Grown Up Back to School

This time of year I get a bit jealous of kids going back to school. Though it was always sad to have summer over, the anticipation of a new year and the newness of your next grade was always fun. I really loved high school and would do it all over again. I would love to repeat more so that I could enjoy it even more and not worry about that nonsense that keeps you from truly enjoying the present. 

So at the risk of being totally cliche and posting about Back to School looks, I really just found some fun pieces to bring us back. Just a little. 

Striped notepads from Kate Spade ($12)

Warby Parker ($95) specs (wish I never got Lasik, so I could have these)

School bus Yellow Cambridge Satchel Company ($135) 

Minty Nike running shoes ($153)

Sequin running shorts from TopShop ($120) 

The lovely Garance Dore for Kate Spade iPhone cover ($40)

Coated sleeved fitted denim jacket by J Brand ($260)

Illustrated city calendar from Anthropologie ($24)

White rubber and gold watch from eWatches ($139)

xoxo

Erin 

Fall Uniform

I have spoken about uniforms before, and if what I have been gravitating to already for Fall shopping, this year will be no different. For every day, a slouchy sweater and black leggings or skinny jeans is pretty much all you will see me in. I switch it up here and there with a skirt or a button down, but really it is the easiest (comfortable) look to put together. Especially given my new side kick. 

Luckily with all of the brights for Fall and the coated or waxed jeans that are popping up, I can get something a bit different that will refresh this sometimes-boring assemble. 

It is nice to see someone like Lauren Conrad, whose style I love, also get into my uniform...

I got this top ($128) and fun coated jeans ($178). I am completing lusting over these YSL cap toed slippers ($675). I have not seen this exact shape (not into them being too pointy) with a more wallet friendly price. 

Is it weird to be shopping for Fall when it is 90 degrees out? Not sure, but I love looking to the new season and scouting out what is really going to work for my every day life when it comes to trends. 

PS: Here is a link to some coated jeans I found for $61 on Wallis. Really loving this easy update. 

xo

Erin

Not on the Registry

Even though it has only been six months since the babe came, it might as well be a lifetime. Those first few weeks and months of having a newborn have slid from my memory quickly. Not the great parts, like first baths, tiny finger grips, and locking eyes for what seemed like hours, but the hard parts like the complete and utter exhaustion, the hardships of nursing, and the baby blues. When you are in it for the first time, it can feel like your life will never resemble what it was before baby. Then as the weeks go on and the baby grows with you as a new mom, you start to get it. Each week, just a little more. We are still adjusting, but it sort of feels like life has settled into our new normal. 

With so many friends in the trenches of newborn-dom or about to embark on them, I wanted to share what resources seemed to help me the most through those first couple months. The internet is a deep dark place filled with crazy people, but somehow during that 3am feeding you will listen to any one's advice or story. Funny since they could be living in scowler and misrepresenting their entire experience. 

A few things that I found the most helpful are not registry items or keepsakes that are jammed in your house right now. They are simple resources to help you through and keep you sane. 

The Similac Strong Moms iPhone app was my favorite tool right from the start. You can keep track of everything. Diaper changes, nursing (length, side, amount, etc.) sleeping, bottle feedings, and growth. Once you start entering, it then helps to predict your baby's schedule. I tend to like data, so it was nice to see patterns emerge a bit (even if they were that your baby only sleeps during the day) and it gave me something to reference each day. 

I mentioned this book in my registry post, but I can not stress enough how helpful Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Dr. Weissbluth has been. He started out with no more than two hours of sleep at a time. I followed the book exactly (even CIO) and he started sleeping twelve hours a night at about three months. Some of that is biological, but a lot of it was following the science behind sleeping and this book is a great guide. 

The Babycenter site and apps were so helpful during pregnancy. You can also download their My Baby app to follow along with tips and information based on the birth date. You can also join the Birth Club for that month on the app and follow along with other moms who are right there with you. This can be another breeding ground for crazy, but I liked seeing posts from other new moms with the same questions and problems. Just knowing that someone out there was going through the same things was a relief. 

Other new moms was by far my favorite resource and outlet. No one is as great as someone who is going through the same life experiences that you are. I was lucky enough to have three friends with newborns at the same time. I also connected with old friends from college through Facebook who I might not have gotten close with again otherwise. 

If you are in newborn-land right now or about to be, know that it is a crazy amazing time. You will struggle with some it and at the same time relish in it. Those sweet moments of your tiny baby getting used to the world does not last long. Enjoy, reach out, and know that life will settle into something "normal" once again. 

xo
Erin 

Belts and Buttons

Nothing feels as classic for Fall as a crisp trench coat. Each season you can always find one in simple camel, but luckily there are variations that keep things interesting. Leather, ruffles, colors, stripes, even new shapes. My favorite trench is a stark white one I bought a few years back. Totally impractical, but I love it. This season I have my eye on these styles...

1. Elevenses $168

2. Theory $695

3. Vince Camuto $158

4. Loft $148

5. Burberry $1,250

6. Gap $55

7. Kenneth Cole $108

8. Burberry $695

9. Rebecca Minkoff $448

xo
Erin 

Pretty Little Things

As a complete sucker for monograms and initials, I have fallen for these sweet (affordable) pieces from Jennifer Zeuner. 

A scrolling initial ring...

A sweet love necklace...

An old school, chunky initial ring...

And customizable horizontal bar to say whatever you are thinking...

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wish: Hyannis Port

Seeing all of the pictures of Taylor Swift and her (too young for her?) Kennedy Crush reminds me of my obsession with John John. I was in love with him and the thought of being a part of an American Legacy. When Carolyn came along I then became obsessed with her and her overly chic, New York style. Though my wardrobe has changed a lot since those adolescent days, I can still dream about weekends in Hyannis Port and what I might be packing. 

1. Gap $55

2. Zoe Karssen $160

3. Viva Time $59

4. Elizabeth & James $225

5. J. Crew $250

6. Madewell $89

7. Coach $198

8. Chloe $175

9. TopShop $98

10. Cole Haan $117

11. Kate Spade $298

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Style Snapshot: Ashley

As one of the founding partners of NEAT Method, Ashley Murphy has seen a lot of closets, a ton of products, and figured out ways to keep things simple and well... neat! I am still amazed at what she was able to do in my home. This chic Chicago mama-to-be shares with us her personal style and her favorite things. 

I am originally from Ohio, but have been a Chicago girl for quite some time now.  I actually left for a brief couple of years to live in San Francisco, but always knew I would be getting back to my Midwestern roots sooner or later.

Ashley & Molly

While in San Francisco I was lucky enough to meet Molly Graves, my now business partner and lifelong friend!  We successfully launched a professional organizing company, NEAT Method and are thrilled to be officially in the Windy City! We figured since San Francisco wasn’t enough, why not take on another city…possibly even two (Minneapolis is in the works…sshhh!!)

And…on top of getting settled back in Chicago and running NEAT, I should also probably mention I am expecting my first baby this October. Ahhhh!!! Luckily, Type A people do best with a full plate!

So given my current belly situation, I am fashionably inspired by anyone who can make                pregnancy look chic.  Unfortunately, the timing of my pregnancy has aligned with celebs such as Snooki. Sooo I’m trying my best to come up with outfits that don’t make me look like I’m giving birth to a full size human. I’ve always kept my style simple and might have a slight obsession with basics. I tend to purge things that I no longer wear, so therefore I hate buying things that are too trendy to last for more than a season. I guess it’s proof that I actually practice what I preach to our NEAT Method clients.

I can always find something to impulse buy at Roslyn and Krista K in Chicago. I never online shop, because why deal with the hassle of returns? I actually only own one pair of maternity clothes: a pair of J Brand 3411 Maternity Skinny Leg Jeans. I am just having the hardest time getting into the whole maternity clothes thing. However, I might be getting to the point that a size bigger isn’t going to work for my ever-expanding belly!

Like my wardrobe, I am also fairly simple in the makeup department. If you were to see what I sported in college, you would be thanking me for getting over the makeup obsession and going with a more “natural” look. I tend to typically throw on a little eye shadow and mascara, finished with some powder and blush and call it a day. For a night on the town, I will spice it up with some eyeliner and fun gloss.

My favorites are: Laura Mercier Buttercream eye shadow, Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill mascara, custom mineral powder by Nicole Jacob (a Chicago makeup artist that you must try if you live here), and a blush by her as well. Oh and my favorite gloss is Channel #84. That’s pretty much it though!

Turns out my skincare routine isn’t quite as simple as my wardrobe.  This might be where some of my OCD tendencies shine through. It basically stems from the fact that when I moved to SF, my skin completely changed and I officially had adult acne (did I mention that I’m a bit of a drama queen??). I immediately went into panic mode thinking I would never make any new friends looking this way, which is when I discovered the most amazing medical Aesthetician in the world, Kim from Skin Salvation. I followed her advice and my skin cleared up immediately.  With a few modifications, here is what she taught me and I literally do it every morning and every night. And yes, my friends and family make fun of me…but hey, at least I have friends now!

p Use a clean washcloth to wash your face every morning and every night. No really…a new one every time.

p Rub an ice cube all over your face after every wash. Yep…I really do this too.  And in fact, I think it feels amazing.

p In the a.m. – apply eye cream and SPF

p In the p.m. – apply eye cream and a moisturizer

My favorites are: SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanse, Elta MD spf 45, A Natural Difference Phyto-Pumpkin Moisturizer, SkinCeuticals Eye Balm.

As for my fitness regime? Oh gosh…do we have to talk about fitness these days!? Does standing all day on the job for NEAT count as exercise? I never thought I would be the pregnant girl that couldn’t keep up with her regular fitness routine, but as it turns out…I just can’t. Without a baby on board, I typically am a runner and Pilates girl. For now however, let’s just call exercise on a good day: working, followed by some walking and light stretching.

And…my other interesting life choices…I swear by the Whole Foods on North Ave in Chicago.  It is the size of a small city, and I can get anything I could ever want all while enjoying a glass of wine!  Well, except in my current state…do you think a girl can grocery shop, carry a crying child, and hold a glass of wine all at the same time?  Lets hope so cause I’m only a few months away from doing so!

I’m mostly a vegetarian, but also not afraid to take a bite out of a burger from time to time. I don’t drink milk, only almond milk. I’m a little weird about taking vitamins and will only do so with a glass of juice. I also hate taking medicine, and avoid it at all costs.

If you are still reading this…I should consider you a friend! So, thank you!

Feel free to check out NEAT’s blog to learn more OCD habits! 

Nor Cal Wedding Love

Although this wedding was over a week ago, I think I am still in awe of how gorgeous it was. Looking back at these beautiful and thoughtful elements of what made for the picture perfect wedding for my brother and his new wife takes me right back. 

My sister in law is a Northern California native and wanted a rustic, yet elegant feeling to the wedding. All the events were held in her home town of Los Gatos, a place I had never been. This charming town won me over with its boutique filled downtown and delicious restaurants. The rehearsal dinner was held at California Cafe, whose food and service was the perfect way to start the weekend. 

Succulents were mixed in with hydrangea and roses, wrapped in birch and placed on sequined linens. The sequins were not shiny, which gave off just enough sparkle. An unexpected combination that was gorgeous. 

Large vases were wrapped in birch, filled with roses, or candles to decorate the bar. 

The groomsmen were given cuff links that reflected a memory from the groom like surfboards, cigars, or the sailboats above. The groomsmen wore custom colored seersucker bow ties. 

Apis Floral did all of the tabletop and flowers for the rehearsal and the wedding. 

The ceremony and reception were held at Villa Montalvo, a historic estate built in 1912 by California's first Senator. 

The Bride's bouquet. I was obsessed with the mix of different flowers. 

Two large arrangements for the alter.

Hand painted signs directed you where to head next

Adorable swirly straws with the bride & groom's name

The table arrangements were perfection and the wine bottle table numbers worked perfectly into the decor

The rehearsal dinner flowers were re purposed to decorate up a large room in the villa. Loved the mason jar votives. 

Stately setting with romantic touches

As some of you read in my Movember post, my brother is heavily involved with the cause. His 'stache was paid homage in the groom's cake along with his recent accent of Rinjani volcano. 

A classic, and delicious, wedding cake. 

The bride and groom met at UCLA, so it was only fitting that Joe Bruin make an appearance, get the crowd to sing the fight song, and then lead a Dougie circle.

I could not be happier for this couple that I am lucky enough to call family. Their radiating love for each other was infectious and reminded us all of what marriage is all about. 

xo

Erin 

Photos via Allison Giese & Moi

Wedding Weekend Wardrobe

Big, big weekend ahead. My one and only brother is getting married to the most amazing girl in Northern California. It will be a weekend filled with CA sunshine, lots of family time, plenty of laughs over wine, and more love than is imaginable for a brilliant couple. Packing is an art, and I have only semi-mastered it. I have plan to bring just enough to get me through...

1. Pleasure Doing Business $176 (similar style)

2. Splendid $52

3. Jimmy Choo $395

1. Juicy Couture $215

2. Alexis Bittar $255

3. BaubleBar $24

4. Brian Atwood $660

Dress by J. Crew and shoes by Jimmy Choo

And I will add in a few items like these to wear during down time....

1. Parker $198

2. Madewell $138

3. Goldsign $195

4. Equipment $210

May your weekend be filled with just as much love. 

xo

Erin 

Gut Job

Since doing a full gut job in the basement, there have been workers here every day. That was over a month ago and even though you cannot see much progress from these photos, there has been so much done. From electric, plumbing, dry wall, etc. I really had no idea how much work this was going to take. The good news is that a lot of the fun stuff is coming. In the mean time I can share some photos so you can see where we began and where we are now. 

Before and not quite after photos...

We decided on lots of built in storage to get ahead of the toy situation that is in our future. Plus, a nice spot for the tv. This room will be a nice family room and play space. 

We will have a half kitchen with another washer and dryer in this space. There will also be a bar in the cut out. We also decided to do a ton of storage in this space, you can never have enough. 

This bathroom is hard because it is dark and only has one window in the shower. White cabinets, white subway tile and dark floors should keep it light and bright. 

If you have ever done a full renovation like this, you know it seems never ending. But I am hoping that in the next month I can post some much more fun pictures of how this space is coming together. I also do not want to move onto other rooms of the house until this is done. 

Oh and let's not forget that we added a walk out door in the middle of this project just to keep things interesting. It is very nice to have an entrance to the backyard. It makes this space also much more like an in-law suite. Perfect for grandmas and grandpas. 

Any advice from those that have gone through projects like this is much appreciated! 

xo

Erin 

Bacon, Arugula, & Mozzarella Mini Stratas

I mentioned that I was going to be making a variation of this strata recipe for a brunch menu. If you have never eaten or made strata, it is essentially an Italian bread pudding. Best part is that you make it the day before and let it sit in the fridge. I have even made them two days ahead with success. You can vary this recipe however you would like. Change up the cheese, veggies, meat, add in herbs, spices, whatever you like. You can also use any type of bread, especially any that has gone a bit stale. I prefer challah because it is light and airy. Serve this with fruit and mimosas for the perfect brunch.

Bacon, Arugula, & Mozzarella Mini Stratas
Forks & Amusement 2012
serves 6-8

2 tablespoons olive oil
8 slices of bacon, coarsely chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups cubed challah
8 oz fresh mozzarella, dried and diced
3 oz baby arugula (about 3 good handfuls)

3 cups milk

10 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Prepare two muffin tins by spraying them with non-stick cooking spray.

Heat the oil over medium high heat in a skillet. Cook the bacon until just crispy. Turn off the heat, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate. Turn the heat back up to medium high. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Turn off heat and set aside.

Fill 18 of the cups with 1/2 of the bread cubes, then 1/2 the mozzarella, 1/2 the onion mixture, 1/2 the bacon, and a few arugula leaves. Repeat.

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Using a ladle, fill each of the cups to the top. Do not worry if they over fill. If you have extra egg, push down a bit on the bread so it soaks up more of the egg. Use as much as the egg as you can.

Sprinkle the top of each with Parmesan cheese. Chill, covered with plastic wrap, at least two hours and up to two days.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Serve warm or room temperature.

xo
Erin