
Navy Dress (Part of the Anniversary Sale!) / Sam Edelman Sandals (On sale! Additional colors here. Also: the #nsale Tory Burch sandals were recently restocked. If you see ’em in your size, swoop ’em up!) / Coach Bag (Old, similar here. And here’s my current leather crossbody obsession. SO CUTE! And a girl can dream, right?) / Ray-Ban Sunglasses (Thoughts on whether they’re as good as my 2013 Kate Spades?) / ThirdLove Strapless Bra
Enter the $200 Nordstrom e-gift card giveaway today by simply answering Mitch’s question of the day! See below for details.
Chicago streets get destroyed during the winter due to the cold and constant snowplowing. So in the warmer months, the city comes through and digs ’em up and replaces them. Horrible for cars. But pretty great for blog photos, eh?! 😉
I feel like I haven’t really talked to you guys in a long time, on account of our crazy month of travel. I’m working on a Life Lately post for all of July, but it’s taking me a while since so much has occurred! For now, though, I have to tell you about our new “lifestyle.” It’s so great.
Monday through Friday, we’re abiding by a pretty strict work schedule. In the morning, we all get up, have breakfast, and shower. (Except Emma. She has a bath at night.) Mitch and Emma then go off to daycare for two hours. Mitch works at the gym during that time, and I work at a nearby coffee shop. We reconvene for lunch, and then we repeat the process in the afternoon, except Mitch and I both usually work at the gym together. Because we’re able to get it all done during the day, we have SO much more family time at night. And completely work-free weekends.
One thing that’s a little difficult is saying no to stuff that comes up during the day. Brunch with a friend?! A street fair?! Ice cream because it’s 90 degrees?! A playdate?!
Before, I used to say yes to all of this, and then try to cram in my work at night.
Spoiler: it didn’t work.
This summer, I think we’ve all learned that structure–even though we’re currently working from home–is so important for our little family.
So today’s a normal Tuesday for me, just like any other Tuesday for any other working girl. While I’m not in an office, I’m in a couple of different “work stations,” just trying to get it all done by 5 p.m. so I can have a life. ;)
Which brings me back to daycare.
I haven’t spoken about this in a while, mostly because we were traveling so much and not going as regularly as we would have hoped. But it’s getting so much better! Mitch now drops her off, and I swear she does better as a result. Maybe it’s because I baby her. Maybe it’s because she knows I’m getting teary eyed when I hand her over. Maybe it’s because Mitch just has better instincts. ;)
Whatever the reason, I’m beyond happy that she’s making progress. She still cries, and I definitely wouldn’t say she loves it. But we’re making strides, and that’s made life a lot better. GO EMMA!
Let’s get to today’s outfit, though. Because it was perfect for yesterday’s crisp yet toasty weather.
Dress
I can’t believe this little number is under $30! I also can’t believe that it comes in so many different colors. I just love the navy floral pattern as I think it’ll transition wonderfully to fall (#ridingbootswoooooo), but I also love it in light pink and maroon. Sizing help: I’m wearing a size XS here. It works, but I kind of wish I’d gone up to a small, as I’m not a huge fan of form-fitting clothing. I think I’d probably recommend going up a size, as it’s meant to be a little flowy!
Sandals
Also can’t believe that these are still on sale. They’re crazy comfortable on account of the block heel, and I find myself wearing them constantly… even though they’re suede and it’s summer. ;) Won’t they be great for fall?! Last year, the warm temps lasted well into November! Lots of additional colors here. Also: did you hear that the Tory Burch sale sandals were restocked?! Swoop ’em up if you see your size!
Bag
This was a gift from my parents when I first moved to Chicago, and I think it’s still my absolute favorite bag. I don’t wear it regularly on the blog since it’s discontinued and I don’t want to torment my readers, haha, BUT this is pretty close, and I adore this kiltie version. All hail being hands-free!
Anyway, who wants to enter the $200 Nordstrom e-gift card giveaway today?! Yesterday’s answers had us rolling on the floor. SO FUNNY.
The rules
- To enter, you simply need to comment in the comment section. It seems that everyone hates Rafflecopter with a fiery passion, so we’re just going to stay away from that.
- This time, though, you need to answer the daily question. It’s right below!
- You can enter multiple times, but only once per blog post. We’ll make it very clear which blog posts are eligible for a giveaway entry. Promise!
- Last week’s posts are also fair game. Anything from July 21st on. Simply tell us something interesting about yourself in your comment (or whatever — we really don’t care 😂), and include “**Second Giveaway**” in the first line so we know it’s a new entry.
