Friday, April 5, 2013

My Latest Obsessions


The 3 Kiddos on Easter Day - March 2013

Happy Friday! WHOA, we are already a few days in to April. How is it April already?! However, I'm SUPER excited that the sun is out and about. It would be nice though if it was just a bit warmer. But I'm not going to complain as seeing the sun is good enough! Alas...

We stayed home last week for Spring Break this year and called it "Spring Break 2013 Stay-tastic-cation." The girls were TOTALLY rolling their eyes at me by the end of our week (as if!) - enough of the "tastic" Mom, OK?! I get it, but you gotta pump it up you know! I will say that it was definitely nice to have a week at home w/o the usual homework/activities/schedules that usually fill our days. And we were able to fit in some fun activities that we never get a chance to do otherwise when we are all going in different directions (especially when we are always trying to beat the clock - you know, those crucial 5 to 10 minute increments!). Some of our highlights included: Garfield Park Conservatory (so nice to feel as though we were in a rain forest, right?!), spa afternoon at our house for C + M w/ their fave 7th grade friend (who acted as their Spa Director!), Dolphin Show at the Brookfield Zoo (GMC was in AWE!), a ceramics class for C + M w/ some of their school buds (I was jealous!), a sleepover w/ one of their cousins, craft afternoon of yarn vases (this DIY activity totally had me at peeps), we saw the play Chicken Little w/ some of the cousins, an afternoon meet/greet of our latest niece/cousin that arrived on the scene early last week, a Kids Cooking Class (truly a manners class under the guise of a cooking class - sneaky and brilliant, right?!).

We then finished off last week w/ all things Easter related. My sister, her husband and son came over this past Saturday for our town's annual Easter Egg Hunt. And you MUST be on time. In the case you are a few minutes late = very disappointed kiddos! In under 5 minutes the hunt is OVER. The gals were hovering over their younger bro and little cousin Graham. They are quite the mother hens!

Spring = baseball. Tonight and this weekend kicks off practice for both of the gals. Tonight we are headed to dinner locally and then Saturday evening we have a friend's birthday celebration. And GOOD LUCK to all of our Chicago friends running the Shamrock Shuffle on Sunday. I have forever associate the start of spring in Chicago w/ the kick off of the Shamrock Shuffle. And how fun that this year The Freddie Jones Band will be there!    

Have a FAB weekend! XO - D2

Some of my latest faves:
On Matrimony
kelly oxford  @kellyoxford
Marriage: Waking up to the best news stories being emailed to you from your husband in the bathroom.
On Celebrity 
kelly oxford @kellyoxford
@channingtatum, what is ur address? I'd like 2 swing by cut all of the sleeves off ur shirts. 


Friday, March 8, 2013

My Latest Obsessions


A little morning date w/ GMC

PFC + GMC
(the boys gearing up to shovel the snow)

The Kiddos on their way out to play in the snow

MMC + GMC
Ribbit Ribbit

Happy Friday! Okay, wait, how is it the beginning of March, already (and we are 8 days in none the less)?! I was struggling to keep up w/ all things February related and now we're in March. However, I've gotta say I'm TOTALLY digging that we are seeing signs of spring here and there (despite the snow/ice outside). There is something awesome about the sun being out that reminds us that spring and summer are around the corner. Speaking of spring, Daylight Savings is this Sunday and we "spring" ahead!

I remember this "season" all too well from last year (the crazy and fast downhill slope of the last few months of the school year coupled with the idea of transitioning from school mode to summer). Before you know it we'll all be wearing flip flops and the layered days of hats/gloves/scarves/boots will be over. Those critical 5-15 minute increments of making sure that everyone has their winter gear on soon will be replaced by pool bags, camps, and our daily question "have you been 'sunscreened'?" Have you seen my kids?! They are the ones that are fairest of the fair. I had to laugh over President's Day weekend when CMC asked me if she needed to put on sunscreen. Umm, we were in an indoor pool mind you (however, we were surrounded by lots of skylights and windows).

We've been thinking of all things GREEN the last couple of days as we get closer to St. Patty's Day. Shamrocks are out and about even if you are not Irish. We are heading to a local St. P's Day parade with the kids and hitting up a few events along the way. Tomorrow there will be a lot of divide and conquering going on between Peter and myself as we make it to all of our various obligations and events. Before going to bed tonight the girls excitedly laid out their St. P's day attire. They will be donning lots of green this weekend and beyond (until next Sunday comes to an end)!

