My Latest Obsessions

Cheyenne, WY (playing around w/ the awesome murals downtown)

G$ and CMC (chilling at our hotel in Cheyenne, WY)

Dinner at the Rib and Chophouse in Cheyenne

Snuck out = date night in Jackson at the Local

Awesome breakfast at Nora's Fish Inn in Wilson, WY

My happy place = my favorite chair in the cabin to read and cozy up in. 

G$ w/ CMC watching in the background

Hanging in Bozeman, MT w/ JuJu - a little visit to see the cousins

Happy Friday! So, we are slowly getting back to our routine after our road trip out west. Reentry can be tough. We had an awesome time. There is just something about fresh air and the big sky country that really puts you in a state of zen. Truly. Granted we were on a "trip" vs a "vacation" (awesome read btw) with our 3 kids so there were the obvious sibling squabbles, etc. and the numerous "are we there yet?" questions but overall it was a really fantastic trip. It was some much needed quality time for the 5 of us and a huge bonus = we got to spend some time w/ JuJu and Grandpa T (oh, and time w/ their two labradoodles Maddie and Lacey - can't forget them!).

Now we are in Back to School mode! All 3 of the kids start this upcoming Thursday. We'll soon have a 7th and 5th grader along w/ a Kindergartner. I know, everyone says it ALL the time = where does the time go and time flies - but it is so very true. I thought that middle school was SOOO far away and that any friends in that boat were a window of my (far off) future. And now we've been in that boat for awhile. Each chapter/stage comes with it's own set of "things" and it's so case by case for each kid. Funny how they are so different. So very different. Believe me, we have had LOTS of conversations in our household this summer (especially when we've been under the same roof) that we need to respect one another's differences.

Cheers to the weekend! Those of you who are doing the last minute back to school scramble = good luck! I'm excited to get over the hump of next week and settle into our fall schedule. I love fall clothes (layers!) and the colorful leaves = bring it!

XO - d2

Some of my latest faves:

• Loving the Olympics (especially the swimming and gymnastics). Really loved this article on swimmer Katie Ledecky entitled "Do the Dang Work." My new saying = do the dang! And Ryan Lochte = apologizes for his role in the false robbery in Rio. Secretly (okay not so secretly) fascinated by all of this = Inside the Michael Phelps & Ryan Lochte Rivalry: Why the Family Man Won and the Not the Frat Boy. 
• Outside Mag's 16 Best Places to Live. Fun = we were just in Jackson last week and I'm heading to Denver for a wknd in October! 
• I read the book When Breathe Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi this spring. I have NOT read a book in a long time that has stayed with me like this one has. I absolutely loved it. Moving. I'm looking forward to attending Dr. Lucy Kalanithi's presentation and book signing in September. 
• SUPER exciting news = looks like we might be seeing our Parenthood family again!? Yippee! Super pumped as I miss my Braverman fam! 
• I'm a huge fan of Heath Ceramics. I have a few pieces here and there. I don't have dinnerware from Heath but how pretty are all these place settings?! Love them. Appreciate the pairing of the new w/ the old. 
• Okay, I always love documenting the various places we stopped on our road trips (so when my memory fails me I can circle back to my notes). Some of our pit stops en route to our final destination (Ennis, MT) included: 1st night = Lincoln, Nebraska (very cool little town if you ask me!) - dinner at Lazlo's Brewery & Grill (Haymarket location), ice cream at Ivanna Cone (ah-mazing homemade ice cream and sorbets - personally loved my key lime sorbet w/ basil, and enjoyed learning about how they make their ice cream) / 2nd night = Cheyenne, WY where we stayed at the Plains Hotel (cool historic hotel downtown) and bopped around the downtown and spent lots of time in The Wrangler checking out the western wear. Our 3rd night = Jackson, WY where PFC and I snuck out for a little dinner sans kiddos at Local (while the kids gladly hung back at the hotel binge watching movies - they were on cloud nine - win win!). The kiddos had pizza at Pinky G's (awesome little pizza place). And I scored a new notebook at Paper and Grace and wish I had more time to check out this adorable little boutique called . I bought my first non-moleskin notebook as they didn't carry them - and I've been SUPER thrilled w/ my new Luechtturm1917 notebook (yes, I get pretty geeked out about paper, cards and notebooks). And just as we were literally heading out of town I ran into MADE (wish I had more time in there - so many great items!). Next trip! We made a pit stop at Nora's Fish Creek Inn for breakfast = awesome!!! 
• 8 Genius Hacks for Scoring the Best Hotel Room, Every Time. Totally agree w/ slide 3 = make a call. 
• Anxiously waiting to see Bad Moms w/ my sister! Let's get to the theatre ASAP, Stephie! Heard it is hilarious! Who has seen it?! 
• Saw this Bella Dahl Off the Shoulder Denim shirt in person = super cute! And I know that summer is on it's way out but this dress is adorable! 

