Off to the cottage...........

Tonight we have our first obedience class with Junie B! I'm excited for the classes as there are definitely things we all need to learn! She's great at sit, down, and stay. Not so good at come (basically she has no idea what it means), and she's not the best when distracted by other things.

Tomorrow EARLY morning (oh, about 5:30ish??) we're heading to Michigan for the week. Glorious!!!! The weather report isn't fabulous, which makes me incredibly sad, but at least it's vacation!

While we are there we will be......................

Hanging out with family
B and his brothers

Our darling nieces and nephew

Attending the Lobster Party on the beach and dancing to the Jelly Roll Blues Band


Watching gorgeous sunsets over the bay


Kayaking from Gram's beach


Hanging out on one of these
I've never been on a pontoon boat before!!

Shopping during Sidewalk Sales (and hoping to score a new Lilly!)



Taking long bike rides


Going to Mackinac Island for a day trip


hanging out with these lovely ladies


and celebrating our first year of marriage!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the church where we were married

I'll try to get a post or two in next week, but it'll be sporadic and light!! Enjoy life- I'll be checking in as much as I can!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My favorite cheap beauty product

Is it totally embarrassing that I'm using Wet and Wild products on a daily basis? Should that have gone out the window once I graduated from 8th grade? If so, call me "M the Most" (a funny college term for totally embarrassed). But, seriously, if you aren't using these lipliners, you must try them out! They're only $0.99 and the other day I picked up a few extra because they were an additional 30% off at my grocery store. Yup, my favorite beauty item for $0.70!! I have two of the in my beauty arsenal. My neutral, wear everyday, casual color is #666 (I struggle with writing that, but it's the number on the packaging). The other more plummy, go out for dinner, great with a smokey eye or when you just need a little more color is #711. I don't use the lipliner as it is intended. Instead I trace the outside of my lips, fill in the entire lip area, and throw a neutral lip gloss over top. I find that the lipliner stays on much longer than a lipstick, and I only have to touch up the gloss throughout the day. I've been using both of these since college, and I'll be using them as long as they continue to make them!!

Please tell me that one of you out there also uses a ridiculously cheap beauty product and then share with me so that I can seek them out :)

Use Somebody

I am currently loving this song by Kings of Leon. While I really know nothing about the band, every time this song comes on, I'm singing along at the top of my lungs in the car. They're performing on the Today Show tomorrow morning, so I'll have to set the DVR. I can't wait to see them do it live (and see if I like any of their other songs). Anyone else like this song as much as I do?

Wonderful Wedding Weekend

These two lovely people were married on Saturday night up north. The wedding took place on the bluff in front of A's family cottage. This is a random pic, but you can see how gorgeous the view is. Rain, wind, and thunder had been predicted for the whole day, but after lots of prayers said, it ended up just being windy and a mite chilly. The sun shone the whole time!!!! Wonderful for all.

You can see how windy it was in this pic. So much for the time spent curling my hair!!


They held their reception at the same country club we did last summer. This view is from the putting green looking onto the awesome porch. You can't see it in this pic, but to the right is the dance floor. It was PACKED all night long!!! I have been to multiple weddings with bands all over the country, and this was, by far, the BEST wedding band I have ever heard. We were all quite impressed and had a ball with them!

Here's the crowded dance floor and the bride and groom rockin out with the band!


My best girlfriends and I nearing the end of the night


B and I (also towards the end)- so exhausted after having SO much fun!!


Congrats J&A! We had a wonderful time at your wedding and hope you are having a great time in Bermuda! See you this fall!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dog days of summer

Junebug and I went to the vet this a.m. after I found out that they were cancelling me from work today. When we adopted her, the shelter had told us to bring her to the vet in August for a full check up. Well this last week she's developed an insane rash on her belly and under her armpits, so to the vet we went today!!

The vet was fabulous. I'm so glad we lucked out with him. He was able to answer all my questions and even drew me some pictures. Cute! Apparently, JB has pyoderma (or something like that) which is basically staph infection of the skin. We're on antibiotics for two weeks as well as a special shampoo and a soothing skin spray. She also is starting on an ear wash just to keep her inner ear cleaned out (apparently Mastiffs can be prone to ear infections if not cleaned regularly). YIKES!! We'll be doing lots of grooming over the next few weeks, but as long as she feels better and we can stop this awful itching, it's fine.

