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!

Dose of Domestic

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

This week was packed - literally filled to the brim - with lots of activities, friends, and enjoying the summer sunshine! Chicago is such a wonderful place when the sun makes an appearance - everyone out and about, friendly people, new places to try. The city comes alive for me in the Summer.

Started the week with an al fresco date night with Teddy where we narrowly escaped getting rained on. Lots of birthdays this week meant quite a few dinners at some great places.

Over the weekend one of my oldest and dearest friends came to visit to celebrate another girlfriend's birthday. Do you ever forget how much you love your friends until you have a fabulous night to remind you? This particular night ended with a full-fledged sing along to Wilson Phillips in the cab on the way to enjoy late-night burritos. I think our cab driver really enjoyed us. Hold on for one more day!

I also worked on some cards for an upcoming bachelorette party and tonight I am tackling roasting an entire chicken for the first time - wish me luck!

Dinner at Sola.

Working on some DIY watercolor stationery - instructions and finished project coming soon!

Enjoyed some sidewalk art and an adorable lemonade stand while walking to brunch.

Creative cocktails at the Violet Hour.

Out and about downtown.

Girls Night!

Dose of Domestic

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

This week was another busy one! I had a few outings for work, including indulging in an amazing 4 course dinner at a steakhouse downtown (ultra-rich dessert pictured below). I had a very relaxing weekend that included plenty of movies and naps, a Sunday church and brunch outing, and catching up on HBO shows with friends over a great new chicken recipe! We also had a little excitement around here as a woman who apparently had a bit too much fun this afternoon took a little snooze on our front porch. She ended up hitting her head and we had to call the police to have an ambulance come and help her out. Those Sunday Fun-days will get you!

Hope everyone had a terrific weekend!

Famous Butter Cake from Maestro Steakhouse. Don't worry - I worked out extra hard the next day!

Spinach and Feta stuffed chicken. Recipe coming soon!

A Friday evening bowling outing - I'm still terrible but had fun!

Cocktails downtown with the girls!

Walking on the sunny side of the street.

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!

Adult Beverage: Cucumber Basil Lemonade

With a few sunny days under our belt, I'm sure I speak for most Chicagoans when I say that I'm dreaming of cookouts, outdoor festivals, and dining al fresco.

I whipped up this concoction for a backyard get-together we hosted last summer and I know it will be a staple at any summer gathering I host!
Cucumber Basil Lemonade - with a punch:

1 cucumber - half for the lemonade and half for garnish
A few sprigs of basil
1 can of frozen lemonade concentrate
Large pitcher of water
1 lemon, sliced - half for the lemonade and half for garnish
Pinches of sugar
Citrus Vodka - this part will be to your taste! I used a good half a bottle in mine.

Mix the frozen lemonade mixture into a large pitcher with cool water. Stir in some sugar and the sliced lemons. Cut up the cucumber and the basil and add to the mixture. Add the vodka last and let cool in the fridge for 2 hours prior to serving.

I set mine out with some plates of sliced cucumber and lemons so people could add more to taste. A terrific summer treat! Watch out though - the ingredients really hide the vodka flavor so you just may end up indulging a bit more than you intended!