My Latest Obsessions

CMC in Michiana Shores

Sunset in Michiana Shores (over the 4th of July Weekend)

G$ and Crazy Hair Day at camp

Girls Spa Night In (+G$)

MMC's biggest fan  = G$ (she was getting ready to head out to her Actors Garden musical Pots and Pans)

OMG, in my last post we were wearing winter coats = wow! We're now fully into summer mode and I cannot believe that come fall CMC, MMC and G$ will be in 7th, 5th and Kindergarten. I know I say this all the time but time flies! You blink and then another year has gone by.

We're off this weekend to Cincinnati to visit a dear college friend of mine. Can't wait to catch up w/ her and her adorable crew! We also get to see some dear family friends too! And of course we are SUPER excited for a Graeter's Ice Cream stop (or 2!). While we can now get my fave - black raspberry chip (the best!!!) at several local grocery stores it's just not the same as getting it from one of the stand alone ice cream shops in Cinci! And at some point this summer I need to make black raspberry chip ice cream sandwiches (similar to this but easier = just assemble!). I like to use the lace cookies from Trader Joe's. These ice cream andwiches are AH-mazing!

Cheers to the second half of summer! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.
XO - d2

P.S. Some of my latest faves...

• This watermelon salsa looks awesome! 
• Feel as though it's always super tough to come up w/ dinner in the summer - as we're always in lots of different directions. Here are the best 15 minute dinner recipes. The asian chopped kale salad w/ miso sesame dressing looks awesome!  
• I've added some of these eats to our Milwaukee file = 50 things to eat in Milwaukee before you die. Totally agree w/ the #1 = anything at Odd Duck!
• Hilarious = pack your bags = you can stay at the actual 'Dirty Dancing' resort! How fun! 
• Rifle Paper Co. will always be one of my faves. How pretty are these Queen Anne wrapping sheets?!
• Some great scenes from Wimbledon 2016. 
• We've been trying really hard to be super diligent about sunscreen this summer. Here's a great post on Demystifying the Myths of Summer Sun Exposure. Myth #1 resonated w/ me as I'm a shade seeker (but had not necessarily thought about UVB rays bouncing off of reflective surfaces). 
• Interesting read = Raising Successful Children. I'm personally trying this summer to "let go" a bit more. 
• Not sure if we'll get to any of the restaurants in the Thunderdome Restaurant group this wknd - but they are on my list at some point down the road! Our old neighbors (the Lanni boys) are kicking some restaurant booty! Love watching what they are up to these days. 
• Avocado toast = yum! Ways to fancy it up = even more fun! 
• Obama After Dark. Funny little take away = 7 slightly salted almonds! 
• Absolutely LOVE this = In praise of 'scruffy hospitality.' 
• I've been a big fan of Lacroix sparkling water for some time now. Why is LaCroix EVERYWHERE?! LaCroix over boys = hilarious! Tangerine flavor = my new fave. 
• I've always loved Bono so I was SUPER excited to hear the exciting news a few weeks ago = Bono and Ali Hewson Join a Natural Juggernaut. I love a fab Target collab - check out the collab this fall = Santa Monica Start Up Beautycounter Scores a Target Collab. Honestly, if you have ever thought about joining Beautycounter now is the time. Happy to chat! One of my favorite new products = the charcoal mask! 
• My youngest sister recently moved from Brooklyn to the Upper West side and I cannot wait to visit her (hopefully this fall at some point!). I had the best visit a couple of years ago. I'm due for another one!!! 
• I'm definitely digging the off the shoulder tops and dresses out there. They look so cute on people. I have yet to get one. This simple linen off the shoulder tee is cute. And here is a super simple tank w/ a fun little bow in the back. Love that little added detail in the back. Oh, and check out this LuLu Off the Shoulder dress from a gal I follow (Cupcakes and Cashmere). And here's another fun off the shoulder top too. LOVE all of Jenna's picks from J.Crew (especially this off the shoulder dress in bold red). 
• I haven't been reading much lately this summer and want to find a few good ones to pick up before we head to Montana in August. Any recommendations? Here are 20 Fun Novels to Read at the Beach as Chosen by Authors. 

