Fall

Thanks to my in-laws we get the monthly issues of Midwest Living......... it's a nice reminder that there really is a ton to do & see in the Midwest! An opening sentence caught my eye---

Around here, autumn creeps in like a long, slow swig of sweet tea. More balmy than brisk, fall here is perfect for hopscotching between...............

{Fall's palate shimmering in this Findings bracelet}

Cool mornings and Indian summer warm by mid-morning.........welcome to fall in the Midwest.

Baby Pics

Well, it seems it has been baby everything around here lately. Since I didn't know we were having a girl

I had things ready for boy or girl. Now that she has arrived it's pink and girlie things in full force! I dug around in the attic & brought out things I had bought for gifts. Thank goodness I kept some of those girlie "gifts"!

My favorite print

Vivi sleeps well just at the wrong hours! I need to learn to take more naps......I'm afraid I've been overdoing it!

Somewhat organized armoire in her room. 

On another note I cleaned the office and inventory area. Hopefully can cross off some business goals that has been put off for months now. 

Thank you for your sweet comments & emails dear ones.......

Kara

Vivian Miette

Pink, Pink & more Pink!

It's a girl!

Vivian Miette born

August 22nd & on Darcy's daughter's birthday!

Vivian means "full of life" & Miette means "small sweet thing" or "little crumb".  I suppose she'll get called "Vivi" as well. 

We were pleased as punch to have a girl and the sweetest thing is we didn't find out. We are so blessed to have a healthy baby girl.

& in loving memory of Vivian Kate Colombo, another reason this name is so loved......

xoxo 

kara 

{yes, I'll post pictures of her soon}

Ice cream!

It is the dog days of summer------head to the freezer section and grab some pints of dairy delights! {a current fave, pistachio ice cream at meijer}
Grab some vintage music sheets and wrap around containers.....tie with pink ribbon.......
Signage, bowls and wooden spoons to serve.........
Garnish with mint and this is sure to hit the spot, spot today...........

{no baby yet! I'm due August 30th..... I will just have to sit tight & eat some ice cream!}

k & d too

8/9/10

Summer is about gathering at friends {Jill's fun party}

We sure love ribbon the colors of gelato tucked in clear bags..........

Summer is all about water...........

Boards are up on walls & ceiling-----I can't believe it! Now for the closet & wall by washer & dryer............

Sink & faucet are picked out, I'll show you soon what I decided on. Part of taking so long was meeeee! I take forever making decisions especially when it comes to a room that we'll use a ton.

I posted today's date in the title as I was hoping to have a baby on this day. 8/9/10 now isn't that swell! Well, it hasn't happened yet! 

It's been a relaxing summer as I have been taking it easy. There has been some flurry in getting baby's room together and getting Zach's new bed set up. I need the crib for the new little one! 

The fuss has been that I have had severe pregnancy insomnia since about the 2nd week of June.

The lack of sleep drives me crazy, and I'm amazed what I have gotten accomplished.  There are some days I just sit a lot and watch the boys play. 

k

Zach

It's been awhile since I posted about Zach-----he's 17 months old now and this was his 12 mo. pic, but mom had it taken at 15 months. {I'm never on time} I still haven't purchased a baby book for him. I had high hopes of doing a cool baby book using a red moleskine journal.

{I will give up that idea and order one for him and baby #3 promptly.}

& 

I still have not ordered pictures from the photographer. I can't make up my mind. I hope to have these ordered before he graduates from HS.

He's walking, ummm running now*starting to say more words, cooka for cookie {swoon} & copying his bigger brother* I love this age. 

k

Summer Fun

Our wedding inspiration board we put together for Maggie.
We had a ball getting creative {it's been a loooong time} & using our supplies to come up with a "Michigan meets Ohio meets stripe-y straws meets humor meets burlap/linen----you get the picture "true love"!

This & that........
{Please someone buy us a real camera HINT}
Petite trifles for favors, toppings, packaging, you name it----we found it.
Maggie & Cort getting hitched 9/4/10
Last Friday headed to a quilting show,  I was more interested peeking at Vogue fabric's booth.

{They have locations in Chicago}

There was also a darling dealer there selling vintage buttons, all arranged by color. {swoon}

Worth paying for the admission was finding this brochure as we left, The Iron Horse. Forget eating at Ikea, it was so worth it!

We drove a few miles South to Glendale and found this "farm to table" restaurant. They make everything from scratch. Lunch prices were friendly and I was content to eat al fresco with my loved ones. I'm counting on heading back to this find.
Luke along for the ride........
My love affair with beets. {don't get me started} Baby arugula, goat cheese, red onions, golden & red beets with a scrumptious vinaigrette. 
Jill's "box" finished in summer red colors. {whew, took me long enough to scratch that "to do" off my list} Sorry, my dear, you have such a procrastinator for a friend.
See that little price-y thing-y tied on the box? Those will be for sale sometime in the next century on our website. {I know, I know things keep coming up and keep me sidetracked}
I was a happy mom to purchase this vinyl coated fabric. Perfect for my kidlets and summer picnic tables.

There among the plants & pot section at Ikea I ran into Amy B. She is calm, cool & collected and there I am flapping my arms as I chat away. I was glad to see her mom again as well. 

We're winding down towards the end of the week. This weekend hails celebratory festivities. Friday, Saturday & Sunday we'll join our comrades and munch, munch, munch. 

P.S. Did you know they make a 100% beef frank with nooooo nitrates. Yes, folks they do. Amen.

Happy 4th of July!!