We have to go back to the vet in two weeks to see if the antibiotics have cleared everything up and to see if we can figure out why this rash occurred in the first place. The vet doesn't think it's allergies as she isn't really displaying other symptoms, but we'll see. Hopefully it's just a one time thing, and we can all get back to our normal lives! Luckily she is not acting different at all (besides the crazy itching), so we know she's still feeling well.

On the other hand, her momma (me) is not feeling the best today. I felt fine all morning and had a good workout at the gym after the vet apt, but this afternoon I have been insanely dizzy. I have no idea why. Hopefully it's just dehydration or something. I've been pumping myself full of fluids this afternoon. I know it's not an ear infection, and other than the weird spinning, I feel fine. Anyone know anything about dizziness and can help me out???

Get over there right now!!!!

Head on over to Misadventures of a Newlywed so you can win the coolest giveaway EVER. I mean, seriously, I have never wanted to win as badly as I do right now. She's giving away a free pair of monogrammed loafers that are to die for! I simply adore the brown- absolutely perfect for the upcoming fall and winter months. Don't they look sooooo comfy??? My feet are in love! I get numerous compliments on my monogrammed Bonannos, and these would be perfect for the rest of the year when I have to put my sandals away!



And, really, for $95 it is a great purchase even if you don't win. B- these would make a fantastic birthday present if you're reading!!!

I'm sure most of you are already reading her blog, and, if you aren't, you are missing out. So, head on over, enter the giveaway, and bookmark her in your reader asap!!

Fantastic sale at VV

I've been getting the Vineyard Vines Whale of a Sale updates since last week, but I haven't really looked at the site at all. I've just been too busy, and since we are trying really hard to save $$ right now for a home purchase, I don't feel super comfortable spending my disposable income this summer. I'd rather save it for furniture, paint, etc that we'll hopefully see in our new future!

Well, this a.m. I took a look at their site, and there are some adorable things on sale, especially in the men's section! I'm loving:


I do not have the legs for these, but they would look fantastic on the right person!

This dress is adorable, easy to wear, would look great with a fun, colored shoe, and comes in two other colors!

My favorite piece! You could wear this anywhere!

We attended a lobster party each summer, and if B didn't already have a great pair of lobster pants, I would snap these right up!



Perfect summertime "go to hell" pants. Also great for a super preppy, fashionably daring sailor. B could probably be convinced into these :)

Cute board shorts

Cotton/cashmere sweater. Perfect for chilly summer nights and the rest of the year. Probably the most dollar/wear item on their website!

Cool swim trunks. They have a large selection of colors in their swim trunks. All of them are very fun.

Cute patchwork shorts. Great for a cocktail party by the lake.

Love this polo. The underside of the collar is the same color as the stripes. I adore when companies add little twists like this (one of the reasons I love the Salmon Cove polos so much!)

Anything over there you're planning to buy? There are also some cute kid's clothes for all of you mommies out there!!

New Shoes!!

I was in the market for a pair of neutral summer heels as my gold strappy sandals had fallen apart at the last wedding we attended. Last weekend S and I were shopping out in Naperville, and I saw these darling heels at White House Black Market. They only had two pairs left, and one was in my size! I knew they were coming home with me the minute I put them on. I mean, the flower is so cute, how could you not fall instantly in love??? It didn't hurt that they were on sale!! They have a great platform in the shoe, and they make me look so tall- my hubby thinks it's hilarious loves it. They are linen with a barely there metallic sheen. I absolutely cannot wait to wear them this weekend to our friends' wedding. They will be perfect with my yellow dress from Zara.

Ugh...............

This is what the weather in Chicago looked like all weekend. Gray, gray, and grayer! There were occasional peeks of sun, but nothing that lasted more than a few minutes here and there. The high only got to about 71 in the city! And it's JULY!! This summer has just not felt much like summer here. Maybe this means we'll get an Indian summer and a longer fall? Who knows?? I'm trying to still wear a lot of my fun summer clothes even though it's weird to wear them when it's not sunny and warm out!

