Love and Photographs

Valentine's Day Shop Sale!!

2012-02-10T10:29:00.000-06:00

Hey lovelies! My shop is having a Valentine's Day Sale!

Take 20% OFF now until Feb. 15th!

Enter Promo Code: LOVE20 at checkout!!

SHOP AWAY!!

Bianca & Amy

2012-02-10T09:04:00.001-06:00

Bianca Merkley and Amy Vachal are doing a Valentine's Day Show in New York, so if you are close by make sure to stop on by! Who doesn't want to listen to sweet songs on the sweetest day of the year?

Also, their song they recorded together is now available!

You can listen to it below and download it for free right here!

(It is only free until after Valentine's Day, so hurry and get it now!)

Strumming at the Heartstrings {blog by Bianca Merkley}

2012-02-03T08:56:00.001-06:00

You already know my love for Bianca, and her music!

Did you know you now can get her music off iTunes?!?! Well you can, and it is pretty awesome!

Want to know something else? Bianca started a blog!! I love when people I love in the creative field start or have a blog. I like hearing about their journey in the field, and their everyday life!

I love discovering new blogs, so I thought you would too!

Go over and check it out, and show her some love by becoming a follower!

Oh, and a little birdie told me that she is going to have a new song available, in a few days, that followers can download for free!! Yayyyy! She recorded it with Amy Vachal, who is a signer-songwriter friend of Bianca's. I actually got to hear a sneak peek of it, and it is amazinggggg....of course!!

So head on over, check out her blog, and show her some love!!!

2012 Goals

2012-01-13T09:26:00.000-06:00

Here are my goals for 2012! Can't wait for this year!!

1. Be better at scripture study.

2. Think and speak kindly of others.

3. Write more in my journal, like I used to.

4. Become an avid flosser.

5. Organize every square inch of our apartment.

6. Watch less TV, and spend more time outdoors.

7. Push myself creatively, physically, and spiritually.

8. Use our fireplace more.

9. Take more film photos, and be better at documenting our lives again.

10. Start becoming the person I want to be.

See past New Years Goals here: 2011, 2010, 2009

First Fire of the Season

2012-01-03T15:03:00.000-06:00

On the last day of our Holiday vacation we ventured out in 22 (said it felt like 9) degrees to go to the Chicago History Museum, lunch, and then dinner later that night. Here I am taking a really cute bathroom pic while also flipping you all off! So sweet I am.

(This dark hair makes me look even more like I am 15 years old, no??)

That night, we also made our first fire of the winter season. Don't mind that we forgot to open up the fire vent thing and smoke started filling the room. We of course both panicked. Chris hurried and ran and got an oven mitt, and pulled it open.

Pretty sure our house still smells like a campfire.

Chris's new record player that I got him for Christmas. We are mostly listening to Sufjan Stevens.

(The window was open to vent out the smoky room)

There is just nothing like a good fire in the winter. This was a big reason why we decided on this apartment, I mean who doesn't love a wood burning fireplace (except when you almost burn down the place)?!?!?

New Years Eve 2011

2012-01-02T19:27:00.000-06:00

{The easiest and fastest way to get a picture together. Don't mind the dirty mirror.}

For New Years we went to our favorite restaurant, that also happens to be close by... Gemini Bistro.

This was the first restaurant we ate at when we moved here almost 1 year ago, so it was great memories for us.

We ate butternut squash ravioli, duck confit, chicken with mashed potatoes, filet of beef, chocolate cake, and the most amazing pumpkin cheesecake with cinnamon gelato. It was heavenly!

It was a pretty early dinner, so we were able to go back home and hang out and let everything digest while we vegged on the couch. We both didn't realize it had even hit midnight, until we heard the firework show from Navy Pier go off!

Happy 2012!

2011

2011-12-31T12:40:00.000-06:00

{Some of my favorite film photos from throughout the year}

2011 has been such a good year. I seriously can't believe how blessed we have been.

We moved to a city we barely knew, but it ended up being the best decision of our lives. Chicago is where we are supposed to be right now, and we love it here. We've been blessed with jobs, and our little apartment that we love so much. We've grown and learned and experienced so much this year, and the best news...2012 is going to be even better...I can't even believe it. We will be sad for 2011 to be over, but we can't wait for the upcoming year...there is just so much to be happy about!

Thank you 2011, we owe you one!

{See 2010, 2009, and 2008}

Christmas 2011

2011-12-30T20:32:00.000-06:00

{The whole family (minus sister Keri)!!}

We had a wonderful Christmas break in Utah. We spent time with my family above, Chris's family, and our good friends the Englands and the Burns. We got to eat at our favorite restaurants, play tons of games, and lounge around and be as lazy as we wanted. It was heaven!

We had my favorite Christmas brunch with scones, sausages, and my mom's deviled eggs.

I dyed my hair dark brown to match most of my sisters.

I got to hang out with my 12 (two from the Sargent side) nieces and nephews.

We ate at our favorite place in the world: Bombay House. I was giddy!

All in all it was a wonderful 2 week trip, but let's be honest...coming home after a long trip is so nice. We still have a few days off until we have to go back to work, so we are still relaxing, but slowly getting back on a schedule. I like a schedule. Vacations are great, but I am a true homebody.

Oh, and I can't believe it is almost 2012! That is just too crazy to even comprehend!

Zoo Lights.

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

On Sunday night, it finally became bearable enough to go outside for longer than 5 min, so we bundled up and went to go see the lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo. They only are on during the weekends, so it was our last chance to go before we headed out west. I love bright colorful lights, so it was so much fun! I wish it could stay Christmas time forever, so there was always an abundance of twinkle lights. You can't help but be in a good mood when they are around!!

Nephew.

2011-12-09T11:00:00.002-06:00

{Amy's boys LtoR: Sam, Josh, and Jake}

My sister, Amy, posted on facebook this list that her oldest son, Josh, made.

It made me laugh, and I just thought I'd share.

A life goal list by Josh:

1. Go on a mission

2. Get married

3. Have a family
4. Teach
5. Harness energy from nuclear fusion.

He is 13 years old. A total genius (for reals). And man alive, he has his priorities straight!
Man, I love that kid!

Branching Out Photography

2011-12-08T14:56:00.000-06:00

I am loving Branching Out Photography!

I mean how amazing is that first pictures?

Megan & Tanya are the sister team behind Branching Out, and I am in love with everything they are doing!

They are based out of Utah, so if you live there, I would seriously consider them for your next family photos. They do outside family photos, or have a small studio for newborns, kids, etc.

They also happen not to break the bank! There are so many photography business that cost thousands of dollars, and while that is fine, it is nice to have good quality for a good price too!

I know the second I have kiddos, I will commission them for some photos!!

Favorite Things.

2011-12-07T10:56:00.000-06:00

1. Anthropologie's fleece leggings.

2. Clementines.

3. Spin class (A new found love).

4. My black Anthro clogs I scored for $30 (originally $298).

5. New headphones that keep my ears warm, and stay on while I work out (I can't do those stupid in your ear headphones).

6. Knowing that in less than a week, we will be in Utah!!

7. Knowing that we get to stay there for 2+ weeks.

8. Public Transit. I really do love it so much.

9. Gathering all my film rolls together to get them ready to be developed.

10. Listening to Christmas music (and Sufjan Stevens) on Chris's new record player (an early Christmas gift).

11. Chick Fil-A.

12. Making pesto for the first time (with spinach instead of basil) and being proud of the outcome.

13. The anticipation of the first snow storm.

*My favorite film photo right now.

Thank you Jasmine for the post inspiration!

Trip to Utah

2011-12-05T15:01:00.000-06:00

In about one week, Chris and I are going to Utah for Christmas! We love and miss that state a lot and being there during the Christmas Holiday is so fun for us! We literally can't contain our excitement to be going home!!

We are thrilled to see family, pumped to see friends, and dying to go back to all our favorite eateries! We may have even started a list of places we must go to!

1. Bombay House (The first place we want to go...best Indian ever!)

2. DP Philly Cheese Steaks

3. Trio

4. Bambara

5. Del Taco (I miss this sooo much. They don't have any in the state of IL)

6. Cafe Rio

7. Wing Coop

8. The Paris

9. Molca Salsa

10. Beehive Tea Room

And there are even more places that have opened since we left, that we want to try!!