The new winner will be announced/contacted on Saturday, August 5th at 10 p.m. CT, that way she has enough time to shop the Anniversary Sale before prices go back up on August 7th. But if she’s out partying until the wee hours of the morning and doesn’t see our message, it’s all good. She can use the e-gift card to shop after the sale, too. There is life after the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. ;)
Btw: congrats to Morgan T. for winning last week’s Nordstrom giveaway!
Mitch’s question of the day
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with all your extra time?
Mitch’s answer: Learn how to play guitar.
Kelly’s answer: Write a novel.
(Just realizing that we should be answering these questions, too! Also, we should totes play guitar and write a novel. Goals for this year! But also sleep… 😉)








Shop the post:
Navy Dress (Part of the Anniversary Sale!) / Sam Edelman Sandals (On sale! Additional colors here. Also: the #nsale Tory Burch sandals were recently restocked. If you see ’em in your size, swoop ’em up!) / Coach Bag (Old, similar here. And here’s my current leather crossbody obsession. SO CUTE! And a girl can dream, right?) / Ray-Ban Sunglasses (Thoughts on whether they’re as good as my 2013 Kate Spades?) / ThirdLove Strapless Bra
I would love the chance to spend that time reading! Right now I’m in the middle of a super-hectic time, and if I had extra time I would love to get cozy and read for a few hours a day. :)
I would sit outside and read a good book – “Love Story” by Karen Kingsbury!! And color!! I love those adult coloring books. :) …. love this outfit, Kelly!!!
Learn to really really bake
Duh, I’d sleep somemore!
Puzzles! With a cup of coffee in my hand! The good old 1000 piece puzzles from the younger years! Does that sound weird? Or maybe I am just getting older.. anyway that would make for some great “me time”! Sleep almost comes a close second!
That’s a hard one! I would spend more time with family or cook more. I’m always too exhausted during the week to cook a really fancy meal or learn how to make something new from scratch.
Learn to play the piano. I’ve wanted to do that for a while.
I love sleep so much that is hard to imagine! And there are so many skills I could learn! But I think I would use the time first to learn to make amazing pies – I used to live near a little pie shop run by an elderly couple and we’d get one every holiday. The best ever! I’d love to make ones just the same to share with friends and family.
I would take a photography class. My recent honeymoon complete with iPhone photos only left me really wanting a nice camara and a better understanding of how to use it.
I would love to take quiet walks. I have too young boys and it always seem like we are on the run!
I would keep a much more organized house.
I would love to travel more and document my travels. I am actually going to be in Chicago/Evanston at the end of the month! Any suggestions about what to do would be great!! Thanks!
Love the dress.
I’d send equal parts working out and reading.
Oh man! There’d be multiple things I’d do if I didn’t have to sleep…travel, learn to swim really well, get lots of house projects done, get better at photography, write a blog. But I suppose I’d have to find a way to more to make the money to do all those things!
I would completely de-Cheerio my house, once and for all. They are constantly everywhere, and no matter how many I think I’ve gotten, there are still more… in the couch cushions, under the tv stand, IN all our shoes… I’ve even found them in the shower drain… what the hell?!
“Second Giveaway”! Since we have three teenage boys, I would love to stay up all night with my husband and a few close friends and take a gourmet cooking class in our home! I would love to see their faces when they woke up and found us sound asleep from pulling an all-nighter doing something fun, instead of waiting up for them until all hours of the night.
I would write down all the music I have in my head!
I would become more active – spend more time forcing myself to work out!
I would love to travel and take some cooking classes in different places!
Learn to play the piano, although I should probably be spending the time working out (ugh!).
I would do better at my hobby of wine and beer making. It’s so fun to get started, but the whole bottling process is tedious and makes my wife totally roll her eyes and sigh heavily. If I wasn’t sleeping I could get that done while she is…
Play more ping pong! I play 4 times a week but I would love to play more. There are great places here in Chicago to play. My favorite is Ace Bounce which also has really good food. We also have a table in our building so makes it easy to play more.
Hey Mitch and Kelly!
I would learn how to paint, I’ve always wanted to work for Lilly Pulitzer as a print designer :)
I would reorganize and purge my entire house. Once that was done, I’d spend it reading or catching up on all the TV I missed in law school
FINALLY finish the Jackie Kennedy biography I started ages ago.. AND start the Princess Diana one I bought! #neverenoughtime
So happy you and Mitch answered the question, too. I think I’d read or chat with my husband since our time alone is limited since having a little one. I’m glad drop off is going a little better. My husband does drop-off and the few times I’ve had to do it it did not go nearly as smoothly! Keep at it!
