I felt like June had only just began and then realized we were already half way through the month. This month was actually one that wasn’t originally suppose to be very busy, but that changed quickly, as it always seems to do. The week before we left for Denver was especially busy and I could feel myself hitting that point of serious exhaustion.

We got home on Sunday afternoon and I immediately went into recovery mode, trying to get myself rested up and feeling back to normal before this week’s craziness began. I tested out a new salad recipe (coming soon!), went to yoga, fell asleep early and finished All the Light We Cannot See. I desperately need a new book — do you have any recommendations? Please share below!

Here’s what else I’ve been up to lately…

1. Wedding in Denver: Last weekend we made a long weekend trip to Denver for two of our friends wedding in Littleton, Colorado. Their wedding was absolutely stunning! We also got to catch up with friends who no longer live in Chicago which was an added bonus. Per usual, the trip went by way too fast and I’m already dying to go back — I wanted more hiking! You can find my dress here.

2. These Sandals: I bought these sandals on a whim earlier this year and they’ve turned out to be one of my best purchases of summer — as you can see from these pictures! They’re insanely comfortable for heels, come in two colors and are well-priced! I get compliments on them every time I wear them too! This dress just sold out in the terracotta, but is available in this pretty blush/nude color!

3. Last Minute Trip to France: If you follow me on Instagram, you probably noticed that I’m not in Chicago right now! Instead, I’m in Bordeaux staying at Grey Goose’ Le Logis manor! It all happened so quickly, but it was an opportunity of a lifetime that I couldn’t pass up. More on this to come, but in the meantime, see what we’re up to on Instagram!

4. Accepting Defeat: I came across a picture of my fiddle leaf fig tree when I first bought and it realized just how sad it looks now. I think I’ve been defeated. Who would have guessed a tree would be so hard to keep happy?!

The leaves aren’t falling off nearly as frequently, but there’s also no new growth. I’m definitely not a green thumb and I can’t figure out if my tree is dead or just a slow grower? Any suggestions!?

BTW, my Trader Joe’s favorites, and how to enjoy everyday life a bit more.

Dress, c/o | Sandals (also available here and here) | Sunglasses | Nail Polish | Bag | Necklace

Now days, doesn’t it seems the world is only getting smaller and smaller? Living abroad doesn’t seem like such a big ordeal as it did when I was younger. Rob and I have always loved traveling and have talked about living abroad for years.

I think one of our date night conversations completely revolved around, if we won the lotto, where in Europe would we buy a home? Copenhagen? London? Paris? Barcelona? The possibilities were endless!

I think I’d also be okay living somewhere tropical too. I have another day dream where I live minutes from the beach in Costa Rica and start my day with ocean swims and yoga on the beach — gah, I’d be so healthy.

We’ve talked (in detail) about which cities would be fitting for us and where else we’d like to travel to if we ever got the opportunity. But it made me wonder, does everyone else have this crazy imaginative dream where they live in a cute European town and ride around bicycles and work in picture perfect coffee shops? You know, because, obviously, this is what living abroad looks like (HA, I kid).

If we ever did move abroad, I can imagine my life looking a lot like this. Easy dresses (my palm print dress here), beautiful sandals and of course a matching bike with a basket on it to get around town and pick up fresh vegetables and flowers from the market.

So far, the opportunity hasn’t presented itself for us, but I’ll never rule it out!

Would you live abroad? Where would you ideally want to live and why? If you have lived abroad (or currently are) what do you love about it and what do you miss from home? Chime in below!

BTW, why we make travel a priority, and the travel bag every girl needs.

I didn’t grow up with a dog, we had cats, but I’ve had Oliver for 3 and a half years now and I’ve learned so much from him in those few short years.

The decision to finally get a dog was a weird one too. I spotted a shiba puppy once in college and instantly fell in love, but since we never had dogs growing up, I was a little nervous about getting my own.

It’s a huge responsibility!

But the idea crept back in my head when I started working from home, just after our move to Chicago. I had recently been on a family trip and ran into a woman with a shiba and it sort of reignited my love for them. By the time the trip was over, I had made up my mind — I was getting a shiba!

Annnnnnd, because I’m impulsive, I’d found a reputable breeder and put a deposit down by the end of the week!

When he finally arrived, I was pretty clueless. I’d bought all the right toys, puppy food, a kennel with a cozy blanket, but other than that, I knew nothing about raising a dog.

Those first few months were definitely a learning process, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I often joke with Rob and say that Oliver has been ‘my best purchase ever’, and frankly, it’s the truth. He brings us companionship, joy and happiness every. Single. Day.