Best trip ever?!?! I bet so!!

*Polaroid from 2009 when we lived in Utah!

Where Are They Now??

2011-11-30T09:03:00.001-06:00

I love when people send me pictures of themselves wearing a piece of clothing that they purchased from my shop! Makes me so happy seeing other's find a new life in a garment. Here are two cute girls wearing items they purchased...

This is Marilyn. She is 26 weeks pregnant, and looking amazing! She purchased this cardigan a few months ago, and I love it on her! She said she has purchased a few things from me, and is sending me more pictures. I can't wait to see them!

This is Liv! She is wearing a H&M retro dress that she purchased from the shop. It looks sooo good on her! She also purchased another shirt and turned it into the cutest bib necklace! How cool is that?!

Today is the last day to get 20% off your shop order!

Enter: BLACKFRIDAY at checkout!! (it also includes 20% off your shipping price!!)

Have some pictures wearing items from my shop? Send them my way!!

{ staceysargent1 @ gmail.com}

P.S. You have two more days to enter THIS giveaway. The winners will be announced on Friday!!

My current obsession.

2011-11-29T13:33:00.000-06:00

POPCORN!!!!

I am obsessed with popcorn!!

I went 25 years* going to movies and never once ordering popcorn or a drink,

but this past year I haven't been able to watch a movie without both. Sometimes I am not sure if I am going to see the actual movie or going to eat the popcorn. We love going to movies, so luckily I was getting my fix once a week or more. Well, I guess that wasn't cutting it, because now I can't wait for our weekly movie night to munch on this amazing stuff. I must have it at home now too. I really don't like microwave popcorn, but my sister introduced me to the "Homestyle" flavor, and it is almost like the real stuff.

Wanna know the only thing I asked for Christmas?? A popcorn machine. I grew up with my dad making popcorn in our machine and sitting on the couch watching a movie! Well, when my parents divorced, he took the machine with him (that jerk face), and I haven't had once since, so finally this Christmas I will get my very own! I am so so so excited, and you can bet I will be making popcorn every.single.night.

*Obviously I wasn't going to movies until age 13 or 14, but you know what I mean people.

{Don't forget to enter THIS giveaway, or take advantage of THIS deal!}

Thanksgiving Dinner for Two.

2011-11-28T11:26:00.002-06:00

Chris and I were planning to go to a restaurant for Thanksgiving, but I got the itch to make it all myself (with the help of Chris of course). So that is what we did, and we were both so glad that we made it ourselves. It turned out so well and we had leftovers for days, which is always the best part!

Here are a few pictures from our Thanksgiving dinner for two!

I made my Grandmother's Thanksgiving jello, which is basically everything in the fridge thrown into raspberry jello. I grew up with it, so I LOVE LOVE LOVE it, but Chris HATES jello, and couldn't get past the fact that there is celery in it, so he wouldn't go near it. It sounds crazy, but it is soooo good, and so easy!!

All you do is... dissolve a large package of raspberry jello in warm water, in the pan you will serve the dish in, and then add a package of frozen raspberries, can of crushed pineapples, 1 1/2 chopped green apple, 1 pomegranate, and 3 stalks of chopped celery. And then let it firm up and chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

I had lots of pomegranate seeds left, so I froze them for later! It will be so good in yogurt or other such things! I love pomegranates.

We went with a roasted chicken, instead of a turkey, since it is much easier and takes less time to cook, and the perfect amount for the two of us! I have made roast chicken a ton, but this time I made an herb butter that I rubbed all over the outside, and it made it sooooo good! I will forever do that now!

We made it a point to take advantage of our dining room, and sat there for the night. We tend to eat on the couch, in front of the TV, but eating at the dining table made it so much more special!

The Menu:

Roast Chicken

Mashed Potatoes with Gravy

Sage Stuffing

Roasted Butternut Squash

Grandma's Jello

Tomato & Cucumber Salad

Butter Flake Rolls

Brownies (for Chris)

Pumpkin Pie (for me) - which I haven't even eaten yet..still full!

Apple Pomegranate Sparkling Cider

It was such a fun day. I loved preparing all the food, and then of course eating it for days!

This weekend was so fun being able to do anything we wanted, which included going to two movies, eating at chick-fil-a, dinner with friends, ordering in pizza, eating til we were sick, and relaxing at home!

I am so thankful for my life right now.

I am so thankful for my faith.

I am thankful for Chicago.

Our friends and family.

Our marriage, and all that Chris does for me.

Our health.

Our jobs.

And everything else good in our lives! We are so very blessed!

PS. Don't forget to enter to win Bianca's new CD!

Take 20% off your order, from my shop, now until December 1st! Use promo code: BLACKFRIDAY

Bianca Merkley "A Part of Me" CD GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-11-23T11:20:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to host another giveaway from the uber talented Bianca Merkley. I've written before on how much I love her and her music, and recently let you know that her newest album just released! Well, lucky for you, you get to enter to win this very album, A Part of Me (there will be 3 winners!!). I've listened to a few of the songs, and they are of course amazing. I am asking for my very own copy for a Christmas present (you should do the same...BUY IT HERE)!

Well, before we get to the giveaway, I wanted to tell you a little about the amazing process that went into making the album cover. Bianca gets so many compliments on it, and she shared the story with me, and thought it would be fun to share with you!

Bianca, and her talented Idaho photographer sister, only had ONE day to shoot to cover. Bianca had envisioned flying a kite in beautiful, warm weather, with blue skies and white puffy clouds above. Welp, the exact opposite happened. The day was a cold 40 degrees, stormy skies, wet, and WINDY, 70 MPH winds to be exact. Without getting discouraged, Bianca curled her hair, ironed her vintage dress, and got her kite ready. She and her sister drove two hours out in Idaho, to the middle of nowhere, until they found a beautiful field. When they stepped out of the car, they were even more shocked on how windy it really was. Bianca went for it anyway and started running around and flying her kite in that 70 MPH winds. Her curls were ruined and her dress was flying everywhere, but she and her sister laughed hysterically for 30min while taking photos!

It ended up being just what they needed. The pictures turned out great, and because of it Bianca went home and wrote the song, Please Stay With Me, which was inspired by their windy photo shoot. "Making good use of bad weather," then became her goal and focus the past year while she wrote the album, and because of that, this song has become one her favorites.

HERE is a live video of her singing this very song at her CD release show.

After she got the album cover shots back from her sister, she then came up with how the cover would exactly look like. She wanted the cover to look 3D, so she, her friends, and her husband, worked their magic, made it 3D and made the cover come to life. Here are some pictures of the process.

Didn't it turn out so cool?? I think it is one of my favorite album covers I've ever seen. Best part of it all, the music is EVEN BETTER than the cover! And here we are to the best part, the giveaway to win your very own copy of Bianca Merkley's A Part of Me CD. Bianca was nice enough to offer her CD to not just one, but THREE people, so you have even more chances to win!

To Enter:

1. Visit Bianca's Website, and then come back here and leave a comment tell me what you want for Christmas, besides this CD of course! :)

2. The THREE winners will be announced on Friday, December 2nd, so you have ample time to enter!

Extra Entries:

1. Become a public follower of this blog (on the sidebar) and leave an additional comment.

2. Tweet about and link to this giveaway and leave an additional comment.

3. Blog about this giveaway or about Bianca's CD and leave an additional comment.

Don't want to wait?? You can buy your copy right NOW right from Bianca's website!!

Merry early Christmas to you!!

Recap.

2011-11-21T20:33:00.000-06:00

This weekend...

....I straightened my hair for the first time since my birthday.

....We ate at a new (to us) restaurant, with friends, called Pierrot Gourmet. It was delicious!

....We caught a glimpse of The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.

....We looked from afar, which is just great for us. We aren't too keen on crowds.

.....We walked almost all the way home from dinner, since it was 57 degrees out and so nice!

....We celebrated a friend's birthday with the best cheese appetizers around.

....I started "The Book Thief" and already love it!

....We have successfully kept our house clean, and I couldn't be more proud of us!

Sunday Dinner

2011-11-14T10:06:00.000-06:00

Last night we had our friends, Rachel and Matt Miller (and baby Sam), over for Sunday dinner.

