The Friday Five

Hey, party people!

Happy Friday!

Here's what's good in my world...

1.

Sufjan Stevens.

Then again, he's good in my world every week.  Just sayin'.

2.

Zumba (on crack) with Luis Diaz

A ridiculous blend of authentic Latin dance & cardio funk that will leave you in a pool of sweat.  I can't think of a better way to dance off the pounds and burn up to 1,000 calories in an hour.  If you live in the Milwaukee area and like to dance, it's definitely worth checking out one of his amazing classes at Studio 611!

Note:  Not for the faint of heart.  Bring lots of H2O.  And a towel.

3.

Pumpkin Pie Lust

Perhaps one of the only "pumpkin" beers I can actually groove on.  This one is a nice, amber-y color with just the right blend of spices (a.k.a. not too overpowering).  Cheers!

4.

Honey Crisp apples

Crispy.  Sweet.  Little bit of tang.  Great for snacking... and even baking.

We lucked out and snagged over 20 lb for $20 last weekend at Barthel Fruit Farm up in Mequon, WI.
They're seriously the best.  End of story. 

Segue to...

5.

Make memories...always.

Big ones, small ones.

Build traditions.

Be present.  Be affectionate.

Give them something to look back on and smile.

Not every day is easy, but every day is a gift!

I wouldn't trade those two biscuits for the world.

:)

And a few more links, just for fun...

This mashup of famous dance scenes set to "Uptown Funk" totally made my day.

On the contrary, this photog's depiction of how addicted we are to our phones was totally disturbing.

As the leaves continue to fall in droves, I think this will be our next art project.

Three surprising design tips, ala Emily Henderson.

An eye-opening piece on single parenthood.  Bless you, people.  Seriously.

Conversations between parents and children.  Pretty much spot on.

Adorable hostess gifts, no?

On that note, I probably need this shirt.

;)

Have a kick ass weekend, m'loves!

~ photos by bits of breezy / Zumba image via Studio 611 facebook page, quote image source unknown ~

The Friday Five

Happy Friday m'loves!

Here's what's good this week...

1.

M. Ward.

Love.  Just love....

2.

Toasted Graham latte

A new fall flava from S-bucks.
Not too sweet and oh-so-yum!

3.

Steve Madden booties

Namely these casual ones...super comfy and instantly add a little polish to your errand-running attire.  Recently marked down at DSW!  Extra love.

4.

$5 Farmers' market bouquets

The dahlias are especially radiant right now @ the Fox Point locale on Saturday mornings!  Oh, and an honorable mention to all the Yankee Candle fall scents.  You're kind of amazing, too.

5.

October

Arguably one of my favorite months.  

I just love everything about you, October.

And a few other links I'm loving this week...

Good examples of how Ikea can look amazeballs. (for all the #haters)

Crimson lips are "in" this fall.  Thoughts?  (A little too dark for me.)

This touching video literally shot chills (the good kind) down my spine.

Some fun date conversation topics.

How to prevent anxiety in your children.

A great deal on diapers, for all you busy mamas out there!

J. Crew's puffer vest game is seriously on point.

Thank you, Dwell, for showcasing that modern design doesn't have to be ridiculously expensive.  LOVE!

Hope your weekend is extra fantastic!

xoxo

~ images via DSW.com, inspiredrd.com / photos by bits of breezy ~

Mama Mondays : Nature

I came across this article and was truly horrified.

How sad (and true!) is this?!

Thankfully, both of my boys adore the outdoors, so I have not come across this issue...yet.  (They're still little and have no choice - ha!)  And, we are so blessed to live in an area that is full of fun things to do outside.  We spent Sunday morning walking the trails at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Bayside.  The flowers and butterflies were stunning.  There were abundant trails leading through the forest right down to the shores of  Lake Michigan.  We skipped rocks, planned an engaging scavenger hunt, learned all about owls, and even got to feed a giant snapping turtle!

Did I mention that fresh air tires energetic toddlers out?

;)

There's a time and place for all the wonderful technologies of today.

