Life Lately

I have a feeling this is going to be one of those of "sweating profusely while constantly reapplying suntan lotion and fighting to keep a hat on my child" types of summers.

We've been doing all of the fun things the past month, which has been nothing short of chaos but I've loved every minute of it. Thankfully 11 hour road trips with a toddler who suddenly has a very strong opinion are behind us for a while, though.

Time to catch up, shall we?

ONE. Trips to the beach have gotten equally more tiring and entertaining as time goes on. 2 hours to pack, 1 hour to drive, unload and get set up, 4235 re-applications of lotion later...

R finally started to tolerate the beach provided we let him wear his shoes (which are the BEST by the way, I also love these for him) otherwise its meltdown of the century territory. Kid hates the sand!

TWO. Finally, no more tan walls! Large master bedrooms are all fun and games until you have to paint them. My body hurts.

This is a horrible photo, but we went with Benjamin Moore Marilyn's Dress and I'm in love. I'll share some better photos later this week! Yikes.  Lots of other house projects and plans in the works, stay tuned!

THREE. We've also been busy with first trips to the Zoo, Children's Museum, and Aquarium. First time using chalk and playing in the "pooooool" (not at the same time, though he tries). It's been so much fun seeing Rowan react to new things, have I mentioned how much I love this age? Remind me of this when the tantrums come back 5 minutes from now...

FOUR. Sales! Tell me I'm not the only one counting down the days until Fall clothes?! I don't think my denim will see the light of day until October at least, but I'm eyeing these distressed Rag & Bone jeans for Shopbop's surprise sale tomorrow (25% designer sale with code DESIGNER25).

Also a heads up, this Lorac Eye Collection is only $19 during the Amazon Prime Day sales! I love Lorac eye shadows and blush so I scooped this up already since the 30% off sale started today.

I feel like there are a million other things to share, but red wine and the last episodes of OITNB are calling my name! Anyone watch this season? It's been so much better than the last!

6

Strawberry Rosé Sangria

I've been feeling all the summer vibes here in Charleston lately. There are always sidewalk sales, trips to the beach, and visitors to entertain.

And if those don't remind you its summer, you've always got the humidity that makes you regret any and all attempts to look nice.

If you follow on Snapchat (HomeSweetRuby) and Instagram you know we've been playing tourist this week, with quite an unforgettable trip to an oyster house last night. I'm just going to leave it at that and let this Instagram photo do the talking... finest parenting moment yet!

There isn't a whole lot you can do to stay cool here besides hibernate in the a/c, so this Rosé Sangria has been on repeat with all of our guests around to help drink it! It might be my favorite sangria yet, with my favorite rosé, sauvignon blanc, a hint of brandy, Sprite, and tons of fruit.

It's super easy to put together and perfect for the Fourth of July. Also I'm slightly obsessed with these acrylic glasses, safe in the wake of a wild toddler!

Expert Sangria Drinker tip: f you're hoping to keep it cold for a party, add frozen strawberries and rosé ice cubes so it doesn't get watered down!

Rosé Sangria

1 bottle of your favorite Rosé
1 bottle of your favorite Sauvignon Blanc
1/3 cup Brandy
1 container of Strawberries
1 Orange
1 Lemon

Combine the fruit, brandy, and both wines in a pitcher. Let this sit for at least an hour. (It will seem really strong as this point, don't freak out!)

When ready to serve, add as much Sprite as you like. This will make it a little bubbly and take away some of that kick from the brandy.

That's it! So easy and perfect for your Fourth of July picnic or hot summer days!

Linking up with Natalie + Annie!

10

Top 5 One-Piece Swimsuits (Tested + Approved!)

I hope you all had a fun long weekend! I've been working hard on this post for a few weeks but seeing as we're past the unofficial start of summer, I thought it was time to share my research.

You all know I've been on the hunt for a black one-piece swimsuit this year, but what you didn't know is I've been ordering them online and returning the ones that don't pass my rigorous testing.

Honestly I'm not trying to impress anyone in a swimsuit. I very clearly have "mom" stamped all over me and I'm okay with that. But I do want to feel comfortable.

As in... whats left of my post-baby boobs aren't flopping all about as I wrestle my fussy toddler in swim class.

I had a lot of requests to share some of my faves so I've broken it down into why I loved or didn't love a one-piece black swimsuit.

