A Little Gravel in my Travel.....

I finally feel like I'm getting back to normal after what can only be described as an amazing past 10 days.

Teddy and I were in back-to-back weddings, with a family vacation in SC sandwiched in between! The past week was full of family, friends, fun, sun, laughter and relaxation - definitely a week comprised of special moments and memories that I will cherish!

Here are just a few highlights captured in photos - but no amount of photos could do this week justice!

Congrats to the newleyweds, Joel & Sarah and Candice & Andy. We love you guys!

*The title is from a country song that we spent a lot of time listening to while down south and out in wine country in MI - couldn't be more fitting!

For my Best Friend on her wedding day....

Today I am in MI to celebrate the wedding of one of my oldest and dearest friends. I have been thinking a lot about the many years, memories, laughs, and tears that have led to this moment. When she stood beside me at my wedding last year, I am sure she was having similar thoughts. It's hard for me to express how happy and excited I am for her, and all that I'm praying for as she enters into this chapter of life. So, I thought I'd sum it up by just letting her know I'm thinking of her and wishing her every joy this precious time has to offer.

Candy, when Saturday morning comes and your wedding day is finally here, I wish for you.....

The serenity of knowing you have a partner for life, starting now. The most special wedding day, with every eye on you and everyone appreciating how beautiful you are, inside and out. The happiness that comes from knowing the most special person in your world chose you to stand beside forever.The joy of having loving family and friends around you to celebrate this occasion and bless your marriage.

And, most of all, the knowledge that you have a lifelong friend who will be standing beside you and Andy, unable to be any happier for you, remembering all the years that passed that led to this moment, and looking forward to all the years and memories to come.

Dose of Domestic - Chicago Style



The hubs enjoying the view and our picnic treats!

This week was full of all the little things that make Chicago a wonderful city to live in. Lately, a smaller town with a slower pace has been on my mind. I often think about moving back to Michigan and spending more time with family, or putting roots down in the south and enjoying a "southern state of mind". But every once in a while, Chicago wins my heart all over again.

This week the weather was beautiful, and Teddy and I took full advantage. We had a leisurely lunch during the week - a true, but very rare, luxury that we were able to enjoy since we both work from home. Oddly, we have only gone to lunch together one other time in the entire year we've both worked from home!

The highlight was the weekend (although, isn't that always the case??). We celebrated the anniversary of our engagement by having a picnic at the harbor, complete with plenty of wine, delicious food, a great playlist, and a fantastic view of the skyline.

The menu for our picnic included smoked salmon with cream cheese and toast points, tortillas with peanut butter, honey, and bananas, and pineapple avocado salsa with chips (made with pineapple chunks, chopped avocados, jalapenos, red onions, and lime juice).

We spent Saturday at the beach, and riding bikes. Since my bike is brand new, and I haven't ridden one in about 10 years, that was truly an adventure. I'm sore today in muscles I didn't even know I had!

Some highlights of our fantastic weekend:

Cream of Chicken and Rice soup

Pineapple and Avocado Salsa

How did you spend this gorgeous weekend?

6/6/10

On the boat, the day we got engaged. The ring was in his pocket at this moment - and I had no idea!

"Come on, I'm hungry."

I'd venture to guess that is not the way most proposals begin.

It is the way mine started though (because I think about food basically all the time). Teddy had taken me for a romantic architecture boat tour (historic buildings are one of my favorite things), and we were enjoying a relaxing Chicago weekend with all that the city has to offer. Leaving the boat, we lingered at a breathtaking spot overlooking the Chicago river. It was there that I bossily informed him I was hungry, and proceeded to walk in the direction of a restaurant. I noticed I was walking by myself.

I turned around to find Teddy. On one knee. Looking more nervous than I could ever imagine.

It was an incredible surprise, complete with all of the tears and laughter I'd dreamed the moment would hold. I was in shock. It was the best day of my life up until that point.
It was the day my (now) husband proved once and for all that I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Hard to believe that day was 2 years ago now. With our wedding anniversary fast approaching, I just want to take a moment and tell my husband how completely fulfilled, blessed, and excited I am to have him in my life every day.

Teddy - Every day with you is a gift, and I could not ask for a better partner in this life. Happy Engagement Anniversary!

Summer Lovin'

Festivals in the city = Summer!

What Summer means to me - leisurely days sipping cocktails in the sun!

