Nothing better than root beer floats on a hot summer day!

Hard to believe that it was a week ago that my husband and I had our first little getaway in 2 years- it already feels like a month ago. We managed to pack in a lot (and spend too much!) in our 48 hours. Our trip, documented by my iphone (thus, the crappy pictures):

First we  made a trip to the Sears tower (touristy, I know- but a good way to start the trip and get our bearings). My mom had talked up the skybox which is basically this glass box suspended over the side of the building. Being that I was the sort of person who skydived on her 18th birthday, I thought this would be fun. At first, I thought this girl in front of us was crazy…

she inched herself onto the platform for a picture. Then we were up. And then here I was…

that’s right- grasping for life on the pole. I think I went back even less than she did onto the platform. There’s something about being right there- seeing how little is holding up the skybox, and suspending yourself 103 stories over the street. We eventually got a picture of the two of us out there but was only accomplished by me looking up at a camera and not looking at my feet.

We lunched at  Frontera Grill. It was AWESOME. There’s a reason this restaurant gets so much press. Sitting at the bar made me want a drink. The margaritas were amazing. I really can’t remember when I’ve last had multiple drinks at LUNCHtime. For a special occasion, I kind of loved it. I took a 3 hour nap afterwards! Now that’s vacation.

We had dinner at Publican. I really, really fell in love with this restaurant. Everything from the decor to the ambience to the food was pure, total, perfection. It might honestly be one of my best meals ever. I kept thinking if Billy Reid designed a restaurant, this is what it would look like. The photos are total crap (sorry)…

the lights were stunning. very simple lights- but the abundance of them made it look spectacular in the nighttime

I loved the mix of materials. The tables were an oak-y wood. When paired with the old dishes (some patterned, some not) and the faceted, chilled bottles of water on the table – it made for a beautiful pairing. Lastly, I loved their personalized towel-napkins that were reminiscent of something you would find in France.

Obviously I liked the meal. Moving on…

Saturday- I didn’t sleep well. A total bummer given that sleep is what I was looking forward to and we couldn’t have asked for better accommodations, but at least it meant that I was up early. We started by meeting some college friends and their little one for lunch. We cancelled our reservation to RL and decided to brunch with them instead in their neighborhood of Bucktown. They chose Hot Chocolate, which didn’t disappoint. My husband had a half-and-half (half hot chocolate, half coffee) which was delish, especially when topped with a handmade marshmellow. They also had some yummy brunch dishes- I definitely recommend if you’re in that end of town. Next, we had them drop us off in Lincoln Park. Specifically, I wanted to see Jayson Home and Garden- a store I’ve seen blogged about several times. I loved their product selection and display. Definitely worth the trip.

Then we strolled through the neighborhood and made our way to a farmer’s market. Meandering is my favorite thing to do on a trip. Some things I love to look at…

fences

garage doors

vine-y houses

I spotted this vintage yellow bike at the farmer’s market. Doesn’t this woman look like she’s having the most relaxing day? Pedaled up to the farmer’s market on her sweet bike and read the paper. (The weather couldn’t have been better either).

Then we walked through the actual park- with beautiful meadows and great people watching.

Continued walking over to the lake/ ‘beachfront.’ Rented bikes and rode along the path next to the lake…

Returned our bikes and walked back to our hotel through more urban parts of the city. Then went up to the pool and relaxed…

I spared you pictures of my own feet on my lounge chair given that I have finger-toes. Charlie also refused to be photographed lounging so that man is whoever was sitting next to me on the other side. It was obviously a beautiful day- it was packed out there.

The hotel was awesome. We got an amazing deal on jetsetter.com. It was one of those places that when you left the room and came back everything was folded. Shoes were moved to one wall and lined up perpendicular to the wall. Phone cords were folded perfectly (note Charlie’s unfolded phone cord above my perfectly folded phone cord- his wasn’t plugged in when we left the room). I decided we must win the lottery because I could definitely live like that every. single. day. I really could get used to it.

I did a little more shopping. Of course, I had to go check out the local Anthropologie. I loved their ruler-lined bags that held everything from coffee cups to notebooks.

