My Latest Faves

2nd Grade Harmonica Concert

Happy Friday! Cannot believe it's the 1st of March. Come on spring...where are you?! Just need a few signs that you are heading our way. It's been one of the longest Chicago winters ever.

My aunt and cousin are in town visiting w/ my dad and staying w/ us. Been super nice catching up w/ them. Last time we saw them was when we were on the Cape two summers ago. Fun week ahead = Tuesday night - Tell Me More w/ Jen Hatmaker & Kelly Corrigan and Thursday - Dear Evan Hansen. Heard it's fab - has anyone been?!

Cheers to a fabulous weekend!

XO - d2


Some of my latest faves:

• Great article on How to Help Teens Weather Their Emotional Storms. We have two teenage girls in our house right now! Ahhh! 
• OMG! PFC and I have been watching Catastrophe - SO funny. Love the main character - Sharon Horgan (relateable and so funny). Who has seen it?!
• I'm also obsessed w/ the show Schitt's Creek. LOVE it! 7 reasons you should be watching Schitt's Creek. The character Alexis always wears this necklace in the initial A. Would make a great gift for someone. 
• I admire Selma Blair for talking about her MS diagnosis on Good Morning America. Bravo. 
• Digging these Gola Bullet Liberty Sneakers. Super cute. 
• PFC and I love heading to Milwaukee for a weekend. Why Milwaukee is the Coolest (and Most Underrated City)? We love staying at Kinn Guesthouse in Bay View Village. Excited to head to Milwaukee over Memorial Day weekend for a family wedding! 
• Take a peek at the HGTV dream home in Whitefish, MT. Gorgeous. 
• I love Kate Middleton and have enjoyed watching her chapter as a Princess. LOVED the recent dress she wore at an event at the V&A Museum. Gorgeous, right?! 
• Finally = Big Little Lies (season 2) will premiere in June. 
• Hilarious = Kids are Speaking in British Accents from Watching Peppa Pig. 
• Why did Gregg Renfrew start Beautycounter? She rocks! Love her. Please reach out if you would like to learn more about BC or become part of this important movement. 
• Lastly, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Enough said. I'm moving on from my obsession. 

My Latest Obsessions

A little Valentine's Day Action last month

Date w/ my two guys at Duck Inn

"Masking" around

Happy Friday AND St. Patrick's Day! Cheers to a great weekend. Hope you all are wearing your green! We watched our local St. P's Day parade a few weeks ago but the kids remembered their green this morning. We are in countdown mode until Spring break! We get to see JuJu and Grandpa T very soon in AZ. Super excited for a change of scenery and some warmer temps.

Some of my latest faves:

• I thought this was a great article = What Teens Need Most from their Parents. 
• SUPER pumped to check out this new spot in Milwaukee's Bay View = Kinn Guesthouse. And I think next time we're up there we're going to stay there vs our beloved Iron Horse Hotel. Try something new!
• We enjoyed Duck Inn a few weeks ago. And it looks like a fun spot to head back to in the summer. 
• Love this ruffled shirt. Pretty off the shoulder top. 
• Good stuff = 5 Creative ways to Bring More Kindness to the Home. 
• Looking forward to this Target collab w/ Victoria Beckham on 4/9! Loving the dresses for little girls. 
• Completely in love w/ this friend's local house on one of my favorite design sites Design Sponge. Bravo for being featured! And check out the home owner/designer's own design site = Home Ec. And nice too that local Reuse Depot was mentioned. And since we're talking local check out another local fave via instagram = @salvagegirlchicago. 
• Stunning wedding of a beautiful gal I grew up w/ = love everything about these pics! 
• Bravo Ben Affleck. 
• Loved the book Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. It's being made into a movie! And guess what other book is being made into a movie = Rebecca Skloot's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. I had the pleasure of seeing Rebecca Skloot speak in person a few years back. 
• This cool lego tape is making the rounds. 
• We haven't seen the movie Moonlight yet. On the list. Loved reading this article on the breakout star Ashton Sanders (and he went to Chicago's DePaul University). 
• Loving Beautycounter's new BC+ line. The masks = the best! We all tried them! 
• 6 words you should say to your child today = great read. 
• Appreciate the mission behind the company Bright Endeavors = opportunities for young moms and their kids. Found my candle at one of my favorite local little shops = Two Story Farmhouse.  

