my garden

(I still need a plant for my vintage crock)

summer shoes

Remember my favorite summer shoes from last year? I almost bought these in December because they were 75% off, but they were super high and I didn't think I could ever walk a block in them.

This new version is lower and looks much more wearable.

(Stuart Weitzman "Alexlo" Espadrilles)

upside down patio garden

While checking Sam's Club for baby items today, I came across this perfect size for a balcony garden for $59.95. And then I did a google search for "upside down patio garden" and found one at Walmart for $25.00. Can you tell which one is cheaper?

(the bottom picture is from Sam's Club)

balcony

ideas from cb2 and Ikea

Old St. Pat's

My husband and I recently joined a church in our neighborhood! We are attending the new member tour and dinner next week. (And no, you don't need to convert to Catholicism to join) This church is full of couples, young families, and single people. And did I mention the World's Largest Block Party???

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The Best Present Ever:

My husband put together a scrapbook (along with the help of his sister) for my birthday. He spent about 12 hours working on it yesterday (in Bloomingdale at his parent's house) and woke me up at 3am to give it to me. (with a Tiffany necklace too) My friends and family sent pictures and information and George put it all together in this book. The pages even include my Grandpa and great Grandma who passed away when I was in college. As soon as I saw these pictures, I started to cry. (and the one of me holding my nephew when he was a few hours old, and my honeymoon pictures, and the I almost dies while hiking picture...)

Here a just a few of the pages:

I am in the purple bathing suit - and holding a purse. I always brought a purse with me.

NYC

I finally got to see van Gogh's Starry Night - after 5 attempts. It was always traveling.

Running with my sister

Cubs games!

corn on the cob

I have a love/hate relationship with these buildings.

P-touch and moving

I wanted a label maker for a few years, but didn't really have a reason to get one. That is until we sold our condo (after 10 months on the market, we agreed on an offer a few weeks ago) and now are in the process of packing. Being newly married, it was our first experience making a huge decision together. The odd part was my husband was very liberal about selling our place and I turned into the conservative one!?

We have not officially closed, but our closing date is probably going to be in September. Since we have a few weeks off before returning to work, (and we canceled vacation plans to Seattle and Maine) we are starting to pack up most of our stuff and moving it to my in-law's basement.

White

I love wearing white in the summer. Maybe it is because I actually look less pale in white.

West Loop sidewalk sale

July 25 & 26: Saturday 11-6pm and Sunday 12-5pm

Participating Stores:

Bess & Loie
Erin Gallagher Jewelry (check out her jewelry - it is beautiful and affordable)
Koros
Pivot Boutique
The Oprah Store
Tribeca Boutique
2 Sisters Boutique
Smitten Boutique / Magnificent Milestones
Fig Tree

I was also told while I was in the boutique SaraJane last week, that the owner is going to be having 40% off everything in the store soon.

Kaya day spa

After work and lunch with co-workers, I finally redeemed my gift certificate for a deep tissue massage at Kaya. (it was a gift from my husband) I also decided to add a pedi because they give the best pedicure and my feet have been looking a little rough. As I was paying, the receptionist honored this coupon ($10.00 off) even though I didn't know it existed.

Restaurant Review

This week, I ate lunch outside at the Plaza at Park Grill (the food was okay) and visited the new modern wing at the Art Institute with my husband, mother-in-law, and father-in-law. The best part of the beautiful new addition is the view from the restaurant Terzo Piano. (see photo above)We had drinks and dessert (chocolate semi-freddo with Spanish peanut nougat and caramel, which is like a frozen mousse). It was so good that I plan on going back for lunch.

Haven Dress

I am a little obsessed with birds lately.

And I especially love the birds in this colorful dress.

Happy 4th of July!

Summer Reading List

any other suggestions??

bring on the SPF

Now that summer is here, I have been smothering myself in the following products:

(spf 30 for the face - this is by far the BEST face lotion with spf that I have ever found period.)

This is for general daily use -

if I am going to be outside for longer than 30 minutes, I use at least spf 50 or 70.

Tom Ford Claudia sunglasses

I tried these sunglasses on today at Bloomingdale's. I was surprised that I liked the pink/green/grey combo compared to the basic brown.

I opted to spend my money on $5.00 organic t-shirts from H&M.