Living on Cloud Nine: September 2021

UNDER THE KNIFE & PETAL AND PUP

Hi friends! What a title, huh? I probably will not be present here this week because at 9:40 this morning, I’m going under the knife, and I am scared to death! If you saw my Instagram stories on Monday, I explained what is happening. I’m probably going to have few weeks of recovery, but I hope I bounce back quickly because I’ve gotten myself in such good shape. I would appreciate all your prayers for a smooth surgery, prayers I do not get sick from anesthesia, prayers for steady hands of the surgeons, yes there will be two surgeons and I will write a more in-depth blog post about this later. But in the meantime and keeping it light, I’m bringing you a couple more outfits from one of my favorite brands Petal and Pup!

If you know me, you know I am in my element surrounded by all these pumpkins. And funny was that I wanted orange pumpkins in the picture because of my beautiful rust colored embroidered top from Petal and Pup but my porch ended up with all white pumpkins. The fall porch reveal will be in a couple weeks.

This top is especially perfect when the days are warm and sunny, you still get those fall feels.

TOP HERE // JEANS HERE // BOOTS HERE

Sneak peek of the Fall porch with this Dress because the beautiful cranberry spicy red color in it looks great as the mums are opening up.

The color of the dress just went with them both. This dress is so comfortable flattering but forgiving at the same time. Wore this twice because it looked pretty with the petunias as well before they were gone.

DRESS HERE // BOOTIES HERE & HERE

And this one might be my favorite because of the twirl factor. I love this Dress because it can be Summer or Fall and will look great with booties but I wore it for our night out in Chicago Friday night! Looks so cute with a Jean jacket!

DRESS HERE // JACKET HERE // Similar SHOES HERE & HERE

PETAL and PUP is offering all my readers 15% off everything with Code: CLOUDNINE15

SHOP HERE

OK friends, wish me luck and I hope to see you on the other side of this and be back in business soon, I’ve worked ahead on some blog posts and Instagram content but I’m apologizing in advance if I’m not present as much, I guess it’s that season of my life to just rest and heal which is extremely difficult for me! You cannot keep this go go go girl down!

Love you all the pieces.

xoxo

CHICAGO WITH FRIENDS

Ok friends I was so excited to bring you this post! I threw it together quickly, but I had to get it out there ASAP! If you know me, you know I love getting together with my fellow friends who I have met through blogging. I had not seen these ladies since December 2019 when we went to Windy City Live! Check that post out HERE. This overnight to Chicago with these ladies was especially sweet because I’m not going to see my other best gal pals in Nashville the first week of October! You’ll learn more why on my Instagram stories today.

But at least I got this overnight with these fabulous friends! We started off the day by me picking up Jill from at the train station and checking into our amazing hotel called the Aloft Chicago. Jill and I scoured a city block or two for picture opportunities, a great lunch with mimosa's.

BUY SWEATER HERE // LEGGINGS HERE // BOOTS HERE

Then, we met the other ladies as after they checked in. Sweet Laura made us are coolest Sweatshirts with our hashtag as we are all blondes and then after we all got ready we went back to their room for Cheers with Champagne that Kathrine had brought.

And a pic of our Teddy Blake Bags all lined up!

USE CODE: TBAndreaN30

for 30% off!

Dear Caroline met us for dinner amazing restaurant called Cruz Blanca, as she had made a reservation for us.

I presented Gucci Bee Bracelets to the ladies from my dear friend and jewelry designer Valerie from 2 Wonder and Wander.

USE CODE: CLOUDNINE10 for 10 % off all her jewelry!

Next, it was off to the Hoxton to the amazing bars there that I have been dying to try! Mr. Nine told me he was even jealous that I was getting into these bars with my gals. First up was Rooftop called Cabra. So cool, even a pool up there.

Why the sword? Now the ask in the other pocket I get!!

Then we went down to the very exclusive Speakeasy called the Lazy Bird. Big thanks to Scott for hooking us up. Very Exclusive!

