Secret Garden

Much like last year, and in another effort to squeeze every last bit of sunshine and warmth out of this lingering weather, we recently made our way over to one of my favorite neighborhood spots at dusk to breathe in the roses that continue to unfold despite the impending evening frost. I hope that these quick phone snapshots serve as a reminder to get outside and take it all in this weekend, before it's too late...

Missing Minnows

Gratuitous shot of Flossy impatiently waiting for a ride on the pontoon

We just returned from a family trip to Wisconsin, where we stayed in a cottage on the shores of Lake Okauchee, spending our days boating and our nights eating/drinking local favorites and playing board games. Though the fish weren’t particularly interested in our bait, the crystal-clear water, crisp air and amazing Songza fishing playlists (seriously, check them out) made the endeavor completely memorable. I'm already looking forward to a return visit to the area this December.

Hence the title of this post

At my insistence, my family's new go-to board game

Heading out on the water after the front cleared through

A seriously amazing meal at Glenda's Cafe

One of the coolest roadside signs that I've ever seen, somewhere out in Lake Country

Taking on the beer sampler at Water Street Brewery during a Packers game

Greener Pastures

The amazing view in Lake County during a recent road trip

The first week of one of the most gorgeous Midwestern months is already behind us, and I’m left scrambling to accomplish some of my favorite fall activities before the weather turns and we (with great resistance) plunge into the depths of winter. A few of the things that I’m looking forward to this October…

• Packing my new Phillip Lim x Target luggage and heading to a cabin on Lake Okauchee to boat, fish and play board games with my family
• Digging out my multi-colored crocks and Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipe and filling my condo with the fragrance of fall
• Carving these ghoulish mini pumpkins
• Eating gooey, toppings-covered caramel apples
• Kicking around colorful leaves while trying out a new hiking trail with my hiking pal, Flossy
• Making s’mores over a campfire
• Paying a visit to Madison for one of their last Farmers’ Markets of the year
• Hitting up a haunted corn maze in the middle of nowhere
• Lighting tons of candles and watching a scary movie
• Finding ways to incorporate my scarf collection into my wardrobe as the weather cools down

Statement Piece

I love a good statement piece, both in my wardrobe and in my home. I’ve wanted a Juju hat for a long time, but at around $400 apiece it hasn’t seemed like the most practical purchase for this phase of my life. So until I have one of these traditional vividly colored headdresses for my own wall, I’ll be happy to admire the ornate ones featured on Table Tonic and Pinterest. 

See You September

An ethereal sunset during an evening walk around the neighborhood

We had so many things planned this weekend that I didn’t get around to any of our routine chores. Even though I feel slightly guilty about the piles of shoes in our front hallway, the basket of un-ironed clothes, and the not-quite-clean bathroom, I know in my heart of hearts that these things can wait another day or two if it means that we got to enjoy a few more 80 degree days!

The weekend harvests at the Farmers' Market seem to get more colorful with each passing weekend

Putting this adorable mini honey bear souvenir from my sister to good use on Saturday morning

Jumping the gun on Halloween decorations with my web table runner and glitter spider collection

Enjoying these seasonal treats from Harner's Bakery at an Oktoberfest party in Naperville