Five on Friday

 

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If you are in Chicago, or you come to visit, I would highly recommend you try and fit in a food tour. This past weekend, my two girlfriends and I went on one in Bucktown and it was honestly so much fun. We used the company Chicago Food Planet and had a great experience. Our tour was from 12-3pm, and during that time we stopped at 5 awesome restaurants in the area (Jay's Beef, Sultan Market, Stan's Donuts, Piece Pizza, and Hot Chocolate) and also walk through the neighborhoods and local parks to learn a little history about the houses and neighborhoods. It was a really fun way to spend the afternoon and we were damn near stuffed from it.  

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 And while I'm at it....Another great night in chicago tip? Dinner at Adobo followed by a comedy show at Zanies.Couldn't have asked for a better night with two of my best friends. 

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I mentioned yesterday that Leo got me an essential oil diffuser from Mother's Day. I have been wanting one for month's now, but I'm having a little issue with it. Our main living area is pretty big, and most of it is two stories. That's where I want the diffuser to hang out, but I feel like the room is too big, I can't even smell the oil unless I'm next to the little machine. Any tricks? I may just end up moving it to the kitchen but thought I'd check here first. 

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We had our first beach day of the season this week and even though it was beautiful and fun....it for sure is not relaxing (or clean). Leo was not a fan of the sand or the water...so that was a curveball I wasn't expecting. He did like digging in the sand, if he was sitting on the blanket, but we're going to have to make a few more trips there so he can get used to it. I laughed at myself that I brought an US Weekly with. Rookie Mistake. 

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No big plans this weekend and we are keeping it that way. It seems like we have had crazy weekend after crazy weekend so I'm hoping to spend a lot of time at home, some time planting (who am I??), and just spending time with Joel and Leo. 

Birthday Weekend Recap

Apparently I had such a good time celebrating my birthday, I really failed to take a lot of pictures.

On Saturday morning, Joel and I dropped Leo off at his grandparents and drove into the city to spend. We met up with my sister briefly when we parked near her apartment in Bucktown, dropped our bags off at the hotel we were staying at (The Robey), and then made our way straight to Anker for brunch.

Brunch was awesome. I had a few cups of coffee, Joel had a few beers, and we ordered the pimento cheese and pickles (my favorite), oatmeal pancakes, and french fries with a few awesome dipping sauces.

We took our time at brunch with felt like an indulgence on its own, and then took an uber into the loop so that I could do some shopping at Bloomingdales and Nordstrom (whom was serving Moscow Mules in the women's department!). 

I didn't have tons of luck shopping, but I'm kind of obsessed with what I did get.

I've already worn both all week, so it was absolutely money well spent.

When we got back to the Robey, we relaxed for a bit and then we met up with my sisters and cousins for a drink. The cool rooftop bar (the Up and Up) was closed for a birthday party, but Hannah surprised us with a table and bottle of champagne while the crew was setting up. We didn't mind and it was a really fun way to kick off the night.

 

After drinks, Joel and I had a fantastic dinner at Momotaro. 

It's quite the spot, total scene, but the food was amazing. We did order a few too fancy of rolls, but overall, we thought it was awesome, fun, and a spot we really want to hit up again.

Sunday morning we slept in until 9:30 (!!!), thank you black out shades, and then decided to take a walk and get donuts and coffee at Stan's. 

We love Stan's...and we used to go to the original location in Westwood (back in LA) all the time, but this Stan's in Chicago is even better. They're coffee is amazing and they have way more crazy flavors to choose from. The buttermilk bar was our favorite - but I don't think you can go wrong with any.

As we left to walk off the donuts, about 5 blocks into the walk Joel realized that I had been walking without my purse. I don't know what the heck I was thinking, but I had left it on one of the hooks under the community table. As I sprinted back to the shop, I called them and thankfully the guy had spotted it and had put it under the cash register. Total idiotic move that could've ruined the entire weekend, but thankful for a good ending! 

We met my family in Elmhurst for brunch with my cousins and then on Monday celebrated with pizza, good wine, and strawberry rhubarb pie at my parents house.

