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.

How does Chicago celebrate the 4th?

1 | 2 | 3

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!

Simple Summer Pasta

I love cooking pasta dishes, but when summer rolls around it's hard to twirl your fork around a rich, warm red sauce. I opt for a summer pasta dish that is lighter, fresh and so simple to create:

1 box pasta (capellini or linguine work well)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3-4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
salt and pepper
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Boil water for the pasta. While the pasta is cooking, add olive oil to a large sauce pan over medium heat. When warm, add the garlic, and stir for two to three minutes (be careful not to burn the garlic). Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and stir. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to heat the tomatoes while the pasta continues to cook. Once the pasta is al dente, strain and pour into a large bowl. Turn off the heat under the sauce pan of tomatoes. Add the chopped basil and stir. Pour tomato mixture over the pasta. Add freshly grated parmesan cheese & enjoy!

Summertime Sips

Today I'm guest posting over at Love and Hot Chocolate while Amy enjoys a cruise with her new fiance. I've highlighted two great summer drinks -- perfect for sipping on your patio or deck on a warm night. It's still a little cool here in Chicago, but once we get another warm front, you can find me out on the porch with one of these concoctions in hand:

Vodka | Watermelon | Honey | Glass

Club Soda | Sugar | Mint | Limes | Glass

Fun in the Sun

Last Thursday I guest posted over at Project Gadabout as part of Poppy's Glamorous Gadabout series. I loved the post so much that I decided to share it over here at Darling Notes, too! In case you didn't catch it over at Project Gadabout, here's a bit of fun in the sun:

1 & 3 - Old Navy  |  2 & 5 - J.Crew  |  4 & 6 - Anthropologie

With figure flattering shapes, younger colors and embellishments, one-piece suits are making waves in beach fashion this year. I used to think that one piece suits were strictly reserved for little girls and moms, but I’ve changed my opinion after seeing these great suits from some of my favorite shops. The one piece typically covers more skin, but can be as equally sexy as a bikini if you choose the right style. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites, including one that I recently purchased for myself (it’s #1!)

What do you think about these bathing suits? Would you wear one to the beach this summer, or stick to your bikini?

In case you missed them, you can check out my other Project Gadabout posts {here}!