My Latest Obsessions

CMC in Michiana Shores

Sunset in Michiana Shores (over the 4th of July Weekend)

G$ and Crazy Hair Day at camp

Girls Spa Night In (+G$)

MMC's biggest fan  = G$ (she was getting ready to head out to her Actors Garden musical Pots and Pans)

OMG, in my last post we were wearing winter coats = wow! We're now fully into summer mode and I cannot believe that come fall CMC, MMC and G$ will be in 7th, 5th and Kindergarten. I know I say this all the time but time flies! You blink and then another year has gone by.

We're off this weekend to Cincinnati to visit a dear college friend of mine. Can't wait to catch up w/ her and her adorable crew! We also get to see some dear family friends too! And of course we are SUPER excited for a Graeter's Ice Cream stop (or 2!). While we can now get my fave - black raspberry chip (the best!!!) at several local grocery stores it's just not the same as getting it from one of the stand alone ice cream shops in Cinci! And at some point this summer I need to make black raspberry chip ice cream sandwiches (similar to this but easier = just assemble!). I like to use the lace cookies from Trader Joe's. These ice cream andwiches are AH-mazing!

Cheers to the second half of summer! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.
XO - d2

P.S. Some of my latest faves...

• This watermelon salsa looks awesome! 
• Feel as though it's always super tough to come up w/ dinner in the summer - as we're always in lots of different directions. Here are the best 15 minute dinner recipes. The asian chopped kale salad w/ miso sesame dressing looks awesome!  
• I've added some of these eats to our Milwaukee file = 50 things to eat in Milwaukee before you die. Totally agree w/ the #1 = anything at Odd Duck!
• Hilarious = pack your bags = you can stay at the actual 'Dirty Dancing' resort! How fun! 
• Rifle Paper Co. will always be one of my faves. How pretty are these Queen Anne wrapping sheets?!
• Some great scenes from Wimbledon 2016. 
• We've been trying really hard to be super diligent about sunscreen this summer. Here's a great post on Demystifying the Myths of Summer Sun Exposure. Myth #1 resonated w/ me as I'm a shade seeker (but had not necessarily thought about UVB rays bouncing off of reflective surfaces). 
• Interesting read = Raising Successful Children. I'm personally trying this summer to "let go" a bit more. 
• Not sure if we'll get to any of the restaurants in the Thunderdome Restaurant group this wknd - but they are on my list at some point down the road! Our old neighbors (the Lanni boys) are kicking some restaurant booty! Love watching what they are up to. 
• Avocado toast = yum! Ways to fancy it up = even more fun! 
• Obama After Dark. Funny little take away = 7 slightly salted almonds! 
• Absolutely LOVE this = In praise of 'scruffy hospitality.' 
• I've been a big fan of Lacroix sparkling water for some time now. Why is LaCroix EVERYWHERE?! LaCroix over boys = hilarious! Tangerine flavor = my new fave. 
• I've always loved Bono so I was SUPER excited to hear the exciting news a few weeks ago = Bono and Ali Hewson Join a Natural Juggernaut. I love a fab Target collab - check out the collab this fall = Santa Monica Start Up Beautycounter Scores a Target Collab. Honestly, if you have ever thought about joining Beautycounter now is the time. Happy to chat! One of my favorite new products = the charcoal mask! 
• My youngest sister recently moved from Brooklyn to the Upper West side and I cannot wait to visit her (hopefully this fall at some point!). I had the best visit a couple of years ago. I'm due for another one!!! 
• I'm definitely digging the off the shoulder tops and dresses out there. They look so cute on people. I have yet to get one. This simple linen off the shoulder tee is cute. And here is a super simple tank w/ a fun little bow in the back. Love that little added detail in the back. Oh, and check out this LuLu Off the Shoulder dress from a gal I follow (Cupcakes and Cashmere). And here's another fun off the shoulder top too. LOVE all of Jenna's picks from J.Crew (especially this off the shoulder dress in bold red). 
• I haven't been reading much lately this summer and want to find a few good ones to pick up before we head to Montana in August. Any recommendations? Here are 20 Fun Novels to Read at the Beach as Chosen by Authors. 

