What to Wear to a Baseball Game

Similar Dress | Jacket | Bag: Michael Kors Large Mercer | Shoes: Tory Burch | Watch: Michael Kors | Nail Bracelet: The Peach Box | Bangle: The Peach Box

Spring in Chicago means two things: 1) it is still chilly and can be 40 degrees in the morning and rise to 75 in the afternoon and 2) baseball begins. If there is anything that the people of Chicago are passionate about it is baseball! Whether you're a Northsider and cheer for the Cubs (Go Cubs!) or support the Southside White Sox, every Chicagoan loves their city!

No matter your team there are so many cute ways to support your city through your outfit! My go-to way to support the Cubs is in the form of a hat. It's such an easy accessory to add to any outfit. I love vintage looking hats and American Needle has some great and unique options! A great way to always know your hat won't clash with your outfit, go neutral! A black or gray hat is an easy solution to supporting your team no matter the outfit! 

Since Chicago can still be chilly up until June, I always like to bring a jacket in case of cooler temps. A jean jacket is a cute and sporty jacket to layer with! 

Comfy shoes are a must as you'll be walking around a lot and standing cheering on your team! These Tory Burch espadrilles are the perfect walking shoe and so comfortable. The color also goes with anything! These are no longer available, but check out some on sale here!

25 Things You Didn't Know About Me
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Porcelain Print Crop Top & Shorts | Shoes: old, similar | Bag: JustFab

Whenever I read a blog, I always find myself wanting to know more about the author and the different ways we relate to each other. As I thought of that a few days ago while reading a post, I said to myself, I should share some things with my readers! 

While I do share some personal things with y'all in terms of dating, relationships and overall opinions on things, the general content of The Creative Brief is fashion or lifestyle focused. I've put together 25 things you may not know about me in the hopes that you can relate to me and find a deeper connection to TCB!

1. I am not a morning person. I am much more productive at night!

2. My favorite dish is mac and cheese. I would eat it for every meal if I could. 

3. If I could invite anyone, dead or alive, to a dinner party I would invite - Audrey Hepburn, Stephen Hawking, Princess Diana, Jesus Christ, Claude Monet, Mother Theresa, Eleanor Roosevelt, Anna Wintour, John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy. 

4. Speaking of JFK, I have a mild obsession with the Kennedy family. Ever since my family took a cross-country road trip and stopped in Dallas at the JFK museum, I have found not only their story but overall history very interesting! Kollin can attest to the numerous JFK documentaries and movies on our Tivo lol

5. My favorite alcoholic drink is Sparking Brut Rose and my favorite non-alcoholic drinks are water and Coke.

6. The movies or shows that are usually on in our apartment: any of the Harry Potter movies or the Captain America movies, Grey's Anatomy, the REELZ channel or a Pixar movie.

7. I was a cheerleader for 7 years but had to quit my freshman year of high school due to several concussions. Cheering in college was always a goal of mine, but opted for student government and art instead.

8. I have a six-year-old brother named Charlie. He is awesome and loves Pokemon, soccer, and karate. I also have an older sister, Ashley. She also lives in Chicago and is a foodie, free spirit.

9. My favorite movie of all time is Breakfast at Tiffany's.

10. I still sleep with stuffed animals and a blanket. FDR (short for yep, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt) is a pink turtle and was given to me by Kollin as a Valentine's Day gift and I've slept with him ever since. 

11. The best advice I've ever received is to treat others as you wish to be treated and do not assume anything about them. You never know anyone's circumstances and what they are dealing with.

12. Peonies are my favorite flower

13. Gigi Hadid is my girl crush

14. Kollin and I have a rule where I have to try a dish at least one time before saying no to it (I used to be a really picky eater) and the only thing that hasn't passed the test is uni. It was traumatizing lol.

15. I'm kinda OCD, not all of the time, but when it hits I have to organize and clean.

16. My ideal day off would be having breakfast in bed with Kollin, going shopping with my best friends and having lunch outside. Then I would walk by the lakefront and maybe go to the beach/pool for some sun, followed by champagne and dinner on a rooftop.

17. Kollin and I wrote handwritten letters all through high school and college. We keep them all in boxes in our closet and pull them out and read them from time to time.

