Summer Love

This was a splendid summer! I feel lucky to have gone coast to coast to see friends and family, and have enjoyed a beautiful few months of sun in Chicago;) Now on to running and business and diving into the best of fall. {photos via instagram}

Summer Break

Long time no chat. I have been working working working. And planning a fun summer party that is just weeks away in Rhode Island. I am excited to head home and especially to see friends and family from near and far for special belated wedding celebrations. I wanted to pop in and say, thank you for still visiting and reaching out lately, I need to assess my blogging plans for the fall. For now, it's summer and I'm on a break till then, and wishing you all a happy summer so far, it's flying by. {image source}

True

So true...our journeys are such a jungle gym of adventures, misadventures and many decisions. I love waking up and feeling like, I am exactly where I should be, but that is scarcely the case. I am someone who lives very much in past, present and future. So reminders, like this are particularly poignant. I have an appreciation for pausing to reflect on a feeling, and then dropping it, right there, into space, so that beautiful days, and moments can be experienced will full awareness. Today for instance, it is about 70 at the crack of dawn. That is heaven over here in Chicago. My husband and I were groggy, but slowly shuffled out of the apartment to go on a nice walk before the work day. Here we are, just the beginning of summer, it finally has arrived. Enjoy!

*pic via Note to Self

{The Little Things}

In our house, I have a big appreciation for the little things. And my husband and I are big, sappy romantics. That said, it really does still sweep you off your feet when someone surprises you...like coming home at 8pm on Tuesday from work to music, candles everywhere and a gourmet dinner cooked for two. We don't even need to go out to have a good time - and often during the week, we just don't want to schlep around the city. Still, it's important to step away from our computers, TV and work and enjoy each other. I knew I met the sweetest man in the world...;)

{Reflection}

It's fun to look back on last year's Valentine post and think of all the wonderful changes that have transpired since that sappy Hallmark holiday. We got engaged, we got married...it's been a whirlwind!
I can remember meeting my husband for the first time, and knowing instantly, my life was going to change forever, and that I had met my match. Now, we are spoiled by frequent date nights, being newlyweds, and not having kids (yet). I can't wait for our special date tomorrow;) I'm one lucky and grateful 'wifey'. While Valentine's Day may be cheezy, we dig it and we never need reasons to be romantic. {photo at Round Hill, Jamaica November 2012}

Question of the Day...

I want to try something new...after last week when I asked people about how they managed stress in life etc., I got great feedback on doing Yoga. I'm definitely going to attend my first yoga class in years this weekend (if my back permits). I hope this becomes a new practice! I loved hearing people's thoughts so I am going to incorporate this in my blog weekly. 


Today, my question is - how do you feel about change? I'm part planner/part free-spirit and I've been fortunate enough to have many great opportunities to move cities and explore new jobs. Are you someone who thrives in change or is more comfortable with sticking to one path? What pushes you in one direction or the other?

Leap Day...

Every four years we get an extra day...it was 4 years ago that I started this blog...hard to believe that so much time has passed! It makes me think of 'taking a leap' in life, venturing to new places, careers, love etc.  What is the biggest leap you have taken and how do you plan on spending this extra day? 


Tomorrow - I kick off spring on the blog!!!!!!

The Everygirl...

I got to meet up with Danielle and Alaina last night - and some amazing Chicago bloggers, all for a quickie toast to celebrate their hard work on releasing The Everygirl to the world yesterday. It's an amazing site for career minded, dream chasing girls who need a little guidance now and then on how to plan weekly meals, budget for a big trip, shop for the latest fashions, decorate the home and more. Filled with great inspiration, I just know that it will be your new daily read;) 

Quote of the Day...

A lovely quote, so true. {via everything fabulous}

On the Go...

