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Best Shot(s) Monday--All About Style

We're not much about fashion in our household, but we did have some fun this weekend with some funky sunglasses and an outfit I absolutely adore. I don't have much time to elaborate, as I'm on a vacation day and we've got stuff to do, so I'll just post my favorite photos from this weekend.

She looks so serious here that it's almost funny.

My favorite smile of the weekend. I like how she's looking off to the side and not directly into the camera.

And here is my favorite outfit ever. The t-shirt was a thrift store find that I absolutely adore. I wish I could get away with wearing Baby Legs and a pleated denim mini-skirt.

And here's a cute one with Daddy. They look like best buddies!

Go see other folks' Best Shots at Tracey's Picture This.

When Sarah Cooks...

This is what my kitchen looked like Saturday afternoon. I was cooking unsupervised, and this is what happens when Sarah cooks.

You're Invited To Cadence's...Weaning Party!

Actually, I have no idea when Cadence will decide to wean. But I got the idea of having a weaning party when she DOES decide to do so by reading this totally awesome article in the Boston Globe* about how more mothers are choosing extended breastfeeding with their children, and how a lot of these moms are not "earthy mama" granola types like some might expect. Cuz who else would be crazy enough to nurse a toddler/preschool/kindergartener/etc? (*gasp*! Did she just say KINDERGARTENER?!) Well, as it turns out,

"Those who stay with it [breastfeeding], particularly beyond 18 months, tend to be highly educated."

Now, I love my crunchy mama friends, don't get me wrong (I think I have at least a bit of a granola streak in me), but I also don't want women to think that they can't keep nursing their babies because they're NOT so granola. Extended breastfeeding is for hippie and non-hippie alike. I especially think any mom who works full-time outside the home can benefit greatly from extended nursing because it is a great way to reconnect to your child after being away all day long.

Anyhoo, if you're curious about or disgusted by the idea of nursing a child over 12 months old, please read the article. It's very informative. I bet even Jesus wasn't weaned until he was at least of preschool age.

*In case the Boston Globe pitches this article, I'm saving a copy here.

Parlez Vous Belgian?

My cousin Jeannie was in town last week. Her boyfriend Erik recently started his first term at the School of the Art Institute (a.k.a. The 'Tute). She was also visiting her baby niece, who was just born the end of March. Some of the cousins got together on Saturday to go to the Hopleaf Bar. My aunt (Jeannie's mom) was nice enough to babysit, as the Hopleaf is a strictly 21+ establishment. I'm glad, because I totally had my heart set on getting me a goblet of some of that Belgian goodness otherwise known as Tripel Karmeliet, and you can't get it on tap at just any old watering hole in Chicago.

You may remember me raving about this beer last week after our visit to Gruppo Di Amici. I have seriously thought about fantasized about this beer every day since then. It was THAT good. I regretted not having taken my camera last week so I could record for posterity the beautiful creamy, thick head our awesome waiter poured into my beautiful goblet. This week, however, I managed to remember my camera so I can offer you this visual to go along with my continued rave:

Unfortunately, we were seated in the 2nd level dining room, so the head wasn't as creamy and foamy by the time the waiter finally brought over our drink orders. Nevertheless, everyone at the table agreed that it was indeed a yummy beer.

Belgian ales were the drink of choice for the evening. My cousin Casey had the St. Bernardus, Ted had the Maredsous, and I don't remember the rest cuz I was tipsy after one beer (I'm a cheap date).

I'm pretty sure Jeannie and Erik had Belgians too. I love how they all come in their own special glass or goblet. I'm sure it makes it easier for the waitstaff, especially at an establishment like the Hopleaf with a gazillion beers on tap.

Anyhoo, if anyone wants to go to the Hopleaf any time soon, let me know. Or if you choose to go without me, do yourself a favor and have the Tripel Karmeliet. But make sure you've got enough money to pay for a $7 beer.