My Latest Obsessions

CMC in Michiana Shores

Sunset in Michiana Shores (over the 4th of July Weekend)

G$ and Crazy Hair Day at camp

Girls Spa Night In (+G$)

MMC's biggest fan  = G$ (she was getting ready to head out to her Actors Garden musical Pots and Pans)

OMG, in my last post we were wearing winter coats = wow! We're now fully into summer mode and I cannot believe that come fall CMC, MMC and G$ will be in 7th, 5th and Kindergarten. I know I say this all the time but time flies! You blink and then another year has gone by.

We're off this weekend to Cincinnati to visit a dear college friend of mine. Can't wait to catch up w/ her and her adorable crew! We also get to see some dear family friends too! And of course we are SUPER excited for a Graeter's Ice Cream stop (or 2!). While we can now get my fave - black raspberry chip (the best!!!) at several local grocery stores it's just not the same as getting it from one of the stand alone ice cream shops in Cinci! And at some point this summer I need to make black raspberry chip ice cream sandwiches (similar to this but easier = just assemble!). I like to use the lace cookies from Trader Joe's. These ice cream andwiches are AH-mazing!

Cheers to the second half of summer! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.
XO - d2

P.S. Some of my latest faves...

• This watermelon salsa looks awesome! 
• Feel as though it's always super tough to come up w/ dinner in the summer - as we're always in lots of different directions. Here are the best 15 minute dinner recipes. The asian chopped kale salad w/ miso sesame dressing looks awesome!  
• I've added some of these eats to our Milwaukee file = 50 things to eat in Milwaukee before you die. Totally agree w/ the #1 = anything at Odd Duck!
• Hilarious = pack your bags = you can stay at the actual 'Dirty Dancing' resort! How fun! 
• Rifle Paper Co. will always be one of my faves. How pretty are these Queen Anne wrapping sheets?!
• Some great scenes from Wimbledon 2016. 
• We've been trying really hard to be super diligent about sunscreen this summer. Here's a great post on Demystifying the Myths of Summer Sun Exposure. Myth #1 resonated w/ me as I'm a shade seeker (but had not necessarily thought about UVB rays bouncing off of reflective surfaces). 
• Interesting read = Raising Successful Children. I'm personally trying this summer to "let go" a bit more. 
• Not sure if we'll get to any of the restaurants in the Thunderdome Restaurant group this wknd - but they are on my list at some point down the road! 
• Avocado toast = yum! Ways to fancy it up = even more fun! 
• Obama After Dark. Funny little take away = 7 slightly salted almonds! 
• Absolutely LOVE this = In praise of 'scruffy hospitality.' 
• I've been a big fan of Lacroix sparkling water for some time now. Why is LaCroix EVERYWHERE?! LaCroix over boys = hilarious! Tangerine flavor = my new fave. 
• I've always loved Bono so I was SUPER excited to hear the exciting news a few weeks ago = Bono and Ali Hewson Join a Natural Juggernaut. I love a fab Target collab - check out the collab this fall = Santa Monica Start Up Beautycounter Scores a Target Collab. Honestly, if you have ever thought about joining Beautycounter now is the time. Happy to chat! One of my favorite new products = the charcoal mask! 
• My youngest sister recently moved from Brooklyn to the Upper West side and I cannot wait to visit her (hopefully this fall at some point!). I had the best visit a couple of years ago. I'm due for another one!!! 
• I'm definitely digging the off the shoulder tops and dresses out there. They look so cute on people. I have yet to get one. This simple linen off the shoulder tee is cute. And here is a super simple tank w/ a fun little bow in the back. Love that little added detail in the back. Oh, and check out this LuLu Off the Shoulder dress from a gal I follow (Cupcakes and Cashmere). And here's another fun off the shoulder top too. LOVE all of Jenna's picks from J.Crew (especially this off the shoulder dress in bold red). 
• I haven't been reading much lately this summer and want to find a few good ones to pick up before we head to Montana in August. Any recommendations? Here are 20 Fun Novels to Read at the Beach as Chosen by Authors. 

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

Hanging out w/ dear friends at the fabulous Eden East in Austin, TX

Our menu from Eden East = OMG, Amazing!
Fave = the soft deep fried egg! 

