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summer bucket list
I’ve put together a really short and sweet summer bucket list or things to do before baby arrives. There are about eight more weeks of summer and six weeks before baby’s due date so it’s time to get out there and enjoy some sunshine. We’re off to a great start and have already crossed off many things including go to an outdoor concert, spend time at the lake and make homemade smoothies. I also made sure to include some indoor activities for the days it’s just too hot for this mama-to-be and the pools are too crowded. What’s on your summer bucket list?
Shop our local farmers’ markets; Build a bonfire and make s’mores; Go for walks in the park; Plant something
Have a picnic; Go to an outdoor concert; Make summer cocktails; Spend time at the lake; Collect seashells 
Fix up our yard; Make homemade smoothies, Host a backyard bbq; Go to a street festival; Paint outside
Eat watermelon; Pick a bouquet of wildflowers; Make a summer scrapbook; Try new Chicago restaurants 
Go to the pool; Read a just for fun book; Eat frozen yogurt; Make iced tea; Go to garage sales and yard sales
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If you follow me on Instagram, then you know we’ve started phase two of our home renovation. During the inspection, almost a year ago now, we found mold in the attic. We had it abated before we moved in, but during that time we also learned that we would need a new roof in three to five years. Our plan, when the time came to replace the roof, was to add a third floor to the house. This house doesn’t have a basement so we were in desperate need for more storage space. Well a few weeks ago the nesting bug bit me hard, and I decided we needed to do this NOW before the baby comes. The tricky part was timing. So after a lot of planning and a little bit of scrambling, we finally got the green light on our addition. We’ll also be bumping out and enlarging a bedroom (my studio) over the garage, installing new windows and window boxes, changing the pitch of the roof (and ofcourse getting a new roof), adding a peak over the front door, installing new siding and trim and painting the brick. This will be our biggest project to date. I’m most excited about my studio and the additional space we’ll be gaining on the third floor! We had to wait to get our plans approved by the village, which took a few weeks, but on July 5th we were able to start the renovation. Now the real fun begins, right? Read More
gender neutral garden theme baby shower
Last weekend the women in my family hosted a sweet soiree to celebrate baby Zitzer. From the very beginning, starting with the gorgeous invitation by Mikel Clair Hardin for Minted, everything was perfect. It was held at the beautiful Reel Club – one of our favorite nearby restaurants. The feeling of the shower was light and bright with lots of whites, natural wood and lush greenery. Perfect for a party in the middle of the summer. Read More
weekend plans | 4th of july
It’s finally summer, and I couldn’t be happier about it. I’m looking forward to the break on Monday for the 4th of July holiday where I will most likely be lounging by the pool and disconnecting from the internet. At 30 weeks pregnant, I’m a big fan of oversized tees right now. They seem like the perfect option. What are some of your favorite t-shirt brands?
snapshots from south haven
Walks on the beach, wandering around town, shopping, good food and lots of laughs made for a pretty wonderful weekend in South Haven for this mama-to-be. Our bungalow, which I found on VRBO, was just a few blocks from the beach and had this lovely back patio where we spent Saturday night warming our buns and chatting around the fire. We had our fill of small plates at Taste and dined on delicious Italian food at Maria’s. South Haven is about two and a half hours north of Chicago which makes for a great weekend getaway. We had the best time enjoying the small town pace. I love living in the city, but I also crave these quiet escapes.
I came home with pockets full of driftwood. As I hunted the beach, I knew exactly what I was going to make with it. I was inspired by these two things – first I saw this on City Farmhouse’s front porch and then I fell in love with this mobile that Miles of Light made. I haven’t decided where I’m going to hang my mobile yet. That’s always the fun part – deciding where it’s new home will be. I think a pop of color will be nice so I’ll either paint some of the wood or add some colorful pieces of beach glass. What do you think?
