My Beauty and the Beast

Libby and Belle.
Me and Libby before the show.
Couldn't resist this picture of Scarlett taken over the weekend.

We are crossing things off the to-do list for our girls week. Mani's and pedi's, done, and last night we saw Beauty and the Beast at an outdoor theatre. Thankfully the weather cooled off a bit for last night's event. We were also lucky enough to meet some of the characters before the show. For today I have a sitter for Scarlett so Libby and I can spend the whole afternoon at the pool then I am sure she will be desperately trying to convince me to go to Justice. That store drives me crazy, my daughter spends the entire time picking out hoochie clothes and I spend the entire time trying to find something cute for a 7 year old who thinks she is 13. God help me today!!

Girls Week

Manicures
pedicures
Beauty and the Beast is here this week
My daughter's favorite restaurant Pomme (I suspect she likes it here because they serve coke in the mini bottles)
Of course shopping at "Justice" what 7 year old doesn't want that?

My son is at camp until Saturdays so it is just me and the girls this week. My 7 year old, who knows a great opportunity when she sees one, suggested we have a "girls week."

How to Catch a Greased Pig

Yes, catching a greased pig is on my "to do" list this weekend!! We are finishing up a busy week with an equally busy weekend. Tonight we are having some neighbors over for pizza/beer/slip n slides and Saturday after baseball games, we have a farm party. I have a friend who has a farm about an hour and a half outside of STL and this weekend is her annual farm party. It really is fun, we have swimming in the lake, a big hotdog/s'more roast, ice cold adult beverages, a great band will be playing and of course we will be trying to catch a greased pig. 2 years ago was the first time I went to the farm party and the first time I witnessed a "catch the greased pig event." What happens is a large container of crisco is poured over the pig, then whoever wants to participates, gets in the pen and literally tries to catch the pig. Believe it or not you can go to wikihow.com to learn the best way to catch a pig. I have NEVER gotten in a pen with a pig and I NEVER will, but my kids think it is so much fun!! Sunday we will drop our 10 year old off for a week long overnight camp with 6 of his friends, then Sunday night I am treating my 39 year old face to a much needed facial! Whew!!

Happy Birthday

Today is my 39th birthday :( which means 1 thing; I have exactly 1 year to plan for the big 40!!

Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head

Burberry, a classic rain boot


Cute sock liners found at nordstrom.com
Little girl Hunter boots... so cute!

We have had an unusual amount of rain here in STL this summer. Good thing I have invested in some cute rain boots. For the past few years I have always worn the Burberry Wellies. I love them, they are so cute, and they definitely make a statement. Last year, however, I decided to check out the Hunter Wellies. I am in love with these boots as well. A couple things I love about the Hunter Wellies is that they are taller. They go all the way up to my knees. I have a friend who is 5'5 and she does not like the Hunter boots because they almost go above her knee. I am 5'9 so they are the perfect height for me. I also love the fact that you can buy fleece liners for these boots, they really do keep your feet warm in the winter when you are walking in the snow. My 7 year old got her first pair of Hunter boots for being a flower girl in her new Aunt's wedding (seriously, what a great gift) her boots are bright yellow and look so cute on. Let it rain!!!

Fantastique!!

My love affair with Paris began in high school, after 4 years of taking French my teacher took her students to Paris for a 2 week vacation. It was love at first sight for me!! I went on to take French 4 years in college and even spent a summer studying in Paris. After graduating college I worked for an advertising agency in Cincinnati, I was a great job but I didn't love it, then I was asked to teach french at a grade school in STL. I moved back to STL and soon after met my now husband. Ironically, he also speaks french and he also studied in Paris too. I knew from the start we were a perfect match. We just celebrated our 13th anniversary last week but we told each other from day 1 that any chance we get we are off to Paris. In the past 13 years we have been 4 times together, I have been 7 times total.

My parent are planning a trip to Paris this August and have asked what my favorite Parisian restaurant is.... after many many trips I would have to say one of my favorites is "le timbre" (postage stamp) because it is a typical small restaurant. The tables are one after the other with a total of about 12 tables. this restaurant is found in the 6th arrondisement by the gardenof Luxembourg, It is owned by an English man who is a fantastic chef. It is one of the best meals I have had in my entire life.

If you are planning a trip to Paris you MUST eat at "le timbre" 3 Rue Sainte Beuve, here is the number for reservations (they speak English) 01.45.49.10.40. Tell them Jill sent you!!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to this cutie pie!!

Lucky 13

Thirteen years ago I married this handsome man!!

Here comes the sun!

Keep your fingers crossed for some sunshine today. We have a big day planned. While the men will be golfing the ladies and kiddos are passing the time poolside. After a full day (hopefully) of sun we will hit the showers, change our clothes and head up to the clubhouse to celebrate our friends b-day. I have my bag packed with my summer essentials; swimsuit, sunglasses, sunblock, oil of olay complete for my face and of course my frozen mojitos!!

Make mine a mojito!

At the grocery store the other day I stumbled across this delicious find. Daily's freeze and serve mojitos. This is basically an adult "capri sun". Just toss the pouch in the freezer and within hours you can enjoy a frozen alcohol beverage. There are many flavors but I think the mojito is the best. This to me is what summer is all about!!

Sex and my city

I know, I am a day late and a dollar short but I finally got around to seeing Sex and the City 2. I would of seen it last weekend but I had a wedding in Chicago. I really liked it, I didn't love it. I loved, loved, loved the first one. This one, I liked. I did however love, love, love the clothes. On a side note, I am pretty sure if I cheat on my hubs I am NOT getting a big diamond out of the deal

I Do!

Matthew checking out the view of Michigan Ave. from our hotel window
Libby getting ready for the rehearsal
Dan and I at Gibsons
The bride and groom
Getting our hair done
The ring bearer and flower girl are ready for a wedding
Libby and cousin Tess so excited to walk down the aisle
Matthew a little nervous to walk down the aisle
Congratulations to the new Mr and Mrs.
My beautiful family

I am just starting to recover from a whirlwind wedding weekend. The fun began early Friday morning, My hubs and I caught a 6am flight to Chicago so he could play golf with the groomsmen. I spent the day shopping, eating and getting a mani/pedi. The kiddos arrive about 4 pm with my parents then it was non-stop. After a 6pm rehearsal at the church it was off to Gibsons on Rush for the dinner. After a delicious filet dinner and some cocktails and some very heartfelt toasts from the bride and groom it was midnight and time to call it a night.

Saturday morning came bright and early. Dan took my 10 year old, Matthew and baby Scarlett on a walk to the lake while I went to grab a quick breakfast with my 7 year old Libby. After breakfast I had about 30 minutes to kill so I took the girls to American Girl Doll Place. Libby and I then had to rush off for hair and make-up appointments. We did a quick change of clothes then it was off to the church. Matthew and Libby were in the wedding and both looked so precious. The bride was absolutely stunning and the groom handsome as ever. After the wedding there was a happy hour at McGee's Bar next to the church then off to the Chicago History Museum for a fabulous reception. I am telling you no detail was overlooked for this wedding, I can honestly say the weekend was perfect. We even had beautiful 80 degree weather. At about midnight the reception ended then some of us headed to a bar around the corner from our hotel because we didn't want the fun to end. My mom always says "nothing good happens after midnight" I should of listened to her because Sunday morning came way too quickly!!

Sunday morning after popping about 4 ibuprofen I made it to the brunch, kissed my kiddos goodbye (they were heading home with my parents) then set off to see Billy Elliot.

Welcome to the family Emily....we love you!