Friday Favorites

I guess it wouldn't be a "Friday Favorites" without including some of my favorite snapshots of our trip to Cabo last week! 

This was the view from our room and I literally jumped up and down when I saw the ocean.

Lobby views 

Views from the buffet.

I was promised tea in bed one morning and I got it ;)

Pool volleyball every. damn. day.

My grandma's birthday was one of the days we were on our trip so after I got off the phone with her, Sammy and I ordered her favorite drink--gin & tonic--and toasted to her 

$25 Amazon dress for the win because I'm really couture.

Frizz-ball hair because Mexico

Hibachi on a Friday night.

Fav spot 

We did breakfast well every day.

Always repping my cubbies.

Back for more...

Because I couldn't stop taking pictures of our views.

We have about 100 more worse than this.

plane ride home

As I mentioned in my previous post, we really enjoyed getting away and spending some quality time together, but that sun is brutal, man. If we ever go back, we'd have to go in the winter months when the temps are a little more tame. 

Another fav--my cousin asked me to be a bridesmaid! Her wedding is next July and she gifted us our bridesmaid's dresses as our gift!

I think they're going to be perfect for a hot July wedding. They're incredibly flattering and stretchy (!!) which is a first for any bridesmaid dress I've had to wear. 

Another fav was getting to see a sneak peek of these two's wedding photos. I mean, come on. How gorgeous are they?

  

Loving on "dawn rising" from Lipsense.

Such a pretty neutral, especially with the matte gloss over it

Sammy and I tried a Sicilian restaurant in Crystal Lake a few weeks ago when we went to see Guys and Dolls and we were floored with how much we liked it. 

Really great photo of him eating their pasta fagioli that we were obsessed with. da Baffone is already a favorite for us. I'm so excited there is a good Italian place to go to once we move over there ;)

Some product favorites for ya (and my thigh, but don't worry about it)

this soft light blurring powder from Becca is incredible. Incredible. It leaves the skin looking so flawless I can't stand it. I won't go back to my translucent powder.

And as usual, Jaclyn Hill is correct. She's recommended this foundation in several videos and raaaaved about it, so I knew I had to check it out the last time I was in Sephora. Bought in on the spot. I'm a longtime lover of Estee Lauder's DoubleWear foundation (and still love it, it's the best full coverage foundation out there), but this Dior foundation is out of control. OUT of control. It's absolutely stunning on the skin and dries so perfectly which is amazing for my oily skin. It's a medium coverage and buildable which is nice for summer. Highly, highly recommend. There's a reason it's the only foundation JHill currently wears. Worth every penny.

Two favorites here from a trip to Target--gotta keep it real--this pretty lingerie from Gilligan & O'Malley and I didn't have to use the anti-diarrheal on our trip. Huge wins. 

Pup snuggles, always a favorite.

Every year, my dad and I work at the Lake County Fair in the culinary division. I always really enjoy doing it with him and my aunts run the textiles division, so it's fun to spend time with them as well. 

We decorate our area with baking supplies and my vintage cookbooks and basically sit around while retirees come and take a look at what ribbons they won on their breads and chocolate chip cookies. It's very nerdy and we're the youngest people there by like 30+ years, but I know they're memories I'm going to look back on. 

Isn't that cake above of the drive-in so cool though?! that was done by a teenager!

  

I always love looking at the quilts too because I've always wanted to be able to quilt but doubt I'll ever have the patience for it. These were done by the same woman and I love her color/pattern combos, especially that Christmas one! I gushed to her about how much I love her work and that she should sell them and I think I freaked her out a little bit. But actually, I want that Christmas one though...

A few weekends ago, my girlfriend from DePaul got married, so Sammy and I spent the day downtown. Sammy wasn't able to attend the ceremony, so I went and then we met for lunch afterward during the gap between the ceremony and reception. 

We met at Homeslice which has some awesome pizza. I got there early so I was able to sip my high life and read Sherman Alexie's new memoir (also a HUGE favorite right now--it is absolutely stunning) and I was living for the quiet, alone time.

Kate's dress was so beautiful, she looked absolutely lovely. 

How cool is this?!

As always, DePaul looked stunning as well.

They had this gorgeous mirror as their seating chart when you walked in.

And a table to take polaroids, so cute.

The champagne cocktail was delicious...

as pictured here ;) with my handsome date.

The reception was at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park and it was such a fun venue to be at. Cocktail hour was outside in their courtyard among all these pretty blooms and a beautiful white bridge that overlooked a water feature (where we took some sneak peeks of the bride and groom getting their picture taken). 