Not only is spending quality family time in nature fun, but it is also critical to instilling a healthy conservation ethic into our little people.  Pick up garbage on your hike...whoever collects the most "wins"!

So, please don't let your kids/family suffer from "nature deficit disorder"...

With fall just days away, weather is nearly perfect.

The leaves are about to change color.

Pumpkin farms and apple orchards are getting underway.

Not to mention, this is an ideal time for a trip to the zoo or park!

It is truly gorgeous out there...so get exploring!

Xo, Breezy

~ photos by bits of breezy ~

The Friday Five

"Five" rhymes with alive, which I am...in case you were wondering. ;)

Here's what's good this week...

1.

Joshua Radin

Throwing it back this week....though not this far back.

#BestDreamEver

2.

Weekend getaways

Over Labor Day weekend, the huzz and I went to Dallas/Fort Worth, TX to watch the Badger football season opener against 'Bama.  While unfortunately we got our asses kicked lost, I thoroughly enjoyed my first long trip away sans children!  I know, I know...my oldest child is 3.5 years old.  Why did it take this long?!  Well, this is why.  I couldn't have said it any better.

Alas, everyone survived, and more importantly, had a blast.

I think I even see some glimpses of my 22-year-old-self in these photos...

A good reminder to "treat yo'self!" from time to time...and leave the worrying behind.

3.

The Container Store Private Party

Doors open to the public this weekend!

The pre-party was a much bigger shindig than West Elm's, but sadly, couldn't purchase anything.  Guess I'll have to trek back to Mayfair once the "big rush" is over!

Note to self:  This place is the mother-lode for Secret Santa gifts + stocking stuffers come December.

P.S.  Also coming soon to Mayfair:  Nordstrom + Kate Spade.

Woot woot!

Now just bring me Ikea and I will feel complete.

4.

Fall fashion

It's almost time!!

Here are 9 trends this fall.

I can pretty much groove on all of them, minus the high-waist pants.

Trying to avoid "mom butt" for as long as possible, thank you very much.

5.

...but let's keep those last summer days for as long as possible, please!

Now with both boys being sooooo active and energetic, I have no freakin' idea what I will do to keep them entertained come the dreaded Wisconsin winter.  Taking any and all new ideas...

And a few more links, just for fun...

Grandparents Day is this weekend - and what better people to celebrate!

Um, hello "most-amazing home makeover ever"  ...will you do me next?

Joey Fatone:  A role model to One Direction?  This is amazing.

Mindy Kaling's new book comes out next week - add it to your reading list.

And this documentary about marriage (and how much we don't actually know about our own parents) sounds kinda fascinating.

The truth about being a dad, by some pretty funny ones.

I turned 33 two weeks ago, and these age charts are hilarious.

Ingredients to keep in your freezer for last-minute, healthy meals. #pinning

Thinking about lighting like this out on our sun porch. Ethereal, no?

And some final food for thought...that Laura Ingalls Wilder, so wise and always there for a girl when ya need her...be it at age 8 or 33. ;)

Have an amazing weekend, m'loves!

~ images via onmilwaukee.com & popsu.gr / photos by bits of breezy ~

The Friday Five

It's been awhile since a "Friday Five"
(You know, life and all.)
But alas, here are five things that are good this week!


1.
French Jazz
Inspired by a recent date night at Lake Park Bistro, this romantic genre of music (think: Edith Piaf ala Le Vie en Rose) has become a weekend thing for me and the huzz.  Not only does it remind us of our honeymoon in the south of France, but when paired with a chilled glass of rose and/or an herb-y cocktail and some snuggles in the sun porch hammock under the soft glow of twinkle lights?!
I'd call that end of summer perfection.
:)

2.
Homemade kale chips.
I watched the Barefoot Contessa make {THESE} with Jennifer Garner the other day and they are amaze balls.  Salty, crunchy, and freakin' addicting.  ~$2 for a large bunch of kale will not only allow you to make this delicious, (and healthy!) recipe, but it will also fill about a half dozen (or so) smoothie packets for your freezer.  Win-win!