It was so dark in there but this is what it looks like without people!

The night was so much fun!

We were sorry we only had our Caroline for Friday night, but we will see her again soon.

The next morning it was up in early for a class at the new gym called Rumble! A cardio boxing gym with amazing facilities! Spencer was our class instructor and man what a blast! Of course, I shouted “let’s get ready to rumble!” And I wanted to say "Mama said knock you out!" it was HIIT with bag punching in interval where the class was dived in tow and switch up twice between sides. SOOOOO FUN!!

All the gloves they rent are hanging there when you walk in.

Wearing our cute sweatshirts from Laura!

Oh, you knew we would fit in a yummy brunch! For this late morning deliciousness, we went to The Smith! I have always wanted to go there, and it wasn’t too far from our hotel. Of course we took our Teddy Blake bags.

It was a little chilly outside so we got a great booth indoors.

Just look at that french toast and yummy egg Benedict's. Cheers friends.

A little shopping was to be had and then time to say goodbye. Til we see each other again...much sooner that this last time. Darn Covid.

To the ladies had at home and Jill and I returned to downtown so she could try and catch her train and I could get headed back home out of traffic for the end of the Notre Dame game which was being played at soldier Field! Gosh, if I would’ve known that sooner I just would’ve dropped Mr. Nine off there, LOL! Can’t wait to see these girls again soon.

Hope your week is started off GREAT!!!

LINKING-UP with Metamorphosis Monday// // Love your Creativity // Hello Monday // Inspire Me Tuesday

xoxo

FRIDAY FAVORITES...SEPTEMBER DON'T GO

Happy Friday my friends! I don’t know about you, but September is going way too fast, but the good news is, we are finally getting a cool down. Fall is officially here, and I hope you can enjoy some Fall weekend fun!

1. Support Local: GRAZE

I had to share with you the cutest new shop in town! You may remember back in February when I posted about my dear friend Erica and her incredible charcuterie boards! Well, this savvy businesswoman has got the ball rolling and now has her own GRAZE shop in downtown! You can get Grab n Graze mini type charcuterie boards; you can order your boards for yourself and special events and she’s got all kinds of neat gift ideas and super cool swag! It is the cutest place! I just had to share the decor with you!

2. Abercrombie New Arrivals

Isn’t it funny, I always associated Abercrombie with our boys when they were in middle school and high school because they loved it but all the girls clothing always seem so small? They have completely revamped their clothes to fit real women, everything from XXS to plus sizes and they have lots of cuteness. The LOVE T-SHIRT is on its way to me, and I especially want those jeans! And let’s talk about the cuteness of that fleece!

JEANS // CREAM SWEATER // GREY HALF ZIP // ARGYLE SWEATER VEST // LOVE TEE // PLAID FLEECE // SWEATSHIRT VEST

3. Week's Attire

Similar Cardigan HERE // Dress HERE & HERE // Boots HERE

Sweater HERE // Spanx Leggings HERE // Boots HERE // Similar Purse HERE

4. Salty Crush

Another great piece from Salty Crush! This adorable Chloe Top, I love the bohemian flow and it was fun to wear this to a local Amish tourist town where they had everything decorated for Fall. Mom joined me in a photo as well I thought she wasn’t expecting to be photographed that day she looks so darling in her mustard and black.

Top HERE // Jeans // Hat HERE // Boots HERE

5. Misc. Fun

POSTS OF THE WEEK

Monday ~ Garden Fresh Ratatouille

Thursday ~ 25 Fall Outfits with Friends

HOT AIR BALLOON

It was so fun on Sunday night to see a hot air balloon land in our neighborhood!

GREAT IDEA

This is such a great idea when taking a casserole or dish to someone and then they don’t have to worry about giving it back. You can do the same thing with vases, buy them at garage sales or thrift shops to take someone a bouquet of flowers in. You save so much money as well.