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 

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