 

P.S.  I used regular old kale (but the lacinato / flat variety she recommends is also delish!



3.
Farmer's markets.
'Tis the time of year where they're all just killin' it, no?
Village Market in adorable downtown Thiensville, WI is especially noteworthy.
From $5 bouquets to super sweet corn, I'll take it all!

4.
H&M for toddler boys.
So hip, so cute.  And pretty gosh darn affordable!
Here's our summer wedding wear (aside from the ties), courtesy of H&M.
And with some good sales, I also just stocked up on some fall/back-to-school adorableness!
Swoon.

Oh, and anthropologie for hip moms is also pretty rad, no?

#iwastheretoo
#andweallmatched
#someonepleasephotoshopmein

;)

















5.
Speaking of motherhood, this article was such a good reminder to savor every moment, as you never know when will be the "last time".

(Grab a Kleenex, then proceed.)

And a few more fun things, just because I can...

Loving this stack arrow pendant necklace!

And these silk t-shirt dresses - gorgeous and practical for these scorching days.

I think a pair of these zodiac prints would be so pretty in a master BR.

More amazing (and affordable!) art.

Some girl power inspiration.

Watermelon mint sangria?!  I'll take two, please.

Beauty philosophies of French women.  So fascinating!

And one funny for the road.


Have a fantastic weekend, m'loves!
(And stay cool!)

~ photos by bits of breezy ~

The Friday Five

Mid-July?! Say it ain't so.
Summer, like life it seems, is just flying by.
I've been feeling a little under the weather this week,
but that hasn't slowed us down in our quest to zoo, pool, and beach it up!
Aside from gorgeous weather, here's what else is good this week...

1.

 The "Edward Sharpe..." of yore.

As previously mentioned, we saw them at Summerfest.

While entertaining, something was just off with Alex Ebert.

You can tell he's still experiencing post-break-up blues...and crazy...
and, most likely, a plethora of illegal substances.

Here's a throwback to the good ol' days with Jade...

2.
anthropologie hanging planters
I've been waiting for them to go on sale and when they finally do,
I'm too late to the party.
Oh well.
Some medium size still left {HERE}.

3.
cherry season
An 8-lb box of fresh cherries arrived with our weekly CSA box
and I couldn't be more thrilled!
While there's nothing better than eating them by the juicy handful,
I also cannot wait to test out a bunch of new, yummy fresh cherry recipes!

P.S.  Pardon my shoddy phone pics.  My DSLR battery & charger have went MIA.



4.
Target.
"Duh, obvi!", you say.
But seriously, it's a one-stop shop (home goods! cleaning supplies! baby needs! food! pharmaceuticals! etc!) with a Starbucks...and between the Cartwheel app + coupons + 5% off with my Red card + free gift cards when I buy shit I was already going to buy?  It makes me feel quite savvy less guilty about dropping two-hundo each trip.
;)

And speaking of Target, did anyone read {THIS}?  I am usually #1 (because I have all intentions of working out AFTER my Target run...but then the Target time warp strikes and a simple trip takes 2 hours).  On a rare occasion, I'm #6 (but that experience reminds me why I never shop with 2 kids in tow unless absolutely necessary.)  Which Target shopper are you??



5.
Beaches with parks.
Double "wear 'em out" ability.
And we all get to enjoy some fun in the sun!

And a few more links, just because...

Do yourself a favor and follow Honest Toddler on Twitter.

A pretty 10-minute manicure at home?  Worth a try.

Had we a babysitter lined up, I'd be all over this week's Fish Fry & Flick.
Party on, Wayne!

Speaking of movies, anyone want to see Amy Schumer's "Trainwreck" with me?

I want this tank.  Business in front, party in the back.

Adorable backpacks for kids of all ages.  (Because, yes, it's almost that time!)

Looking forward to trying this new, all-in-one, BB, CC, and tinted moisturizer cream from Bare Escentuals.  (Great price tag, too!)

Inspiring quotes from self-made billionaires.

Cheers to a lovely summer weekend!

