Things I Learned...

... This weekend. 

1. I am never underwhelmed by the city of Chicago. Every spring the organization I work for treats us to a weekend downtown filled with delicious food, community, and surprises. It's always wonderful and this year was no exception. I love that I've grown up in the Chicagoland and no matter it always feels new. It's fun when home still feels like an adventure.
2. Babies make everything better. My friend Ben and his wife Abby just had a sweet little baby boy 5 weeks ago. He's just the best. It really is unbelievable how holding a baby can put you in a better mood. Well it does for me at least.  
3. I enjoy coffee in the afternoon just as much as the morning. After I got home from the weekend away I had a couple hours before the next thing on my schedule. I cuddled up in my bed, opened up my window, sipped on some hazelnut coffee and opened my the new book I started Carry On, Warrior (Thoughts on Life Unarmed) by Glennon Doyle Melton. Friends, I call that a perfect Sunday afternoon. 
4. Debit card fraud is really just rude. This happened during my week but I was without my debit card until today. Last week, someone decided to use my debit card to by film equipment from New York. I'm grateful that my bank was gracious about the situation but it definitely was a frustrating. I was also surprised by how violated it made me feel. 
5. Musical theater is awesome. During our weekend downtown one of our surprises was going to see "Big Fish" at the Oriental Theater. I loved the movie when it came out a while back and I was really excited to see the show. It was neat to see the way they made the fantastical story come to life on stage. And let's be honest, I'm always a sucker for a good musical.

Everything is Underwater

Growing up in the Chicagoland, I've had my fair share of canceled school and work because of snow days... but a RAIN day? WHAT!

Last night it started pouring rain at 4 in the afternoon and continued raining until about 10 this morning. The result? Chicagoland completely underwater. I had really high hopes for being productive today, I had a long list of errands and things to get done. Turns out, the road getting out of my neighborhood is flooded in both directions and my little hatch back can't make it out. 

So instead of productivity, my day has consisted of a little reading, watching an episode of Law & Order: SVU, Zero Dark Thirty with my roommates, going for a quick stroll with my roommate Kate to grab Chinese food and an afternoon nap. 

Maybe this is just the day I actually needed.

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. Blue skies make an already wonderful day even better. It has been the worst weather here in Chicago the last couple weeks. It's been cold and really rainy. But finally, on Sunday blue skies appeared. I was lucky enough to get to spend that lovely day in the city at Dose Market with my future sister in law. If you're in the Chicago area, it is a must! 
2. I tried on a handful of things yesterday at Anthropologie. Apparently I only like two things right now, stripes and a melon color palate. 
3. I feel like over the last couple months I've been learning a lot about expectations. When are they good? Do we ever communicate them to other people? How have they hurt me? What are my expectations of others, myself, of God? I finally have been able to put into words how I feel about them... I really believe expectations rob joy in our lives. 
4. I love Chicago sporting events. In 24hrs I went to the Chicago Bulls game with my mom (when they beat the NY Knicks in over time!) and the Chicago Cubs game with some coworkers (when they beat the SF Giants!) Even if you're not a huge fan of those teams, it's hard not to be when you're at the United Center or Wrigley Field. It's contagious. 
5. I'm grateful my job allows me to see friends from all over the country. This weekend there was a conference in the Chicago area which brought friends of mine from Michigan, Colorado, Kansas, and Indiana all to one place. Fun to see folks that you don't always get to see. 

Things I Learned...

... this Thanksgiving holiday in photographs.

1. Sweet & spicy sweet potatoes with red onions are a dream. This was the first year at Thanksgiving we didn't serve traditional sweet potatoes. It was the right decision. Especially for the left overs.

2. I'm grateful that my family lives so close to one another. JJ and I got to spend Thanksgiving with both of our families. It was nice that we were able to share the holiday with both of parents and grandparents.    

3. There is such thing as "smart casual" or "dressy jeans." On Saturday I went to tea with my two best friends from high school, Gwen & Alex, and Gwen's mom for Gwen's birthday celebration. We called ahead to make sure that we were dressed appropriately for the event and we were instructed that the attire was "smart casual" and if we were to wear jeans, they need to be dressy jeans. Who knew that was even a thing?

4. Puppies just never get old. Here's Alfie. 

5. JJ surprised me last week with some beautiful fall flowers and they really just make a room feel better. There's something special about fresh flowers. 

