The Friday Five

"Five" rhymes with alive, which I am...in case you were wondering. ;)

Here's what's good this week...

1.

Joshua Radin

Throwing it back this week....though not this far back.

#BestDreamEver

2.

Weekend getaways

Over Labor Day weekend, the huzz and I went to Dallas/Fort Worth, TX to watch the Badger football season opener against 'Bama.  While unfortunately we got our asses kicked lost, I thoroughly enjoyed my first long trip away sans children!  I know, I know...my oldest child is 3.5 years old.  Why did it take this long?!  Well, this is why.  I couldn't have said it any better.

Alas, everyone survived, and more importantly, had a blast.

I think I even see some glimpses of my 22-year-old-self in these photos...

A good reminder to "treat yo'self!" from time to time...and leave the worrying behind.

3.

The Container Store Private Party

Doors open to the public this weekend!

The pre-party was a much bigger shindig than West Elm's, but sadly, couldn't purchase anything.  Guess I'll have to trek back to Mayfair once the "big rush" is over!

Note to self:  This place is the mother-lode for Secret Santa gifts + stocking stuffers come December.

P.S.  Also coming soon to Mayfair:  Nordstrom + Kate Spade.

Woot woot!

Now just bring me Ikea and I will feel complete.

4.

Fall fashion

It's almost time!!

Here are 9 trends this fall.

I can pretty much groove on all of them, minus the high-waist pants.

Trying to avoid "mom butt" for as long as possible, thank you very much.

5.

...but let's keep those last summer days for as long as possible, please!

Now with both boys being sooooo active and energetic, I have no freakin' idea what I will do to keep them entertained come the dreaded Wisconsin winter.  Taking any and all new ideas...

And a few more links, just for fun...

Grandparents Day is this weekend - and what better people to celebrate!

Um, hello "most-amazing home makeover ever"  ...will you do me next?

Joey Fatone:  A role model to One Direction?  This is amazing.

Mindy Kaling's new book comes out next week - add it to your reading list.

And this documentary about marriage (and how much we don't actually know about our own parents) sounds kinda fascinating.

The truth about being a dad, by some pretty funny ones.

I turned 33 two weeks ago, and these age charts are hilarious.

Ingredients to keep in your freezer for last-minute, healthy meals. #pinning

Thinking about lighting like this out on our sun porch. Ethereal, no?

And some final food for thought...that Laura Ingalls Wilder, so wise and always there for a girl when ya need her...be it at age 8 or 33. ;)

Have an amazing weekend, m'loves!

~ images via onmilwaukee.com & popsu.gr / photos by bits of breezy ~

The Friday Five

Happy Friday, y'all!

Here's what's happenin' this week...

1.

Loving this little oldie but goodie ala Aimee Mann & Michael Penn.

It screams summer roadtrip, with the windows down and hair blowing, no?

2.

Tomatoes.

"You say tom-a-to, I say tom-ah-to..."

Just give me them to me in any way.

From fresh pastas and Caprese salads to BLT's,

or just topped on a crusty piece of bread with a little bit of good mayo and S&P...

YUM.

Now if only the damn deer would stop eating all of mine...

3.

Columbia Crest H3 Sauvignon Blanc

You know what pairs well with tomatoes and other light summer fare?
A crispy white wine, that's what.

And here's another tasty one that won't break the bank!

4.

white sundress + straw tote

Only a couple more weeks to wear white, peeps.

Get it in!  (Before you're a fashion faux paux.)

5.

Stop saying, "It could be worse."

Amen, sister.

This article really touched home this week.

Hang in there on those tough days, mama!  Your struggle is real.

And a few more fun things...

This grieving husband is just about the sweetest ever.

Mini Boden is having a sale!  Perfect timing for "back to school."

How to send an email so people actually respond.

A list of 25 places to take your kids before they graduate from high school.

What's on my reading radar, after reading this earlier this summer.

Top Etsy shops for vintage home decor.  #trouble

Fashionista best purchases.  #moretrouble

Have a fantastic end-of-summer weekend, m'loves!!

~ photos by bits of breezy / images via columbiacrest.com & lolobu.com ~

The Friday Five

How is the summer over?!
Please tell me it ain't so.
But it's my birthday weekend, and a long one at that, so I will relish it.

1.

Let's go!
So catchy for a birthday weekend.

2.
Watercolor maps!
I want one for so many special locations.
{HERE}

3.
Polka dot perfection!
I know, I know.  I seriously have a colossal hard-on for polka dots.
But they simply never get old for me!

4.
Glass jar art supply storage
LOVE how streamlined (and fun) this looks!

5.
What Not to Say to Kids (and What to Say Instead)
I can literally hear myself saying some of these things on a daily basis.
Le sigh.
But this article offers some really insightful alternative suggestions!
{HERE}

(P.S.  Isn't my naughtly little biscuit just the cutest?
He's also equipped and ready to handle your biggest shits.)


And alas, a few more fun links to kick off your weekend...

This set for your sink smells divine.

What to put in your annual photobooks.

Loving these boys' Mini Boden graphic tees.
(Bonus:  Current sale is buy any 3 items, get the 4th item for $1 + free shipping!)

J. Crew maternity - finally!  Small collection, but so exciting.

"Then and Now" images of NYC - so cool.

The cost of raising a baby today.  Wowza!

Ha!  So fitting after Miley's VMA performance.

TGIF, m'loves!

~images via maps.stamen.com, ahouseinthehills.com, & raisinglemons.com / photo by b~

The Friday Five

Sorry I've been MIA.
Vacationing up North for the last 7 days.
(Pics to come!)
But I'll be back in full force next week!
Here's what's good for now...

