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traveling before baby
In April, we had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles for a family wedding but we declined to go because I was pregnant. I never pass up a trip, but nausea and exhaustion kept me from doing a lot of things we wanted to do when we were in New Orleans, and I didn’t want to travel across country just to end up laying in bed all day again. Even though I wanted to, we never took a babymoon, and we just stayed local for a few weekend getaways. I wish I would have known before getting pregnant that our week-long road trip through California last year was our last adventure, just the two of us, before we started a family. So lately, as we wait for our little one’s arrival, I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of travel and the importance of doing it before you have kids. Read More
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Share on Twittermonday moodboard 04
It’s a brand new week! I’m slowly gathering steam and some weekday inspiration. This week’s moodboard is inspired by neutral hues and deep navy blues, all easy on the eyes and pretty to look at. Sometimes I unintentionally pin images with a similar or complimentary color palette, and I seem to have done that with these interior/home decor photos — white walls, shades of blue and honey-colored wood. Lately I’ve started being more intentional about saving color palettes that get a reaction out of me. This is one of them. I’ve also been really drawn to simple black and white works of art like these pieces from French illustrator Amélie Fontaine. Enjoy this Monday moodboard!
+ all images can be found on my pinterest here
weekend plans + 12 great chicago bars and restaurants for date night
At 37 weeks pregnant, Mini Z could make his or her arrival any day now so Marc and I have been squeezing in as many date nights as we can. On Tuesday, we went to Rick Bayless’ newest Chicago venture, seafood-oriented Leña Brava, for dinner. The food was ridiculously good. Everything is cooked on an open hearth, wood-burning oven or prepared at their raw bar. Must try dishes from their “fire and ice” menu – the wood oven roasted chicken a la leña, the black cod al pastor and the grill roasted pineapple.
This weekend we have a double date night planned with some of our good friends. We will be going to Stefanie Izard’s latest addition to her Goat empire, Chinese-inspired Duck Duck Goat. I’ve written about Girl and the Goat and Little Goat Diner here. The Duck Duck Goat menu features things like wood fired duck heart dim sum, goat belly lo mein and crispy frog legs. I’m looking forward to an evening of great food and great conversation!
When it comes to the city of Chicago, you’ve got plenty of bar and restaurant options. I’ve rounded up 12 of my favorites for date night below. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop bar in the heart of the city, an intimate French restaurant with a trendy atmosphere or a BYOB Lakeview hotspot, these restaurants offer a perfect balance between good food and good vibes. Check it out – Read More
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
Follow along on Instagram @katezitzer
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