Who wouldn’t want that?!

But owning a dog isn’t all sunshine and butterflies. My life and lifestyle drastically changed when Oliver joined the family. I became far more responsible and caring, I didn’t stay out as late and I learned how to truly be patient — though I still have my slip ups here and there.

Three and a half years later, I feel like I’ve really got the dog thing down. I’ve learned even more since his days as a puppy and I’m so thankful for what he brings to our lives everyday. Here are a few lessons he’s taught me…

1. Give Yourself a Break

Oliver stops to sniff things constantly on walks. He also occasionally decides that it’s time for a break and either sits or lays down for a bit with no concern for where we are — it’s happened on busy Michigan Avenue countless times!

While it can be annoying at times, it’s a good reminder that sometimes you just need a break and it’s totally okay to take them.

2. Be Silly

Sometimes adult life can get so serious. Having a dog not only requires play time, but helps us remember how much fun playing is — no wonder kids are always so happy!

On a daily basis, Oliver reminds me to be silly and not take myself to serious, it keeps me feeling young!

3. Don’t Hold Grudges

Oliver is a gleaming example of this lesson. I can forget to feed him all morning or take him on a short walk and guess what? He quickly forgets and moves on to being the same loving pup he always is.

4. Stay Calm

If you’ve ever raised a puppy or lived with a dog, you’ve likely had moments where you want to kick, scream and pull your hair out. I remember feeling this way a lot when Oliver was little. In true shiba form, he would manage to get out of my sight and into mischief within minutes which resulted in things like ripped up toilet paper, chewed up chair legs and half-eaten shoes.

As much as I wanted to punch the wall, I reminded myself that I was the one who let the 6-month-old teething puppy run loose in my house and throwing a tantrum wouldn’t accomplish anything.

Oliver has taught me to stay calm and not sweat the small stuff. I have to admit — it’s nice to not worry about everything all the time.

5. Always Greet People When They Come In

Dogs are pros at this one. Whether we’re gone for a week or an hour, every time Rob or I walks through the door, Oliver races towards us, toy in hand, ears down and tail wagging. It is the absolute sweetest thing ever and makes us both incredibly happy to come home each day.

Imagine if you were greeted by someone with half of Oliver’s excitement when you walked through the door, wouldn’t it feel incredible!?

6. Smile More

I don’t think I have RBF (resting bitch face), but Oliver has taught me to smile more often that I used to. Why? He’s always smiling and his cheery smile makes me instantly do the same. Also, smiling (whether you force it or not) can have positive effects on your mood and stress levels!

7. Don’t Buy Really Expensive Shoes

I love shoes and when I graduated and got my first job I bought a pair of pretty expensive shoes and when I found them mangled in my bedroom with Oliver still gnawing on the leather, I burst out crying.

Since then, I refuse to buy super expensive shoes. That being said, I don’t buy cheap shoes, but just not crazily priced ones.

8. Sleep is Very Valuable

Sometimes I don’t value sleep enough. I stay up to late and wake up too early — even on the weekends! Oliver on the other hand, sleeps probably 12 hours a day, if not more! It’s a good reminder for me to go to bed early because a good night’s sleep is so good for us!
 
Who would have guessed that dogs could teach us so much about living life?

Do you have a dog or did you grow up with one? What lessons did you learn from your dog?

BTW, when Oliver was a puppy, and how to find balance in your everyday life.

I may have mentioned it before, but honestly, I don’t remember if I ever did. Either way, my husband, Rob, collects watches. Vintage watches.

A few years ago when his passion began, it surprised me and I remember asking him when he became so interested in watches. He told that even as a little kid, he used to collect things — which I found totally adorable — and watches was a more age appropriate collection to build as an adult, and something he’s become very well-educated and passionate about. I understand building a collection, but I still couldn’t figure out why he settled on watches. What is it about them that makes him tick (hehe, pun intended)?

For him, it’s all about the thrill of the chase and the hunt to find something that can’t easily be purchased or found. The unique and personal stories behind the watches and the stories of how he found the watch is what makes his collection all the more meaningful.

It made me think — do I collect anything? Other than clothes, shoes and handbags, there was nothing I could really think of. But, I really like the idea of collecting. It can turn any outing or trip into a treasure hunt and lead us places that we might have not ventured into otherwise.

In past years, we’ve found ourselves in countless vintage shops on our trips, poking around in all the knick knacks to see if there was anything to be found. Usually we leave empty-handed, but not always! And it’s those few times that you find something really unique and special that make the whole process all the more fun!