18. I almost went to art school and always think about how different I might be if I had, but had the best time and experiences at the University of Kentucky!

19. I love the smell of coffee, but hate the taste.

20. I don't believe in love at first sight, but do believe in soul mates.

21. I love true crime stories and documentaries. My college roommates and I would watch them everyday after class.

22. I prefer drinks closer to room temperature than ice cold.

23. I am terrified of pigeons

24. The best gift I've ever received is my promise ring from Kollin.

25. I've only been out the country twice (the Bahamas & Egypt), but I'd love to travel to many more places like Greece, France, Italy, Ireland & Morrocco.

I'd love to hear from you if you relate or think I'm totally crazy! Thanks so much for reading! xx

The Chicago Guide, Part One

Happy Spring y'all! It's been over two years now that Kollin and I have called Chicago home and one of my favorite things to do with friends or family visiting is give recommendations based on our favorite things about this amazing city. 

After more and more people began to ask I thought why not put together a post?! This list mainly revolves around food & cocktails, but so does my life so it seemed appropriate! I've broken up the post into categories so it's easier for you to find what you're looking for! Apologies in advance for how long this post is, but there is just too much goodness here!

Our Favorite Spots:

  • The Lincoln Park Conservatory

  • John Hancock 96th Floor Bar

  • Art Institute of Chicago

  • The view from the Planetarium

  • 3 Arts Cafe

Favorite Restaurants (Lunch & Dinner):

Chicago has the most amazing restaurants and experiences! This list consists of only places we've been to, but I'll share our bucket list as well! 

  • Blue Door Kitchen

    • $$-$$$

    • A good friend of ours used to be the pastry chef here and we had the best time! Fixed in the old carriage house of the victorian mansion it sits behind, Blue Door Kitchen is a farm-to-table sanctuary located in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. With a quaint aesthetic and delicious fried chicken, sea scallops & hummingbird cake for dessert, you cannot go wrong. I've also heard the brunch here is amazing (on our bucket list)!

  • Duck Duck Goat

    • $$-$$$

    • Serial restaurant owner & Top Chef winner, Stephanie Izard, is the chef behind Duck Duck Goat and the well-known Girl in the Goat. Duck Duck Goat's Asian fare is exquisite. It is nestled in what is considered the best restaurant space in the city, The West Loop. I highly recommend the Xiao Long Bao, a shrimp and pork soup dumpling, the beef and short rib bone marrow pot stickers, Dan Dan Noodles, and the Red Braised Pork.

  • Sun Wah BBQ

    • $-$$

    • This little gem is located in our old neighborhood, Uptown, about a 10-15 drive north of the Loop. This restaurant goes through 1,000 ducks per week and they know what they are doing! As someone who generally doesn't like duck, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this place. Our first time there we went with another couple and ordered the whole duck dinner. The dinner comes with, you guessed it, a whole duck, soup, fried rice and all the dressings for the duck (relish, veggies, sauces and bao). So good!

  • RPM Italian

    • $$$-$$$$

    • Kollin makes fun of me for how much I love this place! I'd heard about it before we moved here from my days of watching E News and Giuliana Rancic's TV show. She, her husband and another couple own RPM Italian and RPM Steak in Chicago's River North neighborhood. I have loved everything I've had there, literally everything. But I highly recommend the lobster ravioli, squid ink pasta, prime beef meatballs, lobster caprese, wood roasted octopus, and prosciutto tortelloni. And you have to get the bomboloni (homemade donuts with sugar and nutella)!

  • Velvet Taco

    • $-$$

    • When I asked my boss what his favorite tacos in the city are, he named a few places on the south side, but Velvet Taco was high on the list. This cute little joint is in the heart of Gold Coast and he was right, some of the best tacos I've had in the city! You have to try the Picnic Taco, Rotisserie Chicken Taco, Angus Brisket Taco and a margarita!

  • Ricardo Trattoria

    • $$-$$$

    • I took Kollin here for his birthday and it was one of the best Italian meals I've ever had. Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, it is a small, intimate spot perfect for date night! We ordered the prosciutto and mozzarella burrata, gnocchi, and the veal and pork ravioli. With an extensive wine list and endless bread, this spot is everything you could want in an Italian restaurant.

