My Latest Obsessions

C + M with their AG dolls at American Girl for lunch 

A little candy cart action at the hotel. Nice little perk! 

Yummy = pot roast nachos at Ditka's w/ Daddy

My latest obsession = Legos! 

View from our hotel room includes the spot where we got engaged = the original Water Tower

Happy Friday! We've had a super nice week off. It's been quiet around town and we've relished in some much needed down time. We headed downtown for a night and had a blast! The change of scenery was just what we needed.

Tonight PFC and I are off to a fun dinner w/ some friends. And the rest of the weekend we are laying pretty low = PERFECT! And come Monday we are back to our usual schedules. Now we just need spring to officially show up!

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! And safe travels to those of you who are heading back home!
XO - D2

Some of my latest faves...

• These heavenly hummus wraps look super yummy! 
• The other night I had this AMAZING salad. The salad included kale, quinoa, sliced almonds, dried cranberries and a lemon vinaigrette. I'm still dreaming about it. However, I did find this salad and I made it today for lunch. Very similar and super yummy! 
• Interesting article = The Overprotected Kid. 
• I'm definitely going to make this Coconut Banana Bread w/ Lime Glaze next time we have a few bananas that are too ripe to eat. 
• Spring is officially here but temperature wise we still have a ways to go. These DIY mint bottles would definitely bring some spring color into your home. FUN! 
• Cute sandals with a bit of sparkle! 
• I totally appreciate the power of a good nap. Here is an article that gives you the deets on planning the perfect nap. 
• Here are some awesome Easter craft ideas. My fave = the DIY party - confetti egg game! And I love this jumping jack Easter Bunny craft. Adorable. 
• Gwenyth and Chris Martin announced that they were "consciously uncoupling." I had never heard of that term before her announcement. Interesting. 
• I didn't get a chance to watch last evening's Parenthood episode. Excited to do so this weekend! Which Braverman are you? 
• Hello! Lucky and Egg Press have come together to encourage the art of writing (which coincides w/ National Letter Writing Month). I'm going to join them in their attempt to write 30 letters to 30 people in 30 days! Fun! Here's a pretty Easter card from Egg Press. 
• I LOVE these DIY streamer garlands. Fun and super easy. 
• Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Cup = sign me up! 
• PERFECT ballet flats for the 4th of July or summer! Cheap too! 

My Latest Obsessions

A little photobooth action w/ GMC, MMC, and their cousin Graham

Happy Friday! And Happy Spring. The first day of spring was yesterday and of course we had snow flurries in the morning. However, slowly but surely we are thawing out and luckily it has been really sunny lately. The sun makes all the difference!

The kids are officially on Spring Break starting today. We are having a staycation of sorts. I put together the calendar for the week and showed the kids last evening. Today we are going out to lunch and then The Lego Movie. Some items on our agenda next week = bowling at Pinstripes, lunch at American Girl, overnight stay downtown, and a museum. It will be quiet around town and it will be nice to just chill without the usual hustle bustle of homework, school and activities!

Have a fabulous weekend! And for those of you heading out of town for Spring Break have a blast. And PLEASE bring back some warm weather!

XO - D2

Some of my latest faves:

• Singer Lorde was spotted in River Forest and Oak Park this past week! Fun! She had a concert at Aragon Ballroom this week. 
• Maybe I'll try this Orange Chicken (makeover) this week! 
• How cool do these dyed eggs look (volcano egg dyeing)?! We might have to try these for Easter. 
• Jonathan Adler did a collaboration w/ TOMS. Very fun! Favorite = these geometric sandals! 
• I ran into someone at a party that was carrying this adorable little pursecase. Perfect for someone looking to carry their ID, cash, credit cards and their cell in a little case. The duo behind the pursecase were on Shark Tank! 
• I didn't get a chance to watch last evening's episode of Parenthood. I'm excited to catch up! I heard it was a tearjerker. Here are 34 reasons why Amber and Drew are the best sibs ever. 
• Great article = Can we bring the Holidays down a notch?! I totally agree! 
• Loving these great spring/summer shoes = low wedges (love the metallic ones) and these Sawyer Sandals. And I love these silver D'Orsays. 
• I'm a big fan of washi tape. So many options of how to use it! 
• The hours of 4 - 8 pm are always nuts around our house. Here's how to get a rockin' dinner on the table in 20 minutes! 
• I LOVE this latticework skirt. I see this paired many different ways!
• I did check out the limited edition Oh Joy! Garden Party items at Target. Super cute and pretty color palette. 
• Check out this cool new home inside a 150 year old building in Brooklyn. Very cool!  
• Here's a video of Georgie, our joke telling fireman! We still don't know where he heard the joke! 

