Dunk tanks and Explosives

owen's 8th birthday, golden birthday, red white and blue themed party, fourth of july birthday party ideas, water sports, dunk tank, firework birthday party, boy birthday party ideas, cotton candy

This weekend I flew home to celebrate my nephew’s 8th birthday, complete with a mix of water sports, explosives and cotton candy. I know what you’re thinking. What else could a bunch of 8 year-old boys want, right? Right. I can take little to no credit for the party or the details because my sister handled […]

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We’ve got the beets…and cocktails

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Growing up, my only experience with beets was when Doug Funnie had them perform on his show. What can I say the 90s were weird. Other than that, I just thought beets were a cranberry-looking vegetable that I avoided at salad bars as a child. It wasn’t until I had what I refer to as a proper beet […]

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The art of unplugging

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So I’m back in the city after several days visiting friends and family at home. If you read my last post, and by read I mean just looked at pictures, you have a pretty good idea of how most of the weekend was spent, laughing with friends and family, celebrating and lots and lots of […]

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Showering Baby King

gender neutral baby shower, baby king, gray baby shower, sweets table, cake table, pleated cake, mini tassel garland cake topper, tassel garland,

One of my best friends is having a baby! If that phrase sounds familiar to you, it should. I’ve been saying it on repeat now for the last two years and probably will for at least another one. Yes, at times it does seem surreal that the girls I transitioned from friendship bracelets to bars with are now […]

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Farewell Chicago: Running in the city

sweet home chicago banner, farewell tour of chicago, chicago skyline banner

Switching up Workout Wednesday this week to bring you the first in what will probably be many installments of my farewell tour of Chicago. It is about running so I guess it can count as a Workout Wednesday post as well. When I first moved to this city 6 years ago, I made a Chicago bucket […]

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A dog was here: Week 2

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Thanks for coming back for week two of a dog was here, a photography series. I’d like to thank everyone for their submissions over the past week. And by everyone I mean my dad who alone has submitted enough entries to create a hybrid series I’m calling: Murfdog was here. In this series, Murf documents his life […]

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Hearts and Love and Mushy Stuff

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Let’s talk about love. On second thought, let’s not. Let’s talk about making the most of a holiday that celebrates love by whipping up some sweet treats for friends and family. Valentine’s Day is here and that means restaurants everywhere will have a chance to jack up menu prices just by throwing in a chocolate […]

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The Girlfriend Games of 2014

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Let me tell ya ’bout my best friends. Even though my phone is probably going to start blowing up immediately once this is published due to the photos included, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give you a little context before I tell you about my best friends. They are pretty awesome. I know everyone […]

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It’s the Christmas countdown

holiday white chocolate oreo cookies with holly sprinkles

I’m sorry. I can’t type the word countdown without hearing that song in my head. And no that’s not the original album cover. I jazzed it up a bit for the season. Speaking of seasons, did you know Christmas is just a short 10 (by the time you read this 9) days away? Are you […]

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Weekend Recap: Surf’s Up

owen turns 7 surfing birthday party simply social blog

I bet you’re expecting a post about my weekend spent surfing the beaches of California. Or better yet that I caught a big one off the coast of Hawaii and followed it with a delicious dinner of fresh sushi and a fire dance. And perhaps if you strictly based your assumption on my title you […]

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