It was a perfect weekend....and I am so excited to test out my new birthday wheels with Leo!  

Chicago Recap

Right when I landed in Chicago, my mom picked me up and we met my Dad and sister Hannah for dinner. I'm really bummed that we didn't get a picture, but we had a fun, fun night and I was so glad that I was able to get into town with a little extra time before I had to work. 

Every week my mom and Uncle Jimmy take my Grandma (Kuka) out for breakfast. Whoever is in town or free joins in, and this week my cousin Liz and her kids Jack and Ella were able to join too.  

Ella had turned one the day before so I was able to get to celebrate with her since I won't make it back for her big birthday bash. 

 

The weather in Chicago was perfect the whole time I was there. Everyone was so happy to see the first signs of Spring, and I loved the crisp 50/60 degree temps so my mom and I tried to sneak in walks whenever we could.  

 

Believe it or not, that's the only snow I've seen all year (sorry). 

We ordered deep dish pizza (obviously) and hung out with my Uncle Charlie and cousins and then I had to leave early Thursday morning to work on a conference in the city through Saturday.

Thankfully the conference ended by 4 each day so I was able to sneak in time to see my friends. Thursday night I finally made it to Eataly and it is just as cool as you would expect.

Literally it's a playground for adults that like to eat and drink, so we were in heaven. Amanda, Sara, and I continued our carb fest at Quartino's which is one of my all time favorites in the city and it's had been a long time since I had been back so the girls happily obliged to take me there.

Friday was another full day of conferences but it was downtown so I was able to sneak breaks and enjoy a few walks in the city which was really nice.

Friday night, after happy hour at Amanda's, Jenna and Hannah joined us for dinner at The Boarding House.

I had not been before, and it was amazing. Everything we had was spot on, service was amazing, and when we couldn't decide what our final 3rd dessert choice would be, the waiter brought out both of what we were deciding between.

 

 We stayed at the table for almost four hours, and while we were there Hannah's boyfriend stopped over to say hi. He was hosting a big St. Patty's day party the next day and was on his way home from the bank when he stopped over.

When we left, we got into the cab and got a call from the restaurant that an envelope with A LOT of cash had been found under our table. All of the girls in the cab had no claim to it, and then it dawned on us that it must have been Michael's.

He had collected everyone's bus money for the next day and the envelope had fallen out of his sweater pocket. Michael came right back to pick it up, but I was overwhelmed with the honesty and kindness of the restaurant, I just had to share the story. They wouldn't even accept a tip for doing the right thing. 

I will always be a fan, and if you find yourself in Chicago, I highly recommend you give this restaurant a shot. Top notch food, ambiance and clearly...people. 

On Saturday after the conference I took the longest train ever back to the suburbs with about 3 million drunk St. Patty-celebrating fools. I'm pretty sure 3 people were arrested just on our train ride, so by the time we got home (which took an extra friggen hour), I had a pounding headache. My dad made steaks and we watched a movie which was just what the doctor ordered. 

Sunday the three of us walked up to breakfast which was a perfect way to start the day.

 

My mom and I did some shopping, but I came out empty handed and when we got home, I took a long nap before my dad made a perfect St. Patrick's day dinner. 

 

Monday morning came too quick, like it always does, and I was back in LA before I knew it. 

A work trip that brings me home is the absolute best kind....so now it's back to reality (and the gym) before Joel's family arrives in California for their spring break on Saturday!

Chi-Town Here I Come

As you read this I'm likely en route to my favorite place in the whole wide world. 

Chicago, Illinois.

There are many reasons for my trip but I'm mostly excited to just go home. See my family. Sit at my kitchen counter. Hug my parents. Sleep under the same roof as my sisters. Drink wine. Eat my parent's cooking. And just feel homey. It's the best feeling in the world.

