Luke Turns Six: DIY Treasure Hunt Party

Hi friends, I am switching things up on the blog, taking you from fashion to party planning. My first baby, Luke, turned 6 July 13th (wiping my tears). These years are passing me by too fast. How can we slow it down and at times stop it? 

Anyone who knows me, knows I love to entertain. My hubby, Mike and I love filling our home with laughter and love. So when the time came to plan Luke’s party, I knew it would be at the house. Every year is a new theme. Luke loves to use his imagination and explore. I thought the perfect theme for turning 6 would be a Scavenger Hunt themed party. 

I usually get invitations printed and mail them out, but this year I took a different approach. I found editable invites that were Scavenger Hunt themed off of ETSY. The shop I got them from not only had the invite, but the designer had a Scavenger Hunt list and gift tags. It was a no brainer. After following the editing instructions, I texted the high res image of the invite to our friends and family. The response was immediate.

I emailed the edited Scavenger Hunt List and gift tag image to a printing press, The Printing Store in Oak Park. They printed out all the colored copies I needed onto a thick card stock. I was so pleased with their help. They saved me time and money. I didn't have to buy thick card stock sold in a bundle and didn’t have to replace my color cardigans in my printer. Win, win!

I ended up stapling the Scavenger Hunt List to paper bags. When the kids arrived to the party our adventure began. I took them around the block exploring nature. We had a blast! Did you know that my first major in college was elementary education? 

No Scavenger hunt themed party is complete without a teepee. I put my DIY skills to the test and made our own. Here’s how I did it: 

- A 15 ft painters tarp in canvas

- Stakes

- A swing set

- Some elbow grease and some love

My fabulous mother, Insel, helped me by removing the swings from the swing set. I used the beam that held the swings as my support for the teepee. My father, Hal and I draped the painters tarp over the beam. We pulled the fabric taut and staked one side down leaving the other side open. The kids loved it! 

After the hunt, dinner was served. Luke insisted we had taco night. We catered the tacos from a local, family owned restaurant, La Parrillita in River Forest. They are delicious! When you visit them, tell Jackie that Sanem sent you (wink, wink). 

Luke couldn’t wait for dessert. His cake of choice was chocolate cake filled with fudge and strawberry. It was made by Reuter’s Bakery in Chicago. They have been making our cakes for any occasion since our wedding in 2007. The Scavenger Hunt themed cake was not only too cute but way too good. If thats even possible. Look at the details. Luke’s favorite detail was the river. 

As the kids were leaving they were given goody bags filled with items that played into the Scavenger Hunt theme. I purchased all the items from Amazon. I had so much fun putting the bags together. Allowing Luke and his friends to be creative at the party was important to me. It’s all about letting the them explore and letting the imagination soar. 

Xx,

Sanem

Must-Have Summer Bags

The sun is finally out of hibernation and here to stay. As temperatures rise and layers shed, we can officially add some personality back into our wardrobes.

One of my favorite way to spruce up an outfit is to add a bag. Its a small detail that makes a big statement. A cross body for the day time, a back-pack for on-the-go, a beach bag in the summer heat... the options are endless. I'm sharing with you this season's most desirable bags that will take your summer wardrobe to the next level. 

The Cross Body 

The cross body can be worn from day to night. This summer I'm loving statement cross body bags to add color and charm to my wardrobe. 

The Backpack

Every girl on-the-go needs a backpack; every girl not on-the-go needs a backpack, too. The trendy bag has taken over and can be worn with everything: jeans, dresses, slacks, you name it-it can be paired with these bags. 

The Beach Bag 

Cool off at the beach with one of these stylish bags. Carry your beach towel, magazine and SPF and look chic while doing so. 

The Tote

The tote is your ideal everyday bag. Not only does it complete your outfit, it will hold anything and everything you need for the day. 

The Belt Bag 

Who said fanny packs had to stay in the 80's? The famous bag is back and better than ever. I love these two for the summer, they are perfect for an outdoor event or concert. 

The Clutch 

The clutch bag is timeless. They are the best accessory for a night out and to dress up your look. 

Here's how I styled one of my favorite bags for the summer! This studded Rebecca Minkoff tote is a staple to my Mom-on-duty uniform.

What is your favorite bag this summer? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Send me a message or stop by the boutique!

XO, 
Sanem

The New Athleisure Trend: Sweatshirt Dresses

Like many of you babes, my life is go, go, go from the moment I wake up to the moment my head hits the pillow. Which is why on behalf of mamas everywhere, I would like to take a moment to personally thank the runway gods for creating the athleisure trend. It’s a life saver for those days when your schedule is crazy, but you still want to feel like you have it somewhat together.

This season, athleisure has added a new member to the team: The Sweatshirt Dress. With a slew of styles hitting the racks, the sweatshirt dress has officially staked its claim as one of the go-to pieces of the year. It is the perfect transition into warmer weather and ridiculously easy to style from day to night.

I am pretty sure you will fall in love with this trend just as much as I have. Here are a few of my tips and tricks on how you can incorporate sweatshirt dresses into your wardrobe.

1. From Casual to Chic

A sweatshirt dress isn’t only my go-to for a quick and comfy look during the day, it has also become a staple in my night out wardrobe. With a simple change of shoes, a bold lip, and some flirty accessories, you’ve instantly styled an entirely new look. 

When I am running errands with Luke and Henry, I’ll wear my sweatshirt dress with sneakers. If I am wearing it to the boutique and want to kick things up a notch, I’ll wear it with booties. Then for night, I’ll bring sexy back and wear my over-the-knee boots. 

2. Go For The Details

Choose a sweatshirt dress that has a little flare to it. Whether it's an asymmetrical zipper feature or feminine lace trim, the details on a sweatshirt dress are what make it stand out. I love the detailing on these two dresses because they really look more put together and stylish.

3. Style Your Silhouette

Finding a style that flatters your figure is important. With all of the new styles coming out, there is a silhouette for everyone - from oversized and minimal to form fitting and sexy. 

4. Layer, Layer, Layer!

It still gets pretty chilly in the spring so you can add layers to keep you warm. Layering is always key when transitioning from season to season in Chicago. Throw on a distressed denim jacket, add a belt, or layer over a button down. And don’t forget to pop your collar. Regardless of how you style it, make it reflect your personality. 

Well babes, that about covers it! These two dresses, the grey and the peach, are available at the boutique. I’ve also linked a few of my other favorite sweatshirt dress styles. 

XO,

Sanem