Have a FABtastic weekend! The girls and I have been using that word around here. Kind of fun, right?!

Some of my latest fun finds:
  • LOVED reading my girl crush Joanna's post on traveling = "Travel Question: Are you a planner? Or is your partner?" Such an interesting question and post. I'm clearly the planner in my relationship w/ PFC yet I also have the ability to turn on the "go w/ the flow" attitude as well (as some of our best memories from trips/adventures are from the organic flow of one thing to the next). Love that. However, I know myself well enough to know that I need some of what I call "anchors" meaning events/reservations that are indeed pre-planned. Take our recent trip to Milwaukee as an example! It is trips like that when we pretend we are Ella + John and have the luxury of time! Speaking of trips, I recently booked a flight to NYC in April to visit my youngest sister and dear college friend. Last year I booked a solo trip (minus PFC and/or kiddos) at the end of January to AZ and I have vowed to do a trip as such once a year. Super excited for NYC. My sister lives in Brooklyn, a place I have never really explored before during my past trips out there (years ago). Speaking of my sister, I cannot wait to chat in more depth with her about the redevelopment project of the sugar refinery in Williamsburg. She is an architect at SHoP Architects and has been working closely on the project. News about the project has been unfolding the last few days.  
  • Lasercut Leather = FAB! Totally digging these cutout booties. 
  • CMC and I are totally loving our one on one Sunday afternoon dates. We have deemed our special afternoons our little "adventure in to the city." These dates have made us slow down and just BE (when do we ever get an opportunity to do that?!). We are in a class together that is so fun in and of itself (build it yourself dollhouse that is wired) on top of the piece of us spending some quality time together. It is very difficult to spend that one on one time with each of your children (not to mention time w/ all the other players in your lives - family, friends, you name it). I know too well how much my sisters and I cherish and appreciate any quality time we get w/ our mom JuJu and/or my Dad. There is definitely a difference between spending time with individuals and getting in that quality time. Cate put our Kids Table Topics to Go in her bag last time we went to our class. We read a few questions back and forth in the car ride there. I highly recommend doing something as such. We have had some really fun and interesting and funny conversations. Last Sunday we ended up grabbing a Shamrock Shake for a little treat. Shortly thereafter I came across a Skinny (er) version of the same shake. YUM! Now, it is time that I come up w/ a little one on one plan for Miss MMC and myself! Stay tuned! 
  • Looking for a really great and unique gift for a kid? I stumbled upon these Home Grown Books based out of Brooklyn. Very fun. 
  • A little sneak peek of the Catskills Motel. Pretty awesome. I ditto someone's comments on the post = A lovely modern take on the cabin in the woods feel. Reminds me a bit of our trip to Montana two summers ago. 
  • Loving this casual maxi dress. Looks cozy and comfortable yet there are some small little details that set it apart from the norm (namely, the slit at the lower back). Kind of fun! 
  • I've been in a rut about new things to make for dinner (namely for the kids). We have our usual rotations but I like adding new ones to the mix in the hopes of finding one that is a true winner. Hmmm, Cheeseburger Casserole = must try soon! 
  • Loving this DIY Gold Glitter Jewelry Dish. Maybe this will be a fun project over our Spring Break staycation. We've been putting together a list of things to do (ones that we never have a moment to do in between homework/activities/events/school). 
  • We just finished ISAT testing this past week. Here is an interesting article on gym chewing (+ tests of the like). 
  • Speaking of St. Patty's Day and all things green, that means we'll all be a bit more creative in the coming weeks, right?! Interesting NYTimes article on Why We Love Beautiful Things. 
  • BIG retail news for Chicago = the Fashion Outlets of Chicago (announced for August 1). I LOVE talking Cost Per Wear Ratio (CPWR) of items. My mom taught me that concept very early on.  
  • Um, you had me at No Bake, and um, Peanut Butter = this yummy looking No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie.
  • I had no clue that DVF and Roxy had collaborated on some pure fabulousness (I know, not really a word, right?). Found out last PM from a good friend. It looks like it is time to head to the beach! And little did I know that Pantone also has Fashion Colors (per season). You learn something new every day, right?! Here are the spring 2013 colors. LOVE this. 

