Things I Learned...

... This Memorial Day Weekend

1. Weddings are really one of the best celebrations. My brother's best man Kyle (and close friend of mine) got married this weekend in St. Louis to Sadie. It was such a fun weekend of being surrounded by friends and family who adore this couple. It kind of felt like a preview for what's to come June 29th with my family!
2. Sometimes it's actually fun to be the third wheel. I might be singing a different tune on a different occasion but this weekend was great. My whole family went down to Kyle and Sadie's wedding but Andrew and Becca were both in the wedding party so that meant lots of quality time with my parents. Of course there were definitely moments where they drove me a little crazy but overall I'm grateful to be the third wheel to them. They're a great pair.
3. Any sort of animal baby is so adorable. When my parents and I were in St. Louis one of our adventures together was the St. Louis zoo. If you're ever in the area, it's a must. It's free and really wonderful. When we were there we saw this sweet baby elephant who had just been introduced to the public a couple days before. He was just a month old and seriously the cutest thing I've ever seen. I think we stood and watched him for about 20 minutes. Which is ages in zoo time.
4. The twitter feed @yourawaymessage is absolutely brilliant. If you're not following it, well, that's just seems silly. It's gotten to the point that my best friend Kate and I just screen shot pictures of different posts and send them to each other. Makes me giggle every time. 
5. Everything makes me cry. But seriously, everything makes me cry. Like a lot of these points, these thoughts aren't necessarily new but they're fresh from the weekend. I've always known this about myself, that my emotions manifest themselves in tears but last night felt like an all time low. Last night my roommate Kelly and I were watching the Real Housewives of Orange County and I cried... twice... I guess that's when you know, right? 

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. God gives us such a gift in hearing "me too." I've heard that said many times before but it rang very true for me last night. My close friend Laura from high school is in town for just under a week. You may remember reading about her wedding in Napa here. Anyway, Laura's in town so Gwen and I grabbed dinner with her Sunday evening. We spent most of our meal sharing what life has been like over the last couple months since we all had been together over the holidays. It felt like each time one of us shared, a "gosh, me too" followed. And not in a "I want to point the conversation back to me" way but it in a way truly understanding. Grateful for those moments, grateful for those gifts.
2. I'm a sucker for my hometown (pictured above.) I spent both Friday and Sunday night there. Oops? I know people don't get it, or maybe think it's weird to love where you grew up so much. I just do.   
3. Wedding season is upon us! On Saturday was Becca's "bachelorette" deal in the city. We spent the day at a spa then went to dinner and out for some drinks. For the last couple months there have been many different celebrations but we're now on to the big day. First up, my good friends Sadie & Kyle, this weekend in St. Louis. Cannot believe it's finally summer.
4. Eleanor & Park is a must read. I'm 100 pages in and hooked. So what if it's another young adult novel, right?
5. I'm going to be closer to 30 than 20 in a short nine days. I'm turning 26. What? Yikes, where did this year go??

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. I cannot get enough of The Great Gatsby soundtrack. I think I have spent the last 48 hours listening to it. "Young and Beautiful" has been constantly running through my head. I also loved the movie. Baz Luhrmann did a phenomenal job putting the story on a screen. Not sure I loved Carey Mulligan as Daisy but Leo was casted perfectly.
2. Mother's Day is the best. Since I'm so close to my family we get together pretty frequently. Today felt different though, it was nice to have an intentional day of just celebrating mom. Seriously though, don't know what in the world I'd do without her. 
3. Traffic automatically puts me in a bad mood. It is kind of incredible how my day can be going well and then all of a sudden traffic hits and I'm instantly frustrated. 
4. Homecomings always need to start with deep dish pizza and a visit from your bestie (I'd like to think so at least.) My best friend Gwen from high school has been living out in Washington DC for the last 4 years and she moved back to Chicago today! I was able to stop by her house today and give her a big hug (and eat some deep dish pizza) to welcome her home. I'm excited for what's in store with her back home again, can only imagine lots of fun things.
5. I like to think of myself as a pretty clean person but one thing is for sure, I'm not very good at keeping my room organized. It feels like once I week I take the time to "clean my room" and then somehow within 24 hours its a mess again. Even as I sit here typing I am embarrassed by its current state. A complete mess. Maybe next time...

