not just wasted space.

I just adore my blog title photo. In addition to bringing back memories of one of the best days this summer, it just amazes me that I took such a great picture of the lake and Chicago skyline. It doesn't even look like Chicago to me! A few weeks ago, I was reading an issue of Chicago Parent and it listed the 6 best parks in the city. And guess which park made the cut? Berger Park in Edgewater, where this photo was taken! Must be fate.

You are probably thinking of course she loves the photo...that's why it's so huge!! Seriously. It's massive- you have to scroll halfway down the page just to pass it. But I can't figure out how to make it smaller. All you you blog experts out there...any ideas?

Another great weekend is almost on the books. One thing is didn't include enough of was time with my husband. He was a rockstar the past couple days hanging out with the kidlets while I was able to have some me time. Today it's his turn for some me time!

I have been on the hunt for some skinny jeans for a few weeks now. Keeping up with the trends at my age is such a fine line. Skinny...but not too skinny. Fitted...but not too fitted. You get the idea. I really wish I were more fashion inclined, like my friend Meghan. She's truly talented and I seriously drool over her fashion recommendations on her blog, Wit & Whimsy. Living vicariously through her blog posts is so much fun, and she's a sweetheart too. :) Maybe she should start a blog for fashion for the over-30 crowd! Maybe in a few years when she's in my shoes.

Anyway, I found my skinny jeans. I really wanted to indulge in a gorgeous pair of Skylines from Paige Premium Denim...but my budget-conscious self settled for a nifty pair of skinny Diva jeans from Old Navy. They fit like a glove and I feel cool and carefree while wearing them. Huge thumbs up!

Last night was an interesting combo of dinner and drinks. My dad, his girlfriend and my little sister Lindsay joined Matt, the boys and I for dinner at a Joliet institution. Merichka's has been around for a long time. Even the sign outside has a definite throwback quality...and if you set foot in the place, you definitely feel the vibe too. There aren't many places these days that have a relish tray on the menu, a la an episode of Mad Men. But relish trays and cracker baskets have a unique mainstay on Merichka's menu, much to the delight of my boys. Saltines and butter kept them both occupied for quite awhile! And Lindsay and I were delighted by our drink choice...Absolut Pear combined with Lemonade and soda. Mmmm. Will have to remember this one next summer!

But the main reason to go to Merichka's...the poor boy (pictured above). Hands down, it's the best poor boy ever. Another Joliet institution, a poor boy is an oblong patty of well done chopped cube steak set upon a 12 inch loaf of french bread that has been drenched in a delicious, sinful, odorous garlic butterine sauce. American cheese makes the sandwich for me, but you could also choose swiss cheese or none at all. Grilled onions or dill pickles can flank your sandwich also, but this is the one sandwich I've eaten that the meat and cheese (and garlic butter, of course) is completely perfect all on it's own. Heaven. Add onion rings or fried mushrooms and you have a meal that should only be indulged in annually. I don't even want to think about the calories I ingested last night. But it was all worth it, even the garlic perfume I am wearing today as a result. :)

Matt and I went home, tucked the kids in bed and I headed back out to hang out with some friends and catch the fabulous lead vocal stylings of my super talented sister and her band, Wasted Space. We rocked out to some fun tunes, most of which were from back in the day and my sister performed them to perfection. So it seemed fitting that the company consisted of old friends, a few of which I hadn't seen in years. Between sets were drinks, shots and catching up. Such a fun night...the only thing missing was the company of my husband. Next time for sure!