** This post is sponsored by Wente Vineyards but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. My intention for the summer has been to explore. Last summer I didn't have much time for the outdoors. I spent most days inside and not enjoying Chicago's best season to be outside. I also didn't explore my new neighborhood as much as I should have. I didn't garden at all, even ... Read more
Tips for Taking Your Own Photos
As much I'd love help from my Instagram husband with photos for my website and social media, he is not always available. When I am on deadline or when I simply want my photos done right away, I take them myself! Over time this has become easier to do with the help of a camera remote and tripod. I'm sharing tips on taking photos of yourself for your website, social media or your own photo ... Read more
Chicago Half-Marathon Training, Week 2
I survived Week 2 of half-marathon training! (I've actually been unofficially training longer than two weeks, and this is the second week of me trying to follow a 10-week training program.) I'm sharing my progress to inspire others to find ways to stay active and to hold myself accountable. While ideally I would run four days a week, it's not entirely realistic for me as a mom of two who has other ... Read more
Our Cabin Stay in Au Train, Upper Peninsula Michigan
Our Upper Peninsula trip in June was relaxing and quiet, just what we were looking for. We found a dog-friendly cabin rental on Airbnb* and booked a couple of nights in Au Train. The cabin was part of a resort of cabins on Au Train Lake, Michigan. After booking we decided to stay another night, so we booked a separate stay in one of the other cabins (since ours was booked the last night). Our ... Read more
My Thoughts on My Breastfeeding Experience
It's National Breastfeeding Week, and I wanted to give an update breastfeeding and my final thoughts on my experience. I wanted to revisit this because I recently talked with someone who was having some initial breastfeeding struggles and she wanted to hear about what has worked for me. After our talk she told me my story has given her hope that she can continue breastfeeding. I'll insert the ... Read more
Chicago Half-Marathon Training, Week 1
It's been so long (maybe two years?) since I've shared my half-marathon training, but I've missed it! Sharing how I train for a race helps keep me accountable and gives me the opportunity to offer any insight into what I learn along the way. I plan to share each week of the remaining eight or so weeks of training for the Chicago Half in September. I hope these inspire you to start training for a ... Read more
Fun Socks to Enhance Your Halloween Costume
** This post is sponsored by Chrissy's Socks. Have you started thinking about your Halloween costume? If not, it's not too early to begin thinking of ideas. And if you find yourself looking for costumes at the last minute, you can still take advantage of these easy enhancements to any Halloween costumes. Chrissy's Socks has many thigh-high socks that can be paired with DIY or non-DIY ... Read more
Easy Yard Updates
We recently made two easy landscape updates on our home's front yard. It looked so plain before, and we knew we wanted to add some flowers to bring some life to the front of our house. We first began by adding petunias around one of the trees in our yard. It had been such an eyesore, and I think this easy addition improved our curb appeal immediately and at a low cost. These are annuals, so we ... Read more
Summer Night Out in Floral PinkBlush Dress
** Thank you to PinkBlush, which gifted the dress featured. This post also contains affiliate links. I love wearing dresses, but I don't wear them as much as I'd like. I am changing that by making it a goal to find more occasions to look and feel my best in a dress. That's why I was excited when PinkBlush gifted me this floral coral dress that I was able to wear on a night out with my husband, ... Read more
Parenting Assumptions vs. the Reality of Motherhood
I was unsure if I would ever have kids. I always wanted to adopt but had no idea if I would be able to do it. I did, however, have opinions on things I would or wouldn't do as a parent. The past few years have taught me I was wrong on many of those assumptions. I'm sharing the things I said I would never do as a mom vs. what the reality has been. I said I would never cosleep. I never ... Read more