My Latest Obsessions

Momma Bear (JuJu) and her 3 cubs

Happy Birthday, Carrie (my youngest sister)

Happy Friday! Wow, just when things were starting to warm up here in Chicago we were dumped with some more snow earlier in the week. This has been the never ending WINTER! However, we were all thrilled with the forecast today. Today we reached the 50s = HOORAY!

Last weekend my youngest sister Carrie and JuJu (mom) came into town. We celebrated Carrie's birthday. It is rare that all four of us are together so it was quite a treat to hang out. We had an awesome dinner at Nightwood Restaurant. I had not been there in awhile and realized how much I LOVE it. I highly recommend this restaurant, especially if you are looking for a place for a crew of 8-10. We requested their downstairs space where they put larger parties. It was quaint and quite perfect for our group. LOVE the decor there. And good food too! I highly recommend their cheeseburger (2 patties w/ 8 year aged cheddar = yummy!).

We've got a few parties here and there this weekend and then a big St. P's Day party Saturday evening. I'll be pulling out some of my green! The kiddos are heading downtown Saturday for a little sleepover w/ some of their favorite cousins. They are over the moon!

Have a fabulous weekend! XO - D2

Some of my latest faves:

• What a cute little canvas/leather cosmetic bag! And I love that you can personalize it w/ your monogram. This would make an adorable gift. 
• A few weeks ago the kids were w/ their cousins and both C & M came home w/ scarves (different from their full on winter scarves). They have been wearing them to school and think they are oh so grown up! I will have to share these scarf tricks w/ them. And here's a different way to wrap a floral arrangement = a scarf! 
• Interesting article = People Can Draw Energy from Other People the Same Way Plants Do. 
• So a reader of my blog approached me the other day and said that she LOVES the veggie burgers from Gwenyth Paltrow. She read that I had one a few weeks ago at a friend's house. She was raving about Paltrow's Kale Fried Rice. I think this is next on my list! 
• Everyone LOVES Target! I'm sure many of you out there can relate to this hilarious article, Inside A Woman's Mind at Target. And speaking of Target I'm SUPER pumped for Oh Joy's Garden Party debut (this Sunday!). Maybe I'll use some of her great decorations for MMC's First Communion party in May! 
• So, I'm heading to Vegas w/ some of my dear college gals at the beginning of May. I've NEVER been. I think I'm the last one to go. We are heading to the show, Absinthe. It is supposed to be awesome! We are trying to confirm a club for one evening and then a pool party day. I would love to hear some suggestions! 
• Wow, Easter is soon upon us. Check out these cute Easter decorations and paper goods! 
• My new fave card company = Hartland Brooklyn. Someone sent me this birthday card awhile back and I keep buying it for various friends. Love it! I love that it is hand painted in bright neons. Super cute. Here's a little interview w/ the designer. Check out her full collection here. She also has some super fun tattoos too! And when I think of Brooklyn I'm brought back to my NYC/Brooklyn visit last spring when I was able to catch up w/ my youngest sister and dear college friend. 
• I have 2 Parenthood episodes that I NEED to catch up on! I miss my Braverman FAM! 
• All of us gave up sweets for Lent. It's been a bit tough but that is the point, right?! The kids always look forward to a Shamrock Shake from McD's every year. I heard that Portillo's has them too. Doesn't this homemade shamrock shake look FAB? 
• I think I might test this Broccoli, Cheddar and Wild Rice Casserole on the kids next week! 
• Adorable tea bag bridal invitations. Love these! 
• Lemon yellow = such a great pop of color! 
• These earrings would definitely dress up any outfit! Fun! 