Java Break

Coat: Free People. Cords: Citizen for Humanity. Tee: American Apparel.
Boots: Target. Sunnies: Ray-bans. Scarf: TJMaxx.

The University of Kansas has been good to me in many ways. 
One of those being allowing me to spend four years of my life living in the same city as this woman.
Ladies and gentlemen, the third guest post on Echo Grace, Lisa.  

When Lisa and I met for our very first coffee date during our college orientation we could not have been two more different people. Lisa wore baseball hats and thought bike riding was fun. I liked sperry topsiders and watching movies. That didn't stop us from becoming quick friends. Lisa helped me pick out my very first baseball hat and I helped her pick out an outfit for Thanksgiving break. We had met in the middle. [Bonus: her mom still credits me for all Lisa's style and to this day I will never correct her!]

You may recognize the coat Lisa's wearing from this post. 
One jacket, worn two totally different ways. 
Lisa and I, two really different people, 
one awesome friendship. 

Significant Moments

Dress: Madewell. Blazer: Gap
Bag: Marc Jacob's (via Nordstrom Rack)

Kate has been mentioned in about 50% of my blog posts so it only seems fitting for you all to meet her! Here she is ladies and gentlemen, my best friend and my roommate.

I'm really grateful for Kate's companionship. She's been around for a lot of big moments in my life and just as many silly moments that have been the most significant moments. 

She's stood next to me during times that my heart is broken but also in times where we watch mindless reality TV and laugh together about gossip magazines. I've spent countless nights in her trundle bed and gone on more shopping trips than I'd like to admit. I also wouldn't make any huge life decision with out her wisdom.

Everyone should have a friend like this. 

All Things Go, All Things Go

I fell in love again

All things go, all things go

Drove to Chicago

All things know, all things know

- Sufjan Stevens "Chicago"

I got the chance to spend the day in the beautiful city of Chicago with Kate and Lisa last Sunday. 

What a perfect day. Here are some snapshots.

Mothers

Jacket: Michael Kors (via Nordstrom Rack). Sweater: Nordstrom Rack. Skirt: Old Navy.
Boots: Frye (via Nordstrom).
Necklace: Anthropolgie. Ring: Lia Sophia. Earrings: F21. Sunglasses: Target
Nail Polish: OPI "ski teal you drop" + Essie "matte about you." Lip Stick: Revlon Lip Crayon.

It was a beautiful 68 degrees in Chicago a couple days ago. It's always fun to be able to walk the streets of the city in the fall, with the changing leaves, and not be freezing cold. Even though it was pretty warm out it felt like the appropriate day to bust out the fall maxi skirt.

Heading into the city, I knew that I wanted to take pictures on the Museum of Modern Art steps. When Kate, Lisa, and I arrived at the steps there was a huge sign that said Mothers spinning outside. Mother's Day is still six months away so I'm stumped on it's importance.  

Here, see for yourself!

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. The sound of a kitten purring is one of the best sounds. Ever. 
2. The skyline of Chicago is breath taking. This past weekend I got to celebrate my older brother's engagement. The event took place at this incredible condo overlooking the Chicago river. It had the most stunning views of the city. I love that even though I've grown up with this city it still feels exciting to me.
3. September 28th is way too late in the game to have your first pumpkin spice latte. I don't know what my deal is this year. Usually I am the first at the door the last day in August when the chalkboard sign is out front reminding me that they're back. But not this year. And I will tell you, poor choice on my part. They are so delicious.
4. I need to spend more time with my grandparents. I got to see my dad's parents this weekend at the engagement party. I just think the world of them. I'm grateful to still have part of my life. They're pretty incredible people that I've surely got a lot to learn from. 
5. Setting your alarm for 3:01 AM is vicious (but worth it sometimes.) This week I'm heading to Honduras!! I mentioned here on that my boyfriend JJ filmed a documentary there last year. He's in the process of editing it right now and needs to go back to get some last minute things, and I'm going with! Don't worry, I'm going to take lots of pictures!

So this is will be my only post this week, but 

I'll be back next Monday with "What I Learned... Honduras edition." 

Until next time! 

Enjoy your week! 

Renegade Art Festival

Last weekend I met my friend Melissa in Chicago for the Renegade Art Festival. It is set up on Division street in this super cool and trendy area called Wicker Park. (Yes I know you just thought of Josh Hartnett and this movie.) Even without the festival it's a fun place to be.

Here are some snapshots of our day. I loved everything. 

Loved the sunshine, the artists, the company, and the first chance to wear my frye boots. What a gift.