It was a perfect way to get our butts in gear and deep clean our house, which is always nice! It was also nice to actually make use of our dining room table, since most of the time it is a placeholder for clean laundry that needs folding.

We lit all the candles and feasted upon...

Sharp cheddar cheese ball with salami and crackers

Shepard's Pie

Tomato & Cucumber Salad

Brownies and Ice Cream

There is just something about the Holidays that makes me want to host dinners, light a million candles, and eat until I am sick. Man, I love this time of year!!!

Happy Weekend + New Items in the Shop

2011-11-11T14:15:00.000-06:00

Stocked the shop with a few more items. Just in time for the weekend!!

Our plans...

Friday:

1. Making chili lime tacos & rice krispy treats

2. Catching up on shows and reading on the couch.

Saturday:

1. Going to look at a few apartments, even though we don't plan on moving out anytime soon.

2. Shopping for winter necessities (think scarves, gloves, leg warmers, etc),

3. Eating dinner with friends, and then maybe even a movie.

Sunday:

1.Church

2. A few open houses (we are weird and love going through houses and apartments for rent/sale)

3. Cleaning our disgusting apartment!

Happy Weekend!

Lately...

2011-11-10T12:25:00.000-06:00

.... I eat a grapefruit almost every morning.

.... We eat in every meal, and only go out once a week. (This is a BIG deal)

.... We tend to make this, this, this, and this a lot!

.... I have already been thinking up my Christmas list.

.... I am loving the fall weather and getting excited for the Holidays.

.... I can't believe how quickly this year has gone.

.... I have been horrible about keeping my house clean.

.... I have missed taking film photos^. I need to start up again.

.... I have been putting my foot in my mouth a lot.
.... We have been thinking about making Chicago our permanent home. We love it here.

.... We love looking up apartments for rent and homes for sale, just for fun.

.... We spend Saturday's downtown either shopping or eating, sometimes both.

.... I can't stop watching Brothers & Sisters on Netflix.

.... I haven't had much to say on this here blog of mine.

.... I have read four books: The Devil in the White City (so good), The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Little Bee, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (you can find my ratings here).

.... I have been reading The Bell Jar.

.... I have fallen in love with Yoga.

.... I have been wishing I could go back to school.

.... I haven't been able to stop eating chips and salsa. It's my favorite snack.

.... We have become obsessed with Revenge, Up All Night, Parks and Rec, and The New Girl.

SALE!!

2011-11-08T12:04:00.000-06:00

Added some new items into the SALE section of the shop!

Check them all out HERE, and everything else HERE!!

Snapshots: Weekend Outing

2011-11-07T14:27:00.000-06:00

These were taken on a Saturday lunch date, a couple of weeks ago, when it was just starting to get crisp outside and the leaves were falling. It is still gorgeous in Chicago. Everyone is already getting snow out in Utah and Colorado and the East Coast. We are getting 55-60 degree weather and gorgeous colors on the leaves that are still clinging to the trees. It is pure heaven!

The lunch date, above, was to one of our favorite lunch places, Sal's Deli. We went there way back in January, when we were in town hunting for apartments, and we've loved it ever since.

This weekend we made dinner for the missionaries on Friday, and went to bed early. Saturday afternoon was spent taking long naps (me) and relaxing at home. Saturday night we headed downtown to meet a bunch of friends for dinner at Chick-Fil-A. It just opened up here a few months ago, and we can't get enough of it. Being with a group of friends was so fun! We already have upcoming craft nights and outings planned for the holidays!!

Our weeks are pretty quiet. We both work full time, and I try to work out at least 5 times a week, so I usually don't get home until 7 each night. Chris has literally done all the cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and errands the last three months! He picks me up every night from my work out studio, serves me dinner on our couch, and then we catch-up on our favorite TV shows. Life is pretty simple right now, and we like it that way!

Our night with the Myers'es's''s's''ssss''s'es'es'*

2011-11-04T12:51:00.001-05:00

Jasmine and Levi took us to to dinner at Tavern on 2 in Long Beach.

We ate yummy salads, bleu cheese & bacon hamburgers on pretzel buns, and made our own s'mores.

We were given crafts of our soft drinks, laughed about Chris's love affair with the lead singer of the Sounds, talked sports and other such nonsense.

The s'mores were, of course, a hit! Jasmine even snuck in her own components: saltines and dark chocolate. We all got a big kick out of it, especially Levi who kept trying to hide them cause he was embarrassed!!

It was so nice to have Jasmine and Levi finally meet Chris, and Chris to finally meet people we already consider some of our best friends. It was a good night. A good night indeed.

*Jasmine hates having a last name with a S at the end, because she is a grammar Nazi and no one can make it plural correctly... So that title is in honor of her! :)

Vacation out West: Day in LA with Jasmine

2011-11-03T20:29:00.000-05:00

I got to spend a whole day with one of my favorite people...Jasmine!!

She took me on a tour of her favorite places in L.A.

:: We ate at Bottega Louie, where we shared a margarita pizza and french fries, and looked at the pretty rows of macaroons ::

:: We drove to Hollywood to actually eat macaroons at Jasmine's favorite place, Lette ::

:: Drove to Venice and window shopped in some of the coolest stores ever, where we tried on freaky masks, and loved on the stacks and stacks of cake stands ::

We then drove back to her place in Long Beach, and met up with our men and headed out on a double date to their favorite eatery in town (pics to follow)!!

Nothing beats a day with Jasmine. She makes me laugh. She is my therapist. She confides in me as much as I confide in her. We can chat and chat for hours and still feel like we have more to say! She is the greatest kind of friend, and I am so thankful to the blogging world for bringing us together! It was like we dated over the Internet for 3 years and finally met up and then fell madly in love. Best girlfriends forever!

Vacation out West: Part 2: California

2011-11-03T14:59:00.001-05:00

After our weekend in Arizona, we rented a car and drove the 6 hours to our old home, Ladera Ranch, California. We lived there all last year, and have many friends there, plus my sister Julie, her husband PJ, and her twin boys, Benjamin and Ethan. We were able to spend a whole week catching up with friends, playing with the twins, and eating at our favorite places.

Here are a few snapshots....

{The cutest 3 year olds you've ever seen...Ben & Ethan. They are a quarter Italian (I think they totally look it), and fully hilarious! We spent a whole year with these buddies, and face-time them at least twice a week so they wouldn't forget about us. Needless to say we are pretty obsessed with them.}

{Chris sneaking them sips of "Chris's spicy drink" before Mom can see! Our first request, while in Californa, was to eat at Jalapenos. That place was a serious part of our life last year, so we made sure to eat there twice!}

{Nap time and story time in the twin's new bunk beds (and where we slept for the week) with Uncle Chris.}

{We of course spend time with Johnny & Marsha. Life here in Chicago is not the same without them, and we miss them every single day! I can't wait to see them as parents and meet baby girl! She is due any day now! Oh and don't mind the perky boob pose I seem to be doing in the last photo!}

Since moving away in January, I have visited California 5 times, and Chris 3 times! It is obviously our hot spot!

Vacation out West: Part I: Arizona

2011-11-02T22:06:00.029-05:00

Chris and I had the most amazing 10 day trip out west. We were able to visit family, old friends, and new friends. We spent our time in Gilbert, Arizona, where my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew live (Steph, Mike, and Jack). We spent the time relaxing, eating, watching favorite TV shows, and relaxing some more. It was so good to see my sister Stephanie, since it had been over a year since the last time we saw each other!

That is just TOOOOOO long to go without seeing family!!

I didn't take out my camera much, but here are a few pictures of our weekend....

{Spying on Jack during his nap time}

{Sister making me my absolute favorite meal... homemade crispy tacos and her mother-in-laws cheese enchiladas}

{I literally crave this meal more than anything else!}

{Steph's cute Halloween decorations}

{Jumping on the bed!}

{On Sunday morning, Stephanie made us the best breakfast!}

{We made sure to visit and try Steph and Mike's restaurant they own: Samurai Sam's... it was so good!}

While in Arizona we were able to meet up with our friends Jen and Bryan Bluth (they were the friends we first went to Chicago with. We pretty much invited ourselves on their trip, and with out them we most likely wouldn't be living here today...we own them big time!) We love the Bluths and look forward to every time we get to spend with them!