I’d split my time between learning a new language and working on freelance projects–so that I could afford to travel more and use my new language skills! :)
Learn to embroider! Feel like that can’t be a bad skill to have. Love the blue floral dress! Too cute!
Read!!!
Learn French. Knit more custom children’s sweaters. Daydream. Explore.
I’m like you…I would write….maybe even start a blog! I would also do yoga everyday and have lunch at Nordstrom. Then I MIGHT shop. Ha! I have to wake up from this dream now and go back to reality….there’s stuff to do…..
I think I’d write a novel, too, Kelly! I love blogging on the side but certainly don’t have time to write much else. I’d also make time to get certified to teach Irish Dance, one of my biggest passions!
First, that dress is so cute!! And if I didn’t have to sleep I think I would also start writing a book and definitely read more often. It has always been a dream of mine.
Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com
I’d read more I’ve slacked off a lot this past year.
If I didn’t have to sleep I would drink way more caffeine without worrying about it keeping me up!
Read more! So many books on my list and such little time to read them.
I love sleep but if I had the extra time I’d like to think I would work out a lot more and maybe take more road trips :)
Hey Kelly! If I didn’t have to sleep I would probably practice the piano more or play more tennis–both things I said I would do more of this summer, but haven’t yet! Should get on that!
I’d be organizing my pictures and creating photo albums. Years behind ;-(
learn how to run like a human being, read, and cram for school
Second entry. I would be able to read more (I love reading but seem to fall asleep after only a few pages lately), learn more French and Norwegian (two languages that I wish I knew more of), and write a novel.
I’m going to have to agree and say write a novel- or continue to build my blog!
I would learn to sew!
“**Second Giveaway**”
If I didn’t have to sleep, I will use that time to love my husband more. 10 -11 hours work day does not leave me much time to give him the love and attention that he deserves. It is our 5 year anniversary soon. I would love to have $200 gift card to splurge on him. This year has been rough on our family’s finances, running into few damages to our first home we bought last year, including entire 1st floor water damage. The gift card would help me afford a nice gift for my dearest husband.
Thanks Kelly, for always posting great blog post from our favorite city. :) We currently live in Atlanta, GA, but we fell madly in love on a winter night in Chicago.
I would read more or learn a new language!
Not very exciting but I would catch up on the seemingly endless laundry we have – lame but productive ha ha!!!
I would love the time to read for pleasure! I am an Army wife, mom to 4 children and currently a full time student working on my bachelors in education. If I’m not taking care of my kids during my husband’s long hours at work I’m consistently busy with school and there is just no time to read good books any more!
Practice calligraphy!!!!
I already write novels, so I would use the extra time to get them done faster! And maybe work out a bit more.
Read! Read! Read! Never enough time to read!
become an excellent baker & cook! Hopefully I would be able to also have a garden. That way anything that I wanted to bake or cook I could pull right from my own garden!
Ideally, I would organize the untold thousands of photos on my computer…but let’s be honest, I’d probably just read a book or start conquering the ever-growing list of tv shows and movies I’ve yet to see!
I would binge more Netflix!
I would love to finish a lot of the projects that I either have started or would like to start. I knit prayer shawls and I have some that need to be finished just as I have a baby blanket I have started and well the baby is now 6 months old. It is just during the summer it is hot with the material on me. I also would love to have the time to relax in having a facial or a massage. I love to read and have some books that I would love to read. I also tend to two older parents so it would enable me to spend time with them.
If I had more time I’d either try to learn a new language or brush up on my mostly forgotten high school Spanish.
Ummm I’d still sleep or have 100 different attempts at hobbies.
Write a book! And maybe finally organize family photos.
I would learn Spanish, write a fiction novel, and learn how to play piano! I feel like I’m actually more productive at night so that would be perfect!
**second giveaway** Ideal dress for that price, I’m with you on your color choices. That is such a tough question! I think that I would spend more daylight hours outside, adventuring, hiking, exploring and then I would work my job during the night hours. I absolutely love getting outside and with work it becomes so limited..
Thank you!
If I didn’t have to sleep, I would cook my way through the Julia Child cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Second Giveaway! Interesting fact about myself…before I became a middle school social studies teacher I drove ships! Yes, I was a naval officer. Answer to Mitch’s question….if I didn’t have to sleep I would take a red eye to Europe for a vacay!
I would spend my time outdoors, reading, and doing everything possible with my dog (fur baby). But seriously, I LOVE to sleep so i’m glad we have to do that LOL!