My Latest Obsessions

We LOVE our old school Milwaukee joint = 5 O'Clock Steakhouse. A total throwback! 

Our yummy dessert from Wolf Peach in Milwaukee =
Purple Door Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream w/ warm chocolate polenta = FABULOUS!

Happy Friday! It was so nice to get away last weekend w/ PFC. We always look forward to our annual weekend get away to Milwaukee. It has become such a fun tradition. It wasn't warm but it was super nice to get some one on one time and be schedule free for a weekend. Nice change of pace! And the kids had a blast with their cousins.

Tomorrow morning GMC has his first ice skating lesson. CMC is so excited for GMC that she is tagging along w/ us to be his cheerleader. Very cute! PFC and I are getting dressed up for a fundraiser tomorrow pm. Fun! And I'm looking forward to the Oscars Sunday night! Have you seen all of the nominated movies? We squeezed in another one this past weekend = Dallas Buyers Club. Loved it. Matthew McConaughey was excellent!

Have a fabulous weekend! XO - D2

Some of my latest faves...

• I watched the season premiere of The Bachelor with Juan Pablo but just couldn't get into it. Looks like this one was filled w/ lots of drama! Some of the bachelor outfits from the Fantasy Suite! 
• Here's an interesting take on egg salad = avocado egg salad. 
• A little quiz that tells you your Style Icon. I got Audrey Hepburn! 
• Need to send a little Thank You to someone? Here are some great thank you cards. Love this one by Rifle Paper Co. So pretty! 
• Pretty amazing article about the oldest known Holocaust survivor. 
• I would have loved to have been a guest at this chill California wedding! Check out their Save the Date and Invitation. So cute! 
• It is still FREEZING here in Chicago. I'm dreaming of warmer temps. 30 places to have the perfect beach vacation. I'll take any of them! 
• Peanut Cocoa Butter = heavenly! 
• I've always loved paper. I LOVED this little post about a 4 year old and her mom making paper dresses! 
• I thought these steps were great parenting reminders. 
• Here are some great tips for a fabulous cheese plate. 
• I'm dreaming of warmer temps and cheerful colors = cute sunpass dress, awesome maxi dress, fun little mini dress. 
• For those of you who have read Sheryl Sandberg's book 'Lean In' you might appreciate this article, Recline! 
• Check out the list of 19 charming places to see before you die. 
• We've added two new fun spots to our Milwaukee list = Wolf Peach (had a yummy dinner there) and Cafe Corazon (super yummy brunch). And we always hit up the Five O'Clock Steakhouse for a dinner one night. It is so old school - love it! 
• Need some funky new kicks? Try these! 
• Triple Chocolate (crockpot) custard = YUMMY! 
• These DIY wooden polaroid pics would make a super cute gift set for someone. 

My Latest Obsessions

American Pickers VAN = WAHOO! 

GMC chilling in the snow

Some of the crew skiing

Happy Friday! PFC and I are off to Milwaukee for the weekend. This will be our 6th year heading there for a weekend in February. Super excited to just chill and hang out w/o the usual hustle bustle of our weekends with the kiddos. I just reread my notes from last year's trip. I'm so glad I have those notes as we added Wolf Peach to our list for dinner on Saturday evening and I think tomorrow morning we'll head to Cafe Corazon for brunch. Who knows where we'll end up in between meals. However, I do know that I want to check out the new Pendelton shop that opened this fall in the Third Ward district. Pendelton is right near the Public Market which is really cool place to check out.

The kids are staying with some of their cousins this weekend. It has now become a tradition for the kids to stay w/ them during our Milwaukee weekend. They left for school today on cloud 9! Win win for them and us, right?!

Enjoy the weekend! XO - D2

Some of my latest faves...