On one of my (many) trips this year, I started thinking about my own collection. What are things I really love and are they worth collecting?

I like the idea of collecting art, but I’m not sure if I have the budget or wall space for it right now, hmm… buying a piece of original art is on my 30 before 30 list though! Chassity Evans has an amazing collection and is living proof that a beautiful collection doesn’t have to break the bank — I’ve spied several Etsy and Minted pieces in her house amidst some originals too.

A few other thoughts about collections popped into my brain….

One: I realized I actually do have a few collections. The difference is that instead of collecting one specific item, I have small groupings of things that remind me of something special like a fun trip or a memorable time of our lives, or even something that simply inspires me.

I have a small collection of shells, coolie hats actually, from a trip to Mexico with my mom and two glass pocket watches (can you guess where that idea came from?) from our honeymoon stop in Hong Kong. The latter is a very small collection, but a collection nonetheless! Both of those take me back to those moments and bring up all kinds of good memories and feelings.

Two: I think I collect books — coffee table books and cook books to be more precise. I say ‘I think’, because it’s not something I actively do or seek out, but I do love them. Especially the beautiful ones with gorgeous photography, unique perspectives, dreamy interiors, exotic recipes and unknown places that temporarily remove me from my everyday life. I think they spark creativity and I’m always okay with that!

They also end up telling a bit of a story. It’s funny to look back and see how I’ve changed by seeing what I was once interested in and how my interests, style and general outlook has shifted over the years. The more I think about it, I should probably really pay more attention to that collection. It’s not a very expensive one and is really fun, easy and provides entertainment for years to come.

At the end of the day, having a collection is really just another hobby, isn’t it? I’ve always had numerous hobbies, but lately I’ve been finding that some of my old hobbies like painting and knitting just don’t bring me the same amount of enjoyment as they used to. But, maybe focusing on my newer collections will!

So tell me, do you collect anything? Did you collect when you were a kid — doodle bugs maybe? I think my sisters and I did that once, ha! What do you collect or if you stopped, why? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experience with collections below, so chime in!

images via 1, 2, 3

TOP: Silk Pocket Blouse | SHORTS: Striped Drapey Shorts | SHOES: Brezza Lace Up Flats | BAG: West 57th Color-blocked Carryall

I’m always impressed with people who have made a five year plan. That they’ve managed to think that far into the future. You know what you want and you made a plan to get it — props to you! The furthest I can realistically think out to is about six months… maybe. I suppose I’m just not Type-A enough to follow through on making one and then actually sticking to it.

But on the flip side, the past five years have made me happy that I never made a five year plan because what I thought I wanted then is definitely not what life had in store for me.

I think about what my five year plan may have looked like (if I had made one) when I first graduated. It most definitely did not include moving to Chicago, starting my own business or blogging part time.

It probably would have included getting married, buying our first home and maybe a promotion if I worked in ad agency or design firm like I thought I might. There’s nothing wrong with any of that, in fact, they’re all pretty great, but man, would my plan have been instantly ruined on the day Rob told me he got a job in Chicago.

My decision to move with him was a pivotal one for me. Yes, I was scared, really scared, but knowing he was there made it a lot easier.

There were some trying moments in that first year or two after I moved to Chicago. I worked alone from home and I didn’t know a lot of people, but eventually I got Oliver, got out of the house more and made friends — really really amazing friends and so many cool creative people — like Julie who took these pics — who inspire me and make me more thankful for my job everyday. Was any of that in a five year plan? Of course not.

Will we own a house? Will we have children? A furry brother (or sister) for Oliver? Will I still be writing this blog (I hope so!)?

The truth? I have no earthly idea, but I’m okay with that.

So, no, I don’t have a five year plan and frankly, they scare me a bit! Not that I’m a ‘fly by the seat of my pants’ kind of girl, but planning the next five years based off what I know today?!

I just can’t.

That being said, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a five year plan, I just don’t think it’s for me.

It makes me wonder — if we have our lives so planned out, do we miss out on opportunities that come up along the way?

I can only imagine if I had decided not to move to Chicago back in 2012 because it wasn’t in ‘the plan’. I’m not sure I could have ever planned anything as great as what has actually happened. Sure, there were bumps along the road, but so far, it’s all been worth it.

Do you have a five year plan? How has it played out so far? Do you allow yourself to edit the plan when things come up? If you don’t have a plan, I’d love it if you shared one good thing that’s happened in your life that you could have never planned for!

Photography by Julie Kennedy