What is a good way to get rid of roots?

Grow them out!

I am loving all of these "ombre" colors for fall. Roots have never looked so good.

Something tells me growing mine out might not look as graceful as those pictures.  

Maybe I'll have to cut bangs to distract.  

I know, I know--curly hair and bangs don't always mix well. Wiser and more normal ideas have entered my mind but I am not looking for wiser and normal right now.  I need a change!

Should I go ombre....or bangs...or both? :)

loc.al.ert / Train Restaurant

Two Toots Train Whistle Grill

As you may have already figured, this is a good one if you have kids (between 1 and 10) and live in the Wheaton/Glen Ellyn Area.  I mean really good. The first time we went here was the first (and only) time we have seen Levi (2) cry for joy. Literally (He LOVES all things train).  We were sitting on the stools that are strategically placed in front of a train that circles a track to bring your food as its freight.  As he was watching the small train carry baskets of fries and burgers to the customers, a real train stopped on the tracks just outside the restaurant window--too good to be true and the excitement levels were rising. Suddenly, Levi realized that Thomas the Tank Engine was playing on TV in the restaurant, and well, it was too much. He started to screech and shake a little, and tears welled up in his eyes. Dan and I were rolling and could not hold our excitement in either :)

The food is just right for kids too; burgers, hotdogs, fries, etc.  Not the healthiest menu options but at least they are trying: 100% grass fed, 100% prairie raised beef even for their hot dogs.

Try it!

Rainy Day Hues

This outfit is just the right amount of cozy and cute for this rainy friday in Chicago. 

You had me at hello...

Not surprising, really. Who wouldn't be had by this cake?

I found the recipe on pintrest a while back and knew I had to try it. Not only does is look scrumptious, but my mom made a similar cake growing up and I can't seem to get her recipe right. My family calls it hot milk cake.

This recipe is not for the faint-of-baking-heart though--there are a few steps the require TLC. Every once and a while I get the urge for a finicky recipe--one that calls for things like sifting cake flour, or a candy thermometer, or lots of steps...or all three, like this one (though I am sure you could make it without using a sifter or thermometer) :) Maybe it taps into my slight "type A-ness" which occasionally emerges from layers and layers of "type b-ness." The preciseness of measuring, the smells, watching chemistry unfold...I am beginning to sound like Alton Brown.

If none of that draws you in, the glaze alone makes this cake it worth it! We all had a few spoonfuls before it made its way onto the cake.

Carlson Commission

Recently, the Carlson family commissioned a large scale (36" x 48") painting to document their recent trip to Ethiopia:

for Samuel / oil, wax, collage on board / 36" x 48"

close-up / for Samuel

The Carlson's traveled to Ethiopia this winter to adopt their son Samuel. Mary saved paper trails from the trip; a map of Ethiopia, family boarding passes, receipts and newspapers, etc. These became layers in the painting; the base layer was the map. A tree was sketched in to recall a place the family had worshipped while they were there. It was amazing to hear their story an honor to make them a "time capsule" to remember it.

Their son Samuel is enjoying life here with his family and transitioning well. The story is not complete without mentioning that Samuel's best friend in Ethiopia, Joseph, was adopted by my sister around the same time. The best friends now live just a few miles apart!

Needless to say, this was very special piece to create. Thank you Carlson's!

Levi show casing the piece.

What to wear?

After a few cool days earlier in the week, this Friday was HOT. I wanted to wear something easy in the heat yet cute and weekend worthy. Most of the day I would adventuring be with the boys but in the afternoon I had two meetings with clients. I looked in my closet and didn't feel like

wearing what I had (and not for a lack of options). 

What to wear? What to wear?

So, I went online and picked out this virtual outfit for the day. It felt perfect.

 TODAY.

Soft and easy.

Bright and fun.

Cute but works as a diaper bag, which is just where I am at in life :)

look comfortable and are a steal

Then back to reality. I actually had to choose things from my real closet. Not all was lost though--I had a little more inspiration and creativity during my second attempt at getting dressed 

and found something that worked out great. 

Do you ever create virtual outfits?

PS there are a few good deals above. check them out :)

1460

= the number of days I have been married to my sweet husband Daniel (plus 5, if you count the days this post is overdue).

1460. Let me do the math again because that doesn't even seem like that many days....

Yep. 1460.

Four years, two babies, two dogs, two moves, a masters degree, and a new job later (and a million moments in between)...

We are in love and growing. I am so thankful for these years that I have shared with my best friend.

Here's to many more.

Customized Commission

I recently finished this encaustic painting for a woman in Glen Ellyn.  She was wonderful to work with as she had lots of ideas and a true sense of style. I incorporated collage elements that had specific/personal meaning to her family, in turn adding character and depth to the piece. They loved the finish product and it is hanging above a fire place in her beautiful dining room.  It really looks like it "belongs." Thank you Maureen!

(for more images of my work visit my website)

We made it!

We honestly weren't sure we would...but we made it through one crazy pregnancy to welcome our very precious Silas Keeton Bush on July 3. And so, I am slowly but surely hoping to re-enter the blogging world. In the whirlwind of the last ten months there would have been both too much and too little to share (I will try to recap at some point). But now I am hoping to give snippets back into our world.  Sharing things that make us happy, inspire us, stir our thinking, make us laugh. And maybe give you an idea of what I am up to creatively, for work and play.

In the meantime, here are a few images captureing our bliss this past month:

Levi meets his baby brother

Daddy getting to know Silas

back home

snuggling

brothers

so glad he's here

Levi Garrison

my three boys

Our Wedding

DWJ Photography recently blogged about our wedding day. This day was full of the happiest memories and the team captured its essence. Thanks, Lauren, for taking me back! It is amazing to think about all that can happen in 3.5 years. I love you Daniel Bush!