Midwestern Moments

Apples, freshly mown lawns, and red barns

As autumn approaches, I can’t help but stop and appreciate a few of the quintessential Midwestern moments that I’ve been able to enjoy this past summer….

Bloody marys, lakeside sunsets, and simple strings of lights

Extra tall wildflowers and clear blue skies

Night hikes, pine tree silhouettes, and the light of a full moon

Curious livestock and split rail fences

Shabby chic plates and Friday night fish and chips

Beatlenium

Ticket to ride

Every 18 months for the past 10 years, our friend’s parents have hosted a daylong tribute to the Beatles. The festivities start at 1 p.m. and last for 10 hours—the time it takes to play every single album in their catalog, in order.

When you walk in the door, you are asked to do two things: 1) sign up for your favorite song so that when it comes on, you can wear a sombrero and dance in front of everyone; and, 2) get your picture taken so that it can be miniaturized and pasted on to a poster board replica of the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover.

Beatles t-shirts are encouraged, “All You Need is Love” mason jars full of beer are plentiful, and the sounds of neon pink tambourines float through the summer air. The night is otherworldly, and concludes with everyone in a circle around a fire singing the last refrains of the Abbey Road medley together in unison. Even lukewarm Beatles fans born in the 80s (like me) leave the party feeling as though they were just transported back into the 60s. 

One of our themed treat contributions to the party

Our custom yellow submarine Twinkies were a huge hit

Desserts packaged up and ready to blow some minds

The song sign-up table, and the source of great amusement

Essential party accessories

Gearing up for the big fireside finale

Relaxed & Ripped

After stumbling across this pair on a sale rack for $20 a few weeks ago, I’ve fully embraced the well-worn look of oversized boyfriend jeans. It’s an easy trend that’s been completely compatible with my summertime on-the-go schedule and, if done right, doesn’t have to look lazy. Their versatility made them the perfect wardrobe staple during a recent evening out that included an early dinner in the City, sunset on the beach, and a starlight concert in the park. 

Images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 

Lately

Bunches of berries at one of the first outdoor Farmers Markets of the season

We got back from our European excursion a few weeks ago to find that summer is finally in the air here in Chicago! Though I’ve been a bit absent online lately, I promise to organize and post pictures of the many beautiful places that we visited ASAP. But first, a few glimpses of what we’ve been up to since our return, minus the jetlag-fueled marathons of Duck Dynasty…

Morning joyrides in our unexpected but completely necessary new hybrid car

Making progress in my garden plot--details and updates to come soon

Rainbow at dusk on our drive back from a weekend trip to Wisconsin

Flower-lined afternoon walks in the neighborhood

Joint wedding shower brunch, with red accents for one bride-to-be and purple for another

Tools for a desperately needed self tanning session

Vintage cowboy boots hiding under my friend's wedding dress on the dance floor

Lots of cleaning, rearranging and finding any excuse to display fresh peony blossoms

Midwestern Moments: Cincinnati, Ohio

Wandering through my parents' yard

In the last few weeks, I’ve spent time in Champaign, Illinois, Cincinnati, Ohio and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Despite the frenetic pace, each of the mini trips has stood on its own, due in large part to unique experiences of each. In Cincinnati, it was all about savoring the last few days of warm summer sun.

Giving my car a much-needed wash 

Saturday Night Lights (at my cousin's soccer game)

Marveling at Downtown Hamilton
alongside the former Mayor

Fall atmosphere and the perfect backdrop to a delicious pub meal