I'm Pinning

Have you heard of Pinterest? It’s my new obsession! This site allows you to create virtual boards to categorize things that you discover on the web, or browse others’ pinboards to re-pin their findings. I had heard about it but didn’t get an invitation until a couple weeks ago from Randall. Since then, I’ve been creating boards and pinning incessantly. For example, I’ve created a board for “Products I Love” – champagne saucers, cake plates, anything from The MacBeth Collection. My favorite aspect of the site is perusing through what other people have pinned, inevitably finding sources of inspiration for home, fashion, parties, and more.

Around Town

Pints for Pachyderms at Niabi Zoo

We were all around town this weekend! My parents joined Jord and I at the Niabi Zoo on Friday night for the fundraiser Pints for Pachyderms. This local zoo is the only one in Illinois that has elephants and it’s an expensive endeavor. We thought it would be a great way to support a worthy cause while getting out and having some fun! It was so sweltering hot that we didn't stay long. We stopped at Mulligan's in Coal Valley (where Jord and I played a rousing game of shuffle board, which I won) and The Clubhouse in Bettendorf for drinks afterwards, both of which I would recommend!

Garage sale find, thanks to dad: new kitchen table

On Saturday we stayed home for the most part, but I ventured out when my dad called me from a garage sale and said there was a table that he thought I would like. I immediately hopped in the car to go over and check it out and consequently bought it. This vintage piece is perfect for the kitchen nook that I want to create. Now all we need is to have the banquette built!

Love this wrapping paper!

With the beautiful bride, Lindsay

That evening, Jord and I had a wedding reception in DeWitt. Lindsay and Chris were married a few weeks ago back east, so this was just a celebration for the Iowa portion of their guest list. I ran into some sorority sisters - it's always good to see them and catch-up!

And this morning we were out and about again, running errands. Firstly, we had a delicious breakfast at The Machine Shed. Now we're home, getting ready for another work week. Why do the weekends have to go by so fast!

Book Report: The Happiness Project

As we were preparing to head to Chicago (to stay the night before our trip to Boston), it was inevitable that my mom would load us up with things to take to Sarah: a potted plant for her bare doorstep, homemade cookies, and other miscellaneous items. Luckily, I peaked in the bag of goodies and found a book called The Happiness Project. I read the cover and thought it would be a good read for the plane ride, so I bartered with my mom to let me read it first. Sorry Sarah!

Overt happiness (with Molly, Sarah and Jenn)

To give a quick synopsis, Gretchen Rubin dedicated a year to improving her personal happiness. Through the author’s research and reflection, she decided on twelve themes and progressively committed one month to each. The resolution was to increase her happiness by conquering the different aspects of her life that needed enhancement.

Dancing always makes me happy (with my sisters and cousins)

To be honest, it took me forever to finish the memoir (obviously, since we went to Boston in May). I’d like to say that I was savoring it but really I only had time to read it here and there. Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly recommend it! I don’t think that I will be using the same methodical approach to achieving happiness, but I have already tried to incorporate some of her insightful tips to being happier. After all, isn’t that what everything is about?

Lincoln Cubs Outing

In Sarah's cute aparment prior to the game (while we were still respectable)

Jord and I spent the second weekend in a row up in Chicago, this time for the annual Lincoln Cubs outing. I was lucky to snag a free ticket, so I spent the game in the Batters Eye with my former co-workers. It was fun catching up with the girls although the Cubs didn't win. And we even did some dancing afterwards at another bar!

Lots of laughs with Crystal, Amanda and Noelle

The 3/50 Project

Have you heard of the 3/50 Project? It encourages consumers to buy local and support independent businesses. I strongly believe in this and try to shop local whenever possible. There are so many cute stores in the Quad Cities, it would be hard not to! I just recently purchased a wedding gift at the newly re-opened The Plaid Rabbit (not to mention a couple other items). It's one of my new favorite spots in The East Village!

Fit It All In

Another jam-packed weekend for the books…

My boss gave me free tickets for the John Deere Classic, so Jord and I dragged ourselves out of bed early on Saturday and headed to our first golf tournament. It was a mildly entertaining outing – we’re always looking for something fun and different to do in the Quad Cities, but this just didn’t peak our interest. We spent two hours walking around the course, following the players and people-watching. Once we both had enough, we headed back home. You guessed it – Jord spent the rest of the day doing yard work while I ran errands and helped my mom with some things.

John Deere Classic

Sunday we were up bright and early yet again, hitting the road to Chicago for our nephew Kellen’s baptism. Following mass and the ceremony, we had a nice lunch at Meagan and Brendon’s house. After the family festivities, we were able to fit in some shopping. I had an enormous list for IKEA, including curtains for the sun porch and a desk for the office. And we'll be back in Chicago next weekend for a Cubs game!

Independence Day 2011

What a nice family weekend! Here’s a quick rundown of our Independence Day festivities:

Saturday morning we ventured down to the Farmer’s Market, our first time this summer. It was so hot that we quickly made our way through the aisles and came out with only corn on the cob, basil, cucumber, and fresh flowers. Jord spent the remainder of the day doing yard work while I joined my dad at Rookie’s for a fundraiser. Then off to a rooftop party in downtown Davenport to enjoy the fireworks from the River Bandits stadium.

Love the selection of fresh flowers at the Farmer's Market

Sunday we headed out to Eldridge for the annual Collins Reunion. It wasn’t quite the same as years past – very quiet. But it was nice to catch up with the older Collins generation. Luke was the entertainment and insisted on the classic water balloon toss, so tradition lived on in that respect. After getting home, we were tempted to stay on the couch for the remains of the day, but Luke called and invited us to play tennis and I couldn’t resist. Then he asked us to watch fireworks with him, so again we were obliged to go. We found a good spot on the top of the hill so we could avoid the throng of people downtown. Luke provided a running commentary while we enjoyed the spectacle.

Our contribution to the Collins Reunion menu: caprese skewers

Monday was a bit more relaxing, although there’s always more yard work. This time, I was out there helping Jord – a rare occurrence. Then we had Jord’s mom and sister and my parents over for dinner, so we grilled out. Jord tried a recreation of the cheesy bacon dog that we love so much from Five Guys and got pretty close. It was a great end to the holiday weekend!

Luke enjoying the Red, White & Boom fireworks