Tied Up

I'm really loving these simple ponytails with feminine bows. What are your thoughts? Ladylike, or childish? If I found the right bow, I'd totally go for this look! I think it's sweet, and perfect for summer days when your hair just isn't behaving.

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Summer Celebrations

Originally, I had complained about the 4th of July being on a Wednesday -- only ONE day off? Middle of the week? Boo! After the fact, I am actually glad it happened that way. The week was split up and we all got a little fun day in the middle. Not so bad after all (mental note to be more positive...)

Going back to last weekend... My husband and I cruised the river in an electric boat with our friends. A few months ago, we saw a Groupon for a two hour electric boat rental. Bring your own food, drinks and drive the boat yourself. Sold! The outing was so much fun. We caught up with our friends and had a few great boat snacks and bottles of wine while cruising up and down the river. Here are a few photos from our voyage:

On the 4th of July, we met up with our friends Hannah & Tyler and their friend Andrew for a rooftop cookout. Hannah prepared some yummy dishes (like mini fruit pies and BLT salad) and we got to see the tippy tops of the Navy Pier fireworks over Soldier Field.

Celebrating America

Happy Fourth of July! In honor of our nation's birthday, I thought I'd share one of my favorite "American movie moments" with you. This clip is from The Sandlot -- I just love the version of America the Beautiful by Ray Charles and the looks on the faces of the kids while they watch the fireworks. My face will probably look like that tonight as I watch the sky light up! I'm looking forward to celebrating with my husband, Hannah and her guy Tyler. What are your plans for celebrating today?

   

How does Chicago celebrate the 4th?

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Chicago friends, I'd love to hear how you celebrate the 4th of July here in the windy city! This will be my first 4th here in the city. Do people actually go out to see fireworks? I've been told that Navy Pier has a spectacular show, and have also heard that you can view fireworks from the beach. I'm looking forward to hearing your suggestions!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Pinch Me

I'm loving all of the lobster motifs I've seen in fashion, home decor and accessories this summer. I'm dying for the lobster sweater below, but maybe at a lower price point? The little studs and statement necklace are perfect, too.

1 Lobster printed tea towel  |  2 Lobster sweater  |  3 Lobster stud earrings

4 Personalized lobster notepad  |  5 Statement lobster necklace

Changes

Image via Dear Musketeer

A couple of weeks ago an opportunity for a new job presented itself out of the blue. I wasn't necessarily looking for a new job, but it was true that my current work-from-home (consulting) position was not providing much real-world interaction. When I read the posted job description, I thought (at the risk of sounding cheesy...) "this was written for me." Without hesitation, I typed up a cover letter and sent it along with my resume and positive thoughts. Hours later I had an interview lined up. I thought about the change I could potentially be making all weekend. My interview was so much fun, and hours later I was offered a position. I was ecstatic! My husband and I took a few days to discuss the opportunity and let the idea of change really sink in. Knowing that I just couldn't pass up the opportunity that was offered to me (it's not often that something so perfect just presents itself to you...) I happily accepted the position and will begin my new venture this Thursday. So, after 6+ years with the same company (and many different roles) I'll be moving on. I'm nervous. I'm excited. I'm anxious. Working from home was great -- I had the freedom to make my own schedule and be with Bean all day, I took days off whenever I needed them, etc. -- but, as I mentioned, the lack of coworkers and interaction was really getting to me. The change in my day to day routine is something I'm really looking forward to. I can't wait to embark on this new adventure!

Have you ever had an "ah ha!" moment when you realized you needed to make a change?

My Favorite Place

My husband and I spent the last week back east visiting family, celebrating at a wedding and spending time at the shore. Both of our families have spent their summers in Sea Isle City in southern New Jersey for years. This summer marked my 28th year at the shore -- my first trip there was when I was just a month or two old. During college, I even lived with my grandparents in their tiny beach house for two summers. During that first summer that I lived at the shore I rekindled a friendship from kindergarten and fell in love. A few years later, the boy I  had known since kindergarten proposed to me on the beach in that small beach town. My (now) husband and I were even married at the shore - though not on the beach. So, as you can imagine, the shore has a special place in my heart. On our last day at the shore, I took a walk by myself along the beach in the morning. The beach is so peaceful when it's not filled with sunbathers and ice cream carts. Here are a few photos I snapped to share my favorite place with all of you:

I can't wait to be back on the beach in late July with my parents and grandparents.

Counting down the days!

Currently Loving... Maritime Drink Strirrers

I'm certain these rope-inspired stirrers would make any drink more fun. As you may know, I'm obsessed with anything that has a nautical flair, so these pretties made my heart skip a beat! Wouldn't they be cute to use at an engagement party or shower (tying the knot, get it?)

Happy Day!

I'm celebrating by heading out to Watershed tonight with friends for cocktails!

My grandma insists that I only 27, but in actuality I turned 28 today. Here's to a GREAT year!

Image via BHLDN

Another week has flown by!

Goodness, where does the time go? I feel like it was just Monday. This was a fun week, so I suppose that's what made the time fly by -- as they say, time flies when you're having fun. On Wednesday I met up with a few girlfriends at Barcito before heading into Tavernita to celebrate my dear friend's birthday. I'm not a huge fan of tapas, but loved the atmosphere in Tavernita. Last night, Jon McLaughlin played at Lincoln Hall. Since he's amazing, and the venue is only a block from the apartment, my husband and I headed over with a friend to catch the show. If you haven't heard any of his songs, I encourage you to listen to a few tracks on iTunes -- he's simply awesome on the piano, and plays the harmonica. In a cool way. Tonight my husband is taking me to a pre-birthday dinner at Pump Room, which I love. Tomorrow is my actual birthday, and I plan to sit on the beach and celebrate all night. What are your weekend plans?

Image via Caitlin McGauley