Clockwise: J. Crew Femme One-Piece Swimsuit, J. Crew Deep V Ruched One-Piece, Anthropologie Seaside High Neck One Piece, Target Flounce One-Piece, VS Halter Shaping One-Piece

After my extensive testing, I found a trend. Swimsuits with padding, slight ruching (but not too much), and thick straps were my favorite. Those that didn't even include cups were tossed immediately (ahem... Old Navy scallop one-piece. So cute but so not practical unless you haven't hit puberty yet).

Anthropologie Seaside High Neck One Piece (Similar, on sale!)
Pros: Good coverage, halter neckline, pretty patterns or solids
Cons: No ruching and may be better for smaller cup size.. I'm not sure it would have wrangled my nursing boobs from last summer

Target Flounce One-Piece
Pros: Side boning, padded cups, doesn't pull down when moving around, slight ruching, flutter material distracts from my post-baby pouch that is apparently here to stay, price
Cons: Strap isn't super secure, may be better for smaller cup sizes

J. Crew Deep V Ruched One-Piece
Pros: Slight ruching, strong straps, padding, lower back which makes you feel less mom-like but still covered
Cons: Price unless you get a good sale and potential back fat if straps are too tight

J. Crew Femme One-Piece Swimsuit
Pros: Wide straps, ruching, padded cups and lots of support
Cons: Ruching is a little more obvious

Victoria's Secret Halter Shaping One-Piece
Pros: Strong halter strap, ruching, lots of support
Cons: Price

Honorable mention to this Loft Seashell Cutout Swimsuit. I loved the cutout but the pattern didn't do anything for me. Clearly I love the basics!

My biggest challenge was finding budget options that fit the bill, but sales and Ebates helped!

So what's my final verdict? I'm keeping the flounce swimsuit because I already had it and the deep V ruched swimsuit, its my number one for sure!

Hope this helps if you're on the hunt for a flattering one piece, especially for my fellow black one-piece swimsuit lovers!

11

Summer, So Far

Brace yourselves for a photo dump. We've been so busy this summer I haven't had time to do many weekend recaps, ramble about how I'm totally over summer in the South, or share even the tiniest of progress in the new home. So here goes...

Rowan's first wedding

We took Rowan to his first wedding! He was a hit in his little bow tie and suspenders (from Sweet N Swag, seriously cannot get over how cute these are!) and though there were a few soggy wedding programs, he was really good and we managed to avoid a mid-ceremony meltdown!

Naturally I had Rowan's outfit planned for months but had no options for myself so I squeezed my post-prego body into my rehearsal dinner dress from back when I was skinny, tan and sans bags under my eyes.

I may have had trouble breathing in it this time around but the tree coming out of my back in that photo serves as a good distraction. As does the cute baby, of course!

House Updates

I hit the trigger on a guest bedroom rug which is lightening fast speed for my decision making skills. Any guesses as to which one it was? We also rearranged the furniture in the room and I think it looks much better now!

I also talked my husband into adding a fireplace to our living room! If you know me, you know I'll be going through withdrawals without a mantel to decorate this Fall. I had to compromise and agree to mounting a TV over the fireplace but I do think its the best use of our space. Here is our inspiration (with different tiling)... I'm not sure if we'll DIY or not but I'm crossing my fingers we can make it happen before Rowan's first Christmas!

Date Night

Six months after the birth of our little guy, Steve and I finally went on a date night! We may have been joined by my dad and some of my friends but hey, I'll take it. Thanks for babysitting, Grandma! We indulged in overpriced beers, Primanti's sandwiches (which include fries and coleslaw on the sandwich... total artery overload but oh so good), and some of the best views of Pittsburgh.



Brunch

The atmosphere and food at Edmund's Oast in Charleston is on point! I can't wait to go back this Fall and enjoy a few Fall beers in their outside seating. If you're in town, definitely put it on your list. Though Charleston does not disappoint in the brunch department no matter where you go!

11

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! It's been a crazy week here with my husband out of town for part of it and Rowan's sudden crazy sleep antics. Is there a full moon or something?! Anyway it's been way too long since I linked up with April and shared some Friday Favorites, so here we go!

ONE

We're getting pretty excited football season is almost upon us! And Fall clothes of course. Though everyone here knows we don't get to wear those until at least October. I die over this puffer vest and these moccasin slippers for Rowan. Those slippers are for sure going in his Christmas stocking, if I can wait until then!

TWO

When your makeup doesn't match your face any longer you know its time to get some color. I'm excited to finally try out the Rodan + Fields sunless tanner that my friend Rachel hooked me up with. Has anyone used it? I've heard so many good things so hopefully it lives up to its hype. Any tips for application?

