Ahhh, a long weekend. Does it feel like it to you? I just read that Chicago has had both the longest, and most severe restrictions, in the *nation*. So we are desperately craving some normalcy, and something to celebrate (see bottom of the post for a truly special someone). Here are some of our most excitable nuggets from the past week, and a glimpse at how we’re spending Memorial Day:

Have you seen Restaurants on the Edge? It’s fantastic. Even if restaurant redos aren’t your jam, this show still will be. It’s a fabulous mix of design, travel, food, culture; and mostly an escape to some of the most beautiful destinations on Earth. Finland is somewhere I have always wanted to travel to – it’s said to be the happiest place in the world!

Lake Geneva. This town was a darling little gem we spent the day in yesterday and we felt so grateful to be out of the confines of the city for some fresh air. Grey splashed in the water, people were kind, and the lake (and sweet shops lining the streets) was nothing short of picturesque. Funny how getting out of your little bubble does wonders for your soul!

I came *thisclose* to dyeing my hair pink this week. Only temporarily! But Jon talked me off the ledge. They have other colors besides pink (“normal” shades, too) and get this – they are deep conditioning treatments. The color slowly washes out with each shampoo. So in case you’re bolder than I – go for it!

Isolation Creation. The creative ways people are finding inspiration, motivation, and beauty through this season of life is truly magical to me. I am in awe of people like Our Days; Jessica has been generously offering her time and talents snapping family portraits of Chicagoans from 6 feet away. We were lucky enough to be one of those families and I am so deeply grateful for her view through our front window!

Zumba. You read that right. Jon was searching for a family workout video for the three of us last week and stumbled upon a Zumba dance class. It was so much fun! So fun in fact, that I did a class every single morning since. We have been taking daily neighborhood strolls to move our bodies, but had literally not broken a sweat since shelter-in-place began ?. I highly recommend if you want to switch things up!

Better Beauty. Do you ever meet someone on the Internet and know you were friends in a previous life? Okay, maybe an odd lead-in to talk beauty products, but alas, meet my friend Erin. She is ultra witty, incredibly intelligent, gorgeous and the mom you want to have wine with. I’ve known Erin for years; and also knew that her side hustle was Beauty Counter, but never felt pressured to buy. After reading a ton of hype, loving that everything is chemical and cruelty-free, and moreso watching how it has transformed her skin – I figured I’d give it a go. The serums are next-level good. And I can’t wait to try their new foundation that just arrived on my doorstep. No obligation for you to make the switch, but more a reminder to find ways to support our friends however we’re able. If we can share their business, buy from their business, heck, even tell them we think they’re #goals for going after something – let’s build them up however we can.

Happy Memorial Day. I never understood why we say “Happy” Memorial Day for an occasion that isn’t really “happy”, you know? Celebrating those we lost in battle. Those who fought so courageously and selflessly, and I feel like I did nothing to deserve it. I will never stop being grateful for their sacrifice for our freedom. So today we are celebrating all of our heroes, and their families who sacrificed for us, too. Like our beloved Grandpa Darlin’, who fought in the United States Army during the Korean War. We called him every Memorial Day and asked about the friends he missed. He still remembered all of their names, their family member’s names, and everything about them. This will be the first Memorial Day without him. Love you, Darlin’. Thank you for your service.

PS – I could have chosen a more patriotic picture. Maybe of the handsome young devil in uniform. But this is so much more him ?

Have a wonderful weekend, fellow homebodies. Thank you so much for spending a little of it with us ?