This weekend heading to Amaru for date night. Dress is from Amazon (TTS, comes in so many pretty colors!), wearing THE comfy Madewell heels. (More on them here!)
Happy Monday!
I’m on my way to Nashville this afternoon for a quick trip with Shaheen and Anna and my wonderful manager, Molly–I could NOT be more excited. We are visiting ABLE’s headquarters–something that has been on my bucket list for a long time now!
As you probably already know, ABLE is one of my brand partners and a brand I am wholeheartedly in love with–they make great quality products and have an amazing mission. (More on that here!) I can’t wait to meet their team and see where they make all the magic happen, and also get back to Nashville–one of my favorite cities! Can’t wait for some great food, amazing music, and of course–quality time with two friends who I don’t get to spend NEARLY enough time with!
Today on the blog we’re back with another “10 random things”–basically–the first 10 things that come to mind. 😂 Ya never know what you’re going to get here. Let’s go!
10 random things…
New favorite Chicago spot: Amaru! We went this weekend for a date night, and both of us could not believe we’ve never been there. We’ve passed it for a while now but always forget about it. I think it’s easily one of the best restaurants in the neighborhood. We sat at the bar and it was so much fun! Highly recommend!
Aunt Betsy salad: When I was in Santa Barbara staying with my Aunt Betsy, she made this delicious green salad at dinner every night. Of course, everything tastes better in California because its locally grown and organic, so that had something to do with it, but I think the combo of the dressing and the simplicity of it is what made it so great. She mixes little gem lettuce, cucumber, avocado, Brianna’s poppyseed dressing (they sell it everywhere!) and–another secret–a squeeze of a clementine (a squeeze of fresh lemon juice would work too). The fresh citrus juice brightens and lightens it up and makes a big difference! I’ve been making it ever since and I can’t get enough! (Don’t forget the freshly cracked pepper to finish!)
Wild Things: Sigfried & Roy podcast: If you need a new podcast, Neal and I recently finished this one and it’s VERY fascinating.
It’s iced tea season! I can never get enough iced tea in the summer. I have been making a pitcher to keep in the fridge and it’s the best refreshing afternoon treat. My favorite is hibiscus–I just ordered these iced tea pitcher bags (so easy!) and will keep you posted!
The stroller saga update: For those fellow moms who have been following the stroller saga: I finally bit the bullet and PICKED ONE. HOORAY! I went with the Nuna TRVL. Which, by the way, was impossible to find in stock anywhere–but I found it on this website. (It said there were only 8 left). I will keep you posted on how we’re liking it for everyday and if it ends up fulfilling my lengthy list of requirements, but I love it so far! The thing that sold me was the self-fold feature, all-terrain all-wheel suspension, that it self-stands and weighs less than 14 pounds, and can fit in an overhead bin for travel.
The softest sheets that are only $36: You know how much I love my Target sheets I got a couple years back. Well, I ordered these Amazon sheets after hearing so much hype about them last year to see if they lived up to their reputation–and they really do. I just realized I’ve never actually told anyone about them. So here we are! 😆 In fact, they feel pretty similar to the Target sheets, which were already a good deal, but these are $36 and feel better than any fancy sheets I’ve ever slept on. Thanks for coming to my sheets Ted Talk.
Madewell sandals: You know the Madewell sandals I shared in my try-on last week? I’ve made a point to wear all of them out of the house a LOT the past week and they are SO. GREAT. Seriously. None of them have rubbed, given me blisters–anything. They’re truly amazing. If you’re in the market for new (supportive) flat sandals, or casual comfy heels–go read my review.
I’m back on my Elin Hilderbrand kick: The world has been really heavy lately, and books are typically my favorite way to escape and unwind. Back on my Elin Hilderbrand beach read kick I go. I just started “The Island” and will report back. (If you haven’t read any of her books yet, I highly recommend the Paradise Series or The Blue Bistro–two of my favorites! Honestly I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them though.) Another great one I recently finished: One Italian Summer!
I found June baby waterproof Birkenstock look-alikes: I am dead. I bought them in two sizes just in case she grew out of them too fast. They’re SO CUTE. They actually stay on her feet and are easy to get on. They’re also supportive enough for when she starts walking! (I.E. not soft soled!)
Have you watched “Julia” yet? It’s a series about Julia Child on HBO Max and both Neal and I LOVED it. We finished it this past week and now I’m so sad it’s over! If you loved Julie & Julia you’ll love this. It was the uplifting show we needed.