Friday, February 15, 2013

My Latest Obsessions



PFC + I chilling in the Iron Horse Hotel's lobby 2 weekends ago in Milwaukee.
Cozy perfection = Sunday New York Times read front to back (an extreme rarity these days), cups of Alterra Coffee in hand (need I say more), lounging on the comfortable couch (and forgetting that it wasn't our own living room).
Pure bliss.

The two of us at the old school time-warp steakhouse (Coerper's 5 O'Clock Steakhouse) that 5 yrs ago kicked off
what has now become our annual wknd trip to Milwaukee in February.

Happy Friday! I feel like it has been a SUPER long couple of weeks. Maybe part of that feeling is due to the immediate "re-entry shock" factor you experience after returning from a very different paced weekend than your usual norm. Two weekends ago we were in Milwaukee for a weekend (sans kiddos) and then this past weekend my Dad was in town for 3 nights and we hosted him at our place.

PFC and I almost had to laugh the Sunday we returned from Milwaukee. We high fived one another while pulling in to our driveway - "BAM" = reality (and unfortunately, the "BAM" didn't involve Chef Emeril Lagasse preparing dinner for us that evening). Our chill and rejuvenating weekend had quickly come to an end. I had a brief moment of mourning the quiet (come on now, just 5 more minutes please...) and the idea that our day was our own. And then "BAM" reality appeared, yet a good reality. Those giant hugs from the kiddos transitioned us back to reality. Game on!

I have to say I LOVE Milwaukee. Honestly do. People sometimes laugh when PFC/I tell them that every February we head up to Milwaukee for a weekend get away. Milwaukee, really?! Honest to goodness I totally and utterly dig that town. Love it.We have been heading up there for 5 years now. The first trip up there was Marquette related (PFC's alma mater) but we ended up turning that weekend in to a tradition, but one where we head to Milwaukee by ourselves with an agenda that is entirely our own. For us, that is quite a novelty and really a novelty for anyone these days w/ young kids at home. While both of us have the luxury and the wonderful benefits of being physically surrounded by so many family members (immediate and extended) and many dear friends it is nice and equally important for us to step outside of all of that and just BE. Be alone w/ one another. Just ask PFC about my momentary panic the first day of our honeymoon = OMG, ummm, PFC, I honestly don't think we have spent this much time ALONE (w/o kids, w/o friends, w/o family or w/o an itinerary) EVER. Will we survive this?! I was kidding (kind of!) but for us we had never truly had that "dating/courting" period of time where one gets to spend time w/ that person (w/o too many distractions or variables) or that simple idea of waking up and deciding what we wanted to do for that day (just because). Kind of a humorous thought on your honeymoon, right?! We definitely survived and even discovered our own version of how we enjoy to travel (as a couple) vs visiting my family (that is mostly out of town) or traveling w/ our kiddos. I laugh as sometimes when we wake up on a normal day we look at one another and say, "so, whatcha want to do today?" And we then rattle off our imaginary list (slightly different from the current day ahead, ha). A quick "high five," a mutual wink and a shared laugh together and then we begin our usual day. And that so called usual day ain't so bad!

PFC and I think we have finally perfected our Milwaukee weekend - w/ just the right balance of what I deem "anchors" (solidified items on our itinerary). Anyone that knows me (even just a wee bit) knows that I'm a bit of a calendar and details wh*re. Call it what you may - but calendars, details and research soothe me. They are my zen. So, for me personally, driving up to Milwaukee and having dinner reservations secured for both Friday and Saturday nights "anchored" me so to speak. I was zen. And then the rest of the weekend unfolded organically - which I so love. I love when one thing leads to another and then to another. For instance, we had this lovely conversation w/ a couple next to us at the counter of the Cafe at The Plaza Saturday morning. The couple also happens to live in a western suburb of Chicago and in true small world fashion we knew several people in common. We chatted and laughed w/ them as they were a window to our future. Most of their children have been launched so to speak and they were visiting their youngest son at Marquette. They too shared our affection and love for Milwaukee. One sentiment really struck a chord w/ me during our conversation w/ them = "We truly put our time and energy in when the kids were little and now have the time to enjoy things on a different timeline." We laughed as that timeline didn't involve 5 or 10 minute increments that parents w/ young children know so well. And that same sentiment led me to revisit an article entitled, The Last Time. The article reminded me to really hold on to some of those moments that I sometimes now take for granted w/ the kids.

