tgif & a fun weekend ahead

I am so excited for tonight... we're meeting a big group of friends out at one of my favorite French bistros for a yummy dinner that will hopefully include copious amounts of butter, champagne and chocolate. And lots of laughs, too! I've been looking forward to this night for weeks and don't want to admit how many times I've already looked at the menu online to think about what I might order. ;)


And if that isn't enough, I'm co-hosting our 6th annual(!) cookie exchange with some amazing girlfriends who I don't get to see nearly enough. Can't wait to take home a tray of fresh-baked cookies from all my lovely ladies.

What are you up to, Friends? Hopefully you've got something to look forward to this weekend, too.

xo, Kristin

(Image via From Me To You. You've gotta check out this photography. Uh-mazing!)

october's gone by in a flash

Happy Friday, Friends!

Our weekend activities will be very Halloweenie -- we're kicking off the weekend by watching "The Great Pumpkin" tonight with the kiddos (followed by the third episode of "American Horror Story" after the kids go to bed -- sooo scary!), and I'm heading to the farmer's market tomorrow morning with a dear friend for pumpkins and mums. On Sunday I am taking my first Reformer class at a local pilates studio. Looking forward to the burn!

And I'm very happy to say hello to you again.

October's almost over, and I've been super busy with all sorts of stuff...

There's been cooking. Making our tummies happy and my house smell oh so good. Now if only I could convince Henry & Millie that mommy's cooking skills go beyond boiling water for their much loved "noodles."

We devoured Skillet Rosemary Chicken earlier this week. Delicious.



There's been baking. Something about the cooler weather makes me want to be in the kitchen every moment I can. My latest creation was Ricotta Breakfast Bars. My kitchen smelled amazing while they baked, and I didn't feel quite so guilty eating 'just one more piece' because they are chock-full of good-for-you stuff.

And now I'm busy narrowing down the list of treats I want to bake up for Monday's neighborhood Halloween party. I'm thinking a platter of S'mores Pops will be perfect, especially ones topped with black and orange sprinkles.



I've also even crafted a few projects. Like these ghosts. We turned them into Halloween cards. I've gotta tell you there is nothing funnier than painting your kids feet and listening to them giggle because it tickles. I'm smiling now just thinking about it.

What have you been up to? Any fun plans for the weekend? Maybe a costume party or a scary movie marathon?

xo, Kristin


(Top photo via Minimally Invasive Blog; bottom photo via Tip Junkie.)

coconut bliss ice cream

I think I might need to try some of this coconut milk ice cream...




YUM!

(Available at Whole Foods. For more info, click here.)

Have a great weekend, Friends! Do you have plans? Wade is going out of town on a golf outing and my days are wide open. I'm happy to fill them with long walks, a visit to the farmer's market and the zoo, and plenty of cuddles with the kids. And it must be that the weather is feeling more comfortable because I've suddenly got the urge to bake something. Hmm... perhaps this?
xo, Kristin

newport

I've got to add a new favorite to my list... Newport, RI.


Cresting the bridge into town took my breath away as the view opened up to amazing beach houses, sailboats in the harbor, and vibrant, colorful flowers galore. It was postcard pretty.

We stayed in a lovely old hotel that stood among shops, restaurants and the mansions on Bellevue, which were so enormous my idea of mansion is forever changed. (Think 140,000 square feet!)

We wined, we dined (on plenty of fresh seafood) and even got a chance to catch a flick on a rainy afternoon. Oh, and how could I forget this? We slept in! (I haven't slept until 8:00 since before the kids were born. What a treat!)

It was the perfect long weekend away, and after only a few days there, I completely fell in love with this little city on the sea.

All that's missing was The Twinkies. It was the first time I was away from them for so long, and I missed them loads. I was so happy to see them when we got home! (and it made leaving all that much easier.)

(Image via here.)

vacation

A week away from it all...



The kids and I took a trip to my parent's house in Wisconsin last week for a much-needed vacation. A week away in a quiet suburban neighborhood with nothing to do but play outside in the fresh air did wonders for us all. (I don't think my kids have ever slept better - or gotten dirtier!) My biggest concern was to remember to reapply our sunscreen. It was easy, breezy vacation living.

And for the first time in a long time, I can honestly say that I feel rested. Really rested. Since I've become a mom to twins, I've gotten used to feeling at least a little bit tired (if not completely exhausted) much of the time. They wear me out! I guess it's a rite of mommyhood.

So this little break from normal, this little trip away where we didn't have anything to do but enjoy each other's company was everything I could have asked for.

(My daily afternoon naps were pretty nice, too.)

PS - Happy belated Fourth of July! Hope you had a spectacular holiday weekend!

(Image via here).

wedding weekend

I am so excited to watch the Royal Wedding tomorrow!




I've got to remember to set my DVR tonight to start taping it from the start.


(Photo of these fabulous cupcakes by Caroline via here.)

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Hooray for weekends!

I can't wait for two days off from the hustle and bustle, rush rush rush of the week. Henry's getting his very first haircut on Saturday! And we've got tasty brunches and dinners out planned with friends. Last I heard, the temps are supposed to be in the 70's on Sunday... perfect for airing out the house and getting the whole gang outside to play.

Whatever your plans, I hope you enjoy every moment of your weekend!

xo, Kristin

(Image via Maureen DuLong on flickr.)

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Pretty flowers and perfect plaid from Poppies & Posies...




I am so glad it's Friday, dear Friends. We now have three weeks under our belt of me back at work and my Twinkies at daycare. Things are going OK, we're definitely still trying to get used to our new routine. Thanks so much for all your well wishes!