Fedoras
"Two bare feet on the dashboard"
Floating in the pool
Boat drinks
Pedicures
Outdoor cocktails
People watching
Cherry wine
Grilling out
House full of friends
Open windows
Summer storms
Walks around the neighborhood with Teddy
Tan lines
Late nights with our parents in Michigan
Jello shots
Bonfires
Sand between my toes
Star gazing
Ice cream
Country music
Chicago festivals
A good book and a park bench
Cheap sunglasses
Zucchini

What are you most excited for, now that Summer is here?

Gratitude

Lately I've been feeling a bit down in the dumps. There are a variety of reasons for this, unfortunately, but I try my best to keep things in perspective and remember that I have an amazing life that's worth being grateful for.

Isn't it amazing how feeling gratitude in the moment can change your entire outlook?

So true, and I need to remind myself of this as often as possible. Here are just a few things that I'm pausing today to consider - I am betting everyone out there, no matter how dim things can seem, can find a few things like this in their own life to be thankful for.

A husband that always opens doors for me, says thank you for all the things that I do, cleans our drain when it gets clogged (what a terrible job), and looks for little ways every single day to make my life easier and better.

A steady job that, even when I am tired and frustrated and complaining, never fails to deposit money into my account every two weeks :) A job that lets me use my brain, talk to intelligent people, and see new places. Many people in the world today would love to have the job that I complain about.

A place to live. It may not be much, just a little apartment on a cluttered city street, but it's mine and its a roof over my head and a place for Teddy and I to call home. It has a lovely bay window and a yard to enjoy the sunshine and my favorite coffee maker.

Safe landings on my many flights - that's always something to be thankful for!

Fitting into my skinny jeans.

Crisp, freshly laundered sheets.

Fresh Spring flowers.

The first day you can open windows and let fresh air circulate.

Ice cream.

Freedom to go where I want, when I want. The freedom to marry whomever I choose and allow that partnership to be what is best for both of us. Freedom to say what I want in whatever medium I choose. Freedom to work, to play, to be educated, to read. Such easy things to take for granted when so many go without these things every day.

For the women in my life......

As mother's day approaches, I wanted to send a special shout out to each of the women in my life.

Though many are not mothers at all, every woman I am blessed to have as a part of my life teaches me something and brings into my world their own special brand of comfort. This list is by no means all encompassing, as I know there are many women and girls who influence me every day at home, at work, and in my family. This list is simply the people I should tell every day how much I appreciate them, but do not.

So, let me say it today.

To my oldest girlfriends - the ones who cook for me, comfort me, give me advice, bring me hot chocolate, spend days and nights with me when I'm lonely, drink wine beside me, make sure I find a cab home, listen to me, share clothes, blankets, and couch space with me, and don't judge me - I hope you know how much I appreciate you.

To my grandmothers - the matriarchs, the glue, an example of putting family first, a wealth of knowledge if I'm willing to listen, a comforting word, a cozy presence, a home cooked meal, a greeting card for no reason, a person I can always learn from - I'm sorry I don't reach out more. I think of you all the time.

To my sister - a shared history, the same laugh and "phone voice", partner in crime, protector and little one at the same time, the person who can make me laugh or cry like no other, the person who has been there the whole time and always will be - I hope you know I would do anything for you.

To my Mother-in-Law - my reminder of summer, the warmest hugs, a huge supporter, number one fan, ultimate salsa and casserole-maker, and best boat companion - Thank you for all that you do.

And, most of all, to my Mother - a house that will always be home, a listening ear, a compassionate advocate, a steadfast cheerleader, a shoulder to cry on, the jello-shot-maker, the original DIY-er, a person to bounce ideas off of....the person I can't wait to tell everything to, the person whose approval I most want, the person I know will always be waiting at home - Thank you for being you and for always being there.

Mom, I am so blessed to call you my mother and my friend. I love you!

Happy Mother's Day!

A Day Off - What is THAT Like??



Won't be quite this relaxing.....but close!

I have today off to recover from all of my recent travels and overloaded schedule. How nice. I can't recall the last time I used a vacation day for no reason at all. It feels extremely wasteful and yet I've been looking forward to it for days! Here's what I have on deck:

Enjoy a cup of coffee while catching up on "Girls". Obviously I need to do this once Teddy leaves for work.

Take a walk, possibly hit up Walgreens and Trader Joes although I'm not sure those errands are "day off" worthy.