  • XOCO

    • $-$$

    • This one was Kollin's find and we came here for lunch one day. One thing to note - it is popular! Make sure to take into account having to wait because it is always packed! They specialize in sandwiches and soups, but this Mexican style street food restaurant founded by the famous Rick Bayless, is anything but simple. I highly recommend the Choriqueso sandwich torta and the carnitas caldo.

  • Tanta

    • $$-$$$

    • For the past two years, my boss has taken the company here for our holiday party dinner and it never disappoints! The amazing cocktails, ceviches and empanadas are just the start in the extensive menu. You have to check this place out and try the chaufa aeropuerto and adobo nikei.

  • Prime & Provisions

    • $$$$

    • Prime & Provisions was one of our first date night spots here in the city. We went here for our 3rd anniversary, the first one we could celebrate together. Structured as a traditional steakhouse, everything is done so well. I highly recommend the lobster and crab cake, filet mignon, mac and cheese and asparagus! And for you fellas reading, there is a cigar menu that Kollin really enjoys!

  • Au Cheval

    • $$

    • Dubbed as the best burger in Chicago, you do not want to leave town without trying Au Cheval. The burger is just the start at this unique, tiny spot in the West Loop! Make sure you get there early because waiting is apart of the experience here. I've even seen people have to wait 7 hours for a table (yes, you read that right!). They don't take reservations, but go early on a weekday and you'll have a chance to try the bone marrow, burger, and chicken liver with toast (sounds gross, but so good trust me!).

  • Mercadito

    • $$

    • This unique place is a traditional mexican fare with tacos, guac, ceviche & delicious sangria. Most everything is tapas style so it is the perfect place to go with a group! I love the tacos and shrimp ceviche!

  • Eatly

    • $-$$

    • Structured like the perfect Italian grocery store, enjoy shopping for authentic Italian breads, wines, gelato, sandwiches, etc. while also eating at the various restaurants inside. With a number of events and specials happening daily, this is the best break from shopping or walking down Michigan Ave and they also carry great options for souvenirs or gifts!

Favorite Brunch Spots:

  • Kanela

    • $$

    • Our go-to spot when we need a mimosa and don't feel like cooking! Kollin loves the crab cake benedict and I love the monte cristo.

  • Lou Mitchell's

    • $-$$

    • I've not been here, but it is a favorite before school breakfast for Kollin. He loves the made from scratch biscuits and the turkey sausage omelet "hobo style" and a side of coffee cake.

  • Yolk

    • $$

    • When it comes to traditional brunch, this is the spot. With a huge menu and plenty of locations across the city, you'll definitely find something you love here!

  • The Hampton Social

    • $$

    • The breakfast sandwich, crab cake and french toast are some of my favorites at this adorable East Coast vibe restaurant.

  • Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba

    • $$

    • We've been here for dinner and brunch and both options are delicious! I've only had the pre fixe brunch menu here, but the scrambled eggs, banana bread waffles & mimosas are some of my favs!

  • The Bellwether

    • $$-$$$

    • Located just down the street from us, this place is so good! The crab cake benedict (one of Kollin's favorite meals if you can't tell), the biscuits and gravy and protein omelet are our favorites.

  • The Bristol

    • $$

    • You have to order the cinnamon roll (it's big enough to feed 3 people!) and the Chicken and biscuits.

  • Do Rite Donuts

    • $

    • When I say these are the best donuts I've had in Chicago, I mean it! The Streeterville location also serves chicken sandwiches with the donuts and you have to try them! Our favorites are the blueberry donut, cinnamon raised donut and the CBR chicken sandwich.

  • Vanille

    • $

    • If you know anything about me, you know that I love macarons. While macarons aren't really brunch fare, they are for me and I had to share my favorite macarons with y'all! The blueberry, red velvet, champagne, & raspberry falvors are my favorite.

This is part one of a Chicago series I'll be doing over the next couple of months! The most common questions I get from people visiting pertains to where to eat so I started there. Next up will be rooftop bars, activities and the best unknown spots in the city! Thank you so much for reading and I'd love to hear your favorite Chicago spots!

