Walk, Talk & Gawk

One of the most unique and special parts about having a family home in Lake Geneva is the beauty the water provides year round. Towards the end of Summer and beginning of Fall is the perfect time to walk the lake path, one of our favorite ways to start the day not only to be active but it is so relaxing an provides us with a great chance to talk. 21 miles in all, the gorgeous route allows walkers to literally walk through the back yards of striking century-old mansions and some of the most beautiful landscaping in the Midwest. 

Fun fact: The path was created by the region’s earliest settlers who dictated that the 20 feet of land directly up from the shoreline be deemed public domain. 

On this beautiful September day, we did about 4 miles total...started at our house and walked to a local restaurant to meet the rest of the family for lunch. There's no feeling bad about indulging in a bloody mary bar after putting in some mileage ;)

It is on our list to complete the whole path in 1 day...hopefully mid-October when the leaves are 100 shades of red and gold aka Instagram heaven. We will be utilizing walk talk and gawk when we venture out on our journey...It includes full details on the most difficult parts of the path, public access points and the stories behind the estates of some famous families (the Wrigley estate and Driehaus estate to name a few!)

Jacket, Tank, & Pants // Shoes: DSW // Sunglasses: Ditto (use code SISTERSMARIE for 1st month designer sunglasses FREE!)

Tank: Target // Pants: Victoria's Secret (similar)  // Hoodie (similar)// Shoes: Amazon (similar)
Sunglasses: Old Navy// Backpack: Target (similar)

Have you ever walked the LG path? What other Midwest paths do you recommend?

Behind the Seams: Lake & Country

It's truly amazing how sometimes being in the right place, at the right time, can make the stars align. Last summer, we were dining at one of our favorite restaurants near our family lake house and took a moment to blog our summer OOTD's utilizing the gorgeous landscape. 

Upon returning to our table, a gorgeous stranger with epic long locks approached us: "This might be random, but are you ladies fashion bloggers? I love that!"...First thought: Somebody saw us posing and now we're totally embarrassed...Second thought: Okay, we're actually really flattered! 

We traded Instagram handles and fast forward 6 months to that gorgeous stranger (enter, Sophia) inviting us to participate in a lifestyle editorial piece for Lake & Country Magazine. 

The shoot took place at her lovely loft apartment in downtown Lake Geneva and we had a blast. We felt like we were preparing for a fairy tale wedding with all of the blush colored flowers, amazing photographer, and lots of laughs with some favorite new bloggers (Shout out to Lauren & Elizabeth).  

Here are some behind the scenes shots: 

Pre-shoot:

And some peeks from Instagram (see more with #ladieswholunch15): 

We feel so lucky to be included in this feature and it's a great reminder of how blessed we are to have the opportunity to be creative and fulfill our passion each day through our blog and business. 

Make sure to check back on Monday for the photos in print!

A Home Away From Home

 

Since we got married, my husband and I have talked incessantly about getting a dog – we’ve spent way too much time in pet stores playing with puppies just to satisfy our furry frenzy, not mention stalking dog rescue sites by the day. We plan finally adopt one this summer, but one of my concerns is leaving a dog home alone all day so it was great timing when we were contacted by DogVacay, a company who provides a safe home away from home when you’re in need of pooch patrol.

The team at DogVacay asked me to share about my “home away from home,” some place that still provides that feeling of comfort and happiness.

 My home away from home is coincidentally my second home, our lake house in Wisconsin. My family purchased this house when I was 12 years old so at the time, my friends and (ever-changing list) of boy crushes took precedence in my life, so I remember having a huge case of #FOMO the first year or so we spent weekends there (looking back, I didn't realize how good I had it to be spending time there).

I should also mention that our house there is located in the woods and the previous home owners had left a few windows open during the selling process, so you can imagine the kinds of wildlife and critters that took advantage of that opportunity – if you know me, you know this is NOT something I handle with grace…there may or may not have been a few nights spent with eyes wide open to ensure the ladybugs didn’t get cozy with me :)

With all that said, it’s funny how feelings can transform over the years and what a special place the house now holds in my heart. It is my favorite place to spend our time and we have created such wonderful memories there for our family and those close to us.  Some of my favorite times include:

Winter nights by the fireplace with a deer outside your window and Baileys in your cup 

The annual 4^th of July party (and parade!)

The hours spent together re-telling funny stories 

Sister bonding time outside of work (1 & 2)

Visits to the best location on the lake

Game nights followed with S’mores by the fire

Catching rays on the boat

An atmosphere that allows EVERYBODY to relax ;)

I am blessed to have a place where we can escape from life’s stresses but more so, I have come to realize that home is not about where, but who. I am so lucky to share it with the family I call mine (oh, and those sunsets that I can't get enough of)...

What do you consider your "home away from home?" See what others had to say by searching #HAFH2014 on Twitter and Instagram!

Because Kaitlyn Loves Wisco Winters

While Chicago has been experiencing some of the coldest temperatures ever, it's usually even more frigid when you cross the Wisconsin border. That being said, our surroundings there somehow make winter feel more like a beautiful dream than a tiring routine. Our lake house is engulfed by beautiful scenery - icy bare branches, snow covered evergreens and a blanket of white diamonds…

Perfect for baileys on ice and comfort foods with the family ;)

P.S. if you would take 5 minute to fill out our Sisters Marie Survey, we would greatly appreciate it! (We promise it will not take you any longer -- we kept it short + sweet!) 

Sweater: LOFT // Leggings: JC Penney (similar) // Boots: Target // Hat: Forever 21

Sunglasses: Nordstrom // Necklace: Macy's (Rachel Roy) // Lipstick: Milani 

Because Kaitlyn Went to Wisco Winterfest

Though I'm strictly a summer kind of a girl, one of my favorite winter traditions is attending Winterfest near our lake house in Wisconsin. It's one of the only times town is bustling in the colder months and I love to see everybody out and about.

 The sculptors come from all over the world and the designs never fail to impress me – I always wonder how you figure out that you have such a skill? One of the hotels even hosted an ice bar outside their entrance which we chose to gaze at from afar because we already couldn’t feel our noses, but a little peppermint schnapps always cures that ;-)

Here is what I wore:

Top: LOFT (swap/Lisa), Jeans: LOFT, Boots: DSW, Scarf: Target(similar), Tank: LOFT, Sunnies: Target, Watch: Michael Kors

The sculptors hard at work:

A few of the finished products:

My top 3:

What are your favorite winter activities?

P. S. We wanted to make sure you guys are aware of something fun BaubleBar is doing this week...

They teamed up with a few of their favorite brands and from 2/4 - 2/8 you  can pick up a FREE gift from BB + Friends for every $40 spent.  

 Brand partners include Julep, Stila, Dr. Jart+, Eberjey, Elizabeth Arden, and more.  

 #Kaitlyn