So simple, so pretty

The centerpieces alternated between this set up of votives, candles, and flowers directly on the table, and larger bouquets. It was so romantic.

One of their bridesmaid's made the cake and it looked so beautiful.

The mushroom raviolis were awesome.

We ate out on the rooftop of the museum and when the sun started to go down, the string lights went on. They had their first dance on the rooftop and then everyone moved into the room right off the roof for more dancing. Sammy had to work at 5 am the next morning, so we left pretty soon after dessert and coffee, but we had such a lovely time celebrating this couple who happen to be some of the nicest people around.

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It's a family weekend this weekend as we have two family birthdays on Saturday--a women's-only surprise lunch for Sammy's great aunt and his nonno's 80th birthday in the evening--and we're going to an Italian fest on Sunday afternoon. Hoping to squeeze in a little relaxation time tonight and maybe a Costco trip somewhere in there. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

xo

If we were having coffee...

via

I'd tell you that house hunting is kind of exhausting but mostly really fun. I'd mention that I keep calling what we're doing "low-key house hunting" as if that means anything to anyone. We're looking kind of casually until after December for work-related reasons on Sammy's end. Of course I found a house I kind of really like and I'm afraid it's going to be gone by December because it's so cute, why wouldn't some smart individual come along and snag it? I'd also tell you that there's a super cute shelf in the kitchen I envision my dorky vintage cookbook collection going on, and a deck perfect for stringing fairy lights with a pergola perfect for hanging grape vines (like the stereotypical Italians we are), and a front window perfect for a Christmas tree. I'm on Redfin a lot, people. 

I'd tell you we got back from Mexico this week and I'm disappointed to say that I'm not sure I need to rush back there. I loved the people and obvvv the food. But the sun, man. That sun. I mean, we're the idiots who went to Mexico in August, so maybe our experience would have been a little different had we gone in February when it's 2 degrees here in Chicago. But I spent most of our trip applying sunscreen (like every single hour on the dot) and still leaving with an entire back and upper thighs red and sunburnt. I just can't take that kind of heat. It was still lovely to get away, spend some alone time together, and take in the gorgeous views which there were plenty of. 

I'd tell you that I've thrown a new journal onto my nightstand in the hopes I would actually start writing in it soon. I'm starting with lists because for some reason writing full entries seems too daunting. I'm so disappointed in how little I've been writing (read: no writing at all) since I graduated from grad school. I can't seem to get motivated to do it but being a full-time writer is all I've ever wanted. I get so down on myself for always standing in my own way, but... I wish I would just step aside once and a while. I guess it's the fear of failing? So if I don't try, at least I won't "fail"? But isn't that failing majorly in itself anyway? Next I'd tell you that this reminds me of one of my favorite Golden Girls quotes: "the bottom line is when you you take a chance in life, sometimes good things happen, sometimes bad things happen, but honey, if you don't take a chance, nothing happens." Yas, Dorothy. #BeMoreLikeDorothyZbornak So I guess I just have to start writing. Anyone have any novel ideas? ;)

I'd tell you my motivation to be eating well is really waning. Really, my motivation for exercise and living well in general is kind of waning. Physically, I've been feeling my worst so I'm ready to get back on the wagon. I purchased the 3-Day Refresh (against my better judgement) from that company that sells Shakeology and I'm attempting to do a variation of the 21-Day Fix as soon as those colored containers show up in my mailbox. I know they're not long lasting solutions, but I need something to jump start this weight loss journey again. Usually programs like this are motivating for me because I like a schedule and rules I have to follow. Keeps me focused, for at least a few days, in order to get started. Let's hope something sticks this time around.

I'd tell you I'm kind of OK with summer coming to a close and it's a little annoying how many people I'm seeing on social media saying they're dreading it. Although, I kind of also get it. Summer isn't my favorite season, but I 100% get why other people love it. But also, fall is so great, people! Calm down! And also I read that it's going to be a "hot" fall, so you all can rejoice while I sip my spiced drinks in 70 degree weather and sulk. ;)

I'd tell you that in preparation for the loveliest season approaching (spring takes a very, very close second for me), I have several Halloween-themed baby clothes sitting in an online cart right now just begging to be purchased for our niece. Now only to convince Sammy it's absolutely necessary she have both the knit pumpkin hat AND booties. 

I'd tell you that I would love to be my own boss and maybe even freelance from home but have no idea how to make it happen. Or really, I'm too lazy to make it happen. And also I really do enjoy my job most days, so I would be sad to leave. But the appeal of working from home gets stronger as the days pass. I'd also tell you that's kind of freaking me out. 