Amanda NavaLifestyle, travel
Designer or Dupe

 

Gucci Loafers | Loafer Dupes | Gucci Bag | Gucci Bag Dupe | Prada Sunglasses | Prada Sunglasses Dupe | Valentino Sandals | Valentino Sandals Dupe

Hey there Loves! I hope everyone had a great week! I wanted to share some amazing designer dupes I've been seeing online and had to share. When it comes to my personal taste I tend to draw myself toward items that my bank account would shudder at, so a good dupe is always a fun find! 

I recently got these in the mail and was so presently surprised at the quality! Of course, they are not as well made as the Gucci pair, but for being $30 they impressed me! They even offer some fun colors, velvet and patterns if you're into the trendier vibes!

This purse has been on my wishlist since it came out and I knew that it wouldn't be in my closet any time soon so when I found a almost complete dupe I put it on my Christmas list asap! 

One of the best things about Nordstrom is that they know their audience. While the department store carries high end designers, their internal brands do a great job or developing designs that mirror what is happening in the fashion world. One of my favorite things to get from Nordstrom as a dupe are sunglasses. Prada is my favorite sunglass designer and these are such a great dupe for the designer version! 

I hope these dupes brightened up your Friday (it's gloomy and gray here in the city)! March Madness starts tonight for Kentucky so we are headed out on the town to cheer on our boys! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and thank you so much for reading! xx 

Amanda NavaFashion
Spring Sales
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Happy Sunday loves! We've had amazing weather here in Chicago this weekend and it has me so excited for Spring! Between all the NYFW runway shows and sales, I have major shopping fever. There are a bunch of great sales happening right now so I've rounded up the sales and items on my wish list below! xx 

Nordstrom Winter Sale: so many great brands and Spring trends are up to 40% off! This jacket is a staple for me and at a great price point right now!

These Steve Madden wedges are such a great dupe for the Marc Fischer pair that everyone is raving about for Spring. They are pretty much identical, super comfortable and super on sale! Also love these dupes!

 
 

H&M: deals under $30 are happening and some are even below $10! 

 
 

Bauble Bar so many good baubles on sale for up to 50% off! Get my favorite everyday ring for only $14! 

 
 

These are just a few items I've picked out, but be sure to look at the full sale and see the amazing deals happening! I hope everyone has a fantastic week and thanks so much for reading! 

Amanda NavaFashion
Being Positive in Today's Negative World

On Saturday this past weekend, Kollin and I were out running errands and began to notice a group of people walking down Michigan Ave. After a few nights of walking out of work and seeing police lights and massive crowds outside Trump Tower (across the street from my office), I assumed it was another protest following the multiple protests there had been since he won the election. 

While I am not one to share political views online and will continue not to do so, I wanted to share some positivity I've been seeing in what seems to be a very negative time for Americans. As we continued walking and noticing the crowds becoming larger and larger, I noticed something was different about this group - they were a majority of women. I'll admit I did not know that women's march was happening that morning and was in complete awe of the solidarity of the group of women who were participating. 

While you may not agree with their message or what they stand for (everyone's opinion is their own and they are entitled to that) there was something that stuck out to me - most of them were not there to protest the new President, but rather to support one another. At previous marches and protests, there were lewd signs, hateful chants and negative vibes and behaviors, even some violence. On Saturday, most of those women just wanted to be heard and not even just for themselves, but for the women next to them, the women watching it on the news and even the women who wanted no part in participating with them. Many of them stated who they were there for: their mother, sister, grandmother, daughters and friends. It is this mentality that I think a lot of our nation is missing - regardless of your opinions and political views, I hope that we can support each other as humans, friends, and equals. It is healthy to debate, disagree and stand up for what you believe in, but when that message is clouded by hate, you've defeated yourself from the start.

I'm sharing this story to share a positive experience I had in a most negative, tumultuous nation right now. When we log into Facebook and see our friends writing statuses about their opinions and the numerous comments that follow about why they are wrong or how they've offended someone, remember this: 

β€œI think that’s the time to buckle down and really work positively as much as you can. Instead of just saying, β€˜This is terrible. He’s terrible.’ Just think, β€˜Alright, there’s nothing I can do about that right now but I can do the best in my little circle. So if I do that, maybe you’ll do your best and we’ll get through this.’

