Recently the Mr. and I were able to sneak away for a couple of days and spend some time up North at one of our absolute favorite places, Lake Geneva Wisconsin.  Living in Chicago, this was always our escape.  A place we would head a few times a year to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.  You see, it reminds me of home.  Growing up in a small town in Northern Michigan I spent the majority of my time on a lake and in the woods…so this, a few days up North, it just feeds my soul.  And while most people love the lake in the summer, I actually prefer it in the fall.  Not only is it breathtaking gorgeous with all of the trees turning, but right before fall turns to winter and there’s a chill in the air everything seems to go quiet.  There’s an actual silence you can feel.  And I revel in it.  So this my Loves, is an unusual glimpse into my non-Martha life.  There’s no fancy clothes, and staged photos (well maybe a few posed shots), just the natural beauty that exists.  So, where do you go when you’re in need of a little breathing room?  truly, MKR

When I was 16 I had big dreams of my first car, big dreams.  And all I wanted was a brand new Toyota Rav4 (I wasn’t high maintenance at all).  Long story short, I didn’t get the Rav4, however it has always held a special place in my teenage dreaming heart.  So when Southeast Toyota tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I’d like to go on an adventure in the Rav4 I jumped at the opportunity.  Since it’s an all new, redesigned bright and shiny Rav4 the thought process behind their big redesign is to simply inspire others, #rav4inspired.  And since I was in need of some major inspiration, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Hence the picture on the top right, that was the beginning of our weekend and you can see the pure joy in getting the heck out of town.

Anyway, we picked up the Rav4 (holy roomie and so chic! Major improvement there), and after a quick tutorial on all of it’s bells and whistles I had my iPhone synced (yes I did make a special weekend away playlist) and we were off!  First, we headed north to the lake to spend a few days out on the water and with all of our dock mates.  I know you all see me on this blog looking fancy, but the truth is I’m from Michigan (pure Michigan).  I grew up on the lake and in the woods (I was wearing heals in the woods probably, but they were the woods nonetheless).  So there’s something about the lake that puts me at immediate peace.  It allows me to get back to who I am at the heart of it.  And in this hustle and bustle, crazy world we live in, a little breathing room is a MUST.

After a few glorious days up north we then headed south to Serenbe.  Serenbe is the amazingly beautiful farm community out in the middle of nowhere.  And I say farm loosely as the farm is surrounded by gorgeous homes and fantastic restaurants.  After discovering all of Serenbe’s secret passages, feeding some goats, and jumping on some trampolines we settled in to the Inn for a little impromptu picnic.  I suppose it wasn’t really impromptu though as you can see the picnic basket, and ice bucket and blanket in the Rav4, but I like to think of it as a spur of the moment decision, so that’s what I’m going with.

Sadly, it was time to head back to the city, and the grind.  The weekend was amazing, and exactly what I needed.  Truly, I didn’t know how I would feel about the new Rav4 (as it held such a special place in my heart from younger days), but I was crazy impressed.  I’m trying to convince the hubs that this should be his next car.  Big thanks to Southeast Toyota, and make sure to check out the other bloggers #Rav4inspired adventures.  xo

This post was sponsored by Southeast Toyota, however all opinions are completely my own.