Did you all have a nice weekend? The bf and I stumbled upon a cool festival {Chipotle Cultivate} in Lincoln Park and caught a few live bands after hitting the farmer's market for fresh goodies and apple cider donuts;) Perfect fall day. I'll be on the go this week with my team in town for meetings, dinners and all. Lots of coffee and grabbing food for the road. Hope you all enjoy the first week of October. It's here...I can't believe it! {image via I Dream of}

A Pair...

Happy June!! Love these shots of stylish girlfriends getting to pal around;) Miss nightly dinners with my ladies in NYC.  So much to catch up on, celebrate and laugh about! Friends getting engaged, moving in together, meeting a new boy, getting a new apartment, a new job. Love those things that we can all share with besties.{images via tumblr, cheetah is the new black}

It's Tuesday...

SO here we are, it's March. Here's a little reminder! {image via pinterest}

the little things...

I love the little things tumblr...it's a list of all the simple things we should appreciate. There are too many to pick favorites. Go check it out;)

Times Like These...

I am sorry I have been absent for a few days. I flew to San Francisco to be with dear friends who going through a difficult loss. These times are always reflective and thought provoking, and they bring people closer, not only to each other but close to the real reason why we are all here, for love and family and friendship. There are never really the 'right' words but their are the comforting ways we can be present when someone needs us. What I have learned, is it all comes around...to my Bill, Morgan and sweet Will. You have been wonderful, thoughtful, loving friends and we are all in this together. So lucky to have you in my life. x {image via city sage, little blue deer}

The Unexpected...

Hope you all had a nice weekend. Mine was very low-key, I've taken up working out like it's a new job. Fortunately through the cold mid-west winters all I have to do is trek up to the 44th floor of my building and hop on the treadmill. I've also been attempting some of Tracy Anderson's moves, good thing there are no hidden cameras, my dance moves are not quite as sassy as hers'. But I'm working on it. This weekend I was thinking about 'doing the unexpected', and am in the throws of change, transition, and everything new. Luckily, I sort of new what I was getting into with a big move to a new city, where I knew few people. Still, it takes effort creating this whole new life, what I know is this...I love adventures and misadventures, and doing the unexpected, it's like this picture...A cold cloudy day (instead of warm sunny one), a rocky place (instead of a pristine soft sand beach), and a picnic. There really isn't anything practical about it, it's just fun, and making the most of every setting and every day. {image via looking for source}

Bench...

This looks like the perfect spot to sit and reflect. Doesn't that always happen in the new year? You pause to take in where you are in the moment and think about where you were at this very time the year before. I couldn't be happier where I landed, and everything that I experienced in 2010 feels like a fun little whirlwind. Lots more to do in 2011, can't imagine what it will bring, and I love that... {image via Gingerella}

I'm Here...

I've gotten the funniest reactions when I tell people I've left New York City for Chicago. "You are moving at the coldest time of year!" Well, yes, I must be a little mad, but change is wonderful and sometimes you just have to take a chance;) I hope everyone had the most fantastic Thanksgiving weekend, thanks to all my friends in NYC who hosted. I'm settled in my new place and couldn't be more excited for things to come. {image via bits of beauty}

Come Visit Me...

...At the lil bee today - Melisa asked me a long time ago to provide a list of 'Top Five Things'. It's a weekly series she has where bloggers share a little wish list...I have to say looking back at it - I wouldn't necessarily change anything, but a lot has changed since back in spring. #1 I have a very fulfilling and challenging job. #2 I am about to move into a new city and new home which I can't wait to design on my own with old and new additions. The rest is yet to come, like traveling all over Europe! But it's great to make these lists every now and then and most importantly - dream big. Melisa has one of my favorite blogs...thanks for having me! xo {image via adventures of a wayward duck}

SF + Friends...

San Francisco was such a wonderful trip. I can't believe between work and play how much I got to fit in...Blue Angels, Stinson Beach house, many dinners with friends, and threw a baby shower! My favorite part was getting to see all of my lovely west coast girlfriends. I appreciate all the QT. xo {image via apt 34}

Quote of the Day...

{via Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love}