You’ve gotta get through it. And you can’t change it, so let’s just one foot in front of another and get through it.”
— Betty White

Understandably, there are people in our nation who are angry, upset, scared and unsure about what is to come. No matter how you choose to "get through it" like Betty said,  I hope that this encourages you to do so positively and in support of the women and men around you and in the world. Without that support and encouragement to our fellow Americans, I think it would be hard to get through anything or accomplish anything.

Your outlook on things is completely up to you. Choose to be positive and it will spread in ways you couldn't imagine. Thanks so much for reading! xx

Amanda NavaEditorial
Business Wear Basics

Images via Pinterest

Happy Wednesday pretties! I've had a couple of requests for office wear and wanted to share some inspiration that I follow in my own wardrobe. I tried to include a range from business casual to formal suits. Working in investment banking, the guys in my office wear suits, but the only rule we have is no jeans. Below I outline my work wear basics if you are in the business casual setting:

Cropped / Ankle Slacks:

As much of a girly girl as I am, at work I tend to stick to slacks. They're so much more comfortable and give me a sense of confidence that I don't have to fidget with my outfit like I would a skirt or dress. A nice sleek black pant with a blouse and blazer will always be classic and professional. 

My favorite slacks at the moment are from (believe it or not) old navy! I had a sizing issue with the last couple pairs I had bought and needed to pick some up for the colder weather heading to Chicago. I stopped in Old Navy for a knit beanie and came out with four pairs of slacks. These are thick, durable and come in many options!

WBD:

Every women knows the LBD, but those are not always appropriate for office wear. The WBD (work black dress, I'll admit I totally just made that up) is something you could wear to work often and utilize in many different outfits. Pair it with tights and blazer in the fall and a fun, statement necklace in the spring. 

The best cut and style is different for every body type, but a classic A-line or pencil skirt is usually flattering on all body types! Banana Republic makes some beautiful options here. I am loving this one!

Pumps:

When it comes to my personal wardrobe, I stick to the neutrals for work and play up my shoes. It can be difficult to tie in that one beautiful, print blouse you love, but it is always possible to style beautiful shoes. 

When I am looking for heels, I typically want to get something that I know can be style for work and outside the office. Sam Edelman is the man in this department. My favorite work shoe is his Hazel Pump. They come in pretty much every color you could want and are comfortable! I've walked about 12 blocks in them and was still fine to stand on my feet at the cocktail party I was going to. 

Blazers:

One of the best pieces you can add to your wardrobe is a blazer. Blazers add such a chic and timeless element to an outfit. If you're just starting out in building your professional wardrobe, I highly recommend getting some in the basic colors: black, navy and/or white and beige. Once you are comfortable in your workplace and understand the work wear standard, you can add in some great looks like in the pictures above.

Blazers can also be a great from work to play outfit. With a clean white blouse under the blazer, matched with some jeans and pumps, just switch out your purse for a fun clutch and add some lipstick and you'll be the chicest girl at the bar or restaurant!

Go to Blouse:

We all have at least one item in our closet that we resort to if we feel like we have "nothing to wear." When it comes to work wear, that piece should be a clean, white button down, in my opinion. If you're stuck on what to wear that day, this type of blouse is always a safe bet. 

Pair it with a blazer or necklace and some slacks with a belt and you're good to go! Buying for work is always about picking pieces that will last and can be rotated easily. 

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Once you have the basics down, you can have fun adding items to the rotation that add some sparkle or color. Based upon where you work, you can have more fun than others, but even if you need to wear a suit every day, think about ways you can add some femininity or flare to the outfit. A peplum suit jacket or blouse with a bow neck tie, add another level of detail effortlessly.  

When I was searching for my work wardrobe when I graduated I was finding that most of the pieces I wanted were too high end and not very affordable. In today's fashion marketplace there are tons of options to find well-made, affordable work pieces for your style. Some of my favorite shops for business casual are:

Banana Republic | H&M | Zara | Old NavyTopShop

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I hope this was helpful and that you found some inspiration if you're looking to ramp up your work wear! Thank you so much for reading! xx

Amanda NavaFashion
Instagram Roundup & Life Lately

Hey y'all, I hope everyone is enjoying their Friday! I thought I would share a little Instagram roundup and life lately update considering some time has passed since the last one! I can't believe we are already a week into 2017 and so many exciting things have happened lately! 