THREE

Stroller (Love it!). Stroller Fan

Rowan totally judged us for bypassing all of the fruits and vegetables at the Farmer's Market this week in favor of the doughnut truck and kettle corn stand... Look at those chins!

FOUR

Excited for our blogger date this weekend! It's always fun getting together with local bloggers (many of which I consider my Charleston family now) but meeting bloggers while they are visiting is an extra treat. It's safe to say a cocktail and some girl time is much needed after an exhausting week!

FIVE

Cheap Rosé from Trader Joes. I think this bottle was $5 and it was much better than the $9 bottle we bought. I know, big spenders. For the record we do splurge for better wine but I can only have a glass or two since I'm still nursing and I hate to waste it. Also what can I say, I'm a cheap date!


I hope you all have fun plans for the weekend! Aside from stuffing my face with food and finally finishing our DIY coffee table, there are a lot of naps planned in this household. Lets just hope Rowan gets the hint!

8

Rowan's Baptism

This weekend I put on heels, (tried) to hide my receding hairline, ate my weight in dessert, and hosted 25+ friends and family at our home all in honor of Rowan's baptism.

Being so far away from both sides of the family, we did not expect to have such a huge crowd of people there to celebrate with us and it made the day oh so perfect! Rowan was a total ham all weekend, he is at such a fun stage right now!

We took tons of family photos but I dropped the ball on taking photos during the party. And somehow I didn't take a photo of my son by himself in his adorable smocked baptism romper! Mom fail. I did take a few photos of the food though... I guess I need to adjust my priorities?

I whipped up three batches of buttercream frosting mere minutes before the first non-family guests arrived, so needless to say there were no pretty rose cupcakes but they were still delicious.

Of course it was hot as balls so no one stepped outside the house during the party to play lawn games, but I couldn't blame them. Thank goodness my kid has a winter birthday now that we are Southerners.

I felt like I was in party prep mode all last week so as special as this past weekend was, I'm glad I can finally put my feet up and put a dent in some of the leftover wine. I hope you all had a fab weekend!

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What I'm Loving Wednesday: Summer Staples

For most of the next week here in Charleston the temps are in the 100s. That's right... triple digits folks.

At that point, why bother showering?

If I do have to venture out, you can probably expect to see me in the outfit below with a frizzy, (almost) top knot and sans baby. Not sure if you knew this but hatred of heat and humidity is genetic and Rowan clearly got his Northerner mama's genes versus his Floridian dad's in this case.

Tee. Shorts. Sandals. Necklace. Bag.

I'm still trying to dress this post-baby bod and I'll be honest, I'm not happy with it despite being only a couple pounds from my pre-baby weight. I lost 40 pounds and still ate my fair share of donuts. (thank you breastfeeding!) But I will tell you that the fat to muscle ratio is much different these days. With an emphasis on the fat part.

I mentioned my love for this Loft tee last week and as soon as it went on sale I scooped it up in multiple colors. I love the way it drapes, its light weight, can be dressed up or down, and I don't have to suck in the whole time.

I'm also obsessed with this swim cover-up (I have it in white) and I picked up the same swim suit (this top and this bottom) that Stephanie recommended. Old Navy for the win! I'm still on the fence about the high waist bottom but it hides my stretch marks so I'll take it. (Side note for the girl mamas: you can get a matching coverup for your mini. I'm jealous.)

Hopefully Rowan will be sporting his swim gear this weekend since we're heading North to where the temperatures are manageable. I'm aiming to pack at least one full outfit for myself among the many, many... many baby things.

What are some of your summer staples? Anything I need to get my hands on?

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Currently...

I hope you're all having a great week so far! I have been swamped with work and micromanaging the terrible painters we had come to paint our living areas so I'm basically just counting down the days until the weekend. Here's a quick look at what I've got going on...

Loving: this custom family painting (such a great gift idea!), watching Rowan grow and learn new things (he is changing everyday, plus I'm pretty sure he's like 16 pounds!), and the cutest cafe (St Alban) where I met up with Ally this past weekend

Loathing: the 4 month sleep regression, the colossal letdown in our painters, the thought of flying for the first time with Rowan by myself next week (any and all advice welcome)

Looking Forward to: Rowan meeting all of his family up north, entertaining at our new home, maybe getting a tan this summer?

