Sunday, June 30, 2013

Four Friends Enjoying the Day : Part I

 
Ahhh...  What a peaceful Sunday morning...
The windows are open, the birds are chirping, the house is quiet...
I have my cup of coffee steaming next to me as I reminisce on our trip to Lake Geneva.
 
I haven't been to Lake Geneva in years...
The last time I went was with Matthew and he's not all about quaint shops & touristy places.
 
So I was thrilled to go again with ladies who appreciated such. ;)
 
Although, Mother Nature seemed to want to put on a show.
It down poured the previous evening, and was only supposed to continue throughout the day.
 
We ignored it and went along with what we had planned.
 
And I'm so glad we did.  It turned out to be a beautiful day versus the hottest day of summer like it had mentioned a few days prior.  Although I was fighting hot vs. cold all day.  But that's typical....
 
One of my favorite things about going to Lake Geneva is it's only about an hour away and yet it feels like you are on vacation.  I have made a pact that I need to return there multiple times a year, just for that feeling of "getting away".
 
Joey, a dear friend, suggested we go to a place called Simple for breakfast.
 
Oh man... am I glad he did!
 
 
The inside decor was definitely right up my alley...  Rustic, charm, colorful.
 
All the chairs were this bright lime green!
 
Heavenly...
 
I was the only one who ordered a soda for breakfast.
 
Yes, I am that type of person who can get lunch any time of the day and therefore drink soda any time of the day.
 
I lit up when they brought me a bottle with my glass full of ice...
And, of course I kept it...

 
Soda only seemed fitted with what I ordered...
 
A Mashed Potato Omelet.
 
Whhhaaattt?
 
Oh my...
 
I'm not big on omelets but this was absolutely to die for!
 
Omelet stuffed with the best mashed potatoes I've ever had, mixed with chives and bacon.
 
I was upset I couldn't finish it and had to throw it away... Along with my tomatoes!
If you know me, you know I was stuffed if I tossed the tomatoes!
 
 
The girls ordered Apple Crumble French toast that was like dessert for breakfast!
It was amazing!
 
After our bellies were overfilled, we started to hit up the shops.
 
And what do you know?  A Christmas shop?  Ang and I were all over that!
 
The sound of Christmas music perked me up.  I seriously wanted to prance around the store and stay a little longer... just to hear the melodies... 

 
As we continued on, we found this cute boutique who pretty much had a little of everything.
 
It didn't fit my checkbook, but it didn't stop me from ooo'ing  and aww'ing  all over.
 
Then we spotted these:
 

 
We saw them in two stores, actually.
I'm so obsessed with them!
 
They had them out on display and they definitely seal!  I want like five... No joke...
 
They just peel right up at the sides but if you try to pull it up from the center, you won't be able to take it off.
 
Fascinating...
 
And if I was to ever take up golfing, I want one of these beauties to truck around:

 
Preferably the center one... Flower and all.
 
And there's just something about bicycles with baskets...
 
I really need to find a basket for mine.
Maybe I will ride it more then...
 
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
 

 
After a long day of shopping, walking, and a boat tour
(more on that in Part II),
our foursome turned to a threesome.
 
We ended the day at Popeye's.
 
And I think this was my very first time here.
From what I can remember, my family and I always went to Scuttlebutt's,
which is the cute yellow house right next to Popeye's. 
 
Nonetheless, their sign for Bloody Mary's is what drew me in..
 
 
I didn't even have to *ask* for the pickle!!
 
I love BM's with pickles, thanks to my mother in law!
 
We all started out with their broccoli cheddar soup.
Move over Panera....
 
Wow!
It was divine!
 
 
We didn't even have much room for our nachos after!
 
 
It was truly a wonderful day!
 
I cannot wait to return and stuff my face with even more amazing treats and food!
 
