Behind the Scenes: July

Check out what we (this community!) loved last month here!

One day I’ll get my act together and post these closer to the actual end of the month but C’EST LA VIE! Especially in the summer when you have young kids. We freaking relished this summer and I loved every second of it. Usually when we head back to the Midwest we are hosting multiple groups of family and friends who we want to see when we are back in town. However, this year we said no visitors. We wanted to lean in, relax, sleep!, and not feel like we were constantly rotating weekends of entertaining. It was so lovely and I came back feeling like all of my life cups were filled. Being with my family, outdoors, in the fresh Midwest air, visiting my favorite city (hi Chicago!), not caring about what I look like, spending dedicated time with my kids without an endless to-do list. I know our summers in Wisconsin won’t last forever, especially as the boys get older, so it felt really good to enjoy it.

I will forever take pride in the fact that I grew up in Chicago. I feel grateful that I get to give my kids a different childhood here in Charleston but boy do I love going back. It is fun to have different versions of yourself shine when you travel. When I’m in Charleston I feel calm, less worried about what other people are doing, a slower pace means a little more relaxed. Chicago always feels a little more energizing! Like my inner extrovert shines when I’m back. I treated Jack and George to fun couple days in the city while Dave and Charlie were on a fishing trip (see photos here!) and we had the best time.

I took a two week social media break. Everyone should! I came back and immediately took inventory of who I’m following online. Not because I’m not inspired by certain accounts but because there is only so much I can consume outside of my own life. If I am consuming something online, it has to be worthwhile. I also love seeing people in real life and not knowing what is going on with them!! Asking questions, catching up! More of that, you know?

My kids went back to school today and it always sort of feels like the first of the year. I can’t believe summer is over and I’ll miss the freedom of our days. But I’m inspired to get into a better routine - with work, with exercise, in the kitchen, with our schedules! I will say I gave myself a huge break this summer - I wasn’t down on myself for being off my routine, eating too many cheese curds, enjoying a beer at lunch, etc. It felt really good!

Leaning in and really making an effort to find more balance, give myself more grace and bet on myself more this month and for the remainder of the year. I turn 40 next week so WHY THE HECK NOT. Thanks so much for being here!!!