I'd tell you that in another life (or maybe even later in this one...), I would have loved to have been a personal organizer (even though my current living situation reflects zero indication that I would be a good one), event planner, cookbook editor, calligrapher, and/or photographer. 

I'd tell you that actually, currently, right now in this life I have creative ideas, a love of food and words, a pen and ink (as I've mentioned), and a nice-ass Canon camera. So maybe I can do some of these things after all. 

I'd tell you that even though I've been feeling unmotivated lately in several facets of my life and feeling kind of in a rut, I've been feeling grateful for early bedtimes, new magazines, bowls of pasta, dreaming of the holidays, You've Got Mail, all my people being in good health, dog snuggles, and knowing that ruts only last for a short while and motivation is always there, waiting. 

xo

Friday Favorites

Hello, hello! So glad it's the weekend and I have some favorites to share!

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The super exciting news around here is that in a few weeks, Sammy and I leave for Cabo! Sammy ended up having three days off on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in August and I have that same Friday off from work, so we decided to each take an additional few days off so we could go somewhere.
I stalked CheapCarribean.com for weeks until I found the Krystal Grand and we decided on Cabo! We couldn't beat the price (under $1000 per person for airfare and all-inclusive for 4 nights) for how nice the quality seems, so we went for it. After the two weddings we were involved in this summer, another coming up before we leave, and other family/friend/work commitments, we're looking forward to this break.

Even though we've been dating for over ten years, we haven't traveled anywhere this far together, so I'm super excited (and have some dorky nerves about it!). I can't wait to get into that pool! 

I bought two new bathing suits and a cute cover up and am hoping to pick up a few more easy things to bring with on the trip. Hopefully I can do a quick round up of stuff I've gotten before we leave!

  

Emily (from Cupcakes and Cashmere if you live under a rock) posted these lists on her Insta story the other day and then announced they're starting a book club! She's chosen the first book from the "most recommended books" list: Behind Her Eyes. I purchased the ebook and have started it already. So far,  it's unfortunately a little eh, but I'm hoping it picks up. I'm not a natural reader of the thriller genre but have always wanted to get into it, so hopefully this proves to be a good introduction.

#3 is also on my ever growing list of "to-reads" and #9 is a lovely, gut wrenching piece of work.

My queen has also started a book club! I'm so excited and can't wait to pick up the first book (of four) she'll choose this year. It sounds intriguing already as it's been pitched as echoing The Great Gatsby and being about "an extended African American family and their colliding visions of the American Dream."

In other book news, our Boxcar Bookshelf was the #1 bestseller in the children's books category on Amazon during Prime Day on Tuesday! It seemed like a pretty universal feeling among bloggers and people on social media that there weren't a lot of intriguing deals this year on Prime Day (I'd have to agree, although I tried to stay away so I wouldn't be tempted to spend), however, it was a big day for us in the office. We were #1 in children's books and #7 in books overall. So exciting!

  

I was able to get some baby snuggles in last week when I met my cousin's daughter for the first time. How sweet is she?! Definitely a favorite ;)

I've started a kind of dorky tradition with myself... every holiday, I let myself look through Crate & Barrel's clearance section and get one holiday specific item if I find something I like. Then I add it to my stock pile for when I have my own home (which will hopefully be sometime next year!). I lust over Crate and Barrel merchandise and always felt like I was missing out on such holiday stuff that may not come back next year just because I didn't have a house yet (however, I should probably relax about this in general because it wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't snag some fourth of July decor item). So I went on their site and, of course, their summer shit is so cute. 

I ended up snagging several "hotdog baskets" on sale for $2.97 and several fry cups on sale for $1.97. I mean. You just can't beat their clearance. And I don't even want to admit how long I've been wanting to buy fry cups, so when I saw these on such a discount I took it as a karmic reward for waiting ;) And no one in my life is going to eat their hotdog out of a tin, but that didn't stop me from making that purchase. 

Go look at their summer collection now! Seriously, so cute.

Sammy and I saw Spiderman: Homecoming last Thursday and we both really enjoyed it. Spiderman is his favorite superhero, so he's been waiting anxiously for this to come out ;) He's totally converted me into a Marvel freak, and we're both coming around to the DC side as well. Can't wait for Justice League: Part 1 to come out in November. 

