il Carciofo, easy tanning wipes, Love Island...
... and some really good sales!
Happy Saturday! I know I just sent one of these on Wednesday, but there were too many good sales to skip another Saturday. Plus we finally went to il Carciofo last night and we need to talk about it!!!
We went with our friends as a group of 6, so we were able to try a lot of items. We, of course, needed to start with the artichoke appetizer since that’s what the restaurant is named after - and it did NOT disappoint. So light and crunchy and perfect.
Speaking of light and perfect, I treated myself to a cocktail! I got the Basil Daisy which is a vodka based drink with basil and lemon. Yes, it tasted as good as it looked, and no, I couldn’t finish it without Adam’s help 🤣 I’m still not ready to feel drunk or hungover yet!
But back to food: we got both of the suppli and the lamb ribs as appetizers. The lamb ribs were so unique that I’d order again, but I think I’d skip the suppli. Next up was the asparagus pizza and the mortadella panino. I’m not a big mortadella fan, but the asparaugus pizza was delicious. The crust almost tasted like foccaccia!
Next: the pastas. We got carbonara, amatriciana, vongole, and agnolotti - told you we tried a lot! Out of those, I was shocked that the carbonara was my favorite. I didn’t even love the carbonara I had in ROME, but this? I’ll be dreaming about this one for a long long time. It’s insane.
And of course, we had to end the meal with some of their homemade gelato. They are HUGE portions and we still devoured 3 of them: gianduja (chocolate hazlenut), pistachio and strawberry vanilla. Tasted like Italy!!
My only complaint is that it’s expensive for the portions that you get - but that’s true for literally all West Loop hot spots. You have to go knowing that you’ll drop some cash, you know? Especially since the food is so good… and it is good. I think I’d rank this higher than both Rose Mary and Monteverde now! Absolutely delicious.
Sale Highlights: We’re HUGE fans of Magnetic Me - and they’re offering 20% off sitewide right now! The magnetic closure is just so easy, especially when you’re in the newborn trenches. I recommend getting the footie pajamas for the first few months when you’re changing diapers all the time, and then the convertible grow-with-me version for 3+ months so you have the option of feet covered or not. So worth it.
Rothy’s is also having a sitewide sale - up to 50% off! My slides (pictured above with this outfit) are over 40% off, which brings them well under $100. They’re comfy, but I think I should have ordered a half size up because they’ve started rubbing my feet a little. My sister has the same pair and that didn’t happen to her, so maybe I should order this other cute sandal to test my theory?? 😜
If you’ve been eyeing the Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans or shorts, you can get 20% off with code SUMMER20! There’s also a sitewide MOTHER sale - two excellent denim brands.
Last but not least, Reformation is offering 25% off select products. The denim version of this dress is marked down and I loooove this cute breezy number.
What I Can’t Get Enough Of: We took some family photos a few weeks ago, and when I got them back, I couldn’t get over how pale I was so I impulse purchased these tanning wipes. I’ve always been afraid of typical self tanners, but this couldn’t be easier. It just looks like a regular wipe, so you don’t have to worry about it getting on your clothes or sheets - and, while there’s a slight smell, it’s not nearly as bad as some of the other self tanners out there.
I let it soak in overnight and showered in the morning, and I have such a nice glow!! My only issue was that I washed too much off my hands after applying, but I used a makeup brush to transfer some of the liquid from a new wipe onto my hands yesterday morning (so I wouldn’t have to wash it off my palms) and now you can’t tell that they were ever a different color from the rest of my arm. I’m seriously so impressed.
Someone also told me that these wipes are similar - I can’t speak to that but let me know if you give them a try!
Also, if you missed this carousel, it covers so many of my favorite things right now! From my favorite baby carrier to lightweight jammies, you can shop it all here!
What We’re Watching: We are LOCKED IN to Love Island USA right now. We started watching the UK version during COVID, but last season made us a US fan… and this season has been so juicy.
If you’ve never seen it, please don’t think that I’m recommending anything remotely high brow here. This is very silly reality television… but is that very silly reality tv also very entertaining? YOU BETCHYA. It’s been a really fun distraction for Adam and I to watch together after Charlie goes down for the night.
If you ARE watching, what do you think of this season so far?! I’m glad that the whole Huda/Jeremiah situation is over (for now!) and Megan Thee Stallion’s impression of Nic saying “mamacita” is my new favorite thing 🤣 I think Ceirra is my favorite girl right now, but I’m not sure she’s going to be loyal during Casa Amor. I’m not sure ANY of them are, to be honest!
What’s In My Cart: I’m hesitant to say this here because I usually hate running, but I think I might start running… 😬 Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think I’ll ever really be a “runner” but I’m realizing that it’s probably the easiest way for me to get a little more cardio into my day.
To help make this happen, I have these sneakers and this running belt in my cart. Don’t judge me too hard if this doesn’t pan out… but I’m hoping it does. Even if it’s just 20 minutes a few times a week before Charlie wakes up. Something is better than nothing, right??
I also ordered this flag sweater in case it’s chilly on the 4th of July. I think it would be so cute with jean shorts or draped over my shoulders with this red maxi! There’s also baby and mini versions… 😍
Stay tuned for a new What We Ate For Dinner tomorrow!