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10+ Things, 10/19

Mitch, Please: 10 Things, 10/21

DIY Gingham Pumpkins Tutorial

Annual Yellow Rain Coat Photos

California Wedding

37 Lessons Learned in 37 Years

The First Fall Look

Little Girls’ Dachshund Dresses

What I Wore, 9/7

Three Easy Holiday Party Looks

Three Easy Holiday Party Looks


I blinked, and somehow it’s already time for holiday parties! I’ve gotten pretty good at putting together holiday looks using everyday basics I already own in my closet and adding one or two festive pieces to give the outfit a little something special for the holidays. This trick saves me from buying a new outfit for every occasion I have in December and makes it way easier to get dressed. I’m sharing three of my favorite holiday outfits for every occasion, so whether you’re looking for an outfit that’s casual yet elegant or one that’s a little more dressy, there’s something here for everyone.

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Lincoln Park, Chicago

Easy Holiday Birthday Celebration

Mitch and I threw an impromptu holiday-themed birthday party for the girls’ friend Emily last night, and can I tell you how happy I was that I’d serendipitously set all of this up?!

Really happy. 😆

My plan was to photograph it in the morning and then pack it up and put it out again while hosting this coming weekend, but last night’s events were obviously even more fitting, and it couldn’t have worked out better! I mean, four kids, a holiday candy bar, and a gingerbread house/sugar cookie-making station? They were all ecstatic! (And a little hyper. But it’s Christmas. It’s fine. 😉)

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Lincoln Park, Chicago
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Gifts Under $100

Gifts Under $100

Reversible Yoga Mat // Personalized Crossbody Bag // Ember Mug // Volcano Candle // Throw Blanket // Lip Balm Set // Apron // Kate Somerville Gift Set // Salt Cellar // Slipper // Initial Necklace // Travel Tech Case // Apron

Whether you are wrapping up your Christmas shopping and still looking for those last couple of gifts or have a few more people to cross off of your list, I’ve gathered a few easy ideas that would make great gifts for anyone. Best of all, they are all under $100 and will be here in time for Christmas!

 

 

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Lincoln Park, Chicago

Recent Finds, 12/3

Recent Finds 12/3

Street Level Tote (Under $50! Makes for a great gift. Tuckernuck carries a great alternative.) (All Street Level Totes here.) / Similar Leopard Sweaters Here, Here, Here and Here / Velvet Leggings

This week flew by but I’m so excited about a little r&r with the family this weekend. Tonight, we have my cousin’s fiancé (who’s in town for a wedding) coming over, and on Saturday we’re going to field hockey and then meeting up with friends at night. Would also love to sneak in a family movie night or trip to Zoo Lights again, as Mitch missed the first visit!

Rounded up a lot of my recent finds—including a lot of home products—because it’s been a while! Here we go:

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Lincoln Park, Chicago
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12 Holiday Activities To Do With Kids

12 Holiday Activities To Do With Kids

24 Sleeps til’ Christmas Activity Book / Spirograph / Solar System Activity Set / Wooden Bead Bracelet Kit / DIY Building Kit / Snowman Build Buddies / Crayola Scrubbie Pets Set / The Magic School Bus Chemistry Lab / LCD Writing Tablet for Kids / Water Magic Activity Book / DIY Snow Globe Kit / Model Magic Clay

Going into the holidays this year, one of the first things I did was start planning fun activities and crafts for Emma and Lucy. I wanted to be sure I had plenty of educational and entertaining games to keep them occupied over the Christmas break. So if you’re also looking for some fun activities to do with your kids over Christmas, I’ve rounded up 12 amazing games and crafts for you. I’ve included a mix of projects that can be done as a family and activities and games they’ll be able to play with on their own.

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Lincoln Park, Chicago

4 Great Sales

4 Great Sales | merry everything mug

Think you missed out on great weekend sales while you were relaxing with family and friends? Think again! 😆 Here are my still-on-sale favorites from my most-loved retailers:

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Lincoln Park, Chicago
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Christmas Decor

Christmas Decor

Ceramic Houses / Plaid Stocking / Red Stocking / Tartan Stocking / Holly Ball / Plaid Dog Bed / Porch Pine Tree / Gingerbread Doormat / Red Velvet Throw Pillow / Plaid Throw Pillow / Sherpa Christmas Tree Pillow / Wreath / Nest Candle / Green Pine Candle / Decorative Vase / Ceramic Christmas Trees / Knit Throw Blanket / Snowman Mug

As I’m getting in the holiday spirit this year, I’m trying my best to curb stress and anxiety and actually enjoy Christmas. Last year Covid forced me to slow down during the holidays, and I think it was our best Christmas yet. One thing I’m doing differently is trying to get ahead on as many holiday things as possible. And this year was the first time that we set out our Christmas decor early. Chicago got some snow a couple of weekends ago, and Mitch and I decided to pull out the holiday stuff since it sounded like a fun activity for a snowy day. I have to say I love how cozy and warm our home becomes once everything is up, which is nice considering how early it gets dark outside now. We also decorated the girls’ rooms for the holidays. If you missed that post, see how it turned out here. Decorating was such a blast—It’s so special seeing the magic through their eyes. Anyways there are some great holiday decorations this year, and I rounded up a few of my favorites. So if you’re looking for a couple things to help your home feel merry, I hope this helps.

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Lincoln Park, Chicago

Cross It Off Your List!