Decorating: Our new sofa and chair! The color of the sofa came out a bit different than we expected against the new paint color, it kind of blends in. I had a mini panic attack until some friends talked me off the ledge and convinced me all it needs is to be styled with a white throw, photos on the wall, and some new pillows to break up the color.

Ignore the rug! We're getting a new one as soon as I decide which one!

We still have to hang frames, order a rug, and put up curtains, I'll share more progress photos as soon as I can! If you have any favorite places to find pillows please share! I usually make my own but I have a feeling I won't have time these days.

Pinning: healthy-ish dinners and party planning ideas for our first big picnic/party

Shopping: still debating on a rug, pillows, and we really need a floor mirror in our master. Also loving this top (its so comfortable but I passed on it to wait for a sale), these adorable mesh espadrilles and this shirt (perfect for the Fall in Charleston) for Rowan. Baby boy clothes are so much more fun to shop for than I expected!

Watching: still Veep and Game of Thrones, catching up on Black Sails, and getting excited for the next True Detective series (can you tell we like our HBO?)

Also the Can't Live Without It linkup is on pause this week, make sure to join us next week though!

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Wednesday Randoms

Happy hump day, friends!

We've had quite the week so far around here. It seems as though Rowan is going through a growth spurt and possibly a developmental leap all at the same time, so our 3 week stretch of sleeping through the night has been interrupted. Rowan has been such a happy, fuss-free baby so this has really thrown us for a loop.

Since energy and time are hard to come by, I'm taking a page from Katie's book and doing a quick update for y'all! Also linking up with Natalie and Annie!

Loving: this blush bucket bag, doing ab exercises during nap time, and the lips, cheeks, and double chin below (heart eye emojis times ten!)

I told him to enjoy the rolls now because they aren't as widely accepted when he's my age.

Loathing:  postpartum hair loss, witching hour, pale legs + shorts, and being allowed only one glass of wine between feedings

Looking Forward to: Girls brunch this weekend, closing on our house, and my first Mother's Day!

Making: Breakfast for dinner most nights. Its easy, quick, and good after the inevitable reheating with a fussy baby around.

Sharing: My friend Lo's blog! She has a super cute giveaway going on here, head on over and check it out!

Pinning: Living and Dining room inspiration, including paint colors. All I've narrowed it down to Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue for my office and Revere Pewter for our living room/kitchen/entryway. I'm planning a paint/stenciling job in our half bath so stay tuned!

Also I'm obsessed with this coffee table, I just need to figure out where I can buy it!

Shopping: We haven't decided on living room furniture yet (thanks so much for the help!) but I did pick up this metal bed for our guest room. I've also got this rug, this maxi dress for mama, and this sweet button down for my little man in my shopping cart. 

Watching: Scandal, Game of Thrones and Veep

Hope y'all have had a great week so far! Don't forget to join Stephanie, Laura and I tomorrow night (or Friday) for our Can't Live Without It linkup!

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Lemon Almond Chicken Salad

So I know most of us have probably already checked out of summer now that Fall is just around the corner, but this recipe is so perfect for a summer lunch or picnic, and I couldn't pass it up! Once I got over my chicken aversion (which is actually still lingering but I can manage to eat this), I couldn't wait to try it.

I personally love anything with lemon-flavor in the summer. I usually go the dessert route (surprise surprise!) but this time I switched it up after trying a variation of this recipe while visiting my  family up North. I'm not saying it beats a lemon cupcake, but its still pretty delicious!

Linking up with East Coast Chic and Home of Malones!

Lemon Almond Chicken Salad
Recipe Adapted from Giant Eagle

Ingredients

1 Rotisserie Chicken or 2 cooked chicken breasts, diced and chilled
1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (or Mayo, if you're not worried about calories!)
2 tablespoons fresh Lemon Juice
1/3 cup Sliced Almonds
1/2 cup Sweet Onion, diced
1/4 cup fresh Parsley
1 teaspoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except for the chicken to make a dressing. (Or be like me and just mix them all at once!) Then add your chicken until it's completely coated. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

I added some cheese and spinach to this sandwich and it was so delicious! Using the greek yogurt instead of mayo does change the taste a little but its so much lighter and healthy for you.

It's perfect if you are sick of your normal lunch routine at the office. So easy! Has anyone else had this before or have another favorite recipe for lunch? I feel like I'm always running out of ideas of things to make!

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Frozen Pup Treats + Our Weekend

I hope you all had a great weekend! Ours was disgustingly hot. Like, the only way you could rationalize going outside of the air conditioning was if your feet were in a body of water and there was a cold drink your hand.