Okay, so here are some of our faves from Milwaukee:
  • Iron Horse Hotel = LOVE the story. Love the design and decor. Appreciate the history. They honestly had me at hello upon arrival. I even love the fact that the owner Tim Dixon is a carpenter by trade as it is quite evident in all of the details of the hotel. Here is a little chat w/ Mr. Dixon. We have stopped by the IH a few times during past visits to check out The Yard or Smythe but this was our first time staying overnight. One of my fave times during the weekend stay at IH was enjoying a leisurely breakfast in The Library at one of the communal tables and then retiring to The Lobby (to relish in our last few hours before saying goodbye to Milwaukee). Oh, and lastly and quite frankly very important and key to me = the concierge Kathryn. She set the tone for our trip. I love that. She was super fun to chat w/ about Milwaukee and scored us a res at the always packed restaurant Odd Duck. 
  • Odd Duck = LOVE LOVE LOVED it. I'm a total atmosphere person and can sometimes get beyond not so great food when you are w/ fabulous company and in a spot that has just the right vibe. Odd Duck not only has an amazing vibe and feel to it the food was AMAZING. Enjoyed many small plates w/ PFC. Think Avec-esque (if thinking in Chicago terms). Speaking of Avec, I need me some Avec soonish. Oh, and the absolutely adorable co-owner and consummate hostess) Melissa was a doll and super helpful w/ suggesting some of her fave breakfast/brunch spots for us to try the next morning. And lastly, I was totally digging her turquoise tights. She had that vintage/bohemian/funky yet totally pulled together at the same time "look" that I so love. Kudos to both Melissa and her partner as they are getting rave reviews. And a special shout out to my HS friend who suggested we check it out!
  • After a lovely dinner at Odd Duck we stopped by Bryant's Cocktail Lounge. In some bizarrely similar way it reminded me a striped down, time warp / vintage cocktail bar version of The Aviary (minus Aviary's sexy decor and high prices). The bartenders at Bryant's are what we now have come to call mixologists. Here is a bit of history. PFC remembers being there back in his Marquette days but it was fun for him to head back there. They don't have a drink menu per se and you just tell the cocktail waitress (doesn't that in and of itself speak old school right there?!) what you fancy and she asks you a few questions and bingo - your drink arrives shortly thereafter. It is one of those spots you would drive by and wonder what is up w/ the random white house. Random, yes. But oh no, head inside and you'll see for yourself. Even Esquire mag's 2012 Best Bars of America list digs it! 
  • We had a great time at The Cafe at The Plaza. Melissa from the Odd Duck mentioned The Cafe as a great spot to have breakfast. We LOVED it. Think old school and cool 1920's era Art Deco decor yet with a very modern breakfast menu of fresh ingredients. And of course, they had me at "we serve Alterra coffee." I had one of the most unique breakfast items I've ever had = Sherried Black Truffle Eggs. They were FAB. Excellent menu. I still dream about my eggs. We chose to sit at the counter which was perfect. The newspaper was spread out between us (when does that ever happen?) and truly took in the leisurely pace of our morning. It was fun chatting w/ our waiter and then as we were leaving we starting talking w/ a couple that had just sat down next to us. Well, an hour later we were laughing and running through our Milwaukee faves and talking about life, kids and the pursuit of happiness. I was admiring the earrings of the lady we were chatting w/ and that led us to check out Lela Boutique (just outside of the Public Market in the Historic Third Ward). The owner of the boutique was expecting us as the couple we had spoken to at The Cafe gave her a heads up that we might be popping in. Love that kind of stuff! 
  • During past trips I've always wanted to check out the Milwaukee Public Market. This time we did and I think from now on we'll add it to our list of places to stop by. We enjoyed strolling (yes, I did say strolling and not RACING) through the market and checking out all of the great independent food merchants (many of whom have Wisconsin roots). LOVE that. I did buy a great hand knit one of a kind scarf that reminds me of our weekend = cozy. 
  • And last but not least we ALWAYS head to 5 O'Clock Steakhouse (formerly Coerper's) for dinner when in town. How can you not?! I mean once you dine at a place that has carpet on the walls you cannot NOT go back. Come on now?! Talk about time warp. Even Rachel Ray loves it! This was the restaurant that kicked off our now yearly tradition.
And here are a couple of places that I've added to our next weekend in Milwaukee. See you next February, Milwaukee!
And cheers to those of you who are looking forward to a long weekend. We certainly are taking advantage of the extra day off and heading up to Lake Geneva to what has now become an annual ski/waterpark weekend w/ some of our favorite local family friends.