Pit stop at the craft store for some wooden beads I need for a project.

Hop on the train and head downtown to do a little shopping with a gift card that's burning a hole in my pocket! I may or may not make a stop at Magnolia Bakery for a cupcake. We'll see how my self control holds up.

Massage appointment at 3:30.

Spend the evening researching new recipes and trying them out on Teddy for dinner!

All in all, a day full of all the little things I enjoy that get pushed aside so easily these days. What's your favorite way to spend a day off?

Dose of Domestic

"The secret of a happy life is continuous small treats."

This week was a tough one with lots of travel and time away from home. Not a lot of time to work on DIY projects or cook for my little family - I believe each of my meals for the last 7 days was ordered in or eaten out. For those that travel for work, what's your secret for staying somewhat fit??

I spent the week in Orange County and, while I missed Teddy and home, there were lots of little things along the way that brought a smile to my face and made me grateful for my adventures!

Here's a little taste of the things that captured my attention this week:

I've been hearing this song around a bit and find it impossible not to smile when it comes on. Thought I'd share :)

While in CA, my friend hosted me for dinner and showed me these adorable gold brick bookends she makes. You can find them on etsy here for a bargain price - so cute!

Enjoying dinner on a rooftop in Laguna. So beautiful here!

The weekend was a bit dreary in Chicago. Spent Sunday afternoon in a dive bar with Teddy enjoying cocktails and watching the rain. A great way to end the week!

Dose of Domestic

"The secret of a happy life is continuous small treats."

The little things that brought me big smiles this week.....

Used Sunday to get a little exercise with Teddy - we're not great at tennis, but we had fun!

Enjoyed a sushi dinner with the girls. Great conversation and plenty of laughs as always!

A freshly baked chocolate croissant - enjoyed in bed with a movie on a rainy Saturday morning. It felt totally naughty and wonderful!

Flowers everywhere! Taking a stroll through side streets and enjoying the view.

Books for Everyone!

Proof of Heaven by Mary Curran Hackett; Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis; Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner; White Oleander by Janet Fitch

I love reading. Let me just say that.

I love talking about books and sharing them. I basically read anything I can get my hands on, however I have a tendency to enjoy a certain type of material - that being deep, sometimes sorrowful, epic novels. The kind you can really sink your teeth into for a week at a time.

That being said, everyone enjoys different types of reading material and I have a huge collection of several types of books. Here are a few of my recommendations based on what you might be looking for.

For the sappy, motherly, or nostalgic: Proof of Heaven by Mary Curran Hackett
This is a great book about a mother's struggle with her son's terminal illness. Simply and movingly written, it's an easy read that helps you maintain perspective on what's important in life. An ultimately hopeful message, based on a true story, this book would make a great gift for someone that could use some inspiration.

For the trendy, classic, or "too cool": Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis
A classic book, not for the faint of heart. Think "Laguna Beach" on steroids. This book is about over-privileged LA teens experimenting with drugs, sex, and rebellion - in the essential absence of parents.  An interesting study on what can happen when people live in a fantasy world of limitless funds and no consequences.

For beach bums, light readers, or enjoyers of Chick Lit: Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner
I love any books by Jennifer Weiner as I think she really elevates the typical female beach-read genre. This is a great example of her work - utterly enjoyable, witty, and fun to read. Explores the most complex of friendships, both old and new. Will ring particularly true for those sets of friends who have drifted, and reconnected.

For the depressive person who likes to feel sad or "needs a good cry": White Oleander by Janet Fitch
Not that I consider myself a depressive person as mentioned above, but White Oleander is my all-time favorite book. A journey of tumult, struggle, and ultimately hope, it's impossible not to root for the main character as she bounces from foster home to foster home after her mother murders her latest lover. Legitimately harrowing in some parts, this book leaves you satisfied in a way that lighter fare cannot.

Welcome to The City Nest!

I’m glad you’re here!

The City Nest is the place to follow a twenty-something’s exploration of marriage, career, and living a full life! One of the challenges women today are facing is “having it all”………..I’ve discovered that having it all means managing an awfully full plate! Upon getting married, I developed a boundless enthusiasm for domestic experimentation – but my budget and my time constraints didn’t change! This blog will share my journey toward living the best life possible – without losing my mind or going broke – one recipe, DIY project, and weekend at a time!