We briefly stopped by Isle of Palms beach on Sunday before heading over to the Daniel Island Waterfront Park. We had never been on Daniel Island and now I understand the high cost of real estate there because its so charming! We just walked around and took some photos in the small park while sweating buckets and finally heading home to Ruby.

I thought Ruby could use a new treat since she has been through a lot lately, and with the weather as hot as it is, I opted to try a frozen treat. Considering she is one of those dogs that takes about 10 minutes to eat a treat, I assumed these were pup-approved when she downed this one in about a minute!

Frozen Peanut Butter and Yogurt Dog Treats
Recipe from 17 Apart

Ingredients:
1/4 cup All Natural Creamy Peanut Butter, melted slightly
4 oz. Plain Greek Yogurt
Carrot shavings (optional)

Silicone molds or ice trays work the best for these since you can just pop the treats out very easily.

Silicone Paw Mold {similar here and here}

If you want to add some shaved carrots or sweet potato, just mix the shavings into the greek yogurt before adding to the mold. I did it with the first batch I tried because Ruby likes carrots.

Fill the openings on the tray about halfway with the greek yogurt. Pick up and drop the mold several times to get the yogurt in all the crevices and to make room for the peanut butter.

Repeat the process with peanut butter and freeze for about 3-4 hours. So easy! Perfect for spoiling your pup on a hot summer day!

So how was your weekend? Hot like ours? If anyone has any other frozen dog treat recipes let me know, these were a hit for Ruby!

22

Summer Skin Care (for the cheap gals)

We're halfway through the week! Not that I want to rush the summer along, but I'm just counting down the days until August when my day job slows down a bit and I can catch up on the five thousand things on my to-do list!

I'm also looking forward to some cooler days here in Charleston, though I know those are a long way off. Don't get me wrong, I love the summer. But summers in Charleston (with approximately 3425% humidity) wreak havoc on my already difficult hair and my skin!

One of the things I was really good about doing before our wedding was taking good care of my skin on a normal basis and I've been really bad about doing that until recently. Let's not get started on the love chub and my lack of gym appearances!

So today I thought I'd share some of the products I use with my summer skin care routine and see if y'all have any other good recommendations. 

Disclaimer: I'm super cheap and hate spending a lot of money on products that may or may not work. I usually get a few free samples from Sephora before committing to the real thing. I'm sure there are other, better, more pricey options out there but these are what seem to work for my complexion and my budget!

Caladryl Lotion: I think I've raved about this before but this is one of those cheap tricks my Mom taught me in high school when I was battling zits and I swear by it! I put a dot of Calamine on any problem areas, or areas that look a little iffy, and they dry up within a day or two! It's also good for a lot of other uses (I think I may be like the Dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding with his bottle of Windex... anyone?)

Olay Regenerist At Home Microdermabrasion Kit: I only use this about once a month because I also use the Philosophy Peel Pads (see below) but I love it. For a relatively low cost, it makes my face feel so soft and clean! I think it helps even my skin tone, but who knows, maybe it's just in my head?! Either way, I'll keep using it!

Philosophy Microdelivery Mini Peel Pads: I've been using these about once a week and I really like how soft my face feels after! Plus they are easy to use. They leave sort of a weird feeling on your skin until you wash your face afterwards but I definitely notice a brighter skin tone and some smaller pores (it's got a lot of work to do on this face) after a few uses.

Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Suntan Lotion: This stuff is the best for your face in the summer. I put it on before my makeup sometimes if I know I'll be outside for an extended amount of time. It doesn't make your face feel oily at all.

Ponds Dry Skin Cream: Like the Caladryl, I use this on repeat all year long. Even though my face is more oily in the summer, I still put this on in the morning because it makes me feel so refreshed!

Also, not pictured, I love Biore pore strips! Those bad boys are amazing and kind of gross at the same time. 

So what are some of your favorite products? Anyone else do mini- facials at home?

12

Friday Favorites

Hallelujah, it's Friday!

This week has been tiring between unpacking, doing approximately millions of loads of laundry,and taking care of Ruby after her surgery. I'm her least favorite person right now because as she keeps evolving and learning where we are hiding her medications, I'm forced to just stick the pill down her throat. I swear dogs are too smart for their own good sometimes!

Today I'm linking up with Amanda for my usual Friday Favorites!

One. La Croix.

Yesterday was so overcast and dreary, it was perfect for cuddling up with a book and some snacks! I've heard a ton about how much people love La Croix but I think the Lime is just so-so. What are some other good flavors I need to try?