Crazy, crazy weather!! Have your summers been normal in terms of weather? Is it just the Midwest that's being weird?

On the other hand, we were able to get in quite a bit of fun this weekend, including a wonderful dinner at Home Bistro on Halsted. It was wonderful (and BYOB)!

Chicago to Mackinac

Saturday morning after the parade of boats, the largest freshwater race in the world commences. It's the Chicago to Mackinac race. The boats leave on Saturday around 11:00 and some get into Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) Island as soon as Sunday night. In the past there have been plenty of years where the wind is dead, and they've arrived as late as Tuesday though! My uncle races each year, and as kids, we would all go up on Monday to pick him up off the boat and play around on the island for the day while the adults all watched the boats come in. It is an awesome day up there!



B and I are talking about going down to the Chicago Yacht Club on Sat to see the boats go off. We're not going out tonight, so we'll be up early to work out and get his run in. We'd like to hit the farmer's market in Lincoln Park and then drive further south to watch the boats. Wouldn't it be nice to sit outside in the sunshine on the grass with our pup and see all the pretty sails? I adore watching sailboat races! We're so lucky because next weekend is the Little Traverse Bay Regatta, and we'll be up north for a wedding, so we'll get to see more boat racing next weekend!

Sunday morning we're going to head to the driving range.............I haven't been in years, so we'll see how this goes! B's just excited that I want to go. We'll see how long that excitement lasts :)

Are you using these?

I ordered two of the RuMe market totes a few weeks ago, and I love them! They fold up and fit into any purse, they're cute, and they hold up to 50 lbs. There are a ton of colors and patterns sure to fit anyone's taste. I'm going to order a few more for birthdays- I know my mom would love them. Head on over to The Preppy Princess and order yourself a few. I promise you won't be disappointed, and you'll use a lot less plastic bags when you are out and about (always a great thing!).

A lovely baby gift

Wouldn't this just make the most unique and gorgeous baby gift? I think slings are a wonderful gift for a new mom, and a lot of my friends really enjoyed theirs. It keeps the baby close and cozy while still allowing the mommy to have two free hands to fold the laundry, prep for dinner, walk around shops or a farmer's market (without a stroller), or just sit and sip coffee. This sling from Serena and Lilly is made of a gorgeous flax linen and with such neutral color surely won't clash with any outfits that the mom may wear. Plus the hand embroidery is just stunning. I would love to receive this as a gift, and I bet any of your friends would as well.

Tell me, moms out there- did you have a sling? Did you use it regularly?

Question.....

Have you read this? If you haven't, do! It's a great read- fast, funny, and features Barcelona!
I was reading another blogger's post today about reading lists. Great thing, reading. We all seem to love it, and we voraciously tear through books in the summer when we are lying at the beach and when TV is out of shows worth watching. The question I would like to pose to you today is: When is it okay to give up on a book? Do you have to finish it just because it's on your list? Do you have to finish it just because you started it? Please let me know what you think about this.

I worked at a bookstore for about 4 summers during college, and I am definitely of the camp that life is too short and there are too many good books out there to try to struggle through bad ones. I saw this happen with friends of mine who just "couldn't get into" certain books- books that I and others loved. However, the writing style just didn't suit them or the characters didn't come alive for them. Hey, it happens. For me, I can read one, maybe two, chick lit books in about a 6th month period. After that, I feel that my brain is turning to mush, and I have to reach for something else. I do love them, I just can't do them all the time. However, spy books, CIA novels, anything to do with foreign espionage- yes, please! I love it all (totally my father's daughter here!) I have definitely quit books in the past, and, while I always feel slightly guilty about it (why?), I've learned that some just aren't worth it!