~ images via anthropologie & some ecards / pics via bits of breezy ~

The Friday Five

OMG, how is it freaking Friday already?!
This week has just zipped right by.
We've been busy with zoo camp, ice cream socials, preschool field trips and summer library programs, tending to the garden (a.k.a. the current bane of my existence) and planning for a relaxing week up north (followed immediately by my not-so-relaxing return to work)....hence, the lack of blogging.

But in the words of Olaf, "all good things, all good things."

Regardless, I'm looking forward to all the R&R that next week will bring.
Moreover, here's what's making me smile this week...

1.
Heard this little tune at the end of "This is Where I Leave You".
(Fact:  Sometimes novels on your reading list become movies movies on HBO before you actually get around to reading them.)

2.
My new wavy, mid-length hair.

Let's call it a "beachy lob".

I took these pics to my amazing hair stylist,

who embraced my reality of air drying 90% of the time

and created a fun, minimal effort 'do for my naturally wavy hair.

Thus, the unavoidable Midwestern summer humidity just became my bff.

Score!

You just need one of these for touch-ups.

3.
Mortified, the podcast.
If you haven't checked this out, do so immediately.
Adults reading embarrassing things they wrote as kids - from diaries to fan letters to song lyrics.  Freaking hilarious!  And definitely makes my morning commute a wee bit better.
{HERE}

4.
Zoo camp @ the Milwaukee County Zoo
Local parents, worth the ~$20/class!
Well, let me re-phrase that.
If your child is at least 3 (or maybe the later half of 2), it's worth the money!
My 3 year old had a blast learning all about his favorite zoo animal - the hippo.  The classroom was full of different crafting stations (including the making of a full hippo costume) followed by pretending to be hippos.  The hour-and-a-half class also included "circle time" learning, a short movie while munching on a hippo-like snack, along with a variety of books & puzzles (for the tikes who can't sit still that long).  The class ended by walking to see the real hippos and talking to their zookeeper.  So fun!  Even I learned some cool facts.
Still a few open classes left! {HERE}

5.
All things "Father's Day"
My little ones have been busy crafting away at preschool/day care in preparation.  And I've been busy assembling treat bags myself!
I'd tell you more, but of course, it's a surprise.
Since I've been a major slacker on gift guides this year,
I will at least share this adorable piece on fatherly advice...
{HERE}

And a few more links, just because...

Fun earrings - and currently 30% off!

Side note:  J. Crew is about to become even more rad.

I think I also need this cookbook.

Great financial news for my fellow NP's out there!
(Though apparently my employer needs to get on this same page! Hint, hint.)

RIP beards!
(Husband, are you reading?! Peeeeeace!)

How to exercise at your desk.  Haha!

Summer tag sale over at anthropologie! a.k.a. up to 50% off.
You're welcome.

Some amazing summer homes over at Vogue.

And one more lovely little fatherly sentiment to end this post...


Happy {Father's Day} Weekend!

~ images via prettydesigns.com, getmortified.com / photos by bits of breezy ~

West Elm, Milwaukee style

Last week, I mentioned how ecstatic I am that West Elm has opened a store in Milwaukee's historic third ward.  Tuesday night, I had the pleasure of shopping after-hours at a special opening week event!  

Here are some of my favorites...
(I would actually like them to style my mid-century ranch from top to bottom.  Okay?  Thanks.)


Loving this mix of throw pillows, the light pendants,
the pops of color, and that couch!

Up to 30% off rugs!

This little cluster of light fixtures is like the glass equivalent
of Nelson bubble lamps and I am in love.

Adorable little mercury glass tea light votives!
How perfect for your summery evening tablescapes...

I'm not sure how, but I managed to escape
with only a throw pillow and hand towel.  

(Probably because I was shopping here moments before.)

They are so incredibly lucky to have such a gorgeous store space
(that natural light! swooning!)
in an ideal downtown location, just across from the Public Market.
When can I move in?

Check out their facebook page to claim a 15% off your entire purchase coupon through June 21st!
(Or, 20% off your entire purchase if you open a credit card.)

You're welcome.

