Over It

Though most of my personal goals have been undeniably wedding-centric as of late, I thought it might be a good idea to balance them out with some stress-free, non-nuptial activities that I can enjoy while I desperately wait for it to warm up outside. Sure the Lake looks amazing in this weather, but other than that, I’m kinda done with the winter.  Some things to tide me over until Spring rolls in:

1. Attend the Martha Stewarts Wedding Party at the Ritz Carlton (okay, this is so fun I don’t think it counts as a wedding activity)
2. Submit my garden plot renewal contract and start planning this year’s crops
3. Spend a long evening on the couch watching all things Oscars-related, including the always-awkward E! red carpet pre-game
4. Spend even more time on the couch, finishing up the second season of House of Cards
5. Finish reading The Son and start in on Night Film
6. Send in my tax returns early!
7. Keep up with the morning "Booty Calls," courtesy of my new favorite trainers
8. Raise a spoonful of jambalaya in honor of Fat Tuesday
9. Escape to the American Club for a belated birthday celebration
10. Celebrate the second birthday of sandcastle!

Chasing Daylight

Neighboring tracks at sunset

Finally. The moment that I’ve been waiting for is here: we hit 80 degrees in Chicago today! Though I spent most of the day cooped up in an office cubicle, we raced home right after work to take advantage of the balmy weather and enjoy the start of a great, and hopefully long-lasting, outdoor season. 

Fresh fruit sangria, ready to be served al fresco in his and her mermaid-marked glasses

Work in progress: dusted-off balcony chairs and table ready for flowers and candles

The most delicious jerk chicken EVER, courtesy of this recipe

Evening stroll to the garden site to decide if I want to switch plots (chances are good--details to come!)

Spring Showers

via

Our recent hallway cleaning frenzy led me to unearth my beloved trench coat, which I packed away far too many months ago. I also managed to dig out my well-worn Hunter boots for the first time in forever, which resulted in a simple, classic pairing that I lived in all rainy weekend long. Though it's not even April, these pictures have me hoping that the showers bring about early May flowers. 

via

via

via

via

via

Spring Sprung

Although it’s not quite warm enough to pack away sweaters and winter coats yet, spring has decidedly sprung in the neighborhood. I couldn’t resist the chance to throw on my faux fur vest for what may be one of the last times this season and rush out after work to capture some lakeside sights in the dwindling daylight. And because the pastel colors are reminiscent of the upcoming Easter holiday, these pictures are just the thing to set the tone for a weekend filled with egg dying and candy eating.