• GMC and I visited w/ a dear friend this week. She made these amazing veggie burgers from Gwenyth Paltrow's cookbook. They were SUPER yummy! 
• We were in Galena for the long weekend and took the kids skiing. We had a blast! We had a perfect sunny day on Sunday to ski. Saturday pm we went to a cute little italian restaurant in downtown galena = Vinny Vannuchi's. The food was great and it was perfect for our large crew of families that had dinner that evening. And as we were looking for parking we spotted the American Pickers van. The kids were going nuts as they always watch the show with PFC. Unfortunately, we didn't see Mike and Frank but nonetheless it was fun to take a pic in front of their van! And here is a look at Mike Wolfe's home in Nashville. I think PFC needs to get his little sidekick GMC on Kid Pickers. 
• I might have to try this Three Bean Chili Deluxe = LOVE slow cooker recipes. It sounds like it is an award winner to boot! 
• This winter has been pretty brutal. I love curling up w/ a warm blanket and reading. Check out these cozy reading nooks. Speaking of reading, has anyone read or started Donna Tartt's book, Goldfinch? I'm super excited to dig in. Her first book, The Secret History, is one of my all time favorite books. 
• I'm still digging our nutri-bullet. Next on my list = this Kale, Banana, Chia, Hemp Superfood Smoothie. Here are some dark leafy green recipes. 
• Nutella pudding. Need I say more! 
• I don't think I ever leave the house these days w/o my trusty Bogs. LOVE them! Both C and M have a pair too and they wear them in the snow and rain. A great investment. However, I'm so dreaming of spring and summer weather. I miss my flip flops immensely! 
• Here's a really neat way to store some of your flatware. I LOVE mason jars. 
• Have you ever booked a house rental via VRBO? We just booked a house in Santa Barbara for next Thanksgiving. This will be our first experience w/ VRBO. I showed the kids the house this morning and they want to head there now. I don't blame them. I really miss my flip flops! 
• I LOVE these DIY gold salt and pepper shakers. So cute! 
• We just picked up season 1 and 2 of Downton Abbey. I've been hearing rave reviews for some time now. Time to check it out! 
• A friend of mine from college started a blog of their adventures living on a boat. I'm super impressed, however, this doesn't surprise me about this particular friend. She has always had such a zest for life and things that are outside the box (in a fabulous way that makes you want to let go a little more in your own life). I'm going to live vicariously through their adventures. In her last post she asked her readers when was the last time you did something that scared you. I thought about that question for awhile. I guess it would have to be when I jumped in w/ C and M. What now seems so "normal" and everyday definitely took some time to get used to. For some reason this made me think about the good ole zip car story! Wow, time has certainly flown by! 

My Latest Obsessions

Last Friday's Daddy Daughter Valentine's Day Dance (GMC snuck in the pic!)

Miss Margaret and Miss Cate waiting for Daddy to get home to take them to the Dance! 

CMC and PFC

Happy Friday! And Happy Valentine's Day! Let's just say that MMC has had her Valentine's Day outfit planned for an entire week. Pretty cute. The girls worked on their cards for their classmates last weekend. It might be one of the first times we weren't scrambling the night before! They seem to be taking after me in their love of stationery and creative cards. Love it!

Tonight we are heading out to dinner as a family for a little Valentine's Day celebration. And tomorrow morning we are driving up to Galena for the long weekend - a little skiing action. Fun! I'm sure we'll be taking in some more of the winter olympics too. It has been so much fun to watch.

Wishing all of you a lovely weekend and fabulous Valentine's Day!

Some of my latest faves...