~ photos by bits of breezy / image of votives via west elm ~

The Friday Five

This (work) week has been rather atrocious.
So, TGIF!
Here's what's good...

1.

Lord Huron.

That is all.

2.
West Elm MKE!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Opened yesterday!  So, so exciting.

3.
The Pioneer Women's Breakfast Quesadillas
That's right, I said quesa-DILLA.
I made us a sausage and onion version the other weekend,
and they were pretty much Tits McGee.
Recipe {HERE}.  You're welcome.

4.
Columbia Crest H3 Red Blend
A 91-point red blend from Washington State in the <$15 vicinity.
Robust yet silky with dark red fruit flavors and hints of chocolate
(that help make it go down waaaaaay too smoothly...glug, glug, glug!)
Get some to pair with all of your inevitable BBQ-ing meatiness!
P.S. If you live in the greater Milwaukee area,
you can find it at your local Sendik's.

5.
blue + gray
Loving this color combination this spring!
Especially paired with a bright pop of color on the nails...

And a few more fun links...

Caitlyn Jenner is all the rage this week.  As she should be, no?  Looking fab.

Amy Schumer dissing JJ on The Bachelorette.  Perfection!
(Because he - and his constant red wine teeth - are the absolute worst.)

I probably need this tote, don't you think?

The worst sunscreens for kids.  Good to know!
(Although, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that pretty much any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen if given the option!)

This ear crawler is super fun (and would add some pizzazz to summer basics.)

Haha!  Sad...but true.

~ images via @westelmtulsa on instagram, The Pioneer Women, Sendik's, & shopstyle.com ~

The Friday Five

TGIF!
Last day on service, then off for 2 weeks!

Party on, peeps.  Party on.

And nothing says "party" like...

1.

Bruno Mars singing "Uptown Funk" on Ellen.

I know, I know.  This song is old news.

But considering my toddlers absolutely adore it, we listen to it... A LOT.

And I cannot deny that I'd really like to be a member of this very audience.
Bruno is one funky, little dude, no?

2.

Maybeline "Baby Lips" lipgloss
This drug store discovery is certainly not new to this blog,
but my love and admiration has recently been rekindled
with all the fun, new colors.
Nothing can ever beat subtle color + moisturizing balm.
In fact, they're right up there with this for just a fraction of the price!

3.
Date night
Lake Park Bistro.  On a Wednesday.  Just because.
Hells to the yes.
Bonus: Free dessert for being "favorite table of the night"!
As if you're surprised.
We are people who relish special treatment...and don't get out much!

4.
Outdoor dining spaces
Is it time yet? Is it time yet?
We Midwesterners have been really patient.

5.

10-minute Barre Workouts

Supplement to cardio and/or better-than-nothing-on-busy-days.

If you're not hurting afterwards, then you're not doing it right.

And a few more fun links...

Guess what's back on Monday night?  Yessssssss.  So bad, yet so good.

How to style your console table.

Where to grab a rooftop beer in the MKE.

Continuing Ed for the post-college decades.  Consider me enrolled!

Salted chocolate chunk cookies.  You had me at "salted chocolate."

A graphic warning to skip the tanning bed.  Eeeks.

This color for my next mani, please.

A West Village apartment that'll make you wish you were this Boho chic.

Word.

Happy Friday, y'all!

~images via style.com, brit.co / pics by bitsofbreezy~

Weekend recap

A few days late and a dollar short.

(Story of my life these days.)

Baby with fevers (of unknown origin) for the entire weekend,

left us feeling less-than-refreshed for the week.

Thankfully, between fever spikes we were able to enjoy the following...

A stroll along the beach!

Complete with lunch from Northpoint Custard.  YUM.

...And a little people-dog-triatholon watching over afternoon coffee!

A Target excursion for the necesseties (and then some...obvi.)

And, of course, the State Fair!

Ruined slightly by rain,

Herb running out of rootbeer milk, and the return of sick baby.



Thankfully, everyone's health (and sleep schedule) seem to be back on track.

And, it is already Hump Day!

Thank you, Jesus!