You know those times when life feels like a dream? When things seem to be moving so fast you can barely catch your breath? That’s how the past month has felt to me. Actually, come to think of it, it’s the way late September and all of October always feel to me. What have I been up to? Here are some of the highlights from my life lately –

A California Road Trip

In September we headed to California for our annual road trip across the state and I have to say that this year’s trip was one of our best ever! If you follow me on Instagram you know we started our travels in a place that is very near and dear to our hearts – Napa Valley. We had just returned home when we heard about the devastating fires. It felt totally surreal watching the destruction play out on TV, especially because we had literally, just been there. Needless to say, we are heartbroken for all of those who have lost loved ones, pets, their homes and in some cases their livelihoods.* Our thoughts and prayers have been with all the people there from the start and thankfully we’ve already heard personally from some of the wineries that escaped major damage to their facilities.**

Our time in the wine country was a family affair. My big brother lives close by and met us there along with his wife and two of my three sisters, and brother-in-law. Suffice it to say we had a blast and as corny as it may sound we made memories that will last a lifetime.

From the Wine Country we headed south to LA and then on to Laguna Beach. ***

A New City Apartment

Ever since we moved out of state for business we have been on the road most weekends headed back home to Chicago. If we weren’t staying at Katherine’s apartment we were staying at a hotel, which, for us, really started to get old. Our plan when we moved had always been to find a place of our own where we could stay when we came to town and we had definitely been looking but nothing ever felt quite right. Then, in late July, I spotted a new listing that checked all the right boxes and just like that we have our own place. To tell you I am over the moon about it would be a complete and utter understatement. I am beyond elated. Truly, I don’t care how you slice it, there is no place like home.

A Work In Progress

Speaking of home, our country home as I like to call it, has become of one of the longest renovation projects of my life (and I’ve done this a few times before). I remember telling you guys when we first bought the house ( 3 years ago this month!!!) that I would be sharing all the home makeover details with you. Well, that never really happened because you can not even imagine all the construction mistakes/mishaps that have occurred here. At some point about a year and a half into things I just wanted everyone out of  my house. So, yes, there is still much to do here but I really am not losing sleep over it. I know it will get done.

A Birthday Celebration

Friday, October 13th was a lucky day in our house. It happens it was John’s birthday and we spent it celebrating with family at Chicago’s Maple & Ash. Had a fabulous time because of the company, but this is one place that none of us would give top honors to. We’ve been several times before and each time we go we say the same thing – beautiful buildout, gorgeous dining room and bar, good food but terrible service. We’ve finally decided that the experience we’re hoping for there just isn’t going to happen. But I digress. Back to J’s birthday, always one of my favorite days. How could it not be? I get to celebrate the man I love the most.

A Look Ahead

This coming weekend we celebrate my one and only, my favorite daughter in the whole wide world – Katherine :)  Her boyfriend is hosting a birthday brunch, then it’s off to a Second City show and later, dinner in Greek Town. And with that, there’s only one thing left to say – Opa!

My Outfit Details

Top  //  Jeans  // Shoes  //   Chanel Bag

 

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*To help people affected by the California wildfires go to the American Red Cross

**I will have a positive recap of my time in the Wine Country coming to the blog soon. Stay tuned!

***I’ll also be sharing all the highlights of my time in LA and Laguna Beach in an upcoming post.