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DIY: Pottery Barn inspired outdoor decor

This is the first full summer that we have a grill at our apartment, and it has been so nice! There is really nothing better than sitting outside, enjoying a meal, people-watching and breathing in the fresh air.

A couple of weeks ago Kevin, Maggie and me were sitting outside. It was getting dark and a storm was rolling in. We just sat outside and watched... and eventually brought a couple of candles from indoors. When I saw these hanging mason jars in Pottery Barn I knew I wanted something similar so we could have some light for our nights outside.




I bought jars and candles from Hobby Lobby. I already had the river rocks, and thought they were probably more appropriate since we live much closer to a river than anywhere with sand! All together, much more affordable than Pottery Barn and actually a lot larger.

Can't wait for another stormy night to sit outside!

Chicago beer at Busch Stadium!?!

This past weekend we took my brother to the Cardinal's game for his birthday. It was a beautiful day outside and we sat in the bleachers so we had plenty of sunshine. We were also close to a bar that offered some specialty beers (and margaritas for Laura!) in addition to your standard Bud Light and Bud. One of the few options was a Honker's Ale from Goose Island. I love this beer but couldn't get over the fact I was drinking a Chicago beer at a Cardinal's game. It just didn't feel right... especially when I asked where to get Schlafly and they told me I would have to walk around to behind home plate.

A little disappointed, but the game itself more than made up for that! It was one of those games you don't forget, lasting 20 innings, 18 scoreless, with several position players pitching. It was the longest scoreless game since 1989 and the second longest game in Cardinal's history! We had a wonderful time and made it to the 15th, when we got too cold and hungry to wait it out any longer.


We watched the end of the game from the Bridge which had great food and awesome beer. We shared a hummus plate, cheese plate, a couple gourmet sandwiches and delicious chocolate/espresso dessert. I thought the Bridge's beer selection was unique and enjoyed the two that I had (including a Red Rye from Founders, one my favorites). I loved the atmosphere and the decorations. They served water from wine bottles, an idea I love.

A birthday to remember for Michael.

Growth

I really do believe that with all life experiences, we grow in some way - positive or negative. I hope with all my family has been through that we grow stronger, more accepting, more appreciative of every day.

In an attempt to grow not only emotionally... but also to grow my life skills, I am trying so hard to literally grow more life around our apartment. Nature has a way of calming, reminding us that life does go on. Yes, I am sad I didn't learn everything my mom knew about growing things - but I will try to borrow from her passion and love and slowly and patiently learn.

Why I drink beer

We want to Kansas City to celebrate Easter with my mom's dad, brother and sister last weekend. It was a really wonderful weekend, full of good food, relaxation and fun.... maybe a little too much fun Friday night.

I won't even say how many bottles of wine we went through (just that Saturday morning was a little rough), but I would do it all over again. We shared wonderful memories about mom, vented our frustrations and laughed a lot. Thanks, Joe and Melody for a wonderful evening, and thanks Anne, Elle, Grandpa and Melody's fam for sharing Easter.

Cocoa Bean

While looking through my new camera the other day, Kevin accused me of being a little too obsessed with our pet. I will admit, a good majority of the pics I have been taking are of Cocoa... but give me a break, I am still trying to figure out the camera and needed a test subject. God knows Kev didn't want to be the guinea pig. Here are a few of my faves...

Memories of mom on April Fools

I definitely would not consider my mom a prankster. But for some reason, she loved April Fool's Day. I will never forget a family trip from St. Louis to Kansas City when we were kids. In fact, we were probably heading up for Easter, when my mom pulled over the car on an desolate exit with no fast food, truck stop, gas station, etc. and frantically proclaimed that we had run out of gas. Needless to say, me and my siblings got little freaked out about what we were going to do (remember the days before cell phones??)... well, after a couple of minutes my mom got a huge grin on her face and said "APRIL FOOLS!!" Such a simple act... a lifetime memory.

A few years back on April Fools she told me I had another sibling on the way. I was awestruck and actually believed her for a good 3 minutes....and then the words "APRIL FOOLS!!" were uttered again. I tried to turn the tables 2 years ago and tell her I was pregnant...but somehow I was not as believable as she always was.

I encourage you to play a nice-spirited prank on someone today. Love you mom.