We had another good meal at that night. The food was great, but it was a much more slick setting than Publican, so not as much my cup o’ tea.

Our flights left bright and early on Sunday morning. Yep, I said our flights, plural. I have turned a bit crazy since having our second child so we took separate flights. I think I chose well. Charlie had a really rough one that included fellow passengers vomiting all around him because of bad turbulence. He even mentioned some ‘splatter.’ Yuck. Even given that, our trip was fabulous. The  weather was superb. The city itself reminded how much catching up Nashville has to do. I mean- you could rent bikes from a little stall (not manned by anybody) at any time of the day- for 30 minutes, and hour, whatever. But we’re home, and happy to be with the kids.

We’re even trying to look at our wonderful little city in a different light, and take more advantage of all that we have here. Thursday we went to Cheekwood Nights and Friday we had a family night at the pool.

Wishing you a wonderful summer!

Gen looks stylin’ as a model for Kayce Hughes‘ adorable clothing line, don’t you think!?

I was so thrilled to be asked by Meg Mateo Ilesco to do an interview for Anthology’s latest issue, which focuses on entertaining. I am dying to get my hands on an issue- I will have to stalk our Nashville Anthropologie store (which is now carrying the magazine). It was a bonus that I got to work with photographer Tec Petaja and my friend Genifer Goodman, who styled the story. Thank you, Meg and Anh-Minh!

cover from Anthology; photos by Tec Petaja

I hope you all are having a wonderful mother’s day weekend!

I’m definitely appreciative of my mom, and definitely more so now that I’m a mom myself. Amazing when I think back to what she has done with her life- married at 21, became a teacher shortly thereafter, had kids at 30 and 34, divorced and started all over again at 38, became a single mom to a 7 and 11 year old, started a new career, rose to the top of her field, moved to two big cities by herself (D.C. and NYC), then remarried at 59, moved back to our hometown and is now a busy, busy grandma with all of her traveling and volunteer commitments. Her passion for knowledge, travel, people and the world around her is an inspiration.

Growing up I would often get asked, ‘do you know how great your mom is?’

Yes, I do. Happy Mother’s Day to you, mom! xoxo

(pictures of my mom as a child)

I was lucky enough to be invited to a ‘royal viewing’ party thrown by these lovely ladies. I think I was the least cute of the group there (no head piece!), but I was still happy to be part of the crowd. Got to say I loved that wedding.

Handpainted eggs, a walk in the woods, and some easter treats. I hope you had a great one!

Well, today is my 35th birthday. Being a ‘big’ birthday (I’ve officially crossed over into mid-life, right?), I thought there would be sleeping in and donuts. Instead, we had the brilliant idea of having our first open house today, so we are busy getting the house picked up- not celebrating the big event.

Life is changing quickly. I came across this photo of what seems like yesterday when I was preggo with my second- but realized that was 2 years ago. How do things move so fast these days?

My goodness…where have I been, you might ask? Between kids, work deadlines, and getting ready to sell our house, life has been hectic. We are finally getting it on the market. I hope there is someone out there who can appreciate our gem.

I remember as a kid my aunt telling me she bought a house that she was ‘busy making into a home.’ Not until I became a home-owning adult did I appreciate that sentiment. Houses are just houses until they become homes, right? For me, this house became a home the moment I brought my first baby here. And then even more so with my second baby. Add all of that ‘life’ to a house and suddenly it becomes a home. When I look around I don’t just see walls and floors anymore, I see moments. Sink baths, dinners with friends, playtime outside, glasses of wine on the deck. Selling a house sure can be bittersweet.

When we began our search process for our current home, I said I wanted to use the word ‘nestled’ to describe it. After having a set of rough neighbors we decided we needed a little space.  We got exactly what we wanted- nestled in a hillside, surrounded by nature. Just yesterday my son got so excited when he spotted a deer out our window munching on some grass!

Who knows where the wind will blow us next. I’m just grateful for some time here, in this special place.

(If you know of anyone in the Nashville, Tennessee area who might be interested just shoot me an )