Also, we met up with Stacie and Geoff Lang for lunch. I have met Stacie before, but it had been years, and I was still nervous. We've been friends over blog, twitter, and instagram for a while, but like Stacie put it, "I feel like I am going on a first date!" We four ended up hitting it off big time with talks about our future lottery winnings and one-upping each other on who has a grosser (I am aware that grosser is not a word, but I like it non-the-less) story. Stacie was recognized by one of her blogger fans/readers, which was a treat to watch, so the whole 2 hours together was pure magical. It is safe to say we love the Langs, but really...who doesn't love the Langs?! (And no, we didn't get to meet the famous Ivy. We felt pretty jipped, so pretty much the Stacie and Geoff owe us big time!)

All in all, Arizona was good to us. We took walks every morning, before it got to hot, had family bonding time, long naps, tv watching, friend get togethers, and good food. We can't wait to go back!

Happy November & ABC's of Me

2011-11-01T16:48:00.003-05:00

I seriously can't believe it is November already. This year has flown by...and what a good year it has been!! I will seriously be sad when it is gone, but I still have Thanksgiving and Christmas to look forward to. I am so excited to be in a place that is cold for the Holidays. We were severely bummed out last year having a warm Thanksgiving and Christmas...it just isn't the same! So excited to be in a cold, big city this year!

I saw this ABC of me on Jasmine's blog, and thought it might be fun!

So here are the ABC's of Stacey Rae Sargent...

Age: 26

Bed size: Queen

Chores that you hate: Cleaning the bathroom (that is Chris's job), hanging up my clothes, cleaning out my car, and waking up...cause that is a serious chore in my book.

Dogs: I have a love hate relationship with dogs. Love the idea of them, hate actually owning them. My first word was "Bow-Wow" from my dog that I grew up with and loved. Chris and I had a puppy once...it lasted about 48 hours.

Essential to start your day: Laying in bed the first 10-15 min letting myself wake up, while looking at twitter, instagram, and my email.

Favorite color: pink and blue...I always gravitate towards blue in decorating and dressing.

Gold or silver: silver

Height: 5 feet 4 inches

Instruments you play: I played the violin from ages 7 to 17.

Job title: Executive Assistant

Kids: Would love to eventually have 3 or 4 of them running around!

Live: I live for my husband, eating ice cream shakes, playing with my nephew and nieces, and being with my family. I also love to see dance, and musicals live, and in live in Chicago, IL.

Mothers name: Christine (Tina) Holland

Nicknames: "Farnica reina Q wingnabish hepsibah wroblewski rowena honker" - Given to me by my oldest sister, Amy. Also... Stace a base, raenika, and daisy mae.

Overnight hospital stays: When I came out of the womb.

Pet peeves: Inconsiderate people...those who don't realize there are other human beings in the world besides themselves. These people usually stop in the middle of a busy walkway and cause a huge backup. They are NEVER in a hurry. They drive slow, are slow phone talkers, and are pretty much in slow motion all the time. They are usually either rude or spacey...can't stand them!

Quote from a movie or TV show: "He can't see without his glasses" - My Girl. Every single time my husband says "Where are my glasses?" I say this line!

Right or lefty: Righty tighty!

Siblings: I am the youngest of six: Amy, David, Keri, Stephanie, Julie....and then me! My mom had us all in 10 years.

Time you wake up: I try to get up around 7am, but it is usually closer to 7:20am, though 8:30 would be perfection to me!

Underwear: They are white and cover half my body! :)

Vegetable you hate: I really don't think there is one I hate...I rarely eat brussel sprouts, but I wouldn't say I hate them.

What makes you run late: When I can't find something I want to wear. It usually ends with me throwing a tantrum, until Chris can calm me down...yup...I'm the youngest in the family and still act like a 5 year old.

X-rays you've had: teeth from dentist visits and when I had surgery for two teeth that were growing in on the roof of my mouth, arm from when I broke it getting bucked off a horse, both of my feet for when I had 3 bunion surgeries.

Yummy food you make: I make a mean roast chicken, Shepard's pie, and chicken parm.

Zoo animal: Elephants!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-31T09:00:00.001-05:00

Now if that didn't scare the shiz out of you, I am not sure what will!!!!

Flash Back Friday: Old Phone Photos

2011-10-28T16:09:00.000-05:00

I sold my old iPhone 3G the other week, so I needed to clear it of its contents before I sent it off to its new owner. I uploaded all the old photos that I hadn't seen in months. They are all from when we lived in California last year, and I had red hair...

{Donut date at Scott's Donuts}

{At the pumpkin patch last October}

{Being really cute while we waited in line at Disneyland...my least favorite place in the world}

{Wearing my Nana's sunglasses and a vintage shirt}

{Doing the "fashion hunch" in what Chris called my circus outfit. Vintage shirt and Anthropologie skirt}

{A self-portrait in my vintage "Indiana Jones" hat}

My Nightstand

2011-10-27T12:11:00.000-05:00

{Five new books (the top) to read, and three old on the bottom. New vintage flower broach.}

{Bird ring holder, my favorite cocktail ring, and all my favorite necklaces on display.}

Mary Poppins

2011-10-26T19:51:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, Chris surprised me with tickets to Mary Poppins. I saw it twice when I did study abroad in London, and loved it so much! When we moved to Chicago in February, I saw that it was coming in the fall and talked about how badly I wanted to go. So happy that Chris remembered, because I seriously had forgotten all about it. Well, last Tuesday was finally the day. We started off with dinner at The Florentine, and then walked to the theater and enjoyed the show!

The show was amazing, and it made go down memory lane of my time in London, so it was a total win win!

I don't know what it is about musicals, but they are my favorite thing ever!!!

Bianca Merkley: A Part of Me

2011-10-25T11:30:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to share with you a song from Bianca Merkley's upcoming album, A Part of Me. I wrote about her before, about how I instantly fell in love with her music. Her voice is amazing, and I could listen to it for hours. Well, she gave me a preview of her new album and I am so thrilled. The album drops on 11-11-11, and I can't wait to get my copy and hear the rest of the songs!

My favorite song, so far, is the album title song, A Part of Me. The song really hit home, and I listened to it over and over for a good hour. Here is a little snippet of what Bianca said the song is about...

"The song that made the title of the album is called, "A Part of Me," and it was written only about a month ago! It just came out one day and I felt like, "This is it! This is the little song I've been waiting for." I had no idea what to call my album until then. But I felt like it was in a song that needed to be written and just hadn't manifested itself yet. So this little song is one of my favorites because it really is exactly where I'm at right now (it's very much how I feel- and there are some inspirations related to infertility, living in New York away from family, etc...in this song). And this album I truly feel is a "part of me." And I'm really excited to share these creations with other people- so I thought it would be a perfect album title because of that."

A Part of Me by Bianca Merkley

Click here to listen to a few of her songs from her upcoming album, A Part of Me!

Another exciting tidbit? Mindy Gledhill and Bianca are joining together for a CD release show in New York, on November 11th! I literally can't think of a better duo! Bianca is releasing her A Part of Me album, and Mindy is releasing her Christmas album. If I was in New York, I would so be there!

So if you are in New York, be there on November 11th. If your not there, get ready to get your copy of Bianca's CD!

The Violet: Fall Issue

2011-10-24T19:51:00.000-05:00

The Fall issue of The Violet is here!!!

I am so excited about it, and I was lucky enough to contribute an article about decorating on a budget!

Camilla, and the gang, did such a good job, and I am really proud of it!

Go check it out!!

P.S. Follow The Violet on Facebook and Twitter!!

*pumpkin photo by Camilla

Candlelight.

2011-10-19T08:00:00.004-05:00

{Setting up a puzzle. Growing up, my mom used to bring home huge puzzles for us, and we would spend an entire summer working on it day by day. It was such a fun memory, that I decided we should do the same.}

{My favorite picture on my nightstand, next to a stack of my favorite thing...books. Picture of my late Nana, me (with a black eye and a super awesome A&F shirt on (good ol' high school days), and my cousin Kristi. Taken on my 17th or 18th birthday (losing my memory).}

{Blogging, and editing photos, by the light of my favorite candle.}

{Our new "hot buttered rum" candle sitting on our mantle, shining on my most prized possession...a painting, by my Nana, that she gave to me (she painted one for each of her granddaughters), a year or two before she passed away.}

Past, Present, & Future.