But, while I am there, I do have a few 9,000 things to accomplish. Most notably:

• Try on wedding dresses (4 appointments!)
• Visit the ceremony location
• Tour the guest rooms
• Show Joel the ceremony location
• And the rehearsal dinner spot
• Hire a stationer (3 appointments)
• Hire a band
• Meet my new cousin Jack
• Meet my new cousin Evelyn
• Attend a bachelorette party
• Attend my cousin Cole's wedding
• Say goodbye to my sister Hannah who leaves to work for Spain next Monday
• Brunch with Claire
• Decide on my engagement photo-shoot outfits
• Attend 2 family dinners
• Have breakfast with my Grandparents

Oh - and maybe get some sleep.

Chicago Report

Can I first start off and let you know that Roscoe was a champ at traveling? One Benadryl was definitely the trick and he was mellow and calm for the entire traveling experience. In fact, he's also now a big fan of Mr. Jack Black, whom we sat next to on our flight home yesterday! Gotta love flying Virgin America.

My week in Chicago was jam packed, as usual, but super successful. 

On Tuesday, three of my "don't-know-it-yet,-but-probably-guessed-bridesmaids" picked me up at the airport and headed to my parents house. My parents had chilled champs waiting for us and after a glass, I presented all of them with their asking gifts. My mom had wrapped all of the glasses and mini bottles of Pop! Champagne and all of my girls couldn't have been more excited!

It's getting real!

My sisters will be my maids of honor.

 

On July 5th, my mom and I headed to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for the entire day to scope out potential venues and ceremonies....and I'm happy to say that we DID! We actually have a date, a reception, a ceremony, and a rehearsal location all locked down. Done....and Done.

And just in case we weren't busy enough, my mom decided to host a wedding shower for my cousins who are getting married over Labor Day weekend.

It was Mexican themed with pinatas, margarita's and a taco bar - the best kinda party.

 

 

It turned out to be a great night and it was so nice to see all of my family - including my cousin who is due with her son in 3 weeks!!!

Plus, I was so glad that Roscoe got to meet his sister and cousin.

But, unfortunately towards the end t of the party, I started to feel like absolute shit. I tried to sneak away and get to bed, but never slept that night and I woke up feeling even worse. The flight home was not fun, and I slept almost 15 hours on Sunday....and still am out of commission. Clearly, I just can't hang the way I used to. However, I am glad that my body let me enjoy my time home with my friends and family.....it couldn't have been a better trip.

Random Wrap Up

Last week was such a roller coaster. I had some of the best and the worst days of 2011 in one week’s time.

No one wants to hear about the worst, so let’s jump into the good stuff.

On Friday, my boss took all of the managers out to lunch and then let us head home early from work. A few of the girls stayed back after lunch and ordered a bottle of wine. Which then, made me promptly fall asleep on the couch at home around 3pm. I’m pretty sure I’m not capable of being a “lady who lunches”.

Friday night was spectacular. Every year in Chicago, the free, Lincoln Park Zoo, puts on a light show around Christmas time. It’s no typical light show – it is a zoo that is transformed into a happy, winter wonderland. The offer spiced wine and beer, and you can walk around the zoo, check out the animals, listen to Christmas music, observe ice sculptures, and take in the sweeping views of the skyline.

It takes about an hour or two to walk around the zoo, so at 8:30, we walked right across the street to the Belden-Stratford and had dinner at Mon Ami Gabi.

It was honestly a perfect night.

We headed home on Saturday morning to celebrate Christmas with my family. Sunday morning, we all woke up early and had our own “Christmas morning”. After exchanging presents we had a big brunch and had my grandparents and cousins over for an early dinner.

It was such a fun weekend and filled me to the brim with the holiday spirit.

Just in time to head out of dodge this week and head to Mexico!

I have SO much to do in order to get ready for Mexico, but that’s a whole other post in itself.

AND

Here is what I wore last week….



Gap pants, TB wedges, Nordstrom jacket, F21 necklace

 

Juicy Couture blazer, Paige jeans, BCBG shoes, Gap blouse

Gap button down, Paige jeans, Cole Haan boots

Ann Taylor top, Gap pants, Payless wedges

Have a great Monday lovies!