Two. Peach Cookies.

How stinking cute are these cookies?! I feel like a total fatty constantly bringing up cookies lately but these things are SO good! They are made with a little bit of Peach Schnapps and have some sort of frosting-like filling. I've never tried to make them because they seem super complicated, but here is the most similar recipe I can find. Has anyone tried them before?!

Three. Nordstrom Pre-Fall Anniversary Sale.

Is anyone sick of hearing about this yet? Well, if you're not one of the cool kids (like me) with a Nordstrom card, you can finally shop the sale today! On my must find list: new riding boots! I'm determined to commit to a pair this year because I had to throw away my old crappy pair at the end of last winter. (P.S. That's one way to convince your husband you need a new pair... throw them out!)

I definitely suggest snagging some Zella leggings. They are my favorite and can be worn for working out or just as leggings with boots!

Four. New Recipes to try

{via}

Pizza has been my jam lately, especially the kind where you throw whatever you have on as toppings! This Roasted Cauliflower and Garlic pizza looks delish and somewhat healthy... bonus!

Also, why didn't I think of these homemade drumsticks?! You can pick your own ice cream and jimmies! I'm totally adding them to my summer bucket list!

Five. A weekend with nothing to do!

I can't wait to do absolutely nothing this weekend, who is with me?! Sometimes those are the best weekends. I really need to catch up on emails and get back into normal blogging mode because I miss it!

I hope you all have a fab weekend! It's the last one in July! Eek!

16

End of Summer Bucket List

It's so hard to believe it's already mid-July and summer if half over! This summer has gone by way too quickly between busy work weeks, long road trips to see family, and taking care of our little furball.

Per usual, my Type-A self felt the need to make a to-do list to make sure we don't miss out on anything this summer. And even though its still hot as balls in Charleston in September, I'm not counting that as summer so we better get to work on this list!

Go Paddleboarding on Shem Creek

We tried to do this last month and our plans were rained out, but I'm still holding on to hope that we can get it together! Shem Creek would be so pretty to see from the water!

Try a New Restaurant (or two!)

{via}

Charleston is a foodie heaven so there is definitely no shortage of restaurants to try. The problem is deciding which ones!

Summer Reading

I mentioned last week I'm trying to get back into reading in my down time so I've got a little summer reading wishlist. I need to finally finish the Husband's Secret, and then hope to move on to Where'd You Go Bernadette, the Light Between Oceans, and Gone Girl. I've also heard from y'all that the Invention of Wings and Reconstructing Amelia are good so those are on the list! Any others I'm missing?

Go to the Beach

It seems totally crazy that we live 30 minutes from the beach but haven't been there yet this summer! I also haven't made much progress on my tan, so that kind of goes hand-in-hand with this one!

See "The Bean" in Chicago

{via}

I'm heading to Chicago at the end of August and the one thing I've been wanting to see is the Bean! Anything else I need to see and/or eat while I'm there? (And hell no, I will not be visiting the Skydeck unless someone can pick me up after I pass out)

Spa Day

On the agenda during the bachelorette party is a spa day and I'm so excited! I've never had a professional massage before so you better believe I'll be signing up for one of those babies!

What are some of your must see or dos before the summer ends?!

13

Our Fourth of July

I hope you all had a fun, festive Fourth of July weekend! I've officially polished off most of the dessert leftovers from my parents' party, and considering how much food we had, I'd say that's an accomplishment.

I hate to admit I was bad at taking photos! There were so many friends and family there and so much food to be eaten... it was hard to keep up! It was like a big family reunion complete with string lights, blueberry moonshine, camping in the backyard, water balloon battles, and a very intense cornhole tournament.

We went with a "vintage Americana" theme and I love how everything came out. There was so much food on the table by the end of the party that you almost couldn't see some of the details so I'm glad I snapped a few photos beforehand!

My cousins' kids "helped" me make the homemade cupcake frosting, which ended up taking so much longer with a hand mixer (I do not recommend!) so we were a little rushed to get those done but the kids loved it.

Steve and I made it to the championship game in the cornhole tournament (our celebrity power couple name is Stait) but we lost! We had 11 teams sign up so the tournament was definitely a hit!

Obviously my handwriting took a turn for the worse...

Love my parents' back yard! 

We've still got a few days up North and I'm trying to soak up every minute of it!

Did anyone else eat well this weekend? The gym in definitely on the agenda when we get home, ugh!

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