Friday, January 25, 2013

My Latest Obsessions


Happy (SOON to be) Birthday, Margaret! You are almost 7 years old! 

One of PFC's FAB finds

Happy Friday! Whoa...WINTER is here. Am I happy about it? Truthfully, NO. But one thing I do love is the level of appreciation we (being one w/ the Chicagoans) have when spring officially hits. Once the temps rise folks start to come out of the woodwork (by dining al fresca, dusting off our flip flops, and leaving our windows open). We commiserate together in the dead of winter sipping hot chocolate by a roaring fire while wearing our UGGs and cozy sweaters and we then celebrate the spring + summer with much enthusiasm. This article on why Chicago is actually a great place to visit in the winter is great (and made me think outside of the "freezing" box).

January is our month of birthdays galore. I feel as though I've been eating cake on a daily basis. We kicked off the year w/ my birthday on the 8th and then Miss Cate's birthday was last Sunday and Margaret turns 7 (wow!) next Thursday. Time to detox on all sugar starting February 1st! Last year the gals had a combined birthday tea party bash with the lovely Mrs. Newberry at our house. She transformed our first floor in to a tea party wonderland w/ racks of dresses to dress up in. It was quite a party! The gals still talk about Mrs. Newberry and her british accent and amazing outfit. I still laugh because the gal would NOT step out of character and refused to call me by my first name. She was very good - I'll give her that for sure. So, this year we told the girls we were going to have a more chill and low key birthday. On Sunday the girls along with a friend each are heading to Moss Modern Flowers for an afternoon of garden making. Each of the gals will leave the place with their own little garden. They are SUPER excited. It will be fun to see how creative they get as the owner herself is quite an artist in her own right.

Our book club discussed the Steve Jobs' biography last evening. It was interesting to hear peoples thoughts on such a brilliant yet complex guy. We all laughed as pretty much all of us had our iPhones perched next to us throughout the evening (which is a normalcy these days, right?!). And yes, I did use the word "perched" as if my phone is a person or bird. Fortunately or unfortunately I'm attached (physically and yes, emotionally speaking) to my iPhone. Always. I have Steve Jobs to thank for that! You had me at hello for sure.

Saturday night PFC/I are excited to CHILL. It feels like we have not done so in awhile. We'll be watching the season finale of Parenthood that we DVRed and getting through some more Season 1 episodes of Homeland. OMG, I'm addicted. TRULY. FULLY. GAME ON. I GET IT. I GET THE HYPE. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Homeland is why I didn't even watch the finale of Parenthood when it aired on Tuesday (as all of a sudden it was midnight and we had watched 3 more episodes of Homeland after the kids had gone to bed). I cannot believe I cheated on my beloved Braverman family. Please forgive me. Brody has taken over my world.

Oh, and last thing. I FINALLY saw PFC in his "American Pickers" element this morning. If any of you watch the show you know what I'm talking about! OMG. Hilarious. My Mom JuJu would love to see him in action as the two of them chat about antiques and finds all the time. We cut out for a bit earlier today and headed to an estate sale in town. PFC found several old vintage pictures that will be perfect above my vanity (see example of one above). Ode to the proper dressing room!

Have a wonderful weekend. Stay warm.
XO - D2

Some of my latest faves:

Friday, January 18, 2013

My Latest Obsessions


Happy Birthday, Catherine! Our Cate turns 9 on Sunday! 

Happy Friday! I'm thrilled it is Friday. I've already had a marathon day of errands and running around and I was even able to volunteer at C + M's school during Fun Lunch. It is always fun to see them in their school environment (as I know there will come a day when they don't want me to be there!).