This went on for blocks. City blocks.

Just strollin' selling some ice cream. 

In San Francisco, my mom started taking pictures of signs. Surprise, I now take pictures of signs.
Melissa and I ended up eating at this restaurant. Let's just say, mixed reviews. Great outside tables, poor service. 

I loved the name of this. And of course, taking another picture of a sign. 

My dear friend Melissa. Perfect person to spend the day with.

Things I Learned...

... this weekend.

1. If you take the train into the city make sure to check the train schedule so you make it back home. On Saturday I went into the city for the day and didn't want to deal with parking so I took the train. One thing I didn't do was plan my way back. When I arrived at the train station to come home, I had missed a train by 4 minutes and then next one wasn't for another 2 hours. Oops? Good thing JJ is the best and came in and got me. He's pretty good to me.
2. Just one Christmas carol in September isn't a bad thing. In Church this morning we sang "Joy to the World." It was awesome. Those lyrics are incredible and should be sung more often.
3. Going on walks by yourself are a great way to clear your head. I'm starting to realize that so much of my life is controlled by my calendar and am not very good at carving out time alone. On Friday I decided I'd go for a walk around the prairie path close to my home minus my phone plus my camera. Freedom.
4. You don't have to talk to someone everyday to still be a good friend. My old college roommate Cori was in Chicago for the weekend and I had the chance to catch up with her on Friday night. Cori and I haven't seen each other in over two years but it felt like we didn't skip a beat. Grateful for those kinds of friendships.
5. The Renegade Craft Fair is the best thing ever. If you live in Chicago, Austin, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, San Francisco or London. You must go. I'm serious, go. 

The Breakfast Club

Men in the kitchen.

Sauteed veggies awaiting some eggs.

Coffee makes everything better.

Last weekend my best friend from high school Alex (who you met yesterday) and her boyfriend Doug hosted a small Labor Day brunch. Labor Day has always been a mystery to me. It's never felt like a holiday that has any purpose and I'm never quite sure what to do so this brunch was perfect.

Above and below are some snapshots of the morning. The menu was delicious. (Some breakfast potatoes, a nice veggie and chorizo egg scramble and of course, some crispy bacon. Yummmmm.) And the company was great. Couldn't have asked for a better Monday morning.

My beautiful best friend Alex. 

Food coma.

Alex and Doug were really great friends in high school and actually did a lot of projects together. Hanging on their fridge is an English assignment that they turned in together from our junior of high school. Funny to see how the times really haven't changed too much and apparently they were a great pair back then too. 

What a perfect end to a perfect Labor Day weekend. 

I hope you all were able to enjoy a day off and be with the ones you love!

Fashion Before Comfort

Dress: J.Crew. Shoes: Nine West. Hat: J.Crew. 
Necklace: F21. Earrings: H&M. Sunglasses: F21 

One of my good childhood friends and my brother's best friend Kyle got engaged to a wonderful young woman named Sadie a handful of months ago. This weekend we got to celebrate their engagement at Arlington Race Track here in Chicago. I must admit, I am not much of a horse fan or really a gambling fan. But I will tell you, I am a huge fan of the fashion. You want me to wear a cute dress with a big hat? I am in.

 I really do love this outfit a lot. When I got this dress I didn't think I'd get the opportunity to wear it much but thank goodness for weddings, I've been able to wear it to many bridal showers and engagement parties. 

Although I'm a fan of this dress, it was not the most practical for a day at the track. A 90 degree day in fact. I did not even think to look at the temperature when I got dressed in the morning. Oops? As I was dripping with sweat all day (and complaining,) JJ kept teasing me about my high school motto, "fashion before comfort." I instantly regretted sharing that story with him. And you know what, as ridiculous as it may be, I will still stand by it. Even if I am a hot mess of myself at a race track. 

Lesson learned, I need to check the weather first. 

Weekend Update

Thank goodness for iPhones, right? My phone helped me capture some special moments this weekend. The Butters family (& friends) had a lot to celebrate.

On Saturday we had graduation and brunch for my future sister-in-law (she got her masters in secondary education,) a graduation party for my best friend from high school (she's officially a pharmacist!) and an engagement party for the future Mr. & Mrs. Butters all downtown Chicago Saturday. It also was my mom's birthday. Phew, what a day! Although I'm completely exhausted, I'm grateful I was able to celebrate so many wonderful things with so many wonderful people. 

Hope you all had a fun weekend too!