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

Hanging out in Iowa City

Group Pic from Iowa City

Happy Friday! Wow, we're in October (time is flying). LOVE fall in Chicago. Last weekend we were at Kinnikinnick Farm and we had a blast. It was our 5th time there. Love that place. Here are some pics from our time there 2 years ago. And then over Labor Day weekend we went to University of Iowa w/ a bunch of friends. Best time. I experienced my first big 10 football game = crazy! Love Iowa City. What a great little town.

Cheers to the weekend ahead. PFC and G$ are heading out to an Indian Guides campout weekend. The gals are heading downtown to hang w/ one of their favorite aunts. And I'm heading to Denver for a little Beautycounter action! Fun! Funny how sitting at an airport alone w/ a coffee and a book = heavenly!

XO - d2


Some of my latest faves:

• LOVE these Lou Loafer shoes in Animal-Print Calf Hair. 
• What a beautiful little bud vase set. Pretty colors. 
• I may have to try this DIY Anthro Clutch! Anyone game?! 
• Cute ballet flats and great price point. 
• YUM = new from Skinnytaste = Turkey Chili Taco Soup. 
• Great skirt! 
• What successful people eat for breakfast. 
• I just started Amy Schumer's book, The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo. Super funny so far. 10 books everyone will be reading this fall. What about you?! I still can't get When Breathe Becomes Air by Dr. Paul Kalinithi out of my head. I went and heard his wife speak a few weeks ago. Wow. She is a woman filled w/ grace and love. 
• LOVING the new show, This is Us. Although, I miss my Braverman family. What do you guys think of it?! 
• Must try this new Jeni's flavor of ice cream = Xocoveza. OMG, it sounds amazing. 
• I'm heading to NYC the first wknd in November. Super pumped to see my little sister's new pad and hang a bit. On my list = heading to the Sabah dealer. Can't wait to get some turkish slippers! I'm leaning towards silver. Owner/founder seems like a cool dude. 
• Cute = Oh Joy's fall Target collection (love me some rose gold!) 
• This looks great and is on my list = Skinnytaste's Turkey Chili Taco Soup. 
• Pretty lace dress. Love this fringed plaid button-down dress. 
• Totally dig these tassel earrings. 30% off right now. 
• Adore this necklace. 
• And lastly, who is SUPER pumped for the return of The Affair = Nov. 20th. Here's the trailer. 

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

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

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

St. Patrick's Day - me & G$

CMC enjoying her St. Patrick's Day iced cookie from Kay's Bakery = YUM!

MMC and her yummy St. P's Day Cookie

Happy Friday! Hope everyone had a great St. Patrick's Day. Spring is in the air and the snow has officially melted = wahoo! GMC keeps asking when the outdoor swimming pool will be open. Not for awhile buddy but soon! Last weekend's warm temps were quite a tease.

PFC and I are heading out for a date night tomorrow pm = dinner and a movie. Excited for some uninterrupted time w/ PFC. I think we're going to see American Sniper.

Cheers to a great weekend. XO - d2

Some of my latest faves:

• Flared jeans are back! I wonder if I still have any that I could pull out from the 90s!
• Here's a pretty and simple braid.  
• Awhile back Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo shared an article her brother-in-law wrote for the New York Times last winter entitled How Long Have I Got Left. I was so utterly moved by his eloquent words. I've referred back to it a few times over this past year. And more recently he wrote an article for Stanford Medicine, Before I Go. Sadly, Paul Kalanithi passed away last week. Totally heartbreaking. What an amazing father, husband, doctor and person. 
• I made this chicken pot pie earlier in the week. Kids and PFC liked it = score! 
• Here are some cute Easter bunny treats. 
• Everything you need to know to find quality sheets and a stylish bed. I had not heard of Parachute Home before. Seems like the Everlane of bedding. Speaking of Everlane, I just saw that they came out w/ a new anorak. Very cute. I might have jumped on that one if I hadn't bought the drippity jacket last fall. 
• Pretty white lace dress. 
• Here's some fun wallpaper. This fox wallpaper would be adorable in a nursery. 
• I still remember my first pair of Birkenstocks. They were blue suede and I lost one of them at a super rainy and muddy outdoor music concert. I never replaced them. Last summer I saw a lot of folks wearing the Gizeh style. However, I think I would go w/ the Almere sandal. 
• This dance mashup is awesome! You'll recognize a lot of these famous dance scenes. It includes one of my all time favorites = Hugh Grant's dance in Love Actually. And this treadmill dancer is amazing! 
• I started the book Still Alice by Lisa Genova. Great so far. And Julianne Moore just won best actress at the Oscar's for her performance in the movie (based on the book). Heard that Moore was fantastic. 
• This weather has me thinking about spring/summer. Love these d'orsay flats, scaled cut out flats, and basketweave fold up flats (great neutral). 
• Some spring inspiration = DIY flower arranging, recipes and table settings. This coconut bunny cake looks yummy and is super cute. It reminds me of the lamb cakes we used to make w/ my mom for Easter. Here are some cute copper cookie cutters. I want to try William Sonoma's cardamom cutout sugar cookie recipe soon. And what a cute cookie jar! 