1.

Vampire Weekend

Road trippin' for a total of 12+ hours in the car with the huzz
ensures a LOT of Vampire Weekend will be heard.

Why not embrace them in all their glory?

2.
blue & white stripes + navy blazer + tan leather belt
A perfect end-of-the-summer look for a night out on the town, no?

3.
Mosquito repelling plants
Must remember to position a few of these in pots on the deck, near the front door (and anywhere else we might be spending outdoor time) for next year!
Citronella, Lemon Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Castor, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Cedar, Peppermint, Clove, Geranium, Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavendar, Basil, Thyme, and Garlic!

4.
5 warm grays for the home
I'm feeling these way more than the drab beige realm.

5.
Finding the calm
Hoping to achieve exactly just this up in the North Woods of WI.
{HERE}

And a few more fun links just because it's Friday...

A less messy, hand-held version of s'mores.  Still made in the campfire!

LOVE this flowy anthro dress.

50 rules of vacationing.  So apropos.

An interesting twist on a Cobb salad.

OMG, this is hilarious.  And true.

Have a happy, happy weekend!

~images via mackenziehoran.com, designbynaturenursery.blogspot.com, calloocallay.ca, & the fresh exchange blog~

Fall weekend perfection.

Madison for the Farmers' Market and college football on Saturday.

Enjoying a cool, crisp Sunday around the neighborhood.

We even get an extra day off with the huzz on Monday - Yay, Columbus!

The leaves are turning colors and falling,

my mums and tomatoes are blooming,

and I'm loving all things pumpkin!

Aside from seasonal allergies,

life is good!

Here's to you and yours,

may your weekend be just as lovely!

~photos by b~

Fall family fun

Fall is my favorite season.

To spend it with my family?
Words cannot describe.
Thus, I bring you:  The final installment of my vacation recollection.
(Sad!) 

Our little lumberjack, (adorned in a corduroy/puffy vest, flap hat, & boots!)
enjoyed taking everything in...

Annual fall art festival in downtown Hayward!

{HERE}

In addition to purchasing a beautiful sweater cape (?), I even got some Christmas shopping done ~ locally made vinegars, olive oils, and fruit butters!
(Note:  If you are in need of winter apparel, this is "the" place to go...figures since it snows from September through May!  Also "the" place to get your outdoors gear...from snow shoes to kayaks!)

Confession:  I hate these souvenir stores, but this one had a hilarious t-shirt.

It said:    "Did you fart today?  I did!"  

Shamefully true.

Lots of good, ol' Wisco beer.

Football in front of the fire.

Goodness gracious... the infamous 1,000 piece puzzle.

And some Catchphrase & LOTS of Bananagrams!

Visiting the resorts we frequented for 13 consecutive years growing up!

Admiring the Birkie winners.

(Note:  I have decided I want to do this cross country ski race.

Y'all better hold me to it!)

(Can you tell who was the center of attention all week?

Rightfully so.)

So warm and relaxing...

(sigh)

Why can't "real life" be so calm and peaceful??

But alas, we're back to the grind.

Thankfully, it is still fall, my favorite season.

And in that, I can take comfort!

~photos by b / image via pinterest~

Good eats

What's a foodie to nosh on while in the Northwoods?
Well, let me tell you...

An aperitif of Wisconsin balsamic cheddar & Monterey Jack, cocoa-dusted almonds, and plum wine from Door County.  (The slightly sweet and vinegary wine paired a-mazingly with that balsamic cheddar.  Just sayin'.)

Steaks grilled by the Grill Master...

...paired with baked potatoes & beer cheese, spicy garlic Swiss chard, & a robust Spanish red.

Obligatory (and delicious) s'mores.

And just plain ol' roasted marshmallows.

(The huzz prefers his perfectly golden brown.  I like mine with a little crispy char!)

Garmisch's famous Bloody Mary.

(You know how I love it when they come with a beer chaser and side plate!)

(Views of Lake Namekagon from the Bierstube not too shabby either.)

Capital Brewery "Autumnal Fire" doppelbocks,

a.k.a. one of the best beers known to mankind...

...equally delicious paired with sweets from Tremblay's  - an annual "must"-stop since I was a little girl - AND mom's famous chili topped with cheddar and onions!

College football Saturday heaven!

Honey Wheat and Okotoberfest beers & chipotle grilled cheese with tomatoes (and broccoli rabe!) from the Angry Minnow Pub & Microbrewery in Hayward.

And last but not least...Banana Boats!

Let's consider this this week's recipe.

Here's what you do:

Slice bananas, still in their peels, but not all the way through.

Top each banana boat with a handful each of peanut butter chips and chocolate chips (or leftover chopped up Hershey's from your s'mores), one cut-up marshmallow, and crushed graham crackers.

You could also add (or substitute) handfuls of 

caramel bits and/or nuts, if PB ain't yo thang.

Wrap each nanner in foil and place either directly in your campfire coals/embers

or on top of a grill grate.

(If you are not fortunate enough to be enjoying this around a fire,

simply bake, uncovered, in your oven at 350 degrees for ~20-25 minutes.)

To serve this humble dessert,

scoop the melty banana-topping goodness over vanilla ice cream.

Top with more crushed graham crackers for extra crunch.

It's like a hot fudge/banana split, only kicked up a notch!

You can eat them plain, as is, though I HIGHLY recommend the ice cream route!

Four Banana Boats served six of us nicely.

(Sorry there are no photos to capture the finished product...

they disappeared into our bellies too quickly to capture!)

Happy {Cabin} Eatin'!

~photos by b~