well, hello there beautiful!

I wish I could say that I'm one of the lucky few whose company is taking a day off to respect MLK, but, alas - I'm here at work.

Luckily, I had a long weekend so I don't feel too upset.

Friday morning my cousin Cole came in on the red eye from Los Angeles. He came in at 8am, so I decided to take the day off of work so that I could get him into my apartment and guide him around the city. Him and his fiance are getting married here in Chicago, and they had set up about 10 meetings to meet with potential bands, venues, and photographers.

I let Cole sleep in, and while he did I got a manicure and popped into Francesca's to pick up this darling dress.

It was so nice catching up with Cole and after his meetings Joel and I took him to our favorite sushi restaurant in all of Chicago, Ukai, and then to a board game bar called Guthries. We played about 20 rounds of Connect Four and I lost every single time.

On Saturday, while Cole and Brianna went to more meetings, I indulged in my Christmas present from Joel. A day at the spa. I went to Spa Soak, and had the most lovely experience. But, I mean, really - aren't all spa day's pretty freaking lovely?

For dinner we met up with all of our cousins at Enotoca Roma, in Wicker Park. Since there was a big group of us, they serves us the Mangia, Mangia which is 7 courses of deliciousness. We spent 5 hours at the table laughing and catching up.

I am one of the lucky ones who got blessed by having the coolest family ever - and both sides too. I just feel so fortunate to have these friends that love me unconditionally, no matter what I do.

On Sunday, I joined them to check out The Glessner House in the South Loop - which was a really good spot - if you ever are looking for places to get married in Chicago. You are in the center (well, south of it, but, close) of the city, and can get married in a park, and then have your reception in the back yard of a historic mansion.

When they left, I spent the afternoon NOT watching the Grammys. I had every intention too, but I literally couldn't do anything until I finished the 3rd book of The Hunger Games.

And it was worth it.

If you haven't read this trilogy yet - you must. It's one of the best books I've read in my entire life.

And, now, here we are, Monday morning - ready to start a new week.