2016: A Year in Review

 January

{New Years in Seattle, Pittsburgh vacation, Jess's fab Birthday celebration}

February

{New house sneak peak, New fav brunch spot, Lo visits, stayed warm with fur robes and coffee}

  March

{Tropical themed Bridal shower, Bride-made cake, Mango Margs & beach-y restaurant vibes}

   April 

{Madison food tour, cocktails, food and more cocktails}

   May 

{Vegas for work and play, Bouchon, Lakeside at the Wynn}

June

{Minneapolis for Queen B, Kristin's Bachelorette party in Chicago, the start of Summer sunsets up north}

   July

{Allie's amazing wedding weekend, Bridesmaid bouquet, Fourth of July at Devil's Lake}

    August

{Adam's gorg wedding & gorg bride, Cotton candy skies, more weddings, outdoor patios while they last}

   September

{Badgers v LSU at Lambeau, Kristin's glam wedding, Friends reunited & it felt so good, Santa Monica sunset}

  October

{Fall walks, office decor, best days spent in my Nikes, Halloween decorations that scared the kiddos}

  November

{Homecoming weekend in Madison, brunch, Capital tour, Chasers nostalgia, State Street}

  December

{Christmas decorations, late night selfies, Tequila sunrise, sleeping beauty}

A fantastic year in the books. Here's hoping 2017 can manage to top 2016! 

Full disclosure, I did take a hard tumble off the blogger train while I was adjusting to the new house, a new job and a new routine. I am hoping to keep a much better schedule this year just as long as life doesn't get in the way. 

   

Fall's Delights

It's that gorgeous time of the year when vibrant, multi-colored leaves litter the streets, dog walks are consumed with scampering through leaf piles, pumpkin spiced anything gets bought in bulk and fires become a nightly routine. I don't know if it's the fact that Fall seems to come and go before I can really soak it all in that makes it my favorite season but what I do know is that I cherish these beautiful days knowing they will give way to cold, snowy days way, way, way too soon. 

   

Ivy At The Shore

{Photos via}

Flamingo-pink walls, Hawaiian patterned seat cushions, delectable drinks paired with numerous fresh seafood entrees and beautiful people at every table make for an ambiance unlike any other at the Ivy At The Shore in Santa Monica, CA.  

Any appetizer or entree with crab, lobster or some type of fish is a winner. Ask to sit in the open-air, screened-in patio that positions you in the perfect spot to people watch and see the Santa Monica pier all while sipping on your $20+ sangria (also a winner). 

$$$ - Pricey but perfection

   

Manhattan Beach, CA

{Manhattan Beach, CA}

That moment when you witness the most picturesque sunset before it disappears behind the ocean; leaving you breathless and wishing it could have stayed like that for just a few minutes more. 

This is that moment. 

   

Babbitts Wedding

 

 

 
 

 

Pictures and words cannot express how magical the Babbitts wedding was. From the bouquets that incorporated aromatic herbs to the delectable cakes made by the culinary bride herself; every detail was a reflection of the couple and their passions in life. The venue was nothing short of spectacular with its natural hardwood floors and cream-city exposed brick. The photographer did a fantastic job capturing the love the couple has for each other, the beauty of the day and the not so good serious faces of the wedding party. Through all the toasts, food, dancing and excitement, the best part of the day was seeing the pure joy on my best friend's face while she became a Babbitts. From their engagement to the wedding day, Allie was the most laid back, easy-going bride. She was focused on what the day symbolizes and what it's most importantly about: marrying her best friend. I was truly honored to be part of the joyous festivities and wish these two nothing but the best.