So, fill me in on what you think. Can you, have you, left an unfinished book? Also, I'm on the hunt for a few new books to add to my list, so leave me the names of a few of the best books you've read in the past 6 mnths. I'd much appreciate it- whatever genre they are :)

It's official! As of 11:30 today, I am a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner! The test was 175 questions and we had 3 hours to complete it. I did it in about two hours. The first twenty questions were very difficult, and I was shaking until about question 60. Luckily you could leave answers blank and go back to look over all your questions. It was the hardest test I have ever taken. I suppose that's a good thing seeing that the lives of precious little ones will be in my hands :)

I feel really, really happy that the last three years have paid off and that God blessed me with a true love for my profession. I'm so excited to start working in this new field and share my knowledge with parents, kids, and teenagers!!

It's sink or swim time, people! Please pray for me to have great recall and knowledge at 9 a.m. central! Here I go.

Cupcakes!!

I know many of you out there are cupcake lovers. I've seen you blog about them multiple times, and I know how good they can be when done well. I also know that they are perfect for parties- already individualized, no knives needed, and so much fun. So, for today, here are two fun cupcakes items!

1. When we hosted our party two weeks ago, I decided to finally try these cupcakes that I've had starred in my google reader for forever. They did NOT disappoint. So far I have yet to try a recipe from Annie's blog that isn't good. She picks great recipes, and she lets you know what to do differently if the recipe doesn't work for her the first (or second) time. Mine didn't look exactly like this (my piping was a little more uneven), but all the guests loved the flavor and B and I definitely could channel Sonic while eating them.

Photo courtesy of Annie's Eats

These, these, and these are next on my list. Any preferences out there? I'll make a batch and post pics and a review if anyone is interested?

Also, next week on Martha it is cupcake week! If you are a devotee, make sure you DVR the week for tips, tricks, and recipes. This would be a great week to DVR if you are a mom and planning any birthday parties in the foreseeable future!

Off to study. Boards in two days. Sorry if my commenting leaves much to be desired this week. I absolutely have to pass this test, or I just spent three years of my life in school for naught. Hopefully that won't be the case though :)

Holiday Weekend

How was your weekend? Did you have a great time celebrating our country's Independence and freedom? I can't wait to read all about it today!

While normally we spend the 4th of July up north, this year we left Friday morning to go to one of B's HS friend's wedding in B and A's hometown. We arrived about noon and took B's grandmother to lunch at her favorite Mexican restaurant. After lunch we went back to her place to show her all the Spain pictures. We then went to get ready for the ceremony and reception. We dolled up in red, white, and blue since it was the 3rd. We received quite a few compliments!

The only pic of us together- B had a navy blazer on earlier


A and S are super fun and quite unconventional. They had a tableful of costumes for the photo booth, and as evidenced by the next picture, they were utilized well! They also came out in white track suits and performed a choreographed dance for everyone! While I thought she was crazy for changing out of the gorgeous sheath dress she wore, the dance was hysterical and well done!





On Saturday morning we got up, ran (I did 3.3, B did 9), watched Serena and Venus (I was happy with the outcome!), and then went to the Jamie Farr Owen's Corning Classic LPGA event. We got there, watched a few pairs tee off, ate lunch in the tent, and then followed a few of the leaders around the course. After walking the first 9, we went to the 18th green skybox to watch everyone come in. A South Korean named Yi ended up shooting a 61 on Saturday!!!!!!!!!! She went 10 under- amazing. Morgan Pressel ended up tying her on Sunday which led to a one hole tiebreaker where Yi was crowned the winner. Morgan played really well on Saturday as well. We watched her quite a bit as well as Michelle Wi (did you know she is 6 feet tall in real life??), Suzann Pettersen, and Natalie Gulbis. Unfortunately, Paula Creamer had injured her thumb and did play. I was bummed b/c she is definitely one of my favorites!! B was fine with watching Natalie (specifically her smile and her legs!) all day :)
Eunjung Yi wins

Natalie on Saturday

Morgan Pressel


Saturday night we went to a party at the Groom's parents house. It was fun to hang out with all of B's HS friends again and spend more time catching up. We were exhausted by about 11 and headed home. Sunday morning we had breakfast with his grandma and then got on the road to get back home to Junie B and to do the standard weekend chores (laundry, grocery shopping, etc). While I missed being up north with my friends and family, the wedding was fun, and I do enjoy hanging out with B's friends. All in all- good weekend!!