(Prep)paring for Rain

Supposedly April showers bring May flowers, but I know one thing for sure: March has completely lost its mind. In efforts to stay dry while in Ireland, I purchased a pair of rain boots and wanted to break them in a bit at home so I could ensure they were comfortable. However, I planned on splashing through puddles with them, not brushing off my car from yet ANOTHER snow storm. In other words Chicago, you're drunk.

But what's important here is that whether it's snow or shine, these boots are adorable and have moved into my #1 shoe spot. I'm really into navy lately so I opted for these over the black (though it was a hard decision) but I'm glad I did, because the pop of pink on the bottom is the perfect hint of cute and they're just right for my often preppy mood :)

I hear it's actually supposed to rain in Ireland which means I'll get the chance to utilize my Nashville umbrella for real...not that my neighbors weren't completely amused by my rainy day photo shoot :)

Wearing: Jacket: BCBG (similar) | Jeans: Old Navy | Top: Old Navy | Boots: Kamik 

Hat: Pier 290 | Bag: Just Fab (similar) | Umbrella: Ryman Auditorium 

Because Lisa Loves Nashville (Part 1)

On Saturday night, we headed out to dinner at The Row followed by the live tapping of Nashville at Ryman Auditorium.

 When I created my spring wish list, I found this beauty at Nordstrom and bought it right away. I am beyond obsessed! This one is going to be fun to style and style again right through the summer.

Here is how I styled my new print number for one hell of a night out in Nashville, TN:

Jumper: Nordstrom // Jacket: c/o Just Fab // Boots: c/o Sole Society // Bag: Rachel Zoe // Necklace: Piperlime 
Watch: Fossil // Bracelets: c/o It's a Bling Thing 

Currently, this is my favorite outfit to date. I can't decided if that's because it's just so me or because this is what I was wearing on one of the most fun nights I've had in a long time! Probably both.

Are you a fan of all the wide leg jumpers/rompers we are seeing everywhere this season?

What do you think of this printed one?

Because We Miss Nashville Already!

The best mother and mother-in-law celebrated her birthday last month and as our gift, we took a girls trip to Nashville. This trip was epic. Only 2 of the 5 of us had been there before so we spent three full days "eating our way through Nashville, one fried pickle at a time" (truth), sight seeing, day drinking, watching live music, shopping, and laughing until our stomachs hurt.

And never in a million years did we think we would end up at a live taping of our favorite ABC show, Nashville. 

Here are a few photos from our trip (Okay, a lot but it was narrowed down from 400!) 

'

Can you tell we enjoyed the fried pickles? 1) Rippy's 2) BB Kings 3) The Row (the winner!)

The Nashville cast performed live at the Ryman! Watch the ABC special 4/23 (look for us in the audience) 

A huge thank you to Clare Bowen, Will Chase, Chaley Rose, Charles Esten, Chris Carmack and Aubrey Peeples for taking the time to talk with us. It was truly an evening we will never forget.

Here is the cast and crew being presented with a few awards: 

\

If you aren't already, follow us on twitter and search #travelingsisters to see more photos from our trip!

Have you been to Nashville? What is your favorite restaurant/activity there? 

Because Kaitlyn Loves Nashville (Part 1)

We just got back from our girls weekend in Nashville and to say I am missing it would be an understatement. We have been back for three days yet my mind is still consumed by all the sights, smells, tastes and memories of the south. One of my favorite things about the town is that you can find great live music no matter what day or time it is – no matter how crowded, there is always an open door and a welcome invitation to join all the other folks who have come to enjoy a beer, comfort food and song that will inevitably be in your head for days. 

Speaking of food, we actually ate our way through Nashville, stopping for Fried pickles (3 variations at that!), BBQ and salted-caramel gelato on every corner. If we weren’t eating or listening to music at any point, it’s because we were busy laughing so hard – I will always remember this trip with four of my favorite family girls.

Dress: Target // Jacket: J. Crew (similar) // Boots: Go Jane (similar) // Bag: Tignanello (similar) // Necklace: Rachel Roy 

Sunnies: Target // Watch: T+J Designs // Camera: Canon Rebel XS

Check back on Friday to see some photos from our trip and hear how we spent the night with the cast of our favorite TV show!

I mean...

Because We Went to Family Brunch!

Lisa and her hubs have birthdays a week apart, so each year, we look forward to a double celebration! This year, my Parents hosted a brunch at home which was more elaborate than any restaurant I've ever been to, but that's not surprising if you know my Mom…

In addition to the fact that she's an absolutely amazing cook, she also has a degree in Hotel Management and ran her own event planning business for years, so she is the ultimate when it comes to party planning. 

No matter what size soiree she's hosting, I've always admired that she is able to make everybody comfortable and at home. Personal touches like chalkboard cups, delicate name tags and bright flowers make us all feel so welcome. She has some great entertaining ideas which you can follow along with on her blog.

Banana Bread

Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes

Her famous Egg Casserole 

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

The lovely table set

The kind of brunch menu that makes you thankful you wore a skirt with a stretchy waistband…

In other exciting news, we also unveiled a big surprise to our mom (slash Mom-in-law)... We booked a girls weekend in Nashville for her Birthday and what better what to let her know than by donning foam cowboy hats?

We are all huge fans of the ABC show so we thought it would be the perfect getaway to let loose and celebrate our Mom, someone is always putting others first. Judging by the screaming and sweating, I think it's safe to say she was excited ;)

Decadent Cupcakes from Sweet Ali's, our favorite gluten-free bakery in the Chicago area

Papa & Grandson in fierce Wii competition 

The real life of the party

It may look like we're snuggling but we actually can't get up due to the food coma that ensued...

The birthday duo!

Such a wonderful Sunday together! How does your family celebrate Birthdays?