2011-10-17T21:42:00.003-05:00

{My new favorite thing: watching netflix instant TV shows on my iPad, in my comfy bed.}

.Past.

:: Had a rough 3 weeks ::

:: Let my husband take control and heal me back to my normal self. He would tuck me into bed the second I got home from work, did all the dishes (who am I kidding he has done them ever since I started working full time again - and yes, he works full time too), made all the meals, rubbed my back, and let me sleep for hours, took me out for a "Stacey" afternoon ::

:: Spent too much time in bed feeling sorry for myself ::

:: Spent too many hours sitting at my desk asking 'why me?" or better yet... "why not me?" ::

.Present.

:: Feeling content and at peace ::

:: Remembering to trust in the Lord, and have faith ::

:: Realizing that feeling sorry for yourself makes the situation worse. Realizing it wasn't as bad as I made it out to be (don't you hate when you do that?) ::

:: Remembering to live in the moment: take advantage of this beautiful Chicago fall, take walks before it gets too cold, and take advantage of the time when it is just the two of us ::

:: Remembering that taking pictures of my every day makes me happy ::

:: Realizing my blessings: my healthy body, where we live, how much we've grown this year,

and the every day good things ::

:: Writing down the things that make me happy: having a good work out, Saturday afternoons, accomplishing a goal, putting a full day of work in, the smell of fall candles burning, this amazing city ::

:: Obsessing over my new blog design. Camilla is amazing! ::

.Future.

:: Getting excited to go to Mary Poppins tomorrow, with dinner at Florentine first ::

:: Our upcoming travels to finish out the year: Arizona, Southern California, Utah, and San Francisco ::

:: Looking forward to spending Thanksgiving here and getting ready for Christmas ::

:: Being ready for whatever comes our way... good and bad ::

Weekend Shop Update!

2011-10-02T22:07:00.001-05:00

1. This amazing wrap I got in Northern California. I picked up 2, and am selling one to you! Brand new, never worn...and I am obsessed with mine! (with tags, and selling it for what I paid for it)

2. The most amazing vintage dress ever! Totally twirl worthy!

3. Super cute black and gold vintage dress. Love the ruffle detail!

4. Soft and comfortable H&M top!

5. Crisp and clean vintage white button up with diagonal stripes.

6. Red. Plaid. Vintage. What's not to love?

7. Neck tie and ruffle vintage top with lemon tulips and polka dots. Perfection!

8. Forever 21 Gold and Navy polka dot dress! Only worn once!

9. Vintage blue and white polka dot blouse with an exaggerated collar!! Fabulous condition!

See all the item in the shop HERE!

**Please note that all the vintage items for sale, in my shop, are from my own personal collection that I have acquired over the years!!

Snippets I don't want to forget...

2011-09-29T10:06:00.000-05:00

...from our girls trip in San Francisco....

1. Meeting Damir (Camilla's very tall fiance) with him having to bend in half, and me on my very tippy-toes for us to have a semi decent hug!!

2. Jasmine and I yelling random things out the window, late at night, to the drunk (and loud) college kids in Berkeley. We thought we were hilarious...them not so much!

3. The nice girl sitting next to us on the bus, telling us to get off our stop, because she overheard (how can you not...we are loud) us and knew we were about to miss our stop!

4. Totally creating the next big "blogger look." Ya know...like top knots and red lips.

5. Me always, always, always claiming that I had lost my phone, with Jasmine and Camilla always saying "No you didn't..." because they know I've just misplaced it for one second!

6. Jasmine showing off her killer yoga poses and dance moves!

7. JASMILLA!!!!!

8. Constantly calling Jasmine Camilla, and Camilla Jasmine.

9. Laughing so hard, which always ended with Jasmine snorting!

10. Picking up Camilla's bolero for her wedding dress, and oohing and awing over it!!

11. Everyone getting attacked by a bee while trying to have lunch on the porch. ME: "You are all freaking out, and I am doing just great enjoying my meal... {Then suddenly the bee comes charging towards me} I LIED! I LIED! HELP! HELP!" And all of us running inside with our food, until Camilla came to the rescue and killed the bee. Come to find out...bees like roast chicken!

12. Jasmine having to pee literally every 10 min!

13. Driving over the Golden Great Bridge, the views in Sausalito, and driving through "dark park" and seeing the gorgeous red woods.

14. Seeing where Camilla and Damir get to live, after they are married, and Jasmine and I being soooo jealous!

15. There may or may not be a picture of me sitting on the toilet with the door cracked open (sneakily taken by Jasmine), because I couldn't bare to miss the convo for even 5 seconds!!

Snapshots: Best Friends in Chicago

2011-09-28T10:45:00.003-05:00

We were so lucky to have some of our best friends come visit us over the weekend.

They wanted to a have a quick babymoon before they welcome a little girl in early November,

and we are so thankful they wanted to come visit us in Chicago!

We met Johnny and Marsha our first night in California. Johnny helped move us in (even though he didn't even know us), and then introduced me to Marsha the following Sunday at church.

For anyone who knows Marsha, you know she is quite possibly the nicest person in the world! In the first 3 min of talking to her she already had my number, in her phone, so we could go to dinner, and I already felt like we were best friends. They were a big part of the reason why leaving California was so hard. We spent almost every spare moment with these two, so it was so fun to have them come see our new home!

Day 1: We started off with lunch at a little Mexican joint in Humboldt Park...best meal of the whole trip. We then walked through our favorite place in all of Chicago...the Lincoln Park Zoo. Please note how amazing Marsha looks at 8 months pregnant! I die!

{I love where we live! We absolutely LOVE it. Sometimes I never want to move, though I understand this might change come the insane, freeze your gonads off, winter, but as for now..I've completely fallen in love with Chicago}

Day 1 continued: We headed out for an early dinner at Q, and then headed to a hilarious show at Second City.

Day 2: We started the day off with lunch (yes I did say started. We woke up around 11am every morning) at XOCO with the most amazing tortas. We then walked and shopped up and down Michigan Ave, took some time off our feet with a movie, and then dinner at another favorite: Chicago Oven and Pizza Grinder.

Day 3: We ended our time together with a great brunch at Meli Cafe & Juice Bar.

Thankfully we are going to California, at the end of October, so we get to see them real soon!

Thanks for coming and making our weekend, John and Marsh! We love you both so much...and baby girl Clayton!

Day 3 - Part III: Dinner at Gamine

2011-09-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Our last night in San Francisco, Camilla took us to her absolute favorite restaurant, Gamine.

It was my favorite place we went to, and I am still dreaming of the food we had there.

Jasmine and I are already planning to take our husbands there when we are back in

SF for Camilla's wedding in December.

It was the absolute perfect ending to our absolute perfect weekend!

Day 3 - Part II: Lunch in Sausalito Bay

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

This was by far my favorite thing we did on our trip! We drove to Camilla's gorgeous parents house (my dream home) in Sausalito Bay and had a wonderful lunch that her amazing mother made us.

On the menu:

Lime shrimp with mint and feta.

(you wouldn't think the mint would go with it, but it is literally the best shrimp dish I've ever had)

Roasted chicken.

Heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil salad.

Garbanzo beans with garlic and roasted cherry tomatoes.

Crusty bread to dip in all the drippings.

Homemade chocolate chips meringues with raspberries and whip cream.

We sat on the porch, overlooking the bay, stuffing our faces with the meal.

It was literally my idea of heaven!!

Day 3 - Part I: Tartine Bakery

2011-09-22T14:30:00.001-05:00

Saturday morning we drove to the Mission District to try out the famous Tartine Bakery. There was already a line out the door when we got there. We shuffled our way into the line and waiting for 25 min to get our hands on the most decadent, buttery, and fully croissant. It was delicious. I also got the hot chocolate, which was to die for. They make the chocolate in house, and it seriously made it soooo good! Jasmine got the quiche, and said it was amazing! It was worth the wait to have this at least once in our lives!

Day 2 - Part III: Tea Time

2011-09-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

We had about an hour to spare before we went to our dinner reservations,

so we decided to sit down and have some coffee and tea.

I ordered an herbal orange tea.

Jasmine ordered an espresso*.

And Camilla ordered a tea as well.