Cross It Off Your List - Baby Toddler bear fleece

Hooded Bear Coat / Blackwatch Plaid Flannel Skirt / Newer Shearling-Lined Boots in Toddler and Girls’ Sizes (These are great for toddlers, too!) / Knit Tights

My favorite Chicago Cub. 😉

(Took this photo this morning on our way to pre-school drop-off. I can’t tell you how much I wish Emma were in it so that I could use it for our Christmas card. Might try to recreate! 😂)

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Gift Guide for the Homebody

Gift Guide for the Homebody

Super Soft Throw Blanket / Long Sleeve Pajama Set / Hydrate + Glow Face Mask / Wood Wick Vanilla + Bergamot Candle / Claw Hair Clips / Vanilla Lip Mask / Slippers / Quarter-Zip Sweater / Cashmere Socks / Monogrammed Cashmere Eye Mask / Mug / Match Cloche / Fleece Robe

Taking a self-care night every now and then is so important, especially during the holidays when life can get hectic. That being said, having a cozy night in is something I’ll be trying to do more of in the coming weeks. One where you put on your pajamas and slippers, make a cup of tea, light a candle, and read a book on your kindle. I’ve gathered all the cozy and soft things for a perfect relaxing night at home, or if you’re a homebody, this might sound like an average weeknight, haha. Either way, I hope this post helps give you some inspiration to find the perfect gift.

 

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Stocking Stuffers

Stocking Stuffers

Personalized Jewelry Case / Monogrammed AirPods Case / Olaplex No.3 / Bow Earrings / Hydrating Lip Balm / Glass Jar Candle / Hand Cream / Scrunchies / Beanie / Black Ceramic Candle / Kindle / Leather Notepad / Noise Cancelling Headphones / Corduroy Baseball Cap / Leather Wallet / Leather Gloves / Green Water Bottle / AirTags

Stockings can quickly become a magnet for all sorts of random and impractical items. I think we’ve all done the last-minute drugstore sweep looking for stocking stuffers that will inevitably end up in a junk drawer a few months later. My new philosophy when it comes to filling stockings is quality over quantity. Especially with all the presents already under the tree, I think a couple of small, thoughtful gifts is way more exciting than a sock full of knick-knacks. So on that note, here are a few things that feel a little more heartfelt, personal, and practical. I hope this helps give you some inspiration!

 

 

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Lincoln Park, Chicago

Review: Veja Campo Sneaker vs Veja V-10 Sneaker

Veja. It’s a sustainable French sneaker brand that caught my attention this past fall when shopping for my five-year-old daughter’s back-to-school shoes. We were just looking for gold sneakers and ordered Vejas simply because they looked the nicest. And then they arrived, and Emma and I adored them. (So much so that I ordered my youngest a pair, too!) Fast forward a few weeks later, and my two (very hip) cousins came to visit from New York City—and both walked in the door wearing Vejas. So I obviously took a deep dive and decided to test out a couple of adult styles: the Campo and the V-10. You know: For the sake of this blog. 😉

(Before we go any further, this is SUCH a great deal on the Campo in new condition. Love the white sneaker with the black “V.”)

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Lincoln Park, Chicago
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Three Easy Travel Outfits

Three Easy Travel Outfits

With holiday travel approaching, I know that picking the right travel outfit can be a challenge. I’ve been struggling with anxiety around flying. MAN. While I’ve always been a nervous flyer, it’s gotten pretty bad this year. I’m not afraid of flying—I just get anxious about everything surrounding travel—packing, potentially forgetting important things, getting to the airport, missing my flight, etc. Even if you’re driving, that can come with its own set of obstacles, like getting everyone packed and on the road in time.

I like to pick my travel outfit in advance, so it’s one less thing I have to worry about. Plus, I know I’ll be comfortable and feel good in what I’m wearing for the day. I put together 3 of my go-to outfits for a long flight or day of travel so you can find some inspiration for what to wear while traveling this year.

 

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Gift Guide For Parents and In-Laws

Gift Guide For Parents and In-Laws

Espresso Machine / Espresso Tamper and Distributor / Smart Thermometer / Speaker / Airpods / Arccos Golf Caddie Smart Sensors / Theragun Mini / Monogrammed Duffle Bag /  French Press / Waffle Robe / Leather Wallet / Ugg Slippers / Dyson Airwrap /Candle and Diffuser Set / Hydrangea Flowers in a Vase

This week, I’m continuing on the gift guide train with a few gift ideas for your parents or in-laws. I love my in-laws and feel very grateful for them. We’re actually doing Thanksgiving at their place this year and heading to visit them the day after Christmas for a week. Over the years, I’ve learned the key to gifts is finding a balance between fun and practical. So when I shop for their presents, I always keep an eye out for something with a personal touch. Whether that’s something to do with one of their hobbies or something I remember them mentioning. If you’re feeling stuck on what to get your parents or your in-laws this year, I hope these ideas give you a little inspiration and help you find that perfect gift.

 

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Gift Guide for The Dachshund Lover

Gift Guide for The Dachshund Lover

Coffee Mug / Baseball Hat / Makeup Bag / Notebook / Door Mat / Tea Towel / Needlepoint Keychain / Pajama Pants / Pajama Shirt / Socks / Wine Bottle Holder / Enamel Mug

I’m no stranger to a dachshund doormat, pair of socks, or even a mug. Dachshund-themed decor and clothes just spark joy for me. You’ll see Seasonal Noodle themed decor, like a dachshund skeleton on our front steps for Halloween or Stoodle (stoop Noodle) on the other days of the year. It’s a norm over here, and I love it. 

 

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Three Easy Thanksgiving Looks

Three Easy Thanksgiving Looks

I am so excited to spend Thanksgiving with our family this year! When it comes to picking out what to wear, I always go for basic pieces in neutral colors and accessorize with festive earrings, scarves, or bags for a pop of color. Since I know every family’s Thanksgiving can look a little different, I put together three outfits so you can find some inspiration no matter what the dress code is at your family’s Thanksgiving dinner.

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