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. The smell of freshly cut grass is one of my absolute favorites. After I mowed the lawn, I went upstairs to my room and opened my window as I was getting ready for my day. It was such a sweet little treat to smell the grass. 
2. A Sunday with your best friend is the best way to end your week (or start your week.) Kate and I had the chance to spend the whole day together Sunday. We started our adventure at a flea market, then headed on sonic for happy hour (best decision ever) and ended the day with margaritas on our back patio with some friends to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. A good day indeed.
3. White toe nail polish grows on you. I was on pinterest last week and saw a pedicure with white polish. I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it but I thought I'd give it a try anyway. My roommates all told me it looked like I put white out on my toes but after a couple days I really started to like it. Who knows, this might be something I look back on and think how awful it looks (Kind of like white eyeliner and everything I wore in middle school.)
4. I'm officially going to Vegas in June! My friend Cori, who I wrote about here is getting married in August. I have the honor and privilege to stand next to her and her fiance Alex as they said "I do." But before that happens we are going to Vegas for Cori's bachelorette party! I am super excited and super nervous. Here's to a new adventure!
5. Sometimes it's okay to listen a song on repeat. Specifically "Just Give Me a Reason" by Pink featuring Nate Ruess from Fun. It's all pop but so good. You should definitely check it out.

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.

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. I've got the best big brother. I know that it's not something I just learned and I'm totally biased but I've got to say it. My brother is getting married this summer to Becca whom I absolutely adore. This weekend we had the first bridal shower for Becca. Andrew made an appearance and brought the beautiful flowers pictured above. It's been such a cool shift for me to see Andrew as not just a big brother and a son in my family but to a husband. It makes my heart full just thinking about how wonderful of a husband he will be. 
2. There are such things as rain days and for that matter multiple ones. This past weekend (well Thursday & Friday) my little city was underwater. The schools shut down, I couldn't get out of my neighborhood, life seemed to just halt. Who knew that "rain days" or "flood days" could shut down whole cities. 
3. Sometimes life feels like a movie. My roommates and I (on said rain day) watched Zero Dark Thirty. I had seen it already but loved it just as much the second time. It felt surreal sitting in front of my computer Friday night watching the FBI, Boston police department, and other law enforcement literally hunt the second suspect from the Boston marathon bombings. I had such mixed emotions Friday evening. I was grateful that the suspect was in custody but it didn't even begin to subside the heartache I felt for the community of Boston and their families. It didn't feel like the end, but just the beginning... hopefully the beginning of lots and lots of healing.
4. It's just okay to be in bed at 9 PM. Who cares if that happens to be on a Friday night... right?
5. You know you really love a book when you look down at any page and all you see is your green sharpie pen covering the page. As I mentioned here. I'm currently reading The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown and I am fascinated (and underlining a ton.) My favorite thing I read today was, "We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don't function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart."  Are you reading any good books? Any recommendations? 

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 weekend.

1. I think I'm officially as some people may say, a "cat lady." This morning I looked at my camera roll on my phone and realized that 80% of the pictures I've taken since I've been home from Florida have been of Clive. Example: picture about. Little Clive was just loving the oscillating fan in my bedroom, how could I not document that??
2. Antique stores are the best. For Christmas JJ is in the process of making me a craft desk out of old refurbished wood (woo ho! don't worry, more to come on that when it's in action.) He bought the old wood at this antique store in town and we decided to go look around on Saturday. It was like etsy but a store. There were 30 different "vendors" in the store in little sections. It was awesome, I could have spent hours there. My take aways? A beaded vintage clutch and antique ring. 
3. Chicago winters are brutal with no snow. The last couple months it's been chilly in Chicago but nothing unbearable... and then January 20th happened. It is like negative degree windchill! And there is no snow! Snow would at least make this frigid tundra worth it.
4. Sometimes neon green & neon pink nail polish is a must. I'm usually not the first to pick the bright colors for my nails or toes but because of the weather (note above) it only seemed necessary to go with neons this go around.
5. I only need to see 3 more of the best picture nominations this year! (Amor, Dijango Unchained, and Zero Dark Thirty) I'm really looking forward to seeing them before the Academy Awards in a couple weeks. Right now, my favorite noms are Silver Lining Playbook, Argo, & Les Mis... Who knows though, I'm sure that'll change tomorrow! So many great movies this year. 

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. I really love Christmas tree stands in parking lots. I don't know what it is about them but I think they are so beauitful. Maybe it's knowing that all of those trees (hopefully) will end up in someones home and lots of memories will happen around them or be hung on the branches. 
2. Just showing up means more than any gift. On Saturday evening JJ finally premiered his documentary "The Dust on our Feet" to donors, close family and friends. People traveled from Portland, LA, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, New Jersey, and Michigan to be there to celebrate this accomplishment. It wasn't even my project and I felt so loved that evening. The entire evening was such a blessing and I've never been more proud of JJ. Hopefully everyone will be seeing it many film festivals in the future.  
3. A clean closet is a happy closet. Every season I always get an itch to purge clothes I've been keeping for no real reason besides the thought that I might wear it "someday." Not only did I get rid of a lot of clothes, but I organized my closet by color. Let's see how long it lasts...
4. Everyone should take a Sunday afternoon nap. This past weekend it felt like everyone in my house was on the go, running from one place to another. On Sunday there was a window of time for about 2 hours that none of us had to do anything so we all sat down on the couch to watch some TV. Quickly our TV time turned into all four of us napping. I wish someone could have taken our picture. 
5. Watching people with their friends helps you know someone better. For JJ's premier a  close friend of his Alec flew in from Portland. Alec went to school with JJ and helped him film parts of the documentary in Honduras. When Alec arrived the three of us went out to lunch in the city. It was so fun for me to simply sit at a table with them as they reminisced about college, discussed film, talked future plans and just laughed. I feel so lucky when I get to experience those moments.   

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. The Half the Sky documentary is just as powerful and wonderful as the book. Half the Sky's vision is to spread awareness of that educating women is what is going to change families, communities, countries, and the world. Check out more information here.
2. Simply just holding a cup of coffee always makes me feel better. 
3. Working with close friends makes work not just manageable but truly enjoyable. Over the weekend I worked a weekend camp for hundreds of high school students with Young Life. Although it was a lot of work being able to work alongside people I love is such a blessing.
4. Old fashion colored Christmas lights are my favorite. Last night JJ and I took his dog Flash for a walk around his neighborhood. The houses were all decorated so beautifully but the ones with those colorful bulbs will always be my favorite.
5. I don't like when it's sixty degrees in Chicago in December. I might be singing a different tune come February but right now it's suppose to be cold and snowy. 

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. 

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. It's good to take time and reflect on where you come from. On Sunday afternoon I had the chance to attend a fundraising banquet for Young Life in the town I grew up in with my mom. Young Life has played such a huge role in my life and has been the foundation for my faith. I was so encouraged by the way God is continuing to show up boldly in the lives of high school kids there. 
2. In the same vain, I had brunch with my closest high school girlfriends on Saturday. There's something so wonderful about catching up over an egg scramble and a bloody mary. High school girlfriends are irreplaceable. 
3. I've been a terrible long distance friend lately. Right now as I sit here typing I can think of 4 different friends of mine that I owe not just a phone call but probably a long weekend of undivided attention. 
4. I've overdosed on chinese food. Last week I ate chinese food three times in five days. It felt like a wonderful idea at the time. I assure you, it was not.
5. I'm an ENFJ. My roommate Kelly became obsessive about personality test and has been making everyone in her life take it. They really are fascinating, I learned a lot more about myself... like I prefers harmony to discord, I often have a diverse range of friends and acquaintances, and I seek approval from other people. Other ENFJ's? Abraham Lincoln. I am in good company. 

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. 

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. I actually like high school football. The high school where I lead Young Life at is undefeated and in the state playoffs. And I really find it exciting. Minus sitting out in the freezing cold, it's fun to watch the kids I know and love, be excited and proud of their peers and their community. I'm honored that I get to play a small part in that and participate in their excitement. 
2. No matter how many puppies I see, they're always exciting. On Sunday my parents got the cutest little next puppy named Alfie. I'm in love. He's a havanese. Don't worry, I'm sure there will be plenty of pictures to come.
3. Lake Michigan is gorgeous. On Saturday my dad and I drove up to western Michigan to celebrate my grandma's birthday and to be with family. My grandparents live in a small town with one stop sign (not even a light, just a stop sign!) right on Lake Michigan. I think that God has blessed us abundantly by painting beautiful skies for us but there is something different about a fall sky over water. 
4. The book Perks of Being a Wallflower is just as good the second time around. I read the book going into my freshman year of college and loved it. I'm in a book club with some friends and we chose it again. There are so many different things that stuck out to me but I loved it all the same... "Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve." Gosh, gets me every time.
5. As I was following the Kansas Jayhawk football score on twitter this weekend and was yet again said to see a loss. I had a moment realizing that the Kansas Jayhawks play their first regular season game on Friday. Watch out southeast missouri state. I'll be wearing my game day flannel Friday. 

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. Bookstores are the best place to spend a rainy day. Every month I (try) take a day of solitude. It's one day each month where I turn off my cell phone, don't check my email (or facebook/twitter/etc.) and try to be still and not be ruled by my schedule. On my schedule day of solitude it was super rainy which stifled my plans of sitting at park all day, so instead I headed to Barnes & Noble. I could spend hours looking at books. I recommend it!
2. There's something special about being at my childhood home. Both Friday and Saturday I got to spend time in the town I grew up in. There is always a calmness exists when I'm there. Home is a good place.
3. High school girls are just the greatest. Saturday night I had a sleep over with 6 high school girls that are involved in my local Young Life club. I can't remember the last time I stayed up until 3 AM or the time I laughed so hard. Can't believe that's part of my job.
4. Self serve frozen yogurt is a dream. My order? Original frozen yogurt, raspberries, graham cracker crumbs, and dark chocolate chips. Heaven in your mouth.
5. It's good to be around friends that know you the best. My close friend Lisa from college stopped through Chicago on her way home from a wedding and spent the whole day with me on Sunday. Even though she lives in Colorado we've been able to see each other six different times in just over a year. Thankful for so many opportunities to be with her. There's something so freeing being with people that just know you. 

Things I Learned...

... This weekend.

1. Dinner and a movie = great date night. I've always felt like that's what people do when you don't have anything else to do but it really is wonderful. Saturday night JJ and I went out to Houlihan's (I recommend the fish tacos) and then went to see Argo (definitely worth your time and money.) M&M's and Sour Patch Kids don't hurt the experience either.
2. I don't get enough sleep. Nothing more to say about that. Sleep is valuable and I need more of it. (Don't we all though?)
3. The best way to spend a Saturday is with your mom. My mom came over Saturday afternoon to catch up and finally meet Clive. We sat at my kitchen table, looked a pictures from Honduras, talked about my brothers wedding, and drank coffee. Mom's are the best. 
4. Pinterest is slowly creeping its way back into my life. During the summer I decided I needed to take a time out when I realized most of my sentence's started with "I saw on Pinterest..." but come on, it's fall. So many great fall recipes and fashions. (Follow me here!)
5. "Rocky Ground" by Bruce Springsteen sounds so good with the windows down and fall colors everywhere. I know, I know, I'm a broken record. But come one, fall is the best!

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!