We sat and rested our feet until the pigeons literally kicked us our of our chairs. About ten of them started attacking the rest of Jasmine's apple tart and instead of us being able to shoo them away, they became so crazy and aggressive they shooed us away screaming! Pigeons freak me out!

*or something of that sort. I obviously know nothing about coffee because when I first typed this out, I wrote eXpresso, until spell check told me it was eSpresso.

I had no idea...hahahahaha!

That night we ate at Scala's Bistro, which is one of Jasmine's favorite places. She and Levi (her husband) went on their honeymoon to SF, and stay in the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, where Scala's is located.

The food was phenomenal, and I literally died over the Fritto Misto appetizer!

I could eat that every single day of my life!

Day 2 - Part II: Walking Around San Francisco

2011-09-21T15:30:00.001-05:00

{That leap was all her idea, and oh so graceful! We had a good chuckle afterwards!}

{Jasmine wanted in on Camilla's scarf...we all need in invest in scarfs that are long enough for two people!}

{Camilla grew up here, but believe it or not, this was her first time riding the bus...what?! Here she is taking my photo for a good ol instagram pic!}

{I love public transit, especially for the awesome friends you make while riding! :)}

We had a wonderful time walking around the financial district shopping until our feet hurt.

We then planned to go have tea, but as we were taking the taxi there, we called and they were closed! sniff! So we hopped out of the cab (cause we didn't want to pay any more money, since we just spent it on new clothes), so we ran (literally) to the bus stopped and took it back the way we came!

We interrupt this program...

2011-09-21T10:00:00.002-05:00

For the past 5 months I've been having weird heart palpitations and flutters, etc. After about 4 months of them getting steadily worse and more often, I finally went into the doctor to see what was up.

They thought it was the herbal medication I had been taking to help me with my high estrogen levels. Anywho... the took blood tests, that came back all good, so I got off my herbal medication and my heart problems went away...for about a week...and then they came back. After a night of where I thought my heart was gonna stop (a little dramatic) I made the two cardiology appointments that my doctor had recommended. I went in and had an Echo Heart exam where I got to see my heart beat, and see what my flutters look like (it was pretty cool), and then they hooked me up on a 48 hour Holter Monitor, which you see above. I have 7 of these bad boys strapped to my chest and stomach, all with long cords that connect to a monitor coming out of my shirt. Pretty much I look like a walking science experiment. I made Chris snap these photos of me at lunch, yesterday, so I could remember the two memorable days where everyone starred at me with pity in their eyes...pretty sure they thought I was dying....maybe I am...J slash K...it is not that serious. I just hope they can tell me what is happening so these will go away. They are A to the NNOYING.

Day 2: - Part 1: Breakfast at La Note - Berkeley, CA

2011-09-20T15:00:00.005-05:00

On Thursday morning we had the most amazing french breakfast at La Note in Berkeley. It is one of Camilla and Damir's favorite places, and Jasmine and I totally agree! It was unbelievable!

We girls all started out with a grapefruit, which is the best way to start a morning. I then had the cinnamon brioche toast, and an over-easy egg with toast. I want to go back and have it all over again!

Me and Jasmine!! Picture stolen from Camilla's post!

The two lovebirds: Damir and Camilla. They get married in December and we can't wait to be there! While we were there, we were able to see her dress and gorgeous crystal bolero she is wearing (oh my amazing)...she is going to be the most gorgeous bride ever! I can't wait!

Day 1: Crepes A Go Go - Berkeley, California

2011-09-20T08:15:00.002-05:00

Jasmine and I flew to San Francisco where Camilla was there waiting for us. We arrived on Wednesday afternoon. We then to drove to Berkeley, where Camilla lives, and caught up and ate at a local restaurant. We then got comfortable in Camilla's cute little studio apartment, and then had dinner at Henry's where we dined on shrimp, mango habanero wings, and a turkey panini. We then walked to Crepes A-Go-Go for a late night sweet treat.

{Camilla will probably kill me for posting this pic, but I love her laughing face. I caught so many of them on camera.

She is the best!}

{I of course ended up with about a gallon of powdered sugar all over me. It was a reoccurring theme throughout the whole trip...I attracted powdered sugar no matter where we went, and they put it on everything... random I know!}

It is literally insane how well we three click!

It is funny that we've only been together, in person, a few times, but we've all been "friends" for years,

and it feels like even longer.

It is crazy how much you can really connect and get to know someone through just reading their blog, twitter, etc.

I know we will all be friends long after this blogging world is over. They are true friends for life!!

Girls Weekend!

2011-09-19T12:30:00.002-05:00

I was able to spend almost 4 days with my two best girlfriends!

We talked until our throats were sore.

Laughed until we couldn't breath.

Shopped until our money was gone.

And ate until our clothes were snug!

So thankful to the blogging world for bringing us together!

I can't wait to share all our pictures!

Weekend Shop Update!

2011-09-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Lots of great new goodies in the shop!!

Kevin McCalister's House

2011-09-12T11:37:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, we had Stake Conference up in Wilmette (a northern suburb of Chicago), which happens to be right by Winnetka, where the "Home Alone" house is. Chris has literally been dying to go see it, since we moved here 8 months ago! We found the address, and saw that is was only 5 min away, so after church we drove on over!

First of all... Wilmette and Winnetka are the most gorgeous little towns we've ever been too. We seriously fell in love, and have already looked up homes for sale so we know what we need to do so we can live there in the future!!!

(we do this a lot...)

The McCalister home is actually for sale right now for just under 2 million. The have updated the inside, of course, and it really is gorgeous! I'm pretty sure it would be Chris's dream to buy this if we happened upon a cool 2 mill. I mean Home Alone really is one of the best movies of all time!

Oh, and now Chris has now been quoting movie lines from it ever since...

Last day!

2011-09-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

Today is the last day to get 20% off your order!!

Enter promo code: ENDOFSUMMER

Flash Back Friday: My Favorite Photos of Us!

2011-09-09T12:15:00.003-05:00

Here are a few of my favorite photos of us back when we were dating!

I love looking through them...we are such babies!!

So thankful I met him on that fateful April night at Red Rock in Salt Lake City, Utah.

A typical day...

2011-09-08T14:05:00.002-05:00

6:50am: 1st alarm goes off - I hit snooze.

7:00am: 2nd alarm goes off - snooze.

7:05am: 3rd alarm goes off - snooze.

7:10am: 4th alarms goes off - snooze.

7:10-7:20: I lay in bed trying to open my eyes. Check email, twitter, and instagram to help wake me up.

7:20am: 5th alarm goes off.

7:23am: Drag myself out of bed.

7:23am - 7:45am: pee, dress, make-up, make lunch (wrong: Chris usually does this for me), get work-out bag together, get purse together, run around frantically trying to find my essentials: chapstick, water bottle, phone...oh and a pair of shoes.

7:46am: Run down 3 flights of stairs and hurry to bus stop with Chris, who has been dressed and waiting on the couch since 7:15am.

7:48am: Catch the bus.

8:20am: Get off bus and walk to my office.

8:30am - 5:00pm: Work as an executive assistant for a tax firm.

5:05pm: Catch the bus.

5:20pm: Get off the bus and walk to my work out studio.

5:30 - 7:00pm/8:00pm: Take 1 to 2 classes (Mon - Thurs): yoga sculpting, zumba, yoga booty ballet, etc.

8:00pm: Chris picks me up from studio.

8:30pm: Shower, eat or go out to dinner, and plop myself on the couch.

9:30-10:30: Catch up on TV shows, write blog posts, pack up shop orders, return emails, veg.

10:45pm: Climb into bed where we read our books - Him: Devil in the White City Me: The Help.

11:15pm-11:30pm: SLEEP!

{What's your typical day?}

Views from Lake Michigan

2011-09-07T13:45:00.003-05:00

The other week, Chris's work had a party on a yacht on Lake Michigan!

It was pretty awesome! We both hadn't been on the lake yet, so we were pumped!

The views were amazing, and while everyone got drunk we hoarded all the amazing appetizers!

Man, I seriously love this city!

P.S. Don't forget to visit the shop and take 20% off your order.

Promo Code: ENDOFSUMMER

Project Home!

2011-09-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

Loving the projects that Nikki has recently done!