 
 
And don't forget friends, if you are shopping Kohls.com, use BLOGGER10 for 10% off! 
And it can be combined with one other offer code!
Expires July 11th. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Sometimes Boys Are Cooler

 
Summer is officially here and I'm already tired of this humidity.
 
Anyone else steaming out there?
 
Yeesh...
 
Time to start thinking of shaving my head and running around in my bandeau tops and undies.
Pshhh...
Some days I wish that :D
 
How is it that men have more authority to walk around without looking shameless?
 
Oh the times I wish I were a boy.
 
 
 






{Outfit Details}
Sweater: H&M, Top: Forever21, Jeans: Thrifted, Owl Necklace: Charming Charlie, Locket: Etsy, Watch: Kohls

 
 

Sunday, June 23, 2013

A Giveaway & Kohls Surprise


 
Happy Sunday!  What a weekend!  Spent all day yesterday in Lake Geneva with my girls. 
Such a beautiful and perfect day!
 
I took home two dresses and two scarves from the cute boutiques up there.
 
Which brings me to an announcement:
 
I'm giving away one of my products from my shop:
 
This beautiful, floral infinity scarf!
 
 
For more details, "like" LittleLoveTales on Facebook and enter!
 
Hope to see you over there!
 
In addition to our giveaway, a sweet representative from Kohls contacted me.
She gave me a special 10% off code for all my wonderful readers! 
And what I love about it is it can be combined with one other offer code!
Enter:  BLOGGER10.  Expires July 11th. 
 
Happy Shopping!

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Traditions : Leather

 
We decided to celebrate our three years of marriage two days early on our six years of being together.
 
(Did you follow all of that? :D)
 
We were eager for Lou Malnati's but due to time and anticipation, we went around the block to Outback.
 
Instead of a lovey dovey dinner, we actually had some deep conversations.  But I have to say that I'm glad we did.  Whenever we dive into those, we always end up swimming to the top, stronger and happier as a whole.
 
Also, do you ever get that feeling that someone knows you or is talking about you?
That's how I felt with the waitresses there that night.
I felt like they knew one of us or something.
The feeling was just too strong to ignore...
So if you are reading this, ladies, don't ever hesitate to come up to us!
We won't bite, I promise! ;)
 





 

 
{Outfit Details}
Dress:  Jessica Simpson (TJMaxx - clearance), Sweater: Thrifted, Watch: Kohls, Wedges:  Aerosoles, Hair Bow:  LLT
 
 
After returning from dinner, we sat on the back deck and opened our gifts.  Well.. I'll just let the photos do the talking:
 



 
(Not shown:  Gears of War : Judgment Day and a Belt)



 
Priceless:


 
Still shocked and confused...



 
As I have mentioned before, for the 3rd anniversary, the traditional gift is leather.
Here's our traditional gifts:

 
On our wedding day, three years ago, we shared a delicious McDonald's Strawberry Shake for our "First Look".
We started a tradition that first year to have a shake every 12th of every month.
 
Now we do it solely on our anniversary.
 
We were dead tired and it was storming bad, but the scent and taste brings us right back that to that joyous day...


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The One

Three years ago, today, I married this man.
 
Handsome, genuine, thoughtful, funny.
 
 
I knew he was the one for when he wrapped his arms around me, I knew I was safe.
 
 
I knew he was the one for when he smiled at me, it would make my heart skip a beat.
 
 
I knew he was the one for whenever I was around him, I didn't have to pretend to be someone else.
 
 
I knew he was the one because I can tell him absolutely anything and everything.
 
 
I knew he was the one because he loved me for me.
 
 
I knew he was the one because he fell just as fast as I did.
 
 
 
I knew he was the one because of the little things he did and continues to do.
 
 
I knew he was the one when his hand fit perfectly into mine...
when my head fit perfectly on his shoulder.
 
 
I knew he was the one because he loves me as much as I love him!
 
 
Photo credits: DMarie Photography
 
 
Here's to three years and to many more with the man of my dreams...