Gilded Living

My family and I went to IKEA this afternoon to look at kitchen layouts for a remodel going on at home...and to drink lingonberry icees, buy some chip clips, try out all the couches, and make up stories about the imaginary families that live in the house displays. My daughters say their favorite moment was when I made a fake veggie stir-fry, pretending I was on a cooking show. "Oh, you caught me cooking!" 😉 Mine was watching everyone's faces as they sat down on the couches and chairs; it was instantly obvious what they thought of them...we're a family who wear our ❤️s on our sleeves! I'm excited for the weekend and more fun family shenanigans!

Please allow me to gush for a moment; I found this photo of my son, August, when scrolling through my phone yesterday and have a few thoughts about it: 1. Umm, when did I become the mother to a not-so-young man?! And gosh, isn't he handsome! 2. Do you think he'll be as dapper and classy as this elevator in our favorite vintage store in Chicago? Am I looking into his future? Should I start searching for the perfect smoking jacket to gift him for Christmas when he's 35? 3. Kidding, he better never, ever smoke. 4. This boy has worked so hard in school this year, getting acclimated to public school after being homeschooled. Third quarter ends this week and then just one more until he has a successful year of high school under his belt. I couldn't be prouder of him! 5. Can we please freeze time now though? Because I can't handle how quickly our living-under-the-same-roof days are coming to a close. Hug your littles tight, mamas and daddies! It's the bi...

I don't usually wear pink, but when I do, I go ALL IN! (How cute is this coverall from Madewell ?!) PS, I wish I could remember what my cousin Samantha and I were talking about when she snapped this photo because I'd love to know what in the world I'm doing with my hands here... * Photo take in Playa Del Carmen , Mexico. Take me back!

Dearest Anthropologie, You are a long-time, trusted friend...one who has proven to be there for me time and time again throughout each stage in life.  Our relationship began back in 1998 when I was on the market for a new blazer to wear to my college internship interview.  Of course you came through for me.  And as I saved money earned from that first job (landed in part, I'm sure, to my stylish jacket), I peppered my apartment with unique home goods I found in the pages of your catalog.  When my family expanded, you did too, opening brick and mortar stores in Chicago where you displayed a lovely dress for my bridal shower, detailed dog sweaters for my dear wire fox terrier Skone, unique shirts I could disguise as maternity clothing, and baby hats and sweaters for my children during the holiday seasons.  Oh, Anthro (can I call you Anthro?), how do I describe the joy I felt when it was announced you were opening a st...