On Connection. And Brisket.

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On Saturday evening, we attended our first Seder at the home of some of our dearest friends. These people have felt like family from the beginning but we were still so honored that they would include us in such a special tradition.

Ryan and I are Catholic and Episcopalian, respectively, and even though we read up a bit on Passover before last weekend, we learned so much during the meal. Judaism is such a beautiful religion and it was the coolest to see our friend lead the Seder in his home, a home that now includes a wife and darling little girl, with his parents, aunts and uncles looking on.

Related: I want to eat Kugel every day for the rest of my life.

Walking back to our hotel (the sheer amount of brisket consumed made a walk very necessary), Ryan and I reflected on the evening and in addition to how much fun we had, the thing that came up the most was connection. The connection to religion, to family, to tradition, to each other. It’s something we have been craving and to be present to it for an evening was really, really special.

When I count my blessings, these friends that are family and connecting with them across a table full of love, conversation and food is at the top of the list. So infinitely grateful for these special times and opportunities to learn.

Proposal Magnet

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I have, approximately, seen a million couples get engaged.

Okay, that number may be a little exaggerated but it’s a rare month that goes by where a guy doesn’t drop to his knee somewhere in my general vicinity.

I have seen proposals on the lake front running path, random street corners on Michigan Avenue, on the river. The nature observatory in Lincoln Park, well, that’s just shooting fish in a barrel. 2 weeks ago, I saw someone propose at a coffee shop in my neighborhood. Before we were engaged, my fiancé thought I was making this up to get him to propose but now that he has been around for a few drive-by proposals, it’s clear that I have seen an abnormal amount.

We were in Washington DC this weekend and found the cutest, quaint bar in Georgetown to grab a nightcap. In our booth, there was a newspaper clipping that informed us that Martin’s Tavern is the oldest bar in DC and that JFK allegedly proposed to Jackie in Booth 3. Immediately, I tried figuring out which booth was #3 because I LOVE the Kennedy’s and omg if we were in that booth, I would die. I was ordering another drink (champagne, obviously- we were in the bar Jackie O got engaged in!) when we hear a burst of applause and see flash bulbs going off in the booth behind us.

Guy on his knee. Big sparkler. The yelling of “yes!”. Family and friends running out from corners of the bar.

Proposal number million and two. Huzzah for love!

Boston Strong

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Sending lots of love, wishes for fast feet and a safe race to Boston today!

Running can be a solitary endeavor but I think it’s safe to say that not a single person running the Boston Marathon today will be doing it alone- the entire country has each and every participant in their hearts today.

Today, just like last year, we’re all Boston Strong. Go get ’em, runners!

Throw Back Thursday

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I don’t know how people have such instant access to their childhood pictures (really- where are they getting these?!) but since Throwback Thursday is a thing, I submit this image as being a pretty legit throwback- Cubs players circa 1926.

Love the historical decals on the brick around the field right now- they’re really celebrating their 100th birthday!

Some Cheeky News

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chee•ky (chē’-kē) adj. : definitively bold; impudent and saucy

I am SO excited to share that I am taking this show on the road- I am now a featured contributor over at Cheeky Chicago!

Cheeky is an online lifestyle magazine designed to connect the bold, fun and fabulous women of Chicago with exciting happenings all over the city and content to inspire you to be your cheekiest self.

My first article is an interview with life-pro Allie LeFevere who is helping women all over the world live their best lives. It went live this morning and you can check it out here.

I will, of course, be posting here daily but keep an eye on Cheeky Chicago as I will be popping up from time to time over there too! I am so appreciative of this blogging and writing community that has so graciously allowed me to share my words- thank you so much for reading.

Lots of love and Cheeky’ness,

Nina

 

Link Love

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I do not have neutral feelings about The Langham– I am obsessed with their food, drink, decor, people, everything. I want to live there, like an almost 30 year old Eloise.

Being “hangry” is actually a scientific thing, not just that point before I think I am going to murder someone if I don’t eat something rightnow.

I am attending my first Passover dinner this weekend (SO excited) and in addition to hunting down Kosher wine, I am preparing by learning what it’s all about.

Mizuno’s new running campaign is outstanding. They nailed it.

These views of cities from above make me feel wanderlusty. #29 in Poland- I have got to see that.

Speaking of travel, these images of Venice if it were to freeze over are incredible.

The Sunshine Awards: Q & A

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It’s been awhile since I have won anything so when I heard from a blogger whose posts never fail to make me laugh, cry or both that I won The Sunshine Award, I was pretty pumped.

Sunshine Award: an award for bloggers, by bloggers, that is “a way to recognize people who have charmed, supported, enlightened, and inspired the awarder in recent months.” When one receives said award, the recipient must then answer some questions, tag the next recipients of their choosing, and ask them a handful of questions to answer a well.

Well, I can’t think of anything nicer to receive- thank you, Lyndsey! Lyndsey’s blog, And Then I Began, is beautiful. Heart pouring out of every word. Vulnerable, real, inspiring.

Here are the questions she asked:Read More

On Cake Tasting

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Why, why, why when people talked about wedding planning, no one talks about cake tasting? After a few rounds of mixing and matching carrot, coconut and vanilla bean cake with salted caramel, raspberry, Kahlua and cream cheese butter cream and chocolate ganache, it’s all I am going to talk about.

Oh, you’re getting married?

I went cake tasting!

When is the big day??

Cake tasting! Let me tell you!

We’re only one session into our pre-marital counseling but I bet session 2 is all about how cake tasting is the single best thing you can do for your marriage. Because, well, cake.

It was such a fun way to spend some time. And to have my parents there to partake in the aforementioned sugary glory, in the most darling cake themed place ever? Best. Day. Ever.

This message was brought to you by the opposite of clean eating and GP’s cookbook…all about balance, folks.

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