1. Cute chalkboard wall on the side of the pantry. Perfect place for notes or your grocery list.

2. Loving the sleek look she gave these new dining chairs!

Her blog is full of great DIY's and ideas!

Snapshots: Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-06T13:30:00.001-05:00

1. We celebrated a wonderful Saturday morning with brunch at Meli Cafe & Juice Bar.

By far the best brunch we've ever had.

2. Wearing sandals on one of the last hot days of the year.

3. We drove up to the Northern Suburbs (Vernon Hills) to go to our favorite Indian Restaurant.

It did not disappoint, and it was fun to get out of the city for a night.

4. On Monday we were able to put on warmer jackets, and braved the wind and walked to

the beach to look at the big waves!

5. We decided we deserved to treat ourselves to our favorite restaurant: Gemini Bistro.

We are obsessed with their mussels.

6. Chris just looking handsome, as always.

7. Monday proved to be the start of the cooler fall weather, so I pulled out my favorite boots,

and my bright trench coat!

All in all, we had a wonderful, lazy, indulgent long weekend...and it was heaven!

End of Summer Shop Sale

2011-09-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

Shop until you drop

with 20% off until September 12th!

Use promo code: ENDOFSUMMER

Flash Back Friday: Favorite Baby Picture!

2011-09-02T10:52:00.001-05:00

This is my favorite baby picture that I have of myself.

I only have a few baby pictures, so I cherish them all so much!

It is insane how much I look like my father here,

and I even got his curly hair!

When Chris saw this picture he said...

"I bet you were just pumped to be up eating food!"

He knows my love for food. We've watched a family video of me (around this age) scarfing down ice cream like I couldn't get enough. Chris, since we've been married, has laughed and commented about how every single time he brings me my plate of food, my face lights up... I just can't help it...eating is my favorite!

Man, we can't wait (not pregnant) to have little munchkins just like this, running around our house and begging for food! I wouldn't mind a little curly headed chubby baby...nope...wouldn't mind at all!!

*Photo scanned, hence the quality.

Remember that time...

2011-09-01T13:58:00.001-05:00

...when after getting a pedicure, last winter, the lady asked me:
"When you due?"
Me: “Hmmm???”
Her: “When baby due?” and points at my belly.
Since I was so caught off guard I said what any logical woman would have said in that situation…
“Oh, ummm… in about 3 months.”
And that woman smiled wide, and nodded her head in agreement.

Nope.
Wasn’t pregnant.
Left feeling like an idiot.
Haven’t worn that high-waisted skirt since.
Good times.

Snapshots: Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago

2011-08-30T19:45:00.002-05:00

We live close to the gorgeous Lincoln Park zoo, and to make it even better...it is free!

It is so nice to just walk down the street and enter this amazing place. Even if you didn't stop to look at the animals you could just get lost in the lush environment. It is soooo green with loads of flowers.

It is seriously huge and gorgeous, and totally exceeds all your expectations when you first hear it is a free zoo. It is so worth visiting, and lucky for us, we get to quite often!

Here are few snapshots I took while we roamed around last Saturday morning!

Please note that I only use a wide angle lens...this is how close you can get to the gorillas...He was sitting right next to the glass picking his nose (for reals). I've never seen that large of an animal that close...it was insane!

A summer outfit....

2011-08-30T08:00:00.003-05:00

I took this photo on our favorite street in Lincoln Park.

We always dream about buying one of the gorgeous homes, and living there...now we just need a couple million dollars to afford one...on day...hehe!

I bought these heels while in Utah, and I still am obsessed with them!

They have a love heel, and are so comfortable! I can even wear them around Chicago, which is really nice. They have a 60's vintage look to them, and that is probably why I love them so much, and wear them all of the time!

Snapshots from Utah.

2011-08-29T10:00:00.019-05:00

While looking through my photos, I remembered I took some random snapshots of my weekend in Utah!

1. I found all of my old photographs, and spent a few hours looking through them and laughing hysterically and going back down memory lane.

2. My mom has a ton of jewelry, and I had a field day wearing all her goods! Don't worry...I returned everything before I left, even though I was tempted to start stuffing my luggage pockets.

3. We stopped by a local farmers stand and picked up a few items for Sunday dinner. I was in love with the raspberries, and put them over vanilla bean ice cream.

4. Sunday dinner: pot roast, corn on the cob, creamed peas, mashed potatoes with gravy, and fresh watermelon.

5. Shucking corn. I think it might be one of my favorite things to eat!

6. Slicing up the fresh watermelon! I don't think there is anything more refreshing!

And lots of instagram photos I took while there...

{1. My brother's gorgeous house and yard 2. a root beer ice cream cone on the way to the airport 3. my read for the weekend 4. playing with chalk}

{1. Old photographs 2. Wearing my mom's ring that she got when she was 11years old 3. I took lots of mirror outfit shots 4. Brother's backyard}

{1. Stealing my mom's clothes 2. Oh, and her shoes 3. New vintage inspired heels 4. My arm party!}

{1. Got my nails shellacked (gel nails) in a pretty pink 2. Showing off my new shoes 3. Another outfit mirror shot 4. New Huge Hefner flats}

Weekend Shop Update!

2011-08-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

Just added lots of cute items into the shop!

These are my three favorite skirts, and these shoes are brand new!

Go have a look!

Flash Back Friday: The Rocking Chair Photo-op!

2011-08-26T10:30:00.001-05:00

While I was in Utah, a couple of weeks ago, I went through my photo box, that my mom was storing for me. I found so many great old photographs from when I was a baby to high school drill team days.

I brought some home with me to share on Flash Back Fridays, because am I the only one that thinks childhood photos are high-larious!????!

These gems above were taken in the house I grew up in, located in Highland, Utah (right by the mouth of the American Fork Canyon). For some reason, we always thought pictures on the rocking chair, in our Sunday best, was the perfect photo-op!

I am 100% positive that both of these killer 80's dresses were hand-me-downs. I am the youngest of 6 kids, with 4 older sisters...so I am pretty sure I never got a new outfit (maybe that is why I am so obsessed with clothes and shopping...see mom...it is so your fault...hehe).

The bottom dress is velvet on top with three layers of colorful polka-dot ruffles on the bottom....80's at its best!! And... I would seriously like a adult version of those pale pink shoes, in the first photo. I would wear them right now!

And even those these were taken a couple years apart, I am pretty positive that those are the same white tights...and i have an inkling that they were never washed in between these photos. My poor mother had more laundry than I can even think about. We had a laundry shoot in this house, and I was terrified to open the door (where it piled up from the shoot), because it would have buried me alive, and I surely would have died.

Man, I miss being a kid!!!!

[Recipe]: Oreo Cookies

2011-08-24T09:43:00.002-05:00

Today, I have the greatest, and easiest, cookie recipe for you!

Homemade oreo cookies!!

(My sister, Amy, taught me these years ago, and they are still a favorite!)

All you need for these babies is 5 ingredients. 3 for the cookies, and 2 for the filling!

2 boxes Devil's Food Cake mix (dry)

3/4 cup oil

4 eggs

8 oz. cream cheese (softened)

3+ cups powdered sugar (to taste)

{Here I have my three cookie ingredients.}

{Add the oil to the cake mix}

{Add the 4 eggs}

{Combine until it makes a fudgey dough. I found using my hands to mix was the best. It will be very thick and dense.}

{Shape into 3/4 inch balls, and place on cookie sheet. Put into a 350 degree oven, and bake for 7-9 min. DO NOT OVER BAKE.}

{While cookies are baking, get your two filling ingredients ready.}

{Combine the two}

{Until you have a creamy thick filling, and you like how it tastes. Place in fridge until all the cookies have cooled.}

{Once the cookies came out of the oven, I gently pushed on them with the back of my spatula to flatten them out. I then transferred them to a cooling rack.}

{Tip: I baked mine for exactly 8 min, and then let them sit on the pan for about 30seconds to a min to firm up, and then transferred them, You don't want the cookies to be hard at all, but soft and easy to chew (kind of like a whoopie pie).}

{Once cookies have cooled completely. Spread one cookie with a little bit of filling, and then place another cookie on top. Tip: Put the filling only in the center, cause when you place the other cookie on, it will move out to the edges.}

{Keep in a cool dry place, or in the fridge.}

ENJOY!!!

A deadly sin.