Spending the New Year surrounded by loved ones and palm trees is the best way to do it right?! After our Christmas trip to Kentucky, we spent a few days with my family in Florida to ring in the new year. The warmer weather was a blessing considering it has been insanely cold in Chicago the past couple weeks! 

My girl is getting married!! Congratulations @lindsraff123 @ballen__21 πŸ’πŸ’•

A photo posted by Amanda Ballard (@amanda_ballard) on

I was so excited when I found out my best friend was getting engaged a few weeks before our trip to Kentucky and that I would get to share the celebration with her in person! She and a few other girlfriends are traveling to Chicago in a couple weeks, but there is nothing like sharing the joy of your best friend getting engaged in person! 

Merry Christmas Eve! xx πŸŽ„

A photo posted by Amanda Ballard (@amanda_ballard) on

Kollin and I spent the Christmas holiday in Kentucky with his family and my mom. It was so great to see everyone and spend time with loved ones we don't get to see very often. Nothing makes you feel loved like coming 'home' to a huge group of people who want to hug you!

Dancing for -20 degree weather tomorrow! @ashnic8239

A video posted by Amanda Ballard (@amanda_ballard) on

A few weekends ago it was freezing, but my sister and I couldn't resist enjoying the snow for a bit. This Christmas we didn't see each other so we celebrated early with a delicious dinner & Woodford. 

Breakfast with Santa πŸŽ„πŸŽ…πŸ»

A photo posted by Amanda Ballard (@amanda_ballard) on

Kollin, the fam and I celebrated together a little early with breakfast with Santa at my grandparent's country club. Charlie was so excited to meet Santa and tell him he wanted a skateboard for Christmas. If only Santa could bring my Christmas list  that easily!

When you lose your boyfriend in the men's department πŸŽ„β€οΈπŸ›

A photo posted by Amanda Ballard (@amanda_ballard) on

Christmas shopping can be so tiring with so many people to buy for, but we were invited to shop a cardholder's Christmas event at Nordstrom this year and got some of our shopping done. I have to admit that I found more for my own list than others, but that's the fun part right?! Nordstrom has some great finds in their gifts shop, check it out here!

Cozy afternoon with the new artwork β—»οΈπŸ”²πŸ”³β—ΌοΈ thank you @bearnava for being the handyman

A photo posted by Amanda Ballard (@amanda_ballard) on

As we've settled into our apartment the last few months, I finally got around to making some artwork for it. I had so much fun making this abstract triptych for our living room. I'm so excited for some time off during the holidays to paint some more for loved ones!

@bearnava for President πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

A photo posted by Amanda Ballard (@amanda_ballard) on

I don't talk about politics on TCB, but I think this caption states everything needed to be said! This election was definitely unique and we had fun celebrating the end of the election with some of our friends who worked on campaigns. Totally take this as an endorsement for Kollin for President 2020 though ;)

In case y'all missed it, The Chicago Cubs WON THE WORLD SERIES! Moving to Chicago and living here for the past year and a half has been so much fun and watching our city finally win the World Series was such a memorable experience. We watched every single game and it was such an emotional ride. The above photo was taken standing in the middle of Michigan Ave right before the parade went by. Over 5 million people attended the parade and celebration, making it a top ten largest gathering in history - so, you could say we made history twice! #FlyTheW

Cooking with this cutie 🍴

A photo posted by Amanda Ballard (@amanda_ballard) on

With Kollin's law school schedule it can be tricky to take a date night, but he is finally done with this semester and it was so great taking a break with amazing friends to do a cooking class! We made delicious street food that ranged from kabobs, cuban sandwiches, and fish tacos. If you're in Chicago I highly recommend The Chopping Block for a date!

πŸ’™

A photo posted by Amanda Ballard (@amanda_ballard) on

Nothing is more fun than watching a little kid have fun. The fam and I went to a pumpkin patch back in October and we had an amazing time! From riding the slides, watching pig races, picking out the perfect pumpkin and eating freshly made donuts, it was definitely a day to remember. 

Thanks so much for reading and have a great weekend! xx