Create culinary masterpieces! Or attempt to more!
I think I need this dress! I can’t believe I didn’t see it earlier when shopping the sale.
learn how to landscape/take care of all the plants in our yard lol… #homeownerproblems
If I didn’t have to sleep? Gosh, I’d travel through the nights all over the country- arrive at different cities each morning! I’d workout on the lake front for hours on end – I’d bake & cook in mass quantities to serve those in need. I’d read a lot & give my dog extra snuggle time.
8 extra hours per day?! (Ok, or 6 or 7, I’d still take it)
I’d probably do a whole bunch of household tasks I always put off…
Cleaning bathrooms
Meal prep
Wedding the yard
But then I think saving an hour or two to read a book and have a catch up phone call with a friend would be perfect!
My boring answer as a mother of two with no time on her hands, would be clean/chores so the house could be spotless always.
My more fun answer is do the things I love that I rarely have time to do: sew, cross stitch, bake and read.
If I didn’t have to sleep, I would love to spend that time learning new hobbies or visiting loved ones that I don’t get to see enough. :)
I would love to cook my way through an entire cookbook!
Love the navy dress! If I didn’t have to sleep, I would definitely be reading more books.
I LOVE, LOVE my sleep so this would make me sad to lose sleeping time. However, if I could function without the sleep, I would spend more time loving on my family…probably while shopping together, lol!
I almost bought that dress I love it!
If sleep didn’t matter, I would spend a lot more time working on my blog! There are a lot more social media things and photo editing things I would like to do!
I would do all the DIY projects that I have pinned on Pinterest.
I would travel more! Mostly to beachy, warm places :)
*Second giveaway* write a movie script!
I would love to read and play my guitar more! There just isn’t enough time in the day!!
If I didn’t have to sleep I would spend more time taking pictures and learning how to actually edit them in Lightroom. Orrr work out a little more! :)
I would figure out how to make rhubarb pie. A local restaurant made the best ever, but they went out of business and I haven’t had a decent piece of rhubarb pie since. I don’t even like pie but theirs was the exception!
Clean my house!!! I swear I clean t then turn around and my 3 little nuggets have flipped it upside down again. Argh! I would also like to tackle some recipes that I don’t have time for, due to those three little nuggets…I.e anything with a laminated dough!
Searching more scallop swimming videos on YouTube :p
If I didn’t have to sleep I would learn to use my really nice camera I’ve owned for 5 years! This needs to get on my short list.
probably read – I have so many books on my list and so little time to actually go through all of them.
and clean. I always love cleaning at night.
I would love to spend the time exploring Chicago & taking photos. *fingers crossed*
I love to sleep so not having to would be weird and I don’t really know what I would do. I think I would get pretty good at looking at the stars since I would be up during the night. I always liked going to the planetarium but my backyard would I guess turn into it. I would also like to be in really good shape shape but I could very possible be really out of shape because that’s a lot more time to eat!!
Paint!! I do abstract art as a hobby but I wish I had more time to devote to trying to colors and styles.
I would take a cooking class!
I would start my own clothing line!
I love sleep so much that thinking about giving it up is so sad! If we really didn’t have to sleep, I would spend more time making crafts (I love to, I just never have the time) and cooking more. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but it’s hard to make a nice meal when I’m always so sleepy!
Brush up on a language: for me either Spanish and/or Korean!
I would also write a novel like Kelly! It’s been a lifelong dream to see my name on the New York Times best sellers list; ;)
2nd giveaway.
I would finally organize all my digital photos and create photo books!
I would love to write a book!
If I didn’t have to sleep, I would try and be productive or do something cool like train for a marathon or something that I typically would claim I do not have to time for.
If I didn’t have to sleep, I’d probably perfect baking macarons!
I’d love to be better at working out frequently! And learn another language.
I love to sleep, buuuuuuut if I didnt need it, I’d totally learn to snowboard! I suck at skiing but have never taken the time to learn either. And I heard snowboarding is even trickier — bring it on :)
Read every book I’ve ever wanted to. I’m usually so exhausted after work that I rarely have the attention span to sit down and enjoy a book.
If I didn’t have to sleep the first thing I would do with my spare time is finish up all of the little home improvement projects we have in progress!
Antique/thrift/flea market shop! Or learn to cook and hopefully learn to love it in the process.
Oh my goodness, so many things to do with that extra time. I’d read the huge stack of books I’ve been meaning to crack open for years, I’d catch up on making all my photo books from recent years, I’d learn how to cook really well, I would exercise more…I could go on and on!
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