Tonight we are relaxing. I still need to finish up Steve Jobs' biography for book club next week and I REALLY want to start Season 1 of Homeland. I want to see what all the talk is about! Tomorrow the gals are off to their ice skating lessons in the morning and then they are heading downtown (along w/ GMC) for their cousin's birthday party. They are super excited because they get to wear their costumes. PFC will be w/ the kiddos while I stay home to get the house ready as we are having some folks over for a casual dinner. I'm making Cincinnati Style Turkey Chili and some Honey Cornbread Muffins - a perfect cozy meal for this COLD weather. And I'm making Oreo Cookie Balls for a sweet treat.

I cannot believe that CMC is turning 9 on Sunday. Wow. PFC and I were just looking through some old pictures. She has grown up so much since I met her (when she was 4). We are heading to their swim meet on Sunday and then having a family dinner at home that evening. CMC gave me specifics on the cake she wants and I'm waiting to hear what she would like for her birthday dinner.

Have a FABULOUS weekend.
XO - D2

Some of my latest faves:

Friday, January 11, 2013

My Latest Obsessions

The Carr version of the Partridge Family
PFC + GMC serenading me the morning of my Birthday

My 35th Birthday Dinner at La Sirena Clandestina

CMC + MMC at American Girl Doll Cafe (loving life)

Happy Friday! I had an awesome birthday on Tuesday. It started with PFC + GMC playing their guitars and the girls singing Happy Birthday. The pic above of GMC + PFC is priceless. I then met PFC downtown and we saw the movie Silver Linings Playbook and had dinner at La Sirena Clandestina. LOVED our dinner. Their menu is awesome. We had the empanadas, shaved brussels sprouts, hangar steak, whole red snapper and some amazing desserts. We'll definitely be back. We then walked across the street to The Aviary. I had a fruit swizzle and I can honestly say that it was the best fruit juice I've ever had. Like EVER.

A good friend of mine called me for my birthday and mentioned how much has changed for me in just 5 years (since my 30th birthday). And that is indeed true. Our group of college friends all went to Cabo San Lucas to celebrate our 30th birthdays. Not long after that trip I met PFC and the rest is history. And now I'm in the burbs and a stay at home with our soon to be 9 and 7 year old daughters (both have January birthdays) and 2 year old son. Crazy how things change. It is nice sometimes to take a moment and reflect on your last year or 5 years for that matter. Here's to another 5 years (and many more)!

I'm meeting PFC downtown tonight and we are going to see the movie Argo. I'm very excited to see it especially after seeing all the Oscar nominations it is up for. Tomorrow the gals have their ice skating lessons in the morning and some of us will be heading downtown to a dear high school friend's son's 2nd birthday in the afternoon. And then PFC and I are off to another party that evening.

And Sunday I cannot wait to get cozy and watch the Golden Globes! I think Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will be amazing hosts!

ENJOY! And have an awesome weekend.
XO - D2

Some of my latest faves:

Friday, January 4, 2013

My Latest Obsessions

GMC = COOKIE MONSTER

YUMMY cookies!


Happy Friday and Happy New Year! Well, the girls go back to school on Monday. It has been a nice 2 week break but it will be nice to get back to our normal routine/schedule. C + M and I are heading downtown soon for a lunch at American Girl. The girls are super EXCITED! That place is a GOLD MINE. Seriously.

Yesterday I was able to catch up w/ a dear friend of mine. She brought over her adorable little guy who is the same age as GMC. C + M kept the two boys busy which gave us some time to catch up. And then we headed to The Junction Diner for some lunch. Perfect place for little ones (especially those obsessed w/ trains!).

We have a dinner party Saturday evening and are then hoping to swing by a friend's 40th birthday party on the way home. We are hoping to catch up w/ my sister this weekend as she was in AZ visiting our Mom over Christmas. And I'm looking forward to quietly celebrating my birthday this upcoming Tuesday w/ PFC over dinner at La Sirena Clandestina. The restaurant has been on my list for awhile. It has been getting great reviews. PFC went to college w/ the chef/owner so we are hoping to say hello to him!

Here's to a FABULOUS 2013!

Some of my latest faves: