Preparing for the Fourth

How was your weekend? Ours was busy, but very fun. Loving Summer right now, even the sticky heat that I usually loathe. The season just brings people out to socialize more, kids are running around playing with water every day, and every evening is an excuse to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. The Fourth is clearly the height of this and we are starting to get ready, though I plan to keep things as low maintenance as possible. Looking forward to pure Americana with parades on Main Street, wine with friends, and plenty of burgers. 

Mary and I will be sporting our red, white, and blue....

1. Picked up this dress a few weeks ago at Scoop and love it. Flattering and oh so comfortable. The gauzy material is so light for hot days and can be dressed up or down. $110

2. I wish I was wearing these babies, but I already have a similar pair. Such a fab update on the summer bootie from Anthropologie. $148

3. This white floppy hat from Baby Gap has become a summer staple for the babe. Washes easily, too. $16

4. I have only bought the kids' pjs from Hanna Andersson, but this play dress seemed perfect for the fourth and on sale. $19

5. Mary finally fits in these little French leather sandals I bought a few months back. I worship them. J. Crew $45

This summer chopped salad with homemade buttermilk dressing is a great side for our barbecue. Plus, lots of finger food options for the kids before I toss it up. Going to pick up all the ingredients today. 

I need some more Americana in our house since it is so traditional and my new hunt (eBay seems to be a great resource) is for a vintage American flag to frame. They can look so chic in a simple frame and incorporated into a gallery wall or placed as a statement piece in a living room, like this lovely pad... 

Here is to the start of a short week! How are you preparing? 

xo

Erin 

Friendship in Your 30s

Someone shared (and then I followed) this article about Being a BFF in your 30s. BFF seems silly to use in our 30s, first off, but the article itself brought to light so many things that I have been thinking about lately. Whether you have kids, a demanding career, a relationship, a time consuming extended family, or any of the other thousand things that make your world go round, friendship gets trickier and trickier. 

The article points out that in your 20s you have nothing but time to hang out, spend quality time on the phone catching up, and generally feeling like you really are a BFF (oh how I miss all those boozy, lazy brunches). As time marches on and life begins to get complicated, that time once spent is missed and makes you feel like much less than the friend you once were. But what does emerge (and what is important to concentrate on) from less time spent connecting is the greater bond of having friends that are there no matter what. 

Even if you have not seen them in a few months, even if you have not been able to return their call as fast as you would like, even if you feel that you are in different stations in life, it does not matter. Because when you do get that time together or that phone call is placed at the perfect time or you text back and forth all night, it is just as that friendship always has been. Deep, genuine, and meaningful. 

Time is such a radical thing now and oh so precious. As are the friendships that we care so much about and will develop over the course of our lifetime. I would like to think that those in my life will always be whether it be seeing each other every week, every year, or every decade.  

Tomorrow I get to connect with friends that have been in my life for over two decades and though my time with them is always limited, it means everything to me when those moments happen. Though as women we tend to beat ourselves up about not doing enough in everything we do, sometimes it is nice to just relax and feel confident that you are a great friend no matter the amount of time you get to spend together. And you are the person that your friends support and want to hang out with. Preferably with a nice glass of wine. 

Happy weekend to all the girlfriends out there. Especially mine, who I cherish so much. 

xo

Erin 

PS: How much does that photo make you want to Shag this weekend? 

Shopbop Sale on Sale

Just as I was going online to look for summer dresses (for the 1 millionth time), I lucked out big time with Shopbop giving an extra 25% off all items already on sale. That is another quarter knocked off the posted price at check out (enter 25MORE as promo code). And the options are really great, in sizes besides xs and xl. Currently, these are all in my cart, need to make some decisions and narrow it down. 

These daytime options are great and make throwing something on for errands and barbecues easy. 

From Left: Splendid $72 / Mother $120 / Splendid $67 / Free People $48 / SoLow $41 

(prices reflect the additional 25% off)

And I love these options for summer weddings and nights out for drinks. 

 From Left: Parker $127 / Chalk Player $117 / Ella Moss $114 / Splendid $62 / David Lerner $96

There is a lot more to choose from. Skirts, rompers, shorts, denim, etc. Trying to keep myself in check, but hard to with so much to choose from. What are your favorites? 

Happy Shopping. 
xo
Erin 

Memphis Recap

We had the best weekend in Memphis. Though it was beyond steamy, the Southern charm of this city and it's people get me every time. 

We were there to throw my mother in law a birthday party. The flowers we ordered turned out gorgeous, from La Fleur. We also got some old school polaroids cameras to make a book for the birthday girl to remember the night. Things got interesting as the night went on, so fun. 

The food was done by Another Roadside Attraction and everything was delicious. we opted for a traditional barbeque spread with ribs, brisket, potato salad, and corn bread. We added some watermelon with feta and mint and Matt's uncle made the most unreal smoked salmon I have ever had (side note: I usually am not a fan). Apparently he made it in one of those Green Egg Grills. I am going to try and get the recipe to share. 

My Aunt's house is so gorgeous with Southern touches you would expect and some you do not. 

Hello hunting room. Apparently this is a pretty standard room for the Southern gentleman. I worship her front entrance with the arched doors and lantern with graphic wallpaper. And nothing made me happier then there pool area with copper bar. 

And of course there was a front porch we all hung out on, too.  

With this handsome guy. 

I posted what I brought on Friday, but here is what jewelry I opted for. Lucite bracelet from Alexis Bittar and my favorite vintage necklace. 

On Saturday we went with some other out of towners to the Peabody to see the ducks, which apparently is the event of the century given the crowd there. They have special ducks that parade into the elevator. I got to drink champagne while watching, which was the highlight. The hotel itself is gorgeous and the flowers there were unreal. Beautiful place for drinks or tea. 

After we had some time to kill before dinner and kit up a local dive, Bardog, with a juke box. We did not eat, but there is apparently a phenomenal chef there making really delicious updates on American classics. 

We had dinner in the private wine cave at McEwen's. 

It was so good. They had a large selection of Southern classics with modern twists, including tons of small plates for sharing. And let's not forget the warm biscuits on the table. The roasted mushroom salad with candied walnuts, blue cheese, and balsamic glaze was heaven. 

If you are ever in Memphis I also reccemoned Germantown Commissary for authentic barbecue, the Botanical Gardens are beautiful and apparently have a great outdoor park or kids, and of course Graceland. While it is not the best spot to visit, it is kind of something you have to do and the decor is worth seeing. Sun Studio is also great for music lovers. 

I hope you had a great weekend too! Any other spots in Memphis that are a must see? 

xo

Erin 

What I am Packing: Memphis

We are headed to Memphis this weekend without the babes (!) to celebrate my MIL's birthday. Matt's Southern family there is so fun and friendly, it is going to be great weekend. I hope to hit up some local spots as well so I can share next week. Any suggestions? It is going to be steamy there all weekend, so I am packing light. Here are the pieces I am squeezing into my carry on and hoping I do not sweat through them. 

1. The best white tee to wear with everything. J. Crew. 

2. The white tee and my favorite denim cut offs (J. Crew) will be perfect for walking around. 

3. My Claire Vivere goes with everything in my book. Easy to pack too. 

4. My new favorite sandals from Madewell. 

5. I love this graphic stripe skirt (Theory) to wear with the white tee for dinner. 

6. For the party, I will sport this Alice + Olivia. It is one of the most flattering dresses I own. 

7. I am rediscovering the amazingness of MAC Lip glass in Pink Poodle. 

8. Light and breezy dress for a trip to Graceland. These ASOSs skater dresses are the best. 

9. The heel that goes with everything. Stuart Weitzman 

10. My Jennifer Zeuner bracelet with the kids names on it to remember them while we are away.

Enjoy your weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Greek Grilled Chicken with Lemon Couscous

We are forever and always looking for interesting ways to eat chicken. Especially now that the little lady is venturing into that territory. This oldie but goodie was a delicious dinner and everything could be eaten by the entire family. (minus the peperoncini) This is best served al fresco with plenty of white wine. 

Greek Grilled Chicken with Lemon Couscous

Forks & Amusement 2011

serves 4

1 1/3 cup whole wheat couscous (in the rice section of the market)

2 cups chicken stock or water

salt and pepper

juice of one lemon

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano

1 minced shallot or garlic clove

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tomatoes, deseeded and diced

2 cucumbers, deseeded and diced

1/2 cup sliced peperoncini (optional)

1/2 cup crumbled feta

2 lbs. thinly sliced chicken breasts or 4 breasts pounded to 1/2 inch 

In a small sauce pan, bring the stock or water to boil. Place the couscous in a heat safe bowl and pour the stock over it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Set aside in fridge or freezer to cool. (Can be made in advance)

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, oregano, and shallot. Slowly add the oil while whisking until well combined.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill on each side for a few minutes until cooked through.

Toss tomatoes, cucumbers, peperoncini, and feta in bowl with vinaigrette. To serve, place a mound of couscous on each plate, place chicken on top, then layer the tomato and cucumber salad.

Enjoy!

xo

Erin

Summer Line Up

 

I have such a love hate relationship with the sun. There is nothing better than its warm soft rays on bare skin in these summer months, but the lines in my face and the spots on my arms remind me of its ugly side. With not a lot of time each morning, I need easy products to moisturizer, cover and correct easily. Here is my morning routine. 

1. Splash face with cold water. I heard about this from Giada and she looks pretty damn good. 

2. I mix a couple of drops of Vitamin C serum with Kate Sommerville Serum Sunscreen and slather on. This is the lightest, non-greasy sunscreen I have tried. I add a little more Vitamin C because why not? (the Sommerville serum can be hard to find, this Super Goop option is a good one too)

3. Dab on a little Kinerase C8 Peptide Under Eye Treatment. This can be used day and night and seems to have tightened things up a bit. 

4. I squirt one pump of Make Up For Ever HD Foundation into a scoop of Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer. It gives me just enough coverage to not have to wear anything else and keeps my skin moisturized all day without being oily. The Algenist was a great find I was talked into by a woman at Sephora, I am on my second pot which says a lot because of my product hoarding problem. 

If I am lucky, I have time for my 3 minute make up routine, but most days I skip that. Feeling a bit more confident in my skin these days since the hormonal acne has calmed down after babies and these products seem to actually be doing the work they claim to do. Shocking. ha 

What do you swear by in the summer? Would love to hear. 

xo

Erin 

Interior Inspiration: Summer House Santa Monica

Last weekend I had the pleasure of going to Summer House Santa Monica for the first time. Though the name makes it seem like I ventured away from Chicago, this spot is actually located in Lincoln Park. The name of this restaurant totally does it justice. Once you walk in you immediately feel the tranquil, coastal California vibe. Light and bright with a lovely outdoor patio and flanked by a white planked bar that makes you feel like you are saddled up by the beach. The best part is that (and perfect for when you want to feel like you escaped in the middle of winter) there is sky lighted courtyard that makes you feel like you are dining al fresco. Shades totally required. The food was also delicious and light. 

Being in this atmosphere made me crave that California feeling. Even though I grew up in Chicago, my family and my heart really is in sunny So Cal. It inspired me to put together some interior ideas to bring this fresh and coastal feeling home. 

1. Brass Urchins $45 / 2. Tortoise Mirror $250 / 3. John Robshaw window panels $125 / 4. Moonshine Vase $45 / 5. Burmese Blue Vase $62 / 6. reclaimed pine console table $550 / 7. Serena & Lily Stool $295 / 8. Furbish rug, various sizes / 9. Lulu & Georgia table lamp $219 / 10. West Elm Down Sofa $1299 / 11. Furbish lumbar pillow $88 / 12. Pedestal Table $399 / 13. West Elm striped chairs $850 / 14. West Elm Terrarium $29 / 15. Serena & Lily Side Table $495

xo Erin 

White Hot Summer

I cannot remember the last time I bought white shoes. Sandals or not, the last pair had to be my wedding shoes or maybe a pair of flips. Though they are usually not on my radar, I came across this pair last week and could not resist. 

I cannot find them anywhere on the web, but if you are in Chicago they are on sale at the Christian Louboutin store on Oak. I loved the detail and while they also came in a much more sensible brown leather, the white was something different. There was a sweet woman browsing while I was trying them on and reminded me that white "pops, like no other color," and she was so right. 

The ladies above are showing a lot of white on white, but I think I will sport these with other pastels and blue for a prep vibe. Here are some other white sandals that I think would be so fun for the summer. 

1. Snakeskin is a great addition to the classic Stuart Weitzman $398

2. Perfect with flirty summer dresses. Gap $44

3. Worship these Joie sandals $125

4. Classic and they look comfy. Topshop $75

5. I have to say I love a Birk, so this trend is fun to me. This style would be the way I would go. $80

6. The buckle detail and white heel are fun Obelia $99

7. Love this modern take on a summer sandal by Halogen $99

8. All white Topshop would be perfect with a bright dress. $80

How do you feel about white? 

xo

Erin 

Let's Hear it for the Dad's

Father's Day is definitely does not as celebrated as Mother's Day, but the men deserve just as must fuss as us. Almost. Here are a few ideas (some classic, some new) that you can still order for your favorite authority figure. 

1. Nixon $95 / 2. West Elm $1,039 / 3. Nespresso $299 / 4. Marshall $416 / 5. Where Chefs Eat $20 / 6. East Dane $56 / 7. Rainbow $50 / 8. Hugo Boss $95 / 9. Brooks England $250 / 10. Petit Pizzeria $99 / 11. Baxter of California $262

xo

Erin 

Happy Weekend

What are you doing this weekend? Besides a few obligations, golf and being outside with the kids is what I am mostly looking forward to. 

I have been kind of obsessed with Zinfandel recently. Not the white zin that I have avoided since the boxed wine days, but the rich loveilness of a red. This Decoy has become a bit of a staple. 

I also plan on making this chopped salad with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing, which I have been craving all week. The ranch more than the salad, but still. 

I got these great Madewell flats this week and am trying to stick with my "no flip flops rule." They are comfortable and are classing up my day. 

These pillows (stripe and diamond) are going to great on my couch this summer, can't wait until they arrive. Along with this cute stripey rug for the kitchen. 

That is pretty much what is making me happy right now. I hope your weekend is filled with fun times and a treat or three. 

xo

Erin  

Ahi Tuna Ceviche

Ceviche always reminds me of lunchtime on the beach in Mexico. A refreshing Marg, bowls of chips and guac, and insanely fresh fish punched up with plenty of lime. Heaven. This was my first attempt to make it at home and it was surprisingly easy and required few ingredients. The key is to get the freshest fish you can get, which is now easy at your local market. The Ahi gets "cooked" on the outside from the lime juice and stays super tender. It works great as an entree for lunch or as an appetizer like I did. Serve with chips and pretend you are having a getaway.  

Ahi Tuna Ceviche

serves 6

1lb Ahi Tuna, Sushi Grade sliced in 1/4 inch thick
1 cup fresh lime juice, about 5-6 limes
1 small red onion, small dice
1 jalapeno, small diced, seeds removed (leave in if you want super spicy)
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
2 avocados, diced
Green Tabasco, red is fine too

Place the tuna in the freezer for 15 minutes to get really cold, it makes it easier to cut. With a really sharp knife, dice the tuna into cubes and place in a glass or ceramic bowl. Add the lime juice, onion, and jalapeno and stir to combine. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour, stirring gently every 15 minutes. 

After the hour, add the avocados, cilantro, dashes of Tabasco, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled. 

Enjoy! 
xo
Erin 

Tasseled At Home & In the Closet

I mentioned that I had bought these Serena & Lily tasseled window panels a few weeks ago and I am happy to say they are up. 

I needed something sheer to let in a little light, but also just enough coverage for privacy. I am loving the tassels (they come in a bunch of colors) and the crisp white with the navy accent in my bathroom. I actually am thinking of one of the other colors in a bedroom. 

And since my love for tassels and poms goes beyond this purchase, I put together some other favorites that would be fun additions to my closet and home this summer. 

1. Worship this navy and white pom pillow from Anthropolgie $58

2. Seriously coveting this J. Crew statement necklace $150

3. How fun is this pom bikini bandeau top? Asos $34

4. This Kendra Scott necklace is a great length and comes in many colors $80

5. This preppy mini bag from Tory Burch is great for summer $250

6. I own this in white and LOVE it. On Sale! J. Crew $59

7. This throw would look great in my living room (more colors) West Elm $29

8. These Ben Amun tassel earrings would be timeless $240

9. Love this Chan Luu as a scarf or a sarong $90

10. These nude sandals are hot. Nasty Gal $78

11. Perfect pillow from Furbish comes in a few colors $60

xo

Erin 

Three Days in Chicago

Though I write about places that I visit, I rarely write about the very place that I live. Though I am now full time in the suburbs, the city still has my heart. Chicago is a place that literally comes alive in the Summer. And though I do not have the time or flexibility at this point to enjoy the city for a long weekend as I once did, you might. So here is my dream itinerary for three days in Chicago. Though it may not include the hottest of restaurants or the place to seen and be seen, it does include some great spots to enjoy a city that so deserves all the attention it should get. 

Friday

As long as it is nice out, a solo run on the lake is always a great way to start the day. Afterwards a smoothie from Protein Bar is delicious. I like the Comiskey Cocoa. Later let's lunch at Nomi on the terrace and drink rose, then maybe pop over to Sophia on Walton because tipsy shopping is kind of the best. After a glorious nap, we head to Sunda for dinner to munch on the crab hand roll and white tuna with truffle. If we have the energy, we might go for a drink at Hubbard Inn after at the bar upstairs. 

Saturday

Though our heads are a bit cloudy from last night, we head to Green City Market to find the best croissant and coffee stand. After walking through and buying bunches of flowers, it is brunch time at Stanley's. Nothing makes the day better than mac and cheese. Walking it off feels necessary, so we head down Wells and into Old Town stopping in shops that catch our eye. Later we have Goddess and Grocer pack us a picnic and hit up one of the outdoor concerts around town, hopefully a good one at Pritzer. Or even better, someone invites us on their boat to sip champagne and see the city all lit up. 

Sunday

All this eating requires a serious session at Core Power, but then is quickly followed by brunch at Feast in Bucktown. I will be ordering the chilaquiles and love juice. We shop down Damen and see where the day takes us. Hopefully to Sweet Mandy B's for a cupcake. If there is a game on, we saddle up at Sedgewick's with the college kids and pretend we are young again. Then it being Sunday, and all and because we clearly have not eaten enough, a big Italian dinner at Volare is totally necessary. But if we want to stay in wearing sweat pants, we dial up Lou Malnati's. 

Doesn't that sounds like a fantastic weekend? Obviously food is my main focus and how could it not be in a place that has so many great options. I could list literally hundred of other places to visit, but this is what came out first. What would you include? 

xo

Erin 

Every Day Kicks

Sliding on the Havianas has become a habit. Though I would like to wear something a bit more elevated (in style and height), it just does not happen. This summer though, I plan on making a change and hope one of these options gets play more than the flips. They need to comfy so I can still run after the kids, while also being cute and versatile with everything in the closet.

Note: Hover over the image for info and click to shop. Trying a new tool here, so let me know what you think. 

Loving the slides because I know they are easy to get on and off. But those Seychelles have been on my radar for awhile and I would sport them out for dinner Which is your favorite? 

xo Erin