If you were to take a stroll through my home, my closet and my breakfront you would see that the common thread is undeniably blue. I've read that every room needs a touch of black, but I find blue to be much more soothing and welcoming. From the deepest navy Edelman leather on our dining … Continue reading Kind of Blue
Author: Wendy Franzen
What to Pack: Seaside Retreat
My thoughts have turned to the ideal warm weather vacation wardrobe as our family has an oceanside trip on the horizon. I love this palette of sea green, mist grey, sunshine yellow, and ocean blue. White is the quintessential neutral for summer, so packing go-with-everything white denim is a must. The striped oxford does double … Continue reading What to Pack: Seaside Retreat
Sunday Brunch
There is no easier way to entertain than hosting a weekend brunch. On Sunday we had family visiting from Cleveland and because I wanted to enjoy our time together rather than spending it darting in and out of the kitchen, I kept everything incredibly simple. I made these scones (adding the zest of a lemon … Continue reading Sunday Brunch
Farmers Market Friday: Part II
Last weekend at the farmers market, the sweetest elderly gentleman was selling white fish he had caught and filleted the day before. He was much too cute to refuse, so I purchased four fillets along with green beans and corn from another stand and brought it all home for that night's dinner. After dredging the … Continue reading Farmers Market Friday: Part II
Fourth Favorites
How can it possibly almost be the Fourth of July? Wasn't I just writing about what to bring and what to wear to a Memorial Day picnic? The Fourth to me is the essence of summer - abundant sunshine, strappy sundresses and sandals, cold drinks, simple barbecue fare, sparklers, bonfires, family, and friends. And nothing … Continue reading Fourth Favorites
Summer Chic
Moschino Cheap Chic long sweater, $459 Blue shirt, £18 J.Crew short shorts, $65 Madewell, $34 Madewell, $16 ASOS flat sandals, $41 Floral jewelry, $410 Évocateur coral jewelry, $338
Gratitude
This is not an easy post for me to write. After months of training and anticipation, the final result of my first triathlon was not what I had hoped. Please don't misunderstand - I am proud of completing the course and thoroughly enjoyed (most of) the race, which should be all that matters. But I … Continue reading Gratitude
Farmers Market Friday
This morning I made a quick trip to the Lake Bluff Farmers Market and could not resist snapping a few photos. I, without fail, spend every bit of cash I have on hand whenever I go. From the fresh squeezed lemonade/limeade stand. I can't wait to put some of these in an omelette. This is … Continue reading Farmers Market Friday
Beautiful Bolognese
Last evening (in the name of carb loading - and a massive craving) I made a classic bolognese in the 92 degree heat. Simmering sauce for two hours in an old house with suboptimal air conditioning may seem like a questionable choice, but I was determined. Sauteing onions and garlic. Best. Smell. Ever. Softening the … Continue reading Beautiful Bolognese
running in style (or not)
This morning I went on what will probably be the last run before my triathlon. The alarm woke me at five a.m. so I could meet my friend and running partner by six in order to beat the oppressive heat hanging over Chicago. Bleary eyed, I reached into my drawer and slipped on the first … Continue reading running in style (or not)
the aesthete and the dilettante 