** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! Graham and I have a tradition of taking photos around the time of our wedding anniversary to document our life together. It's been so fun to capture the changes to our family: Over the past four years we've gone from just the two of us ... Read more
Summer Stroll at the Chicago Botanic Garden
If you're ever going through a stressful time, a walk around the Chicago Botanic Garden might be in order. I was overwhelmed and emotional recently, and I finally asked for help. My mother-in-law drove to Chicago to spend a week with us helping in any way she could. And boy did she help. She worked on our yard. She took the girls to the park so I could get work done or ... Read more
A Summer Day at Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory
I've wanted to visit Lincoln Park Conservatory since we moved to Chicago three and a half years ago, but I didn't make it until this summer. My cousins visited for a week recently and I thought they'd enjoy Lincoln Park Zoo. The Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lincoln Park Conservatory are both free. I would suggest both to visitors and locals looking for affordable things to do in Chicago, especially ... Read more
Life Update: Our New Home
The past few months have been huge for us. In addition to welcoming Addi to our family, we also closed on our house last week! Our apartment lease runs through July, so we can take our time to move. That's nice because it's been difficult finding the time to pack. Slowly but surely we will get it done, though. We wanted a home that we could update to make our own. We need to do ... Read more
Shedd Aquarium With a Newborn & Toddler
Mother's Day was a month after Adelina was born. I wasn't in the mood to do much, to be honest. The thought of going anywhere, especially a crowded place, with a newborn and a toddler terrified me. How would I ever leave the house? My mom was in town, though, and Graham encouraged me to take her somewhere for a fun girls day out while he had to work. We chose Shedd Aquarium for our ... Read more
Add Boating to Your Summer Plans
** This post is sponsored by Discover Boating but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. I have shared quite frequently that I love being on or near water. Turns out I am not alone in that: 142 million Americans go boating each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. And summer is the best time to spend on a boat! There's just something so relaxing about ... Read more
7 Favorite Things to Do in Chicago
Every summer that I've lived in Chicago I create a summer bucket list of things I want to do during the season. This year I am simplifying the process by sticking to just my favorite things to do in the city instead of trying to do everything. Completing my check list will be a bit more challenging with two kids, but I'm up for the task! My favorite things to do in Chicago: Standup ... Read more
My Maternity Photo Shoot With Abigail Joyce Photography
I wasn't sure if I would be able to do maternity photos during my pregnancy. It's been so gray and cold and I've been moving a bit more slowly lately, but luckily I had the opportunity to shoot with Abigail Joyce Photography at her Chicago area studio! I was so grateful to schedule an intimate in-studio maternity shoot with Abigail just as I hit 35 weeks. I was also able to try on some of the ... Read more
February Celebrations: 32nd Birthday and a Family Baby Shower
This past week was highlighted by two celebrations for the Floras: my birthday and our second baby shower! Both were lowkey and casual but they were full of surprises and so much fun! I had no expectations for my birthday --or anything really -- this year because I've been so tired and experiencing some aches, but my family really made sure I had a wonderful time and felt comfortable while ... Read more
Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WellYes2018 #CollectiveBias I’ve had a major goal in mind for some time now, but I’ve been keeping it to myself because of fear. This decision came about after a Well Yes!® Moment of Yes I recently had in which I realized that I need to get back to doing what I love and find ... Read more