Late Summer Decor

FIRST - Great news! I got the biopsy results from my surgery last week, and I'm happy to say that the lump on my throat is officially NOT cancer and they don't even think it warrants another surgery at this time. In fact, they don't even think it is related to my symptoms anymore, but they think it all stems from some stomach issues (go figure). That being said, I'm just continuing on medication and a super strict diet, and I'm starting to feel better and better each day! I'm just so happy to have turned the corner and on my way to being healthy again!

Anyway, on to decorating news ;) I have my "late summer" decor out, because I'm super excited for fall but Evan would kill me if I said I were already decorating for fall tso early!
Typically I'm drawn to golds and oranges this time of the year, but right now I'm really loving plum, navy, and dark green. SO - this is what I've got going on:

FYI - The candlesticks (which I'm obsessed with), candles, and jars are all recent purchases from Pottery Barn.

The (fake) foliage is from Hobby Lobby. I love the mossy look with the spikey purple flowers.

Below is Tucker on his perch. He sits here all day!

With all the dust settling in the kitchen, I got really sick of cleaning off the chairs so they are in the basement until the kitchen renovation is DONE! A girl can only dust so much, lol :) 

Lake Geneva - The Estate

My aunt & uncle live on a beautiful estate in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. I spent a week here each summer and spent almost every Christmas here throughout my childhood. Such a WONDERFUL place with so many wonderful memories! We made a quick stop there this trip and took a lovely walk along the estate and the lake. The pictures don't even do it justice.

My aunt & uncle's beautiful house:

The cousins begin our walk:

The stable:

My favorite house on the estate:

New pets!

The main house on the estate that is right on the lake:

Boat house:

The pier:

Hello beautiful boats:

Me soaking up the sun!

And back to my aunt & uncle's house to relax :)

Anniversary in Chicago

In between ENT appointments, an MRI, and surgery - we were able to make a quick trip to Wisconsin to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the farm my dad grew up on. This also happened to fall on our 4-year wedding anniversary (yayyy!!), so we treated ourselves to a night in downtown Chicago on our way!

One of my favorite parts of the trip was getting up super early the next day and walking up Michigan Avenue, across to Navy Pier, and back to our hotel along the lake. It was by far the most beautiful morning of the entire summer, and I was FINALLY feeling just a little bit better!

Seriously, how can the sunshine, the view of the water, fresh air, and an adorable husband not make anyone feel a little better? :)

An explanation for the pain...

My sickness went from bad to worse today.. I woke up from a nap and my throat was so swollen I could barely breathe.. I called my doctor and told her my symptoms, and she sent me straight to the ER :(

After lots of tests and a CT scan, they discovered an abscess on the back of my throat, hence all the swelling and soreness and miserableness the last few weeks. The good news its that the abscess isn't actually blocking my throat, it is just making my throat swollen so they gave me some meds and sent me home. So relieved to be breathing (almost) normally again..

The bad news is that have to see an ENT tomorrow for a biposy and honestly, I'm scared :(  They walked through the potential possibilities of what the abscess is and how to treat it, and I cannot even bring myself to type them out... :(

Between the exhaustion and frustration with being sick for so long, the stress of the house being completely turned upside down, and how worried I am now about what's to come, I am just such a mess :(

Prayers would be so much appreciated

Bad News, Great News, & Remaining Summer Plans

The Bad News: I've been SO sick now for 2.5 weeks. Terrible ear infection and sore throat. I'm on my 4th prescription and just can't shake it :( I actually called my doctor crying this morning I felt so terrible! So, so sick of being sick.

The Great News: Evan passed the CFA level 3 exam!! He now has the full designation! He worked his butt off for this over the last 4 years, and I'm BEYOND proud of him!

Above is a picture of me at Niagara Falls last weekend while in town for my cousin's wedding :) It was my first time there.. pretty amazing! (Although it would have been better if I felt better! I feel like I actually look like I am in pain in this picture!)

3rd Floor Guest Room & Bath

This bathroom is starting to come together! The painting is finished (Restoration Hardware "Pumice"), my mom gave me those nice towels that she retired from her guest bath (thanks Mom!), and I finally put up the Anthropologie Ruffle Shower Curtain that has been sitting in my closet for a year. SO, big bang for little buck!

Next on the list for this bathroom is to retile the floor. This is what I'm thinking (both from Basketweave Mosaics):

I also got this Italian 19th Century Medallion bedding in 'pacifc' from Restoration Hardware for the adjoining guest room (I'm obssessed!):

Almost ready for guests!

Good news on the floors...

Demolition is COMPLETE! Thank God!

By FAR the worst project we've ever tackled. The only good thing I can say about it is how much $$ we saved doing the demolition ourselves, and only paying the professional to install the floors (Almost $1000!)

The new flooring has arrived and is sitting in the dining room in order to acclimate. Should start going in next week :)

THANK GOD!