2011-08-23T10:25:00.000-05:00

I am an envious person.

I tend to get wrapped up in what others have, and what I don't.

I wonder why they have this or that, and I don't.

I compare myself.

I criticize myself over these comparisons.

It is an evil compulsion, and a very deadly sin to my soul and spirit.

This weekend was a beautiful one.

Not because we did anything grand or out of the ordinary,

but because I realized how much I have.

How happy I am with what I have,

and that I wouldn't trade anyone for their 'stuff,'

and that I would gladly choose the exact life I'm living, if given the choice.

I am so thankful for these times when my mind becomes clear,

and I can truly see all the good around me.

I can see how much my husband loves me.

I mean, he really really loves me, and he tells me so daily.

We have the most wonderful life, and get to share it together.

We have been so blessed in the last three years,

that sometimes I don't understand how we can even deserve it,

especially when I'm negative, complain, and compare.

We am healthy, and we have good jobs.

We've been able to travel all over together,

and live in all different types of places.

So today... I am thankful.

I don't envy anyone else.

I love what I have,

and wouldn't trade it for anything the whole wide world.

Polka Dots & Ruffles

2011-08-22T08:00:00.002-05:00

I am obsessed with this dress. I think it is my favorite item in my closet. I have a few items (mostly dresses), that I plan on keeping for my girls when they are about my age. I have a leopard coat, of my mom's, that she had in high school, and I cherish it. I hope my girls will do the same with my items!

Flash Back Friday: Our Engagement Photo

2011-08-19T09:00:00.004-05:00

I was just 22. He was 25.

He gave me the most beautiful ring (that I designed...hehe) on a super snowy night on December 7th.

I couldn't wait to have my ring, and to officially be engaged, so we had a long (read: long for mormons) engagement of 5 and 1/2 months!

We took our engagement photos sometime in the Spring.

I remember being frantic about my outfits, but it ended up not being a big deal, since we chose this photo, where you can't even see what we are wearing.

I can't believe we are now 4 years older, a wee-bit heavier, with a lot more grey hairs (him), and now living in freaking Chicago (so different than what we had 'planned')!

We sometimes think back to when we were single, and cringe. We are both so thankful we found each other and are happily married. I for sure do not miss single days!

I met Chris for lunch yesterday, and when I saw him across the way, I seriously got giddy. He was so handsome in his crisp white shirt and diagonal striped tie, I wanted to die.

Obviously marriage has its ups and downs, but I can really say the ups are much more frequent than the downs and the ups sure do make my life pretty awesome.

Chris is the only human who I genuinely want to hang out with more than being by myself (which if you know me, you know this is HUGE). I never planned to be engaged or married so young, but I thank my lucky stars, everyday, that I married Chris.

*photo by Nicole.

Lake Tahoe: Randoms

2011-08-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

Here are the last of my Tahoe pictures (promise). We obviously had a wonderful time, and I can't wait for our next Holland family vacation next summer (we are headed back to southern california).

I am so glad my mom makes sure to do at least one big family vacation a year. It keeps our family close, and helps all the little cousins bond. My fondest memories, growing up, were our yearly family vacations (with my mom's side of the family), where I got to spend a whole week with my cousins at the beach. Nothing was better!

{Me and my Salmon Burger.}

{Sam and Chris}

{Nicole and Dave enjoying ice cream cones.}

{Yale really enjoying his ice cream cone.}

{I make really cute faces while eating.}

{Eating the biggest ice cream sandwich known to man.}

{Chris really gave that ice cream sandwich a run for its money!}

{We spent a night mini golfing. I didn't win, but I did a get a hole in one!!!}

{Sophie and her favorite person.}

{A very late night film photo while swinging at the park.}

{Mister Yale boy watching his dad climb the tree (below) to fetch the frisbee.}

{Nana (my gorgeous mother), with 9 of her 10 grand children}

Lake Tahoe: Scooters out front.

2011-08-17T10:15:00.000-05:00

These were the only non-film photos I took the whole trip. Playing out front (where the roads were huge with no cars in sight) was almost a nightly activity. That and playing at a local park. We rode scooters, threw around a frisbee (which got stuck high in the trees more than once) and softballs, and just hung out!

{Above: Ethan and Sam serious about their scooter rides.}

{PJ being his crazy self}

{Cute Lucy!}

{Jeff and sister Amy being oh so cute!}

{Jake being oh so cool!}

{My mama and sister Julie}

Lake Tahoe: The Lake

2011-08-16T07:30:00.002-05:00

Going to the lake was the best part of the trip. The water is so clear and blue, and everything is surrounded by millions of pine trees. It is beyond gorgeous.

The first day we went was a bit windy, and made the water ice cold, so most of the adults lounged around while the kids braved the waters! The other days were warm, which made paddleboarding, and being out in the water, a lot more bearable.

{Yale (in the background), Sophie, Ethan, and brother Dave}

{Sophie and her cute tush!}

{Benny, Benjo, Benny-boo, Benjamin}

{Ethan, E, Ethie Bear}

{Jake and Lucy. They were so brave in the freezing cold water.}

{Sam: Samster, Hambone, Sammy & Ben}

{Yale and his dad, David}

{We know how to party at the beach: nothing beats Doritos!}

{And gorgeous Kate.}

Green & Coral.

2011-08-15T08:30:00.000-05:00

I should be happy that these pants are too big for me now, but they were my favorite, so I am kind of sad. I seriously wore them all the time. I think I must get a new pair! I also wear these wedges all of the time too. They are ultra comfortable, yet still give me some height.

Flash Back Friday: Venice, Italy

2011-08-12T15:18:00.002-05:00

Venice, Italy. Exactly what you expect it to be: colorful, gorgeous, and packed with tourists.

It really is a sight to see, and I loved it just like every other place we went to in Europe.

We came to Italy, for the weekend, where we started in Venice, and then drove to Florence and the flew back to London. It was a serious adventure, both good and bad. Nicole, Morgan, and I went with two other people from our group (who were both over 25 so that they could rent the car and drive to Florence). By the end of the trip we three hated those two so bad. Haha! But at least we could hate them in two of the most amazing places on earth!!

Well, the we spent the day in Venice, walking around, eating at the cafes, going on gondola rides, and cooling off with two (maybe three) rounds of gelato.

I am seriously so glad I kept a daily, detailed journal at this stage in my life. I have the worst memory, so I would have forgotten everything by now if it wasn't for the words written on white paper. Here is a snippet from that day...

June 2, 2006: "We are here! We have finally made it to Italy. I love this country already, and we've only been here one day. We walked around Venice all day today and it was so perfect and picturesque. It still hasn't hit me that we are in Venice, Italy, because it is totally what you would imagine, and see in pictures! You walk along the Grand Canal and on the sides of you are little alley ways - some with little canals and some with streets. The buildings are all old and vintage, yet colorful and kind of exotic in a way. There are little cafes all along the canal, with colorful tablecloths and canopies. I have loved all the small little details. If you don't stay by the canal you could get seriously lost...which...we actually did for a full hour. When you are back in the buildings, you are in a full on maze. We were on streets with no tourists, and no locals who knew English, and we were already late meeting the other two at the main bridge by 5pm...we were freaking out. When we finally met up with the two, who were an hour late of course, we ate our expensive food and had two rounds of gelato...yummy yummy...a perfect ending to our fabulous day in Venice."

Man, I am craving gelato now. I seriously ate more gelato, in the 4 days we were in Italy, than I have in my entire life. There is just nothing that can compare!

*All photos by Nicole.

Identity Crisis

2011-08-12T10:07:00.000-05:00

We have Utah accents.
California license plates.
And now, Illinois drivers licenses.

What the what???

Lake Tahoe: Kayaking & Paddleboarding

2011-08-11T18:01:00.001-05:00

{Ethan, PJ, Ethan, and Chris}

{Nephew Josh rocked it on the paddleboard}

{Even my mom did it. I am in the background with niece Kate on the front}

{Sister in law Nicole and me}

I seriously love the lake, besides that it was pretty darn cold water. We rented kayaks, paddleboards, and wave runners. Paddleboarding was my absolutely favorite thing, and I could seriously sit on there for hours and hours if I could, and it is a pretty good workout too!

Can we go back now? I miss that place already! It is such a beautiful place, and so much fun!