Summer Lovin'

Summer is here, y'all! And we're just so in love with this season. We're making plans to take advantage of every last lovely warm sunny beachy hour that these dog days have to offer. What will you be up to this Summer?





Claire // This summer I'll be...

Vacationing // My Husband and I are headed out on a road trip to Louisville in a little over a week. I've only spent an afternoon there on a previous road trip, so it will be nice to go back and have a lot more time to explore the city. We plan on getting coffee at Please & Thank You, enjoying a beer in the beautiful beer garden at Holy Grale, checking out a museum or two, maybe fit in some hiking in the areas around Louisville, and much more. Have you been to Louisville before? What places do you recommend?

Wearing // Hats! It's the article of clothing that I always want to wear, but for some reason never do. Maybe it's because I've never really took the time to search for one? Well that's about to change, because this summer I'm on the hunt for the perfect hat. I've got my eye on this Scout Panama Hat and a couple others. Wish me luck! I'll let you know what I find.

Eating // For the first time this year, I'm growing brussels sprouts in my garden. I'm both nervous and excited to see how they grow and produce. I've been searching for a bunch of new recipes and I think this poached egg with sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts might be the first one I try.

Reading // I have a weakness for biographies and Carl Sagan. I've heard good things about A Life in the Cosmos, so I plan to order it this summer and read it on my back porch that I recently redecorated. Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. -Carl Sagan

Doing // Outdoor activities all summer long! It's no surprise that us Chicagoans had a rough winter, so this summer I plan to be outside and enjoy the warm weather as much as possible. I love hiking and swimming, so this summer I plan to explore some parks in Chicago that I've never visited before. North Park Village Nature Center and Promontory Point here I come!

Lauren // This summer I'll be...

Vacationing // The husband and I are taking a little road trip down to Nashville later this month. I'm so excited! Nashville is one of my absolute favorite cities. We're looking forward to grabbing our morning coffee at Barista Parlor, enjoying a burger and a beer in the biergarten at The Pharmacy, shopping at Old Made Good, and picnic-ing at Arrington Vineyards. We'd love to hear of more Nashville must-sees, so throw some suggestions our way!

Wearing // I never ever in a million years thought I would own a pair of Birkenstocks. They always seemed too "granola" for me. Well, I think I'm about to eat those words. There's just something so effortlessly cool about them. Need proof? What do you think?

Reading // I can't wait to get my hands on #GIRLBOSS. I've heard its a little on the ditzy side but Sophia Amoruso is just so stylish and cool, who cares!?

Eating // Growing up, my mama always made us tomato and mayonnaise sandwiches on white bread for a summer afternoon snack. Sounds kind of gross? I swear its delicious! Earlier this week, James confessed her love for tomato sandwiches over on her blog and it got me inspired to perfect my own variation of this Southern staple. Here it is: a big slice of heirloom tomato, Vegenaise, salt and pepper, and a few pieces of arugula on lightly toasted sprouted bread. Yum!

Doing // Lately, I've been waking up with the sun. There's just too much beautiful day to be wasted sleeping in the summer! I take Olive (our Frenchie-Boston Terrier puppy) on long walks in the morning hours while the temperatures are still cool and then come home and do a little bit of yoga in the backyard. It's such a simple routine but it makes me happy and sets a tone of balance and calm for the day ahead.