustrated. 
• 5 ways to gift wrap for spring = super cute! My favorite = the monogram wrapping. 
• I think the kids would love this baked ravioli. Looks easy too! 
• The book, All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, has been on my list to read. It just won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction. 
• Awesome news = executive producer for Parenthood would love to do a limited series. That would be amazing as I miss my Braverman family! And other interesting TV news = John Stamos confirms a Full House reunion (and 13 episodes) on netflix. Interesting! 
• This is fantastic = how to teach your child not to interrupt. 
• Love this downtown field jacket. It is Barbour-esque w/o the price tag. 
• I LOVE these spring wedding invitations. Gorgeous! The watercolor envelope liner = fab! 
• These pretty tea towels would make cute mother's day gifts. 
• One of my favorite people will be speaking at a local TEDx event at the end of May. Excited to attend! 
• In a few weeks I'm going to see Barbara Rinella's book dramatization of the book, The News Sorority. I'm picking up the book this weekend. Has anyone read it yet? 
• I love the soft edging cut of scallops. A friend's pretty scalloped Kate Spade bag caught my eye the other day. So cute! Here's a simple yet pretty scalloped hem tee. Here are some cute scalloped ballet flats (great price too!). Love this gold pair! 
• I thought this was an excellent read = the one question that can also be an answer. I need to try this more w/ the kids. Asking, "How can I help?" comes across with much more warmth than "What is wrong?"
• Interesting article = How Women Undermine Themselves with Words. I definitely had some "aha" moments myself when reading it. I have been consciously catching myself inserting just and actually and using qualifiers.
•  LOVE these metallic sandals (now if the weather would cooperate and warm up a bit)! Awesome color = rose gold! 
• We've all got a bucket list of sorts. But what about a Moral Bucket List?!  Fantastic! 

My Latest Obsessions

Annual Dinner at Five O'Clock Steakhouse in Milwaukee = old school, baby!

CMC is 11!

MMC is 9!

Valentine's Day Daddy Daughter Dance

Happy Friday! We're heading out shortly to Crystal Mountain to ski for the long weekend. We're meeting up with a bunch of other families. It is going to be a blast! This will be GMC's first time skiing - fun!

Wishing everyone a FABULOUS Valentine's Day weekend! Stay warm!

XO - D2

Some of my latest faves:

• PFC and I had a great weekend trip to Milwaukee a few weeks ago. I love our annual winter tradition of a weekend there. We always head to 5 O'Clock Steakhouse one evening for dinner and then try out a new restaurant the next evening. This year we went to All Purpose and it was FANTABULOUS. Loved it. The food was fantastic and the decor was spot on. And we love retreating back to our hotel = Iron Horse Inn = LOVE it there! And we checked out a new spot for breakfast = Engine Co. No. 3 = amazing food. 
• I LOVE all of these great Valentine's Day ideas = 3 easy Valentines for your coworkers and 14 ideas for non-candy Valentines. I LOVE Rifle & Co.'s Valentine's Day cards. And I got rid of my Otterbox iphone case for a new prettier one from Rifle & Co. 
• Jimmy Fallon is killing it lately on The Tonight Show. OMG, love him! My latest two faves = Jimmy Fallon + Nicole Kidman = classic and Jimmy Fallon goes to Bayside HS. 
• We met PFC's cousin's new baby girl the other day. She was wearing the cutest booties EVER. I've bookmarked this link for the next time I need a baby gift. 
• Some tricks for avoiding small talk. 
• News in the retail world = Madewell will be selling items at Nordstroms. 
• I made Jenny Steffen's molten cakes for Christmas Eve dinner. They were surprisingly very easy and a huge hit. Next time I might try them w/ these paper souffle cups. These would be perfect for a Valentine's Day dessert! 
• I've been eating this bruschetta lentil dip for lunch w/ cucumber slices. It is SO good and easy.
• The only 3 salts that you need.
• Okay, Parenthood is officially over. 6 seasons and the series finale was a few weeks ago. I cried and cried but they did a fantastic job on the last (ever!) episode. For sure. I already miss my Braverman clan.   
• Nashville is on my list of cities to visit. I'm saving this post on 24 hours in Nashville. And 40 places to visit with your kids before they are all grown up. 
• I snagged this pretty skirt on sale from Anthro. I wore it to a cocktail party last weekend and I can tell it will be one of those pieces in my closet that I will wear a few different ways. 
• Chicago now has a Shake Shack = awesome! Here are some insider secrets of why their cheeseburgers are so delicious! 
• PFC and I want to watch the documentary, Finding Vivian Maier. 
• I might have to make these Magic 5 Snack Bites! 
• Wahoo = Granville, OH made the top 10 list for best day trips. I spent 4 awesome years there at Denison University! PFC and I have said that we want to drive there at some point and bring the kids to show them the campus and town.