Iconic 'I love you so much' mural next to Jo's Coffee in the
South Congress neighborhood of Austin =
had to take the pic! 

My latest favorite = Topo Chico (mineral water sold all over Austin, but PFC found some in Chi-town)

Hanging w/ my favorite peeps on Mother's Day

CMC's last lndian Princess Campout = IP Graduation Ceremony

G$ heading to one of his T-Ball games

Happy Friday! I haven't posted in several weeks = the joys of what I'm referring to as May Madness! PFC and I were away in Austin the first weekend in May visiting some dear friends of ours. We had a wonderful time. I hadn't been to Austin in about 10ish years (and wow, the city has changed so much = check out the skyline alone!). We then had a jam packed Mother's Day weekend and this past weekend the girls were w/ PFC at their Indian Princess camp out. Indian Princess is one of their all time favorite activities = love that!

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday weekend! I'm excited that I get to catch up briefly w/ my youngest sister who will be in town = fun! I'm always revisiting memories from my solo trip out to see her two years ago around this time = must do again! And I'm looking forward to catching our local Memorial Day parade (w/ my middle sister and her crew) and the BBQs, parties and gatherings that ensue.

Cheers to a wonderful long weekend! Happy Memorial Day! XO - d2

Some of my latest faves:

• PFC and I had a really great time visiting our friends in Austin. Such an awesome city. We hit up some really great spots = Tacodeli (awesome tacos made w/ fresh and local ingredients), dinner at Eden East (ah-mazing super unique farm to table spot in the city limits of Austin where we were able to tour the farm grounds = loved it and had the opportunity to experience celebrity guest chef Georgia Pellegrini's fabulous tasting menu), fabulous breakfast at Snack Bar (= super yummy), stopped by Guero's Taco Bar and chilled outside listening to music, pit stop at Jo's Coffee (and photo op = 'I love you so much' graffiti), popped into The Continental for a bit (so cool!), browsed around Uncommon Objects (PFC was in heaven!) and then our last night in town we had dinner at Lamberts (= OMG, yummy!). I instantly fell in love w/ Topo Chico mineral waters that were at every bar and restaurant (so much in fact that PFC and the kids took a field trip to a Jimenez grocery store and picked some up to surprise me for Mother's Day!). But most importantly, it was so good to catch up w/ someone who I have known for so long and was w/ me though various chapters in my life (= college and then as roommates after college - my DC days!).
• Speaking of dear friends, I recently read some of A Cup of Jo's posts on friendship = interesting and so true = The Secret to Female Friends, If Guys Vacationed Like Girls (made me laugh so hard = so true!), and Making Friends as an Adult. Some of these exact topics have come up recently w/ some girlfriends.  
• Austin, TX has been on my mind this month = check out this awesome 400 square foot house. Adorable! Totally intrigued by the perforated-copper panels from Parasoleil. 
• Movie on my list  = Love & Mercy. It's been awhile =  need a John Cusack fix! 
• Two favorites = Rifle Paper Co. + LeSportsac = a gorgeous collaboration of bags! LOVE! 
• Cute jumpsuit for spring/summer. Love the pattern! 
• Can't wait until summer is here. I love peaches and I cannot wait to try out this Skillet Basil-Peach Chicken breasts. Yum! 
• These kid's party cups are adorable! So cute. Who doesn't love googly eyes?! I'll have to remember this idea. 
• As a family we are trying to be more conscientious of the filler word "like."  I caught myself a few weeks ago sounding "like" Cher from Clueless. Such a tough habit to knock.  What does your filler word say about you? 
• Love this = 20 soul building words for the ones you love. 
• Spring always makes me think about purging and finding ways to simplify. The book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, has been on my list for awhile. Right now it is sitting in a pile waiting to be read! Has anyone read it?! I understand that the author is a bit quirky but hey, who isn't?! And the other day someone mentioned that she enjoyed the book, The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. I'm adding it to my list! Looks charming and light yet offers up some thoughtful questions along the way. The running joke in The Rosie Project = "Humans often fail to see what is close to them and obvious to others" = we all fall victim to that exact sentiment at some point, right?!   
• Sunny days ahead = my go to guide for sunscreen (via the Environmental Working Group). I'm trying to stick to zinc based sunscreens these days. 

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.