Lapham Peak

Hostess gifts from my garden plot

On our most recent trip to see my sister in Wisconsin, we visited Kettle Moraine State Forest and hiked to the top of Lapham Peak. Despite the state’s relatively flat terrain, the views were incredible, and the huge stretches of butterfly gardens and dense forests along the trail immediately made the park one of my favorite places in the area.

There’s already talk of cross-country skiing the trail this winter. Though I’m certainly no fan of winter sports, we heard that they line the path with candles, so I may be up for it after all, especially if I can end the adventure with a festive lakeside beverage. 

Our trail companion and trusty cell phone carrier, Flossy

Butterflies as far as the eye can see

Final climb to the top

The rewarding view of Lake Country from the top

"Seesteritas" on the shores of Pewaukee Lake

A stunning end to a day in the wilderness

Lake Country

The shores of Silver Lake

My boyfriend is fishing with friends in Canada for the week, which means that I’m on my own and taking full advantage of it. I headed up to Wisconsin for the second weekend in a row, and I’m quickly falling in love with “Lake Country,” as the locals affectionately refer to the area. There really does seem to be a new pool of water at every turn, and it has become clear to me why many Chicagoans escape to the quaint little resort towns outside of Milwaukee as soon as the clock strikes 5 on Friday afternoons. 

An afternoon well spent eating cheese curds under blue umbrellas at Revere's Tavern

Road tripping around the lakes with an overly excited Floss

Sweet treats at a highly recommended custard stand straight out of the '50s

Roadside attraction next to Oconomowoc's answer to the Sunday brunch: Maxim's Depot

Blankets of lightening bugs in the country fields at twilight

Birthdays in Barns

Just a few of the friendly faces out back

My sister has fully moved in to her barn-turned-apartment in Wisconsin—just in time to celebrate her birthday, country style. Although she is working a ridiculous number of hours at all times of day, we were able to take in some sunshine at the local Farmers Market, enjoy a walk around one of the many lakes in the area, make a pit stop at a gift shop that was too cute for words, and dine upon a local specialty: the Friday night fish fry. Unfortunately, many of the memories weren’t captured on film as I forgot my camera back in Chicago. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun and I’m already looking forward to visiting again next weekend, even if the barnyard animals’ wake-up calls begin around 4 a.m. 

A delicious assortment of birthday cupcakes, courtesy of Miss Julia's Bake Shop

The start of the "5" collection that I've been wanting to start with my boyfriend (who I started dating in the 5th month of 2005) which I picked up while shopping at Monograham in Delafield

The everlasting gardenia blossom that my aunt sent home with my on our way back from Kentucky

Sunday night dessert: a trio of sorbets stuffed inside hollow citrus shells
Not shown: the fruit, which was used to flavor large goblets of sangria enjoyed on the porch earlier in the evening

Whimsical Words

Lately, while shopping, I’ve been sneaking peeks at the whimsical words found tucked inside of Kate Spade’s wallets and handbags courtesy of the brand’s tastemaker, Deborah Lloyd. In fact, I’ve been so taken with the evocative turns of phrase that I let them serve as the inspiration for my sister’s themed birthday gift—a trove of sweet treasures to stow inside the Marc Jacobs bag which I recently scored for her at Saks. It just didn’t seem complete without a fluorescent patent leather travel wallet, mini Moleskine journal, bright lip color and candy stash. 

Happy Birthday Sarah!

via/via/via/via/via