My Latest Obsession

C + M at their piano recital (can't get over how grown up they are looking these days!)

My little helper (making our annual Carr Christmas Cookie jars)

Off to the Nutcracker 

Happy Friday! This was one of my favorite days as a kid = the last day of school before holiday break = parties in your classroom and holiday concerts! This morning I had CMC's holiday party at school and soon GMC and I are off to MMC's school for her holiday concert. Can't wait. It's been a week of cookies, parties, and concerts!

Tonight we are stuffing our holiday cards. I ordered them so early this year and they have been sitting in the box ever since. I love getting holiday cards in the mail! So fun. Tomorrow the girls are off to ski for the day and I'm hoping to use that time to organize some of their Christmas gifts. Tomorrow night PFC and I are heading to dinner w/ some dear friends we have not seen in a LONG time. I'm excited to check out Charlatan for dinner. After dinner we are heading to my sister and her husband's house for a holiday party. Festive!

I'm SUPER excited on Sunday to head to the Music Box Theatre to see It's a Wonderful Life. I imagine that we'll be making this a Christmas tradition. Our favorite lines from the movie =
Little Mary: Is this the ear you can't hear on? Little Mary: George Bailey, I'll love you til the day I die. What is your favorite holiday movie?

Last Christmas we headed to my mom's in AZ. We had such a wonderful time. This year we are staying put and my dad is coming out to visit. We are excited to hang w/ Big G!

Have a wonderful weekend! XO - d2

Some of my latest faves...

• Kate Middleton lost her mind when she met Jenna Lyons. Cute. 
• Good read = lasting relationships rely on 2 traits. 
• Check out Tom Cruise's mansion in the mountains. Pretty fabulous! 
• 2 great gift ideas under $30 = Zoku ice cream maker and these cute wrist warmers. We got both C + M one of the ice cream makers. They love the original quick pop maker. We use it all the time. 
• Might have to splurge on these low fat chocolate chip cookies! 
• This year we are hosting Christmas Eve. My dad will be in town. I've been thinking about our dinner menu. Beef tenderloin is going to be our main dish. I'm thinking of cooking it this way = slow-roasted. I'm thinking of making these individual chocolate molten cakes for dessert. They look awesome! You can make the batter up to a few days in advance = perfect! For sides I'm thinking about these balsamic roasted brussels sprouts and these truffled mashed potatoes. Here's some inspiration for a Christmas dinner table. 
• Ralph Lauren is opening up a restaurant in NYC. Exciting! I love RL in Chicago. 
• 10 habits of polite people. 
• Are you visiting out of town family/friends over the holidays? If so, this would be the perfect gift to send them when you leave = build your own sundae kit. 
• Christmas breakfast = dutch baby pancakes with apples = yes, please! 
• Cute holiday card = be merry reindeer. 
• We're making PFC a 2015 calendar from Artifact Uprising. They have such cool stuff. 
• Animal House style sweatshirt for your kiddo. Pretty funny. 
• 30 movies to watch w/ your family. 
• I was w/ some of my girlfriends last night for our annual gift exchange. This game was a popular gift = Cards Against Humanity. Have you played it? I haven't played it yet but heard it is a riot. Read about the 8 high school friends who created the game. Pretty cool! 
• We've been making our own holiday version of these Cowgirl Cookie Jars for the holidays. We pass them out to neighbors, friends, family and teachers. GMC is my #1 helper on these. My mom makes poppy seed loaves for friends and neighbors. The cookie jars are our version of her homemade gift. But wouldn't these coca-cola and hot chocolate gift boxes be fun to make?