Sammy sent me an article yesterday about the new Scorsese film coming out in 2018 called The Irishman...and now I have no idea how I'll be able to wait until next year. It's about the Irish mobster, Frank Sheeran, and his possible involvement with the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Scorsese got all the guys from Goodfellas to sign on, including Joe Pesci who is one of my favorites always. I can't stop reading up on all the mafia history! My great grandparents knew a decent amount of high profile mafia members in Chicago (my great grandfather even played cards with one!) so I can't get enough of this shit. If you're into the mobster movies, keep your eyes open for any news about this one. 

I mentioned this dress before, but I have to mention it again. I wore it to work the other day and dressed it down with a denim jacket and my faux birkenstocks and I LOVED it. I ended up picking up the white one as well. It proved so easy to dress down, and I'll be dressing it up with some wedges and jewelry for a nature themed wedding in a few weeks. Check it out here.

And speaking of dresses, my cousin found this one as a bridesmaid dress contender for her wedding next July. I think it's so cute and love the lace overlay. Perhaps the best part about it? It's on sale for $49.99 at Macy's. Cheapest bridesmaid dress I've ever bought ha! We're getting together on Sunday so I can try it on. 

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I'm looking forward to spending a low key night in with Sammy tonight. Someone at worked recommended we watch The Jinx on HBO after she heard we were watching The Keepers on Netflix. We love shows like this, so I'm hoping he's up for a little binge watching tonight. 

Saturday we have a graduation party and a post-Forth of July party, however we may have to divide and conquer if we can't make both together. 

Sunday we're going out for an early dinner to celebrate Sammy's mom's birthday a few weeks early, and we'll get some time with our niece which is all anyone cares about anymore anyway ;)

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

xo

4th of July / Weekend Recap

Last week for me was honestly kind of like one long weekend. Having Tuesday and Friday off, made the week feel super short and easy to tackle. I wanted to do a quick recap of our fourth which led into another wedding weekend!

  

My first priority of the day was to sleep in because I've been looking forward to having the fourth off for like a stupid amount of time. 

I stopped by my girlfriend's first who was having friends over for some pool time and then Sammy and I went downtown to visit friends. 

I brought big batches of this caprese orzo pasta salad to both get togethers and it seemed to be a hit. This my go-to for picnics and outdoor outings. I don't even use a recipe, it's that easy! It also makes for great leftovers. 

An over-the-top-looking patriotic post on Insta with this guy was taken before the night was over. 

This was the first year we didn't see fireworks near our houses which is tradition and that made me a little sad. But on the way home from the city you could see at least 8 different town's fireworks from the highway going on all at once which was pretty cool. 

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The rest of the week was pretty chill and easy going as I also had Friday off #BlessSummerFridayOfficeHours so I got prepped for another wedding weekend!

Will never tire of being gifted robes and sipping champagne while getting my hair done ;) Seriously, this robe though...the bride had to overnight ship these for us because the ones she originally ordered from Target were delivered without the belts! But these are soo light and airy for summer and the floral print is so pretty, right? Kind of glad we didn't get the originals ;)

Look how cute all the bridesmaid/parents/flower girl gifts look? Ugh, so pretty.

Most stunning bride.

Me and my SIL on the trolley!

   

Two of my very favorite men pretending to be serious aka already drunk

More trolley selfies (and really cool tan lines, nice job, Alex)

The bride and groom infused bottles of olive oil as favors for each guest which also doubled as place card holders. They're so cute, I can't. 

The ceremony and reception was at 19 East which is this cool loft event space downtown. They decorated the space so well. Everything looked simple and elegant--just like the bride. 

All the flowers were white and the table number holders were small Golden Retriever statues (!!) because they're so in love with their Golden, Eli (who happened to be the ring bearer and I died about it). 

The flower girl was pretty into the bride :)

This is the whole bridal party! The groom had 14 groomsmen and it was so fun. Can't wait to see how these turn out in the professional pictures. *please note Eli in front of the groom* ;) 

Two of my favorite women. 

See? Stunning, right? 

Everything looked so elegant with all the candles and super soft uplighting. 

  

Super into the fonts they used for everything. 

Of course her dance with her Nonno made me tear up. So sweet.

We had the best time standing up in this wedding. Sammy and I obsessively love spending time with his our cousins and weddings are so fun with them, especially when they're for them.

Sarah and Dario are one of the most lovely couples I know. They love so big, you can just feel it when you're around them. The day was so personalized to them, but they also personalized it to their family and friends and it was so nice to witness. Another cugini wedding in the books!

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On Sunday we got Shake Shack before leaving the city and going home and spending the rest of the afternoon/night napping and recuperating.

We have one more wedding at the end of this month and then I'll be ready to move slightly out of wedding season ;) even though they are so fun. 

We're halfway through the week, people! 

xo