• How awesome do these homemade Kit Kat Bars look?! Or wow, check out this yummy looking chocolate peanut butter cheesecake. Yum! 
• Cute dotted d'Orsay flats. Spring is coming. Slowly but surely. Hopefully soon! 
• I was daydreaming the other day about warmer weather. My daydreaming took me back to a trip PFC and I took a few years ago to celebrate a dear college friend's wedding. We had a blast celebrating in Playa Del Carmen for several days. One of my favorite side trips was a stop in Tulum. I still have dreams about our lovely italian meal at Posada Margherita Restaurant. 
• I love letterpress. I have my favorite companies that I love such as Snow & Graham and Egg Press. We used letterpress for our wedding invitations. The super lovely and creative gals at Bird & Banner designed our invitations. This past week I had the opportunity to tour Rohner Letterpress and meet Bruno Rohner. It was really interesting to see the printing side of things. 
• Let's Keep it Real about Our Bodies = an amazing post. A must read. 
• I love this simple yet elegant Valentine's Day table setting. Um, and the menu doesn't look too bad either!  
• We've been watching the winter olympics every night and marveling at the amazing athletes that are representing our country. Thank you, Shaun White, for not medaling in the Olympics. And Gold Medal skier Alex Bilodeau on his special needs brother is such a heartwarming story. 
• Easy kid friendly recipe = Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joe. Another easy one that the kids loved = Embarrassingly Easy Crock Pot Salsa Chicken Thighs. I used chicken breasts and just reduced the time. 
• Such an interesting topic (and timely = Valentine's Day) = How often do you say "I love you" to your loved ones? I say it all the time to the kids and PFC. Everyone and everyone's family has different norms. Very interesting. 

My Latest Obsessions

GMC chilling w/ some paints

Happy Friday! Both CMC and MMC have their highly anticipated Daddy Daughter Valentine's Day Dance tonight. They are beyond excited! I'm sure that they will make sure that PFC is wearing a bow tie = their fave. The gals have been going to this V.Day Dance for several years now. It is one of their favorite events. And then tomorrow pm PFC and I have a dinner and cocktail party.

I've noticed that the sun is staying out a bit longer which means spring is just a little bit closer. Hooray! Even though it is still FREEZING outside the sun has been making more of an appearance lately. This weather is a little more tolerable when the sun is out.

Enjoy the weekend! Stay warm. XO - D2

Some of my latest faves...

• I totally adore Jimmy Fallon. Who doesn't?! I loved his little ditty w/ Carly Rae and the Roots. Speaking of Carla Rae's Call Me Maybe here is our little ditty of Call Me RFTC from 2 summers ago - so fun! Oh PFC! I'm super pumped to see Mr. Fallon take over The Tonight Show. He is bringing back The Tonight Show's NYC roots. Check out his audition for SNL back in the day. Pretty great. 
• Super sad about Phillip Seymour Hoffman. What a brilliant actor. Loved him in Scent of a Woman and Capote. A note about Mr. Hoffman. Here are some of his Mr. Hoffman's most memorable scenes. 
• The Super Bowl was a bit of a bust. I love watching the commercials anyhow. Here are 10 best social media moments of the SB. GMC's fave SB commercial = Budweiser's "Puppy Love." He wanted to watch it over and over. Very cute ad. And the song, Let Her Go, was such a perfect song for the commercial. 
• 7 habits of highly stylish people. 
• Thankfully all of our kids are fairly allergy free (especially when it comes to foods). However, everyone should be familiar w/ what it's like to be an allergy parent. 
• The start of spring seems like FOREVER from now. Nice to think about spring though. Some spring like shoes. And I love these pointy shoes and these gold flats. 
• My mom JuJu hosts a pizza potluck of sorts after the holidays. It has always been a fun party. Check out these fun recipes for a Pizza Potluck Party! 
• Valentine's Day is next Friday. Some fun Valentine's Day gifts = heart cookie cutters, heart pasta, chocolate covered potato chips, bow embellished sweatshirt, and this you're my cup of tea. 
• Hilarious school closing message. 
• 15 things that emotionally strong people don't do. 
• I love washi tape. Check out these DIY Wedding Save the Dates using washi tape. Creative and super pretty. 
• This weekend is Valentine's Day card making weekend. CMC is making these cute folding envelope hearts for her friends at school and GMC is making these love bug cards. MMC is still deciding! These fabric hearts are cute!  
• This lemon spiced pear tea looks tasty.