Any plans for the weekend? I'm going to be a busy baking bee! I'm co-hosting a baby shower for my dear friend, Hill, on Sunday, and I have lots of treats to whip up for the big event. Besides that, I'm going to try to get some Christmas shopping done and also taking Henry & Amelia to a twins-only music class. It'll be fun to see lots of other duos on Saturday afternoon!

Have a great weekend!
xo, Kristin

(See the rest of the beautiful images at Once Wed.)

happy friday!

Hooray the weekend is here again!


Tonight is all about cuddling on the sofa with my honey and catching up on our taped TV shows from the week. Tomorrow I'm heading to a friend's house so we can start planning the menu for a baby shower we're hosting, and tomorrow night we're having some friends over for dinner. I'm making a cheesy baked gnocchi and a pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. I'll let you know how it goes!

Any fun plans for you?

'Til Monday, then.
xo, Kristin


(I'm not sure where I got this image from. I saved it a while ago. If anyone happens to know it's origin, please do let me know so I can cite it properly.)

happy friday!

Hello Friends!

My Friday letter might be a little late as I'm sure you're already on your way out for a night of fun, but I just wanted to pop in and wish you a lovely weekend. No plans for me tonight. Just some lazing on the sofa with Hubby. And a glass of wine.

I keep thinking that at this time last year, I was in the hospital eagerly (and anxiously!) awaiting the arrival of my Twinkies. I spent the day reminiscing with thoughts popping up whenever I looked at the clock... this time last year I was on my way to see the doctor; this time last year, I was being rolled up to the delivery wing; this time last year I was beginning to wonder if these babies were ever going to come. (Little did I know that it would take them *all* night to make their grand entrance!) I know I'm the proverbial broken record, but I just can't believe it's already been a year!

And boy am I looking forward to the weekend. Tomorrow will be all about celebrating my little H-man and Millie Monkey. And then Wade and I are going to get all dolled up for a friend's wedding that night. I can't wait to put on my dancin' shoes!

Whatever your plans, I hope your weekend a good one!
xo, Kristin


PS - they're my little super heroes.


(Super Heroes at Rosy Designs on Etsy. Do go check out her shop if you have time. Adorable prints.)

happy friday + momtastic

Hooray for Friday!

Guess what, Friends? I'm over at Momtastic today sharing a bit of the behind-the-scenes that went into planning Henry & Amelia's nursery. Momtastic is a really cool site with all sorts of stuff to keep you busy. If you have the time, take a peek!


This photo above is Henry's side of the room. It's a good thing I took this picture before he got teeth because now it's flecked with little bite marks all around the edge, and I'm not photo savvy enough to know how to cover that up.


Anyhoo... big plans for the weekend? Tonight our very good friends are coming over for dinner and drinks and lots and lots of catch up. And tomorrow Grandma's coming by to watch the kiddos so we can get all dolled up for dinner. It's a little date night so we can celebrate our four years.

Be well and see you next week!
xo, Kristin

happy friday!

Hi Darlings!



(Not Bothering by Letter Happy)


So what's on the docket for your weekend? I'm heading out this afternoon for some bachelorette party fun (yay kari!) that starts with a Cubs game and goes from there. Tomorrow is going to include a trip to the farmer's market (it's been ages since we've been!) and maybe grabbing a bite for lunch. Sunday is more of the same. We've had several busy weekends in a row, and so I'm really looking forward to having nothing to do. Just a lot of family time. Sounds perfect!

Enjoy yours just the same and see you next week!
xo, Kristin

happy friday!

Hi Lovelies!

Any big weekend plans for you? Tonight I'm off to see "Eat Pray Love" with my good friend, Gen (yippee!) and tomorrow night, my dearie, Megan, is coming by for dinner and a movie and to start talking ideas for Henry & Amelia's first birthday party. (Their first birthday already? Oh my.) I do hope your weekend is full of fun and happiness.

Catch you on the flip-side!
xo, Kristin

(Image: fine art print Andrea Hornbuckle on Etsy.)

tgif + happy holiday + etsy spotlight: alicia bock

I cannot get enough of Alicia's work, and I think this is the perfect photo for my weekend send-off.

To me, Memorial Day Weekend is the official start to summer. I'm hoping mine will include lots of lazy days under the sun...

(The Start of Something Good by Alicia Bock)

Happy Weekend, My Lovelies!
xo, Kristin

sunday

All day I've been meaning to sit down and write you a story about my lovely weekend that included lots of food and friends, but well, now that I'm finally sitting down to it I just can't seem to put the words together. My mind is a little fuzzy, and so I think I'll sleep on it and just leave you with this happy little picture I found while visiting Mary...



Now I'm off to watch a bit of Harry Potter before hitting the hay.
Nighty night.

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Because polka dots make me happy...

Have a wonderful weekend, my Dears!
xo, Kristin

(from Buradori's Flickr photostream)

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To think that three years ago we were sitting here at this little Florence cafe sending postcards to family and friends over {many} glasses of wine...

Have a good weekend
and see you next week!

xo, Kristin

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Another weekend is upon us! Hooray!
Are you up to anything fun and exciting?

Have a good one, and see you next week.
xo, Kristin

(Watering Cans by Bucks County Frames)

I just like this picture. It made me smile.

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Thanks for visiting and leaving your sweet comments. It means so much.

Have a lovely weekend and see you next week!
xo, Kristin

(Restaurant Kasbah by Opart)

Just a pretty pink picture to sweeten your day!

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Have a wonderful weekend, All!

I'll be running to the theater to see "Julia & Julia."
What are your plans?

See you next week!
xo, Kristin

(LOVE this... The Rush by Courtney Hood)